With 4 recalls and 104 complaints, the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas rates as moderate on the safety concern scale. Always run the VIN through NHTSA's lookup tool before signing.

Recalls

104

Complaints

Crashes

Fires

Recall Findings

22V1520002022-28-03

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Atlas, 2020-2023 Atlas Cross Sport, and 2021-2023 Atlas FL vehicles. 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.

A delayed air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury.

View at NHTSA

22V7180002022-26-09

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2023 model year Atlas FL and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. Certain brake lines may leak at the threaded connections.

A brake fluid leak may increase the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.

View at NHTSA

22V7530002022-07-10

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Audi Q5 Sportback, Q5, 2022-2023 Volkswagen Atlas FL, and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The engine connecting rod bearings may become damaged, which can result in engine failure.

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.

View at NHTSA

View all 4 recalls

24V4640002024-20-06

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Atlas and 2020-2024 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. 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.

A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.

View at NHTSA

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Top Complaint Areas

The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas's biggest weak point? AIR BAGS. It leads 104 total complaints spanning 1 years. Budget for a thorough pre-purchase inspection, especially in that area.

01Air Bags19

02Engine12

03Unknown Or Other12

04Electrical System8

05Service Brakes7

104 total across 1 model years (2023–2023)Full data at NHTSA.gov

Volkswagen Atlas Fuel Economy

20–23mpg combined

18-21city

23-25hwy

$1,900-$2,200/yr

Fuel economy for the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas ranges from 20 to 23 MPG combined across 8 setups. The table below breaks it down by trim so you know exactly what you're signing up for.

By Trim

Atlas - Automatic (S8)

23mpg

2.0L 4-cyl Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive

21 city25 hwy~$1,900/yr5/10 Average

Atlas Cross Sport - Automatic (S8)

23mpg

2.0L 4-cyl Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive

21 city25 hwy~$1,900/yr5/10 Average

Atlas 4motion - Automatic (S8)

22mpg

2.0L 4-cyl Turbo · All-Wheel Drive

20 city24 hwy~$2,000/yr5/10 Average

Atlas Cross Sport 4motion - Automatic (S8)

22mpg

2.0L 4-cyl Turbo · All-Wheel Drive

20 city24 hwy~$2,000/yr5/10 Average

Atlas - Automatic (S8)

20mpg

3.6L 6-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

18 city24 hwy~$2,200/yr4/10 Average

Atlas 4motion - Automatic (S8)

20mpg

3.6L 6-cyl · All-Wheel Drive

18 city23 hwy~$2,200/yr4/10 Average

Atlas Cross Sport - Automatic (S8)

20mpg

3.6L 6-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

18 city24 hwy~$2,200/yr4/10 Average

Atlas Cross Sport 4motion - Automatic (S8)

20mpg

3.6L 6-cyl · All-Wheel Drive

18 city24 hwy~$2,200/yr4/10 Average

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Where to Find 2023 Volkswagen Atlas

38States

26%in top 3

The biggest cluster of inventory is in Florida (10%), but the remaining listings are spread across 37 other states nationwide.

FLFlorida

1,84710%

TXTexas

1,76410%

ILIllinois

1,0956%

CACalifornia

9515%

MOMissouri

7954%

DEDelaware

7414%

PAPennsylvania

7324%

GAGeorgia

7154%

DCWashington DC

6904%

MNMinnesota

6634%

NYNew York

6173%

MDMaryland

5933%

AZArizona

5793%

NCNorth Carolina

4372%

OHOhio

4302%

COColorado

4062%

TNTennessee

4002%

OKOklahoma

3922%

WAWashington

3422%

NJNew Jersey

3402%

IN259

WI258

MI252

NV244

KY238

UT221

NE213

NH203

OR176

CT172

AR157

AL151

MA144

LA132

SC111

RI106

VA101

Geographic distribution reflects all active listings for this model, not just 2023.

Buying a 2023 Volkswagen Atlas?

Answers to common buyer questions

Is the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas a good car to buy?

The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas has its strengths and its watch-outs. 4 recalls have been issued, so verify completion with the dealer. Owners report air bags as the area to watch most closely. Check the safety section for recall details and the pricing data to see if the numbers work for you.

Are there recalls on the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas?

There are 4 documented recalls for the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas. Don't let that scare you; most are routine. Just make sure they're all resolved before you sign. Details in the safety overview.

What's the gas mileage of the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas?

You'll get between 20 and 23 MPG combined from the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas, depending on engine and drivetrain. That's a meaningful difference over time. The fuel economy table shows exactly which configs get what.

What are common problems with the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas?

Out of 104 owner complaints, air bags issues lead the pack. Get a pre-purchase inspection that specifically covers this area. The known issues breakdown has all the details.