Brake complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 7% | — |
| 2024 | 13 | 28% | 15,000 miles |
| 2023 | 11 | 26% | 20,000 miles |
| 2022 | 12 | 28% | 0 miles |
| 2021 | 26 | 38% | 14,000 miles |
| 2020 | 7 | 13% | 5,000 miles |
| 2019 | 30 | 5% | 16,000 miles |
| 2018 | 1 | 3% | 41,000 miles |
| 2017 | 15 | 9% | 25,000 miles |
| 2016 | 23 | 14% | 37,000 miles |
| 2015 | 19 | 10% | 16,000 miles |
| 2014 | 18 | 5% | 9,000 miles |
| 2013 | 22 | 4% | 66,000 miles |
| 2012 | 37 | 7% | 60,000 miles |
| 2011 | 28 | 5% | 85,000 miles |
| 2010 | 55 | 6% | 73,000 miles |
| 2009 | 205 | 23% | 90,000 miles |
| 2008 | 23 | 12% | 30,000 miles |
| 2007 | 44 | 22% | 22,000 miles |
| 2006 | 30 | 5% | 28,000 miles |
| 2005 | 14 | 6% | 22,000 miles |
| 2004 | 12 | 5% | 15,000 miles |
| 2003 | 22 | 5% | 17,000 miles |
| 2002 | 51 | 7% | 68,000 miles |
| 2001 | 77 | 12% | 42,000 miles |
| 2000 | 45 | 10% | 46,000 miles |
| 1999 | 31 | 9% | 126,000 miles |
| 1998 | 11 | 6% | 80,000 miles |
| 1997 | 2 | 4% | 180,000 miles |
| 1996 | 2 | 6% | 70,000 miles |
| 1995 | 23 | 10% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2024 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the rear tires. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the rear rotors, and brake pads needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired at the consumer's expense. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.
My 2024 Volkswagen Jetta has about 14,429 miles, driven almost entirely on the highway between two Texas cities, with little city traffic and no mountain driving. The rear brakes are wearing out far faster than normal. At a dealer inspection on June 15, 2026, the rear linings measured 1 mm and 2 mm, nearly gone, while the front linings still measured 10 mm. This is the reverse of normal wear, since the fronts do most of the braking and should wear first. The vehicle is available for inspection. This is not sudden. A prior dealer inspection on July 7, 2025 already showed the rear linings (9 mm) more worn than the fronts (11 mm). Between the two inspections the fronts lost about 1 mm while the rears lost about 7 to 8 mm, so the rears are wearing many times faster than the fronts. Both inspections were done and documented by an authorized Volkswagen dealer. …
The contact owns a 2023 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while his son was driving at an undisclosed speed, he heard an abnormal squeaking sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed failures with the rear brake pads and rotors. The contact was informed that the rear brake pads and rotors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: VWP-22-18. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 20,000.
I would like to report a safety issue with my wife's new 2023 VW Jetta sedan with standard transmission. It has a hill hold feature that clamps the brakes on for approximately three seconds after you remove your foot from the brake pedal, if you are on a hill. Three seconds is way too long and often causes the following: you see an opening to pull into traffic, move your foot to the accelerator and start letting the clutch out. The car stalls, leaving you in the middle of the road with the electronic parking brake now applied where it was not before. This is very dangerous. Both of us have been driving standard transmission vehicles for many years. Our previous VW models with standard transmissions and hill hold, as well as my present 2014 VW GTI, did not have this safety defect. They released the brakes quickly and smoothly on hills and never caused us to stall or roll back. …
The contact owns a 2022 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated when he released the hill start assist the brakes seized, causing the vehicle to not move. The contact stated that after several minutes the brakes released. The dealer was contacted and stated that the feature operated as designed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the feature operated as designed. The failure was 75. The VIN was not available.
- Rear brake pads. They were replaced at 22,464 miles under warranty due to premature wear, and at just 34,170 miles (less than 12,000 miles later), they are already down to 4mm. Yes, the component is available for inspection upon request. - The rapid and premature wear of the rear brake pads reduces braking efficiency and increases stopping distance, particularly in emergency situations or adverse weather. If this wear continues unnoticed, it could lead to brake failure or reduced rear braking function, creating a serious safety hazard for myself, passengers, and others on the road. - Yes. The original issue was diagnosed and confirmed by Safford Brown VW in Richmond, VA in January 2024. The dealership replaced the rear pads under warranty at that time and stated the wear was premature. Those same pads are now down to 4mm after less than 12,000 miles. - Yes. …
While traveling at the posted speed limit and approaching a signalized intersection, I attempted to brake for stopped traffic ahead. The vehicle did not decelerate as expected, and the automatic emergency braking/forward collision mitigation system did not activate or provide any braking assistance. Additionally, no forward collision warning or audible/visual alert was provided prior to impact. A red warning indicator illuminated immediately before the collision; however, there was insufficient time to take additional evasive action. As a result, my vehicle rear-ended the vehicle stopped in front of me. The apparent failure of the braking assistance and forward collision warning systems placed both myself and the occupants of the other vehicle at risk, resulting in a motor vehicle collision. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. …
The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while reversing, the brake pedal was depressed, and the contact heard a grinding sound coming from the rear brakes. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and a diagnostic test was performed. The dealer stated that the rear brakes were metal on metal and the front brakes were okay. The rear brake pads and rotors were replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the repair was not covered under Extended Warranty because the warranty had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 14,469.
Related recalls (3)
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Caliper
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling one 2020 Jetta vehicle. The front brake caliper bolts may come loose.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify the owner, and a dealer will replace all four front brake caliper bolts, free of charge. The recall began July 1, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
On some passenger vehicles, short circuits can occur within the electronic control unit of the anti-lock braking system (ABS).
Remedy: Dealers will replace the ABS control unit. Owner notification began March 8, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a…
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The rear brake line on the passenger side was routed too close to the corner of the fuel tank. The line could be damaged by chafing against the fuel tank.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the brake line and replace any damaged lines.
Frequently asked questions
Which Volkswagen Jetta years have brake problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2009 (205), 2001 (77), 2010 (55), 2002 (51) and 2000 (45) model years. Brake complaints make up 23% of all complaints for the 2009.
Is there a recall for Volkswagen Jetta brake problems?
Yes — 3 recalls, including 20V-359 (caliper, Jun 17, 2020); 02V-031 (antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, Jan 31, 2002); 98V-195 (hoses, lines/piping, and fittings, Aug 17, 1998). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Volkswagen Jetta brake problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 57,000 miles; 48% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (81 mentions), followed by the foundation components › disc › rotor (33).
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.