Brake complaints by model year
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 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit. The contact stated while driving 20-30 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle stopped abruptly and pulled to the right. The contact was able to continue driving. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving and applying a moderate amount of pressure on the brake pedal. The check engine warning light and the ABS warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the ABS module was not communicating with the transmission. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V913000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) which he related to the failure; however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted several times. …
I am making a complaint against volkswagen for refusing to perform the abs safety recall. The ABS module is dead, I found out the hard way that I have no ABS or traction control. I stopped on the highway and lost control, I could have died and the van that hit me twice could did worse. The dealer refuses to perform the recall and is completely unhelpful. Yes there were warning lights and thats why I took it to the dealer. P.S. This happened a day before the accident. Two different VW dealers refused to perform the ABS module recall on my car even though Volkwagen customer care called to make my appointment, the car was too old, the repair was to expensive and also that the module wasnt communicating. It specifically says it in the recall, that if the module is not responding to replace it. …
Upon approaching a red light brakes were applied but did not slow the vehicle. Rather than stopping the pedal depressed to the floor with resistance but never slowed the vehicle resulting in a rear end collision.
Displaying ABS light, electronic stability light, emergency brake beeps then light remains on blinking, steering alignment light displays, changed out the rear ABS sensors and the right rear wheel hub, all lights remain on. Because my car was manufactured in 2007 it is not part of the recall for the ABS module (a known issue) so either I park the car permanently or cough up a ridiculous amount of money to fix a known issue. I have driven the car at lower speeds and several times was forced to rely on the e-brake because the brake pedal would not operate. It is seriously dangerous to have on the road due to an issue that Volkswagen been aware of for a long period of time.
Frequently asked questions
Which Volkswagen Rabbit years have brake problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2009 (44) and 2007 (13) model years. Brake complaints make up 71% of all complaints for the 2009.
Is there a recall for Volkswagen Rabbit brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for any Volkswagen Rabbit model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Volkswagen Rabbit brake problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 73,000 miles; 18% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the foundation components › disc › pads (2 mentions), followed by the foundation components › disc › rotor (1).
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.