Volkswagen · VWP-26-07
Atlas 3.6L water pump
80% covered after original warranty
The original bulletin covers a warranty-defect failure of the main-engine water pump or its gasket.
Read coverage & conditionsThe vehicle dossier US · 2020
2020 Volkswagen
ATLAS CROSS SPORTProblems & recalls
106 distinct owner reports in the NHTSA snapshot. Other components appears in 52 of them. Explore what was reported—and which official actions are on file.
From the original manufacturer documents
What did the manufacturer do?
These reviewed documents are associated with this model-year. Check the stated engine, build-date, VIN and coverage conditions before assuming they apply to the car you’re considering.
01 / Owner-reported evidence
What owners reported.
Categories attached to 106 distinct reports. A report can mention more than one component, so category totals can overlap.
Other components52 reports
Electrical system33 reports
Air bags23 reports
Brakes18 reports
Engine9 reports
Steering8 reports
Fuel system5 reports
Suspension4 reports
Transmission & drivetrain3 reports
Body & structure3 reports
Visibility1 reports
See original component labels
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM33
UNKNOWN OR OTHER23
AIR BAGS22
SERVICE BRAKES18
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING13
ENGINE9
STEERING8
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL6
EXTERIOR LIGHTING5
SUSPENSION4
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM4
POWER TRAIN3
STRUCTURE:BODY3
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)2
WHEELS2
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL2
SEAT BELTS1
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:FUELING/CHARGING DOOR/HATCH/PORT1
TIRES:TREAD/BELT1
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER1
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS1
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION1
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING1
Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness1
VISIBILITY1
These are reports made to NHTSA, not verified diagnoses. More reports can reflect more vehicles, more time on the road, or greater reporting activity.
The reporting timeline
When reports arrived.
Reports by year filed, not by the year a problem occurred. Showing the latest 7 years with reports.
9
20
10
21
25
22
8
23
23
24
14
25
17
26
Year filed (last two digits)Latest report: Sep 11, 2026
Mileage, where supplied
8,327 miles is the median among 22 reports with usable mileage. The middle half spans 2,000–16,843 miles.
This describes the submitted reports. It does not predict when a vehicle will fail.
02 / Official safety campaigns
11 recall campaigns on file.
A campaign can cover only certain production dates or configurations. The count does not tell you whether an individual car has an open recall.
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGERCampaign 24V464000
Reported concern
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.
Manufacturer’s stated response
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.
Manufacturer campaign: 69PZ
Read campaign 24V464000 at NHTSAAIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGERCampaign 23V215000
Reported concern
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Atlas and 2020 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.
Manufacturer’s stated response
Dealers will replace the PODS sensor mat and wiring harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 22, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69FB.
Manufacturer campaign: 69FB
Read campaign 23V215000 at NHTSATIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMSCampaign 22V815000
Reported concern
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."
Manufacturer’s stated response
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.
Manufacturer campaign: AU:45J7,VW:45J6,45J8
Read campaign 22V815000 at NHTSAAIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOWCampaign 22V152000
Reported concern
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.
Manufacturer’s stated response
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.
Manufacturer campaign: 97GF
Read campaign 22V152000 at NHTSAEQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELSCampaign 22V086000
Reported concern
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."
Manufacturer’s stated response
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.
Manufacturer campaign: 09D9
Read campaign 22V086000 at NHTSAAIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULECampaign 21V892000
Reported concern
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.
Manufacturer’s stated response
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.
Manufacturer campaign: 87H4
Read campaign 21V892000 at NHTSASTEERINGCampaign 21V026000
Reported concern
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.
Manufacturer’s stated response
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.
Manufacturer campaign: 40Q7
Read campaign 21V026000 at NHTSASTEERINGCampaign 20V712000
A do-not-drive advisory is recorded. Verify applicability immediately with NHTSA or the manufacturer.
Reported concern
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.
Manufacturer’s stated response
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.
Manufacturer campaign: 40Q6
Read campaign 20V712000 at NHTSATIRES:SIDEWALLCampaign 20V702000
Reported concern
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.
Manufacturer’s stated response
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.
Manufacturer campaign: 44Q5
Read campaign 20V702000 at NHTSASEATSCampaign 20V505000
Reported concern
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen ) is recalling certain 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, Jetta, Jetta GLI and Tiguan and Audi Q5 and SQ5 and 2021 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles. Parts of the front seat frame and backrest adjuster may not have been welded properly.
Manufacturer’s stated response
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front seats, and, as necessary, replace the seatback frames, free of charge. The recall began September 11, 2020. Volkswagen owners may contact their customer service at 1-888-241-2289. Audi owners may contact their customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 72L1, 72K8, and 72K9.
Manufacturer campaign: 72L1, 72K8, 72K9
Read campaign 20V505000 at NHTSAEXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTSCampaign 20V504000
Reported concern
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2020 Atlas Cross Sports and 2021 Atlas vehicles. The driver's side headlight may have been aimed too low during production. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Manufacturer’s stated response
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will adjust the driver's side headlight, free of charge. The recall began September 9, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 94N7.
Manufacturer campaign: 94N7
Read campaign 20V504000 at NHTSA03 / The manufacturer’s record
Instructions. Updates. Responses.
490 distinct communications list this model-year. Showing the latest 12. A matching model-year does not establish that every engine, trim or reported symptom is covered.
V4622022067177_5Repair or Replace InformationNHTSA ID 11036878
Repair or Replace Information
Components: SERVICE BRAKES. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11036878 at NHTSAV4015022033347_8Replacement instructionNHTSA ID 11036874
Replacement instruction
Components: POWER TRAIN. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11036874 at NHTSATT 00-13-04_7Permission to change Daily Order upgraded to RED OrderNHTSA ID 11036868
Permission to change Daily Order upgraded to RED Order
Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11036868 at NHTSAV0026012081638_2Differences between a leak and seepageNHTSA ID 11036870
Differences between a leak and seepage
Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11036870 at NHTSAVOS-26-42This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct the issue: DA 0019 - Hotfix 12-V battery test(s) – No …NHTSA ID 11035772
This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct the issue: DA 0019 - Hotfix 12-V battery test(s) – No battery diagnosis - Inconclusive test result.
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11035772 at NHTSAV1718062017813_24Oil Consumption Measurement and Electronic Oil Consumption MeasurementNHTSA ID 11035762
Oil Consumption Measurement and Electronic Oil Consumption Measurement
Components: ENGINE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11035762 at NHTSAVWP-26-07For applicable 2018-2022 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport 3.6L Settlement Class Vehicles (NA6 warranty key), the New Vehicle Limited Warranty will be extended to cover 80% of the replacement of the Water Pump or Water Pump Gasket by…NHTSA ID 11035774
For applicable 2018-2022 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport 3.6L Settlement Class Vehicles (NA6 warranty key), the New Vehicle Limited Warranty will be extended to cover 80% of the replacement of the Water Pump or Water Pump Gasket by an authorized Volkswagen Dealer to 8.5 years or 85,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the vehicle’s original in-service date.
Components: ENGINE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Original document reviewed: 80% covered after original warranty
Read coverage & conditionsVWP-26-07 FAQSupporting FAQ for VWP-26-07 Main Engine Wiring Harness Limited Warranty Extension (Class Action)NHTSA ID 11035773
Supporting FAQ for VWP-26-07 Main Engine Wiring Harness Limited Warranty Extension (Class Action)
Components: ENGINE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11035773 at NHTSATT 13-20-01_3Instruction, how to lubicate engine before initial start.NHTSA ID 11034614
Instruction, how to lubicate engine before initial start.
Components: ENGINE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11034614 at NHTSATT 10-18-02_2Lubricating engine components before reassembly.NHTSA ID 11034613
Lubricating engine components before reassembly.
Components: ENGINE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11034613 at NHTSAV6919012010479_17InquiriesNHTSA ID 11034621
Inquiries
Components: AIR BAGS. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11034621 at NHTSAV1719012012855_81Volkswagen Engine Oil StandardsNHTSA ID 11034617
Volkswagen Engine Oil Standards
Components: ENGINE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11034617 at NHTSARecords below contain the NHTSA bulk summary unless a document-reviewed explainer is linked. A service bulletin is not a safety recall or a promise of a free repair. Records may be revised or superseded; verify the current document with the manufacturer.
04 / Agency investigations
Official inquiries.
An investigation is an inquiry into a potential concern. Its presence does not establish a defect, and a closed case does not certify a car’s condition.
Fuel Injector LeakPE21008
On March 29, 2021, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE21-008 to investigate instances of fuel injectors leaking in the engine compartment in model year (MY) 2018 through 2020 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport SUVs. These vehicles are equipped with either a 3.6 or 2.0 liter engine. The subject investigation concerns vehicles equipped with 3.6L engines. Prior to opening the investigation, ODI also observed that warranty data for the fuel system from TREAD reporting was an outlier for the MY 2018 Atlas.The allegation involved fuel injectors leaking fuel near engine compartment components that operate at high temperatures. Consumers allege a fuel leak, fuel odor, and/or an illuminated check engine malfunction indicator light (MIL) on that alerts them to the condition. Fuel leaking in the engine compartment has a higher potential risk of fire as nearby components are operating at higher temperatures compared to other areas of the vehicle. No fires have been connected to this issue to date.The 3.6L engine is a VR6 type engine. Due to its specific design, the VR6 has two types of injectors with different designs installed. Cylinders 1, 3, and 5 use long injectors and cylinders 2, 4, and 6 use short injectors. Unlike the short injectors, the long injectors require an extension pipe necessary to reach cylinders 1, 3, and 5. Volkswagen stated that the potential root cause for a leaking injector is typically either a damaged, misaligned, or missing supporting ring or a damaged O-ring. These rings assist in connecting the injector to the extension pipe. If one of these conditions is present in a vehicle, the O-ring has difficulty withstanding fuel pressure over time.Volkswagen stated that an analysis of warranty data related to leaking injectors in vehicles equipped with 3.6L engines showed that the vast majority of leaking allegations were related to internal leaks. Fuel can leak into the cylinder causing misfiring in the affected cylinders. This condition would not cause fuel to enter into the engine compartment. Volkswagen states that these internal leaks pose no unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety.Analysis of all relevant data indicates that the subject condition is an early-life failure with a relatively low failure rate. The average failure mileage calculated from all data sources was determined to be approximately 14,000 miles. Only two failures were reported outside of the vehicles' warranty coverage period. The average time to failure for the subject vehicle population is approximately 12 months in service (MIS). The majority of failures were below the average of 14,000 miles or 12 MIS. Analysis of reported failures showed that the failure rate is approximately 0.08% or 0.8 incidents per thousand vehicles (IPTV).To date, there have been no reported fires, crashes, injuries, or fatalities related to this issue. In view of the low rate of failure, the nature of early-life failure, and low potential hazard to drivers, this Preliminary Evaluation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.Review the ODI reports cited above at nhtsa.gov under the following identification numbers:11446833, 11438403, 11382958, 11298402, 11291955, 11218819, 11218780
Recorded closure: Oct 3, 2022
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