3.3

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
40,891 miles

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problem #1

Nov 102003

Passat 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 40,891 miles
Recurrent brake failures. At 10,000 miles, brake life was measured at 12 mm front and 8 mm rear, but then at about 20,000 miles, dealer determined that vehicle needed brake pads all around and rear discs. At 40,000, rear brake pads were replaced. This time dealer found that the rear driver side calipher had stuck, causing the brake pad to wear down to metal on that one side. A large percentage of mileage on the vehicle is highway miles, and driver does not ride the brakes. Owner believes VW tried to hide an inherent brake design problem by replacing all 4 brake pads at 20,000 miles. Vehicle had to be towed to dealer one time due to brake fault & brake fluid warning lights.

- Vista, CA, USA

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