The rear disc brake pads (both sides) completely worn off/out at 25,000 miles on 2001 VW New beetle. The worn out pads also damaged both rear hub/rotor assemblies, which also had to be replaced by the consumer, at the consumers cost. This car had been in for its 20,000 mile check up to the dealership, and the female owner had asked about rear brake noises that concerned her. The dealership assured her that everything was ok, but sometimes it would just normally make some noises. A few thousand miles later the pads and rotors are completely shot and we have to pick up the tab as the car is now no longer under warranty. VW has had a technical service bulletin(tsb#4602-01 dated 04-02), I recently found out, concerning this particular problem we experienced:brake pads(rear) apparent premature wear. I mentioned this fact to both the dealership in racine, wi and VW at their 1-800-822-8987 "customer care" care number when speaking to mr ken parrott. It was to no avail. The dealership service dept person felt this was "normal" though I contested that opinion. The VW person, mr perrott, said he couldn't even look into the matter as the work was performed at a non VW dealership, though it was a certified Napa autocare service center that did the repair work. He, mr parrott, also stated if I had taken it in to a VW garage was no guarantee they would pay for my expenses either. I asked about "opening a case" w/VW and he said the conversation we were having initiated it and when I hung up(I asked him about this) that the case would be closed, as far as they were concerned. But not as far as I am concerned.

- Racine, WI, USA

I have a 2001 Volkswagen New beetle which was leased new from bill cook in farminton hills Michigan. The complaint regards the need for replacement of rear brake pads and rotors at 18,000 miles while the fronts were still at 70%. the dealership found nothing improperly adjusted or any evidence of poor maintenance or abuse. I contacted Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987 after getting the service completed and opened a case. Volkswagen verified that I have had all recommended service performed according to the dealership records and confirmed the details of my complaint with the service personnel at the dealership. Yet they refuse to compensate in any way, stating that no manufacturing defect exists. I have found a Volkswagen technical service bulletin 4600-01 on the internet regarding uneven pad wear instructing technicians to use an alternate brake pad of different composition. I am an engineer in the automotive industry, and in my opinion this level of repair at this mileage with no evidence of any external cause, especially considering the state of the front brakes, indicates either a defect in design or workmanship in the rear brake system. At the dealership I asked whether I could expect the replacement parts to fail as quickly as the originals and they stated that they would last much longer. The only way this could be true is if the new parts are of a different design or the old parts were defective. This cost me $45 to diagnose and $399.15 parts and labor plus tax and shop fees to repair. I expect a longer life for these components on a new vehicle and consider this to be defective and the responsibility of Volkswagen to repair.

- Westland, MI, USA