With all of the glowing reports from the consumer reports mag about the VW Passat I had to write to gripe about about my dealings with VW of America.I took my 99 Passat to the dealer about 2 months after 15000 mile schedule maintenance for a noise in the front wheels my dealer tells me that I need pads and rotors at 18,000 miles at a cost $400.my rotors are worn beyond turning with 15% pads left.apparently the pads are harder than the rotors?after a heated discussion about weather rotors were conciderd consumables or not I left in discust to call VW of America to explain my view that there is no way a two year old Passat with 18000 normal miles sould need new rotors.five calls later and the total run-A-round a "customer service" rep tells me that there is nothing that VW of America is willing to do to help me.apparently they think it is normal to replace rotor every 15000 to 18000 miles at a cost of $400 sounds like a good deal to me, for the dealers!I wonder if I'm the only one that had this problem, every new VW I see has a lot of brake dust on the front wheels.hmm. Thank for letting me vent. Keep the consumers informed!! P.S.I still think I'm getting screwed!

- Lakewood, CA, USA

I have been experiencing decreased brake performance (substantial) whenever the streets are salty and wet. I researched this on the internet and found my experience not uncommon among VW Passat owners, and apparently the subject of an Audi investigation which uses the same brake components. It does not affect performance when dry or simply wet, but does when 'salty' and wet. It takes several braking to restore any measurable function in the brakes when it occurs. It is scheduled to be seen by a VW dealer on 2/13 for evaluation of this problem.

- Cincinnati, OH, USA

Ongoing problem with brakes squealing when applying brakes. Vehicle been in dealer shop on four occasions. Repairs were made on the disc brake system, and problem stilloccurring. Please feel free to provide any further details.

- New Orleans, LA, USA

Rotors are prematurly warped and the front end vibrates while braking at speed over 45 miles an hour. The manufacturer refuses to replace them under warrenty and the dealer failed to test drive and inspect the rotors when they had the car in for the 12,000 mile check up in June 2000. Also, I understand that the swedish distributor recalled the brakes for premature failure due to rust and road salt.

- Huntington Woods, MI, USA