Wet weather braking...same as other complaints. There is a significant delay in braking response in wet weather. Once the brakes 'grab' stopping is not a problem; I've learned to brake early. The problem seems to be reduced if you try to frequently touch the brakes, I'm assuming this clears water build-up from the rotors/pads. Is this a problem with the open design of the alloy wheels or is the disc/rotor guard that sits behind the wheel becoming filled with water? Fyi, I have a 2000 passat 4motion glx wagon.
2000 Volkswagen Passat brakes complaints
Page 8 of 8: complaints 191 to 207 of 207, newest first, as owners wrote them.
I drive a 2000 volkswagon passat glx 4motion. I have felt that I got a bad car since very early on in my lease (I now have 8 months left). On this particular occaision, I had a severe oil leak. The dealer informed me that there was a hole in my oil pan that must have been caused by a rock (I don't recall feeling anything hit the car hard enough to put a hole in anything). I was told that this was not a warranteed item, rather normal wear and tear. I have owned 5 other cars and never had this problem. I also noticed that the car was shaking when the breaks are applied. I was told by the dealer that this is due to warped rotors. I only have 20,000 miles on the vehicle and have never heard of any kind of break problems with that few miles. I was also told that is not covered by warrantee either, again, normal wear and tear. The other 5 cars that I owned easily had over 20,000 miles on them and never had a problem with brake rotors. This seems to be a trend with this vehicle. Early on in my lease, I had multiple problems with my car not starting. Each time it was due to carbon buildup on my spark plugs. The first time it happened there was only 2,000 miles on the car and the dealer had the nerve to tell me that spark plugs were standard maintenenance items and I must not be taking care of my car properly. 2 years later, there was an emission controls recall which fixed this problem, which the dealer initially called driver error, not a vehicle problem.
Brake pad sensors failed by cracking down the middle prematurely, setting off brake light snesor on dashboard. Dt
While driving, a loud grinding noise would be coming from the front wheels. Dealer notified and informed consumer that front rotors and calipers needed to be replaced. *ak
Brake pedal slowly went to floor. Vehicle at major intersection and situation dangerous. Next time, brake pedal went directly to floor and had to be pumped to stop the car. Reported to dealer on first warranty check. Dealer failed to check brakes at all. Returned to dealer with complaint that they failed to check brakes. Flushed hydraulic brake system and checked completely at request of owner. Dealer asserts "brake system is to factory specification." I have no reason to believe problem resolved as dealer states he must still refer to vw in germany for advice and instructions. Vw in germany has been contacted and they can only refer to subsidiary in auburn mi who does not know anything except matter is entirely in hands of dealer.
Braake pedal goes slowly to floor when brakes applied. Dealer could not repair. Needs further info from volkswagen.
Vehicle engine fails to respond in emergency situation / pedal to the floor.
2-3 sec delay when brakes are used in wet weather. Problem present since new.
During wet weather braking, pedal is not firm and pronounced delay(2+ seconds)before brakes respond to driver input.
Braking power greatly reduced in the rain. Takes a couple of seconds for the brakes to work after applying brakes. The brake pedal drops quite far before you can feel the brakes start to work. This is not a matter of reduced tire grip. See the following links: http://www.clubb5.com/discussionforums/index.htm and http://www.audiworld.com/forum/m/a4/msgs/233090.phtml. To my knowledge, the passat and a4 have the same or similar braking systems. This problem only occurs in the rain and did not occur when the car was new. Being in southern california I do not drive in the rain very often but it is still alarming that I am having this trouble. I have been driving for 16 years and this is the first time I have experienced this.
Brakes fade terribly in wet weather.
I have had this problem occurring consistantly when in rain/snow. Initally the brake pedal goes to floorboard.
I have had this problem occurring consistantly when in rain/snow. Initally the brake pedal goes to the floor, but after a 1-2 second brake application, brake pedal feel returns to normal. This is a frightening situation, considering the extra caution required during adverse weather.
Very poor wet braking. Car is not predictable when braking.. Driving up interstate 83 in maryland, no standing water on road, just wet raining conditions. I attempted to brake suddenly and car pulled to left. Other occasions car had had substantial decrease in braking capability when wet.
Wet braking is poor - at highway speeds in rain at near-freezing temperatures, brake pedal application results in a lag time before braking begins. Occurs when roads are wet, not icy. Problem vanishes if brakes are applied first to "dry" them and then applied, but can't always plan for that.
When it rains, there is a 3+ second delay before the brakes engage. This car is identical to the audi a4 (same platform and brake system) which currently has a defect investigation open. The passat should be included in this investigation (both cars are "b5" platform cars).
Suspicious repairs denied warranty coverage; threats of unsafe condition forced immed. Repairs; numerous grievances due to despicable service treatment; additional damage sustained while at dealer; no accidents or warnings that brake line failure was imminent as claimed by vwofa service departments.
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