There are 1 owner-reported engine complaints for the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sportin NHTSA's database. These are unverified consumer reports and may not reflect confirmed defects.
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 seconds or less. After losing power, the smell of gas consumed the cabin, & the engine was unable to start, resulting in the vehicle having to be towed. This incident happened at 1,005 miles on a brand new car. I had only owned it about 2 1/2 weeks. This happened 2 more times over the course of the next several weeks, but this time on a busy California freeway. I again had to be towed twice. The 3rd incident had an incredibly strong smell of gasoline vapors that consumed the inside AND outside of the cabin. In total, the vehicle (at 3 months old) had been towed 3 times, had 5 fuel pump replacements; and replacement of the fuel rails, fuel injectors, intake manifold gasket, and more. The Carfax report does not show all repairs performed. My life as well as the lives of my husband & children were put at risk when we nearly stalled out on the CA freeway while beginning our family vacation. I believe the most dangerous part was the gasoline vapors that consumed the inside & immediate vicinity of the vehicle. The dealerships code reader confirmed the issues with the fuel pump. The vehicle was inspected by the dealership. The warning lights that illuminated during the incidents were the EPC & check engine light. They illuminated at the immediate onset of the vehicle losing acceleration. I would like to note that this vehicle was eventually repurchased from VW under lemon law. I had to ask for reconsideration after the first request was denied. However, VW eventually made a horrible situation right and we are relieved this vehicle is off our hands. I do feel like I have an obligation, however, to notify NHTSA of these incidents as it could have had a much more devastating outcome.
Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA. A high complaint count may reflect vehicle popularity, not defect severity. Data sourced from NHTSA public records.
Data synced from NHTSA on Apr 25, 2026