75 of the 870 complaints about the Volkswagen Jetta (8.6%) concern Brakes, making it the model's #5 problem area. That share is 1.4× the Brakes share across all tracked vehicles.
75Complaints · Brakes
8.6%Share of complaints
1.43×vs. all vehicles
14Last 12 months
8.0%Share involving a crash or fire
2Related recalls
Analysis
14 Brakes complaints were filed in the last 12 months versus 20 in the 12 months before — down 30%.
6 of these reports (8.0%) describe a crash or fire, with 3 injuries and 0 deaths mentioned.
2 recall campaigns relate to this area, most recently campaign 20E064000 (2020-09-23, model year 2018).
While traveling at the posted speed limit and approaching a signalized intersection, I attempted to brake for stopped traffic ahead.
Brakes · 2026-07-14 · ODI 11750281 · Crash
Driving on westlake drive in wimauma fl preparing to turn left took foot off gas put foot on clutch put car in 2nd gear with foot above brake to mash down, pcould would not stop or slow down hit electric pole air bags deployed.
Brakes · 2026-06-27 · ODI 11746925 · Crash
Told to replace brakes and rotors at 13000 miles. Out of pocket Took my car in with 3-4000 miles and asked same shop to look into brake issues rear brakes and was told the was no issue. Rear wheels were always black form brake pads being torn to shreds.
Brakes · 2026-10-12 · ODI 11770642
I am not sure. My brakes are making noise. I made multi complaints to dealer and vw. I saw owner with the same car and he had the same problem. Please look into this. Something is wrong with brakes on VWs
Brakes · 2026-10-12 · ODI 11770572
There appears to be a known issue with the rear braking system on the VW Jetta for various model years including 2021.
Brakes · 2026-09-15 · ODI 11764312
Brakes were replaced in 2025 after dealership said there was manufacturer issues with premature wear on the brakes. Same day brakes were replaced they started making grinding noises again.
Brakes · 2026-08-17 · ODI 11757575
Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, trimmed for length. The ODI number is NHTSA's record identifier.
Related recalls
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER Campaign 20E064000 · 2020-09-23 · Model years: 2018
Summary: Tenneco Automotive (Tenneco) is recalling certain Beck/Arnley Master Cylinders, part number 072-9831, sold as aftermarket or replacement parts for 2004-2018 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2012-2019 Volkswagen Beetle vehicles. The fluid seal crimp on the master cylinder may be insufficient, causing brake fluid to leak or the cylinder to come apart.
Remedy: Beck/Arnley will notify the distributors that sold the master cylinders and will work with the distributors to notify the end users. Affected master cylinders will be exchanged for a new master cylinder (part number 072-9990), free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2020. Owners may contact Tenneco customer service at 1-800-625-9319.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER Campaign 20V359000 · 2020-06-17 · Model years: 2020
Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling one 2020 Jetta vehicle. The front brake caliper bolts may come loose.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify the owner, and a dealer will replace all four front brake caliper bolts, free of charge. The recall began July 1, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 47Q2.
