VW Jetta Brake Vibration Points to Caliper Problems

Had a similar issue with my 2012 VW Passat TDI. Based on some experience working on cars and dealing with brake systems, this sounds familiar. Initially thought it was just worn brake rotors, but the workshop discovered an undervoltage problem affecting the brake system electronics. The soft pedal feel and vibration were symptoms of this electrical issue interfering with proper brake caliper operation. The fix involved: Testing and replacing the voltage regulator, Inspecting the brake fluid levels and system, Checking brake calipers for proper electronic function, Full system diagnostic scan Total repair cost was 240€ and completely resolved both the vibration and soft pedal issues. The brakes returned to normal firm feel with consistent performance. Before suggesting specific solutions, could you share: Any warning lights on the dashboard? Battery age and condition? Does the issue happen more when the engine is cold or warm? Are there any other electrical symptoms like dimming lights? These details would help determine if your Jetta is experiencing the same underlying electrical problem that affected my brake system.

Thanks for the input regarding electrical components. I just had my service done last week at 120359km. The mechanic performed a basic inspection but did not notice any electrical issues. To answer your questions: no warning lights, battery is 2 years old, and the vibration occurs mainly during moderate to heavy braking regardless of engine temperature. No electrical issues noticed. The pulsing through the brake pedal really feels more mechanical, especially when the brake rotors heat up during longer downhill sections. Wondering if worn brake pads could cause this kind of feedback through the pedal? The metal brakes seem to make a slight scraping sound during the final moments of stopping.

Thanks for those additional details. Since we have similar VW models, I can share that your symptoms sound quite different from my electrical issue now that you describe them more fully. The scraping sound combined with pulsing feedback through the brake pedal strongly suggests uneven wear on your brake rotors. This happens commonly with VW brake systems around the mileage you mentioned, especially if the vehicle regularly handles hilly terrain. When brake rotors develop high spots or thickness variations, they create that distinctive pulsing sensation through the hydraulic brakes. The scraping you hear likely indicates the brake pads are contacting these uneven surfaces. In my case, before the electrical issue, I had a similar mechanical problem around 115000km that required: Resurfacing the brake rotors, Installing new brake pads, Checking brake calipers for smooth operation The repair cost was 380€ and completely eliminated the pulsing sensation. Given your symptoms match my earlier mechanical issue rather than the electrical one, I would recommend having your brake rotors inspected for warping or uneven wear as a first step. Do you notice if the pulsing gets worse after the brakes heat up during extended use? This could further confirm rotor wear as the likely cause.

The symptoms you described definitely match classic brake rotor wear. Based on my 2014 Jetta's service history and your detailed responses, I agree that mechanical wear is the most likely cause rather than electrical issues. The pulsing does intensify after heavy brake usage, particularly during long descents. The disc brakes seem most affected when hot, which aligns with your experience of warped rotors. The squeaky brakes and metal-on-metal sound during final braking are concerning, suggesting the brake pads may be severely worn. I will schedule an inspection focused on: Brake rotor condition and thickness variation, Brake pad wear levels, Brake caliper movement, Brake fluid condition and level Your repair cost breakdown of 380€ helps set realistic expectations. Given the similar mileage when you experienced this issue, it makes sense that my brake system components would need attention now too. Thanks for helping narrow down the likely cause. Will report back after getting the brakes inspected to confirm if rotor wear is indeed the culprit.