VW Passat Hybrid's Brake Emergency: ABS Light Nightmare

Recently dealt with similar brake system issues on my 2016 VW Arteon Hybrid. The symptoms matched exactly, soft brake pedal, unresponsive braking, and warning lights. The root cause was improper brake bleeding, which allowed air to enter the hydraulic brakes system. The pressure sensor was showing incorrect readings, triggering both the ABS and brake system warnings. A faulty brake booster sensor can show similar symptoms, but diagnostic tools revealed trapped air in the lines was compromising brake performance. The repair required a complete professional brake system flush and proper bleeding sequence. This was not a simple DIY job due to the hybrid system integration. The brake booster needed specialized bleeding procedures to ensure proper vacuum assistance. This was a serious safety concern requiring immediate attention. The repair involved: Complete system diagnostic scan, Pressure testing of all brake lines, Professional brake fluid flush, Sequential bleeding of all corners, Brake booster system evacuation, Electronic calibration of brake sensors Would recommend getting a second opinion from a shop with hybrid-specific brake system experience. Improper diagnosis could lead to unnecessary parts replacement when the real issue might be trapped air affecting the hydraulic brake system.

Thanks for sharing your experience. I am having the exact same problem with my Passat right now. The pressure sensor readings and overall brake performance were concerning enough that I scheduled an appointment next week. Since your repair seems to have fixed the issue, I am curious about the final cost of the complete brake system service. Also, have you noticed any other brake-related problems since the repair was done? My ABS system is acting up as well, so I want to make sure I address everything at once to avoid multiple shop visits.

Just following up on my previous post, happy to report the brake system repair resolved all issues completely. The total cost came to 90€ for a professional brake bleeding service, which fixed both the pressure sensor readings and ABS warnings. No brake-related problems have occurred in the 6 months since the repair. The brake booster pressure sensor is working perfectly now, and the pedal feel is back to normal. The key was having a proper diagnostic scan that identified the trapped air as the root cause, rather than jumping straight to replacement parts. The shop confirmed what I suspected, incorrect bleeding procedures had allowed air into the hydraulic brakes, causing those erratic sensor readings. A thorough system bleed performed in the correct sequence restored proper brake performance and cleared all warning lights. Based on your similar symptoms, having the complete brake system checked and properly bled should address both the pressure sensor and ABS concerns in one visit. Just ensure the shop has experience with hybrid brake systems to avoid any complications.

After getting your insights, I went ahead and took my Passat to a certified shop specializing in hybrid brake systems. Turns out the diagnosis was spot on, trapped air in the brake lines was causing all the problems. The complete brake system service, including the professional bleeding and diagnostic scan, cost me 120€. The mechanic showed me how the hydraulic brakes were affected and explained the whole process. They used specialized diagnostic tools to confirm the pressure sensor readings were now correct. The repair took about 3 hours, but the results were worth it. The brake pedal feels firm again, all warning lights are off, and the ABS system is working perfectly. No more soft pedal or error messages. Really glad I got this fixed before it became a bigger safety issue. Thanks again for steering me in the right direction. Would have probably ended up replacing parts unnecessarily if I had stuck with the first mechanic's diagnosis.