Volkswagen

Atlas Cross Sport (1st)

2020-2025 · Full-Size SUV · 3 engines
Best Engine ⚠️ Caution (3.3)
415 NHTSA Complaints
0 Recalls
4 Fire Reports
16 Crash Reports
📋 Inspection checklist

NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings

Overall 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (15.1% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard
Overall 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (16.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard
Overall 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (16.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard
Overall 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (15.1% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard
Overall 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (15.1% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Optional
Overall 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (16.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Optional
Overall 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (15.1% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Optional
Overall 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (16.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Optional
Overall 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (15.1% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: Optional
Overall 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (16.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: Optional
Overall 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (15.1% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (16.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No

Engine Reliability Ratings

2.0 TSI

2.0L 4-cyl Turbo / 235 hp
⚠️ Caution (3.3)
60 complaints 15.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

safety systems
24
electrical
19
brakes
17
engine
10
fuel system
4

Known Issues

Safety Systems Issues (24 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (19 complaints)
Brakes Issues (17 complaints)

TSI

2.0L 4-cyl Turbo / 235 hp
⚠️ Caution (2.5)
45 complaints 9.0 per year Gasoline
1 fire report
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
22
safety systems
17
brakes
13
other
6
engine
4

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (22 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (17 complaints)
Brakes Issues (13 complaints)

3.6 FSI

3.6L 6-cyl / 276 hp
⚠️ Caution (2.4)
304 complaints 39.0 per year Gasoline
3 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

safety systems
104
electrical
92
engine
66
brakes
56
other
38

Known Issues

Safety Systems Issues (104 complaints)
Typical onset: 10,320–36,500 mi
Electrical System Issues (92 complaints)
Engine Issues (66 complaints)

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport regardless of engine variant.

Safety Systems Issues (145 complaints)
safety_systems serious
Electrical System Issues (133 complaints)
electrical critical
Brakes Issues (86 complaints)
brakes critical
Engine Issues (76 complaints)
engine serious
Fuel System Issues (28 complaints)
fuel_system serious

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2020-2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport problems?

The 2020-2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport has accumulated 415 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Safety Systems, Electrical System, Brakes. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport engine is most reliable?

The 2020-2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport was offered with 3 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 3.6L 6-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2020-2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport a good used car?

The 2020-2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 415 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2020-2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport have?

The 2020-2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport has 415 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2020-2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport?

There are 0 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2020-2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport?

Before buying a used Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Safety Systems, Electrical System, Brakes, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Atlas Cross Sport?

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 4 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (15.1% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Standard. Lane Departure Warning: Standard. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 415 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-07.

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