The front disk brake rotors were undersized in diameter. This allowed the disc brake pads to wear in a manner that allowed the pads to contact outside of the rotor and result in reduced pressure on the rotor. Photographs of the problem are available. Brake fading and loss of breaks from overheating on mountain roads then occurred. The car model is a volkswagen jetta tdi model year 1998. The car was bought used but it would be unlikely that the disk rotors would have been replaced with less than 80000 miles.
1998 Volkswagen Jetta brakes problems
11 complaints (6% of all complaints for this car). 2 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 11
- of this car's complaints
- 6%
- crashes
- 2
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
- Foundation components4
- Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip4
- Foundation components: disc: rotor1
- Foundation components: disc1
- Conventional1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Volkswagen Jetta brakes problems in other years
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
What 1998 Volkswagen Jetta owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The ABS indicator light came on and stayed on and then it went off again before I had the opportunity to take it in for a check. This happened in november 2001. Then recently the light came on and stayed on for about 3 months, so I took it to the dealer to be checked. They said that it needed an ABS hydraulic pump. Although my brakes work fine, apparently my ABS system is not working. The car will not pass inspection until I care for this matter, but at more than $1100.00. I will have to wait until inspection to care for this item. I just thought I should report this to the federal safety agency while I had the opportunity. Dt
Volkswagenh of america has not been supportive or helpful in resolving these complaints nor have the volkswagen technicians been able to diagnosis the true problem; they just fix the problem "symptoms". No safety defect listed.
My lights, wipers and heat wouldn't work, discovered it was the ignition switch. Contacted vw, and dealer, they want to charge me too much to fix it. I know 3 other people with jettas that had the same problem. Obviously vw is installing defective ignitions. My emergency brake wasn't releasing, took it to dealer and they informed me that I had a torn brake cable boot that was allowing moisture to get in and freeze my cable. The 2 yr/24,000 mile warranty was expired. My check engine light started going on and off, when I took it to the dealer, it took them 3 times to figure out it's the rear oxygen sensor. This is the first brand new car I have ever purchased and I have had more things wrong with it than I ever had with previously owned vehicles.
While driving at approximately 25 MPH and after applying brakes rearended a mid-sized truck. Upon impact, dual airbags did not deploy which could have caused injuries.
Continual problems, some undiagnosed. Unsympathetic dealership. Reoccuring problems. Most problems occurring after lease/warranty were up. Too many problems for a car that is only about 2 and a half years old. Dealership unable to diagnose why brake light is on, A/C not working, engine not starting although starter was replaced, or why engine began smoking. All the problems appear related. They all occur at the same time.the car is unsafe and I am afraid to drive it now because no one can figure out what is wrong with it.
Loud brakes.
Fuel senders failed intermittently causing the gas gauge to read inaccurately.
Brakes make high pitched noise during stops. Yh
1) when the steering failed it could hav e caused a fatal accident 2) when the brakes failed again it could have caused a fatal accident. 3) when the oil light indicated that there was no oil the motor could have locked up, causing a fatal accident. I find the above problems very serious. I bought the vw jetta new 09/12/98 with 15 miles on the odometer. Thank you bill hamann.
Questions about the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta brakes
Does the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta have brakes problems?
Owners have filed 11 complaints about the brakes of the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta, 6% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 1998 Volkswagen Jetta brakes problems start?
Not enough complaints include the mileage to tell.
Was there a recall on the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta brakes?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the Volkswagen Jetta have bad brakes?
The Volkswagen Jetta model years with the most brakes complaints are 2009 (205 complaints), 2001 (77 complaints) and 2010 (55 complaints).
Other 1998 Volkswagen Jetta problems
Visibility 42Electrical 41Tires 20Engine 15Body 14Transmission 14Steering 12Fuel system 10Airbags 9Suspension 9Acceleration 8Lights 7Wheels 5Seat belts 3Locks 1Seats 1
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