Engine
3.6L 6-cyl
Fault profile
Every federal complaint on this vehicle, grouped by component family.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
Known issues
The largest complaint clusters, with common replacement parts for each.
Electrical system
146 complaints
"Phantom breaking, vehicle alerts, windows rolling down, driver side door not opening, parking break engages, windows stop working...."- from a federal complaint filed against this model
Common replacement parts
Engine Control Module
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Mass Air Flow Sensor
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MAP Sensor
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Brakes
95 complaints2 crash reports
"Phantom breaking, vehicle alerts, windows rolling down, driver side door not opening, parking break engages, windows stop working...."- from a federal complaint filed against this model
Common replacement parts
Front Brake Pads
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Rear Brake Pads
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Brake Shoes
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Driver assistance
89 complaints3 crash reports
"Warning lights and alarms would go off, the driverâs side windows would roll down and the car would suddenly brake while in traffic...."- from a federal complaint filed against this model
Common replacement parts
Backup Camera
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Parking Assist Sensor
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Recall campaigns
Recall repairs are performed free of charge at any franchised dealer.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24V464000 | Air Bags | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Atlas and 2020-2024 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The passenger occupant detection system (PODS) may experience a fault in the wiring and deacti | Free at dealer |
| 23V215000 | Air Bags | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Atlas and 2020 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The passenger occupant detection system (PODS) may experience a fault in the wiring and deactivate | Free at dealer |
| 22V815000 | Tires | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan LWB, Golf Sportswagen A7, Golf Alltrack, Golf R GP, Audi Q3, Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Jetta NF, Jetta GLI, Golf GTI, Atlas, G | Free at dealer |
| 22V514000 | Equipment | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Golf GTI, Jetta GLI, Jetta NF, Arteon FL, Tiguan LWB, 2022 Taos, Jetta PA, Tiguan PA, 2021-2022 Atlas Cross Sport, and Atlas FL vehicles. The manuf | Free at dealer |
| 22V245000 | Fuel System, Gasoline | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Atlas FL and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The long fuel injectors may have been assembled without filters. | Free at dealer |
| 22V152000 | Air Bags | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Atlas, 2020-2023 Atlas Cross Sport, and 2021-2023 Atlas FL vehicles. The door wiring harness electrical contacts may corrode, disrupting the e | Free at dealer |
| 22V086000 | Equipment | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Atlas and 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles equipped with accessory side steps. The reduced Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) label, refle | Free at dealer |
| 21V892000 | Visibility | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas and 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The air conditioning system drain tube could be blocked, causing water to leak inside the vehicle n | Free at dealer |
| 21V812000 | Wheels | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport, and Passat vehicles. The front wheel bearing bolts may have been incorrectly tightened. | Free at dealer |
| 21V616000 | Electrical System | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. Damaged relays may have been installed in the engine compartment fuse box, which could inadvertently activate | Free at dealer |
| 21V132000 | Wheels | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The lug bolt holes on the wheels may have been machined incorrectly, preventing the wheel bolt from sufficien | Free at dealer |
| 21V026000 | Steering | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas and 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The front steering knuckle may fracture in the area of the strut mounting. | Free at dealer |
| 20V716000 | Back Over Prevention | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas Cross Sport, Tiguan LWB, Jetta NF, Jetta GLI, Golf GTI, Atlas FL and Arteon vehicles. The rear view camera could malfunction during an igniti | Free at dealer |
| 20V712000DO NOT DRIVE | Steering | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas and 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. One or both steering knuckles may have been damaged during production. | Free at dealer |
| 20V702000 | Tires | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport and 2021 Atlas vehicles equipped with Continental Cross Contact LX Sport tires, size 255/50 R 20 105 T. The tires may have b | Free at dealer |
| 20V505000 | Seats | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen ) is recalling certain 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, Jetta, Jetta GLI and Tiguan and Audi Q5 and SQ5 and 2021 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles. Parts of the front seat frame an | Free at dealer |
| 20V504000 | Exterior Lighting | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2020 Atlas Cross Sports and 2021 Atlas vehicles. The driver's side headlight may have been aimed too low during production. As such, these vehicles fail | Free at dealer |
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
- Try the camera, sensors, and any driver-assist features in a parking lot.A blank or frozen backup camera image and phantom sensor alerts are this vehicle's driver-assistance complaints.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 17 recall campaigns on file. Every one is a free repair at a franchised dealer, but only if it has been done; an unrepaired recall is a bargaining chip, not a deal-breaker.
- Do not drive it home until the do-not-drive recall is confirmed repaired.At least one campaign on this vehicle carries a federal do-not-drive advisory. Confirm the repair with the dealer, by VIN, before taking delivery.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where this vehicle fails. A history with repeated repairs in exactly those systems tells you the car had the problem; a history with none of them tells you it may not have been fixed yet.
Every part on this vehicle
Filtered to this vehicle's configuration. Each link opens a live eBay search.
Brakes
| Front Brake Pads | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Rear Brake Pads | Rear discs; economy cars may use drums/shoes instead | Buy it now on eBay |
| Brake Shoes | Rear drum brake vehicles only | Buy it now on eBay |
| Front Brake Rotors | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Rear Brake Rotors | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Brake Drums | Rear drum brake vehicles only | Buy it now on eBay |
| Front Brake Caliper | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Rear Brake Caliper | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Brake Master Cylinder | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Brake Booster | EVs use electronic boost; vacuum boosters are combustion-era | Buy it now on eBay |
| Brake Hose | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Brake Hardware Kit | Buy it now on eBay | |
| ABS Control Module | ABS became widespread early 1990s; standard by 2012 | Buy it now on eBay |
| ABS Wheel Speed Sensor | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Brake Fluid Reservoir | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Brake Pedal Pad | Mostly universal fitment | Buy it now on eBay |
Suspension
| Front Struts | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Rear Shocks | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Strut Mount | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Coil Springs | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Leaf Springs | Trucks and older RWD vehicles | Buy it now on eBay |
| Upper Control Arm | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Lower Control Arm | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Control Arm Bushings | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Ball Joint | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Sway Bar Links | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Sway Bar Bushings | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Sway Bar | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Front Wheel Hub Bearing Assembly | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Rear Wheel Hub Bearing Assembly | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Trailing Arm | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Air Suspension Compressor | Luxury/SUV trims only | Buy it now on eBay |
| Air Suspension Spring | Luxury/SUV trims only | Buy it now on eBay |
| Camber Alignment Kit | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Coilover Kit | Aftermarket performance upgrade rather than OE replacement | Buy it now on eBay |
Steering
| Steering Rack and Pinion | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Electric Power Steering Motor | EPS-equipped vehicles | Buy it now on eBay |
| Inner Tie Rod | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Outer Tie Rod End | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Steering Column | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Steering Wheel | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Clock Spring | Airbag-era vehicles; spiral cable behind wheel | Buy it now on eBay |
Engine
| Complete Engine Assembly | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Cylinder Head | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Head Gasket Set | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Valve Cover | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Valve Cover Gasket | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Timing Belt Kit | Engine-specific: belt vs chain varies by engine not model year | Buy it now on eBay |
| Timing Chain Kit | Engine-specific: belt vs chain varies by engine not model year | Buy it now on eBay |
| Timing Cover | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Camshaft | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Crankshaft | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Piston Set | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Connecting Rod | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Oil Pan | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Oil Pan Gasket | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Oil Pump | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Oil Filter | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Oil Cooler | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Engine Mount | EVs have motor mounts; keyword still works | Buy it now on eBay |
| Harmonic Balancer | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Flexplate | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Intake Manifold | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Intake Manifold Gasket | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Exhaust Manifold | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Valve Springs | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Rocker Arms | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Valve Lifters | Buy it now on eBay | |
| PCV Valve | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Serpentine Belt | Pre-1985 vehicles often use multiple V-belts | Buy it now on eBay |
| Belt Tensioner | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Idler Pulley | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Turbocharger | Turbo-equipped engines only | Buy it now on eBay |
| Intercooler | Turbo-equipped engines only | Buy it now on eBay |
| Engine Splash Shield | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Engine Air Filter | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Air Intake Box | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Oil Filler Cap | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Engine Oil Dipstick | Buy it now on eBay |
Engine Management
| Engine Control Module | Often VIN-programmed; note on page | Buy it now on eBay |
| Mass Air Flow Sensor | Buy it now on eBay | |
| MAP Sensor | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Throttle Body | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Throttle Position Sensor | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Upstream Oxygen Sensor | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Downstream Oxygen Sensor | Post-cat sensor arrived with OBD-II in 1996 | Buy it now on eBay |
| Coolant Temperature Sensor | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Oil Pressure Sensor | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Knock Sensor | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Camshaft Position Sensor | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Crankshaft Position Sensor | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Vehicle Speed Sensor | Buy it now on eBay |
Ignition
| Spark Plugs | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Ignition Coil | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Ignition Switch | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Push Button Start Switch | Buy it now on eBay |
Cooling
| Radiator | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Radiator Cap | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Radiator Cooling Fan | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Water Pump | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Thermostat | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Thermostat Housing | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Upper Radiator Hose | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Lower Radiator Hose | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Heater Hose | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Heater Core | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Coolant Reservoir | EVs have coolant loops for battery/electronics | Buy it now on eBay |
| Radiator Support | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Transmission Oil Cooler | Buy it now on eBay |
Fuel System
| Fuel Pump | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Fuel Pump Module Assembly | In-tank module with sender | Buy it now on eBay |
| Fuel Filter | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Fuel Injectors | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Fuel Rail | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Fuel Tank | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Gas Cap | Capless fillers on many vehicles after ~2010 | Buy it now on eBay |
| Fuel Filler Neck | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Fuel Pressure Regulator | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Fuel Level Sending Unit | Buy it now on eBay | |
| High Pressure Fuel Pump | Gasoline direct injection engines | Buy it now on eBay |
| EVAP Purge Valve | Buy it now on eBay | |
| EVAP Charcoal Canister | Buy it now on eBay |
Exhaust
| Catalytic Converter | eBay requires EPA-compliant units; CARB-only rules for CA/NY/CO vehicles - flag on page | Buy it now on eBay |
| Muffler | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Exhaust Resonator | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Exhaust Pipe | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Exhaust Flex Pipe | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Exhaust Gasket Set | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Exhaust Hanger | Largely universal rubber hangers | Buy it now on eBay |
| Exhaust Heat Shield | Buy it now on eBay | |
| EGR Valve | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Secondary Air Injection Pump | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Exhaust Tip | Accessory; sized by pipe diameter not vehicle | Buy it now on eBay |
Drivetrain
| Automatic Transmission Assembly | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Torque Converter | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Transmission Rebuild Kit | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Transmission Mount | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Transmission Oil Pan | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Transmission Filter Kit | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Shift Solenoid | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Transmission Control Module | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Shifter Cable | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Shift Knob | Mostly universal threads | Buy it now on eBay |
| Front CV Axle | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Rear CV Axle | AWD/RWD independent-rear vehicles | Buy it now on eBay |
| CV Boot Kit | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Driveshaft | RWD/AWD vehicles | Buy it now on eBay |
| Universal Joint | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Differential Assembly | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Differential Cover | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Transfer Case | 4WD/AWD vehicles | Buy it now on eBay |
| Axle Shaft | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Wheel Studs | Buy it now on eBay |
Electrical
| Car Battery | 12V battery; group size specific | Buy it now on eBay |
| Battery Cable | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Battery Tray | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Alternator | Hybrids/EVs use DC-DC converters instead | Buy it now on eBay |
| Starter Motor | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Fuse Box | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Relay | Standardized ISO relays | Buy it now on eBay |
| Engine Wiring Harness | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Body Control Module | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Instrument Cluster | Mileage-programmed; note on page | Buy it now on eBay |
| Horn | Largely universal | Buy it now on eBay |
| Power Window Motor | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Power Window Switch | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Door Lock Actuator | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Key Fob Remote | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Backup Camera | Mandatory on new US vehicles from May 2018 | Buy it now on eBay |
| Parking Assist Sensor | Buy it now on eBay | |
| 12V Power Outlet | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Ground Strap | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Trailer Wiring Harness | Buy it now on eBay |
HVAC
| AC Compressor | Buy it now on eBay | |
| AC Condenser | Buy it now on eBay | |
| AC Evaporator | Buy it now on eBay | |
| AC Expansion Valve | Buy it now on eBay | |
| AC Receiver Drier | Buy it now on eBay | |
| AC Hose Assembly | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Blower Motor | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Blower Motor Resistor | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Heater Control Valve | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Climate Control Module | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Cabin Air Filter | Rare before late 1990s | Buy it now on eBay |
| AC Pressure Switch | Buy it now on eBay |
Lighting
| Headlight Assembly | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Headlight Bulbs | Bulb size specific; model keyword still standard search | Buy it now on eBay |
| Tail Light Assembly | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Fog Light Assembly | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Turn Signal Assembly | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Side Marker Light | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Third Brake Light | Mandatory on US cars from 1986 | Buy it now on eBay |
| License Plate Light | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Dome Light Assembly | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Headlight Switch | Buy it now on eBay |
Body
| Hood | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Front Fender | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Front Bumper Cover | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Rear Bumper Cover | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Bumper Reinforcement Bar | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Grille | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Side Mirror | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Mirror Glass | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Exterior Door Handle | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Door Hinge | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Hood Latch | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Hood Lift Struts | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Trunk Lid | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Liftgate | SUVs/hatchbacks | Buy it now on eBay |
| Liftgate Struts | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Tailgate | Pickups | Buy it now on eBay |
| Tailgate Handle | Pickups | Buy it now on eBay |
| Fender Liner | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Mud Flaps | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Running Boards | Trucks/SUVs | Buy it now on eBay |
| Roof Rack Cross Bars | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Rear Spoiler | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Emblem Set | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Antenna | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Rocker Panel | Rust repair staple for older vehicles | Buy it now on eBay |
| Quarter Panel | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Cowl Panel Grille | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Door Weatherstrip Seal | Buy it now on eBay |
Glass
| Windshield | Freight-heavy; local install more common but glass sells on eBay | Buy it now on eBay |
| Rear Window Glass | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Door Window Glass | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Window Regulator | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Wiper Blades | Size-specific but model search is the standard pattern | Buy it now on eBay |
| Wiper Arm | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Windshield Wiper Motor | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Windshield Washer Pump | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Washer Fluid Reservoir | Buy it now on eBay |
Interior
| Front Seat | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Seat Cover Set | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Seat Belt | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Seat Belt Buckle | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Floor Mats | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Carpet Set | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Dashboard | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Dash Cover | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Glove Box | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Center Console | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Console Lid Armrest | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Door Panel | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Headliner | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Sun Visor | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Rearview Mirror | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Radio Head Unit | OE replacement; aftermarket DIN units are their own world | Buy it now on eBay |
| Car Speakers | Sized by diameter more than vehicle | Buy it now on eBay |
| Steering Wheel Cover | Universal sizing | Buy it now on eBay |
Wheels
| Wheel Rim | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Hubcaps | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Wheel Center Caps | Buy it now on eBay | |
| TPMS Sensor | US-mandated on all new vehicles from Sept 2007 | Buy it now on eBay |
| Valve Stems | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Spare Tire Kit | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Jack Kit | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Lug Nuts | Thread/seat specific | Buy it now on eBay |
| Wheel Spacers | Bolt-pattern specific | Buy it now on eBay |
| Tires | Searched by tire size not vehicle; link the size from vehicle specs | Buy it now on eBay |