The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas, is a decent affordable mid-size SUV. It is best known for its high level of comfort and adds to its likability with practical cargo space. But the SUV is a bit of an underperformer in the performance department and reliability sections. As of this date, it has 2 recalls and 9 complaints to its name, most of which are concerned with its braking system. However, what are the other issues with the SUV and how does it compare with rivals like the Buick Enclave, the Subaru Ascent, and the Dodge Durango? Let’s find out.
2020 Volkswagen Atlas User Complaints and Problems
Mechanical Problems
- Brakes acting up -. The parking, emergency, and or service braking system were the worst and most common problems in the NHTSA complaint section. On par with the electrical harness malfunctioning, the emergency and/or parking brakes prematurely activate, which can cause potential problems for the drivers.
- Steering failure - The mechanical steering failed for one user. The vehicle started to have a burning smell coming from the engine bay. Subsequently, they had to change the mechanical steering system.
Electrical Problems
- Electrical malfunction - The electrical harness malfunction was the most common problem for the buyers of the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas. The door electrical harness was susceptible to corrosion and as a result, the parts that rely on it like the airbags would not work properly. To deal with the issue, Volkswagen introduced a recall, referenced by NHTSA ID 22V152000.
- Emergency brakes act prematurely - The brakes would come on prematurely for the users causing them to stop abruptly whether it was driving or reversing it. It was a cause of concern for the involved parties as if the situation was different it would have been problematic.
Recalls for the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas
|
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional remarks. |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
28th March 2022 |
22V152000 |
Delayed deployments of the front airbag. |
The door wiring electrical harness might corrode and as a result, might cause the malfunctioning of the airbags during a crash. |
Dealerships will inspect and if necessary will change the electrical wiring free of charge. |
|
2 |
16th February 2022 |
22V086000 |
Reduced GVWR rating label missing. |
Some of the models do not comply with the FMVS, by not mentioning the additional weights of the “sidestep” along with the GVWR. |
The dealership will update the GVWR label free of charge. |
Should you buy the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas
Yes there have been only 9 complaints and 2 categories of recalls. But the situation under which they are categorized is dire. Defective actions of the emergency brakes and malfunctioning of the airbags can be a serious potential threat. We would suggest you go with the competition like the 2020 Subaru Ascent or even the 2020 Dodge Durango. If you must, however, be sure that the vehicle has already been inspected for the airbag and parking brakes problem, we would additionally suggest you get a pre-used one, hence there is a reliable history thereof the vehicle working smoothly. Else we again would like you to go for any other vehicle, there are plenty even outside the Ascent and the Durango at the same price range.
