On October 22, 2016 we had the brakes replaced and then on October 23, 2016 every light on the dashboard was lighting up. The brakes were not done at a dealership but on the 23rd we made an appointment for the Jetta to be taken into Volkswagen for them to run a diagnostics test on it. The test came back saying the ABS control module needed to be replaced. After getting a second opinion somewhere else and quotes from both Volkswagen and an outside source we're sure it's the ABS needing to be replaced but we can't find anywhere how long the car will continue going with this module not working properly.

If the only issue is that the brakes could lock up upon harsh braking, then we know 1. Not to have any passengers and 2. Keep a safe distance away from everyone. However if this problem could/does get worse then we won't drive it until the module is fixed. Also wondering if VW would take the car in as a trade without fixing the module? How much do they take off of it's worth?

Update from Nov 15, 2016: On November 14th all the lights and whistles stopped we had a diagnostics test ran on it back in October and nothing since. Being that we didn't have the money right away we decided to drive it as long as nothing got worse. Around November 9th the car started surging like it the fuel pump had something clogging it (closest description I can give) but out of no where it all stopped the breaks work great, the steering and excelleration are fine.. we don't know what happened but we plan on having another diagnostics test on it to see if anything comes up.

The problem with my 2009 volkswagen jetta was the brake fluid was to low and when I replaced the brake fluid and filled it to level, the whole car went haywire. Everything on my dash lit up and would not go off. I tried resetting it by removing the negative wire from the battery, but nothing seems to fix the continual short on my dash. The brake warning light continues to scream at random times and then go away. I had issues with my brake caliber, my alternator, the traction control coming on randomly, replacing head lights, brake lights, and the sunroof randomly is operating with me touching the controls.

I now see taking it to the dealer will be a waste of my time.

I've had multiple failures of my ABS and Traction control in this vehicle since purchasing it in November of 2014 with about 58K miles (I'm not aware of the prior owner having this issue). The first one was about a year ago. So I've been driving it like a pre anti-lock vehicle like I grew up with. Turn it off, take the key out, then the lights are off, but the failures continue.

It's comforting to know I'm not the only one experiencing these issues, but its also frustrating to see that VW won't make this a recall item on probably the most important safety feature you can get in a vehicle. The whole reason I even considered buying this vehicle is it appeared in an article by the Insurance Industry for Highway Safety as one of the "Safest Cars for Teens." But now I don't dare let my teens drive this vehicle.

Today, driving in fairly heavy interstate traffic, the driver of another vehicle nearly side swiped me changing lanes. I had to slam on the brakes, and of course the anti locks failed immediately after pressing on them (then the dash lights and beeping that others described happened), causing me me slide and do at least a 180 degree spin. It happened so fast that I didn't have the time or option to "pump" the brakes. I don't know how I wasn't T-boned. Almost wish I had just to be done with this vehicle.

A $2000 fix, for a single modulator out of pocket? One third to one fourth of the value of the vehicle? I haven't done it yet because what guarantee do I have that a "New" modulator won't unexpectedly fail too???? That's a lot of cash to spend out of pocket.

I still love driving this car, and over all its a good car, but I agree with a lot of the other comments, and I can't see myself owning a VW again. I've warned everyone I know who drives VW's to start testing their ABS before their warranty is up.

Similar to other VW Jetta owners posting here, my ABS lights have also come on (along with numerous other lights on the dashboard). Initially it started as an intermittent problem and occasionally the braking would be bad. Now it has progressed to a constant issue with the brake light flashing and beeping. When it was intermittent the problem could not be properly diagnosed and I simply paid roughly $400 to have both rear abs sensors replaced, which obviously did not resolve the issue. This is a manufacturing defect and shame on VW for not recalling these cars and taking care of the issue. This could result in serious injuries to myself or others. This component should not fail at this mileage. I will NEVER EVER buy another VW again. Nor should anyone else.

Update from Apr 4, 2016: Also, a new abs control module can only be purchased by the dealer and that alone is $1,600.00.... Again, this a racket created by VW to make money. This is NOT a failure that should occur at 58,000k miles. Never, ever again will I purchase another VW. Horrible company. Buyer beware!

While driving in a snow squall, I applied the brakes at a stoplight and the ABS system activated. The vehicle immediately stalled, the ABS and traction control lights came on and the red BRAKE light started flashing while the dashboard emitted a beeping tone that continued until I restarted the car. With the car restarted, the ABS and traction control icons remained on and the BRAKE light continued to flash and the vehicle was without ABS. I pulled over into a driveway and shut the car off and removed the key, then restarted the car and all dashboard indicator lights were properly off. In a side street, I intentionally activated the ABS by pressing hard on the brakes and the car did not stall, but the ABS/traction/BRAKE/tone event occurred again. Shutting the car off and removing the key and restarting the car reset everything. This event was repeatable a third time, where upon I had reached my driveway and parked the vehicle.

The vehicle started showing the ABS sign and also showed me the Brake Pad sign. Gave it to the authorized work shop in Mumbai (India) to change the Brake Pads and check into the ABS sign. With the brake pads the workshop also changed the Brake Discs, which were in a perfect condition and could have worked for another 20,000 odd kms. The ABS sign problem was not resolved at the time of the service.

Now, when the car keeps stalling, the Air on keeps shutting off, I went back to the workshop. They scanned the car by the VAS system and told me that the ABS module has to be replaced. The rough estimate given to me was US$ 2500 approx to change the ABS module. I asked if it could be covered under warranty or insurance, the response was a firm NO.

I dunno what to do now.

I had a similar instance where we were in town and a person merging into traffic decided that he would rather hit us then wait for an opening so I had to hard brake to avoid getting hit. Once it was all said and done, nobody was hit and I successfully avoided him but now my ABS and BRAKE and a sound all happened at once so I thought dang that must have been really bad on the ABS. So I pulled over and shut the car off and waited a few moments and turned the car back on and all the lights were off. That was on Nov. 15ish and there was no snow and now that we have snow today I decided to test and see if I could duplicate the stopping on a slippery road. I was able to get those lights to come back on. Again, if I shut the car off and turn it back on the lights go away. If this is going to be a problem, and if that was my first legit hard brake to avoid a collision, how does then something go bad like that at less than 60K miles? And wouldn't you know, I have no warranty anymore. Its a 2009 VW Jetta with less than 60K miles. It has always been serviced at the dealership and if something happens I always take it in. But after reading an extremely similar story, I am not ready for the outcome. Its not really a wear item so how does something break so easily?