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SteeringPart report

2020 Volkswagen Atlas Steering Problems

Complaints
5about this part
Share
19%of 27 total for the year
Median mileage
78,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the steering of the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas, 19% of the 27 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 78,000 miles.

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.

“We own a 2020 VW Atlas SE W/Technology. This vehicle has grossly failed to meet reliability expectations. Of most concern is the repeated failure of the vehicle's electric power steering rack. This component has been replaced 3 times on my vehicle. Each failure has been accompanied by a creak in the front suspension and a clunk in the steering movement. I have asked VW of America to extend the warranty on my vehicle as this failure and it's the history of failures lead me to believe I will encounter this issue again very soon. …”

NHTSA complaint #11504476, filed 2023-01

“When turning my vehicle to the left or right at slow speeds, the steering wheel rattles and wants to auto correct to a straight position. This has caused my wife and I to almost collide with other parked vehicles. The GPS in my vehicle has recently started to go haywire and fail to give any correct guidance. I plugged in my iPhone to use my CarPlay Map and the issue transfers over to the gps on my phone as well. The moment I unplug the phone, the issue resolves on my phone but resumes on my vehicles gps. My heater won’t take affect until I reached approx 80 degrees. …”

NHTSA complaint #11581839, filed 2024-04

“My 2020 Volkswagen Atlas has been in and out of the shop. We purchased this vehicle in april 2020 with great hopes...we've been loyal vw customers and have owned 2 other vw vehicles prior. Issues began mid-aug 2020, the check engine light turned on and we began hearing a rattling noise coming from the steering wheel when turning the wheel and began smelling a burnt odor coming from the engine. At this time, the vw shop did the following: the electro-mechanical steering was replaced and the acf valve was removed & replaced. Issue persisted. …”

NHTSA complaint #11406626, filed 2021-04

“The contact owns a 2020 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel was difficult to turn, and the hazard indicator warning light illuminated. In addition, the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with rack and pinion failure. The contact was informed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.”

NHTSA complaint #11640877, filed 2025-02, 78,000 miles

“Steering gear feeling loose & making noise going down the road. Steering wheel shake & vibration. No warning lights initially. Few hours later when steering vibration was at it worse, the front end collision warning light with cruise control light came on. Dealer said system needed recalibrated & steering gear needed to be replaced. Stated it is a common, complaint/diagnosis but no recall from VW. $3000 to repair! Car definitely doesn’t feet safe at highway speeds”

NHTSA complaint #11483831, filed 2022-09

Related service bulletins

Steering: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202524%
202432%
202332%
202263%
2021112%
2020519%
2019398%
2018276%

Other parts of the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas

Electrical system
11 complaints
Air bags
8 complaints
Forward collision avoidance
7 complaints
Other or unknown
5 complaints
Brakes
4 complaints
Engine
3 complaints
Fuel system
2 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
2 complaints
Lane departure
1 complaints
Seats
1 complaints
Body and structure
1 complaints
Vehicle 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