2/5 noon: As I was pulling out of my apartment complex on to a main road, my brakes went out. Fortunately, I was going 10 mph so was able to come to a stop simply by letting off the gas and pushing the wheel against a curb. Engine began to misfire and emi came on. 12:07: In my attempt to reach VW roadside assistance, I was put on automated hold for over 25 minutes. 12:35: I called the general customer service line and at that point was told that there was a recall on my vehicle regarding vacuum hose to the brake lines but that should not have resulted in total brake failure. Re-directed me to roadside assistance again. 12:40: Placed on automated hold with roadside assistance for 15+ minutes again and at that point began looking for alternative options. 1:15: Received a call from third party moc roadside assistance confirming somebody was on their way to pick me up and should be there within the hour. 2:25: Car was dropped off at tom wood volkswagon of indianapolis, in. I was given a rental car for the next few days. 2/9 went to get my car. They had fixed the problem and had no explanation why I didn't receive a recall letter. They said the recall had been made public 26 December 2005 and that I should check my mailing address with vag (ironic how all my financing statements come on time though!). there was a recall on the wiper system issued at the same time (also of which I was not notified). When they performed this recall at this time also, they returned the car to me w/O the wipers functioning! I was outraged that they didn't check the wiper system before telling me it was O.K. it took them a few minutes to get the wipers going and I was on my way. It wasn'tt doing any good to speak to the dealership and have begun to consult lawyers regarding actions against vag due to the fact that I was not made aware of this safety recall. Suffering: Mental anguish, fear of unsafe car, lost productivity at work.

- Indianapolis, IN, USA

At the red light, engine started to vibrate. When the light changed to green, my wife decided to pull over to see what happened. She realized that the brakes stopped working. From 20 mph it took a whole block to stop. Luckily, no one was in front of her. Car was towed away to the dealer. As per service: Vacuum hose broke off from the engine and we lost power braking. Engine vibration is the symptom. Only 9500 miles on the car. Dealer told me its a common problem on new Passats.

- Bayonne, NJ, USA