2000 Volkswagen Passat GLS from North America - Comments

At 40,000 miles I had to replace the rear brake pads and rotors. The pads had worn down to the rotors. I had noticed a grinding noise from the rear wheels and took the car in immediately for a brake inspection and discovered the condition. Interestingly, the front brake pads had at least another 20,000 miles left according to the brake technician. I was informed that the rear brake pad wear was somewhat premature, but not out of the ordinary for the Passat, and in some cases even substantially less (20-30,000 miles). I have never got less than 60,000 miles out of brake pads on any previous vehicle that I have owned. What I find disconcerting is the inconsistency of wear between the front and rear brakes. Generally, front brake pads wear faster than rears, and at the very least should be reasonably close in overall wear. Replacing the rear rotors was expensive and avoidable if I would have been aware of the rapid wear of the rear brake pads. Is VW over-engineering the front brakes because that is typically the higher stress point on the braking system? VW needs to address this brake wear problem on the Passat. Hopefully, I won't find other little surprises with the Passat now that I have over 40K on the car. Overall, I really enjoy driving the vehicle, and find it a quality product.

This is a well engineered vehicle that drives and performs well. The verdict is still out on the long-term reliability. I keep my cars for the long haul, so I want the Passat to hold up well. That is yet to be determined.

I have a V6 Passat with 40,000 miles and it still has plenty of brakes left. I do 65% highway driving and my Passat V6 is a 5 speed manual. 40,000 miles is not all that bad between brake jobs for a 3500+ lb vehicle especially if it is driven in stop and go conditions. If that is the only complaint I'd say you're doing well with it!

I have a 2002 Passat 5 speed and had the same brake issue, needed rears and not front at 38k. I love the car though, so I can deal.

My 2002 Passat V-6 5-speed wagon needed new rear rotors at 31,000 miles, in April 04. After having the car in for service today needs rear rotors again... 8,000 miles. Covered under warranty, but none the less, something seems a bit odd about this.

And I'm not driving around with the emergency brake on!

I have a 2003 Passat which just went in for service after a brake service indicator lit up on the car. The dealer called to tell my wife that the repair would be $924.00. I was surprised, as the car only has 32K mile and I've never felt a shimmy in the wheels. When I called the dealer to find out why it would be so much for pads, they told me that they only replace pads and rotors as a set. I called off the "repair" and I'm bringing it to a garage to replace pads only.

Anyone with a similar experience out there?

I have a 2001 Passat Wagon, and I had to replace the rear brakes at 30k, The fronts brake still have 50% left.

Well, My mother has a 2003 4motion. She has had a few more problems, with the brakes. She Has replaced the rear pads 5 times and the rotors 3 times. She has 60k. Oh yes, the front pads and rotors were replaced twice. I, with all the comments I have just read here. Ah never mind, I just wish VW would be responsible and find a solution.

I have a 2004 Passat with 28K miles on it, and began hearing a grinding noise from the rear brakes recently. Seems like I am having the same issue as above. Does anyone know if it is covered under the warranty?

I have a 2002 passat and got my rear brake pads replaced at 52k miles for the second time. I drive a lot in LA traffic. The first time, I replaced it at 32k miles, but that included a lot of winter driving.

Strangely, the mechanic told me that the front brake pads are good for another 15-20k miles.

Just had 50K service done on my 2004 Passat with 52+K miles on the odometer. Dealer's sales rep said that the charge would be $464 for rear brake pads and rotors and labor, since pads were worn down to 2mm. I asked if rotors were scored. He said "not." I asked why he recommended replacing pads and rotors. He said that it was "the way it was supposed to be done, and that replacing only pads resulted in noisy braking." I asked if replacement pads included shims. He confirmed. I told him to put a box of replacement pads with shims on the front seat, and perform no break service, as I'd do it myself.

Incidentally, he explained to me that when I apply the brakes, the rear pads engage first, then the front pads, by design, in order to reduce nose diving on hard stops. Thus, the rear pads work more than the front and wear out faster.

2004 Passat GLS with 36,000 miles. The dealer told me I needed rear brakes to the tune of $550.00. I took it to my guy, with an estimate of $150.00 (50.00 for parts). He said the wear looks unusual, as if I'd been riding with the parking brake on for a year (I had not). He found the brake line to have a leak, called around for the part, the only one with the part was the dealer and they would not sell it. I took the car to toyota and traded it for a Corolla. I would never by another VW. The interior comfort is not worth the hassle and expense. Love my corolla and the Toyota dealer.

2003 Passat sedan brake issue:

The rear brakes wore down in less than 20,000 miles! I had the pads in hand and measured the pad depth & found them to be just out of the wear index.

VW would not cover the warped rotors that were caused by the frankly, lousy design.

Dealer charged $550 for the repair.

VW just needs to "fess up" to a safety issue.