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2017 Volkswagen Passat brakes problems

17 complaints (15% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 35,000. 1 crash reported.

owner complaints
17
of this car's complaints
15%
typical mileage
35,000
crashes
1
recalls
2

Which part fails

  • Foundation components: disc: caliper
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Volkswagen Passat brakes problems in other years

1990199520002005201020152022

Specific symptoms reported on the 2017 Volkswagen Passat brakes

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

ABS 6

Related recalls

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliperReported August 15, 2018 · 8,416 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas and 2017-2018 Volkswagen Passat vehicles. The brake caliper bracket mounting bolts on these vehicles may not have been tightened sufficiently.
Risk
The loose brake bracket bolts can allow the caliper to move, reducing braking ability or causing a loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake caliper bracket bolt tightness, replacing and re-torque the bolts as necessary, free of charge. Additionally brake caliper fasteners, bleeder valve, and brake hose bolts will be checked and torqued to the correct specification, if necessary, free of charge. For Passat vehicles, dealers will also inspect the parking brake cable for proper connection, free of charge. The recall began September 14, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1‑800‑893‑5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 46H6.

Recall number 18V536000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: fluidReported February 8, 2017 · 1,007 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Passat vehicles. Brake fluid may leak slowly from the some of the brake line connections, resulting in a low brake fluid level.
Risk
A low brake fluid level may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected brake lines, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in March 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1‑800‑893‑5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 47N3.

Recall number 17V075000 · Recall details

What 2017 Volkswagen Passat owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Dec 3, 2025 · Brakes · OR

said vehicle started making a grinding sound and all of a sudden the brake pad or shoe they'll completely off of the vehicle and the caliper for disc brake was the wrong calipers on my front end of my vehicle and now it's upside down and backwards and it's not the right calipers for my vehicle

Filed Apr 18, 2023 · Brakes · 10 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake fluid warning light illuminated. The contact then stated that he became aware that brake fluid had leaked from an unknown location and that the brake fluid reservoir needed to be refilled. The contact stated that after driving for a few blocks, he had to refill the reservoir again. The contact referenced the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 17V075000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) as a possible cause for the failure. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 10.

Filed Mar 18, 2023 · Airbags, Brakes · FL

The following warning lights will randomly turn on & off while driving: Air Bag Malfunction, ABS Brakes, ESC, Adaptive Cruise Control, Front collision, tire pressure, power steering, blind spot detection, low Key Battery detected, and indicate they are not functional. It is a random and items will go back to work while normally driving. Key fob battery has been replaced multiple times...

Filed Mar 18, 2022 · Brakes · 41,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, his brake pedal had locked upon slight depression of the brake pedal with the brake pedal warning symbol on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the failure occurred for a brief moment as the vehicle came to a sudden stop. The contact stated that the vehicle resumed normal operation after the failure. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired or diagnosed. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000.

Filed Sep 18, 2021 · Brakes · FL

ABS Wheel Speed Sensors have failed on 3 different wheels in the 28.200 miles the car has been operated since new. The left front at 19,241 mile. The left rear at 23,195 miles. Finally the right rear at 28, 200 miles. The cost at the dealer for replacement of an ABS wheel speed sensor is around $350. I have had to pay for 2. The first was under warranty. When a speed sensor fails the ABS warning light activates, the Air Bag warning light activates, the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) warning light activates and the steering is lacking in stability, the steering warning light activates, and finally the low tire pressure warning light activates. Upon replacement of the failed ABS wheel speed sensors it was noted that the new sensors had an updated part number to a -B from a -A. I believe an unsafe condition exists with all of these systems inoperative after an ABS wheel speed sensor failure and that VW should supply an updated, reliable sensor to all VW Passat owners.

Filed Apr 25, 2021 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 45,000 miles · GA

My car shakes and brakes are really touchy due to the forward assist

Filed Dec 22, 2020 · Brakes · 35,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2017 volkswagen passat. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the brake assistance warning light illuminated. The braking system engaged independently and caused the vehicle to come to a complete stop. There were no objects in front of the vehicle. The contact veer to the shoulder of the road, turn the vehicle off and back and the vehicle resumed normal operation. The vehicle was taken to jim ellis volkswagen atlanta (5901 peachtree industrial blvd, chamblee, ga 30341, (770) 458-6811) to be diagnosed however, the technician provided no information to the contact. The vehicle remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.

Filed Dec 16, 2020 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 60,656 miles · IN

While my wife was driving to work and getting ready to get on the interstate, a caution light and alert tone suddenly came on. Display read "front assist: no sensor view." nothing else happened and the alert turned off after a few miles. This is the system that automatically applies the brakes if it senses a possible collision. If this system was to fail, the brakes could automatically apply while traveling at highway speeds with possible disastrous results. Many vw owners have complained and had the same issue. There is currently a class action lawsuit against vw (dack, et al., v. Volkswagen group of america, inc., et al.) for this issue and volkswagen's failure to admit there is an issue or address it.

Filed Oct 4, 2020 · Brakes · 1,000 miles · MO

The brakes have squealed since ai have leased the vehicle ew in 2017. I have had them looked at several time by a vw shop and they have said it is normal.

Filed Oct 12, 2019 · Brakes · CO

The automatic emergency braking (aeb) 'feature' in my 2017 vw passat engaged this morning at aprox 10:30am mst, when accelerating onto an empty street, after turning westbound onto 8th avenue, from northbound colorado boulevard in denver, colorado. Based on the time of day, there's no way sunlight could be a factor as I was headed west and it was well before noon. The car passengers and I were all very startled by the dashboard lighting up and the brakes automatically engaging so suddenly and severely, with no road obstructions. This is the second occurrence of the aeb feature engaging for no apparent reason, I don't recall the first time specifics, other than the sun was behind the vehicle (it was after 4pm, and I was headed eastbound) I have zero idea what is happening with my vehicle and the aeb feature engaging without any visible road obstructions this and the previous time. Note, he brake pedal was not depressed/engaged during either occurrence. Also note, the aeb feature has engaged previously, accurately, apparently and reasonably functioning as designed.

Questions about the 2017 Volkswagen Passat brakes

Does the 2017 Volkswagen Passat have brakes problems?

Owners have filed 17 complaints about the brakes of the 2017 Volkswagen Passat, 15% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2017 Volkswagen Passat brakes problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 35,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2017 Volkswagen Passat brakes?

Yes, 2 recalls: 18V536000, 17V075000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Volkswagen Passat have bad brakes?

The Volkswagen Passat model years with the most brakes complaints are 1999 (233 complaints), 2000 (207 complaints) and 1998 (90 complaints).

Other 2017 Volkswagen Passat problems

Airbags 28Driver assistance 24Electrical 18Steering 16Engine 7Fuel system 7Visibility 6Transmission 5Wheels 4Acceleration 3Body 3Suspension 3Tires 3Seat belts 2Lights 1Seats 1

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