2023 Volkswagen Atlas engine problems

Filed Oct 22, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · AL

I own a 2023 Volkswagen Atlas, purchased new in March 2023. The vehicle has experienced two incidents of sudden loss of propulsion. The first incident occurred around June 2026 while stopped near a roundabout entrance. The vehicle became inoperable and required multiple restart attempts over approximately 4–5 minutes before normal operation resumed. I do not recall whether any unusual noise occurred during this first incident. The second incident occurred on [XXX], at approximately [XXX], while driving at approximately 20–35 mph and entering an intersection in Madison, Alabama. The vehicle suddenly lost propulsion, and pressing the accelerator produced no response. The vehicle continued coasting forward due to momentum. The dashboard remained illuminated, and the transmission remained in Drive (D). When I attempted to restart the vehicle, the system instructed me to shift into Park (P). During the restart attempt, I heard an abnormal grinding or ratcheting noise. After following the restart instructions, the vehicle restarted and resumed normal operation. The unexpected loss of propulsion while entering an intersection created a serious risk of collision with surrounding traffic. Fortunately, no collision or injuries occurred. The vehicle was brought to Hiley Volkswagen of Huntsville on [XXX]. The dealership reported finding no fault codes and has not identified the cause of the problem. No repairs have been performed to my knowledge. The vehicle remains at the dealership, and the dealer has indicated that it is working to open a technical assistance case with Volkswagen. The failed component is UNKNOWN. The incidents occurred approximately four months apart, making the problem difficult to reproduce during short test drives. I am concerned that this sudden loss of propulsion could happen again while driving and potentially cause a serious collision. I am requesting that this safety concern be investigated. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 16, 2026 · Engine · NY

No warning lights or under car oil leakage noted (due to "belly pan" under engine/oil pan). NY inspection [XXX] with private mechanic oil noted on belly pan ("diaper"); referred to dealer for oil change and inspection of seals leaking front crankcase. [XXX] dealer changed oil and initially stated no seal replacement needed in spite of "seepage" until informed of private mechanic's concern then dealer recommended warranty replacement (parts ordered) of front crankcase seal; work completed April 10 2024@5400 miles. Oil change [XXX] mechanic again noted oil about crankcase seal; taken to dealer where I was told front crankcase seal "leaking oil badly, damaged serpentine belt will need to be replaced" and needed to be replaced again (warranty). If I had had oil change done at first in 2024 at dealership I would not have been informed of warranty work indicated for crankcase seal; this is a recurring problem as also noted chat rooms on line and may warrant recall for reworking of parts/extended warranty consideration before engine failure/costly repairs in the future (twice in 3 years already). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Aug 28, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · AZ

Vehicle has issues with sputtering and stalling out when at idle and while reversing after warming up. The first time that the vehicle actually stalled while reversing, it had to be put into park and restarted. I took it to the dealership and they replaced the in tank fuel pump. When I got the car back it was still acting a little strange but I thought it was just the computer relearning process. Shortly afterward (approx 100-150 miles later) it started struggling at idle again. Yesterday the vehicle again died while reversing, which required being placed into park and restarting. The idle was struggling but I was able to reverse and continue driving. The idle remained in a state of struggle, sputtering and almost dying, as well as extremely slow acceleration until I was able to get onto the highway for a bit. However, it did struggle a bit during the bumper to bumper traffic that I came upon during the drive. At highway speeds the vehicle's acceleration is fine. I am able to use the Automatic Adaptive Cruise as well as drive without the cruise feature. The temperature of the vehicle is always normal and I ensure that the fuel gage does not drop below 1/4 of a tank and if it does it is during the trip to the gas station. I only use QT gas in my vehicle.

Filed Aug 5, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · TX

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.

Filed Jul 20, 2026 · Engine · TX

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.

Filed Jul 6, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · 52,000 miles · FL

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.

Filed Jul 4, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · OK

The vehicle shuts off unexpectedly. When parked or reversing. Requires the car to be put in park and then restarted.

Filed Jun 15, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · SC

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.

Filed May 19, 2026 · Engine · MD

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.

Filed May 4, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · GA

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.