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 2010 Volkswagen Jetta owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the brake was depressed and the ABS and Traction Control warning lights inadvertently illuminated, and the vehicle spun out of control, nearly causing a crash with another vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with an inoperable ABS Hydraulic module. The contact was informed that the ABS Hydraulic module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that after researching, he discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V913000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS, ESC, and check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the ABS control module. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V913000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics, Electronic Stability Control (ESC)), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 90,000.
The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the brake light, ABS, and Electronic Stability Control warning lights remained illuminated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were contacted regarding the failure. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V913000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 260,000.
The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the ABS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with ABS module failure. The contact was informed that the ABS module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V913000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control). The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.
The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ABS control module software needed to be updated. An undisclosed dealer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle had not yet been repaired. The manufacture was notified of the failure however, the contact was awaiting a call back. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the ABS warning light illuminated and remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the ABS module, stabilizer links, and carbon manifold needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000. While the owner does not expect VW to pay for the stabilizer links or carbon manifold repairs, they do expect the ABS module to be covered because it was the same faulty module which was in all the other 2009 and 2010 Jettas which were recalled previously. This specific vehicle was, I believe, limited to 1,000 vehicles as it is a limited edition version of the 2010 VW Jetta. It does, however, have the same ABS module as the 2010 Jettas with the open recall. …
the vehicle ABS module failed back in Nov2020 and was brought to local VW Dealer and diagnosed as bad module. fast forward to Aug 2021 and ABS module failed again and bad wiring was found which is why the first module failed to begin with in my belief. both times when the module failed was after my wife slammed on brakes hard activating the ABS system which in turn caused the warning lights to come on and car go into limp mode. I tried limping the car to the dealership for repair and was almost hit by a large truck coming from behind as I had no response from the accelerator pedal. I am not sure why this particular VIN was never added to the recall list as it fits the criteria as all other vehicles experiencing this issue. we paid $2600 the first time for the repair and are now out more money to have this known problem fixed again !
When you turn on the vehicle, the abs and traction light illuminates. The light that says "BRAKE" also illuminates and the vehicle beeps 3 times. When driving the vehicle, the red light "BRAKE" flashes constantly, while the ABS and traction control light remains illuminated but no flashes. The dealership says it's a fault ABS module and Hydraulic Pump Assembly. I researched and found a Volkswagen safety recall code: 45F2 (published March 17, 2017) that seems very applicable to my vehicle. Safety concerns include but are not limited to the following: loss of vehicle control, failure to brake properly, auto engagement of brakes not by the driver, etc. All safety concerns may cause my life or the life of another individual.
My ABS system light has been on, but I haven't had the funds to take care of it. I inherited the car after my daughter passed away, so I don't know how long it's been on. I was just told by my mechanic that there was a recall for this very issue. I'm not in a position to pay what they're asking, but it seems like I shouldn't have to since there was a recall for this. I don't know why your website says there are no recalls for my car, but I feel I fall in this category for the ABS recall. I had a woman pull out in front of me and my car's system didn't work
Received an ABS Break light flashing on my dash board. Went to the Valley Volkswagen dealer in Staunton, VA and confirmed the ABS Module needs to be replaced. This is the same part that was on Volkswagen recall 45F2/45F5 ABS and stability control becomes inoperative. With a warning A loss of vehicle control can increase the risk of a crash. This is a safety issue and needs to be repaired as soon as possible. I'm driving an vehicle that is unsafe to drive. Please include my VIN # in this recall. Thanks
Brake complaints in other Jetta years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta?
NHTSA has 55 complaints about the brakes of the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta, 6% of the model year's 852 complaints. The component named most often is antilock › abs warning light (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2010 Volkswagen Jetta brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2010 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 2010 Volkswagen Jetta brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 73,000 miles, and 12% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 0 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.