VW class action overview:
- Who: Eight Volkswagen drivers are suing the automaker.
- Why: The plaintiffs claim Volkswagen Atlas vehicles have defective braking systems.
- Where: The VW class action was filed in California federal court.
A group of Volkswagen owners from California, New York and Illinois has filed a class action lawsuit against the automaker alleging the company sold 2021-2024 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles with defective braking systems.
Plaintiffs Robert and Jacqueline Wright, Jennifer Segarini, Catherine Wilson, Andreas Zembrzycki, Edward Norris, Edward Pishchik and Wamidh Jawad filed the class action complaint against Volkswagen Group of America Inc. on Oct. 11 in a Californai federal court, alleging violations of state and federal consumer laws.
According to the recall, the allegedly defective brakes present “significant safety hazards” for drivers and passengers alike.
VW knowingly manufactured vehicles with defective brakes, lawsuit alleges
The lawsuit accuses VW of knowingly manufacturing and distributing vehicles with defective brakes that make “loud, distracting noises” and display erratic braking behavior.
The plaintiffs detail a range of issues, including a high-pitched squealing sound, a grinding noise with metal-on-metal contact and unpredictable braking responses. These defects have led to numerous safety concerns, the lawsuit states.
According to the complaint, the squealing and grinding noises are not only disruptive but can also startle drivers and nearby pedestrians. A “proximity alert issue,” which triggers a warning even when no objects are near, is said to confuse drivers and cause unnecessary distractions.
Meanwhile, the erratic brake function reportedly forces drivers to alter their braking habits, increasing the risk of under-braking or over-braking in critical situations.
The plaintiffs allege that VW knew or should have known about these issues but failed to address them. They claim that despite customers reporting these problems to authorized dealerships, they were often told that the defects were part of the vehicle’s “normal operation.”
As a result, the plaintiffs are suing on behalf of all customers who purchased or leased the affected vehicles, with plaintiffs representing buyers in different states. They’re suing for violations of warranty and state consumer laws, and are seeking certification of the class action, damages, fees, costs and a jury trial.
Meanwhile, five Volkswagen and Audi drivers have filed a class action lawsuit against the manufacturers, alleging that the companies sold vehicles with dangerous defects without informing consumers.
What do you think of the allegations in this Volkswagen class action? Let us know in the comments.
The plaintiff is represented by Leland H. Belew, Alex R. Straus and Mitchell Breit of Milberg Coleman Bryson Phillips Grossman PLLC.
The VW class action lawsuit is Robert Wright et al., v. Volkswagen Group of America Inc., Case No. 5:24-cv-02171 in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.
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36 thoughts onVW class action claims Atlas vehicles have defective braking systems
I have a 2022 atlas
Replaced brakes twice and still squeak and grind!! How do I join?!
I also have a 2022 Atlas that has the same problem with brakes. I have been back 4 or 5 times to have the brakes checked and the same problem occurs. Told too me that Volkswagen states that it the material used to make brake pads is the problem but will not replace the brake pads unless they while under warranty cause damages to the brake rotor. I have had the brakes checked and cleaned the last time and charged 95.00 dollars the other times were free. Volkswagen should pay for replacement brakes at no cost to customers. They knowingly sold vehicles that were problematic. I think that Volkswagen companies should be investigated and have a legal oversight to ensure safe vehicles and parts are on the car and road
I took my 2024 Atlas Cross Sport in today with the problems with the brakes the dealer employee told me that yes they have been getting several problems about the brakes and there is no fix at this time so I am driving around with a car with the brakes grinding and its getting louder and louder it only has 6700 miles.
I replace all 4 and 2 weeks later to the floor. 2021, brought back to dealership and I just had to get the problems
I had for about 6 months and the brakes went out in 3 months and then again in two weeks. This was the worst buy ever. I should have never bought for car lot when someone else brought it back.
I just recently took my car in to Larry Miller of Volkswagen in Goodyear and when I got my car back in return, I’ve had issues ever since I’ve also heard some grinding when I hit my brakes. I was also informed by my daughter by driving into the home that my brake lights were still on, and I have been out of the car for several hours Hours at that time I do believe that there is an issue with my atlas crossboard 2023 brakes and I will be taking it to Larry Miller and they explained to me that there was nothing wrong. How do I become a part of the Volkswagen lawsuit because I do fear that something could happen while driving the car I do transport my grandson back-and-forth to school every day.
I have a 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. I have been experiencing this grinding noise which comes from my front left side of my vehicle. I have complained to the dealership serval times and when I have the vehicle serviced they always say the brakes look fine there are no issues. I’m convinced that they don’t want to fix the issue. It sounds as if it is metal on metal grinding. I’ve also expressed to them that my vehicle sits lower on the front left side as well. I’ve complained for over a year and I’ve been pushed off as if it’s nothing. I’ve left the vehicle with them overnight only for then to say, “Oh it’s nothing just normal, it’ll be fine.” It causes me to be nervous and not being able to break the way I should is an issue. Please add me to this claim!
Good morning to you all. I have a beautiful gray n red interior crosssport 2021. I have been to two dealerships n had experienced my concerns. First when I turned I will hear a clicking kiss in the back of my rear tire on the right. Went to the dealership and of course they didn’t hear anything. But when back again n one if the mechanic heard . Thank god I know I wasn’t goin crazy. Then came the sensors I told the dealership they are going to off while I’m driving and at a stop sign n no one is next to me. That’s a bid distraction I asked.. what’s goin on . Ran tests n don’t have an answer. Now I live where the roads are winding and hill roads that go up and down. My God is my pilot I went to slow down n the truck buckled I was scared. Then this grinding noise like water flowing then metal grinding. I explain to them what I’m experiencing but they said everything was normal n I spent money that I don’t have to try n fix this . I’m bothered because 1 I’m not the only one experiencing this. And I’m looked at in the shop like I am. And why haven’t Volkswagen done anything for its customers knowing this. Disturbing n I like vw I have two. What is the next step?
I’m in AZ have a 24 atlas cross sport with 8k miles. I have had nothing but issues with it since I bought it. The screen kept blacking out or presenting with lines across it. They replaced the screen and it still does the same thing. My remote start doesn’t work 3/4 of the time. They replaced battery and reprogrammed remote it still does the same thing. My breaks had to be replaced at 8k due to the grinding and squeezing sound. They say they are waiting on an update that will fix the screen and remote start but don’t know when. You would think this would have all been worked out before selling the car to the public.
I would like more information on this. I am currently in a Lemon Law dispute in the state of GA for the exact same thing and my brakes are slipping. We almost hit a pedestrian. We currently have arbitration scheduled for 12/5/2024. Please contact me at the email address provided within this reply.
I have a 2022 Atlas with under 35000 miles my brakes grind every morning it sounds horrible. I told the dealership they said they are probably just wet…from what Sir!
I have a 2021 atlas crosssport the grinding noise happens frequently. I have had vw check the breaks several times and each time they have said there fine