2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport brakes problems

Filed Jul 21, 2026 · Brakes · TX

When I am driving the vehicle the brakes are always squeaking. When I took it to the dealership they stated that there was nothing wrong with the brakes. When I Google this this seems to be a common issue with the Volkswagen Atlas. But one thing also just the other day when I stopped on the brakes it felt like someone was slamming behind me.

Filed Apr 24, 2026 · Brakes · TX

Over course of ownership, I have taken 2021 Atlas Cross Sport in for routine service, to include grinding brakes during normal driving conditions. The brakes will squeak when first beginning the drive for the day. The brake issue becomes more pronounced when braking from various speeds such as 65MPH to a gradual stop. There is a loud and progressively grinding noise during this time. The dealership was made aware of this within a week’s time and they specifically looked into this matter and advised once again, “normal.”

Filed Jan 8, 2026 · Brakes · AZ

A loud squeaky noise come from the brakes. When I took it to Volkswagen. They said there’s an issue with the brakes that was installed by the manufacturer however, they will not fix it because there is no recall. They said that the brakes that’s the factory installed has something has copper in it and that’s causing the issue. I have another friend with the same make and model of the car and suffering from the same issue. My concern is it just a loud noise or is it a safety issue because of the brakes?

Filed Aug 7, 2025 · Brakes · CA

I own a 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport with approximately 34,000 miles, purchased as a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle. The brakes make an extremely loud, metal-on-metal screeching noise when driving slowly, reversing or driving on hills. The sound is harsh and high-pitched, resembling worn-out or defective brake pads or rotors. I brought the issue to a VW dealership, and they confirmed the noise but claimed it is “normal” and offered no repair. The sound is consistent and worsens on incline. This issue raises serious safety concerns, including potential brake system wear/failure or lack of effective stopping power in certain conditions. After researching, I discovered many other VW Atlas and Cross Sport owners are reporting the same problem across model years 2020–2023. Some have resorted to replacing OEM brake parts with aftermarket components to resolve the issue. I believe this may be a design or materials defect affecting a large number of vehicles. I am requesting the federal safety agency to investigate this issue for potential safety implications and consider whether a recall or technical service bulletin is necessary.

Filed Feb 27, 2025 · Brakes, Electrical · CA

While driving and coming to a stop or slowing down the cars engine will shut off. This is extremely dangerous when in traffic and you have to come to a complete stop and put it in park to manually restart the car. The dealer cannot seem to reproduce the issue but the same day I picked it up from having it looked at it died on me twice in the same day. The vehicle has not been inspected by anyone other than the dealership as far as I know as we are the second owner. There was no warning when this started happening. It gives no warning when it will or will not die. However, a week after it started the check engine light came on and that’s when I took it into the dealership. They were able to replace the sensor but did not find a reason for the car to spontaneously die.

Filed Apr 26, 2024 · Brakes · GA

I purchased this car new in 2021. Shortly after purchase, the brakes start grinding / squealing very badly. This is an intermittent problem. On multiple occasions, it has startled me so badly that I let up on the brake. This almost caused me to hit the vehicle in front of me. Volkswagen has been unresponsive to dealer's request for a solution. When looking online, it apparently the construction of the brake pads that causes the issue. Ceramic brake pads do not have this same issue. However, Volkswagen will not authorize a payment to replace the OEM brake pads with ceramic pads.

Filed Feb 28, 2024 · Brakes · AZ

SUV was purchased in May of 2021 at the Chapman VW dealership in Scottsdale, Arizona. Within several days of owning the Atlas, I noticed a grinding, shrieking noise coming from the brakes every time they were applied. I immediately notified the dealer and they said that this was a common occurrence on the Atlas. They were aware of the issue but VW had not come up with a fix at that point in time. I brought the car in and they offered to replace the pads which were done. The problem continued. Most recently, the noise and friction from the brakes has gotten infinitely worse. I contacted VW executives in the US and they once again said that they were aware of the issue but that no reimbursement would be given if I paid for new brakes myself, which I had to do. All participants, including the manager of Chapman VW, agree that this is a problem issue. However, there is no recall as of yet (one person there said one was forthcoming) and that they hear this problem from many Atlas owners. My question is why are they continuing to sell the car with the copper/rotor issue and why are they not fixing it nor reimbursing people like me? Thank you.

Filed Feb 15, 2024 · Brakes · AZ

Car has a harsh loud metal grinding sound when brakes are applied. Steering wheel vibration when brakes are applied at medium/high speeds, more notable in declined (down hill) roads. This has been reported to dealership since we got the car brand new and they do nothing about it except to provide a scripted answer stating that the "car is safe" and/or that they cannot reproduce the issue.

Filed Jan 29, 2024 · Brakes · NV

Since I purchased the vehicle the brakes sound like they are bad, yet they are not bad. I was told at Volkswagon that they are aware of the issue in these SUV’s but the only fix will void out my warranty if I choose to do it. If this is a known problem with volswagon cross sports then why is there not a solution to the problem that will not jeopardize our warranty. I’m frustrated, the car sounds ridiculous when the brakes are applied and how is one to know when they are actually bad if they always sound that way.

Filed Jun 16, 2023 · Brakes · TX

I own my car for a 18 months and my brakes make a grinding noise. I have taken in for service and they tell me that's its normal. How can it be normal I have own several new autos and never had I had this problem.