One problem related to brake light on has been reported for the 2001 Volkswagen Cabrio. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
When starting car 75% of the time abs and (hand) brake light would switch on though brake not engaged; at the same time headlights and a/c didn't work. Was told it is an ignition switch problem. Also, window automatic close malfunctioning which dealer service says is unrelated. Necessitated about $1,800 parts and labor. Also, unfortunately at the mercy generally of vw dealer service since many mechanics do not stock the computer necessary to diagnose electrical problems. I have experienced service problems with two vw dealers in my area (northern virgnia). One dealer (alexandria vw) failed to tighten wheel nuts after a routine check-up and claimed after looking at the car that nothing was amiss. Another (stohlman in vienna, va. ) replaced the ignitiion switch but broke a part while doing so, so that the key could not be removed from the ignition.