Power Assist Brake problems of the 2002 Volkswagen Passat

- the contact owns a 2002 Volkswagen passsat wagon GLS with a failure mileage of 41,926 . The contact stated that when she tried to start the vehicle it would not start. She noticed white smoke coming from the tail pipe, and some fluid squirting from the brake hose. The contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer, and the contact was informed that there was water in the engine. Also, the dealer determined that the brake booster had condensation build up which was getting into the intake manifold. The manufacturer stated it was an environmental issue due to the climate in which she lived. The current mileage was 42,400.

The brake booster on my 2002 Volkswagen Passat started acting up in freezing weather on numerous occasions. When this happened, I lost all power assist for the brakes and braking performance was severely degraded. On several occasions this also led, for reasons unknown to me, to the front brakes locking up, immobilizing the vehicle. The problem was eventually fixed by the Volkswagen dealer, who replaced the brake booster unit under warranty. I think there is a class problem with the brake booster system in at least 2002 Passats and no effort has been made by Volkswagen of America (voa) to communicate this to owners of these vehicles. I learned from the dealer that they had experienced many similar instances with the brake booster system on Passats. If not a formal recall, at least some communication to owners from Volkswagen should be forced as this is serious safety issue. I have talked to voa customer service by phone and their response was that they do not issue voluntary recalls. This is done, according to the voa rep, only when ordered by the government. If true, this seems a sad commentary. So I am working this issue through NHTSA asd my only recourse.