VW Bora E-Brake Failure: Sensor vs Control Unit Fix

As someone with moderate experience working on VWs, I had an identical brake fault on my 2003 VW Passat last year. The electronic brake system completely failed, showing similar warning lights and requiring manual securing when parked. After brake diagnostics at my regular workshop, they found the electric motor in the brake caliper was defective, causing the electronic brake system to malfunction. The repair involved replacing the faulty motor unit and recalibrating the brake system. Total cost was 505€ including parts and labor. Vehicle safety is crucial, so I would not recommend driving long-term without a properly functioning parking brake. The repair actually took less time than expected, about 4 hours in total. To provide more specific guidance for your case, could you share: Have you had any previous issues with the brake system? Are you hearing any unusual sounds when engaging the parking brake? Have you already had diagnostic tests run? If yes, what codes appeared? Has the brake switch or electronic brake control module been replaced before? This information would help determine if your issue matches what I experienced with my Passat.

Thanks for checking. Had my last service at 116000km about 3 months ago. The problem actually started shortly after that service visit. My parking brake failure initially showed intermittent system glitches before completely failing. The brake switch and related components were inspected during diagnostics. The error code points to a faulty brake control unit rather than just a sensor issue. The workshop quoted 780€ for a complete unit replacement. Before committing to this expensive repair, wanted to know if others found alternative solutions or if this replacement is truly necessary for restoring proper brake function. Still waiting to hear if anyone faced similar electronic parking brake issues with these early 2000s VW models and managed to resolve them differently.

Thanks for the additional details about your brake system issues. On my 2003 Passat, I initially also suspected a faulty brake control unit when the electronic parking brake failed. However, before replacing the entire unit, my mechanic discovered that the brake failure was actually caused by corroded wiring connections to the control module. The repair involved cleaning the connections and replacing damaged wiring for about 180€, significantly less than a full brake control unit replacement. This solved both the warning light and restored proper electronic brake function. Given that your issues started after a service, it might be worth having them check: Wiring connections to the brake control unit, Ground points for corrosion, Brake sensor connections While a failing control module can cause these symptoms, ruling out simpler issues first could save significant cost. The 780€ quote sounds high compared to what I paid for my brake system repair, though prices vary. Would recommend getting a second opinion before replacing the entire brake control unit. Many electronic parking brake problems stem from wiring or sensor issues rather than complete unit failure.

Thanks for sharing that insight about the wiring. Getting a second opinion makes sense, especially since my brake failure symptoms are quite similar to what you described. The fact that your Passat had corroded connections rather than a complete brake control unit failure is encouraging. My workshop seemed quite certain about needing the full unit replacement, but I will have another mechanic specifically check the wiring connections and ground points. The system glitch started so soon after the service that there could be a connection to work done then. The price difference between your 180€ wiring repair and the quoted 780€ control unit replacement is significant enough to justify further investigation. Vehicle safety is my primary concern, but if the parking brake issue can be resolved without replacing the entire control module, that would be ideal. Will update once I get the wiring and connections checked. Thanks for helping me potentially save on unnecessary parts replacement while still addressing the brake failure properly.