Volkswagen Recalls 8,415 2018 Atlas, Passat Models To Fix Potential Brake Issues

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Submitted by Marc Stern on September 5, 2018 - 10:01PM

Volkswagen has recalled a total of 8,415 Atlas and Passat models to fix brake issues. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the automaker has recalled the 2017 and 2018 models to fix a potential problem with the caliper brakes mounting bracket that may lessen braking effectiveness.

Volkswagen has recalled 8,415 vehicles for issues with the brakes. Specifically, Volkswagen has indicated that problems with the brake caliper bracket mounting bolts may lessen braking effectiveness. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), VW reported that if the caliper moves, braking capability is reduced, allowing the vehicle to crash.

Atlas Is New SUV, Passat Restyled Last Year

Volkswagen has, as a result of this problem, recalled 8,000 2018 three-row Atlas SUVs and 2017-2018 Passat models. Atlas is Volkswagen’s new, popular Tennessee-built SUV that was made for the U.S., while VW restyled the Passat last year. Volkswagen also builds the restyled Passat at the automaker’s recently enlarged plant at Chattanooga, as well. The recall is expected to begin Oct. 14, 2018.

According to Volkswagen, owners will be notified and told they can bring their vehicles into their local dealerships for the free repairs. Dealers are to inspect the brake caliper bracket bolt tightness. The automakers will replace and retorque or tighten the bolts as necessary.

Also, VW will inspect brake caliper fasteners, bleeder valves and brake hose bolts for tightness. If the inspection finds the brake brackets out of spec, as well, dealers will tighten the parts to the proper specifications. Finally, on Passats, dealers will also inspect the parking brake cable for appropriate fit and connections.

Owners Contact Hotlines Released

For further information, owners can contact VW’s Customer Service at 800-893-5298. Or, customers can also contact the NHTSA via the agency’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236. Or, they can log onto the NHTSA's Traffic Safety website.

The automaker’s internal recall number is 46H6. The agency’s recall number is 18V536000.

Source: NHTSA