VW Crafter Brake Failure: Soft Pedal & ABS Warning Signs

Had the exact same symptoms on a 2012 VW Transporter TDI. The soft pedal and reduced brake performance turned out to be more serious than just a sensor issue. Initial diagnostic tools revealed multiple faults in the ABS system, but the root cause was improper brake bleeding done during previous service. Air pockets in the brake lines caused inconsistent pressure and triggered the ABS warning lights. The brake booster was functioning correctly, and the pressure sensor readings were normal once properly tested. The complete repair required: Full system diagnostic scan, Complete brake fluid flush, Professional brake bleeding with specialized equipment, ABS system recalibration, Brake performance testing on all wheels The repair was critical since air in brake lines can lead to complete brake failure. The work took nearly a full day at the shop since proper bleeding of modern ABS systems requires specific procedures and equipment. This type of issue should be addressed immediately. Driving with compromised brakes and active ABS warnings is extremely dangerous, especially in a commercial vehicle like a Crafter.

Thanks for sharing your experience. We have a similar VW issue here. I am also dealing with brake system and ABS warnings. Just had my Crafter checked last week and the symptoms match exactly what you described. My brake pedal was getting increasingly soft which made me really concerned about vehicle safety. Did the repair fix all issues or did you notice any other problems afterward? Also, wondering about the total cost for the brake fluid flush and system recalibration? In my case they suggested a full system check first, but I want to compare prices before proceeding.

Thanks for the question about the repair outcome. The brake system fix was actually fully successful in my case. After getting the proper brake bleeding done and having the brake booster pressure sensor checked, all the warning lights cleared up and never returned. The brake performance returned to normal immediately after the repair. The ABS system started working correctly again once all the air was properly purged from the lines. No additional issues emerged in the months following the fix. The total cost for my repair came to 90€, which included: Complete brake fluid flush, Professional system bleeding, ABS system recalibration, Final brake performance testing This was actually quite reasonable considering the specialized equipment needed for proper ABS system bleeding. Getting a full system check first is definitely smart, it helped identify the exact issue in my case and avoided replacing parts unnecessarily. The key was finding a shop that knew how to properly bleed modern brake systems with ABS components. The repair addressed both the soft pedal feel and the warning lights, making the vehicle safe to operate again.

Just got back from the mechanic after following your advice. The diagnostic tools confirmed air in the hydraulic brakes was the main culprit. My mechanic found the same issue with improper bleeding from a previous service. The total repair came to 120€ for the complete job including the system flush and recalibration. A bit more than what you paid but still reasonable considering the complexity. The brake performance is now back to normal and all warning lights have cleared. Really glad I asked here before letting them replace the pressure sensor. The proper diagnosis saved me from unnecessary parts replacement. They also did a full brake system inspection which gave me peace of mind about the overall condition. The pedal feels firm again and the braking response is much more confident. No more dashboard warnings either. Definitely worth getting it sorted properly rather than driving around with compromised brakes.