Hundreds of Volkswagen Atlas models in the U.S. need brake repairs

Volkswagen discovered that a piston spring retainer used by another OEM in its brake master cylinder was inadvertently installed on 2024 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport models, leading to a recall of 1,467 vehicles in the United States.

It was revealed that the wrong secondary piston spring retainer may have been installed in the brake master cylinder due to a manufacturing error by the supplier. The part is shorter than the correct part and may prevent the piston from returning to the correct rest position. This can clog the brake fluid ports, and drivers may notice a soft, spongy brake pedal, brake odor, or reduced braking performance, increasing the risk of a collision.

Read: Volkswagen recalls 663 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport SUVs due to defective brake lines

This recall involves a total of 912 standard Volkswagen Atlas models, which were produced between August 5, 2024, and September 10, 2024. The recall also covers 555 Atlas Cross Sports units assembled between August 15, 2024, and September 10, 2024.

On August 28, 2024, a potential problem was first discovered at the Volkswagen factory during the brake fluid filling process. It was quickly determined that the supplier had used the wrong spring retainer, and a recall was necessary.

Volkswagen will issue recall notices to owners of affected models on or before November 26, 2024. Dealers have been told to replace brake master cylinders free of charge for owners, and the supplier has confirmed that it was supplying the correct brake master cylinder as of September 11. Part of Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport.