2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Safety Report

2023 VW Atlas Cross Sport: Strong crash ratings, but plagued by numerous critical safety recalls and concerning engine/brake complaints.

16Complaints
6Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
55/100Reliability Score
1Crash Reports
Most reported components: Air Bags (5)Unknown Or Other (2)Service Brakes,Forward Collision Avoidance (1)Service Brakes,Engine (1)Electrical System,Engine (1)Vehicle Speed Control (1)Electrical System,Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System (1)Service Brakes (1)Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System (1)Unknown Or Other,Engine (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport presents a mixed safety picture. While it boasts excellent crash test performance with an overall 5-star NHTSA rating, including 5 stars for side impact and 4 stars for frontal and rollover, it is burdened by a significant number of recalls for a relatively new model year. There are 6 recalls, addressing critical safety components such as the service brakes, airbags, suspension, and engine. Notably, 5 complaints specifically mention AIR BAGS, with several owners reporting delays in recall repairs for the passenger occupant detection system (PODS) fault (NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V464000). Complaint data, though totaling only 16, reveals concerning patterns. Five complaints are related to the AIR BAGS, directly correlating with a major recall. Additionally, there are multiple reports of the vehicle unexpectedly shutting off while driving or at a stop, which is a severe safety hazard and aligns with the 'ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL' recall concerning connecting rod bearings. One complaint explicitly details a crash where the Automatic Emergency Braking and Forward Collision Warning systems allegedly failed, despite the vehicle having a recall for 'SERVICE BRAKES' related to chassis/brake system bolts. The presence of 1 crash, 0 fires, and 0 injuries among the 16 complaints suggests that while incidents have occurred, they haven't frequently resulted in reported injuries for this specific model year. The recall history is extensive for a 2023 model, indicating several manufacturing or design flaws identified post-production. Recalls cover potential loss of vehicle control due to brake system issues, suspension fasteners, and engine failure, as well as increased injury risk from faulty airbags. The 'SERVICE BRAKES' recall (chassis/brake system bolts) and 'SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC' recall (leaking brake lines) are particularly concerning given the direct impact on stopping ability. The 'AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW' recall for corroding door wiring harness contacts also points to potential long-term electrical issues affecting safety systems. Overall, while crash protection is strong, the numerous recalls and related complaints highlight significant reliability and component integrity concerns that buyers should be aware of.

Reliability Score

The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport receives a reliability score of 55 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Airbag System Faults And Recall Delays
Multiple complaints (5) regarding airbag system issues, specifically the passenger occupant detection system (PODS) fault, with owners reporting delays in recall part availability (NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V464000).		 High Common new-unknown miles
Unexpected Engine Stall/Vehicle Shut-Off
Several complaints describe the vehicle unexpectedly shutting off while driving or at a stop, creating a significant safety hazard. This aligns with an engine recall concerning connecting rod bearings.		 High Occasional new-unknown miles
Brake System Malfunctions And Recalls
Complaints mention brake issues like grinding noises and shaking, alongside recalls for chassis/brake system bolts and leaking brake lines, which can lead to increased stopping distance or loss of control.		 High Occasional new-unknown miles
Suspension Critical Fastener Issues
Recall for driver-side rear trailing arm bolts not being properly tightened, potentially leading to fracture and sudden loss of vehicle control.		 High Rare new-unknown miles
Engine Connecting Rod Bearing Failure
Recall for engine connecting rod bearings potentially causing engine failure and stall, increasing crash risk and potential oil leaks.		 High Rare new-unknown miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport:

Air Bags 31% of complaints

Five out of 16 complaints are related to airbag system issues, primarily concerning recall 24V464000 for the passenger occupant detection system.

Engine 19% of complaints

Multiple complaints describe the vehicle stalling or shutting off unexpectedly while driving, directly correlating with an engine recall for connecting rod bearings.

Service Brakes 19% of complaints

Several complaints mention brake issues such as grinding, shaking, and alleged failure of automatic emergency braking, supported by two recalls related to brake system components.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

Is the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport received an excellent 5-star overall safety rating in crash tests. However, it has been subject to 6 recalls addressing critical safety components like airbags, brakes, suspension, and the engine. While crash protection is strong, the numerous recalls and related complaints about unexpected stalls and brake issues raise significant concerns about component reliability and potential safety hazards.

What are common problems with the 2023 Atlas Cross Sport?

The most reported issues for the 2023 Atlas Cross Sport, based on 16 NHTSA complaints, are related to AIR BAGS (5 complaints), often concerning recall delays. Other significant problems include the ENGINE (multiple complaints of unexpected stalls while driving) and SERVICE BRAKES (complaints of grinding, shaking, and alleged failure of automatic emergency braking), both of which are also subject to recalls.

How many recalls does the 2023 Atlas Cross Sport have?

The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport has 6 recalls issued by NHTSA. These recalls address issues with service brakes, airbags, suspension, and engine components, all of which can impact vehicle safety.

Are there any issues with the airbags in the 2023 Atlas Cross Sport?

Yes, there are significant issues with the airbags. Five out of 16 complaints are related to airbag systems, specifically concerning a recall (24V464000) for the passenger occupant detection system (PODS) which may experience a fault, potentially deactivating the passenger airbag. Owners have also reported delays in obtaining parts for this recall repair.

Does the 2023 Atlas Cross Sport have engine problems?

Yes, there are reported engine problems. Several complaints describe the vehicle unexpectedly shutting off while driving or at a stop, which is a severe safety hazard. This aligns with a recall concerning engine connecting rod bearings that could lead to engine failure and a stall.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Despite strong crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of the 2023 Atlas Cross Sport's extensive recall history and concerning complaints regarding engine stalls and brake issues; ensure all recalls are addressed before purchase and consider an extended warranty.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. The data includes 16 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 6 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 1 reported crashes, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.