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 2007 Volkswagen Jetta owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
TPMS failure on each tire and ABS went out immediately. Was on he highway when failure happened; had to use the emergency run away truck ramp to stop. Break pads seized on back left side causing damage to rotor that was just replaced. Only thing that saved my life was it was in the middle of the night.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start without warning. In addition, the vehicle shook and previously made abnormal noises. The vehicle was not able to restart. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer (timmons Volkswagen of long beach, 3940 cherry ave, long beach, ca, 90807) where it was diagnosed that the starter failed, the brake booster vacuum was leaking oil, the driver and passenger outer cv boots were torn/worn, and the sway bar link was fractured. All the parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and did not assist. The failure mileage was 50,200.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Volkswagen Jetta. While having the vehicle serviced for routine maintenance, the contact was informed that the rear brakes were completely worn and rubbing metal on metal. The vehicle was repaired. Three weeks later while driving approximately 20 MPH the contact was involved in a crash in which the air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed and the contact suffered minor injuries. The vehicle was towed to an insurance lot and was not examined for the cause of failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 38,600. Updated 06/02/11 the consumer stated the vehicle was totaled. Updated 11/28/11
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that when driving, a burning odor emitted from the rear end of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear brake cable failed causing the rear brake to seize and emit smoke. As a result, the brake cable, the rear pads, and rotors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 68,000.
I purchased a new 2007 Volkswagen Jetta in January 07 from gossett germanton in memphis tn. The week of July 18th, I started hearing my brakes squealing. I said to myself it could not be my brakes. At 17,800 miles, my brakes start rubbing and down to the metal. I took my car in for service on 7/27/07 and let the dealer know that this car needed new brake pads and it is only 6 months old. I was informed by kyle, vw representative that they would look at the car and would let me know if there was a defect on the brakes. Several hours later I was informed that there were no defects and that the cost of repair would be $380. I was taken off my feet. I was asked to call customer relations to see they could assist me. I voiced my complaint with customer relations and gave the same information. …
I purchased a new 2007 Volkswagen Jetta in December 06 from trend motors rockaway nj. The week of feb 18th 2008, my brakes felt mushy. I do not put many miles on my car because I work close to home (4 miles one way) the car has 17,000 miles, I took my car into the dealer 02/20/08 and let the dealer know what was going on with my brakes. I was informed that the back brakes need to be replaced (rotors & pads). I could not believe the back brakes wore out before the front? I never had this happen to me. The cost of the repair would be $380.00 and it was not covered under the warranty. I asked if there was any defects on the back brakes because I have read there was. They said they did not know of any defects and they gave me a number to call (customer relations to see they could assist me). I voiced my complaint with customer relations and gave the same information. …
I have a 2007 vw Jetta that is wearing out pads to fast. The 1st time they wore out the car had approx 16,000 mi. We were told by the dealership that it was caused by the emergency brake lever not totally releasing. The 2nd time the car was out of warranty with approx. 28,000 mi. But the dealership and vw were willing to replace the pads since they wore due to the brake lever again. But it was suggested that Audi pads be put on because they wore longer than the vw. The mechanic at the time said there was a problem on the Jetta with the lever not always releasing. Now at 54,000 mi the car had to go in for a brake job. Unfortunately the pads wore down to the rivets and scoured the rotors. So I had to pay for pads and turning the rotors. Now vw is saying that they design the brakes to wear in 12,000 to 20,000 miles. I have never heard of pads only lasting that short of time. …
I own a 2007 Jetta with only 26K miles on it. Without any initial warning the rear brakes started to grind on the rear passenger side. I took the car to a specialist who told be one rear brake was grinding on metal and the other was about to get to that point. My front wheel drive brakes were still 100% and not showing any sign of wear. They felt this was very unusual for brakes to do this so soon and suggested I take it to the car dealer to have them check for faulty brakes. I took the car in and they said it was normal for this car to do this so early. I want you to know that I have owned many cars in my lifetime and tend to replace them after about 50K miles. We have never had to replace brakes on any of our cars. This is not normal and should be investigated for a flaw in the model. They also told me the pads in the rear are thinner than the ones in the front. …
I have a 2007 Volkswagen Jetta wolfsberg edition with 29,000 miles on it. I am the original owner. My rear brakes were making an awful squealing noise. I brought the car to the dealer for scheduled maintenance as well as for my brakes. I was told that my rear brakes had 1mm and 2mm left on them and needed to be replaced and this was part of normal wear and tear. The car is not even 2 years old and they want to charge $425 to replace the rear brakes. I have owned toyotas before and have never heard of such a thing. This is a huge flaw that Volkswagen refuses to own up to. I have talked to my dealer, drito brothers, and customer relations about this issue. Apparently, Volkswagen does not care about their customers and continue to make an inferior car. I think it needs to be investigated with a potential for recall. …
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. …
Brake complaints in other Jetta years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2007 Volkswagen Jetta?
NHTSA has 44 complaints about the brakes of the 2007 Volkswagen Jetta, 22% of the model year's 201 complaints. The component named most often is foundation components › disc › pads (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2007 Volkswagen Jetta brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2007 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 2007 Volkswagen Jetta brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 22,000 miles, and 57% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury 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.