2022 Volkswagen Atlas Brakes Problems

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

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.

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.

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.

Brake system-Unresolved repair and inadequate investigation.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

My brakes have been making a weird sound when I break and at times grind as if the brakes need to be changed. I have taken my car to be serviced for this issue and they tell me that my brakes are great with no issues. That the Atlas have that issue but it’s normal. There are times that it seems my brakes fail. This poses a safety risk for me and my family

Automatic braking happened when crossing an intersection. I pressed the gas to go and went a couple of feet before the automatic braking kicked in. I had to put the car in park and restart the car. Luckily I was at the front of the traffic line so I was not going at a high speed because if I had been on the freeway, etc. this would have been so dangerous . This car has 15K miles and things like this should not be happening. I have 5 kids and this would cause detrimental damage at high speeds. I started having brake issues (grinding noises, brake slippage etc.) only a couple months after getting the vehicle and have been to dealer several times to resolve the issues but no fix has lasted more than a couple months. I have an appointment to go in again next week to check automatic braking as well as the grinding noises again as they also happening again. Apparently faulty brakes are a known issue that VW will not fix. It was one thing to have to go into the dealership every quarter to get them replaced, but now this added issue of the automatic brake turning off makes me feel very unsafe to drive it. VW needs to do something to resolve the brake issues on the Atlas.

Roughly 60 days after we purchased our Atlas the brakes started squealing, grinding, and when its wet or raining, it is nearly impossible to stop the vehicle without slamming the brakes so hard that the anti-lock braking system engages. This is a safety hazard/concern. We contacted the dealership where we purchased the vehicle (out of state) and they said this was standard and not to worry. This was mentioned at our first service at our local VW dealership and we were again told that this was normal and that the brake pads were wearing just fine. The safety concern was not addressed, nor is this normal. At our second service appointment, we asked that these be checked again and for them to address the difficulty in stopping during wet conditions. Same response, this is normal and brakes are not covered under warranty. We have since contacted the original selling dealership who lined up another service appointment with our local VW dealership, and again, we received the same answer as before. We do have audio/video of the squealing and grinding noises, and again, we have been told this is standard, and its a known problem with the VW Atlas. There are many other complaints similar to this. This should reach the level of a recall before something catastrophic happens and someone loses their life over it. I/we as owners of this type vehicle should not have to spend thousands of dollars replacing brakes shortly after purchasing this type of vehicle.

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

Brakes started going out at 20,000 miles along with tires falling apart.

The contact owns a 2022 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, and the brakes made an abnormally loud squeaking sound. The vehicle then lost motive power. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 14,000.

The breaks make a horrible grinding and squeak sound. Feels unsafe to drive car.