If you have just purchased a 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, you might want to get yourself acquainted with the different problems with this vehicle, highlighted by several owners like yourself. This would help you brace yourself, know if your vehicle has been recalled or even to fight for your rights, if you are experiencing any of these problems.
This article will guide you on the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Problems, the recalls affecting the vehicle, the complaints of owners like yourself and how to fight for your rights under the California Lemon Law.
Common 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Problems
Owners have complained of issues affecting their vehicle’s electrical systems, brakes and transmission.
Electrical Problems
If you are experiencing frequent electrical problems, you need to pay attention. Some of these issues have warranted some owners filing a class action lawsuit against Volkswagen.
Some electrical problems highlighted by owners include:
- Issues with the VW Auto Start/Stop feature
- Dead or dying battery
- Faulty electrical connection
- Issues with Airbag
- Windows open and close without warning
The Volkswagen has an Auto start/stop feature which is intended to help the driver save fuel by turning off the engine when the driver parks the car and turning the engine back on when the driver steps on the gas pedal. But, it has been suspected to be the cause of battery drainage in the vehicle.
Some owners have complained that their vehicle’s battery drains unusually fast, sometimes, under two months of use. Also, some owners added that, when the battery drains out too frequently, it can cause transmission issues.
These electrical problems have led to a class action lawsuit against Volkswagen. The lawsuit highlights that the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross sports, among other models, had defective door wiring harnesses that kept the airbag from ejecting and made the windows open and close by themselves.
These problems are safety hazards because they put the driver at risk of more serious injuries in the case of an accident, and a window that opens by itself could expose the car to burglars, or even expose the car when it rains.
If your vehicle has any of the above listed issues and you have tried to fix them severally, your vehicle might be a lemon.
Brake Issues
If your vehicle makes different kinds of sounds when you are driving it, whether grinding or squealing noises, it can be a sign that your brake has more serious issues.
The following are the brake issues several owners have complained about:
- Grinding noises
- Gurgling noises
- Squealing noises
- Front Assist Warning Light coming on for no reason
- Random, unexpected braking
- Braking light illuminated on dashboard
The Volkswagen has an automatic emergency braking system, which is a safety mechanism in the vehicle. It has a function called “Front Assist”, which means it can assist the driver in spotting obstacles on the road while driving, and then allows the emergency system to apply the brakes in order to stop a possible accident. But what happens when your vehicle begins to apply emergency brakes even when there are no obstacles in front?
Many owners have complained about this issue, highlighting that their vehicle’s emergency braking system suddenly goes off without any reason – without a visible obstacle in sight. This sudden pause while driving often scares the drivers, especially because it’s unexpected. This issue points to a fault in the vehicle’s radar system
Also, owners have complained of their vehicle’s dashboard frequently illuminating the braking lights, indicating that it might have brake problems. If you are experiencing any of these issues persistently, it might be a sign that your vehicle is a lemon.
Transmission Problems
Owners have complained of different transmission related problems that they have tried to fix, but to no avail.
Issues such as: severe acceleration lag, engine revving at high RPM’s, harsh grinding gear shifts, “start/stop errors”, vehicle bucking at lower gears, faulty transmission valve and solenoids and rough gear shifts have been highlighted by many owners.
Other owners have complained of a design flaw in the torque converter. Sometimes, when downshifting, it makes a screeching sound that can be quite uncomfortable for the driver.
Unfortunately, there hasn’t been a recall due to this transmission issue, but a class action lawsuit was filed in 2021 concerning this issue in some other models. The complaint highlighted issues with the 8-speed transmission in the vehicle.
According to them, the transmissions in the 2020 VW Jetta and 2018-2020 VW Tiguan suffer “hard and sudden shifts, delayed acceleration, hesitation, banging into gear, eventually suffering broken seals and oil leaks, resulting in catastrophic failure”.
If you own any of the above models and you have been having transmission problems, you might want to file a lemon law claim.
2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Problems and Recalls
A recall was made by Volkswagen in March 2022, and this recall affected 246,000 VW Atlas SUVs. This recall was because of the defective wire harness which caused the vehicle’s windows to slide up and down and the airbag to delay deployment. According to them, electrical contacts in either of the affected cars’ front doors can corrode, interfering with the vehicle’s electrical system.
They also highlighted some symptoms you can use to confirm if your vehicle has a defective wiring harness. They are:
- An airbag warning light that never goes out
- Power windows that can unexpectedly open and close
- The parking brake could engage suddenly at low speeds of 3 km/h or less
- Warnings about a faulty door sensor
Another recall was made in November, 2020 and January, 2021 due to issues with the vehicle’s front steering knuckle which may fracture in the area of the strut mounting. This issue could lead to a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Contact your dealer if you have this issue. They are notified to inspect and repair it free of charge. Please, do not drive until this issue has been rectified.
For more information on the recalls affecting this vehicle, kindly consult the NHTSA website.
2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Problems and Consumer Complaints
A consumer complained on NHTSA that
“Upon starting the vehicle, an electrical fault for the drivers side door comes on. Often, this is followed by the drivers side door windows rolling down a few inches automatically. What follows next is a cascade of electrical faults, including but not limited to the emergency brake. When trying to drive in this condition, the brake automatically comes on just before the car comes to a complete stop. When there isn’t the initial electrical fault, the car operates normally. This seems to be a problem associated with the driver’s side door wiring harness. The car has been in the shop with the parts on backorder for over a month. This seems to be a known and common issue and it should probably rise to the level of recall.”
Another complaint on NHTSA said:
“2020 Atlas Cross Sport SE 4 MOTION. At 15,000, vehicle exhibited unusual and dangerous transmission behavior that compromises the safety and longevity of the vehicle. The vehicle demonstrated severe acceleration lag from stop, revving at high RPM’s before moving, harsh grinding gear shifts, “start/stop errors”, and bucking at lower gears. Car was taken to service center for the first time and diagnosed with a transmission leak due to a faulty gasket, which was repaired. However, problems persisted and worsened. Shortly thereafter, car was taken a second time to service center and diagnosed with a faulty transmission valve and solenoids. Vehicle was returned, but continues to have rough gear shifts and hesitation under heavy acceleration. Car is in the service center for a third time, as of now, without fix.”
A complaint on Edmunds highlights that:
“Bought my 2020 VW Atlas Cross Sport in July 2020. Looks great, drives great and interior design is very roomy. The performance of the car is terrible. Stabilizer bars were replaced shortly after buying the car. Since the fall of 2021 I have had the car in the shop multiple times because the “Check Engine” light keeps going on. It is now in the shop for an indefinite period awaiting parts to “fix” this problem. As I was taking the car in for this repair the “Check Air Bag” light went on. I am told the electrical harness needs to be replaced and there is an indefinite wait before that part will be available. I have no idea how long it will be before the car is returned. I have no confidence in its future performance when I get it back. I plan on replacing it with something other than a VW when I get it back.”
Get Help With Lemon Law
If you have been having frequent 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport problems, it could be a sign that your vehicle is a lemon.
Lemon law is designed to protect consumers like you who have purchased a defective vehicle. Here in California, the California lemon law offers protection for individuals who have purchased lemons.
If you are still skeptical about whether your vehicle is a lemon or not, one of the ways to be sure is to check how many times you have tried to repair a particular fault in your vehicle. In California, if you have tried to repair a fault 3 to 4 times to no avail, it is a sign that your vehicle is a lemon.
Now, if you are still not sure, you can consult a lemon law attorney to guide you on the processes involved.
When you become certain that you are qualified to pursue a lemon law claim, here are a few things you should know. If you win your claim, you might be entitled to any of the following:
- A refund
- A replacement vehicle
- A compensation, including lawyer’s fees
- Settlement
Hire an Expert at Lemon Law Assist!
Did you know that the kind of lawyer you work with can affect your chances of winning your lemon law claim?
This is why Lemon Law Assist is the best option for you. With our team of qualified, professional, experienced and expert attorneys who have successfully won several lemon law cases, you stand a better chance of getting the compensation you deserve for your stress! Contact us today!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a lemon law claim for my 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport?
The statute of limitations for filing a lemon law claim in California is typically 4 years from the date of the vehicle’s warranty expiration or 18 months from the date you discovered the defect, whichever occurs first. However, it’s best to consult with an attorney specializing in lemon law to understand the specific time limits and requirements for your case.
How do I know if my 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport’s problems are covered under warranty?
Check your vehicle’s warranty documentation to see if the problems you’re experiencing are covered. You can also contact Volkswagen’s customer service department or consult with a dealership to determine if the issues are covered under warranty.
Can I get a refund or replacement if my 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is a lemon?
Under the California Lemon Law, if your vehicle meets certain criteria, you may be entitled to a refund or replacement. Consult with an attorney specializing in lemon law to determine if you qualify and to understand your options.
How do I document issues with my 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport?
To document issues with your vehicle, keep a detailed record of all problems, repairs, and communication with the dealership or manufacturer. Include dates, descriptions of the issues, and any supporting documentation, such as repair orders or invoices.
What should I do if the dealership is unable to fix the problems with my 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport?
If the dealership is unable to fix the problems, consider contacting Volkswagen’s customer service department or consulting with an attorney specializing in consumer protection or lemon law. They can help you understand your options and potentially assist in resolving the issue.
Citations
- Autonomous Emergency Braking Front Assist. (2025). Volkswagen Newsroom. https://www.volkswagen-newsroom.com/en/autonomous-emergency-braking-front-assist-15394
- NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION. (2023). NHTSA. NHTSA. https://www.nhtsa.gov/
- Edmunds. (2025). New Cars, Used Cars, Car Reviews and Pricing. Edmunds. https://www.edmunds.com/
