VW Atlas Brake Noise Issues: Grinding, Squeaking, Inconsistent Braking?

Attorneys working with ClassAction.org are looking into whether a class action lawsuit can be filed over potential brake issues in 2021-2024 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles.

Specifically, drivers have reported that their brakes make loud grinding, squeaking or gurgling noises, feel like they’re slipping or apply too harshly. Some drivers have said that when they complained to Volkswagen about the braking problems, they were told that the cars were functioning normally.

Now, the attorneys need to hear from more people who experienced these brake issues as they work to determine whether a class action can be filed. It’s possible that a lawsuit could help drivers get money for repairs, lost vehicle value and more.

VW Atlas Drivers Report Noise Issues, Inconsistent Braking

Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport drivers have complained on Reddit and other online forums about problems with their brakes, with some expressing frustration that no recall has been issued.

Many drivers said they often hear a loud grinding, metal-on-metal noise when braking or while driving. Others reported a squealing or squeaking noise, especially when in reverse, or a sound of gurgling or rushing water. Some drivers said they felt that their brakes were not functioning properly and would slip or apply too harshly.

According to the reports, when drivers brought their cars in for repairs, they were often told that the problem couldn’t be reproduced or that it was “normal.” Some Volkswagen technicians reportedly acknowledged that the braking issues are common among Atlas vehicles.

Below is a sampling of complaints about the VW Atlas brake issues [sic throughout]:

Anytime the car sits for a period of time, 90% of the time, the car will produce a massively loud metal on metal grind that can be felt in the brake pedal and steering wheel for the first 3 or so stops from 30mph+. The first few stops out of my neighborhood never get that fast and im the ahole destroying everyones calm at 7am with my ‘junk car’. After those higher speed stops, it’s fine again. However, they also squeel when coasting through a drive thru or traffic without touching the pedal.”
— 2023 VW Atlas driver, Reddit.com

2022 VW Atlas, bought new and less than 1.5 years old. This video was taken by a VW Tech with the windows closed. You can hear a water gargling sound but it’s actually the intensely LOUD brakes. The noise is so loud it VIBRATES around the vehicle and sets off the motion sensors (making you think you are about to hit something or something is about to hit you) around the entire vehicle. This happens every time the car has been sitting for a few hours and occurs every time the brakes are applied.”
— 2022 VW Atlas driver, Reddit.com

Yeah, my ‘22 has done this all day everyday since a month or so after purchase. Dealer says they can’t duplicate problem (yeah right). It squeaks, squawks, gurgles. It is so embarrassing but I am waiting for the brakes to wear down a little bit more before I replace.”
— 2022 VW Atlas driver, Reddit.com

The brakes on this new car constantly grind and are extremely noisy. There have been a few occasions where they barely stopped the car before we hit another car. We have brought the car in for service several times and the dealer is unable to repair the vehicle. The service reps tell us this is a known problem with this car. Then they tell us they did not find any issues. they have claimed to have replaced the brakes but the issues still persist. Lots of owners of this vehicle have the same concerns or worse. This Atlas Cross Sport should not be allowed on California streets and highways. This really needs to be looked into”
— 2022 VW Atlas Cross Sport driver, CarComplaints.com

I have taken my car to the dealer and had them look at the brakes. Every time I press on the brakes it makes a grinding sound almost as if the car is to heavy for the brakes and skids a little. At Findlay Volkswagen they tell me they are aware of the problem, but Volkswagen has not approved any type of fix. I have also talked to other people with the same car everyone I have spoken with that has this model car has the same issues with the brakes. To mne this is a safety issue if the car is to heavy for the brakes.”
— 2022 VW Atlas Cross Sport driver, CarComplaints.com

The brakes make loud squealing and grinding noises and don’t feel like they are properly functioning when attempting to stop. I rolled through a stop sign when they were grinding loudly last week because the brakes would not engage. I immediately scheduled to have it diganosed again. I have had it diagnosed by VW 3 times and also contacted VW corporate and they have all stated to me that it is a known issue with the brakes on VW atlas and have had 1000s of complaints and will do nothing to repair or resolve the situation. They said they know it is an issue and not correct and they will not be doing anything to correct the situation or make sure the vehicle is safe.”
— 2021 VW Atlas driver, CarComplaints.com

How Can a Class Action Lawsuit Help?

A class action lawsuit could help owners and lessees of the affected Atlas vehicles get back money they spent on repairs or for lost vehicle value. Volkswagen could also be ordered to come up with a free fix for the apparent brake problems.

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