Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2000 Volkswagen Jetta owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
No warning lights illuminated. Periodically the braking pressure was released and a pedal pulse was felt while stopping. The dealer stated that the problem to the ABS pump leaked into the ABS module. The consumer's daughter was unable to stop in a parking lot as a result of the brakes releasing causing her to hit another vehicle. The person in the other vehicle sought medical treatment.
I am the primary repair person for this vehicle. Over its history, there have been numerous component failures that in my opinion are unacceptable for a vehicle with this mileage and age. I personally know the owner, and know that it is not operated under unusually harsh conditions. The vehicle was involved in a minor cosmetic crash early on, otherwise, there have been no unusual outside factors. At this point, the car has only 37,000 miles on the odometer. Primary use is on long trips. The vehicle is parked and stored for about 3-6 months each year. First problem: air conditioning system leak: the expansion valve failed, requiring replacement. Check engine/ malfunction indicator light: has come on several times, each time with the same DTC, a manufacturer specific code related to the mass air flow sensor. …
I am requesting that the agency please investigate the performance of the ignition coil plugs on the model year 2000, Volkswagen, Jetta. I have experienced multiple stalling events and car not starting up after up or being parked after shutting off engine as a result of one or more ignition plus malfunctioning on my 2000 Volkswagen Jetta gl. As a result of the engine stalling and not starting when ignition is accelerated, I have also I experienced a loss of power steering and increased breaking efforts when I pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road. The car would not start when sitting for a while. After about 45 minutes or longer - I was able to start the vehicle although the engine operated at a reduced power. The vehicle will stall and will not start up for no reason at all. …
I have been having an intermittent problem with the anti-lock brakes on my 2000 vw Jetta tdi. The ABS "activates" when going very slowly (less than 10 MPH) and when applying minimal pressure on the brake pedal, and sometimes when not touching the brakes at all. It first happened over a year ago, and the dealer changed an ABS harness connector, and the problem did not recur until about 4 or 5 months ago. I took it back to the dealer several times, and the problem occurred for them, but they were unable to determine the cause, even after calling vw technicians. They replaced a wheel speed sensor at my expense, but said if that didn't fix it, they suggested replacing the ABS control module, but they really didn't know if that was the problem. …
I purchased a 2000 vw Jetta on 6/16/10. Two weeks after purchase, the vehicle began to have problems & since I have had the vehicle, it has had to have the following repairs: 2 fans, ABS sensor would come on & lock up the wheels, so the system had to be unplugged, coolant system had to be replaced, a transmission replaced & a certified transmission specialist found it had been taken out prior & 4 cyl parts were used in a 6 cyl vehicle, & thermostat had to be replaced. The cost of repairs to date are approx. $5,200 & I only paid $4,995 for the vehicle. This vehicle is not safe and should not have been sold in the condition it was in. The seller failed to disclose that the vehicle had underlying problems after I inquired several times. The business should be held responsible for selling an unsafe vehicle and I wonder how many other vehicles the business has sold like this. …
While driving and lightly brushing the brake pedal to begin slowing, the brake pedal automatically engages fully, slamming on brakes unexpectedly. Immediately followed by a sound of air pressure being released. If you press the brake pedal after the air is released, the pedal will return to rest and the brakes will free up. No existing dealer recalls and vw (and vw service departments) have no record of this being a common problem. My local vw specialty repair shop says this is common on 2000 Jetta tdi's. This is a significant safety issue. If you experience a similar issue, please report it! There are three other issues posted that appear to be related: 10116640, 10139585, 10052281.
Transmission failed. The dealer replaced the part. However, two weeks later the part failed again. The vehicle would not go into reverse. The transmission slipped and the vehicle had run into a pole at a gas station on the right front side. This problem remained the same. The engine light had come on along with the transmission problems. Other problems were: the tire pressure had to be reset on numerous occasions, rear pads, A/C was not cooling, glove box, power windows, console, power sunroof, interior trim, steering/suspension, driveability, trim electrical, sound system, and heating/cooling. The consumer did not report any damage to vehicle when she hit the pole.
The rear brakes on my 200 vw Jetta sedan wore down to damage the rotor without any warning. Both front and rear brakes were original equipment. At 42,000 miles, the front had less than 10% wear. The rears had worn completely down. This generated excessive heat and smell of burnt metal. The dealer service representative told me that this was a known problem and they had received a service bulletin from vw related to the poor quality of rear brake pad material causing premature failure and uneven brake wear. Had I been notified that the rear brake pad material was defective, I could have replaced them prior to failure and damage to the rotors and risk of fire.
Vehicle suffered a lost of power when check engine light illuminates. On March 7 2002 university vw discovered a defective airflow meter. The windshield was replaced for a cracked rain drain. The brake servo was changed for a pin hole air leak. Consumer was told that the glow plug harness might be the cause as to why the brake lights come on. The hazard switch switched on and off distressing other drivers behind. Replaced the hazard relay switch (on the dash) by myself. Back brake pad wore down to the rivets. Vehicle overheated on 3 occasions had pressure test and thermostat changed and problem still exist.
While vehicle still under warranty, brake malfunction ocurred. Brake pedal would become soft when pressed down on, sinking to floorvery fast, emitting an air release type sound, simular to anti lock brake release sound, but without the controled spurts, the presure release happens all at once, causing lock up of brakes. Dealership was never able to fix problem, it returned after vehicle was out of warranty, and now happens on most warm days, multiple times a day.
Brake complaints in other Jetta years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2000 Volkswagen Jetta?
NHTSA has 45 complaints about the brakes of the 2000 Volkswagen Jetta, 10% of the model year's 439 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Volkswagen Jetta brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2000 Volkswagen Jetta, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2000 Volkswagen Jetta brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 46,000 miles, and 17% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.