2023 Volkswagen Atlas

▲ Better than typical
2023 Volkswagen Atlas
RENDERED 2026-08-02T10:16:57.210Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Volkswagen Atlas Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2023 highlighted. 2018: 453 complaints 2018 2019: 462 complaints 2020: 26 complaints 2020 2021: 442 complaints 2022: 169 complaints 2022 2023: 115 complaints 2023 2024: 157 complaints 2024 2025: 36 complaints 2026: 4 complaints 2026
2023: 115 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
2018453
2019462
202026
2021442
2022169
2023115
2024157
202536
20264

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ENGINE 28%

28% of complaints: engine — 32 distinct reports on file.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 21%

21% of complaints: electrical system — 24 distinct reports on file.

AIR BAGS 19%

19% of complaints: air bags — 22 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

The contact owned a 2023 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated temporarily.

NHTSA ODI report, 20240827

SERVICE BRAKES 12%

12% of complaints: service brakes — 14 distinct reports on file.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 9%

9% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 10 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20220622 — air bags

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Atlas, 2020-2023 Atlas Cross Sport, and 2021-2023 Atlas FL vehicles.

Remedy: Dealers will secure and, as necessary, replace any the front door wiring harnesses showing a fault code, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 20, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.

Campaign 22V152000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20221108 — engine and engine cooling

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Audi Q5 Sportback, Q5, 2022-2023 Volkswagen Atlas FL, and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace an affected engine, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 6, 2022.

Campaign 22V753000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20221122 — service brakes, hydraulic

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2023 model year Atlas FL and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. Certain brake lines may leak at the threaded connections.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the affected brake lines, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on November 23, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298.

Campaign 22V718000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20230928 — PE (closed 20241218)

Inadvertent Automatic Emergency Braking

R 20240930 — air bags

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Atlas and 2020-2024 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the PODS sensor mat and wiring harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 30, 2024.

Campaign 24V464000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20250725 — service brakes, suspension

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport and 2023-2024 ID.4 vehicles.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 25, 2025. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 42HX.

Campaign 25V434000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2023 Volkswagen Atlas — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine issues (32 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (24 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (22 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 22V152000 (air bags) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 22V753000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 22V718000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 24V464000 (air bags) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 25V434000 (service brakes, suspension) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2025 ▲ 2024 ▲ 2022

WORST YEARS

■ 2019 ■ 2018 ■ 2021

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas?

The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 28% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas have?

5 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.