Volkswagen has issued a recall for 1,467 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport models in the United States due to the inadvertent use of incorrect piston spring retainers in their brake master cylinders.
The recall stems from manufacturing errors at a supplier that resulted in the installation of a shorter-than-standard secondary piston spring retainer. This faulty part can prevent the piston from returning to its proper resting position, potentially blocking the brake fluid port. Drivers may experience a soft, spongy brake pedal, brake smell, or reduced brake performance, increasing the risk of a crash.
A total of 912 standard VW Atlas models are involved in the recall, built between August 5, 2024, and September 10, 2024. The recall also involves 555 Atlas Cross Sports assembled from August 15, 2024, to September 10, 2024.
The issue was first discovered on August 28, 2024, during brake fluid filling processes at a VW facility. An investigation revealed that the supplier had been using the incorrect spring retainers.
Volkswagen will notify owners of impacted models on or before November 26, 2024. Dealers will be instructed to replace the brake master cylinder at no cost to owners. The supplier has confirmed that as of September 11, they have been providing the correct part for the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport models.