Brake Disc Pads problems of the 2002 Volkswagen Passat

December 30, 2011, the engine emissions light came on. In addition, the brakes were slow to respond, especially in quick response situations, I. E. Traffic light. I took the car to pep boys for a diagnostic on brakes/emission. They said there were no problems. Cost $100. February 10, 2012, the engine emission light came on and the brakes were slow to respond especially in quick response situations, I. E. Traffic light. I took the car to a vw dealer/repair shop. They replaced the front brake rotors and pads and changed the brake fluid. I still experienced the brake problem during cold weather (below 15 degrees and wind chill). Vw suggested bringing the car in when the temperature was the same as the temperature that I experienced the brake problem. Unfortunately it was March and there were no further cold days. I began to think the car was a warm weather vehicle. Cost $776. December 14, 2012, the vw dealer/repair shop replaced the rear brake rotors and pads. Cost $377. December 26, 2013, the engine emission light came on and the brakes were slow to respond, especially in quick response situations, I. E. Traffic light. I took the car to a vw dealer/repair shop. They replaced hose and valve to correct a vacuum leak (valve stuck). They replaced the brake fluid. Cost $376. January 8, 2014, the brakes were slow to respond. I had to use the hand brake to stop. I called to have the car towed to vw dealer/repair shop. The tow driver stated it was a booster problem. The vw dealer/repair shop replaced brake booster and brake fluid. Cost $848. In addition to the brake problems, the belly pan (belly shield, skid plate, lower engine cover) came off twice while driving on major highways on April 21, 2012 and April 12, 2014. I had to pull over and pop the pan back up. I took the car to vw dealer/repair shops to have it reattached. No cost.

The contact owns a 2002 Volkswagen Passat. The rear brake pads wear out every 15,000 miles, which is about four times faster than a normal vehicle. This is unexpected on a vehicle with such low mileage and could cause brake failure. In February of 2006, at 25,359 miles, the dealer informed the contact of this possibility. He notified the manufacturer and they denied any knowledge of the failure. The current mileage was 39,722 and failure mileage was 25,359.

Consumer concerned that the 2002 vw Passat are equipped w/defective rear brake pads. The faulty brakes caused the vehicle to vibrate while braking. Since brakes are not warranty item the consumer was responsible for service fee associated with replacing them.

Brake failure at 22,000 miles. My car was just under 2 years old with 22,000 miles when I was told that I needed new rear brakes. The car was redesigned with "soft" brake pads to reduce noise, so this is considered "normal wear". No it isn"t! also, the rotors must be replaced when you put on new pads; they cannot be machined. This car is designed to have pads and rotors replaced every 22,000 miles! this is unacceptable service and disgraceful design.