2023 Volkswagen Atlas Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
GoodComplaint Index
43/100
#5 most-complained of 8 Atlas years
The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas has a Complaint Index of 43, ranking 5th out of 8 model years, with a "Good" verdict. It has 133 complaints, 5 recalls, and 4 crashes reported to NHTSA, led by Electrical System issues.
- Complaints
- 133
- Recalls
- 5
- Crashes / fires
- 4 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 6 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 21
- 19 city / 24 hwy
Top 2023 Volkswagen Atlas problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System44 (33%)
- Engine37 (28%)
- Other24 (18%)
- Airbags22 (17%)
- Fuel System19 (14%)
- Brakes15 (11%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras10 (8%)
- Transmission & Powertrain7 (5%)
- Steering3 (2%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (2%)
What owners report
- Owners report the vehicle losing all power to the engine, dashboard, and steering while driving around 50 mph, then restarting after a delay.
- Some describe the passenger occupant detection system failing to sense a seated adult, disabling the front passenger airbag.
- Owners report the front collision avoidance system engaging with no vehicle or obstacle present, locking the brakes and seat belts unexpectedly.
- Some describe the front assist system failing to activate when another driver cut them off, even after dealer inspection confirmed correct settings.
- Owners report brakes screeching and jerking suddenly when the vehicle is wet, such as after a car wash or rain.
- Some describe the steering wheel locking mid-turn, leading to a loss of control and a crash into a building.
2023 Volkswagen Atlas recalls
5 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 25V434000Jun 30, 2025Suspension, Wheels & Tires546 vehicles
Suspension
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport and 2023-2024 ID.4 vehicles. Certain bolts on the chassis, brake system and/or suspension (such as bolts for certain cross member, engine mount, control arm, subframe, rear brake carrier, etc.) of affected vehicles may not have been correctly tightened during the manufacturing process.
Risk: A loss of vehicle control increases the risk of a crash.
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.
- NHTSA 24V464000Jun 20, 2024Airbags271,330 vehicles
Air bags:sensor:occupant classification:front passenger
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Atlas and 2020-2024 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The passenger occupant detection system (PODS) may experience a fault in the wiring and deactivate the front passenger air bag when the seat is occupied.
Risk: A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the PODS sensor mat and wiring harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 30, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on October 18, 2024, December 10, 2024, December 20, 2024, and January 17, 2025. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69PZ.
- NHTSA 22V753000Oct 7, 2022Engine76,515 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine:hard parts internal/mechanical
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. The engine connecting rod bearings may become damaged, which can result in engine failure.
Risk: A damaged engine can result in engine failure and a stall, increasing the risk of a crash. If the engine failure causes an oil leak, it can increase the risk of a fire.
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. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 13i4 (VW) and 13i5 (Audi).
2023 Volkswagen Atlas fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 19 MPG
- Highway
- 24 MPG
- Combined
- 21 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,100
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2023 compared with other Atlas years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2023 Atlas has a Complaint Index of 43 and ranks 5th out of 8 model years, earning a "Good" verdict relative to other Atlas years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas?
- NHTSA data shows Electrical System complaints make up 33% of reports, followed by Engine issues at 28% and Airbags at 17%.
- Does the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2023 Atlas, covering suspension bolts, the passenger occupant detection system, engine connecting rod bearings, brake lines, and airbag wiring harness corrosion. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2023 Atlas compare to other Atlas years?
- The 2023 Atlas's Complaint Index of 43 is better than the 2021 Atlas (100, "Avoid") and 2024 Atlas (86, "Avoid"), but higher than the 2020 (0) and 2025 (14) model years, both rated "Best".
- Were there any crashes or injuries reported for the 2023 Atlas?
- NHTSA lists 4 crashes and 6 injuries associated with the 2023 Atlas, with no reported fires or deaths.