2020 Volkswagen Constellation

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Constellation, a mid-size SUV, offers a blend of practicality and comfort. Engine options include a 2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 producing 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque and a 3.6L V6 generating 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Owners often appreciate the Atlas Constellation’s spacious third-row seating and smooth ride. However, some have expressed concerns about fuel economy and the responsiveness of the infotainment system.

Engine

2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, whistling noise from the engine, check engine light illuminated.
  • Solution: Replacement of the turbocharger.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.6L V6

• Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise from the engine, especially on startup. Check engine light.
  • Solution: Replacement of the timing chain, tensioners, and guides.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,800 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic (Both Engines)

• Rough Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Noticeable delay or hard shift between gears, particularly when shifting from 1st to 2nd or 2nd to 3rd.
  • Solution: Software update or replacement of the valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 (software update) - $2,000+ (valve body replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Premature Wear of Strut Mounts
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise from the front suspension when going over bumps, especially at low speeds.
  • Solution: Replacement of the strut mounts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment screen freezes, becomes unresponsive, or restarts intermittently.
  • Solution: Software update. If that doesn’t work, head unit replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) - $1,200+ (head unit replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Faulty Rearview Camera
  • Description/Symptoms: Rearview camera displays a black screen or distorted image.
  • Solution: Replacement of the rearview camera.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Water Leakage Through Sunroof Drains
  • Description/Symptoms: Water leaking into the cabin, particularly around the headliner, after heavy rain.
  • Solution: Cleaning and unclogging of the sunroof drain tubes.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Malfunctioning Power Liftgate
  • Description/Symptoms: The power liftgate fails to open or close properly, or makes unusual noises during operation.
  • Solution: Replacement of the liftgate motor or struts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Constellation presents a mixed bag of potential issues. While some problems like infotainment glitches and strut mount wear are relatively minor, others such as turbocharger failure, timing chain issues, and transmission problems can lead to significant repair costs. The severity of these issues ranges from inconvenient to potentially impacting vehicle reliability. Prospective buyers should be aware of these common complaints and consider them when evaluating the overall cost of ownership.