Service Brakes Problems of Volkswagen Atlas - part 2

When the Atlas is cold, there is a weird screeching/grinding sound coming from the drivers side front when I press the brakes while in motion. Car has 12 miles on it. Brought it into the dealer and they say that it’s a known issue with the oem brakes, but as it “does not cause a safety concern” it’s not covered under warranty. Dealer said that he could replace brakes with non oem and the problem would go away. Dealer says that it is from “initial brake build-up” but that it is not likely to go away without replacing the brakes.

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Metal to metal grinding sounds.

The brakes sound horrible when they are cold. They grind and vibrate until they are warmed up and the car only has 8k miles on it. We are being forced to pay to have the brake pads replaced with ceramic brake pads from the semi-metallic factory ones. We have only had the car 2 weeks. They said vw would cover 70% of the cost, but with the number of complaints, this should be covered completely.

Driving at constant speed on highway, vehicle either loses acceleration and / or applies brake for short moment. Tapping the accelerator appears allow the vehicle to resume to initial intended speed. Automatic braking, not intended by the driver is a safety risk for both this and adjacent drivers. The problem has been reproduced by a dealer service center. No other agencies have inspected the vehicle's problem. No warning lamps, messages or other symptoms evident. Dealer has had the vehicle to two weeks and has not provided a viable resolution.

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I have a horrible noise when breaking it sound like scratching and water behind the dashboard it’s horrible noise. We are afraid to use it because we think that we can run into an accident because of the sound on the breaks. The vehicle is working normal it’s just the sound that is horrible. Nobody wants to take responsibility we took it to the dealership many times and they are blaming to the manufacture breaks company and that is an issue that they are aware of the existence because every month they run certification to theirs cars and they experience the same issue with their breaks form Volkswagen Atlas 2024 and they are blaming it to the manufacture for the breaks they install to many of this SUV. My advisor recommend me to change the break pads be he wouldn’t take full responsibility that the noise can go away. He told me it’s normal sound and the sound is going to keep coming back because the problem comes from the breaks. Nobody have make this into a recall and no agents want to file this as a recall. We pay 1,200 dollars every month in this lease and the sound keep happening we need some solutions as soon as possible this need to be file a a recall so they can stop installing this breaks to future cars and the problem can get bigger than what’s already is.

Brake system-unresolved repair and inadequate investigation.

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Emergency brake engaged while in drive. Was in a middle of intersection of a busy street and emergency brake froze wouldn’t turn off until car was turned completely off. Kids were not in car thankfully.

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Brakes make a grinding noise like they are grinding metal on metal, thinking maybe the car I had gotten needed a break change prior to me getting went ahead and changed the breaks- still metal and metal sound. The brake pedal will go all the way in as if there is no brakes. The car does not stop right away I have had a car in the shop twice already and both times they tell me they cannot determine on how to correct the issues.

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Not even a year old and brakes squeaking/ gurgling sounds coming from the front wheels. As time goes on seems to get worse to the point where I am braking and slips a little. I've taken by car to the dealership twice and made several calls they keep sayings it is a known issued and a flaw for vw not a safety issue. The gurling sound is not normal and not safe especially for a new vehicle. I have an open case with vw, but they won't budge since they go off of what techs are documenting. They said I would have to pay out of pocket to replace the rotors and breaks even though vehicle is only a year old. If I would have known of this issue, I would have not bought this vehicle. On another note, having issues with moisture building up and developing mold which is coming through the vents. This is something vw does not take care of would have to pay for odor treatment on faulty design. I have never ran into this issued with any other make.

Brakes with difficulty and makes noise time to time and braking is very uncomfortable. It seems like a struggle to break at each stop. Bought vehicle from dublin vm, mentioned this after 1 day of purchase. Service dept stated its normal so I had bigotires check brakes too n they said brakes look okay. I'm a mom w a child so our safety is a concern when driving this vehicle!.

Grinding noise accompanied with vibration and pulsating feel in brake pedal. Fluid movement noises near driver footwell. Cavitation of hydraulic fluid in brake systems can result in corrosion and premature failure of components. Inconsistency in brake feel with pedal vibration has resulted in over and under braking. The problem has been substantiated 3 times by two independent dealers. No warning lights present.

Within a year of owning my vehicle, I began to notice a severe shudder on braking when descending from 7000 foot elevation (mammoth lakes, CA) to a 4400 foot elevation (bishop, CA) on the sherwin grade of us 395 upon braking. I have driven this route approximately 25 times in the past 1. 5 years. Normally, I would set the adaptive cruise control to 73-75 mph on this downhill grade to control speed, and let the adaptive cruise control do the work of controlling speed, while keeping my own foot off the break. However, if I did need to slow further due to traffic, I would experience a severe shudder upon manual breaking- see attached screenshot of a video taken at night. I brought this incident up to vw (see mechanic video) in 1/2025, and they blamed the problem on overheating of the front rotor (see technician video link below). Upon return trips to mammoth, I now realize that this overheating was caused by the adaptive cruise control itself attempting to control auto speed. Now, in order to make this less dangerous, I have to let the car get up to 80 mph and then pulse the breaks- because if I let the adaptive cruise control do the work as designed, it creates an unsafe driving condition because of a faulty design by vw- if heat is an issue, better dissipation is needed, or a temperature sensor is needed. Vw's solution was for me to spend $700 to replace brakes and rotors due to a vw design flaw, despite my car being under warranty, and I cannot afford this currently. I think this issue must be recalled immediately before I (or someone else) who drives on long hilly grades has a fatal car accident due to a design flaw in the vw Atlas adaptive cruise control. Vw technician report found here: https://app. Quik. Auto/main/job-client/d30e9618c58cc7cae45943f5cb69f9d6.

I leased the car brand new, maybe a month or 2 later the brakes started making noise. I took it to vw 2-3x and they said that was just a common problem in the Atlas and there’s nothing they can do about it. They suggested on the highway, when it is safe to slam the brakes to get rid of the noise. Not only is this dangerous but also my tires are worn down from constantly braking trying to get rid of the noise before I go anywhere. Also, a new issue that’s starting up is when I’m coming slowly to a stop, to get to the median or a roundabout, the car shuts down. This is also very dangerous and has gotten me in a position where a car almost hit me as I was approaching the median, the car shut off on me. I had to quickly put the car in brake, turn on the car and put it in drive to move my car out of the road where cars were approaching me.

Breaks make a loud squealing sound while break both gently or hard. When breaking down an incline the breaks will grind and then slip followed by a urgent grind to hard break.

Extreme screech and scratching upon braking. Constant and well known by other vw owners.

The vehicle was giving a false alert about my driver's door being opened. The door was infact closed properly. During this time when I was driving when I came to a slowed or complete stop the car put the emgergency/parking brake on. This happened twice in seven days. I took the car to the dealership to look at it and it appears to be a known defect that the door latch can freeze and cause this malfunction. The car has not been in an accident and is less than 5 years old. The repair is $1000. This abrupt braking was hazardous as it cause the car to stop short, my family could have been rear-ended.

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When braking there is a grinding/screeching noise upon inspection found front brake pads to be down to metal damaging rotor I was informed by a mechanic that the issue with the brakes is not normal wear and tear that it is a factory defect coz they are not wearing out equally the right side is worst than the left that in the right side theres no brakes anymore deañer says I have to pay for it I dont understand why if my truck is new and it is not a normal wear and tear.

Driving on a single lane road with no other cars on road (in front or behind) and car suddenly brakes to a complete stop and the crash warning sound become audible inside the car. This happened 1 other time about 1 month prior but car did not come to a complete stop that time. That incident there were other vehicles on the road but were at a fair distance away from the car and those vehicles were not braking or slowing down.

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We purchased our vehicle in August 2024. We only have around 3,200 miles on it. When leaving a space (driveway, parking space, etc), even if only parked for a short time, the brakes have a noticeable screech which I have never had on a new vehicle. The dealership inspected and said there are no issues and they will not replace the pads. They blame the type of pads used by the manufacturer. I have never had this issue on new vehicles whether it is hot, cold, wet, dry, etc. My used vehicle recently had brake pads changed and there are no sounds.

Brakes grind and vibrate and have for the past 7,000 miles, dealer continues to say this is normal for Volkswagen, this problem has been reported numerous times to vw and doing an internet search I am not the only one with this problem. Numerous other individuals with these vehicles also have this issue. The other issue is the transfer case continues to leak, this has been replaced once already, and now less than 4,000 miles later it is leaking again. Vw continues to say everything is normal and it is normal to feel the vibration and grinding in the brake pedal and vw continues to say it is safe and normal for these sounds. However, this grinding feeling, not squeaking, but grinding and vibration in the brake pedal cannot be safe. This is a serious safety concern for myself and my family. They say brake pads are normal and not worn, so this isn’t a brake pad issue, but a deeper issue. The third issue is the infotainment system at times in start up will just be black, and will not come on, so you are unable to adjust climate control, radio, use backup camera, etc. The only way this will fix itself is if you turn the car off and back on, the dealer has updated they system, and it still continues to do this.

Brakes are squealing and grinding noises when I break. This noises are present no matter the speed. Vw dealership from kearny mesa vw, san diego, California USA. Engine: start/stop does shutdown during driving after the autostop system. Electric: sensors is causing false alerts. I deactivated the system, because the system is constantly detecting alerts for no real threats,.

Horrific screeching sound while braking. Braking when going down slight hill grinds and drags when braking. Brake sound occurs after car stops in addition to the grinding screeching sound during braking. Took vehicle in to vw and they report brake pads are 8mm and no issues found but stated there is a defect in the composite of this models brakes and will notify once they get more information. This is absolutely unacceptable and unsafe. Why should I be driving a brand new car with these sounds?? the embarrassing sound and lack of braking is a severe concern.

I am writing to formally report repeated and serious defects with my 2024 Volkswagen Atlas, VIN [xxx] , which I leased in California. These defects occurred well within the vehicle’s first year and while under factory warranty. Brake system defect at 8,405 miles, the vehicle received its 10,000-mile maintenance. At 9,340 miles, brake pads measured 10 mm front / 8 mm rear, reflecting nearly new condition. By 13,175 miles, the pads had separated from their backing plates, causing scoring of the front rotors. Told they crumbled by the dealership. Dealer performed a “one-time goodwill repair” on the 1-year in-service date, replacing pads and rotors, but refused to document the failure as a warranty-covered defect. This premature failure at 13k miles is not normal wear and reflects a serious manufacturing/material defect that created a safety hazard. Engine and oil issues at 13,175 miles, the oil light came on and the vehicle was found to be low on oil despite proper service at 8,405 miles. At 8,405 miles the oil light also came on showing low to no oil. Intermittent warning and electrical issues throughout this period, the vehicle has experienced recurring warning messages and system malfunctions, including: “error: dynamic road sign display” “lane assist not available” “front assist has limited availability” tpms issues, where displayed tire pressure did not match actual pressure, and the light remained on for days despite correct tire pressures being confirmed. Additional warranty repairs at 9,943 miles, the radio required a software repair under warranty. Paint defect required repair under warranty. Summary: in less than 14,000 miles, this vehicle has experienced: critical brake system failure (pads separating, rotor damage). Engine oil loss triggering warning light. Multiple electrical and safety system errors affecting driver-assist features. Radio malfunction requiring repair. Paint defect requiring repair. I have more pics & orders information redacted pursuant to the freedom of informatio.

I have had issue after issue with this car ever since I got it. Within the first year of my lease, my car was at the dealership for 4 to 5 months. Most of it in one long stint. The vehicle was consistently having problems. All the while, I’m paying for a car I wasn’t even able to drive for a huge chunk of year 1. One time, the car completely shut down and stopped in the middle of the freeway with my three young children in the car with me. The brakes on this car have been an issue since I bought it as well. Not only have the brakes squeaked the entire time I’ve owned the car, vw has since come out and said that the brakes are defective but they’re unwilling to offer any solution. There have been factory issues with this vehicle many many times that have caused real safety issues. Rarely did volkswagon actually offer any sort of fix or realistic timeline for when I can expect things to be addressed. Even in some cases, they just completely ignored me as if I’m just a number and not an actual customer who drives his children in this car. This was my third Volkswagen. I have always sang the praises of vw. But this experience has quite literally made me never want to buy another volkswagon product again. I have about nine payments remaining on my lease and I am anxious to move on to a better safer vehicle with a brand that does right by the consumer. Volkswagon told me that even with all of what I’ve been through with volkswagon, which is on the record by the way in the form of repair orders, as well as cost to customer service, I did not qualify for a buyback on my vehicle. Nor would they let me just return my lease. The dealership has basically said that their hands are tied. And corporate has repeatedly done nothing, and turned me away. I asked that you guys step in not only for me in particular, but for all the other volkswagon owners who are unhappy. And there are many. Especially those who drive the same make, and model is me, the Atlas. Thank you.

Brakes had to be replaced at only 19,500 miles and now the car has 38,000 miles and they sound horrible again. The entire time I’ve had this car the brakes have made squealing and grinding noises. The vw dealer couldn’t access vw brakes last year due to shortage so put after market rotors on my car without my permission. I had a loaner and they called and told me my car was “ready” out of the blue. Horrible experiences. Will never buy a vw again.

This car has been in the shop on 6 different occasions and has yet to have anything properly repaired. It has brake/rotor issues since about 15,000 miles. It has a really bad oil leak that it has been in twice for now.

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!.

Bought a new 2024 vw Atlas se with 4 miles on it. Around 6700 miles my brakes grinds and squeaks whenever I brake when the pads are cold. Took it to the vw dealership in capitol heights, MD. They claimed they cleaned the brakes but the same problem is occurring. From researching the problem it seems many people are having this same problem. Vw should be aware of the issues.

While approaching an intersection at about 20 mph, vehicle suddenly applied the front collision braking and almost caused an accident from the vehicle behind me. There were no vehicles in front of me or any other obstacles. Other 2019 models have been recalled with he same issue for a harness wiring or software update. This is dangerous and risks my family's life.

While driving my car made a loud beep sound and faulty brake booster appeared on the dash and the brake light came on and the brakes would not work properly. I was almost rear ended because of this.

The vehicle was driven into the garage, driver pressed park then engine stop. Driver and passenger exited vehicle, opened both rear doors and retrieved items from the rear seats. Closed rear doors. No warning sounds or lights came on when exiting the vehicle. When returning to the vehicle in about an hour it had rolled out of the garage and crashed into another garage. When the driver's door was opened the shift lever indicated park. The incident was reported to the dealer and taken in as soon as possible. The dealer has been unable to recreate the problem and is still researching. Very concerned about the possibility of the vehicle moving in park and hitting someone or something.

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.

After the vehicle has sat for a couple of hours, when I get in to drive and come to a complete stop, there’s a gurgling/swooshing water sound coming from the front brakes. I confirmed my pads and rotors are fine, but the functionality of the brakes appear to act up when the noise happens. I’ve seen this reported on numerous forums and this is a huge safety issue. The dealership says there’s nothing they can do and the brakes are operating as they should, but this noise is not normal.

The vehicle slammed on brakes, electronic stabilization control light came on, transmission went into emergency mode, check engine light came on, and many other lights. I had to jerk the car to avoid the ditch since I was in a curve on a highway. Brakes continued to kick back and would not allow me to pull to side of road even in neutral. Battery message came on and said it was not charging. I was stuck in the lane and several people had to swerve or brake hard to miss me.

Today 3 times while driving my car braked on its own, emitted a loud noise and “brake booster faulty” displays along with the abs and brake late. It also told me to power off the car. Prior to this there were no problems however I am now worried for safety reasons.