2012 Volkswagen Passat Brakes Problems
NHTSA lists 16 brake complaints for the 2012 Volkswagen Passat, 3% of that year's 483 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 30,000. Two crashes were reported and no recalls are linked to this component.
- Brakes complaints
- 16
- 3% of 483
- Crashes reported
- 2
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 30,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 0
Typical brake symptoms owners report
- Owners report the brake pedal sinking to the floorboard with little or no stopping power, in some cases leading to a crash.
- Multiple complaints describe loud squeaking or metallic screeching noises when braking, especially in reverse or in cold/wet conditions, which dealers said had no available fix.
- Some drivers describe the stability/traction control system applying brakes unexpectedly on hills or slippery surfaces, cutting engine power and slowing the car dangerously in traffic.
- Several owners report ABS, ESC, or brake warning lights illuminating intermittently, later diagnosed as failure of the ABS control or pump unit at higher mileage.
- One complaint mentions dashboard warning lights, a non-functioning speedometer, and the car failing to start after being pulled over for brake concerns.
When 2012 Volkswagen Passat brake complaints were filed
First complaint May 15, 2012, latest May 10, 2021.
Brakes recalls for the 2012 Volkswagen Passat
No safety recalls on record for this model year.
Brakes complaints by Passat model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How common are brake problems on the 2012 Volkswagen Passat?
- NHTSA lists 16 brake complaints for the 2012 Passat, which is 3% of the 483 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a brake recall for the 2012 Volkswagen Passat?
- No. The data shows no related recalls tied to the Brakes component for this model year.
- At what mileage do brake problems typically show up on the 2012 Passat?
- The median mileage at failure for brake complaints on the 2012 Passat is 30,000 miles.
- Did any 2012 Passat brake complaints involve crashes?
- Yes. NHTSA records show 2 crashes among the 16 brake complaints for the 2012 Passat, with no fires or injuries reported.
- How does the 2012 Passat compare to other years for brake complaints?
- The 2012 Passat had 16 brake complaints (3% share), lower in share than years like 2016 (20%), 2018 (29%), and 2021 (28%), though those years had fewer total complaints filed.