YearToAvoid

2010 Volkswagen Jetta Brakes Problems

NHTSA lists 62 brake complaints for the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta, 7% of all complaints for that model year, with 3 crashes and no injuries or fires reported. A related recall (16V913000) covers ABS control module software on 2009-2010 Jettas.

Brakes complaints
62
7% of 844
Crashes reported
3
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
74,197 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical brake symptoms owners report

  • Owners report uneven brake pad wear, with rear pads wearing out far faster than front pads, sometimes described by dealers as normal for the vehicle.
  • Some drivers report the vehicle failed to stop promptly when the brake pedal was pressed, leading to a rear-end crash, which was later traced to a faulty ABS control module.
  • Owners describe the parking brake failing to hold the vehicle in place, in one case allowing the car to roll backward and strike another vehicle.
  • Several owners report squeaking noises and excessive brake dust from the rear wheels well before scheduled maintenance intervals.
  • One owner reported a wheel locking up during braking at highway speed, blowing a tire and causing brake fluid loss.

When 2010 Volkswagen Jetta brake complaints were filed

First complaint Jul 18, 2010, latest May 21, 2025.

2010 Volkswagen Jetta brakes complaints: complaints filed per quarter52010 Q32013 Q42016 Q12018 Q12019 Q22021 Q12023 Q3
62 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2010 Q3 to 2025 Q2; peak 2017 Q2 (5).

Brakes recalls for the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta

  1. NHTSA 16V913000Dec 20, 2016Brakes135,683 vehicles

    Electronic stability control (esc)

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Volkswagen Jetta A5 Sedan, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen, Eos, GTI, Rabbit and Audi A3 vehicles, and 2010 Volkswagen Golf A6 vehicles. The Antilock Brake System (ABS) control unit may fail during ABS or Electronic Stability Control (ESC) activation, possibly causing a loss of vehicle control.

    Risk: A loss of vehicle control can increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will update the ABS control module software to improve the module's self-testing abilities. Any module that fails the new diagnostic test will be replaced. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began February 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.

Brakes complaints by Jetta model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 201062 (7%)
  2. 201140 (7%)
  3. 201245 (9%)
  4. 201329 (6%)
  5. 201428 (7%)
  6. 201520 (10%)
  7. 201627 (17%)
  8. 201720 (13%)
  9. 20181 (3%)
  10. 201934 (6%)
  11. 20207 (13%)
  12. 202126 (38%)
  13. 202212 (28%)
  14. 202311 (26%)
  15. 202411 (26%)
  16. 20251 (4%)

Frequently asked questions

How many brake complaints does the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta have?
NHTSA lists 62 brake complaints for the 2010 Jetta, which is 7% of the 844 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a brake recall for the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta?
Yes. Recall 16V913000 covers 2009-2010 Jetta A5 Sedans (along with other VW/Audi models) for an ABS control module software update to improve the module's self-test.
Did the brake problems cause any crashes?
NHTSA data shows 3 crashes tied to brake complaints on the 2010 Jetta, with no reported fires or injuries.
At what mileage do brake problems typically show up on the 2010 Jetta?
The median mileage at failure among reported brake complaints is 74,197 miles.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.