CarModelProblems.com

2023 Volkswagen Atlas Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 09/08/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Engine — runs 2.2× the fleet median for that category across the 2584 model-years tracked on this site.
130Complaints
5Recalls
4Crashes
0Fires
6Injured
0Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Engine (26.9% of complaints) — is covered by 1 NHTSA recall campaign.

Engine complaints here are 2.2× the median for that category across the 2584 model-years tracked on this site.

3 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 3 rest on owner reports alone.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Engine35 · 26.9%RecalledRecall 22V753000
Electrical System31 · 23.8%No official action
Air Bags22 · 16.9%RecalledRecall 22V152000 · Recall 24V464000
Fuel/propulsion System17 · 13.1%No official action
Service Brakes15 · 11.5%RecalledRecall 22V718000 · Recall 25V434000
Exterior Lighting12 · 9.2%No official action

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

ENGINE35 · 26.9%
Unspecified / other22 · 16.9%
AIR BAGS22 · 16.9%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM17 · 13.1%
SERVICE BRAKES15 · 11.5%
EXTERIOR LIGHTING12 · 9.2%
POWER TRAIN7 · 5.4%
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS5 · 3.8%
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING5 · 3.8%

Percentages are the share of the 130 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 5 campaigns

Air Bags:side/window

NHTSA campaign 22V152000 · 2022 · reported 03/28/2022

A delayed air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

NHTSA campaign 22V718000 · 2022 · reported 09/26/2022

A brake fluid leak may increase the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:hard Parts Internal/mechanical

NHTSA campaign 22V753000 · 2022 · reported 10/07/2022

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification:front Passenger

NHTSA campaign 24V464000 · 2024 · reported 06/20/2024

A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Service Brakes

NHTSA campaign 25V434000 · 2025 · reported 06/30/2025

A loss of vehicle control increases the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What owners report

“Our Atlas’ engine will turn off unexpectedly from time to time. This usually happens when the vehicle is stopped whether it be at a stop…”NHTSA complaint 11735683 — filed 05/04/2026 · ENGINE
“While operating my vehicle, the engine shuts off and stalls unexpectedly, including while driving at low speeds. When this occurs, the vehicle loses power and…”NHTSA complaint 11713326 — filed 01/26/2026 · ENGINE
“The oil separator / PCV system on my 2023 Volkswagen Atlas failed prematurely, causing oil leakage and abnormal crankcase pressure. This resulted in oil escaping…”NHTSA complaint 11712919 — filed 01/23/2026 · ENGINE

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

22022352023592024402025582026

Frequently asked questions

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

Engine issues are the most-reported category, cited in 35 of 130 NHTSA complaints (26.9%), followed by electrical system (31), unspecified/other issues (22), air bags (22). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas have?

130 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 09/08/2026. Of those, 4 involved a crash, 0 involved a fire, and 6 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.

Does the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas have any recalls?

Yes — 5 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 22V152000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas's reported problems?

3 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 09/08/2026.