Volkswagen Atlas Complaints (2023)

142 consumer complaints on file.

#11755094August 5, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2023 Volkswagen Atlas R-Line. While driving (moving) on a congested road the vehicle signaled "Please start engine manually" the gas pedal became unresponsive. Power steering, radio, A/C, all still worked, but I had to come to a complete stop to restart engine. The same thing has happened multiple times now with the last one being in the middle of the road trying to complete a U-turn. This is incredibly dangerous for not only my family but others on the road not expecting a vehicle to stall. This has been identified by multiple other owners on-line. There is no warning or change in operation of the vehicle prior to the message coming up. This could lead to a crash, or worse a fatality.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11754902August 5, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The back up camera is no longer working as well as the infotainment system
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11754756August 4, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Lost complete control of both the brake and the throttle while attempting to pull into a parking spot at low speed. Car started to roll backwards down a hill and I was unable to stop it. Had to cycle the car off and back on to fix it. Took it to a VW dealership service department and they reported no fault codes so there was nothing they could do. No check engine light or fault codes.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11753871July 30, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While driving, the vehicle stalls and shuts off completely without warning, creating an immediate safety hazard. This engine stalling occurs randomly at various speeds, including while actively operating the vehicle in traffic. There is no Check Engine Light (CEL), malfunction indicator, or dashboard warning prior to the stalling event, depriving the driver of any advanced notice to safely pull over.A subsequent inspection revealed that the evaporative emissions (EVAP) carbon canister is failing. The component failure allows unmetered fuel vapors or liquid fuel to flood the engine intake tract, rich-loading the engine and causing an immediate stall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11751739July 21, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2023 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while reversing, the vehicle suddenly shut off and was restarted. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on three occasions while reversing and while the weather was extremely hot. The vehicle was taken to the local O'Reilly Auto Parts Store who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 26,500.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11751507July 20, 2026
ENGINE
4 times now when the vehicle, 2 times while the vehicle is moving forward and 2 times while the vehicle was moving in reverse the engine has completely shut off and the car stopped moving. The dash said the engine was off and the vehicle needed to be shifted to park and the engine turned back on. During this time the vehicle also lost power steering and brakes. I’ve taken it to the dealership multiple times and they could not diagnose the issue or duplicate it and tell me I need to pick the vehicle up and to just bring it back again.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11750265July 14, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The front right Daytime running light went out at 82K miles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11748465July 6, 2026
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2023 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while having a routine oil change at a local dealer, the dealer informed the contact that the cylinder head gasket was rusted. The dealer provided a 60 percent discount, and the vehicle was repaired. Six weeks later, while driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stalled, but the contact was able to avoid a crash. All of the warning lights illuminated. A mobile mechanic initially checked the battery and later determined that the fuel pump control module had failed. No further information was available. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The manufacturer had not been contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11748253July 4, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The vehicle shuts off unexpectedly. When parked or reversing. Requires the car to be put in park and then restarted.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11745814June 22, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Component/System Failed: The driver-side daytime running light (DRL) failed unexpectedly. The failed LED lighting component is available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: This failure created a significant safety concern because daytime running lights are designed to improve vehicle visibility to other drivers during daylight and low-visibility conditions. DRLs are an important safety feature intended to reduce the risk of collisions by making vehicles more noticeable on the road. The fact that one side of the front lighting system was not functioning reduced the visibility and recognition of my vehicle to other motorists. Additionally, no dashboard warning light, alert, or notification appeared to inform me that the daytime running light had failed. Without any warning system, drivers may unknowingly operate the vehicle with a non-functioning safety component for an extended period of time. Dealer/Service Confirmation: I was informed by Volkswagen service that the LED daytime running light assembly requires a full headlight assembly replacement. Inspections: At this time, the vehicle/component has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives. The component is available for manufacturer or agency inspection upon request. Warning Lamps or Symptoms Prior to Failure: There were no warning lamps, dashboard messages, or other symptoms prior to the failure. The vehicle provided no indication whatsoever that the daytime running light was no longer functioning. The issue was only discovered visually by another person outside the vehicle. Additional Concerns: I am also concerned about the cost and longevity of this component. The replacement part alone reportedly costs over $1,000, not including labor costs. This appears excessive for a vehicle that is only approximately three years old. LED lighting system
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11744100June 15, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
This vehicle has the auto stop start feature. The engine has shut off 3 times while driving and had to be restarted with the ignition since purchasing this vehicle. Twice at a red light and once while braking in a parking lot. This has created an extremely dangerous situation in traffic. When the light turned green the vehicle would not move. The vehicle had to be shifted to park and then started with the ignition. The traffic behind us almost rear ended the vehicle. The one time while braking in a parking lot the vehicle turned off while moving and braking. Had to move the vehicle to park and then restart.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11744020June 14, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
DRL on passenger side stopped working about a year in to purchasing the vehicle
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11742066June 4, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Daytime Running Light (DRL) failure on the passenger side. First noticed light does not work on 6/3/2026. An estimate for an independent repair garage is ±$2300.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11738832May 19, 2026
ENGINE
There was a recall on my PVC part in my 2023 atlas. An effect of a clogged pvc is an oil leak. The Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) system relieves built-up pressure inside your engine. When it fails or clogs, this pressure traps air inside the crankcase. The excess pressure often forces oil out through the weakest points, which can mimic a bad seal or gasket. I took my car to the dealership in Md and they claim that I need to get new seals on several parts of my car but they claim that my oil leak its not related to the PVC. This is a 2023 car with one owner and no previous problems. There are thousands of complaints online about the PVC part continuing to fail and continuing to cause oil leaks in consumers cars. The oil leak has also caused my driving belt to fail and in my case shred while driving. This is unsafe and makes cars slow down instantly and can cause major car accidents. Why are consumers expected to pay for seal replacements when its related to failed parts on a car. The VW dealership said that my engine light would need to be on for them to say its a result of the failed PVC but my engine light was on when I dropped my car off. The dealership said they will not replaced parts that were effected from failed PVC due to car being out of warranty. My research tells me that Volkswagen is legally responsible. Because auto manufacturers are governed by strict liability laws, they are responsible for injuries and property damage flowing from the defective product they sold.VW wants consumers to pay $842 dollars to replace a part that cost less than $20. The VW company said that I needed to get my recall repair done earlier in order for them to honor the damages however Ive never seen a recall that came with a time limits on car repairs. This is highway robbery and VW needs to be held responsible for failing to maintain accountable and damages to consumers.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11737102May 11, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The daytime running lights are not working. It is a safety concern by not being seen easily by oncoming drivers. No warnings were given prior to going out. This seems to be a common problem among same vehicle make and model according to forums on the internet. The only way to be repaired is to replace the entire headlamp assembly at a cost of $1500-$2000 which is not feasible.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11736520May 8, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When vehicle was pitched Feb of 2023 VW Atlas crosssport. The screen would go black and when I called Harnish VW of Puyallup in WA. They said they were aware of the issue and there was no fix. Recently saw online that VW was aware of this issue and that it could cause further damage to the vehicle and there is still no fix. My screen still goes out (black screen) and nobody has been able to fix it when asked about it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11735683May 4, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE
Our Atlas’ engine will turn off unexpectedly from time to time. This usually happens when the vehicle is stopped whether it be at a stop light, stop sign, carpool, etc. We brought it to the dealership and the replaced a part and indicated it should fix it; however the problem has persisted.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11735493May 4, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
The contact owns a 2023 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH he noticed the headlights were out independently. No warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that headlight assembly needed to replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacture was notified of the failure and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 55,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11733504April 24, 2026
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2023 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to take the vehicle for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or a dealer. The contact referenced an unknown recall with a similar failure; however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 33,843.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11731972April 17, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
My vehicle is a 2023 Volkswagen Atlas. It has a serious and recurring safety issue where the vehicle shuts off unexpectedly while driving. This has occurred on the freeway while driving at approximately 65–70 mph, which is extremely dangerous because the vehicle loses power while in traffic. After a previous repair at the dealer, the issue returned again after several months. The vehicle was previously scanned with a basic diagnostic tool, but no permanent solution was found. I have contacted dealerships, but I have had difficulty receiving assistance in Spanish, and I have been ignored when requesting Spanish-speaking support. Because of this, I will need to visit in person with someone who can help me communicate in English. I travel with my child in this vehicle, and the vehicle shuts off regardless of how long I have been driving, which creates a serious safety risk. This is a major safety concern as the vehicle shuts off without warning while driving at highway speeds. I am requesting a full investigation of this issue as a potential safety defect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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