This page covers 4 recalls, 13 owner complaints and NHTSA crash-test ratings for the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Complaints for the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport are relatively few at this early stage, but the powertrain draws the most attention. Owners report the transmission behaving unexpectedly, including the vehicle shifting itself into park without driver input while moving in traffic, the transmission refusing to engage drive or reverse, and scan tools failing to read transmission data at all. A separate cluster of reports describes multiple warning lights and fault codes appearing together, sometimes leaving the vehicle stranded and unable to move even though the engine stays running. One owner reported more than twenty fault codes flagged by a diagnostic scan shortly after purchase. A single complaint describes engine trembling at idle along with ticking and hissing noises and the vehicle pulling while driving. The recurring thread across powertrain complaints is the transmission becoming unresponsive or engaging park unexpectedly, requiring a tow in at least two reported cases.
13
Total Complaints
By System
The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport has 4 recalls, with the most serious involving a transmission that can suddenly lose drive power and chassis bolts that may not have been tightened correctly, either of which can cause a loss of vehicle control.
The loose or undertightened bolts span multiple systems including suspension, brake, and subframe components, meaning the car may not handle or stop as expected. On the engine side, an improperly installed engine cover can work loose, contact hot engine surfaces, and melt, raising the risk of an engine compartment fire. There is also a software issue that can distort the rearview camera image while reversing, reducing what the driver can see behind the vehicle.
At a glance
What can fail
Certain bolts securing the chassis, brakes, and suspension parts—including cross members, engine mounts, control arms, subframes, and rear brake carriers—may not have been properly tightened during manufacturing.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace any loose or improperly tightened bolts at no cost to you.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error in the camera control unit may cause the rearview camera image to become distorted or unclear when the vehicle is in reverse.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the camera control unit software at no cost to restore clear rearview visibility.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine cover may be improperly installed after service, causing it to loosen and contact hot engine parts.
What the fix does
Dealers will remove and reinstall the engine cover properly at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The transmission may have been made incorrectly, which could cause loss of drive power.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the transmission at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
