YearToAvoid

2017 Volkswagen Passat Brakes Problems

NHTSA lists 18 brake complaints for the 2017 Volkswagen Passat, 16% of its 110 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 20,550 miles. Two brake recalls exist: caliper bracket bolts (18V536000) and leaking brake lines (17V075000).

Brakes complaints
18
16% of 110
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
20,550 mi
Related recalls
2

Typical brake symptoms owners report

  • Owners report unexpected automatic braking or brake pedal engagement at highway speeds without an obstacle present.
  • Some describe brake fluid leaking from brake line connections shortly after purchase, matching the recalled brake line issue.
  • Persistent squeaking or squealing noises from the brakes that dealers attributed to moisture but that owners say recurred over long periods.
  • Reports of front brake caliper replacement needed after loud abnormal noise while braking at various speeds.
  • Premature wear of rotors and pads, with warped rotors and pads worn down described around 40,000 miles.
  • Repeated ABS wheel speed sensor failures on different wheels, requiring multiple out-of-pocket replacements.

When 2017 Volkswagen Passat brake complaints were filed

First complaint Apr 25, 2017, latest Dec 3, 2025.

2017 Volkswagen Passat brakes complaints: complaints filed per month2Apr 2017Jun 2018Jan 2019May 2019Oct 2020Apr 2021Mar 2022Apr 2023
18 complaints filed with NHTSA from Apr 2017 to Dec 2025; peak Mar 2019 (2).

Brakes recalls for the 2017 Volkswagen Passat

  1. NHTSA 18V536000Aug 15, 2018Brakes8,416 vehicles

    Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:caliper

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas and 2017-2018 Volkswagen Passat vehicles. The brake caliper bracket mounting bolts on these vehicles may not have been tightened sufficiently.

    Risk: The loose brake bracket bolts can allow the caliper to move, reducing braking ability or causing a loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake caliper bracket bolt tightness, replacing and re-torque the bolts as necessary, free of charge. Additionally brake caliper fasteners, bleeder valve, and brake hose bolts will be checked and torqued to the correct specification, if necessary, free of charge. For Passat vehicles, dealers will also inspect the parking brake cable for proper connection, free of charge. The recall began September 14, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 46H6.

  2. NHTSA 17V075000Feb 8, 2017Brakes1,007 vehicles

    Service brakes, hydraulic:fluid

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Passat vehicles. Brake fluid may leak slowly from the some of the brake line connections, resulting in a low brake fluid level.

    Risk: A low brake fluid level may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected brake lines, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in March 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 47N3.

Brakes complaints by Passat model year

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

  1. 20106 (4%)
  2. 20110 (0%)
  3. 201216 (3%)
  4. 201318 (2%)
  5. 201414 (2%)
  6. 201532 (13%)
  7. 201621 (20%)
  8. 201718 (16%)
  9. 201813 (29%)
  10. 20193 (25%)
  11. 20202 (11%)
  12. 20215 (28%)
  13. 20223 (23%)

Frequently asked questions

How many brake complaints does the 2017 Volkswagen Passat have?
NHTSA lists 18 brake-related complaints for the 2017 Passat, making up 16% of the 110 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a brake recall for the 2017 Volkswagen Passat?
Yes. NHTSA lists recall 18V536000 for brake caliper bracket bolts that may not have been tightened enough, and recall 17V075000 for brake lines that may leak fluid slowly.
At what mileage do brake problems typically show up on the 2017 Passat?
The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for brake complaints on this model year is 20,550 miles.
Did the brake issues cause any crashes?
NHTSA records show 1 crash and no fires or injuries linked to brake complaints on the 2017 Passat.

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.