Volkswagen is recalling more than 246000 SUVs in the US and Canada.
According to The Associated Press, 47 people have complained to U.S. safety regulators about the problem, with some reporting having nearly been rear-ended by other vehicles.
It says faulty wiring harnesses can make them brake unexpectedly, sometimes while in traffic.
The problem also can cause the side airbags to deploy late in a crash.
The recall covers certain Atlas SUVs from 2019 through 2023 and Atlas Cross Sports from 2020 through 2023.