How many electrical complaints does the 2021 VW Atlas Cross Sport have?

NHTSA lists 68 Electrical System complaints for the 2021 model year, which is 41% of the 165 total complaints filed for that year.

Is there a recall for the 2021 Atlas Cross Sport electrical system?

Yes. Recall 21V616000 covers damaged relays in the engine compartment fuse box that could inadvertently activate; dealers inspect and replace relays as needed.

At what mileage do these electrical problems happen?

NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 9,500 miles at the time of the electrical failure.

What do owners commonly report happening?

Owners describe a faulty door wiring harness that triggers the emergency parking brake, windows rolling down on their own, and in one case a fire with total electrical shutdown.

Is the electrical problem worse in 2021 than other model years?

Among the years listed, 2021 has the highest complaint share at 41%, compared to 35% in 2020, 31% in 2022, 22% in 2023, 35% in 2024, and 57% in 2025.

2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Electrical System Problems

NHTSA lists 68 Electrical System complaints for the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, 41% of all 165 complaints filed for the year, with a median failure mileage of 9,500 miles. One recall (21V616000) covers damaged relays in the engine compartment fuse box.

Electrical System complaints: 68; 41% of 165
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 1
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 9,500 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical electrical symptoms owners report

Owners report a faulty driver's door wiring harness that triggers false door-open signals and engages the emergency parking brake while driving or stopping.
Multiple complaints describe both front windows suddenly rolling down on their own, sometimes at highway speed, without driver input.
Some owners report a total electrical shutdown with smoke from the door and complete loss of power while driving in heavy rain, including one fire.
Dash warning lights, chimes, and alarms activate simultaneously along with lost communication to the door control module.
Owners describe touchscreen blackouts after car washes that disable the backup camera, charging ports, and radio for extended periods.

When 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport electrical complaints were filed

First complaint Sep 21, 2021, latest Sep 9, 2026.

68 complaints filed with NHTSA from Sep 2021 to Sep 2026; peak Mar 2022 (18).

Electrical System recalls for the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

NHTSA 21V616000Aug 6, 2021Electrical System33 vehicles
Electrical system:wiring:relays/solenoids
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. Damaged relays may have been installed in the engine compartment fuse box, which could inadvertently activate the horn or engine starter.
Risk: A horn or starter that remains activated for an extended period of time can overheat, increasing the risk of fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and as necessary, replace the relays, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 97FR.

Electrical System complaints by Atlas Cross Sport model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

202037 (35%)
202168 (41%)
202222 (31%)
20234 (22%)
202434 (35%)
202513 (57%)

Frequently asked questions

How many electrical complaints does the 2021 VW Atlas Cross Sport have?: NHTSA lists 68 Electrical System complaints for the 2021 model year, which is 41% of the 165 total complaints filed for that year.
Is there a recall for the 2021 Atlas Cross Sport electrical system?: Yes. Recall 21V616000 covers damaged relays in the engine compartment fuse box that could inadvertently activate; dealers inspect and replace relays as needed.
At what mileage do these electrical problems happen?: NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 9,500 miles at the time of the electrical failure.
What do owners commonly report happening?: Owners describe a faulty door wiring harness that triggers the emergency parking brake, windows rolling down on their own, and in one case a fire with total electrical shutdown.
Is the electrical problem worse in 2021 than other model years?: Among the years listed, 2021 has the highest complaint share at 41%, compared to 35% in 2020, 31% in 2022, 22% in 2023, 35% in 2024, and 57% in 2025.