1995 Volkswagen Passat Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 15%of 93 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 165,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the brakes of the 1995 Volkswagen Passat, 15% of the 93 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 165,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The ABS light came on my 1995 Passat. The dealer diagnosis indicated I needed a new ABS hydraulic unit at a cost of $1,768.00. I consider this an outrageous amount for such an important safety item. I contacted vwofa corporate and they told me there was nothing they could do because the car was out of warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #10041588, filed 2003-10, 108,000 miles“Backup lights didn't turn on, when the brakes were depressed the accent lights (lights that illuminate the gauges, window, A/C & heater controls and lock buttons etc.) would turn on. Also if the car if the keys were turned to the first notch (steering wheel unlock) and the heater vents turned to the on position but not blowing (due to no power) when you pressed the brake pedal the air would start blowing... I traced it down to an ignorant electrical engineer designing the car. …”
NHTSA complaint #10255029, filed 2009-01, 165,000 miles“5sp vrg Passat. Emergency/parking brake when applied under 40 degrees sticks on causing the rear wheel to drag down the road for up to a mile before they break loose again and move freely.”
NHTSA complaint #10255042, filed 2009-01, 165,000 miles“The consumer believes there are a number of electrical failures with the vehicle including, 5 batteries in five years, right and left front windows will not roll down, trunk light illuminates for no apparent reason and the door locks are inoperative. Nlm”
NHTSA complaint #552644, filed 2000-06“Control module has intermitent shorts - ABS system cannot be relied upon to work - manufacturer states it is not a safety issue - ABS systems are proven safety devices and this situation encourages a russian roulete situation because of the randomness of the short and the extreme expense to fix $1,500. Dealer stated that they are seeing problems with the unit alot - can vw be asked to report the number of problems they have had with this part/system?”
NHTSA complaint #708876, filed 1999-07Related service bulletins
- 10238568Sep 12, 2014For long crank/ difficulty starting with the engine hot: Before replacing any components for this complaint, drain the fuel from the vehicle and replace with known good diesel…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 3 | 23% |
| 2021 | 5 | 25% |
| 2020 | 2 | 11% |
| 2019 | 3 | 25% |
| 2018 | 13 | 28% |
| 2017 | 17 | 15% |
| 2016 | 17 | 16% |
| 2015 | 28 | 12% |
| 2014 | 8 | 1% |
| 2013 | 8 | 1% |
| 2012 | 12 | 2% |
| 2010 | 5 | 3% |
| 2009 | 4 | 3% |
| 2008 | 6 | 4% |
| 2007 | 16 | 6% |
| 2006 | 49 | 9% |
| 2005 | 5 | 3% |
| 2004 | 15 | 5% |
| 2003 | 42 | 7% |
| 2002 | 72 | 11% |
| 2001 | 63 | 15% |
| 2000 | 207 | 41% |
| 1999 | 233 | 35% |
| 1998 | 90 | 27% |
| 1996 | 1 | 3% |
| 1995 | 14 | 15% |
| 1994 | 4 | 16% |
| 1993 | 7 | 10% |
| 1992 | 3 | 8% |
| 1991 | 3 | 13% |
| 1990 | 3 | 9% |
Other parts of the 1995 Volkswagen Passat
20 complaintsEngine cooling
19 complaintsElectrical system
15 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
10 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
9 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsEquipment
4 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsSteering
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1995 Volkswagen Passat
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology