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Volkswagen Atlas Steering Knuckle May Fail

NHTSA campaign 20V712000 · Reported Nov 17, 2020 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

critical How serious is it? About this label

Volkswagen is telling owners not to drive the vehicle until it has been inspected and repaired. Losing steering control increases the risk of a crash.

⚠ NHTSA advises not driving this vehicle until it is repaired. See all such recalls.

Key facts

NHTSA campaign number	20V712000
Reported to NHTSA	Nov 17, 2020
Manufacturer	Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Part affected	Steering
Vehicles covered	3 model/year combinations, model years 2020–2021
Do-not-drive advisory	Yes
Park-outside advisory	No
Repair	Free at any franchised dealer

What's wrong, in plain English

One or both steering knuckles may have been damaged when the vehicle was built. A damaged steering knuckle can fail, which would cause you to lose the ability to steer the vehicle.

What you should do

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2. Do not drive the vehicle; contact a Volkswagen dealer (1-800-893-5298) to arrange the inspection and repair. 3. The repair is free.

Where do I find my VIN, and what do I tell the dealer?

Your VIN is the 17-character code on the lower left of the windshield, on your registration and usually on your insurance card. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether this recall is still open on your car. When you call the dealer, say you have an open safety recall and give them NHTSA campaign number 20V712000. More in how recalls work.

Affected vehicles (3)

2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
2021 Volkswagen Atlas
2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

Who to contact

Volkswagen — official Volkswagen recall lookup

Customer service: 1-800-893-5298

Any franchised dealer for the brand can do the repair. Phone numbers are taken from manufacturer sites and recent NHTSA notices; if one has changed, the number in your own recall letter is the one to use.

The bigger picture

Volkswagen Steering Recalls Involving Knuckles, Mounting Bolts and Control · all 6 Volkswagen recalls in this area

Other Volkswagen Atlas recalls

Sep 11, 2026Volkswagen Atlas And Tiguan Steering Bolt May Breakhigh
Jul 22, 2026VW Atlas rearview camera image may not displaymedium
Dec 4, 2025Volkswagen Atlas May Have Incorrect Wheel Bolts Installedcritical
Jun 30, 2025VW Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport, ID.4 Loose Boltshigh
May 21, 2025Volkswagen Atlas Rearview Camera Image Distortionmedium
Feb 17, 2025Volkswagen Atlas Engine Cover May Cause Firecritical

All 48 Atlas recalls

Official notice

Component: STEERING
Summary: 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.
Safety risk: A damaged steering knuckle can fail, causing a loss of steering, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.

Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.