Problems · by component

2021 Volkswagen Atlas service brakes problems

93 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas cite service brakes, 19% of all 481 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
93
19% of all complaints
Crashes
2
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the service brakes

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“Brake booster system failed, which results in spongy brake pedal with significant reduction in braking force. Problem has been seen by my entire family and me, a mechanic. Vehicle has not been inspected by manufacturer, insurance or police since the issue arose . Brake lamp illuminated and message on dash saying faulty brake booster. Both appeared a few weeks ago.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 9, 2026Service brakesODI 11709844
“Due to a faulty door wiring harness (a VW recall) the car has multiple electrical issues. The car shuts itself down, loss of blinkers, speedometer, brake lights, parking brake engagement and ALL electrical functions, every alarm goes off in the car, windows roll up and down, doors will lock and unlock while driving. Which is terrifying/life threatening while driving 65 MPH on a highway with kids. We have this on video. Most recently, it shut down and would not start again. The dealership has now attempted to fix this problem 5 times and cannot get the alarm lights to turn off so now the car is not even drivable. We have tried to work with VW for a buyback twice and started this process (16 months into owning the car) when the car was under full warranty. They continued to deem the car safe and fixed and the same issues would sporadically happen. After these two cases for VW to buyback the car and them rejecting it, we are now out of warranty and they will not work with us. We bought the car brand new.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 24, 2025Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Service brakesODI 11675930
“Front brakes squeal when the ceramic brake pads are engaged against the rotors. Gurgling and grinding noises behind the steering wheel and behind the brake pedal indicative of brake line issues. Brake lines not bled correctly, air in brake lines, or issues with the brake booster or pressure switch systems. Front brake issues occur the most in reverse during initial startup, when driving at a low speed, and during rainy or damp weather. Rear brakes give a loud squeal in reverse during initial startup.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 13, 2025Unknown or other, Service brakesODI 11660706
“Brakes with difficulty and makes noise time to time and braking is very uncomfortable. It seems like a struggle to break at each stop. Bought vehicle from Dublin VM, mentioned this after 1 day of purchase. Service dept stated its normal so I had Bigotires check brakes too n they said brakes look okay. I'm a Mom w a child so our safety is a concern when driving this vehicle!”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 22, 2025Service brakesODI 11649852
“Brakes make a grinding noise like they are grinding metal on metal, thinking maybe the car I had gotten needed a break change prior to me getting went ahead and changed the breaks- still metal and metal sound. The brake pedal will go all the way in as if there is no brakes. The car does not stop right away I have had a car in the shop twice already and both times they tell me they cannot determine on how to correct the issues.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 2, 2025Service brakesODI 11640180
“After the vehicle has sat for a couple of hours, when I get in to drive and come to a complete stop, there’s a gurgling/swooshing water sound coming from the front brakes. I confirmed my pads and rotors are fine, but the functionality of the brakes appear to act up when the noise happens. I’ve seen this reported on numerous forums and this is a huge safety issue. The dealership says there’s nothing they can do and the brakes are operating as they should, but this noise is not normal.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 14, 2024Service brakesODI 11625155

Showing 6 of 93 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 14, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.