2011 Volkswagen Tiguan. Consumer states malfunction of electronic parking brake the consumer was driving down the highway at 50 mph. Moments before, coffee from an over-filled cup had spilled into the recessed area where the electronic parking brake switch was located. When the consumer reached for some napkins, the vehicle suddenly came to a screaming halt in the middle of the lane. The engine was still running, but the brakes would not release. The consumer then pulled the parking brake switch; after a number of pulls, it finally released the brakes and the consumer was able to drive to the shoulder. The consumer stated the owners manual clearly stated that when the electronic parking switch lever is engaged while the vehicle is in motion, emergency braking will occur. But, only as long as the switch is being pulled, or until the accelerator is pressed. If the switch is released or the accelerator is pressed, emergency braking should immediately cease. The consumer stated that did not happen in this incident. He had both hands on the wheel and the switch was not pushed and was attempting to get out of the lane. The consumer was pushing the accelerator, thus satisfying both requirements for ceasing emergency braking. The vehicle was bucking back and forth; the vehicle was clearly in first gear, ut the car was not releasing the brakes. The consumer believed the system malfunctioned, perhaps as a result of the spilled coffee. A few days later, the yellow parking brake warning light illuminated on the dash, but did not appear again the next time the vehicle was started.

- South Portland, ME, USA