Check a VIN

2023 Volkswagen Atlas: misfire or rough idle

5 of the 145 complaints about the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas describe misfire or rough idle.

owner complaints
5
of this car's complaints
3%
recalls
1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 99 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Misfire or rough idle by model year

  • 2026
    1
  • 2024
    3
  • 2023
    5
  • 2022
    4
  • 2021
    4
  • 2019
    3
  • 2018
    5

What owners say

Filed Oct 20, 2026 · Electrical · 48,157 miles · MO

The contact owns a 2023 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while driving at low speeds, the center entertainment panel blacked out, and the rearview camera display remained active while shifted into drive. The check engine, caution, and SOS warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with an engine misfire, and ignition coils were replaced. The battery was tested, and no failure was found. The contact stated that the failure progressed; the vehicle lost motive power, the power window rolled up when the down button was pressed, and roadside assistance provided a battery jump-start. The vehicle was taken to an AutoZone store where the battery was replaced; however, the check engine, caution, and SOS warning lights remained illuminated. The failure mileage was approximately 48,157.

Filed Jul 17, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · AZ

I own a 2023 VW Atlas purchased new from a Volkswagen dealership. In October 2024, while the vehicle was under warranty, I reported engine hesitation, rough idle, and near-stalling. I showed the service advisor a video I recorded of the issue happening in real time. Despite this, the dealership refused to investigate further because no check engine light or fault codes were present. I was sent home without diagnosis or documentation. Months later, the issue worsened and was diagnosed as a failed fuel injector — now quoted at nearly $3,000 to repair, plus a $175 diagnostic fee. VW refuses to cover the cost or provide goodwill assistance, stating that the dealership couldn’t replicate the issue and therefore couldn’t act. I was also denied the ability to speak with a service manager when the failure occurred. This injector issue clearly began during the warranty period and was dismissed without proper investigation. The behavior compromised the vehicle’s driveability and posed a potential safety risk to me and my children. There needs to be accountability when clear evidence is provided and dealerships refuse to act until the problem escalates past warranty coverage. I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate fuel injector failures in the 2023 VW Atlas and the pattern of warranty denial tied to lack of fault codes, despite clear performance issues and owner-supplied evidence.

Filed Apr 23, 2025 · Electrical · 33,000 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2023 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that upon his wife coming to a complete stop, the automatic start-stop system activated but failed to restart the vehicle as the driver attempted to accelerate. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The automatic start-stop system warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who were unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired, and the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who observed a misfire in cylinder #2. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who then diagnosed a failure with the starter. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 33,000. The VIN was not available.

Filed Jan 15, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · IL

I am writing to express my growing concerns regarding the ongoing issues with my vehicle. Within the first week of ownership, the engine began misfiring, and the valves had to be replaced. Soon after, the gas pump in the fuel tank broke and was replaced as well. The climate sensors also malfunctioned and had to be replaced, and the vents required replacement as they were blowing air improperly. Additionally, the middle console, which remains broken, had to be replaced. Unfortunately, it is still malfunctioning, as it is stuck on the highest heating setting, which is particularly concerning with two infants in the vehicle. I have been informed that the replacement part is on national backorder, and there is no ETA for its arrival. This vehicle has consistently experienced issues and has been in the shop multiple times, leading to significant inconvenience. Most importantly, the malfunctioning heating system presents a serious safety risk. I am requesting immediate attention to this matter and would appreciate a solution or alternative arrangements. Thank you for your prompt attention to this issue.

Filed Feb 17, 2024 · Driver assistance, Electrical · PA

The start/stop system will activate and shut the vehicle down totally (at random times), even when in drive, and at times prematurely before even coming to a complete stop. When you move the steering wheel or take your foot off of the brake, the vehicle should automatically start back up, but the vehicle totally shuts off, asking: "Did you forget anything? Everyone out of the vehicle?" [XXX], first occurrence of this completely shutting down in the city of Pittsburgh, PA, on a busy bridge after the vehicle was idling for about 45-60 seconds in traffic. I hadn't experienced this problem in any vehicle before, so it took quick thinking to figure out that I had to put the vehicle back into park before it would start back up. If I had to move quickly, I was not able to do so. [XXX] while pulling out from a stop, nothing in front of us at all, the vehicle started to shut down while pressing the gas and at the same time the front collision system was beeping even though there was nothing at all in front of us. [XXX] infotainment screen blacked out for the VW technician while it was in for service due to multiple issues. The reason I am stating that in this complaint: multiple VW technicians and service personnel have stated that the infotainment system is the brain for the vehicle, if it is acting up, can cause problems with almost anything in the vehicle. [XXX], in the middle of a quick 3-point turn at the end of my street, the engine shut down totally while shifting from drive to reverse, asked if I forgot anything/anyone in the backseat, then, when shifting to park (to start the vehicle back up a.s.a.p.), it started itself back up without me touching the start/stop ignition button. [XXX] while accelerating up a hill in Pittsburgh, the vehicle started sputtering as if it was stalling out, engine misfiring. [XXX] vehicle in drive, stopped for approx. 20 seconds, again shut completely down, shift to P to restart. (con't) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

Engine and engine cooling: engine: hard parts internal/mechanicalReported October 7, 2022 · 76,515 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Audi Q5 Sportback, Q5, 2022-2023 Volkswagen Atlas FL, and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The engine connecting rod bearings may become damaged, which can result in engine failure.
Risk
A damaged engine can result in engine failure and a stall, increasing the risk of a crash. If the engine failure causes an oil leak, it can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace an affected engine, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 6, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1‑800‑893‑5298 and Audi's customer service at 1‑800‑253‑2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 13i4 (VW) and 13i5 (Audi).

Recall number 22V753000 · Recall details

Questions about the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas misfire

Is misfire or rough idle a common problem on the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas?

5 of 145 owner complaints about the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas (3%) mention misfire or rough idle. The model year with the most reports is 2018.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas?

There is 1 recall and 99 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas

Stalling 25Backup camera 9Check engine light 9Headlights 8Screen failure 6Airbag light 5Grinding brakes 5Collision warning 5

All model years of the Volkswagen Atlas

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 2023 Volkswagen Atlas?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history