First we would like to start by saying we love this car, we are and will continue to be loyal VW customers. There seems to be a problem with the tensioner on the rear brake pads. We had the tensioner fall off causing the right rear brake to clunk and the brakes to be touchy to the point where it was scary. We discovered this when we decided to put new pads on because the location of the noise were both pads on the rear passenger side of the car. Just wanted to make people aware of this problem and the possible dangers. Thanks.

- Tacoma, WA, USA

The rear brakes on my 200 VW Jetta sedan wore down to damage the rotor without any warning. Both front and rear brakes were original equipment. At 42,000 miles, the front had less than 10% wear. The rears had worn completely down. This generated excessive heat and smell of burnt metal. The dealer service representative told me that this was a known problem and they had received a service bulletin from VW related to the poor quality of rear brake pad material causing premature failure and uneven brake wear. Had I been notified that the rear brake pad material was defective, I could have replaced them prior to failure and damage to the rotors and risk of fire.

- Peoria, IL, USA

I am the primary repair person for this vehicle. Over its history, there have been numerous component failures that in my opinion are unacceptable for a vehicle with this mileage and age. I personally know the owner, and know that it is not operated under unusually harsh conditions. The vehicle was involved in a minor cosmetic crash early on, otherwise, there have been no unusual outside factors. At this point, the car has only 37,000 miles on the odometer. Primary use is on long trips. The vehicle is parked and stored for about 3-6 months each year. First problem: Air conditioning system leak: The expansion valve failed, requiring replacement. Check engine/ malfunction indicator light: Has come on several times, each time with the same dtc, a manufacturer specific code related to the mass air flow sensor. The power windows have failed, ultimately resulting in free repair of the windows with a revised retaining clip, as this problem occurs far too often, and finally, the rear brake pads have worn completely with the front pads in virtually new condition. This is accompanied by all four rotors being excessively pitted, with large areas of the rotor face actually flaking off. My research shows that I may end up needing to replace the rear calipers, as well, due to poor design.

- Millfield, OH, USA

There have been three instances where the same right rear brake pad have worn down before any of the other brake pad on our vehicle. At the time we had an extended warrenty and contacted the dealership and the vehicle warrenty owner through the dealership. The warrenty owner indicated that it was normal wear and tear therefore they would not cover it. We fought with the dealership about the issue but they also indicated the same thing although they commented that it was very unusual that only one side of the vehicle would have such a problem. We met another customer at the same dealership that was having the same exact issue with her vehicle and had brought it in for repair. We mentioned this to the service agent but it was again not regarded as something significant. The following year we had the same issue with that side of the vehicle again. We went to the same dealership with our compliant and showed them our repair order the year before and they did not regard it at all. We had the problem repair at pep boys because it was going to be too much at the dealership. We again had the problem a third time and by this time our extended warrenty was over and we knew the dealership would not listen so we went ahead and repaired the problem yet again. After reading the owners manual and speaking with a few friends we decided to finally report the issue to NHTSA after hearing about the tire issues with SUV's. thanks.

- Rockville, MD, USA

Transmission failed. The dealer replaced the part. However, two weeks later the part failed again. The vehicle would not go into reverse. The transmission slipped and the vehicle had run into a pole at a gas station on the right front side. This problem remained the same. The engine light had come on along with the transmission problems. Other problems were: The tire pressure had to be reset on numerous occasions, rear pads, A/C was not cooling, glove box, power windows, console, power sunroof, interior trim, steering/suspension, driveability, trim electrical, sound system, and heating/cooling. The consumer did not report any damage to vehicle when she hit the pole.

- Columbus, OH, USA

Rear brake pads worn out at 18,000 K. rotor had to be replaced. Caliper was named as defictive and no explanation was given

- Madison, WI, USA

Rear brakes on VW Jetta -- calipers seized, rotors ruined, pads metal-to-metal. Front brakes virtually in factory condition.

- Oakley, UT, USA

Premature wear of front brake pads.

- Dover, NH, USA