Air Brake Antilock Problems of Volkswagen Passat

Abs computer failure. No events leading to its failure it just shut down one day and the abs light has been on since. Failure = no abs, dealer wants over $1000 to replace entire setup however the pump is ok the computer is gone. Currently waiting for a cheaper fix or possible recall.

See all problems of the 2000 Volkswagen Passat 🔎.

I own a 1999 vw Passat with anti-lock brakes. Many Audi and vw models manufactured starting in the later '90s and continuing to present (including mine), use the bosch 5. 3 abs controller, which is prone to catastrophic failure, ostensibly due to defective design. This module controls multiple brake-related functions including the abs which is important for winter driving, but the most critical function of this module is probably the electronic brake force distribution, or ebd. These vehicles are designed such that if the ebd is inoperative, the proportion of hydraulic force applied to the rear brakes during emergency braking is as great as it is during moderate braking effort when there is minimal transfer of vehicle weight to the front wheels. The ebd is supposed to adjust the front/rear braking distribution dynamically according to the measure of the deceleration, so that the rear wheels will not lock up during emergency braking. If this module should fail during emergency braking on dry pavement, the rear wheels could lock up and cause an accident which could easily include fatalities. This is an expensive repair for owners, costing roughly $2000, and many owners have probably put off the repair indefinitely. The vw company has provided absolutely no assistance in helping owners despite knowing of hundreds if not thousands of these types of failures as early as 30k miles. Services that charge ~$300. 00 to rebuild the failed abs module are unreliable and cause drivers to work on their cars with no mechanical sense because of their desperation. Evidence which can be found through a simple web search, suggests that the problem is widespread, and that if it has not already led to serious accidents, it is only a question of time. This problem is genuine, and vw/Audi should be compelled to take immediate corrective action.

See all problems of the 1999 Volkswagen Passat 🔎.

Had new front tires put on the car and then new brake shoes, rotors, etc. On the back. Abs light keeps flickering on as if the vehicle thinks it is skidding.

While test driving a volkswagon Passat glx sedan, touching the window control caused the abs braking mechanism to engage. The car lurched as if the brakes were quickly applied and abs failure warning lights and tones went off in the car. The instrument lights flickered as well. The warnings shut off in a few seconds and the car appeared to return to normal. This happened on two seperate occasions in the span of 10 minutes both times while traveling on a level road at a constant speed with my foot on the accelerator at the time. The situation was dangerous because of the unintended braking and the startling effect of the warnings occuring simultaniously.

See all problems of the 2004 Volkswagen Passat 🔎.