Our 2006 VW Beetle tdi, without warning, suffered a sudden reduction of braking ability due to a crack in the vacuum supply hose to the brake booster. The car became dangerously difficult to stop. Luckily we were in the flatlands, not in hilly terrain. The component is an assembly comprised of a short, straight section of rubber hose, a check valve and a longer section of plastic tubing with a 90 degree bend. This bridges between the vacuum pump on the engine and the brake booster on the firewall. The plastic tubing section takes the brunt of the vibration and flexure. Apparently, the plastic tubing becomes embrittled over time from engine heat and eventually cracks. This problem seems to be common to multiple VW models according to web forums that led me to find the problem with my own car. On the tdi (diesel) model, the loss of vacuum is not indicated by poor engine performance because the vacuum source is a pump, not engine vacuum.

- Houston, TX, USA

The contact owns a 2006 Volkswagen new Beetle. The contact stated that the vacuum pump for the brakes had malfunctioned and caused brake fluid to leak. The brake pedal was also abnormally low. The contact was unaware of the faulty brake vacuum pump until the vehicle was taken to a local mechanic for what was thought to be an oil leakage. The local mechanic stated that the vacuum pump brake would need to be replaced. The contact called the manufacturer regarding the braking system and they stated that since the vehicle was outside of the warranty, they would not assist with repairs. The contact believed the failure was a manufacturing defect that could have caused a major crash while driving. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 86,000. Updated 01/14/11 updated 03/24/11

- Alton, IL, USA

The contact owns a 2006 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact stated that the engine shuts off when the brakes are applied. The failure began on October 8, 2008 and occurs intermittently. The engine indicator illuminated only once prior to the failure. The vehicle has been to the dealer three times and they cleaned the carburetor, checked the fuel line, and power flushed the coolant; however, the failure still persists. The dealer stated that nothing could be done because the diagnostic could not produce a failure code. A report was filed with the manufacturer and they stated that they have not received any complaints concerning the failure. The failure mileage was 900 and current mileage was 54,500. Updated 01/08/09. The consumer stated Volvo fixed the problem and no further assistance is needed. Updated 01/12/09.

- Asheville, NC, USA