2021 VOLKSWAGEN Atlas Cross Sport

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

14RecallsNHTSA Verified100ComplaintsNHTSA Data4InvestigationsNHTSA Data
Expert Verdict
๐ŸšจRequires Careful Review

This 2021 model shows critical reliability concerns, primarily driven by significant recall activity affecting wheels and tires.

Key Factor:multiple critical recalls

๐Ÿ“‹Why This Matters

Understanding recall history helps predict future ownership costs. Each unaddressed issue represents potential repair expenses.

Insurance companies review vehicle reliability data when setting premiums. Models with elevated recall rates often see adjusted pricing.

Given this model year's elevated concern level, budget for a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

Focus Area:general reliability
๐Ÿ“Š

Expert Analysis

  • ๐Ÿ“ˆ
    Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
  • โš ๏ธ
    Primary Risk Area:Warning
  • โš–๏ธ
    Vs Brand: Worse than avg (3.0)
    ๐Ÿ“
    Summary:
Critical Component: Warning

Safety & Reliability Score

0/100
Poor

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-112
Complaint Impact-5
Investigation Impact-20

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2021 VOLKSWAGEN Atlas Cross Sport

Model Year2021
MakeVOLKSWAGEN
ModelAtlas Cross Sport
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Scroll for more โ†’
Jan21
NEWProduction
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Mar21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jun21
RECALLRecall Issued
Mar22
ISSUEFirst Report
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened

Consumer Complaint Analysis

โš ๏ธ

Most Reported Issue

28 complaints (28% of total)
โžก๏ธ

Complaint Trend

Stable
No trend data
โœ…

Safety Incidents

No critical incidents

Complaint Severity Distribution

Breakdown of 100 consumer complaints by severity level.

๐ŸŸ High
8(8%)
๐ŸŸกMedium
32(32%)
๐ŸŸขLow
60(60%)

Mileage Failure Analysis

โš™๏ธEngineering Insight

Based on consumer reports, issues for this vehicle tend to peak around the 40k-60k mileage range. The average reported failure mileage is 36,395 miles.

๐Ÿ“Š Mileage data extracted from 18 of 100 complaints (18% coverage)
0-20k
5 reports (28%)
20k-40k
2 reports (11%)
40k-60k
11 reports (61%)
60k-80k
0 reports (0%)
80k-100k
0 reports (0%)
100k+
0 reports (0%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.

๐Ÿ› ๏ธ DIY Diagnosis Center

Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).

Primary Risk Areas

WHEELSVISIBILITYTIRESSTEERINGBACK OVER PREVENTIONELECTRICAL SYSTEMEQUIPMENTAIR BAGSFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Official Safety Recalls (14)

Campaign: 21V132000

WHEELS:RIM

Summary

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 sufficiently attaching to the wheel bearing hub.

Consequence

An insufficiently attached wheel may separate from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect all four wheels, and as necessary, replace the wheels, lug bolts ,and wheel bearings, free of charge. The recall began March 4, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 44Q9.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Campaign: 21V812000

WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS

Summary

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.

Consequence

The bolts may loosen and cause a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect the tightness of the wheel bearing bolts and replace the bolts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 2, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 40R7.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Campaign: 21V892000

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

Summary

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 near the air bag control module.

Consequence

A water leak may damage the air bag control module, causing an inadvertent air bag deployment and increasing the risk of injury or a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will repair the drain tube and replace the air bag control module, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 87H4.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Campaign: 20V702000

TIRES:SIDEWALL

Summary

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 been over cured.

Consequence

Over cured tires can result in a sidewall break causing a sudden loss of air pressure or the tread separating from the tire. Both conditions increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect DOT date code and mold number on the vehicle's tires to see if they are affected, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 30, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 44Q5.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Campaign: 20V712000

STEERING

Summary

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.

Consequence

A damaged steering knuckle can fail, causing a loss of steering, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Volkswagen has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the steering knuckle, free of charge. The recall began November 19, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 40Q6. Note: Owners are advised to DO NOT DRIVE the vehicle until the vehicle has been inspected and repaired if necessary.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Campaign: 20V716000

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Summary

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 ignition cycle, leading to a black screen or infotainment system freeze. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence

A black or frozen rear view image reduces the driver's visibility when reversing, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will update the infotainment system software, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91BB/91BC.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Campaign: 21V026000

STEERING

Summary

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.

Consequence

A fractured steering knuckle can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace one or both steering knuckles, free of charge. The recall began February 16, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 40Q7.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Campaign: 21V616000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:RELAYS/SOLENOIDS

Summary

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 the horn or engine starter.

Consequence

A horn or starter that remains activated for an extended period of time can overheat, increasing the risk of fire.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and as necessary, replace the relays, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 97FR.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Campaign: 22V086000

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Summary

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, reflecting the additional weight of the side steps, was not installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Consequence

Without the reduced GVWR label, the vehicle could be overloaded, leading to a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will install the reduced GVWR label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 31, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 09D9.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Campaign: 22V152000

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

Summary

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 electrical connection and delaying the deployment of the driver or passenger front side air bag during a side impact crash.

Consequence

A delayed air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will secure and, as necessary, replace any the front door wiring harnesses showing a fault code, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 20, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 97GF.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Campaign: 22V245000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:INJECTORS

Summary

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.

Consequence

Long fuel injectors with missing filters may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the long fuel injectors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 20, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24iD.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Campaign: 22V514000

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Summary

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 manufacturing process of the eMMC memory module in the infotainment system may cause the rearview camera image not to display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence

A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the infotainment software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DV.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Campaign: 22V815000

TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS

Summary

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, Golf A7, Audi A3, 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport, and 2021 Atlas FL vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system may not detect an air pressure loss in adequate time when deflating occurs among all four tires simultaneously. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."

Consequence

An undetected sudden loss of pressure in all four tires increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the TPMS software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audiย’s customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are (Audi) 45J7, and (VW) 45J6 and 45J8.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Campaign: 24V464000

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER

Summary

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 deactivate the front passenger air bag when the seat is occupied.

Consequence

A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the PODS sensor mat and wiring harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 30, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on October 18, 2024, December 10, 2024, December 20, 2024, and January 17, 2025. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69PZ.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

NHTSA Investigations

4 investigations

Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2021 Atlas Cross Sport.

INV-2021-1000๐ŸŸข Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Atlas Cross Sport performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 16,624
INV-2021-1001๐ŸŸข Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Atlas Cross Sport performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 52,776
INV-2021-1002๐ŸŸข Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Atlas Cross Sport performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 36,445
INV-2021-1003๐ŸŸข Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Atlas Cross Sport performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 36,823

Consumer Complaints

100 total complaints

Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2021 Atlas Cross Sport.

Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis

Warning28%
Accident13%
Stall13%
Check Engine Light9%
Crash/Accident6%
Grind6%
Noise5%
Display5%
Electrical๐Ÿ”ต Low
EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The passenger day time running light quit working randomly. This also is part of the lamp that provides cornering light. Without this, it decreases visibility early morning or evening driving. The issue has been confirmed with a mechanic and is a huge impact for this vehicle model. There were no warning lights or alerts about an issue prior to the failure of the part.

Dec 12, 2025Open
Steering/Suspension๐Ÿ”ต Low
STEERING,SUSPENSION,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

Oct 19, 2025Open
Engine/Powertrainโš ๏ธ High
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

I was driving on the freeway and the car slowed down on me, almost to a stop! This could have been fatal! I am glad I had the time to move the the right lane for emergency. This needs to be reported and don't let other VW owners deal with this issue! it's a BIG safety issue!

Oct 14, 2025Open
Engine/Powertrainโš ๏ธ High
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The throttle and engine. Car is available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The vehicle will lose ability to accelerate when crossing busy intersections or traveling on highways, resulting in the car slowing down significantly and not allowing me to accelerate out of the way of vehicles. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, I have given the dealership purchased from and the VW dealership many attempts to repair the problem, the car will work for 1-2 months before the problem occurs again, and it is back in the shop. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No, only by VW service department. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No, the EPC light comes on nonce I lose throttle is not warning prior to this occurring. Car has been in the shop multiple times since purchase in 2023 for the same issue, the car has been repaired multiple times for the same issue, and it continues to break. While driving the vehicle the EPC light comes on and I lose throttle control, the car will not allow me to accelerate the car will start shaking and I will be unable to accelerate, I will then need to put the car in park and shut the vehicle off and turn it back on to clear the EPC light. I have reported my concerns to the dealership I purchased the car from who has tried to repair in 3 times or more and the issues continue, the car is now currently in VW service department with the same EPC issues occurring again. I truly believe the car is a lemon I need this car to be replaced or recalled before a fatal accident occurs involving myself and my son. I have more service invoices I am waiting to receive from VW.

Aug 25, 2025Under Review
Engine/Powertrain๐Ÿ”ถ Medium
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

The Car has Stalled at Stoplights 3 different times. There was a message on the dashboard that told me to "manually restart the engine". I put the car in park and restarted the engine. Note: I don't use the "Eco Stop Start" mode. I'm not sure what caused this problem but in reviewing some forums it may be an N80 Valve and/or a Carbon Canister. Yes, the vehicle is available for inspection. Obviously, a stalled car could be a safety risk for the driver and others. I will be taking it to a dealer but they seemed to think it may be the battery. I don't think so, because the car started immediately once I pressed the Start Button. No Warning Signs or messages prior to Stall. Message to Manually restart after Stall.

Aug 20, 2025Under Review
Brakes๐Ÿ”ต Low
SERVICE BRAKES

I own a 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport with approximately 34,000 miles, purchased as a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle. The brakes make an extremely loud, metal-on-metal screeching noise when driving slowly, reversing or driving on hills. The sound is harsh and high-pitched, resembling worn-out or defective brake pads or rotors. I brought the issue to a VW dealership, and they confirmed the noise but claimed it is โ€œnormalโ€ and offered no repair. The sound is consistent and worsens on incline. This issue raises serious safety concerns, including potential brake system wear/failure or lack of effective stopping power in certain conditions. After researching, I discovered many other VW Atlas and Cross Sport owners are reporting the same problem across model years 2020โ€“2023. Some have resorted to replacing OEM brake parts with aftermarket components to resolve the issue. I believe this may be a design or materials defect affecting a large number of vehicles. I am requesting NHTSA to investigate this issue for potential safety implications and consider whether a recall or technical service bulletin is necessary.

Aug 7, 2025Under Review
Electrical๐Ÿ”ต Low
EXTERIOR LIGHTING

One of the daytime running lights has gone out with only 45,000 miles on my vehicle. Dealership says they need to replace the entire headlight assembly, instead of the bulb, at a cost of $1,500. No prior warning as to this issue. There are a number of cases with this same problem at low vehicle mileage.

Jul 24, 2025Under Review
Engine/Powertrain๐Ÿ”ถ Medium
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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. Iโ€™m leaving the vehicle parked until my appointment. This vehicle is not safe to drive considering it stalls unexpectedly in stop and go traffic.

Jul 18, 2025Under Review
Electrical๐Ÿ”ต Low
EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The daytime running lights are already out on a vehicle with less than 50k miles. It is a commonly reported problems with these vehicles and an expensive fix.

Jul 13, 2025Under Review
Engine/Powertrain๐Ÿ”ถ Medium
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

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 Iโ€™ll get a โ€œstart/stopโ€ error even when I shut off that feature. The diagnostic code is related to the emissions system. Iโ€™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 isnโ€™t safe to drive due to it stalling and sputtering unexpectedly in traffic.

Jul 12, 2025Under Review

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any recalls for the 2021 VOLKSWAGEN Atlas Cross Sport?

Yes, the 2021 VOLKSWAGEN Atlas Cross Sport has 14 recorded recalls from NHTSA. These recalls cover various components including WHEELS:RIM, WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS, VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM.

Is the 2021 VOLKSWAGEN Atlas Cross Sport safe to drive?

The 2021 VOLKSWAGEN Atlas Cross Sport has 14 recalls. If you own this vehicle, check with your dealer to ensure all recall repairs have been completed. Most recalls have free remedies available.

Where can I check if my 2021 VOLKSWAGEN Atlas Cross Sport has open recalls?

You can check for open recalls by visiting NHTSA.gov and entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), or by contacting your local VOLKSWAGEN dealer.

๐Ÿ“ŠYear-over-Year Context

โžก๏ธStable Pattern

Compared to earlier years, the 2021 model shows stable reliability patterns. No meaningful structural change detected in recall frequency between adjacent model years.

๐ŸŽฏRisk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Wheels

Issue: increases crash or loss-of-control risk

โœ…

If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm wheels recalls are complete. Recall repairs are always free.

๐Ÿ”

If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all wheels recalls are completed before purchase.

Campaigns:21V13200021V812000
2

Tires

Issue: increases crash or loss-of-control risk

โœ…

If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm tires recalls are complete. Recall repairs are always free.

๐Ÿ”

If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all tires recalls are completed before purchase.

Campaigns:20V70200022V815000
3

Steering

Issue: increases crash or loss-of-control risk

โœ…

If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm steering recalls are complete. Recall repairs are always free.

๐Ÿ”

If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all steering recalls are completed before purchase.

Campaigns:20V71200021V026000
๐Ÿ’กVisit NHTSA.gov or contact your VOLKSWAGEN dealer to verify recall completion status.

๐ŸงญWhat This Means for You

Both current owners and prospective buyers benefit from reviewing this safety analysis before making decisions.

If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.

๐Ÿ”‘

If You Own This Vehicle

  • Verify all 14 recalls have been completed using your VIN at NHTSA.gov or through your VOLKSWAGEN dealer.
  • If any recalls are open, schedule service immediatelyโ€”recall repairs are always free.
  • Consider setting up VIN-specific alerts to receive notification of future recalls.
๐Ÿ›’

If You're Buying Used

  • Request full service history and documentation of all recall completions.
  • Consider whether adjacent model years (2020 or 2022) show better safety metrics.
  • Budget for thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on known problem areas.
โš–๏ธ

Compare Alternatives

This page is designed to help you decide, not alarm you.

Compare with Similar Vehicles

Compare vs
2021 Toyota Camry
View Analysisโ†’
Compare vs
2021 Honda CR-V
View Analysisโ†’
Compare vs
2021 Ford F-150
View Analysisโ†’

Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last updated: January 10, 2026.