The Passenger DRL strip light went out. My car has approximately 75,000 miles on it. I bought it used. No warranty for this. I understand this is a common issue with this model.
The worst 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Electrical54
- Airbags37
- Brakes36
- Engine35
- Driver assistance32
- Lights18
- Fuel system17
- Visibility5
- Steering4
- Suspension4
- Acceleration3
- Transmission3
- Seats2
- Locks1
- Tires1
- Wheels1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
Check engine light 23Stalling 15Grinding brakes 13Headlights 10Start-stop 9Airbag light 5
Recalls 14
Air bags: sensor: occupant classification: front passenger
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 24V464000 · Recall details
Tires: pressure monitoring and regulating systems
- What is wrong
- 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."
- Risk
- 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 Audis customer service at 1‑800‑253‑2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are (Audi) 45J7, and (VW) 45J6 and 45J8.
Recall number 22V815000 · Recall details
Equipment: electrical: infotainment: software
- What is wrong
- 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."
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 22V514000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system: injectors
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 22V245000 · Recall details
Air bags: side/window
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 22V152000 · Recall details
Equipment: other: labels
- What is wrong
- 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."
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 22V086000 · Recall details
Air bags: air bag/restraint control module
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 21V892000 · Recall details
Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 21V812000 · Recall details
Electrical system: wiring: relays/solenoids
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 21V616000 · Recall details
Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 21V132000 · Recall details
Steering
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 21V026000 · Recall details
Back over prevention: sensing system: camera
- What is wrong
- 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."
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 20V716000 · Recall details
Steering
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 20V712000 · Recall details
Tires: sidewall
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 20V702000 · Recall details
See all 14 recalls for the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
Technical service bulletins for the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport 578
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Supporting FAQ for VWP-26-07 Main Engine Wiring Harness Limited Warranty Extension (Class Action)
- For applicable 2018-2022 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport 3.6L Settlement Class Vehicles (NA6 warranty key),...
- This supporting FAQ is for the Turbocharger Limited Warranty Extension Class Action Settlement
- For applicable Settlement Class Vehicles, the New Vehicle Limited Warranty will be extended to cover 50%...
- This Supporting FAQ is for the Atlas Front Door Wiring Harness Class Action Settlement for vehicles...
- Volkswagen is extending warranty coverage for the Front Door Wiring Harnesses on certain 2019-2023 Atlas...
- These documents are for the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) Limited Warranty Extension as part of the...
- Prevent Sporatic Misfire Faults.
- Checking engine oil level.
- Reprogramming Control Module process
See all 578 bulletins for the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4‑cyl | FWD | 21 | 24 | 22 |
| 3.6L 6‑cyl | FWD | 18 | 23 | 20 |
What 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The right daytime running lights have failed. It creates a safety hazard for driving. The only remedy is to replace the entire headlight which is costly. This is due to poor manufacturing that lets in water to damage the led.
The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken for an oil change, and it was discovered that the hood latch cable had either disconnected or snapped off. While attempting to open the hood, the interior hood release handle was inoperable, and the hood could not be opened. The dealer was contacted and stated that a cord needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Got an airbag alert light on driver console. Took it to VW dealer in [XXX]. They said the driver side airbag has a short to ground. And it’s not covered under the warranty. And it’s $2000 to fix. There has been a lot of problems with the wire harness from the manufacturer. And I feel like they should repair it. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
My 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport has experienced intermittent electrical failures while driving, including at highway speeds. The infotainment system first began shutting off intermittently around April 2026. At times, I had to pull over, place the vehicle in Park, turn it off, and restart it multiple times before the system would function again. On approximately XXX while traveling from [XXX] toward [XXX], the problem became much more serious. While driving on the highway, both the digital instrument cluster and the infotainment display suddenly went completely black at the same time. Because the instrument cluster was completely black, I could no longer see my speed or other important driving information. I activated the hazard lights while pulling over, but the visual hazard-light indicators were also not visible because the instrument cluster was black. The vehicle continued moving, but because critical information was no longer available, I pulled over safely and restarted the vehicle. I have also experienced intermittent malfunctions involving the driver assistance systems, including Lane Keeping Assist and Travel Assist warnings. On one occasion, the vehicle applied Automatic Emergency Braking unexpectedly even though there was no apparent hazard in front of the vehicle. These issues occur intermittently, making them difficult to reproduce consistently, but they create a significant safety concern because they happen while driving. I contacted Volkswagen Customer CARE and opened Case Number XXX. Volkswagen also confirmed that my vehicle has an open safety recall (69PZ / the federal safety agency Recall 24V464). I am submitting this complaint because of the intermittent electrical failures and driver assistance system malfunctions described above. I am requesting that these safety issues be investigated. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
This has happened to me a total of three times now And I have had the car one month. It stopped on me again in the middle of traffic Just driving without warning without any indicating lights on on June 25th. It stopped on me prior on July 21st and I just got it out of the shop July 24th. This is very dangerous and a dangerous situation especially to be driving one minute and the car just stop on you and go to a slow roll.
When I am driving the vehicle the brakes are always squeaking. When I took it to the dealership they stated that there was nothing wrong with the brakes. When I Google this this seems to be a common issue with the Volkswagen Atlas. But one thing also just the other day when I stopped on the brakes it felt like someone was slamming behind me.
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.
Right side daytime running light went out. Confirmed by dealer and headlamp assembly was replaced.
The daylight LED lights have gone out. There is no replacement aside from replacing the whole headlight. LED’s shouldn’t go out and the cost of the replacement is high.
Compare the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
Other model years
Questions about the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
Is the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport reliable?
Owners have filed 165 complaints about the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, 1.5 times a typical Atlas Cross Sport model year.
What is the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport year score?
The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport scores 51 out of 100 (below average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport?
Electrical system, with 54 complaints, typically around 11,000 miles. Next is airbags (37).
How many recalls does the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport have?
14 recalls, covering air bags, tires and equipment.
Was there a recall on the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport electrical?
Yes, 1 recall: 21V616000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport have the most electrical problems?
The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport model years with the most electrical complaints are 2021 (54 complaints), 2024 (35 complaints) and 2020 (33 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport get?
Official estimates for the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport range from 20 to 22 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 21 city and 24 highway.
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