2023 Volkswagen Atlas: common problems and reliability
An average Atlas year.
151 owner complaints, most about engine. 6 recalls.
Should I buy a 2023 Atlas?The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas has 151 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 6 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and electrical system.
Safety record for the 2023 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2023 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Atlas years only. How we score it
Is 2023 a good year for the Atlas?
Across the 9 Atlas model years we track, complaint volume runs from 133 (2020) to 637 (2021). With 151 complaints, the 2023 Atlas sits below the model's median of 254.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2023 Atlas
air bags:side/window
Campaign 22V152000Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Atlas, 2020-2023 Atlas Cross Sport, and 2021-2023 Atlas FL vehicles. The door wiring harness electrical contacts may corrode, disrupting the electrical connection and delaying the deployment of the driver or passenger front side air bag during a side impact crash.
service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Campaign 22V718000Volkswagen 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.
engine and engine cooling:engine:hard parts internal/mechanical
Campaign 22V753000Volkswagen 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.
air bags:sensor:occupant classification:front passenger
Campaign 24V464000Volkswagen 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.
Show 2 more recalls
service brakes
Campaign 25V434000Volkswagen 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.
suspension:critical fasteners
Campaign 22V807000Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 Volkswagen Atlas FL and 2022-2023 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The driver-side rear trailing arm bolts may not have been tightened properly, allowing them to loosen and fall out.
What owners say across generations
Mixed to negative sentiment overall, with a sharp divide between satisfied and dissatisfied owners.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Atlas. See the full Atlas owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Atlas listings typically run $20,420–$31,521.
Other Atlas model years
Compare every Atlas year side by side to see how 2023 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Atlas against its rivals
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