2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Engine Problems

NHTSA component category: ENGINE · data through 07/12/2026

31Engine complaints

19.9%Of all 156 complaints

#4Most-reported category

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

How engine ranks on this vehicle

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM51 · 32.7%

AIR BAGS36 · 23.1%

SERVICE BRAKES35 · 22.4%

ENGINE31 · 19.9%

Unspecified / other24 · 15.4%

Share of the 156 complaints citing each category; one complaint can cite several. Full breakdown on the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport overview page.

What owners report

“Start/stop error occurred on dashboard and a day later the check engine came on. I took it in to get diagnosed & was told the…”NHTSA complaint 11530564 — filed 07/06/2023

“The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. The electronic power control (ECP) and check engine warning light was illuminated after driving approximately 20…”NHTSA complaint 11523151 — filed 05/22/2023

“The remote start will not work related to fuel system issues, which concerns me and has an affect on the car stoping during driving.”NHTSA complaint 11498340 — filed 12/21/2022

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Engine complaints by year filed

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport have engine problems?

Engine is the #4 most-reported problem area on the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport: 31 of 156 complaints on file (19.9%). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects.

How many complaints does the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport have in total?

156 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Across all categories, 9 involved a crash, 1 involved a fire, 7 reported injuries, and none reported deaths.

What does NHTSA's engine category include?

NHTSA assigns each complaint to standard component categories; this page reports the ENGINE category exactly as NHTSA defines and records it.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.