VW Atlas And Passat Loose Brake Caliper Bolts

NHTSA campaign 18V536000 · Reported Aug 15, 2018 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

high How serious is it? About this label

Loose caliper bolts can reduce braking ability or cause loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. The notice does not tell owners to stop driving.

Key facts

NHTSA campaign number	18V536000
Reported to NHTSA	Aug 15, 2018
Manufacturer	Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Part affected	Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:disc:caliper
Vehicles covered	2 model/year combinations, model years 2018
Do-not-drive advisory	No
Park-outside advisory	No
Repair	Free at any franchised dealer

What's wrong, in plain English

On some Volkswagen Atlas and Passat vehicles, the bolts that hold the brake caliper bracket in place may not have been tightened enough. If these bolts are loose, the caliper can shift out of position. A caliper that moves out of place can reduce the vehicle's braking ability or cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle.

What you should do

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm your vehicle is included.
2. Contact a Volkswagen dealer for an inspection; you can also call Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 (recall 46H6).
3. Bolt inspection, re-torquing, and any needed parts replacement is free.

Where do I find my VIN, and what do I tell the dealer?

Your VIN is the 17-character code on the lower left of the windshield, on your registration and usually on your insurance card. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether this recall is still open on your car. When you call the dealer, say you have an open safety recall and give them NHTSA campaign number 18V536000. More in how recalls work.

Affected vehicles (2)

2018 Volkswagen Atlas
2018 Volkswagen Passat

Who to contact

Volkswagen — official Volkswagen recall lookup

Customer service: 1-800-893-5298

Any franchised dealer for the brand can do the repair. Phone numbers are taken from manufacturer sites and recent NHTSA notices; if one has changed, the number in your own recall letter is the one to use.

The bigger picture

Volkswagen Hydraulic Brake Recalls Involving Leaks and Reduced Braking · all 7 Volkswagen recalls in this area

Other Volkswagen Atlas recalls

Sep 11, 2026Volkswagen Atlas And Tiguan Steering Bolt May Breakhigh
Jul 22, 2026VW Atlas rearview camera image may not displaymedium
Dec 4, 2025Volkswagen Atlas May Have Incorrect Wheel Bolts Installedcritical
Jun 30, 2025VW Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport, ID.4 Loose Boltshigh
May 21, 2025Volkswagen Atlas Rearview Camera Image Distortionmedium
Feb 17, 2025Volkswagen Atlas Engine Cover May Cause Firecritical

All 48 Atlas recalls

Official notice

Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas and 2017-2018 Volkswagen Passat vehicles. The brake caliper bracket mounting bolts on these vehicles may not have been tightened sufficiently.
Safety risk: The loose brake bracket bolts can allow the caliper to move, reducing braking ability or causing a loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake caliper bracket bolt tightness, replacing and re-torque the bolts as necessary, free of charge. Additionally brake caliper fasteners, bleeder valve, and brake hose bolts will be checked and torqued to the correct specification, if necessary, free of charge. For Passat vehicles, dealers will also inspect the parking brake cable for proper connection, free of charge. The recall began September 14, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 46H6.

Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.