German motor vehicle manufacturer Volkswagen announced on Friday that it is recalling over 246,000 SUVs in the United States and Canada because of faulty wiring harnesses that can make them brake unexpectedly. The recall covers certain Atlas SUVs from 2019 through 2023 model years, as well as the 2020 through 2023 Atlas Cross Sport, the company said. 

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Earlier this week, The Associated Press reported that 47 people had complained to US safety regulators about the problem, saying that unwanted braking happened while they were driving on city streets, putting them in danger. Some also complained of nearly being rear-ended by other vehicles.

Many customers reported that warning lights and alarms would go off, the driver’s side windows would roll down and the SUVs would suddenly brake while in traffic.

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Documents posted Friday by The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said that the electrical contacts on a wiring harness in either of the front doors can corrode, interrupting electrical connections.

The problem can cause the side air bags to deploy late in a crash, and the parking brake can come on unexpectedly, the document adds.

“The parking brake was engaged automatically while driving. The car came to a sudden stop, creating a hazard with traffic. There were no warning lamps or bells. At this point the vehicle has not yet been inspected by the dealer,” the NHTSA said about the recall.

According to Volkswagen, the SUVs can brake at speeds below 1.8 miles per hour (3 kilometers per hour).

The company said in an email that owners who have concerns should contact VW Customer Care at (800) 822-8987.