2007 Volkswagen Jetta: brake failure

Filed Mar 3, 2010 · Driver assistance · 48,000 miles · CT · crash

My car accelerated while I was making a "panic stop" my foot was on the brake and no brakes were being activated and the car actually sped up until I pushed in the clutch. By that time it was too late and I tapped the car in front of me. I believe this happened due to the cars esp feature which senses driver input and helps to make the "correct" actions to avoid aa loss of control. I jammed on my brakes after hard acceleration and while pushing the brake pedal I jerked the steering wheel. During operating speed these actions would cause understeer and I assume the car has been programmed to release pressure to the brakes and reapply throttle to reengage full steering response but I was leaving a stop sign when I noticed the car in front of me stopped. Im not thinking that this is a defect but rather wanted to bring it to your attention after I just read the symptoms of toyotas malady. The problem they are having could be due to a fault in a similar system. I'm a tech. In the motorcycle industry as well as a performance driving enthusiast. My credentials might not matter but I'm fully aware of the actions I take behind the wheel as well as having an understanding of these "fly by wire" systems.

Filed Oct 21, 2009 · Brakes · 28,000 miles · CA

I own a 2007 volkswagen jetta. The rear brakes had to be completely replaced at 28000 miles. Both the dealership and the volkswagen corporate office refuse to cover brakes under warranty stating that for the jetta it is "normal" to need new rear brakes in as little as 10000 miles. Edmunds.com and carcomplaint.com have hundreds of jetta owners complaining about the premature rear brake failure in the 2007 models. It seems that we have been told the same thing, about the jetta depending on the rear brakes to make safer stopping. It is not fair that automotive company is neglecting to recognize the defect in their car. Many people cannot afford to replace brake pad and rotors every 10000-20000 miles, that presents a formidable safety issue.

Filed Aug 11, 2009 · Brakes · 18,000 miles · NY

At 18,000 miles my rear brakes sounded like a garbage disposal. When I brought it to the dealer they stated normal wear and tear. Brakes failed a month later. This month, 18,000 miles later the same thing has happened. A simple google search reveals that many other owners of the 2007 jetta are faced with this dangerous and expensive problem.

Filed Feb 16, 2009 · Brakes, Transmission · 00 · crash

2007 jetta 2.5l rear brake failure in june 2007 resulted in accident where I was unable to stop and vehicle was hit driver's side. Reported to vw and was told it was normal failure. Brakes continue to function intermittently (grinding, squealing, seizing) december 2008 rear brakes replaced (30,000kms) at my expense as vw has refused to acknowledge this as an issue. August 2007 clutch fails and vehicle is taken to vw for repairs. Advised it was normal wear and tear (18,000kms) and would not be covered under warranty. Had clutch inspected by a clutch manufacturer who advises parts failed as a result of improper installation. Vw issues refund after legal action is pursued. Have had vehicle inspected at independent mechanic who agrees with sub standard workmanship and parts on this model.

Filed Apr 23, 2008 · Brakes · 17,200 miles · CA

Parking brake was not adjusted properly from the factory causing premature brake pad wear. Too soon to be caught during service intervals thereby may have caused brake failure leading to an incident and/or caused damage.

Filed Sep 5, 2007 · Brakes · 8,500 miles · PA

I have had several problems with my 2007 vw jetta 2.5 but the most recent and disturbing was a complete failure of the rear brakes due to an improperly adjusted parking brake cable. The faulty e-brake caused the rear brake calipers to seize, ate through the pads, and damaged the rotors. Upon taking it to the dealer I was informed this was a fairly common problem with my model. After doing some research on the internet I came across dozens of other owners who have had the same problem. While mine did not result in an accident not having the use of the rear brakes with no way of telling is definitely a cause for concern. Plus with the brakes seized and dragging my fuel economy has suffered greatly. I took the car in and had the rear calipers, e-brake, pads, and rotors covered under warranty but other owners have had to pay as much as $600.00 to there local dealers who called it a wear item. Please look into this and force vw to take ownership of the problem and recall the vehicles before someone does get killed due to brake failure.

Filed Jul 23, 2007 · Brakes, Transmission · 200 miles · MA

Tl*the contacts own a 2007 volkswagen jetta. The contact has been experiencing brake failure since the first two weeks after the vehicle was purchased. He stated that the brakes grind whenever he attempts to stop. While driving 45 MPH, he attempted to accelerate and the vehicle hesitated. On june 11, 2007, he arrived at wellesley volkswagen and spoke to the service manager. The service manager acknowledged that the transmission was faulty and discovered an error registered in the computer. Wellesley would not provide a loaner vehicle, but the contact was able to retrieve his vehicle within a few days. However, the brakes continue to grind. He called volkswagen, but no one would speak to him. The current mileage is 3,000 and failure mileage was 200. Updated 09/18/07. *jb updated 01-16-08. *kb updated