Before you buy
This 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport has 16 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Airbag Malfunctions.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 4 trims analysed.
2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SUV AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
15.1% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
15.1% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS CROSS SPORT 2023 has 16 NHTSA complaints and 6 recalls. Top issues include airbag malfunctions (5 complaints) and engine problems (5 complaints). One crash-related complaint is reported. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Volkswagen
- Model
- Atlas Cross Sport
- Model year
- 2023
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 16
- Crash-related complaints
- 1
- Safety recall campaigns
- 6
- Top reported component
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 22
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 20 / 24
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Airbag Malfunctions
Engine Problems
Uncategorized Issues
Complaint patterns center on Airbag Malfunctions, Engine Problems, Uncategorized Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport?
The 2023 Atlas Cross Sport may be worth considering if you find a well-maintained example with all recalls completed, but the high recall count and airbag/engine complaints warrant caution. Pre-purchase inspection is strongly advised.
Airbag and engine issues can lead to costly repairs and safety concerns, making it critical to verify recall completion and inspect these systems before buying.
May Suit
This year may suit buyers who prioritize modern features and are willing to perform thorough due diligence on recall and service history.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers seeking maximum reliability and minimal post-purchase hassle should consider other model years or vehicles with fewer complaints and recalls.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
Inspection Focus
- Inspect airbag system for warning lights or prior deployment.
- Check engine for unusual noises, leaks, or check engine light.
- Test brake system for responsiveness and unusual sounds.
Before You Close the Deal
- Verify all 6 recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for airbag and engine repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the airbag system and engine before purchase.
- Test drive to check for brake and electrical issues.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport shows a low complaint volume (16 total) but a high recall count (6). Airbag malfunctions and engine problems each account for 5 complaints, suggesting potential reliability issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
Year context: With only one model year analyzed (2023), no direct comparison to other years is available from this data.
Recall context: Six recalls indicate a higher-than-average need to verify all open recalls are addressed before purchase.
- Airbag malfunctions account for 5 of 16 total complaints.
- Engine problems also account for 5 complaints.
- There is 1 crash-related complaint among the 16 total.
- Airbag Malfunctions (5 complaints)
- Engine Problems (5 complaints)
- Brake System issues (3 complaints)
Full breakdown
All 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag Malfunctions | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Our VW Atlas Cross Sport 2023 was involved in an accident on August 3, 2025 where the Automatic Emergency Braking and Forward Collision Warning did not work. Firstly, we reported issues with our brakes several times and took the vehicle to Rick Case VW in Weston/Davie more than o…
The contact owns a 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V464000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had ex…
The contact owns a 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V464000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had ex…
The contact owns a 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V464000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for…
The contact owns a 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V464000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for…
The contact owns a 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V464000 (Air Bags) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted.
MY CAR SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING. ALSO I HAVE HAD BRAKE ISSUES. GRINDING NOISE AND LOUD NOISE. THEY RELACED THE BRAKE PADS THAT I HAD TO PAY FOR BECAUSE MANUFACTUR PADS WOULD HAVE CAUSE THE SAME ISSUE. NOW MY CAR IS SHAKING WHILE I BRAKE. THEY SAID I NEED NEW ROTORS. WITH THE CA…
My car cuts off while driving. For instance, I was at a red light, in the left turning lane, and the light turned green. I pressed the gas and it started going and then just cut off. Luckily there was no car behind me. However, I was halfway in the intersection as cars were comin…
When car came to a stop at a red light I put my foot on the gas once the light turned green. When I tried to proceed through the light my car was at a complete stall. I had to then place the car in park, power the car off and then power the car back on. The other car behind me al…
The vehicle simply shuts off with no warning or reason. I should NOT have to explain to anybody how this is a safety hazard to the driver and others around the vehicle. It shuts down while in a car wash and the vehicle is in Neutral. Thus, I have to brake, place the trans in P…
UNKOWN Brakes on brand new vehicle are exhibiting behavior that is not normal for a car of this size and relatively young age (miles). Measurably loud brake noise based on manufactures choice of materials in components leave concern on overall safety of brake system based on gen…
This vehicle when using the Navigation system will suddenly show the vehicle 50 to 100+ miles from its actual location, often in the middle of a field or just offroad! I returned to the dealer who installed the recommended "fix" from a technical service bulletin. The software f…
The components that failed or malfunctioned was the fuel pump & fuel system components. During the 1st incident, while driving at approx. 50 mph, I quickly lost acceleration, which caused me to slow down very quickly until I had no acceleration power - this took a matter of 10 se…
The car will stop suddenly at a red light or when slowing in traffic without warning. I have to stop the car, put in park, and restart the engine often when the light turns green and I'm not moving The ACC eco-feature is typically off/disabled, so it isn't the issue. A few scary…
While driving on the freeway, the panoramic sunroof exploded. This time, the vehicle has not been repaired and is available for inspection. The explosion could have been caused by the excessive heat. The sunroof cover was closed at the time, but if it was open, the glass from the…
Multiple issues since purchasing the vehicle in 01/2023. - First evening in the driveway all of the windows went down. The vehicle was not running. This has happened two other times. - I went out to me vehicle one day and the back tailgate had opened on its own. - One day I we…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.
Safety recalls
2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport recalls
6 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. Six recalls indicate a higher-than-average need to verify all open recalls are addressed before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
SUSPENSION:CRITICAL FASTENERS
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
SERVICE BRAKES
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 16 owner complaints, 1 crash-related complaints, and 6 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2023 Atlas Cross Sport may be worth considering if you find a well-maintained example with all recalls completed, but the high recall count and airbag/engine complaints warrant caution. Pre-purchase inspection is strongly advised. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport?▾
#1: Airbag Malfunctions (5 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (5 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (4 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, NHTSA complaints include 1 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 16 total complaints. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport have any recalls?▾
Yes. 6 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW. Six recalls indicate a higher-than-average need to verify all open recalls are addressed before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport?▾
The 2023 Atlas Cross Sport may be worth considering if you find a well-maintained example with all recalls completed, but the high recall count and airbag/engine complaints warrant caution. Pre-purchase inspection is strongly advised. Airbag and engine issues can lead to costly repairs and safety concerns, making it critical to verify recall completion and inspect these systems before buying. Pay extra attention to Airbag Malfunctions during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpectorAI.
Wider context: See the full Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.