2023 Volkswagen Atlas
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.
- Complaints
- 141
- Recalls
- 5
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Engine
Campaigns on file for 2023
Opened by NHTSA
26% of complaints
Complaints per year
2023: 141 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 465 |
| 2019 | 482 |
| 2020 | 27 |
| 2021 | 482 |
| 2022 | 184 |
| 2023 | 141 |
| 2024 | 176 |
| 2025 | 51 |
| 2026 | 12 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine
26% · 37 reportsShow complaint excerpts
4 times now when the vehicle, 2 times while the vehicle is moving forward and 2 times while the vehicle was moving in reverse the engine has completely shut off and the car stopped moving.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-20
Electrical system
26% · 36 reportsMost commonly citing starter assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2023 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while reversing, the vehicle suddenly shut off and was restarted.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-21
Air bags
16% · 22 reportsShow complaint excerpts
The contact owned a 2023 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated temporarily.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-08-27
Fuel/propulsion system
13% · 18 reportsShow complaint excerpts
While driving, the vehicle stalls and shuts off completely without warning, creating an immediate safety hazard. This engine stalling occurs randomly at various speeds, including while actively operating the vehicle in traffic.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-30
Service brakes
11% · 15 reportsSafety timeline
5 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2022-06-22Air bags22V152000 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.
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2022-11-08Engine and engine cooling22V753000 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.
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2022-11-22Service brakes, hydraulic22V718000 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.
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I
2023-09-28Preliminary evaluationClosed 2024-12-18 Inadvertent Automatic Emergency Braking
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2024-09-30Air bags24V464000 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.
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R
2025-07-25Service brakes, suspension25V434000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2023 Volkswagen Atlas — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 37 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 36 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 22 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 22V152000 · Air bags
- Recall 22V753000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 22V718000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 24V464000 · Air bags
- Recall 25V434000 · Service brakes, suspension
Other years of this model
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 26% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas have?
- 5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.