This page covers 5 recalls, 108 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas.
20–23 mpg combined
10.2–11.8 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The most common pattern across 2023 Atlas complaints centers on airbag warning lights and lighting failures. Owners frequently report the airbag warning light illuminating unexpectedly while driving, often without any other symptoms, and many say dealers had difficulty diagnosing or resolving the issue. Lighting problems are also well-represented: multiple owners describe headlights or daytime running lights going out without any dashboard warning, sometimes requiring full headlight assembly replacement. On the engine side, owners report unexpected stalls or shutoffs, typically at low speeds or while stopped at lights or intersections, with some noting the problem persisted even after dealer repairs. A smaller cluster of electrical complaints includes the infotainment screen going dark while driving. The stall and airbag warning light issues both have multiple reports describing repeat occurrences after dealership visits.
108
Total Complaints
4
Crash-Related
5
With Injuries
By System
The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas has 5 recalls, the most serious involving connecting rod bearings that can fail and cause the engine to stall or leak oil, raising the risk of a crash or fire. Brakes account for two other serious concerns: brake lines can leak fluid at their threaded connections, extending stopping distances, and certain chassis, suspension, and brake system bolts may not have been properly tightened during manufacturing, which can cause a loss of vehicle control. On the airbag side, door wiring harness contacts can corrode and delay the side airbags from deploying in a side impact crash. There is also a fault in the passenger seat detection system that can incorrectly deactivate the front passenger airbag while the seat is occupied, leaving that occupant without airbag protection in a crash.
At a glance
What can fail
Certain bolts securing the chassis, brakes, and suspension parts—including cross members, engine mounts, control arms, subframes, and rear brake carriers—may not have been properly tightened during manufacturing.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace any loose or improperly tightened bolts at no cost to you.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A wiring fault in the passenger occupant detection system can cause the front passenger air bag to deactivate even when someone is sitting in that seat.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the occupant detection sensor mat and wiring harness at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine connecting rod bearings may become damaged, potentially causing complete engine failure.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the engine and replace it if necessary, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Brake lines may leak at the threaded connections in certain 2023 Atlas FL and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the affected brake lines at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Electrical contacts in the front door wiring harness can corrode, breaking the electrical connection and delaying deployment of the driver or passenger front side airbag during a side impact crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will secure and replace any front door wiring harness showing a fault code at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
