2020 Volkswagen Atlas Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 15%of 27 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the brakes of the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas, 15% of the 27 complaints for this model year.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Two main issues... The automatic breaking will break in the most random spots. There is no car around but it reacts to certain ways the lines are painted on the road is my guess. It will do it to some cross walks as well as some round abouts. I've had to just turn it off so it doesn't kill me. Also, another issue is the battery. I just had the battery checked and it is good but when the the fuel gets below quarter taken the car will not crank. This has happened 3 times now.”
NHTSA complaint #11680489, filed 2025-08“The vehicle was giving a false alert about my driver's door being opened. The door was infact closed properly. During this time when i was driving when i came to a slowed or complete stop the car put the emgergency/parking brake on. This happened twice in seven days. I took the car to the dealership to look at it and it appears to be a known defect that the door latch can freeze and cause this malfunction. The car has not been in an accident and is less than 5 years old. The repair is $1000. …”
NHTSA complaint #11632608, filed 2024-12“I want to record my experience with my 2020 VW Atlas. I have experienced the Front Collision alerts and the braking when nothing was in my path. This might have caused an accident as the braking would be similar to a driver stopping short. The vehicle was never brought to a complete stop but felt like the car was not in the driver's control as it slowed. The forward collision light did illuminate during occurrences. Secondly, the airbag light is on and the dealership has advised the part is on backorder. …”
NHTSA complaint #11457818, filed 2022-03“In the beginning of Novemeber 2021 with 7680 miles an alarm stating Error: Driver door contact switch Fault: Electronic parking brake Attention: Engine is running. Error: Start Stop The check engine light/EPC lights were on. Windows do not open or open about an inch by themselves. This issue occurs most times when starting the vehicle. VW was made aware and checked the vehicle stating the driver side door harness needs to be replaced but there is shipping delays. …”
NHTSA complaint #11448453, filed 2022-01Related service bulletins
- 11036878Aug 27, 2026Repair or Replace Information
- 11026177Nov 6, 2025Warranty Instruction and guidance
- 11026174Nov 3, 2025Alignment sheet submission.
- 11018936May 1, 2025Steps to perform when a customer states and unwarranted Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB).
- 11016584Mar 12, 2025Brake Repair or Replacement Information
- 11007387Aug 22, 2024This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed and only order the successor parts going forward.
- 10239659Jul 13, 2023Brake Disc (rotor) instruction for resurfacing following Volkswagen Warranty Policy & Procedure Manual.
- 10239637Jul 13, 2023Brake repair or replacement instruction.
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 7% |
| 2025 | 5 | 10% |
| 2024 | 37 | 21% |
| 2023 | 15 | 11% |
| 2022 | 50 | 27% |
| 2021 | 98 | 20% |
| 2020 | 4 | 15% |
| 2019 | 79 | 16% |
| 2018 | 75 | 16% |
Other parts of the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas
11 complaintsAir bags
8 complaintsForward collision avoidance
7 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsSteering
5 complaintsEngine
3 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsLane departure
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology