25 of the 280 complaints about the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport are about the other systems — 9% of everything reported for this model year.
25
Complaints
1
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I have not the slightest idea what is going on with the vehicle that I just bought on June 25th 2026. I have a 2021 Volkswagen Atlas crossover and the car stopped on me three times today. And when I arrived in my garage it said that the engine was hot. I will be taking it to the dealership tomorrow.
NHTSA complaint #11751935 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The vehicle SOS communication/warning system began malfunctioning in February 2026. I am receiving an alert stating there is an SOS Malfunction and to service the vehicle immediately. On February 18, 2026, the VW dealership conducted extensive testing on the vehicle and determined that the J949 SOS module required replacement as it could not be reset or remedied. Diagnosis - internal electrical failure. The dealership advised that this is a known issue to VW and that there are several other customers with the same issue and waiting for the modules, which are on backorder with VW. There is no communication between the vehicle and VW as a result, and the infotainment system is unable to update. The service tech advised that there are a number or potential issues that will arise because this is a vehicle communication failure. I was forced to prepay for the module and labor, which was ordered on 2/18 (in excess of $500). On 5/26/26 the VW dealership service manager confirmed that the module still has not arrived from VW and that there may be a recall issued because this is such a widespread problem, but that they have no estimated delivery time for the part. The vehicle has had no problems prior to this. If the car is in an accident, there will be no SOS function. The infotainment system, which controls CarNet and the ability to communicate using CarPlay will also be compromised, which may result in the inability to call for assistance in event of an incident. VW Customer Service states they have no ability to track service orders or provide information on the ongoing issue, and stated that the dealership has the only ability to track the part. The dealership cannot check the status beyond acknowledging that the part is on backorder. This is a widely reported problem online in multiple forums and with multiple VW models. We are paying for a part and waiting multiple months to obtain it, and the vehicle is compromised due to the failure of VW.
NHTSA complaint #11744876 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The Hood latch is broke and I am unable to get into the hood without tremendous effort.
NHTSA complaint #11736576 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My vehicuel vibrate at low speed or hight speed, speed does not descrimita, the steering wheel vibrate in a very strange way, when the car hit a bump, at any speed, it vibrate like a motor, for a short period of time, and them it goes back to normal, until agiang I hit a bump
NHTSA complaint #11694382 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Start stop error on 7/15/25. Engine light on 7/16/25. Drove the car to AutoZone and the diagnostic code was P0496 EVAP System High Purge Flow. VW dealership said it was okay to drive vehicle with engine on until my appointment on 7/24/25. Filled up the car with gas on 7/18/25, but the fuel gauge only went up to 7/8 of a tank and 365 miles to empty. After driving 51 miles, the fuel gauge was full and 430 miles to empty. After driving 116 miles, the fuel gauge dropped back down to 7/8 of a tank and 365 miles to empty. The car stalled today while going through the busy Burlington Road roundabout. There was a popping sound coming from the rear of the vehicle near the fuel tank after I shut it off when I got home. There was also a hissing sound coming from the fuel tank. The EVAP purge solenoid was replaced on 5/30/25, the evap system failed again on 6/19/25 at which point the vehicle was sent to VW for a software update. The engine light is on again for the same EVAP issue and now the fuel system appears to be failing because of it. I’m leaving the vehicle parked until my appointment. This vehicle is not safe to drive considering it stalls unexpectedly in stop and go traffic.
NHTSA complaint #11674641 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Car is stalling at slow speeds during heavy traffic, pulling into a parking spot, slowing down to cross a two lane highway, or moving slowly in a drive-through. This vehicle stalled unexpectedly on the tollway during the morning rush hour to Chicago. It also stalled at a four-way stop with limited visibility for drivers behind me on 6/18/2025. I had to call 911 because I was stalled at a busy intersection and the car would not restart. The engine light will come on and I’ll get a “start/stop” error even when I shut off that feature. The diagnostic code is related to the emissions system. I’ve had the car in the shop three times for this issue. The purge valve was changed, and the software was updated. I picked up my car two days ago after a three week stint at the dealership, and the car stalled already in the drive-thru. This vehicle isn’t safe to drive due to it stalling and sputtering unexpectedly in traffic.
NHTSA complaint #11673073 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
White smoke coming from under the hood. Tire sensor has been replaced service several. One tire at a time
NHTSA complaint #11660420 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My vehicle turned off/stalled while driving. I had to throw on my hazards, stomp on the very hard break and turn the car on and off again. Very dangerous for me and other drivers. I see a lot of other customers with the same exact problem for the same model of vehicle. Definitely some type of recall that needs to be addressed.
NHTSA complaint #11651510 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Hood Release Cable. The hood release cable, which runs from the release lever inside the car to the latch under the hood, broke. I can't open my car hood. I've been looking online and it seems that this is a common issue and very expensive to repair and Volkswagen is the only onewiths the proper tools to fix the problem.
NHTSA complaint #11648046 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Hello, My car has a musty smell inside the cabin. I have tried all the recommendations, such as changing the cabin filter, running the AC, and using disinfectant sprays, and the odor does not disappear. I have allergies, and when I drive my car, it feels like I can't breathe. I do not have the means at the moment to change cars.
NHTSA complaint #11648048 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While driving and coming to a stop or slowing down the cars engine will shut off. This is extremely dangerous when in traffic and you have to come to a complete stop and put it in park to manually restart the car. The dealer cannot seem to reproduce the issue but the same day I picked it up from having it looked at it died on me twice in the same day. The vehicle has not been inspected by anyone other than the dealership as far as I know as we are the second owner. There was no warning when this started happening. It gives no warning when it will or will not die. However, a week after it started the check engine light came on and that’s when I took it into the dealership. They were able to replace the sensor but did not find a reason for the car to spontaneously die.
NHTSA complaint #11645383 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My 21 VW atlas cross sport now will not remote start. As well, it CONTINUES with the sputter and stall at low speeds. In and out of parking spots, backing in and out of driveway, the most important scenario being complete stall out crossing a median and multiple lanes of oncoming traffic…
NHTSA complaint #11624133 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Vehicle is turning off while driving or when getting to a stop sign or red light. It turns off completely. no warnings lights or messages when shutting off. * after vehicle shuts off message on Dashboard says YOU MUST STAR CAR MANUALLY. * unable to move steering wheel do to car being shut off * unable to accelerate to move to safety * Afraid of people behind the car, not having enough time to break due to vehicle deceleration because car shut off ** vehicle check and supposedly fix issue came back
NHTSA complaint #11583159 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Engine light keeps popping on due to supposedly the evaporative canister and valve are faulty. While driving my car acts as if the start/stop function is turned on (I turn it off because I don’t like it) and starts to turn off my engine while I am creeping in traffic (major traffic). This was June 2023. February 2024 same issue occurred and canister and valve needed replaced (not even a year later). A few days later the start/stop error popped up again and my car is starting to turn off while driving or creeping in traffic, with that function being turned off.
NHTSA complaint #11575433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Start/stop error occurred on dashboard and a day later the check engine came on. I took it in to get diagnosed & was told the software was recalled and needed updated. A few days later the start/stop error came back on, engine light came on, car was jerking and my engine would shut off as I am driving and would tell me to start my engine manually. I was then told the evap purge valve and evap canister needed replaced. These 2 items were the first 2 line items on the diagnosis they first ran & did not check.
NHTSA complaint #11530564 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
We have had this Atlas Cross Sport R-line for 2 years. Over these two years, the car will intermittently stall when I come to a stop sign or stop light. Many times it has nearly caused an accident. I consistently turn the auto on-off OFF as it is not a feature I like, the problem happens with that feature disabled. Since I am the main driver, and my husband rarely is in the car, I thought that it was a normal feature. In the past several weeks it has continued to stop and nearly killed me at a major intersection in my area. I took the atlas into one dealership two weeks ago and they said nothing was wrong and they couldn't replicate it or provide a code. I have it in another dealership now and they are saying that they have no clue what to do about this and they cannot replicate it either. It is very dangerous and Volkswagen is doing nothing to assist us in fixing the matter. The most frustrating part is I love the car! It never happens at a convenient time to take pictures or videos, it is always in a traffic situation. The other electrical items still work when the engine turns off. I justwant VW to fix it so we can continue to enjoy the car but they "have never had this happen" (according to BOTH dealerships)
NHTSA complaint #11520322 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Electric problem / water likings inside the passenger floor. This has affected the rear cámara and touch screen of my vehicle. It suddenly stoped working when backing out. I almost ran over someone. Screen when black. I notice water in passenger side floor and Momentum Volkswagen on Richmond here in houston wants to change me too much money just to inspect the car when they clearly know these cars have that problem. They refused to fix the problem. Now the water on the floor caused my rear cámara and touch screen not to work. Having electrical problem. Electricity and water could cause tones of problems. Please help we all need a recall on water leaking inside the Atlas cross sport 2021
NHTSA complaint #11516779 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was pulling into a parking spot, my foot on the brake pedal, hand ready to shift car into park. At that time the rev counter went up to 7000, the car jumped the curb, I stepped hard on the brake but the car kept going. The car stopped when it slammed into a parked car so hard that it pushed the parked car into the street. No warning lights and the airbag did not deploy. Unsure of what malfunctioned. Anyone can inspect it. VW has been uncooperative and has told me several different stories about getting it looked at by a VW rep. The car had over $10k worth of damage which has been fixed first at the request of VW corporate.
NHTSA complaint #11475702 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Car stalled at red light before getting on the highway. As I was merging on the ramp to 295, the car started stuttering, and steering wheel was vibrating severely. EPC and Engine light popped on. Had to pull over and was almost hit by a truck. Turned on ok. A minute into the drive the EPC and Engine light popped on again and car started stuttering again. Was on major highway so had to pull off at next exit and pulled into a parking lot. Customer Care sent a tow truck, and the SUV was towed to Salem County VW in Monroeville, NJ. Called Salem County VW to let them know the SUV was in tow. Stated they would try to look at it, but to make a formal request online. Made a formal request online for an appointment at 8:45 a.m. on 9/13. Car was in shop for 10 days with a bad fuel injector.
NHTSA complaint #11461712 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
UNKNOWN: 3/22 Vehicle stalled two times at 70 mph on a highway. Increased steering wheel vibrations/ shaking Increased gas pedal vibrations Overall vehicle shaking increased after this occurred Took it to dealer which had it in the shop until 3/25. Stated couldn’t find anything wrong. Went to pick it up on 3/25 and STOP/START ERROR appeared. Left it until Monday. Talked to technician and stated car misfired last week but couldn’t find anything else and cleared error code. April 4th Car stalled and stuttered three times on a major highway at 70 mph Car started shaking again. Dropped car to dealership on4/4 and on way car barely made it passed 50 mph and shook during the drive to dealership. Acceleration was very slow. Both incidents put me in positions where accidents could have happen on major highways. Luckily, I was able to pull over both times before a major accident ensued. Vehicle is still in shop without any status on an update.
NHTSA complaint #11459784 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
on 2/2/22 Brought vehicle to nearest dealership.Upon inspection they ordered a HARNESS;TECH CHECKED AND FOUND LOST COMMUNICATION WITH DOOR CONTROL MODULE DRIVER SIDE DOOR MODULE FAULTY PART ON ORDER. My vehicle is available for inspection upon request keeping in mind underivable safety issues. on 2/02/2022 to start with ,drove into dealership because of windows on drivers side opening, dash board lights all lit up.on 2/14/2022 while driving on highway and thru streets emergency brake would go on and give a hard brake stop. lights on and beeping. to get vehicle moving we had to turn off car, get out while on highway open and close doors to try to reset only for it to happen over and over while in traffic on the highway and then in city streets.The vehicle has been parked in my driveway since 2/14/22
NHTSA complaint #11457085 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Emergency brake engaged while driving, car warning beeps and warning alerts while stopped and while driving, windows opening while driving - cannot be closed from driver side, car alarm activated when opening door. Dealer states the problem is a door harness and parts not available. They state there is a problem with many other VW Atlas 2021 cars. Over 80 in their lot with same problem.
NHTSA complaint #11454640 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Where do I start? There has been a number of issues within a week of purchase with warning lights coming on for no reason, the display panel saying ACC deactivated and not displaying the MPH which I prefer, not accelerating more then 20 mph, charger pad not charging, all of a sudden the doors don't open for keyless entry, the motion for the trunk doesn't work, the direction on the mirror will say East for instance, when I'm going in a totally different direction, coolant light came on at 9k miles and people told me this shouldn't happen until at least 30k, radio and speakers are iffy...the sound was much better in my Jetta, the tire pressure light is on yet again, but the air isn't low, parking brake coming on while driving (could've had an accident), windows going down by themselves, error driver door contact switch, attention, engine is running while I'm driving, error start/stop switch, car net doesn't work properly. I'm pretty sure I'm forgetting something else. I've looked online and soooo many people are experiencing the same issues, even people I know personally that has the same truck. I've taken the car back now about 4 times I believe, and still no resolution. They always say they found nothing wrong. Then i just took it back on January 8th and now they still have it as of today, February 1st, saying the parts are on backorder until March. I've been in contact with VW corporate trying to get released from the vehicle but wanted to report this before someone dies then they finally do a recall because someone was hurt or dead. I was told that I couldn't give it back under the lemon law until things happened 3 times and I had to give them a chance to fix it. I bought this car brand new and this just shouldn't be happening. It's apparent there's some kind of glitch with this car and I hate that I'm stuck with it.
NHTSA complaint #11449839 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Error message “driver door contact switch” occurs, drive door and driver side passenger windows roll down, locks disengage, alarms ding and causes a sensor to engage the emergency parking break which occured both while stationary or while moving.
NHTSA complaint #11448693 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
After getting a car wash the screen blacked out for around 24 hours. During that the backup camera did not work, the charging ports in the middle did not work, and I was unable to listen to the radio. Also, fluid keeps leaking in moderate puddles even when the air is not on.
NHTSA complaint #11433818 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.