2023 Volkswagen Atlas problems and complaints

Owners have filed 132 complaints with NHTSA about the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas. The most-reported areas: Engine (35), Electrical System (33), Unknown Or Other (23).

Key takeaways

  • 132 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
  • 4 involve a crash, 0 a fire, 6 reported injuries.
  • Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
Complaints by component
ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine3527%
Electrical System3325%
Unknown Or Other2317%
Air Bags2217%
Fuel/Propulsion System1713%
Service Brakes1511%
Exterior Lighting1310%
Forward Collision Avoidance86%
Power Train75%
Steering32%
Back Over Prevention32%
Engine And Engine Cooling22%

One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.

NHTSA 5-Star crash ratings
VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
2023 Volkswagen Atlas SUV AWD5/54/55/54/5
2023 Volkswagen Atlas SUV FWD5/54/55/54/5

Latest complaints, as filed

Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.

Electrical System - filed 2026-09-18

While performing a routine battery replacement on my 2023 Volkswagen Atlas, a wrench/socket contacted the vehicle's Engine Control Unit (ECU), which is mounted directly adjacent to the battery in the engine bay with no protective cover or shield separating the two components. Contact between the tool and the exposed EC...

Unknown Or Other - filed 2026-09-17

Auto has stalled 3 or more times without warning lights since purchasing 2 months ago Very unsafe for me and others stalling in traffic

Electrical System,unknown Or Other - filed 2026-09-08

I am submitting a complaint regarding a serious electronic/infotainment failure in my 2023 VW Atlas that occurred following VW’s software update. Prior to the software update, the infotainment system & related functions were operating normally. Following the update, the infotainment/navigation system failed. The center...

Diagnose it yourself

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

More for the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas

Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.