VW Polo E-Brake Failure: Control Unit Issues Explained

I had a similar brake fault with my 2015 VW Golf TDI that matches your description of parking brake failure. After initial brake diagnostics, it turned out to be a faulty electric motor in the brake caliper. With some experience working on VWs, I first tried basic troubleshooting like checking fuses and battery voltage, but the warning light persisted. The workshop confirmed through their diagnostic system that the electronic parking brake motor had failed, requiring replacement to restore proper vehicle safety. The total repair came to 505€, including parts, labor and system recalibration. The workshop needed about 3 hours to complete the job since they had to remove the brake caliper, replace the motor unit and recalibrate the parking brake system. To help provide more specific guidance for your case, could you share: Current mileage on your Polo, Whether you hear any unusual sounds when engaging the parking brake, If the issue started suddenly or developed gradually, If any other brake-related warning lights are active, Whether the manual release works The electronic parking brake systems are quite similar between Polo and Golf models of that generation, so your repair path might be comparable.

Just had my annual service last week so can provide current details. The grinding noise started suddenly when engaging the electronic brake, followed by complete failure. No other warning lights active besides the parking brake indicator, and manual release is not working either. The brake switch and cables seem intact based on visual inspection. Note to forum: Vehicle now at 99093km on the clock. Will update once I get the official workshop diagnosis.

Thanks for those additional details about your Polo, this closely matches what happened with my Golf before the repair. The sudden grinding noise followed by complete failure is a classic sign of the electric motor issue I experienced. When my brake control unit logged the fault, the workshop confirmed it was the same caliper motor malfunction through their diagnostic equipment. The faulty brake switch was initially suspected, but testing proved it was definitely the motor unit. My repair experience suggests you should prepare for a similar fix, likely needing the electric motor replacement given the matching symptoms. When the parking brake failed on my car, it also prevented manual release operation just like yours. With your mileage being close to 100000km, this type of electronic parking brake failure is not uncommon. The repair costs should be in a similar range to what I paid (around 500€), though prices can vary between workshops. A proper brake diagnostics session will confirm if your issue is identical to mine. Make sure they check both the motor and control unit during testing for a complete assessment.

Given the helpful confirmation about similar electronic brake failures, I have booked the car in at my usual workshop for next week. They mentioned the diagnosis fee will be 85€, which seems reasonable considering the complexity of vehicle safety systems nowadays. The grinding noise and complete brake failure pattern really helps narrow down the likely cause. Based on the repair costs shared, I have budgeted around 600€ for the worst case if it needs a new brake motor unit and full recalibration of the brake control system. Will follow up once I get the official diagnosis and repair quote. Hoping its just the motor as suggested and not a more extensive electronic parking brake issue. Really appreciate all the detailed repair insights shared here, helps a lot with understanding what to expect at the workshop. Reaching almost 100000km on the clock, it makes sense that some electronic components might need replacement. At least the rest of the brake system seems to be working normally without any other warning lights.