Owners have reported 5 crashes and 6 injuries to NHTSA for the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints25
AIR BAGS
Owners of the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas frequently report issues related to the airbag system, specifically concerning a recall for the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) sensor, which lacks available repair parts. Complaints often mention that the airbag warning light activates intermittently, and some report the light remains on until the vehicle is restarted. Two incidents involve crashes resulting in airbag non-deployment, with one crash causing two injuries and another resulting in one injury, highlighting potential safety implications. These reports typically occur within the first year of ownership, and some owners express concerns about the inability to safely use the front passenger seat due to the unresolved recall. This information is crucial for potential buyers considering the reliability and safety of the vehicle's airbag system.
Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 3 injury reports
Owner complaints23
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners of the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas frequently report issues related to the vehicle's electrical system, particularly with the automatic start-stop system and the instrument panel. Common symptoms include the vehicle stalling unexpectedly, failing to restart after the start-stop system activates, and the instrument panel or infotainment system going blank or malfunctioning while driving. These issues often occur at various mileages, with some reports at as low as 1,834 miles and others around 33,000 miles. Safety implications are evident, as some owners describe losing power on busy roads, which could result in a dangerous situation. Additionally, there are reports of problems with the wireless phone charging pad causing overheating, which presents a potential fire risk.
Owner complaints18
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners of the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas frequently report issues with the vehicle stalling unexpectedly, particularly when shifting between drive and reverse or when the vehicle is at a stop. Symptoms include the engine turning off without warning, requiring the driver to shift to park and manually restart the vehicle. Additionally, multiple owners describe problems with the infotainment and navigation systems, including disconnections and inaccurate location data. Some complaints note safety implications, such as near-misses in traffic and sudden stops in intersections, often occurring within the first few months of ownership. There are also reports of the sunroof shattering spontaneously and emergency brakes engaging unexpectedly, presenting potential safety hazards. These issues are reported across various mileage ranges, often within the first year of ownership.
Owner complaints13
ENGINE
Owners of the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas frequently report issues with the engine stalling unexpectedly, particularly at low speeds or while idling, which often requires the vehicle to be put in park and manually restarted. These occurrences are often described as happening without warning or error codes, making it challenging for dealerships to diagnose and repair effectively. Complaints also highlight premature failures of the PCV/oil separator system, leading to oil leaks and potential fire hazards, with some failures occurring around 20,000 to 70,000 miles. Safety implications include the risk of accidents due to sudden loss of power while driving and the potential for engine fires. Buyers should be aware of these recurring issues, as they may persist even after multiple repairs.
Owner complaints12
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners report multiple issues with the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas's brake system, including loud screeching and grinding noises, often occurring at low speeds or after the vehicle has been parked. Complaints frequently mention vibrations and vehicle wobbling when braking at speeds above 30 MPH, which some attribute to potential defects in brake rotors. Several owners experience these issues as early as 15,000 miles, with one report of a crash linked to the failure of the Automatic Emergency Braking and Forward Collision Warning systems. Additionally, some owners describe the vehicle shutting off unexpectedly, posing significant safety risks. These patterns suggest potential safety concerns for used car buyers considering this model.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints5
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Owners report recurring issues with the forward collision avoidance system in the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas, primarily involving unexpected activation of automatic braking. Complaints frequently mention the system engaging without obstacles present, causing abrupt stops and triggering alarms and dashboard warnings, sometimes accompanied by unintended wiper activation. These incidents occur at various speeds, including highway conditions, and one report includes an injury due to whiplash. Another issue described is the system's failure to activate when an obstacle is present, leading to concerns about its reliability. These problems are reported shortly after purchase and continue despite dealership inspections, suggesting potential safety risks, particularly in high-speed or intersection scenarios.
Severity signals: 0 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints4
POWER TRAIN
Owners report that the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas frequently experiences stalling issues, particularly at low speeds or while idling, with some incidents occurring in reverse or at traffic lights. These stalling problems are noted as early as 8,500 miles, with one owner mentioning multiple replacements of the carbon canister and N80 valve by 41,000 miles. Additionally, a complaint describes non-linear throttle response, where the vehicle unpredictably accelerates or fails to respond as expected. Safety implications are highlighted, as the sudden stalling and throttle irregularities can lead to dangerous situations in traffic. Buyers should be aware of these recurring issues and the potential for unresolved problems even after dealer visits.
Owner complaints2
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Owners of the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas report issues primarily related to stalling and unintended acceleration. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle stalling while driving, with one instance requiring a tow to the dealership where the fuel pump, leak detection pump, and wiring harnesses needed replacement. Another common issue is the vehicle lunging forward unexpectedly, even when the brake is applied, which has been linked to the F5 module and software updates. These issues have been observed across different timelines, with one owner noting incidents occurring in July and September 2023. Safety implications include potential collisions due to loss of control or sudden stops, particularly concerning when the vehicle is in motion or near traffic.
Owner complaints2
STEERING
Owners of the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas report issues with the steering system, specifically mentioning incidents where the steering wheel locks unexpectedly. One complaint describes the vehicle shutting off without warning, causing the steering wheel to lock while reversing, necessitating a restart after shifting to park. Another report involves a crash where the steering wheel locked during a right turn, resulting in the vehicle driving over a sidewalk and crashing into a building, leading to one injury. These incidents highlight potential safety risks, including loss of steering control, with one case involving a crash and injury. No specific mileage or timelines are noted in the complaints, but the severity of the described incidents may be of particular concern to prospective buyers.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints2
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Owners of the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas report issues with the vehicle speed control, primarily describing symptoms such as unexpected jerking or stalling while driving. One owner details a recurring problem where the vehicle cuts off and displays a message to manually start the engine, which has been attributed to fuel pump and sensor issues, and later the EVAP canister and fuel tank. Another owner describes the car stalling at a green light, requiring a restart to proceed, with the dealership initially dismissing the issue as normal. These problems have been reported within the first year of ownership, suggesting they may occur relatively early in the vehicle's life. Safety implications include potential risk of rear-end collisions due to unexpected stalling in traffic.
