Lithonia, GA
SERVICE BRAKES
I recently bought vehicle seen there is a recall
NHTSA complaint #11648429 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2012 Volkswagen Jetta brake problems
37 of the 692 complaints about the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta are about the braking system — 5% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 55,000 miles.
37
Complaints
6
Crashes
1
Fires
0
Injuries
Exactly what failed
Service Brakes
34
91.9%
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
3
8.1%
Brakes across every Volkswagen Jetta year
1994
10
1.1%
1995
23
2.4%
1998
12
1.3%
1999
31
3.3%
2000
52
5.5%
2001
89
9.4%
2002
57
6.0%
2003
22
2.3%
2004
12
1.3%
2005
14
1.5%
2006
32
3.4%
2007
54
5.7%
2008
24
2.5%
2009
207
21.8%
2010
55
5.8%
2011
30
3.2%
2012
37
3.9%
2013
22
2.3%
2014
18
1.9%
2015
20
2.1%
2016
23
2.4%
2017
15
1.6%
2019
30
3.2%
2021
26
2.7%
2022
12
1.3%
2023
12
1.3%
2024
12
1.3%
What owners said
Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.
Houston, TX
SERVICE BRAKES
ABS module controlling the Anti-Lock brake system has failed. I am told there is a recall for earlier models of this car for the very same issue but not for 2012 model year. This is a safety issue that is very expensive to fix and primarily by the dealer requiring factory programming of a new expensive ABS module
NHTSA complaint #11553518 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tampa, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
The brakes randomly engage while driving and sometimes while parking, without touching the brake pedal. After this happens and you're driving for a while, there is a burning smell, likely from the brakes being engaged while driving and not applying the brakes.
NHTSA complaint #11513169 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Casselberry, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
The ABS module has failed and caused lights in dash to illuminate for ABS, Traction control, and airbags. Requires full replacement and reconfiguration of ABS module
NHTSA complaint #11504260 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Miami, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
The car it’s having severals issues such a fuel system injectors fuel ⛽️ gas leak also breaks and battery 🔋 alternador and much more this car was sold to me by a dealership looking for legal assistant that can help also it was on a accident but I don’t know when
NHTSA complaint #11448810 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mapleton, UT
SERVICE BRAKES
The brake vacuum pump is leaking oil. As this component is related to brakes, it is considered a safety component. The leak was confirmed by the local VW dealer and a cursory google search shows that this issue is common amongst this engine (across many models/years).
NHTSA complaint #11423750 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 181,000 miles
Jacksonville, FL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, when the ABS, traction control, brakes and air bags warning lights were illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that she needed to pay for the diagnostic test. The VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with codes 16352, 01130 and related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 16V913000 (Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic stability control). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall however, if there was a recall later that included the VIN, the contact might be eligible for reimbursement. The failure mileage was 181,000.
NHTSA complaint #11419911 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 63,000 miles
Coral Springs, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
WHEN STARTING MY 2012 VW JETTA, THE ABS LIGHT, BRAKE LIGHT, PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT COME ON ON THE DASHBOARD ALONG WITH A LONG BEEPING SOUND. THE SOUND EVENTUALLY STOPS BUT THE LIGHTS STAY ON. VEHICLE IS TRYING TO RUN THROUGH DIAGNOSTICS UPON STARTING (VEHICLE IS STATIONARY BUT LIGHTS REMAIN ON WHILE DRIVING) WHEN THESE LIGHTS COME ON. THE BRAKES ON THE VEHICLE ARE FINE AND DO NOT NEED TO BE SERVICED PER MECHANIC AND VW. PERSONAL MECHANIC ALONG WITH AUTHORIZED VW SERVICE PULLED THE FOLLOWING CODES: 01130 ABS OPERATION NOT A PLAUSIBLE SIGNAL, 01317 CONTROL MODULE, 01285 CLUSTER, 01486 SYSTEM FUNCTION TEST FAILURE. VEHICLE MILEAGE IS APPROXIMATELY 63K. ABS MODULE FAILURE HAS BEEN A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THESE VEHICLES AND THERE ARE TBS'S AND TECHNICAL TIPS FOR TROUBLESHOOTING AS WELL AS A RECALL FOR 2009-2010 JETTA'S. PROPERLY MAINTAINED VEHICLES SHOULD NOT REQUIRE ABS MODULE REPLACEMENTS AT 63K MILES. WAS ALSO TOLD THAT BY AUTHORIZED VW SERVICE THAT THIS VEHICLE ALSO HAS A LEAKY VACUUM PUMP. TOTAL COST OF REPAIRS: $2,636 FOR REPLACEMENT OF ABS MODULE PLUS TAX AND $1,036 PLUS TAX FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE VACUUM PUMP. NEITHER OF THESE PARTS SHOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED ON THIS 2012 VW JETTA WITH 63K MILES. THIS IS ABSURD. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THESE PARTS BECAUSE, ESPECIALLY WITH THE ABS MODULE, THEY ARE CLEARLY DEFECTIVE. YOU WILL FIND MANY CONSUMER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE ABS MODULE ON THE WEB FOR THIS VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #11383833 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 miles
Jacksonville FL, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
WHILE IN MOTION BRAKES WERE ENGAGED TO SLOW VEHICLE DOWN. BRAKES "STUCK" AT TOP OF MOTION AND WOULD NOT DEPRESS. HAD TO PUMP AND AFTER PUTTING VEHICLE IN PARK AND THEN DRIVE AGAIN THEY WOULD ENGAGE. USED EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP ON WAY HOME. FAILURE HAPPENS EVERY 3 STOPS OR SO.
NHTSA complaint #11377144 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 miles
Denton, TX
SERVICE BRAKES
THE THROW OUT BEARING SUFFERED A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE AS I WAS GOING 80 MPH DOWN THE FREEWAY, TO REPLACE IT I DISCOVERED THAT THE SWAY BARS END LINKS WERE RUSTED SOLID AND THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN DONE 6 TIMES AND BROKEN EVERY TIME BUT THIS LAST TIME WITHIN A MONTH
NHTSA complaint #11339434 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 miles
Boerne, TX
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT'S SON OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AT START-UP THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ANCIRA VOLKSWAGEN IN SAN ANTONIO LOCATED AT 6125 BANDERA RD, SAN ANTONIO, TX 78238, TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT'S SON WAS INFORMED THAT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RELATED THE FAILURE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V913000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL) HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE MODEL YEAR WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE AND A CASE WAS FILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #11331727 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 79,000 miles
Hialeah, FL
Crash
SERVICE BRAKES
I'M STILL CONTINUING TO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THIS VAR 2012 JETTA VOLKSWAGEN. UP IN TILL RECENTLY IT WAS FIXED ON A RECALL NOTICE THAT DISPLAYED VEHICLE RIGHT ROLL EVEN IF PLACED IN PART AND IGNITION TURNED OFF !! UNFORTUNATELY IT HAPPENED TO MY SON DURING CHRISTMAS 2019. WHAT IF THERE WAS A BODY IN FROM THAT CAR. THIS CAR HAS BEEN A NIGHTMARE AND VOLKSWAGEN USA KNOWS IT. I TOOK IT IN AND WAS ADDRESSED OF NEW RECALL WHICH RELAYS THE SAME SAVAGENESS; IT WAS FIXED TILL WHEN ?? [XXX] THIS CAUSED ABOUT 1000-2000 DOLLARS IN DAMAGE AFTER WE HAD ALREADY FIXED THIS BUMPER WITH VOLKSWAGEN. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11308656 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 miles
Ridgefield, WA
SERVICE BRAKES
THE CAR HAS UNDER 70,000 MILES. THE CAR NEEDS A NEED VACUUM PUMP AND ABS MODULE!!!!!!! ABS MODULE IS $2,200 DOLLARS AT THE DEALERSHIP. HOW DOES THAT BRAKE SO SOON ON A CAR?
NHTSA complaint #11306444 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 119,000 miles
Raleigh, NC
SERVICE BRAKES
I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE BACK IN SEPTEMBER 2019 FOR AN ISSUE INVOLVING THE PARKING BRAKE UN-STICKING AND HAVING THE POTENTIAL TO ROLL AWAY AND CRASH. I HAVE STILL NOT BEEN CONTACTED ABOUT A POTENTIAL REMEDY AND FEEL UNSAFE DRIVING MY CAR.
NHTSA complaint #11288104 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 miles
Winslow, AZ
SERVICE BRAKES
MY AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON A COUPLE MONTHS AGO. I DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO FIX IT AND THE CLOSEST VW DEALERSHIP IS ABOUT 80MILES FROM HERE. I DON'T KNOW IF THIS COULD BE A RECALL DEFECT OR WAS IT SOMETHING THAT I DID. I DO HAVE A CHILD AND I DON'T WANT ANYTHING TO HAPPEN. I DON'T GO OUT OF TOWN AS IT IS DUE TO MY TIRES LOSING AIR AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT BEING ON.
NHTSA complaint #11276924 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 miles
Saylorsburg, PA
SERVICE BRAKES
I AM MYSTERIOUSLY LOSING BREAK FLUID, YET THERE IS NOT A SINGLE LEAK IN THE CAR. IT HAS COME TO MY ATTENTION THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE COMPLAINING ABOUT BREAK ISSUES AND HOW THEY SUDDENLY DO NOT WORK UP TO STANDARD. I HOWEVER HAVE ENOUGH KNOW HOW TO AT LEAST KNOW THAT THEY NEED FLUID. THE MINUTE I STARTED THE CAR AND PUT MY FOOT ON THE BREAK TO MOVE IT, THE BREAK PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. IN LESS THAN A WEEK OF ME HAVING PUT FLUID IN, CHECKING THE BREAKS, AND HAVING THEM BLEED I NEEDED FLUID AGAIN. YET THERE IS NO LEAK PRESENT IN THE SYSTEM.
NHTSA complaint #11253649 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 117,000 miles
Sunrise, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. AS THE CONTACT PROCEEDED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE, SHE FELT THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS "OFF ITS BASELINE". THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURES LISTED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V913000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL); HOWEVER, THE RECALL PERTAINED TO VEHICLES MADE TWO YEARS PRIOR TO THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT OFFER FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE WITH THE REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 117,000.
NHTSA complaint #11245210 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 134,000 miles
West Palm Beach, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
ABS CONTROL UNIT FAILURE
NHTSA complaint #11222588 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 62,000 miles
Fairview, PA
SERVICE BRAKES
BRAKES INOP. MAKING HISSING SOUND ABOVE THE BRAKE PEDAL. SOUNDS LIKE PRESSURE IS BEING RELEASED FROM A HOSE. ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO APPLY PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. WHEN IN MOTION I'VE HAD TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO COME TO A STOP.
NHTSA complaint #11171401 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 miles
West Linn, OR
Crash
SERVICE BRAKES
WHILE DRIVING MY CAR ON NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS, NO RAIN, DAYLIGHT HOURS, WHEN COMING UP ON A STOP SIGN I PUSHED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND IT WOULDN'T PUSH, THE BREAKS DIDN'T WORK, I PUMPED THEM AND STILL THE PEDAL WOULDN'T MOVE, ON THE FOURTH OF FIFTH PUMP FINALLY THE PEDAL WOULD COMPRESS. THIS HAS HAPPENED APPROX 6-8 TIMES OVER THE LAST 4 YEARS BUT YESTERDAY IT WAS A SERIOUS ISSUE. I COULDNT GET MY BRAKES TO REACT AND REAR ENDED THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME , AND THE VALUE OF MY JETTA IS NOW LIKELY A TOTAL LOSS. I HAVE PERIODICALLY LOOKED FOR RECALLS ON THIS ISSUE AND HAVE FOUND ONLY SIMILIAR COMPLAINTS.
NHTSA complaint #11130484 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clearwater, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
AIRBAG, BRAKE, ABS LIGHTS ARE ON AND STAYS ON. 3 LOUD BEEPS WHEN TURNING ON THE CAR. RECEIVED RECALL NOTIFICATION BUT MY VIN DOES NOT SHOW RECALL WHEN LOOKED UP WHICH IS ALSO ALARMING. ACCORDING TO THE VW DEALER, THIS IS A FACTORY/ MANUFACTURER DEFECT (CHEAP PARTS FROM CHINA AND BAD INSTALLATION IS WHAT I TOLD) BUT THEY CANNOT FIX SINCE VIN IS NOT SHOWING UP IN THEIR SYSTEM. MY ENTIRE AIRBAG SYSTEM IS COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN AS WELL AS BRAKE SYSTEM. I AM IN A PANIC!!! BUT DEALER WILL NOT FIX FACTORY DEFECT AND IS CHARGING $1700-$2200 TO FIX. THIS IS ALARMING AS WELL AS UNFAIR TO CONSUMERS!!! THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED!!! PEOPLE COULD DIE BECAUSE OF THIS. AND THIS IS NOT AN UNDERSTATEMENT! CORRECT YOUR YOUR RECALL AND VIN TRACKING SYSTEM AND FIX MY CAR! THANK YOU.
NHTSA complaint #11052803 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Alhambra, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY UNKNOWN MOMENT THE CAR WILL START TO MISFIRE IN 1 OR MORE CYLINDERS (SEEMS LIKE USUALLY WHEN THERE IS MOISTURE IN THE AIR) BUT YOU STILL NEVER KNOW WHEN IT WILL HAPPEN. THIS CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO SUDDENLY GO INTO ENGINE POWER CONTROL AND WILL SOMETIMES CUT OFF THE STEERING AND BRAKES. I'VE GOTTEN CAUGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION WITH NO BRAKES AND NO STEERING. I HAD TO USE MY PARKING BRAKE AND SHUT THE ENGINE OFF. MOST OF THE TIME THE STEERING GOES OUT IS WHEN I'M TRYING TO MAKE A U TURN. AND MOST OF THE TIME THE ENGINE STARTS TO MISFIRE AND/OR SHUT OFF IS WHEN I'M TRYING ACCELERATE EITHER AFTER BEING STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT OR SIGNIFICANT INCREASE LIKE MERGING ON A FREEWAY
NHTSA complaint #10958614 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Trussville, AL
SERVICE BRAKES
MY BRAKES FAILED TO WORK AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN A HILL AND ENTERING ONCOMING TRAFFIC AT A NEARBY STOP LIGHT.
NHTSA complaint #10927592 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 73,000 miles
Orlando, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE EPC WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED WHEN ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE CODE WAS CLEARED FOR THE ABS FUSE. IN ADDITION, WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE BRAKE LIGHT FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE SWITCH AND BRAKE BOOSTER FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000.
NHTSA complaint #10889133 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 44,000 miles
Ellicott City, MD
SERVICE BRAKES
WHILE DRIVING (SECONDARY ROADS, SUBURBS) NOTICED 'SPONGY' BRAKE FEEL AND STRANGE SOUND FROM LEFT REAR. WHEN I GOT HOME (AFTER ABOUT 15 MIN OF DRIVING), LEFT REAR DISC WAS GLOWING ORANGE/YELLOW AND SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE WHEEL. HAD REAR PADS REPLACED/RESET. PROBLEM RETURNED 2 WEEKS LATER. AFTER A SHORT DRIVE, NOTICED SMELL AND SAW SMOKE COMING FROM LEFT REAR WHEEL. LIFTED CAR AND LEFT REAR WHEEL WOULD NOT TURN. ALL OTHER WHEELS ARE FINE.
NHTSA complaint #10777930 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 49,195 miles
Madison, WI
Fire
SERVICE BRAKES
2012 JETTA WAGON - WHILE DRIVING ON A RECENTLY PAVED HIGHWAY (EG. SEEMINGLY PRISTINE ASPHALT), MY WIFE AND I NOTED A STRANGE VIBRATION SENSATION IN OUR CAR. THERE WAS NO DRAG, VEERED STEERING, ABNORMAL HANDLING, OR WARNING ON THE DASH. WE HAD ACCELERATED TO APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH WHEN AT THE UPCOMING INTERSECTION THE LIGHT CHANGED TO RED. IT WAS A NORMAL BRAKING/STOP MANEUVER. ON STOPPING, NO UNUSUAL BRAKING SENSATION, AGAIN NO ABNORMAL PULL. WE NOTICED SMOKE COMING ALONG THE DRIVERS SIDE WHILE STOPPED. THERE WAS A FAINT SMELL OF HOT METAL AS WELL. MY WIFE STATED "I HOPE THAT'S NOT US". SEVERAL CARS HONKED AND FLASHED LIGHTS TO GET OUR ATTENTION AND ON ROLLING THE DRIVERS WINDOW DOWN, A DRIVER ADJACENT YELLED "YOUR CAR IS ON FIRE". I QUICKLY EXITED THE DRIVERS SIDE AND NOTED A SMALL FLAME AT THE DRIVERS REAR BRAKE. BY SIMPLY BLOWING, IT WENT OUT. THE ROTOR WAS GLOWING RED/ORANGE. EXTREME HEAT WAS COMING FROM THIS. NO OTHER BRAKE WAS INVOLVED. I VERIFIED THE PARKING BRAKE WAS NOT ENGAGED AT THE TIME. WE HAD TRAVELED PERHAPS 2 MILES PRIOR TO THIS OCCURRENCE. ONCE COOLED, I SLOWLY DROVE TO A NEARBY CLINIC PARKING LOT AND LEFT THE CAR. THIS CAR HAS HAD ALL SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE IN A TIMELY MANNER. IT HAS NOT BEEN CRASHED. RECENT WORK INCLUDED DEALER BRAKE FLUID CHANGE AT 47,918 MILES. *TR ## VIN PASSED ## VOLKSWAGEN JETTA 2012 TDI SPORTWAGEN ##
NHTSA complaint #10761968 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 miles
Cumberland, MD
SERVICE BRAKES
LEFT REAR CALIPER IS SEIZING, WONT LET GO OF CALIPER. MECHANIC SAYS THE CALIPER HAS RUSTED SHUT AFTER ONLY 45,000 MILES AND HE SEES THEM ALL THE TIME ON VW VEHICLES.
NHTSA complaint #10682496 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 31,000 miles
Bowie, MD
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
THE CAR, A 2012 VW JETTA SE, FAILED TO RESPOND TO THE REVERSE GEAR ON 1/5/2015 AND BEHAVED AS IF THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS STILL ENGAGED. THE REAR TIRES WOULD NOT MOVE AND THE REVERSE MANEUVER FAILED. THE DEALERSHIP WAS CALLED AND THEY RECOMMENDED TOWING TO THEIR FACILITY. THIS WAS ACCOMPLISHED ON 1/9/2015 AND TO DATE THERE HAS BEEN NO RESOLUTION.
NHTSA complaint #10672110 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 25,000 miles
Garrett Park, MD
Crash
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON A HILL IN A PARKING GARAGE, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO RELEASE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. THE BRAKE PEDAL EXTENDED TO THE FLOOR. THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS AND THE CONTACT HAD TO QUICKLY MANEUVER THE VEHICLE TO AVOID CRASHING INTO OTHER VEHICLES. HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A WALL. THE CONTACT DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURIES AND MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT RECEIVED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000.
NHTSA complaint #10670908 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 6,500 miles
Lawrence, KS
SERVICE BRAKES
I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT HEADED UP HILL. THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN I RELEASED THE BRAKES & CLUTCH WHILE PUSHING THE GAS PEDAL. MUCH TO MY SURPRISE THIS KILLED THE ENGINE. (I HAVE DRIVEN STICKS SHIFTS FOR 50 YEARS.) THE CAR STOPPED ABRUPTLY. THE CAR BEHIND ME HAVING SEEN MY BRAKE LIGHTS GO OFF AND MY CAR BEGIN TO MOVE HAD TO SLAM ON HIS BRAKES TO AVOID HITTING ME. HIS HONKING AND RUDE GESTURES WERE NOT NECESSARY, BUT UNDERSTANDABLE. WE WERE PROBABLY BOTH CURSING, I KNOW I WAS. COMPLAINING TO THE DEALER I WAS AMAZED TO LEARN IT WAS SUPPOSED TO DO THIS! IN ADDITION, SINCE THE THEN I HAVE FIGURED OUT THAT IF ONE SETS THE HANDBRAKE TO SOON THE ELECTRONICS WILL EVENTUALLY RELEASE THE HYDRAULIC PRESSURE AND THE PARKING BRAKE WHICH HAD BEEN PULLED TO THE FULL EXTENT OF ITS TRAVEL NOW HAS SEVERAL MORE CLICKS LEFT TO GO AND IS NOT FULLY SET. WE LEARNED THIS WHEN THE UNOCCUPIED CAR ROLLED DOWN THE DRIVEWAY INTO A TREE ACROSS THE STREET. WE WERE NOT PLEASED. (VW OF AMERICA, HOWEVER, WAS NOT CONCERNED.) TO REALLY KEEP US GUESSING THIS "FEATURE" DOES NOT CONSISTENTLY ACTIVATE - THERE IS A RANGE OF DEGREES OF SLOPE WHERE IT MAY OR MAY NOT COME INTO PLAY. HAVING IT NOT HOLD WHEN ONE EXPECTS IT TO HAS CAUSED MINOR DAMAGE AND SEVERAL MORE CLOSE CALLS. VWOA WILL NOT ALLOW DEALERS TO DEACTIVATE. TRYING TO REPLACE THE CAR WITH SOMETHING MORE DRIVABLE I HAVE LEARNED THIS HAS BECOME A WIDESPREAD CURSE ON MANY NEWER VEHICLES, EVEN THOSE WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. THIS IDEA IS NOT ONLY WRONG IT IS WRONG-HEADED. HOW IN GOD'S NAME CAN A DELIBERATE BRAKE MALFUNCTION BE PALMED OFF AS A "SAFETY FEATURE". AND IF THERE ARE PEOPLE SO INCOMPETENT AS TO NEED OR WANT THIS, WHY MUST THE REST OF US BE PLAGUED WITH IT. LIKE MOST ANSWERS TO ANY QUESTION NO ONE HAS ASKED IT IS WRONG. IT IS WRONG AND DANGEROUS. AND IN CASE YOU HADN'T NOTICED, ANNOYING.
NHTSA complaint #10640196 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.