repaired · 2026 Q3
Service brakes
Risk. A loss of vehicle control increases the risk of a crash.
2023 Volkswagen AtlasProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 146 owner complaints about the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 5 safety recalls, and for recall 24V-464 the manufacturer reports only 76% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 11, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas has problems
146 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
40Electrical system
37Engine
22Air bags2 crash/fire/injury
18Fuel/propulsion system
17Exterior lighting
15Service brakes
9Forward collision avoidance
8Power train
6Back over prevention
2011 other systems2 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 40 | 0 |
| Engine | 37 | 0 |
| Air bags | 22 | 2 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 18 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 17 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 15 | 0 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 9 | 2 |
| Power train | 8 | 0 |
| Back over prevention | 6 | 0 |
| 11 other systems | 20 | 2 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
5 recalls
2023 Volkswagen Atlas recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Occupant classification: front passenger
Risk. A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
repaired · 2024 Q3
Engine: hard parts internal/mechanical
Risk. A damaged engine can result in engine failure and a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2024 Q3
Foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Risk. A brake fluid leak may increase the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
Show 1 more recall
repaired · 2024 Q1
Air bags: side/window
Risk. A delayed air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Volkswagen.
Best & worst years
2023 vs. every other Atlas year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Atlas median. How we score
'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2023 Volkswagen Atlas safety ratings
2023 Volkswagen Atlas SUV AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (15.9% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Standard
- Lane departure warning: Optional
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas, and the recalls they led to.
- Inadvertent Automatic Emergency BrakingNo recall
In owners' words
What Atlas owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The ota software update bricked my infotainment center f5 module and back up camara stopped working as well. I cant control any feature with put the infotainment center being bricked, it blacked out completely
Our 2023 Volkswagen Atlas complete Infotainment system stopped working and went blank/black back around XXX. This includes all lights, back up camera, and parking collision warnings especially when backing (vehicle in reverse). It has been a safety concern operating the vehicle without the rear…
front passenger headlight daytime running light went out right around 70k miles. paid $1200 to have it repaired, left one went out shortly after. can't afford to replace it. saw there's a lawsuit with these. makes it hard to drive at night with less light.
Own a 2023 Atlas?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.