Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2022 Volkswagen Atlas owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. …
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. …
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. …
1. Dealer has accepted the problem and indicated they are unable to do anything, that all Atlas do the brake screetching and sensors going off with no reason. 2. Brakes- Everytime at starting the car in the morning or around 15 to 30 minutes after use (parked), they screech and it feels as if the pads slide and not truly break. This happens always along with a water-like gargling sound. The screeching also makes the sensors go off. The concern is the safety as you can feel the breaks do not respond the same when this happens vs after using three or four stops. You can feel and hearvhow the pads slide and the car has difficulty breaking. 2. The left side sensors of the mirror and side of car go off random and it is annoying to say the least. …
The automatic emergency braking is engaged when when it should not. This happens while traveling at highway speeds, I have been lucky the 4x it is has happened that no one was behind and I was able to override and safely continue on my way. I took the vehicle to the dealership and they stated that there are no entries in the system log indicating any automatic emergency braking. This is very concerning, since I have had 2 incidents where the emergency braking was activated when it was supposed to. These are not in the logs either. I am also experiencing issues with the blind spot warning sensors too. I have video proof of a false alarm. The dealer said VW will not allow them to fix a vehicle with video proof. …
Vehicle 2 hrs after purchased start/stop failure notice came on. Vehicle died without emergency brakes or any brake system at all take place in middle of the road. Took to the dealer where it was purchased from immediately-4 days later "repaired" replaced a valve stating a flap wasn't closing correctly. 3 weeks later out of state same thing happened 3 different times traveling 70 mph on the way back to our home, only this time we had cars swerving behind us to avoid hitting us as we were in middle lane, immediately I threw on the flashers while driver was attempting to place it in park when the gear shift stuck same error all 3 times start/stop fail only this time the check engine light came on as well as the start stop error light on the dash and permanently stayed on until we could get to the dealership where we purchased it- vehicle stalled again the same way only this time …
Brake complaints in other Atlas years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas?
NHTSA has 50 complaints about the brakes of the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas, 27% of the model year's 184 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2022 Volkswagen Atlas brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas, though it has 7 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2022 Volkswagen Atlas brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 14,000 miles, and 67% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.