NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Service Brakes complaints
46 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Apr 6, 2025
Electrical SystemService Brakes
Error start/stop, vehicle has been stalling while moving at a slow speed or while idle, sitting in a drivethru ordering food,pulling into parking spot or turning off of the road at the light. The vehicle stalls out you have to put it in park to restart . Very dangerous especially while in the road. Just purchased vehicle Februar…
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Error start/stop, vehicle has been stalling while moving at a slow speed or while idle, sitting in a drivethru ordering food,pulling into parking spot or turning off of the road at the light. The vehicle stalls out you have to put it in park to restart . Very dangerous especially while in the road. Just purchased vehicle February 3rd 2025, have had other issues very same night ,check left taillight kept coming on, but taillight not out, took to dealership ery next morning, they stated could not duplicate, nothing they can do, it is still doing it. Brakes when backing out started making a noise now too.
NHTSA ODI #11652984
Mileage unknown · Jan 30, 2025
Service Brakes
significant brake noise issues (grinding, squeaking, and gurgling sounds). it does feel inconsistent braking. This issue is a constant driving problem every day. I requested a car inspection at Kearny Mesa Volkswagen (8040 Balboa Ave, San Diego, CA 92111). They stated this was normal for this car (Atlas), and I just needed to b…
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significant brake noise issues (grinding, squeaking, and gurgling sounds). it does feel inconsistent braking. This issue is a constant driving problem every day. I requested a car inspection at Kearny Mesa Volkswagen (8040 Balboa Ave, San Diego, CA 92111). They stated this was normal for this car (Atlas), and I just needed to brake harder. This is not normal to be driving with this issues and brings family safety concerns and an ultimate high repair in the future for lacking of customer services from Volkswagen
NHTSA ODI #11639778
Mileage unknown · Jan 13, 2025
EngineService BrakesSteering
1. Noise from the Front End - Shortly after purchasing the vehicle, I noticed a persistent noise coming from the front end while driving. I reported this issue to the dealership within the first 30 days of ownership, but they were unable to identify or resolve the problem on multiple occasions. Eventually, I took the vehicle to …
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1. Noise from the Front End - Shortly after purchasing the vehicle, I noticed a persistent noise coming from the front end while driving. I reported this issue to the dealership within the first 30 days of ownership, but they were unable to identify or resolve the problem on multiple occasions. Eventually, I took the vehicle to Dublin Volkswagen, where the issue was diagnosed, but I had to pay $80 out-of-pocket for the diagnostic fee. 2. Stalling Issue - The vehicle has been sporadically stalling, which initially led me to believe it was related to the auto stop/start feature. However, I later discovered that this is a recurring issue reported by other Volkswagen Atlas owners [XXX] ). This stalling issue has occurred multiple times, even to my brother during his visit from Canada. Given that this vehicle is used to transport children and other passengers, this is a serious safety concern and liability risk. Picture of message that pops up when the issue occurs. 3. Brake Performance Problems - The brakes have been squealing and exhibit shaking and grinding during use after sitting for different periods of time. Despite contacting the dealership (Dorito Brothers Volkswagen) numerous times about this issue, I have been repeatedly dismissed by their service advisors, technicians and manager. Their lack of attention to detail and unwillingness to address my concerns has eroded my confidence in their ability to service the vehicle properly. I was also informed that Volkswagen would be dealing with the brakes issues by the end of the fourth quarter in 2024 but to-date nothing has been heard nor done. They are recommending brake pads and rotors but why are those needing to be replaced after less than a year of owning it. There's more going on than they are disclosing. Attached is a copy of a report from a different dealer than the car was purchased from. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI #11635738
Mileage unknown · Nov 21, 2024
Service Brakes
I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with the recurring brake issues I have experienced with my 2022 Volkswagen Atlas. On December 23, 2023, I took my vehicle to the Alexandria VW dealership in Virginia due to a water-gargling sound that turned out to be related to the brakes. The dealer recommended replacing the brake pa…
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I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with the recurring brake issues I have experienced with my 2022 Volkswagen Atlas. On December 23, 2023, I took my vehicle to the Alexandria VW dealership in Virginia due to a water-gargling sound that turned out to be related to the brakes. The dealer recommended replacing the brake pads, which I agreed to, at a cost of $700. However, in October 2024, less than a year later, the same issue reoccurred. The same dealership is now recommending that I replace the brake pads again. When I questioned the short lifespan of the brake pads, I was told that modern brake pads typically last less than a year due to California brake laws. This explanation does not seem reasonable, as brake pads should generally last much longer under normal conditions. Furthermore, I believe there may be an underlying issue with the brake system that has not been adequately addressed, leading to this premature wear. I am very disappointed with the quality of service and the lack of a permanent solution to this issue. I kindly request: A thorough investigation into the cause of the recurring brake problem. A permanent fix for the issue, or guidance on how to proceed if the vehicle cannot be repaired to meet reasonable standards. Reimbursement or compensation for the repeated cost of brake pad replacement, if applicable. I need your assistance for this matter. Thank you!
NHTSA ODI #11626543
Mileage unknown · Aug 23, 2024
Service Brakes
Brand new vehicle comes with horrible quality brake pads. The sounds come and go, but usually happens on the initial start of driving. The sounds do not sound normal and multiple 2021 Atlas' have this issue. It's really a shame that they are allowed to sell "new" vehicles with quality of brakes.
NHTSA ODI #11610384
Mileage unknown · Apr 9, 2024
Service Brakes
The brakes in this vehicle grind, squeal and jutter and have done so since 3k miles. Under hard stopping conditions I am not confident with this braking system. We have taken the car to the dealership multiple times and every time they advise there is nothing they can do. We have reported the issue to VW of America and they h…
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The brakes in this vehicle grind, squeal and jutter and have done so since 3k miles. Under hard stopping conditions I am not confident with this braking system. We have taken the car to the dealership multiple times and every time they advise there is nothing they can do. We have reported the issue to VW of America and they have told me that this is normal, but brakes making these types of sounds and operating this way is not normal.
NHTSA ODI #11581914
Mileage unknown · Mar 13, 2024
Electrical SystemService Brakes
Leased vehicle in Aug 2022, brand new. Approx. six months later the vehicle exhibited a recurring noise when braking which sounds like a grinding. The noise is also accompanied with a gurgling sound when stopping originating from the engine compartment on the driver's side. Dealership said it might be break dust, they cleaned th…
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Leased vehicle in Aug 2022, brand new. Approx. six months later the vehicle exhibited a recurring noise when braking which sounds like a grinding. The noise is also accompanied with a gurgling sound when stopping originating from the engine compartment on the driver's side. Dealership said it might be break dust, they cleaned the area and test drove the vehicle. It worked fine for less than a day before the noise returned. Additionally, the car has surged when at a stop and turned off unexpected with Auto Start/Stop off. Dealership diagnosed the issues as related to the battery from the factory but stated it is not yet with in the failure limits to constitute a warranty replacement. Just to be clear, the battery is failing but not at the rate the manufacture would cover the replacement. Told by the dealer to wait until the problem becomes worse so they can replace it under warranty.
NHTSA ODI #11577211
Mileage unknown · Mar 6, 2024
Service Brakes
vehicle has recurring noise when braking, sounds like a grinding. There is also a gurgling noise when stopping coming from the engine compartment on the driver's side.
NHTSA ODI #11575866
Mileage unknown · Feb 28, 2024
Service Brakes
There needs to be a recall on all 2022 Volkswagen Atlas. There is a major issue with the braking system that if goes unaddressed, will cause accidents. There are many, many people complaining about it and I’m guessing until we start seeing deaths related to it, nothing will get done. The braking system is grinding, squealing and…
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There needs to be a recall on all 2022 Volkswagen Atlas. There is a major issue with the braking system that if goes unaddressed, will cause accidents. There are many, many people complaining about it and I’m guessing until we start seeing deaths related to it, nothing will get done. The braking system is grinding, squealing and jumping when attempting to brake. This is going to continue to get worse until something gets fixed.
NHTSA ODI #11574437
Mileage unknown · Feb 19, 2024
Service Brakes
The brakes make an awful grinding noise that sounds like metal on metal . When braking the collision alert system will go off as if a crash is inevitable like no one is braking. I have had pedestrians flag me down and tell men that the noise is a brake rotor issue and that the pads must be completely gone cause they have never …
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The brakes make an awful grinding noise that sounds like metal on metal . When braking the collision alert system will go off as if a crash is inevitable like no one is braking. I have had pedestrians flag me down and tell men that the noise is a brake rotor issue and that the pads must be completely gone cause they have never heard them sound that bad. The dealer claims they are fine and it is a know issue and safe even if the collision alert system goes off unnecessarily. The most dangerous thing is the lack of interest they have in investigating the problem.
NHTSA ODI #11572822
Official recalls
7Jun 20, 2024
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Atlas and 2020-2024 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The passenger occupant detection system (PODS) may experience a fault in the wiring and deactivate the front passenger air bag when the seat is occupied.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the PODS sensor mat and wiring harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 30, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on October 18, 2024, December 10, 2024, December 20, 2024, and January 17, 2025. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69PZ.
Oct 26, 2022
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 Volkswagen Atlas FL and 2022-2023 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The driver-side rear trailing arm bolts may not have been tightened properly, allowing them to loosen and fall out.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Unsecured bolts may cause the trailing arm to fracture, resulting in a sudden loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver side rear trailing arm bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 25, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 42M2.
Oct 7, 2022
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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).
Aug 31, 2022
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The trailer hitch bolts may have been insufficiently tightened.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Loose bolts may fall out, causing the remaining bolts to break, which could lead to separation of the trailer hitch and trailer, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will tighten the trailer hitch bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 28, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 66N8.
Jul 20, 2022
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Golf GTI, Jetta GLI, Jetta NF, Arteon FL, Tiguan LWB, 2022 Taos, Jetta PA, Tiguan PA, 2021-2022 Atlas Cross Sport, and Atlas FL vehicles. The manufacturing process of the eMMC memory module in the infotainment system may cause the rearview camera image not to display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the infotainment software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DV.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Equipment:electrical:infotainment:software
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Golf GTI, Jetta GLI, Jetta NF, Arteon FL, Tiguan LWB, 2022 Taos, Jetta PA, Tiguan PA, 2021-2022 Atlas Cross Sport, and Atlas FL vehicles. The manufacturing process of the eMMC memory module in the infotainment system may cause the rearview camera image not to display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the infotainment software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DV.
Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Golf GTI, Jetta GLI, Jetta NF, Arteon FL, Tiguan LWB, 2022 Taos, Jetta PA, Tiguan PA, 2021-2022 Atlas Cross Sport, and Atlas FL vehicles. The manufacturing process of the eMMC memory module in the infotainment system may cause the rearview camera image not to display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the infotainment software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DV.
Apr 13, 2022
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Atlas FL and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The long fuel injectors may have been assembled without filters.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Long fuel injectors with missing filters may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the long fuel injectors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 20, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24iD.
Mar 28, 2022
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Atlas, 2020-2023 Atlas Cross Sport, and 2021-2023 Atlas FL vehicles. The door wiring harness electrical contacts may corrode, disrupting the electrical connection and delaying the deployment of the driver or passenger front side air bag during a side impact crash.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A delayed air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will secure and, as necessary, replace any the front door wiring harnesses showing a fault code, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 20, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 97GF.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1PE23017 · Inadvertent Automatic Emergency Braking
Opened Sep 28, 2023 · Closed Dec 18, 2024
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Forward Collision Avoidance; Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking
On September 28, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE23017) to assess reports of inadvertent activation of the Front Assist automatic emergency braking (AEB) system in model year (MY) 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles.The reports alleged that activation of the AEB system occurred while driving with no apparent obstruction in the vehicle's forward path, resulting in sudden vehicle deceleration. Volkswagen indicated that it is aware of a total of 292 reports that may relate to the alleged defect in MY 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles.Volkswagen stated that some customers possibly had an inadequate understanding of Front Assist and its limitations. However, many consumer complaints alleged that Volkswagen dealerships were unable to reproduce the condition or Volkswagen dealerships informed the consumers that this braking is considered normal Front Assist operation. ODI's analysis shows that MY 2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles have the highest rate of unique incident reports alleging AEB inadvertent activation when compared to their Volkswagen peers.The rate of unique incident reports alleging AEB inadvertent activation in MY 2018 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles was comparable to their Volkswagen peers. To date, ODI has received a total of 69 consumer complaints of inadvertent activation of Front Assist in MY 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles. In total, ODI reviewed 264 unique (i.e., non-duplicative Vehicle Identification Numbers) reports that may relate to the alleged defect, which include eight reports of incidents involving an alleged injury and two reports involving a crash. PE23017 has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA24004) to further assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety related consequences of the inadvertent AEB activations in MY 2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking
On September 28, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE23017) to assess reports of inadvertent activation of the Front Assist automatic emergency braking (AEB) system in model year (MY) 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles.The reports alleged that activation of the AEB system occurred while driving with no apparent obstruction in the vehicle's forward path, resulting in sudden vehicle deceleration. Volkswagen indicated that it is aware of a total of 292 reports that may relate to the alleged defect in MY 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles.Volkswagen stated that some customers possibly had an inadequate understanding of Front Assist and its limitations. However, many consumer complaints alleged that Volkswagen dealerships were unable to reproduce the condition or Volkswagen dealerships informed the consumers that this braking is considered normal Front Assist operation. ODI's analysis shows that MY 2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles have the highest rate of unique incident reports alleging AEB inadvertent activation when compared to their Volkswagen peers.The rate of unique incident reports alleging AEB inadvertent activation in MY 2018 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles was comparable to their Volkswagen peers. To date, ODI has received a total of 69 consumer complaints of inadvertent activation of Front Assist in MY 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles. In total, ODI reviewed 264 unique (i.e., non-duplicative Vehicle Identification Numbers) reports that may relate to the alleged defect, which include eight reports of incidents involving an alleged injury and two reports involving a crash. PE23017 has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA24004) to further assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety related consequences of the inadvertent AEB activations in MY 2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Forward Collision Avoidance
On September 28, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE23017) to assess reports of inadvertent activation of the Front Assist automatic emergency braking (AEB) system in model year (MY) 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles.The reports alleged that activation of the AEB system occurred while driving with no apparent obstruction in the vehicle's forward path, resulting in sudden vehicle deceleration. Volkswagen indicated that it is aware of a total of 292 reports that may relate to the alleged defect in MY 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles.Volkswagen stated that some customers possibly had an inadequate understanding of Front Assist and its limitations. However, many consumer complaints alleged that Volkswagen dealerships were unable to reproduce the condition or Volkswagen dealerships informed the consumers that this braking is considered normal Front Assist operation. ODI's analysis shows that MY 2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles have the highest rate of unique incident reports alleging AEB inadvertent activation when compared to their Volkswagen peers.The rate of unique incident reports alleging AEB inadvertent activation in MY 2018 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles was comparable to their Volkswagen peers. To date, ODI has received a total of 69 consumer complaints of inadvertent activation of Front Assist in MY 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles. In total, ODI reviewed 264 unique (i.e., non-duplicative Vehicle Identification Numbers) reports that may relate to the alleged defect, which include eight reports of incidents involving an alleged injury and two reports involving a crash. PE23017 has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA24004) to further assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety related consequences of the inadvertent AEB activations in MY 2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.