Spongy VW Brake Pedal Signals Major Safety Issue

I had a similar issue with my 2007 VW Golf 1.6, and having some experience working on cars, I can share what happened. The symptoms you describe, spongy brake pedal, pulsing, and low brake fluid, strongly suggest worn brake components. In my case, a brake inspection revealed worn brake pads and scored rotors that needed replacement. The low fluid level was actually a warning sign of brake pad wear. The repair cost me 480€, which included: New brake pads, Resurfacing rotors, Brake fluid flush, Full brake system inspection Importantly, the mechanic found small leaks in the brake lines which were causing the fluid loss. This could be dangerous if left unchecked, as it affects the hydraulic brakes performance. Before suggesting more specific solutions, could you share: Current mileage on your Touran? When was your last brake service? Do you notice any fluid spots where you park? Does the brake warning light come on? These details would help determine if your issue matches what I experienced and whether you might be facing similar brake system problems.

Thanks for the detailed information. My Touran has 11180km and just had its annual service last month. No fluid spots under the car and no warning lights. Your experience sounds very similar to my symptoms. After reading about the brake lines issue you mentioned, I checked underneath and noticed some dark staining near the rear wheel area. This could explain the spongy brake pedal and fluid loss. The master cylinder in these VWs can also cause similar symptoms when failing. Did your mechanic check that component during the repair?

Yes, during my Golf repair, the mechanic performed a complete brake system inspection including the master cylinder. While my brake lines were the primary issue, they also detected minor wear in the master cylinder seals, though not enough to require replacement at that time. The dark staining you noticed near the rear wheel is concerning. In my case, similar staining was the first visual indicator of brake line corrosion. Given your Touran has similar brake system design to my Golf, its worth having those brake lines thoroughly checked. The spongy brake pedal combined with fluid loss often indicates air in the brake lines, which can happen when there are small leaks. Even though your annual service was recent, brake line deterioration can progress quickly, especially if moisture gets trapped against the lines. My repair started with addressing the brake lines and performing a complete brake fluid flush to remove any air from the system. The master cylinder ended up needing attention about 6 months later, the seals eventually failed completely. Its worth having both components checked now to avoid potential brake system failure. The main signs that led to my master cylinder replacement were: Brake pedal slowly sinking to the floor, Inconsistent brake fluid levels even after fixing the lines, Continued soft pedal feel despite new brake fluid

Thanks for sharing that experience with your Golf. Based on what you mentioned about the master cylinder seals failing later, I will definitely have both the brake lines and master cylinder thoroughly inspected. I dont want to risk having to do two separate repairs like you did. I made an appointment with my regular shop for tomorrow morning. Given the staining I found and the symptoms with the brake pedal, I suspect your diagnosis about leaking brake lines is spot on. Rather than just topping up the brake fluid, I will have them do a complete inspection of the hydraulic brakes system. Better to address all potential issues now than face failing brakes down the road. I will update once I know what they find during the inspection. Thanks again for helping me understand what might be causing these brake problems, your experience really helped clarify what I should have checked.