2022 Volkswagen Atlas Brakes Problems

Software update for the vehicle. Since we have completed the update we have had issues with the Radio unit flashing in and out intermittenly and finally the unit went black and will not work at all. This is now showing multiple fault codes including. Engine control module 1 (U105400), Brakes 1(C102D00), Adaptive Cruise Control (U112100), Dash Board (U111000), Gateway (U105400), Telematics Communication Unit (B104914, U112100,B1916f4), Light Control Left 2 (U140700,C123AFA) Light Control Right 2 (C123AFA). None of these codes started till the System update happened.

NHTSA ID

11756322

Incident

Jul 31, 2026

i was exiting HWY 45 at highway speed. the car began to stutter, i lost control of the propulsion of the vehicle, the breaks did not seem to work, the EPC light came on after rolling to a stop. i had to put the car in park and upon turning the car off and back on the cars EPC light went off and i was able to drive it home. it now sits in my driveway and has not been moved since.

NHTSA ID

11755826

Incident

Aug 8, 2026

The contact owns a 2022 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the emergency brake engaged without warning. All the warning lights were illuminated. The windows went up and down without application. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V152000 (Air Bags). The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Volkswagen South Towne Service and Parts Department: 11000 Frontage Rd, South Jordan, UT 84095, where it was diagnosed that the driver door module had failed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, who informed there was no warranty coverage and no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.

NHTSA ID

11738050

Incident

Jul 1, 2022

Mileage

10,000 mi

Brake system-Unresolved repair and inadequate investigation.

NHTSA ID

11704712

Incident

Mar 1, 2025

Drumming/Grinding Brakes and my pads and rotors are still have life left on them. This is an ongoing problem.

NHTSA ID

11699655

Incident

Jul 16, 2025

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,

NHTSA ID

11685519

Incident

Nov 25, 2024

The contact owns a 2022 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while at a stoplight with vehicles in the front and rear, the vehicle suddenly accelerated, lunged forward, and crashed into a Chevrolet pickup truck. The brake pedal was applied but failed to respond. There were no warning lights illuminated. There were reported injuries, a police report, airbag deployment, or a fire. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who was unable to service the vehicle due to parts. The vehicle was towed to an auto body shop. Then towed back to the same local dealer, where an unknown diagnosis and repair were completed. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer reported that the vehicle was not the cause of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ID

11679379

Incident

Jun 3, 2025

Mileage

30,000 mi

My atlas forward collision system malfunctioned causing the automatic emergency braking to turn on when there was no one and nothing in front of me. I was then rear ended. Which ultimately totaled my vehicle. My car said airbag error as well. I called Volkswagen Perrysburg Ohio, to report the incident, was sent to the managers voicemail 7/16/2025. The manager never called me back.

NHTSA ID

11675853

Incident

Jul 15, 2025

Error: Airbag and the passenger airbag isn’t working. There is a recall for the atlas but my vin isn’t in there. No recall for the brakes but they are in a class action lawsuit and they are squeeling, vibrate and feel like they won’t stop. Dealership claims nothing wrong. But my car I traded in didn’t feel like this. Vw need to take action before accidents happen.

NHTSA ID

11671471

Incident

Jul 1, 2025

Loud metallic grinding sound when braking is present all the time. The dealer indicated that this is normal for the VW Atlas. However, the issue is that the driver will never know when the brake is functioning properly compared to the sound that often indicates worn-out brake pads (where the metal backing plate is scraping against the rotor). This could cause a collision if not properly fixed.

NHTSA ID

11660819

Incident

May 13, 2025

Since the car was purchased brand new, I have had severe brake grinding noises, brake grabbing, and inconsistent braking at both slow and high speeds. I've taken to the dealership many times to have the brakes checked and told each time the noise is a common complaint. I have requested the brakes be further inspected and one time the brakes were measured and was told it was within normal wear when the car had less than 15,000 miles. The noises and inconsistency of brakes makes it unsafe to operate.

NHTSA ID

11654521

Incident

Apr 14, 2025

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 ID

11652984

Incident

Apr 2, 2025

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 ID

11639778

Incident

Oct 9, 2023

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 ID

11635738

Incident

Jul 3, 2023

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 ID

11626543

Incident

Oct 1, 2024

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 ID

11610384

Incident

Aug 23, 2024

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 ID

11581914

Incident

Apr 9, 2024

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 ID

11577211

Incident

Feb 20, 2024

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 ID

11575866

Incident

Jan 2, 2024

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 ID

11574437

Incident

Jan 19, 2024

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 ID

11572822

Incident

Feb 8, 2024

Breaks grind as if they are used up but vehical is new and shouldnt have run through the pad so quickly Breaking becoming harder to stop

NHTSA ID

11565491

Incident

Jan 14, 2024

Very loud grinding noises and squeaking especially in the mornings when you use the brakes.

NHTSA ID

11565101

Incident

Aug 13, 2013

When I start driving the vehicle after it has been sitting for a little while (anywhere between a couple hours to overnight), the first few times I use the brakes, it sounds and feels like the brakes are grinding. There is a loud metallic grinding noise until I come to a full stop. This will last for several miles, and eventually go away. At the same time it does this, the driver side alert (cameras) start beeping like crazy. I have taken it in once as it started very shortly after I got the car and they replaced the brakes to appease me even though they said everything looked perfectly fine. They also said the sensors for the camera just needed cleaning off. All of this started happening again about 6 months later. In addition, I also have issues with the car shutting off whenever it feels like it and requiring a manual restart, In the middle of intersections, etc.

NHTSA ID

11564030

Incident

Jan 1, 2024

brand new car of VW 2022 Atlas Premium, but, with the brake grinding noise issue from starting driving this brand new car. The dealer acknowledged this noise issue, but, stated no safety issue, and asked me to call VW directly. We called VW directly, they said, no safety issue. We questioned we spent about $60k for this brand new car, why having such extremely brake noise from driving from day #1 , why the manufacture and dealer did not take care and fix this issue? and such grinding noise made my wife not dare to press the brake hardly. Such noise made the driver feel so scared, and this scare potentially cause the safety issue.

NHTSA ID

11562139

Incident

Dec 27, 2023