2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport engine problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Jul 27, 2026TXElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11753164 · source
2. Filed Jul 21, 2026TXEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionOther / Unknown

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11751935 · source
3. Filed Jan 3, 2026FLEngine

   My car only has 58,000 and my car is leaking coolant and I was advised I need to replace the water pump at $15,000. I see there was a settlement already for Volkswagen’s however, my Volkswagen Atlas cross port is not included although it is in the same year as those cars with the settlement it needs to be added so that way the warranty can be extended by 80,000 miles.

   NHTSA complaint #11708500 · source
4. Filed Oct 14, 2025CAElectrical SystemEngine

   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!

   NHTSA complaint #11693442 · source
5. Filed Aug 25, 2025FLElectrical SystemEngineAcceleration & Cruise Control

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11682812 · source
6. Filed Jul 18, 2025ILEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionOther / Unknown

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11674641 · source
7. Filed Jul 12, 2025ILElectrical SystemEngineOther / Unknown

   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 I’ll…

   NHTSA complaint #11673073 · source
8. Filed Mar 29, 2025FLEngineOther / Unknown

   My vehicle turned off/stalled while driving. I had to throw on my hazards, stomp on the very hard break and turn the car on and off again. Very dangerous for me and other drivers. I see a lot of other customers with the same exact problem for the same model of vehicle. Definitely some type of recall that needs to be addressed.

   NHTSA complaint #11651510 · source
9. Filed Dec 4, 202430,000 miILEngine

   The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive coolant consumption. The vehicle was taken to the vehicle, where coolant was added to the vehicle; however, the low coolant warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the cooling system was replaced. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the contact noticed an abnormal coolant odor inside the cabin of the vehicle.…

   NHTSA complaint #11628902 · source
10. Filed Nov 8, 2024ALEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionOther / Unknown

    My 21 VW atlas cross sport now will not remote start. As well, it CONTINUES with the sputter and stall at low speeds. In and out of parking spots, backing in and out of driveway, the most important scenario being complete stall out crossing a median and multiple lanes of oncoming traffic…

    NHTSA complaint #11624133 · source
11. Filed Nov 7, 2024FLElectrical SystemEngine

    I am writing to inquire about the carbon canister in my 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport which was purchased from Schumacher VW 3720 Northlake Blv, Lake Park FL 33403. I understand that Volkswagen has a known issue with the carbon canisters in certain models, and I am seeking clarification on whether my vehicle qualifies for this coverage. My vehicle has experienced recurring issues, including stalling in traffic and when coming to a stop, which raises significant safety…

    NHTSA complaint #11624105 · source
12. Filed Sep 8, 2024NYEngine

    -Engine and yes. -Safety put at risk due to car not on when the street light turn green and I'm not aware that the car had turned off. -No -Message appeared on the dashboard stating Engine will shut off automatically to conserve battery.

    NHTSA complaint #11613290 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology