The Lemon Index2023 Volkswagen Atlas.
The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas is so far worse than average by owner complaints: 156 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 137, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 6 recalls, and it gets 20 to 23 mpg combined. The best Volkswagen Atlas year is 2020.
Early read
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 156 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Volkswagen Atlas year. 2023 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 18K to 48K miles on the car (12 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 6
- brakes 2025
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 tighte…
- airbags 2024
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.
- suspension 2022
The driver-side rear trailing arm bolts may not have been tightened properly, allowing them to loosen and fall out.
Show all 6 recalls
- engine 2022
The engine connecting rod bearings may become damaged, which can result in engine failure.
- brakes 2022
Certain brake lines may leak at the threaded connections.
- airbags 2022
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.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Volkswagen told dealers about
Volkswagen sent dealers 349 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Engine oil consumption measurement
- Engine Oil Consumption Measurement Instruction and Work sheet
- Customer states rattle from below the vehicle Customer states MIL-on, P0442 stored in ECM…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedInadvertent automatic emergency braking2023–2024
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volkswagen Atlas SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Volkswagen Atlas SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2800–3200 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
The back up camera is no longer working as well as the infotainment system
2023 Volkswagen Atlas owner · NHTSA complaint 11754902
More owner reports
Recall opened in June still no fix. How long does the manufacturer have to come up with a solution?
NHTSA complaint 11616093
The vehicle shuts off unexpectedly. When parked or reversing. Requires the car to be put in park and then restarted.
NHTSA complaint 11748253
Quick answers
Is the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas reliable?
It's too early to be sure. So far it has drawn 1.4× the average car's complaints per car sold, against other 2023 cars after the same time on the road (early Lemon Index 137; 100 is average). The best Volkswagen Atlas year by this measure is 2020.
What are the most common 2023 Volkswagen Atlas problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (27%), electrical (23%) and airbags (17%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas have?
6 safety recalls (latest: brakes). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas get?
20 to 23 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
Does the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas cost in fuel a year?
About $2800 to $3200 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl.
What Volkswagen Atlas year is better than the 2023?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2020, 2022 and 2019.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works