2020 Volkswagen Atlas Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 7%of 27 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 116,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas, 7% of the 27 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 116,000 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.
“Since I purchased this vehicle for my wife, she has repeatedly called me in tears regarding the vehicle turning itself off in school parking lots, stop lights, stopping at stop signs, and in drive through lanes. The car will show error messages such as START ENGINE MANUALLY or AUTO START/STOP FAILURE. This has nearly caused a number of accidents when the car is turned off in the middle of the street. The only option to get the car restarted is to put it into park, then turn the car off and back on again - which at a busy intersection can put you into a panic. …”
NHTSA complaint #11549247, filed 2023-10“The contact owns a 2020 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted with the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) and Electronic Power Control (EPC) warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 116,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11644988, filed 2025-02, 116,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11036874Aug 10, 2026Replacement instruction
- 11025440Oct 14, 2025Cautions about using aftermarket transmission flush machines and aftermarket transmission fluids.
- 11025439Oct 9, 2025Diagnosing Manual Transmission Noise
- 11023844Sep 15, 2025For applicable Settlement Class Vehicles, the New Vehicle Limited Warranty will be extended to cover 50% of the repair or replacement of the Turbocharger by an authorized…
- 11023836Sep 15, 2025This supporting FAQ is for the Turbocharger Limited Warranty Extension Class Action Settlement. This extension includes 2008-2015 GTI and Golf R*, 2012-2013 VW Beetle*, 2009 VW…
- 11014950Feb 12, 2025CV Boot replacement
- 11008861Sep 17, 2024Fluid requirements
- 11008851Sep 17, 2024Engine Misfire Diagnostic Aid
- 11008860Sep 11, 2024Manual transmission noise diagnosing
- 10250803Feb 29, 2024Bevel box leaking, update to Arteon labor operation numbers.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas
11 complaintsAir bags
8 complaintsForward collision avoidance
7 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsSteering
5 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsEngine
3 complaintsFuel system
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