The Volkswagen T-Roc regularly suffers from brake problems, especially with the ATE MK100 unit (a type of ABS brake control module). Illuminated ABS warning lights, juddering brake pedals and failures of ESP systems (electronic stability control) are common on models from 2017 onwards. These faults are a safety risk that demands immediate attention. Read on to discover what you can check yourself and when professional help is required.
ABS warning light on: these are the signs
An illuminated ABS light (anti-lock braking system, prevents wheels from locking under braking) on the dashboard is often the first sign of problems. On the T-Roc, this warning frequently appears together with fault codes such as 01201 or 00301. These codes indicate problems with the supply voltage or the return pump of the ABS unit (electronic control unit that controls the anti-lock system).
In addition to the warning light, you will often notice other symptoms. The brake pedal may start to judder while braking, as if the system is constantly activating. Sometimes ESP (electronic stability control), ASR (traction control) or PSM (Porsche Stability Management, a stability control system) deactivate without any clear reason. In some cases, the ABS works intermittently: one day everything functions perfectly, the next day the warnings reappear.
This unpredictability makes diagnosis difficult, but often points to a worn pump motor in the ABS unit. This problem is not only found on the T-Roc, but also on several other models from the Volkswagen Group that use the same ATE MK100 unit.
‘ A blown fuse may seem straightforward, but these faults are surprisingly difficult to detect. ’
Common causes of ABS faults
Most ABS problems on the T-Roc have one of these causes:
- Defective ABS unit due to wear of the pump motor or moisture ingress
- Broken connecting wires on sensors caused by vibrations and temperature changes
- Blown fuses, especially the 40A fuse near the battery or under the dashboard
- Contaminated or damaged wheel sensors (sensors that measure the speed of the wheels)
- Faulty brake light switch under the dashboard
The ABS unit itself is a vulnerable component. The ATE MK100 contains tiny wires that can break due to constant vibrations. Moisture ingress also plays a role, especially in cars that are often driven in wet conditions or where the bumper is damaged.
Electrical problems are a second main cause. A blown fuse may seem straightforward, but these faults are surprisingly difficult to detect. Sometimes the break is hidden inside the fuse itself. This is not always visible from the outside.
Spongy brake pedal: how does this occur?
A spongy or soft brake pedal feels yielding. It requires more effort than normal. This symptom occurs regularly on the T-Roc and usually has one of these causes.
Air in the brake system is the most common explanation. Work may have been carried out on the brakes. There may also have been a leak. In both cases, air enters the lines. Because air is compressible, pressure build-up is less effective. Bleeding the system normally resolves this.
Worn brake pads or discs can also lead to a soft pedal feel. The brake discs can become too thin. The pads can also wear heavily. In both situations, the pedal travel changes. This happens gradually, meaning you often only notice it after some time.
On the T-Roc, the brake light switch also plays a role. This switch is located under the dashboard near the brake pedal. The switch can fail, causing faults in the communication between the brake pedal and the ESP system. The result: a pedal that feels different and ABS warnings on the dashboard.
Check the fuses first
Before you plan expensive repairs, first check the 40A fuse near the battery or under the steering wheel. This simple action solves the problem in many cases. Use a screwdriver to press gently on the fuse. Hidden breaks often become visible this way.
Note, however: if the fuse keeps blowing, this indicates a deeper problem in the ABS unit itself. In that case, further diagnosis is necessary.
Electric parking brake not responding
The electric parking brake on the T-Roc can seize or fail to respond at all. This problem is often linked to the wider ABS issues. The ABS ECU may no longer be able to communicate via the CAN network (internal communication network that connects various electronic systems in the car). In that case, the parking brake will also stop working.
Sometimes resetting the system by disconnecting the battery for a few minutes helps. In other cases, the cause lies with the parking brake actuator itself, which can seize up due to corrosion or mechanical wear.
‘ A bearing that completely seizes can result in loss of control of the car. ’
Drumming noises indicate defective wheel bearings
Noises while driving can also indicate brake problems, although the cause is often the wheel bearings (bearings on which the wheels rotate). A droning or humming noise that increases with speed is a typical sign of worn wheel bearings.
Defective wheel bearings also indirectly affect the braking system. The wheel sensors that measure the speed of each wheel are located close to the wheel bearings. When a bearing has too much play, the sensor reads incorrect values. This leads to ABS faults, even though the ABS unit itself is still in good condition.
Recognise defective wheel bearings in time
Test whether a wheel bearing is defective by gently steering left and right while driving. If the noise increases when steering left, the problem is probably on the right-hand side. If it increases when steering right, the problem is likely on the left.
Always replace wheel bearings in good time. A bearing that completely seizes can result in loss of control of the car. ABS faults can also persist as long as the bearings have not been replaced.
What you can do yourself when brake warnings appear
There are certain checks and repairs you can do yourself. Cleaning wheel sensors is a simple task that often helps. Remove the wheels and check the sensors for dirt, rust and damage. Carefully clean the connectors with contact cleaner.
Replacing the brake light switch is also possible with basic tools. Remove the panels under the steering wheel and locate the switch by the brake pedal. Replace the part and then test whether the brake lights work correctly.
To read fault codes, use an OBD2 scanner (diagnostic device for reading fault codes in the car). This shows which codes are active, allowing you to search for the cause in a targeted way. After repair, you can erase the codes and check whether they return.
When professional help is necessary
There are some problems you should not attempt to solve yourself. Repairing or replacing the ABS unit requires specialist knowledge and equipment. Bleeding the brake system on a car with ABS also requires a bleeding device that can build pressure.
Never continue driving with illuminated ABS warnings without knowing the cause. ABS is a safety system that can make the difference in an emergency stop. Book an appointment immediately with a garage that has experience with VAG models.
Prevent problems with regular maintenance
Prevention helps avoid many brake problems. Regularly check the wheel sensors, especially after driving in winter conditions with road salt. Salt accelerates corrosion on sensors and connections.
Where possible, park the car in a dry place, especially if the bumper is damaged and moisture can reach the ABS unit. Have the brake fluid changed every two years, as old fluid absorbs moisture and can cause problems in the braking system.
Pay attention to early signs such as unusual noises, changes in pedal feel or warning lights. The sooner you tackle problems, the cheaper the repair usually is.
On the Carnews website you will find more information about common problems with modern cars, maintenance tips and practical repair guides. Discover which other models suffer from similar issues and how to deal with them.
Frequently asked questions
You will mainly recognise brake problems or ABS faults on a VW T-Roc by an illuminated ABS warning light, often together with failure of systems such as ESP or ASR. While braking, you may feel a juddering or pulsing brake pedal, or notice that the pedal sinks unusually far. The brake lights may also behave strangely (staying on constantly or not working at all), or the car may show fault codes such as 01201 and 00301 when read out. It also becomes noticeable that the ABS sometimes appears to work and sometimes not, for example when braking hard on wet or slippery roads.
The most common causes are a defective or internally worn ABS unit (especially the ATE MK100), which leads to fault codes, failure of ABS/ESP and a juddering brake pedal. In addition, blown or corroded fuses (often 40A near the battery or under the dashboard) and poor electrical contacts regularly cause voltage and communication problems with the ABS pump. Contaminated or defective wheel sensors and pressure sensors also cause ABS faults and warning messages. Finally, a faulty brake light switch under the brake pedal can cause both ABS and braking problems as well as inoperative brake lights.
You can visually check the fuses (especially the 40A fuse near the battery or under the dashboard) for hidden breaks and replace them if necessary. Check whether your brake lights work correctly and inspect the brake pedal switch by the pedal for loose connections or damage. Check around the wheel sensors at the hubs for visible dirt, corrosion or damaged wiring and clean or refit the connectors. Finally, use a basic OBD scanner to read fault codes (such as 01201 or 00301) and note them down for the garage.
For a VW T-Roc, the costs for simple causes, such as a faulty brake light switch, fuse or a single wheel sensor, are usually around €100–€250 at an independent garage. If the ABS unit (ATE MK100) itself is repaired, specialist companies generally charge around €300–€600 including removal and refitting. Full replacement of the ABS/ESP unit at a main dealer can be in the region of €800–€1,500, depending on parts prices and labour. Reading and resetting fault codes usually costs an extra €40–€100, unless it is included as part of the repair.
There are no major, worldwide recalls known that relate exclusively to the brakes or ABS system of the VW T-Roc, but in practice, T-Roc models from 2017 onwards do regularly show problems with the ATE MK100 ABS unit. Complaints include an illuminated ABS light, a juddering brake pedal and the loss of systems such as ESP or ASR. Causes are often a defective ABS pump/ECU, faulty fuses or defective wheel sensors. If ABS or brake warnings persist, it is therefore advisable to have the car read out and to have the ABS unit and fuses checked specifically.
Regularly check and clean the ABS wheel sensors and their plug connections, especially after driving in snow, mud or road salt, to prevent faults caused by dirt and corrosion. Periodically inspect the fuses (particularly the high-amperage fuses near the battery) for oxidation, hairline fractures and poor contacts, and replace them in good time. If ABS or ESP warnings keep returning, have the ATE MK100 unit tested at an early stage and, if necessary, overhauled preventively instead of continuing to drive until it fails. Also avoid moisture exposure around the ABS unit (bumper damage, leaks) and strictly follow the prescribed brake fluid and brake system maintenance schedule.