The contact owns a 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that the rear driver side brake was defective. The contact inspected the vehicle and found that the rear driver side brake pads were worn prematurely. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 38,000. Updated 07/06/12 updated 07/12/12.

- Charlotte, NC, USA

I first took my car to the dealership June 1st for an obvious rattling noise in between my front tires. On June 15th back to the dealership for them to replace my bushings but problem still existed so they ordered pins for caliper bracket. In July after replacing struts the problem still existed. Aug 31st they replaced the sway bar and declared the problem was resolved. When I got in my car the problem still existed and they had left my car out of alignment it was almost impossible to drive. Sept 14th I returned back to the dealership for the same problem. They replaced both sway bars. The problem was finally resolved after losing my car for 6 full days, however my brake lights were on. They assured me it was just a coincidence, the service guy discovered the tech had forgotten to connect my brakes back. I did not file a formal complaint at this time because I was so relieved they had finally fixed my suspension issue. Ive had to buy 2 brand new sets of tires since June because of all the ware on my tires from my messed up suspension. Today, Jan 3rd 2012 my car is back in the shop yet again. This time for a rear passanger side door lock that had been set on child lock will no longer lock. Ordered the part, since my car is no longer under warranty the part with labor 360. In the meantine the tech discovered an oil leak. The dealership is now saying my vaccum pump is leaking and is no longer under warranty for them to fix it. Their quote 960. I checked on the part its 257 new. Even though I didn't file a complaint or cost them money when they forgot to connect my brakes bake they are going to charge me 700 dollars in labor. My car is only a 2008 and has been in the shop more in one year than any of my other cars combined. It is daily a safety hazard because of the lingering of fixing my car right the very first day I took it to the dealership June of 2010.

- Barboursville, WV, USA

The contact owns a 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that the rear brake pad locked while driving, due to the brake pad being stuck. When the contact put the vehicle in park, the brake pad fell off onto the floor. The dealer diagnosed that the vehicle needed a new brake caliper and brakes. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified, but did not assist the contact with the repairs. The failure mileage was 48,000 and the current mileage was 49,000.

- Sarasota, FL, USA

Rear brake pads on my 2008 Volkswagen Jetta are worn down to nothing and my front brake pads are just about perfect. Have noticed many online forums have mentioned this problem as well.

- Prairie Village, KS, USA

I have a 2008 VW Jetta and I have had to have the brake pads, rotors and calipers replaced now for a 3rd time. The first 2 times happened within the first 12 months of owning the vehicle.

- Wake Forest, NC, USA

I have experienced a challenge with my rear brakes on my 2008 Volkswagen Jetta so I began searching for information from others on the internet. Refer to www.edmunds.com for other concerns regarding similar concerns. I am not the only individual experiencing these challenges. Now let me describe my situation. I noticed some squeaking here and there around 26,000 miles. I asked the dealership about the noise at that time. They didn't share that anything was wrong so I drove off the lot. From that point forward, I heard the same squeaking noise only when it rained and they mentioned that happens when frost gets in between the rotors and pads so I did not think much of it. When I drove into the dealership at 31,000 miles they shared my rear brakes were between 2-3; therefore the rear rotors would need to be replaced. I shared my concerns as a Volkswagen owner, (have owned 4 in the last 5 years), that it seemed odd that the rotors had to be replaced at such a young age of 31,000 miles. They assured me that they did nothing wrong and they assured me that there was not a recall about this issue. Overall I am disappointed with my dealership in their response considering I have been a long standing customer who does all of my service with them. And I am still left wondering if there is an issue with the making of the car; therefore causing pre-mature problems with the rotors. What would be a next step to share this information? I wonder how many other people have been affected.

- Porter, IN, USA

Pre-mature rear-brake wear. The rear brake pads completely wore out at about 17,000 miles causing metal to metal contact with the rear rotors. Most of the miles are highway. Many forums report similar problems for other years of the vehicle and it seems that the cause could be calipers that don't disengage completely when the parking brake is used. Since I have a manual transmission it's hard not to use the parking brake. My rear wheels are always covered in brake dust and it seems like the pads will wear out soon again (about 22,000 miles later). I tried not to use the parking brake after the first repair and have a commute consisting of about 85 percent highway miles so this kind of brake wear is inexcusable. The front brake pads did not need any attention yet and look good.

- West Hollywood, CA, USA

I have a 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. I purchased it new in August 2008. The rear brakes wore into the rotors at 12,000 miles. The dealership repair shop had just informed me that the brakes were fine at 10,000 miles. The rotors and brakes had to be replaced at my cost as it is not a warranty item but a wear item. At my 20,000 mile checkup, I was again told that my brakes were fine and had 50% remaining. I took the car to meineke to have the brakes double checked. I was shown that the rear calipers are defective. They do not allow the emergency brake to disengage. As such, my emergency brake is constantly on, causing my brakes to lock on to the rotor. The mechanic had to use a crow bar to pry loose the emergency brake. I was told that I cannot use the emergency brake until it is fixed. I have a 5 speed and this is concerning that I cannot use the emergency brake. The dealership explained that the warranty will only allow them to replace one caliper at a time. If the other one is broken, then I have to wait until I drive it a while after one is replaced. I have seen a lot of data online about the exact same problem in several model years of the Volkswagen Jetta. Interestingly, my dealership was out of the calipers and had to reorder more. I am very frustrated that my safety has been in jeopardy as my brakes could have once again failed. I am upset that the dealership neglected to correct the problem. I had to take it to a different mechanic to finally have the problem correctly diagnosed. Incidentally, part of my engine went out within the first 6 months of owning the car. I have also had to have the front end repainted as it began chipping immediately. Now the door edges and the top edge of the hood are chipping.

- Harrisonville, MO, USA

Horrible brake wear on rear brakes on 2008 VW Jetta.

- Pittsburgh, PA, USA

We own a 2008 VW Jetta. 2.5 L the Jetta has 25,000 miles and less than year of ownership (purchased at 8000 as program car) rear brakes are completely gone & ruined one rotor -no warning prior? (per dealer) front brakes are fine told rear pads and rotors must be replaced.

- Fort Worth, TX, USA

2008 Jetta SE has had recurring squealing back brakes since day 1. murrieta VW in ca says it is normal. They checked and sprayed. Good to go, but now at 14K miles, noise has returned. Only happens at slow speed (backing up/parking). Is there a defect on the calipers/piston assembly? VW dealer says it is "normal." In 25 years of driving never had a car do this. It is very annoying and sounds dangerous. Cars should not do this, esp at 14K miles. Brake failure could be on the way, causing serious damage, or death.

- Temecula, CA, USA

Rear brakes are wearing prematurely on 2008 VW Jetta. Only lasted 20, 000 miles.

- Sandeigo, CA, USA

2008 VW Jetta wolfsburg (less than 5000 miles at first occurrence) brake issue 1st occurrence - coming up to a stop, and brake pedal lost pressure but re-engaged after traveling 2-3 inches beyond normal braking pressure. Very intermittent issue. After both of my teenage sons reported the same issue, I took the car into the VW dealership for repair. Thelen (bay city, mi) bled the brakes and returned the car. Within a few days, I was experiencing the same issue with more frequency, but could not reproduce consistently. Took to dealership a second time - this time told that VW said this was a "normal" brake function. Service technician drove vehicle home and back in the next morning. He experienced the problem twice and (as described to his service manager) "his heart went into his throat." Still - VW maintained that this was "normal". received an email from dealership owner stating same. After continued pressure, VW technical rep came to dealership and finally determined that the brake power booster needed to be replaced (over a two week span). Received car back, and within three days, the problem returned - as I nearly ran through an intersection when the brakes went to the floor before engaging (with ABS). Took back to dealer (3rd time) - dealer not able to replicate - stated that they cannot fix the problem if they can't identify/replicate - car still at dealership (5 days later). Met with dealership owner to express concern for the safety of the vehicle and my family. I refused to take vehicle until they came up with a solution for the problem. Scheduled meeting with VW rep at the dealership on 12/16 to discuss issue.

- Cliio, MI, USA

Excessive rear brake wear. Brake needed replacing at 12K. Car is a 5-speed manual and brakes are used very little.

- Highland, CA, USA

The contact owns a 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. While driving 15 mph, the brakes jerked when the pedal was depressed. The driver's foot was knocked off the brake pedal. The driver attempted a second time to apply the brakes, but the vehicle would not stop and crashed into the preceding vehicle. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the dealer. The purchase date was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 7,300.

- South Charleston, WV, USA