What are the most common problems with the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas?

The largest complaint group is the electrical system, followed by air bags. See the problems section above for what owners describe.

Does the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas have recalls?

Yes. The by-year data shows 11 recalls. They are listed in the Recalls section of this page.

What is the gas mileage of the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas?

See the fuel economy section on this page for the EPA figures.

Is the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas reliable?

Complaints and recalls both show up in the data. Look at the problems and recalls sections to judge for yourself.

2020 Volkswagen Atlas Problems, Recalls and MPG

Q: How many complaints are filed for the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas?

NHTSA has 134 owner complaints on file.

NHTSA has 134 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas^[1]. The by-year data also shows 11 recalls for this model year^[2].

134owner complaints^[1]

11recalls^[2]

19–22MPG combined (EPA)^[3]

5★NHTSA overall rating^[4]

Problems
Recalls
Fuel economy
Safety
Engine and size
By year
Verdict
FAQ

Most reported problems

Here are the complaint groups in the NHTSA reports, biggest first.

Electrical System. 44 complaints^[5]. Owners describe a bundle of warnings at startup, windows that move on their own and a driver door that will not lock. Some stories link it to a door wiring problem.
Air Bags. 31 complaints^[6]. In the stories we read, owners describe air bag warning lights tied to the same door electronics. Others describe air bags going off after a bump or a slow touch with a curb.
Unknown Or Other. 29 complaints^[7]. These reports do not fit a single named part.
Brakes. 22 complaints^[8]. Owners describe the electronic parking brake switching on by itself at low speed, and sudden hard braking on an open road.
Forward Collision Avoidance. 22 complaints^[9]. Owners describe the car braking on its own with nothing in its path.
Steering. 13 complaints^[10].
Engine. 12 complaints^[11].
Speed Control. 7 complaints^[12].

Recalls

Newest first. Each recall covers only certain vehicles, so not every 2020 Atlas is necessarily included.

Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger (24V464), June 2024. About 271,330 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury, an air bag that may not work as intended. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[13]
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger (23V215), March 2023. About 143,053 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury, an air bag that may not work as intended. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[14]
Tires › Pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems (22V815), October 2022. About 296,044 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[15]
Air Bags › Side/Window (22V152), March 2022. About 222,892 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: injury, an air bag that may not work as intended. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[16]
Equipment › Other › Labels (22V086), February 2022. About 3,648 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[17]
Air Bags › Air Bag/Restraint Control Module (21V892), November 2021. About 54,429 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury, an air bag that may not work as intended. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[18]
Steering (21V026), January 2021. About 10,303 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, steering problems. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[19]
Steering (20V712), November 2020. About 776 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, loss of steering, steering problems. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[20]
Tires › Sidewall (20V702), November 2020. About 760 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[21]
Exterior Lighting › Headlights (20V504), August 2020. About 11 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, reduced visibility. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[22]
Seats (20V505), August 2020. About 5,376 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[23]

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on the engine and drive. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.

Version	City / highway / combined MPG	Annual fuel cost
Atlas Cross Sport, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[3]	21 / 24 / 22	$3,050
Atlas Cross Sport 4motion, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Regular, All-Wheel Drive^[24]	18 / 23 / 20	$3,350
Atlas, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[25]	20 / 24 / 22	$3,050
Atlas, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic (S8), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[26]	17 / 23 / 19	$3,550
Atlas Cross Sport, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic (S8), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[27]	17 / 23 / 19	$3,550
Atlas Cross Sport 4motion, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic (S8), Regular, All-Wheel Drive^[28]	16 / 22 / 19	$3,550
Atlas 4motion, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic (S8), Regular, All-Wheel Drive^[29]	16 / 22 / 19	$3,550

Safety ratings

Version	Overall	Frontal	Side	Rollover	Rollover risk
SUV AWD^[4]	5	5	5	4	13.6%
SUV FWD^[30]	5	5	5	4	15.9%
SUV AWD^[31]	5	4	5	4	15.1%
SUV FWD^[32]	5	4	5	4	16.9%

Engine and size

Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles.

Engine	Horsepower
2020 Volkswagen Atlas with 2.0L 4-cylinder^[33]	235 hp
2020 Volkswagen Atlas with 3.6L 6-cylinder^[34]	276 hp

These are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada, so US models can differ slightly.

Version	Length	Width	Height	Wheelbase	Curb weight
ATLAS 4DR SUV 4MOTION 2.0L^[35]	198 in	78 in	69 in	117 in	4,442 lb
ATLAS 4DR SUV 4MOTION 3.6L^[36]	198 in	78 in	69 in	117 in	4,594 lb
ATLAS SPORT CROSS 4DR SUV 4MOTION 2.0L^[37]	196 in	78 in	68 in	117 in	4,442 lb
ATLAS SPORT CROSS 4DR SUV 4MOTION 3.6L^[38]	196 in	78 in	68 in	117 in	4,594 lb

How 2020 compares with other years

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Atlas model year. The 2020 is highlighted^[2].

Show the numbers

Model year	Complaints	Recalls
2018	466	17
2019	482	12
2020	134	11
2021	645	17
2022	258	7
2023	157	6
2024	275	8
2025	73	5
2026	11	2

NHTSA's counts for the Atlas show 134 complaints and 11 recalls for 2020^[2]. Among the 10 model years listed, 3 have fewer complaints than 2020 and 6 have more^[2]. The fewest complaints are for 2027 (0) and the most are for 2021 (645)^[2]. These counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide. The chart above shows every year.

Should you buy a used 2020 Atlas?

The 2020 Atlas has a fair amount of owner complaints on file, 134 in all^[1]. The biggest group is the electrical system^[5]. Complaints are unverified reports and are not adjusted for sales. Check the recall section on this page, since this model year has 11 recalls^[2]. Ask a dealer about open recall work before you buy.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas?: The largest complaint group is the electrical system^[5], followed by air bags^[6]. See the problems section above for what owners describe.
Does the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas have recalls?: Yes. The by-year data shows 11 recalls^[2]. They are listed in the Recalls section of this page.
How many complaints are filed for the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas?: NHTSA has 134 owner complaints on file^[1].
What is the gas mileage of the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas?: See the fuel economy section on this page for the EPA figures.
Is the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas reliable?: Complaints and recalls both show up in the data^[1]^[2]. Look at the problems and recalls sections to judge for yourself.

Keep exploring

Other model years of the Volkswagen Atlas

2018 466 complaints, 17 recalls
2019 482 complaints, 12 recalls
2020 this page
2021 645 complaints, 17 recalls
2022 258 complaints, 7 recalls
2023 157 complaints, 6 recalls
2024 275 complaints, 8 recalls
2025 73 complaints, 5 recalls
2026 11 complaints, 2 recalls

Compare all model years of the Volkswagen Atlas

Other Volkswagen models from 2020

2020 Volkswagen Jetta 54 complaints, 6 recalls
2020 Volkswagen Passat 18 complaints, 3 recalls
2020 Volkswagen Tiguan 141 complaints, 3 recalls

All Volkswagen models

Similar cars from 2020: small suvs

2020 Chevrolet Blazer 222 complaints, 3 recalls
2020 Dodge Journey 66 complaints, 1 recall
2020 Ford Edge 325 complaints, 4 recalls
2020 Ford Escape 1,902 complaints, 25 recalls
2020 GMC Terrain 197 complaints, 2 recalls
2020 Honda Passport 104 complaints, 10 recalls

All small suvs we cover

Facts and sources

NHTSA has 134 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas (3 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 1 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
Owner complaints and recalls for every Volkswagen Atlas model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for Atlas Cross Sport, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 24 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 13.6%. NHTSA vehicle records
44 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 16,946). NHTSA vehicle records
31 complaints name the air bags component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 58,100). NHTSA vehicle records
29 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
22 complaints name the brakes component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
22 complaints name the forward collision avoidance component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
13 complaints name the steering component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
12 complaints name the engine component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
7 complaints name the speed control component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
Recall 24V464, filed June 20, 2024: Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger. NHTSA recall database
Recall 23V215, filed March 29, 2023: Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger. NHTSA recall database
Recall 22V815, filed October 31, 2022: Tires › Pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems. NHTSA recall database
Recall 22V152, filed March 28, 2022: Air Bags › Side / Window. NHTSA recall database
Recall 22V086, filed February 16, 2022: Equipment › Other › Labels. NHTSA recall database
Recall 21V892, filed November 17, 2021: Air Bags › Air Bag / Restraint Control Module. NHTSA recall database
Recall 21V026, filed January 27, 2021: Steering. NHTSA recall database
Recall 20V712, filed November 17, 2020: Steering. NHTSA recall database
Recall 20V702, filed November 13, 2020: Tires › Sidewall. NHTSA recall database
Recall 20V504, filed August 26, 2020: Exterior Lighting › Headlights. NHTSA recall database
Recall 20V505, filed August 26, 2020: Seats. NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for Atlas Cross Sport 4motion, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 23 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Atlas, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 24 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Atlas, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic (S8), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 23 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Atlas Cross Sport, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic (S8), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 23 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Atlas Cross Sport 4motion, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic (S8), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 22 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Atlas 4motion, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic (S8), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 22 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 15.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 15.1%. NHTSA vehicle records
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 16.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
EPA Test Car List, 2020 Volkswagen Atlas with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 235 hp. www.epa.gov
EPA Test Car List, 2020 Volkswagen Atlas with 3.6L 6-cylinder: rated 276 hp. www.epa.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ATLAS 4DR SUV 4MOTION 2.0L: length 198 in, width 78 in, height 69 in, wheelbase 117 in, curb weight 4,442 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ATLAS 4DR SUV 4MOTION 3.6L: length 198 in, width 78 in, height 69 in, wheelbase 117 in, curb weight 4,594 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ATLAS SPORT CROSS 4DR SUV 4MOTION 2.0L: length 196 in, width 78 in, height 68 in, wheelbase 117 in, curb weight 4,442 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ATLAS SPORT CROSS 4DR SUV 4MOTION 3.6L: length 196 in, width 78 in, height 68 in, wheelbase 117 in, curb weight 4,594 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

2020 Volkswagen Atlas: problems, recalls and fuel economy