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

Engine complaints top the NHTSA list, followed by the electrical system. See the problems section for the full list of groups.

Does the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas have recalls?

Yes, this model year has recalls on file. They are listed in the Recalls section of this page.

How many owner complaints does the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas have?

NHTSA has 157 owner complaints on file. They are unverified owner reports.

What is the gas mileage of the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas?

See the fuel economy section of this page, which is built from EPA data.

Is the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas reliable?

Complaints are spread across several groups, led by the engine and electrical system. Read the problems and recalls sections together to decide.

2023 Volkswagen Atlas Problems, Recalls and MPG

NHTSA has 157 owner complaints on file for the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas^[1]. The engine group is the biggest, with 44 complaints^[2].

157owner complaints^[1]

6recalls^[3]

20–23MPG combined (EPA)^[4]

5★NHTSA overall rating^[5]

Problems
Recalls
Fuel economy
Safety
Engine and size
By year
Verdict
FAQ

Most reported problems

Here are the complaint groups in the NHTSA file, biggest first.

Engine. 44 complaints^[2]. In the stories we read, owners describe the vehicle shutting off while driving or while stopped in traffic, then needing a restart.
Electrical System. 37 complaints^[6]. Owners describe power loss while driving, dashboards going dark, windows and the tailgate moving on their own, and touchscreen glitches. One owner describes a phone getting very hot on the wireless charging pad.
Unknown Or Other. 28 complaints^[7]. These reports do not point to one named part.
Air Bags. 27 complaints^[8]. Owners describe the air bag warning light switching on and off, and a passenger seat sensor that did not notice someone sitting there. Others write about waiting on a recall repair part.
Fuel/Propulsion System. 20 complaints^[9]. Owners describe sudden loss of power and stalling, and one report points to fuel pump parts.
Brakes. 18 complaints^[10].
Exterior Lighting. 17 complaints^[11].
Forward Collision Avoidance. 10 complaints^[12].

Recalls

Newest first. Each recall covers only certain vehicles, so not every 2023 Atlas is necessarily included.

Service Brakes (25V434), June 2025. About 546 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[13]
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger (24V464), June 2024. About 271,330 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury, an air bag that may not work as intended. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[14]
Suspension › Critical Fasteners (22V807), October 2022. About 33 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[15]
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Hard Parts Internal/Mechanical (22V753), October 2022. About 76,515 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: fire, a crash, stalling. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[16]
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings (22V718), September 2022. About 555 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, reduced braking. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[17]
Air Bags › Side/Window (22V152), March 2022. About 222,892 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: injury, an air bag that may not work as intended. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[18]

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on the engine and drive. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.

Version	City / highway / combined MPG	Annual fuel cost
Atlas, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[4]	21 / 25 / 23	$2,900
Atlas Cross Sport, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[19]	21 / 25 / 23	$2,900
Atlas, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic (S8), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[20]	18 / 24 / 20	$3,350
Atlas Cross Sport, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic (S8), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[21]	18 / 24 / 20	$3,350
Atlas 4motion, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Regular, All-Wheel Drive^[22]	20 / 24 / 22	$3,050
Atlas 4motion, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic (S8), Regular, All-Wheel Drive^[23]	18 / 23 / 20	$3,350
Atlas Cross Sport 4motion, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic (S8), Regular, All-Wheel Drive^[24]	18 / 24 / 20	$3,350
Atlas Cross Sport 4motion, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Regular, All-Wheel Drive^[25]	20 / 24 / 22	$3,050

Safety ratings

Version	Overall	Frontal	Side	Rollover	Rollover risk
SUV AWD^[5]	5	4	5	4	15.9%
SUV FWD^[26]	5	4	5	4	13.6%
SUV AWD^[27]	5	4	5	4	15.1%
SUV FWD^[28]	5	4	5	4	16.9%

Engine and size

Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles.

Engine	Horsepower
2023 Volkswagen Atlas with 2.0L 4-cylinder^[29]	235 hp
2023 Volkswagen Atlas with 3.6L 6-cylinder^[30]	276 hp

These are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada, so US models can differ slightly.

Version	Length	Width	Height	Wheelbase	Curb weight
ATLAS 4DR SUV 4MOTION 2.0L^[31]	201 in	78 in	69 in	117 in	4,442 lb
ATLAS 4DR SUV 4MOTION 3.6L^[32]	201 in	78 in	69 in	117 in	4,594 lb
ATLAS SPORT CROSS 4DR SUV 4MOTION 2.0L^[33]	196 in	78 in	68 in	117 in	4,442 lb
ATLAS SPORT CROSS 4DR SUV 4MOTION 3.6L^[34]	196 in	78 in	68 in	117 in	4,594 lb

How 2023 compares with other years

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Atlas model year. The 2023 is highlighted^[3].

Show the numbers

Model year	Complaints	Recalls
2018	466	17
2019	482	12
2020	134	11
2021	645	17
2022	258	7
2023	157	6
2024	275	8
2025	73	5
2026	11	2

NHTSA's counts for the Atlas show 157 complaints and 6 recalls for 2023^[3]. Among the 10 model years listed, 4 have fewer complaints than 2023 and 5 have more^[3]. The fewest complaints are for 2027 (0) and the most are for 2021 (645)^[3]. These counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide. The chart above shows every year.

Should you buy a used 2023 Atlas?

The complaint file is mixed. Engine and electrical reports lead the list^[2]^[6]. Owners also describe stalling and power loss, which they call a safety worry^[9]. The reports are unverified and not adjusted for sales, so they show what owners chose to write about, not how often a fault happens^[1]. Recalls exist for this year and are listed in the Recalls section, so check them before you buy^[3].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas?: Engine complaints top the NHTSA list, followed by the electrical system^[2]^[6]. See the problems section for the full list of groups^[1].
Does the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas have recalls?: Yes, this model year has recalls on file^[3]. They are listed in the Recalls section of this page.
How many owner complaints does the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas have?: NHTSA has 157 owner complaints on file^[1]. They are unverified owner reports.
What is the gas mileage of the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas?: See the fuel economy section of this page, which is built from EPA data.
Is the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas reliable?: Complaints are spread across several groups, led by the engine and electrical system^[2]^[6]. Read the problems and recalls sections together to decide.

Keep exploring

Other model years of the Volkswagen Atlas

2018 466 complaints, 17 recalls
2019 482 complaints, 12 recalls
2021 645 complaints, 17 recalls
2022 258 complaints, 7 recalls
2023 this page
2024 275 complaints, 8 recalls
2025 73 complaints, 5 recalls
2026 11 complaints, 2 recalls

Compare all model years of the Volkswagen Atlas

Other Volkswagen models from 2023

2023 Volkswagen Tiguan 70 complaints, 1 recall

All Volkswagen models

Similar cars from 2023: small suvs

2023 Nissan Rogue 744 complaints, 6 recalls
2023 Tesla Model Y 1,185 complaints, 17 recalls
2023 Volvo XC60 55 complaints, 6 recalls
2023 Ford Bronco Sport 160 complaints, 14 recalls
2023 Ford Bronco 230 complaints, 18 recalls
2023 Honda Passport 40 complaints, 5 recalls

All small suvs we cover

Facts and sources

NHTSA has 157 owner complaints on file for the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas (5 mention a crash, 0 a fire, 6 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
44 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
Owner complaints and recalls for every Volkswagen Atlas model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for Atlas, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 25 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 15.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
37 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
28 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
27 complaints name the air bags component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
20 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
18 complaints name the brakes component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
17 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
10 complaints name the forward collision avoidance component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
Recall 25V434, filed June 30, 2025: Service Brakes. NHTSA recall database
Recall 24V464, filed June 20, 2024: Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger. NHTSA recall database
Recall 22V807, filed October 26, 2022: Suspension › Critical Fasteners. NHTSA recall database
Recall 22V753, filed October 7, 2022: Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Hard Parts Internal / Mechanical. NHTSA recall database
Recall 22V718, filed September 26, 2022: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines / Piping, And Fittings. NHTSA recall database
Recall 22V152, filed March 28, 2022: Air Bags › Side / Window. NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for Atlas Cross Sport, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 25 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Atlas, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic (S8), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 24 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Atlas Cross Sport, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic (S8), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 24 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Atlas 4motion, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 24 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Atlas 4motion, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic (S8), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 23 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Atlas Cross Sport 4motion, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic (S8), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 24 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Atlas Cross Sport 4motion, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 24 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 13.6%. NHTSA vehicle records
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 15.1%. NHTSA vehicle records
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 16.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
EPA Test Car List, 2023 Volkswagen Atlas with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 235 hp. www.epa.gov
EPA Test Car List, 2023 Volkswagen Atlas with 3.6L 6-cylinder: rated 276 hp. www.epa.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ATLAS 4DR SUV 4MOTION 2.0L: length 201 in, width 78 in, height 69 in, wheelbase 117 in, curb weight 4,442 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ATLAS 4DR SUV 4MOTION 3.6L: length 201 in, width 78 in, height 69 in, wheelbase 117 in, curb weight 4,594 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ATLAS SPORT CROSS 4DR SUV 4MOTION 2.0L: length 196 in, width 78 in, height 68 in, wheelbase 117 in, curb weight 4,442 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ATLAS SPORT CROSS 4DR SUV 4MOTION 3.6L: length 196 in, width 78 in, height 68 in, wheelbase 117 in, curb weight 4,594 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

2023 Volkswagen Atlas: problems, recalls and fuel economy