Brake system faults in the Volkswagen Touran are a serious safety issue that require immediate attention. From ABS errors and spongy brake pedals to noises and problems with the electronic parking brake: the signs vary, but all demand quick inspection and professional repair. In this article you will read which faults are most common, how to recognise them and what you need to do to keep driving safely.
What does an ABS fault on the dashboard mean?
An ABS warning on the dashboard of your Volkswagen Touran indicates a problem with the anti-lock braking system. This can mean that the ABS function is temporarily not working, giving you less control over the car during emergency braking. The causes range from a defective ABS sensor to a fault in the control unit or damaged wiring.
In many cases an ABS message is accompanied by extra warnings, for example about the ESP system (electronic stability programme). The two systems are connected and use the same sensors. It is then sensible to have a garage read out the fault codes. This allows the mechanic to see exactly which component is causing the fault and whether several warnings have one common cause.
An ABS fault is not necessarily immediately dangerous for normal braking, but it does reduce safety on slippery roads or in emergency stops. Drive carefully and have the fault checked as soon as possible. Do not ignore the warning, as defective sensors or electrical problems can get worse.
‘ In such a case, braking power is noticeably reduced and you must stop driving immediately. ’
Why does the brake pedal feel spongy?
A spongy or soft brake pedal often indicates air in the braking system or a problem with the brake fluid. You press the pedal and it travels a long way before the brakes bite. The hydraulic pressure is then not optimal. This can be due to a leak in the brake line, worn calliper pistons or simply insufficient or contaminated brake fluid.
In the Touran this symptom can also be linked to a fault in the brake servo. This is the component that amplifies the pressure you apply to the brake pedal. Owners sometimes report a combination of a spongy feel and a warning on the dashboard about brake assistance. In such a case, braking power is noticeably reduced and you must stop driving immediately.
Another cause is bleeding the braking system after maintenance or repair. If the bleeding has not been carried out properly, air will remain in the lines. A garage can bleed the system and renew the brake fluid. Also regularly check the fluid level in the reservoir under the bonnet yourself. If the level is too low, there may be a leak.
Solving problems with the electronic parking brake
Many Tourans from the second generation onwards are equipped with an electronic parking brake instead of a handbrake. The second generation appeared from 2010. This can develop faults due to a defective actuator, a sticking switch or a problem with the control unit. Symptoms include a parking brake that does not respond, a beeping sound when using it or a warning on the display.
Sometimes the problem disappears when you switch the car off and on again, but the fault message keeps coming back. Diagnosis is then needed. The mechanic determines whether the parking brake motor is defective. There may also be an electrical contact problem, or sometimes it is a software fault. In some cases a software update helps, in other cases the actuator needs to be replaced.
Make sure the electronic parking brake is properly maintained. With worn brake pads or discs on the rear axle, the parking brake may struggle to build up sufficient pressure. This leads to fault messages and inadequate parking brake performance. During services, always have the rear part of the braking system checked as well.
Squeaking and grinding noises when braking
Squeaking noises when braking are often caused by worn brake pads. Many modern Tourans have a built-in wear indicator: a metal plate that touches the brake disc once the pads become too thin. This creates a characteristic squeaking sound. It is a warning that you need to have new brake pads fitted soon.
Grinding noises, especially a heavy metal-on-metal sound, mean that the brake pads are completely worn out and the backing plate is grinding directly on the brake disc. This is damaging to the discs and dangerous for your safety. In that case, drive as little as possible and go straight to a garage. Replacement of both pads and discs is then necessary.
Vibrations in the brake pedal while braking indicate problems with the brake discs. The discs may be warped or unevenly worn. This often happens after intensive use, for example when driving downhill frequently or braking hard. The discs then need to be skimmed or replaced to restore braking performance and comfort.
‘ Replacing parts in good time prevents damage to expensive components. ’
How to maintain the braking system of your VW Touran
Regular maintenance is the best way to prevent braking system faults. Have brake pads and discs checked routinely during minor and major services. A mechanic measures the thickness of the pads and discs and, based on this, estimates when replacement is necessary. Replacing parts in good time prevents damage to expensive components.
Check the brake fluid level yourself regularly. The reservoir is usually on the driver’s side under the bonnet. The fluid level must stay between the minimum and maximum marks. If it is too low, top it up with the correct brake fluid according to the specifications in the owner’s manual. If the level drops significantly, this may indicate a leak and needs to be inspected.
Replace the brake fluid according to Volkswagen’s service schedule, usually every two years. Brake fluid is hygroscopic: it absorbs moisture. As a result, its boiling point drops. With intensive use braking performance then decreases. Fresh fluid ensures optimum braking power and prevents corrosion in the system.
When you should go straight to a garage
Some symptoms require immediate action. You see a warning on the dashboard and at the same time notice that braking power is clearly reduced. In that case, stop driving at once and have the car inspected. A very hard pedal that requires a lot of force or, conversely, a pedal that sinks all the way to the floor are also warning signs.
Another situation in which you should not continue driving is a brake fluid leak. If you see a puddle of fluid under the car or smell a burning odour when braking, do not take any risks. The braking system is hydraulic and any loss of fluid immediately affects braking performance.
If you are unsure how serious a fault is, always have the fault codes read out. Modern Tourans store fault codes with detailed information. This way the mechanic knows exactly what is wrong. A diagnosis gives direction to the repair and prevents you from only tackling the visible problem while the underlying cause remains.
Common causes of braking system faults
Most braking system faults in the Volkswagen Touran are related to normal wear and tear. Brake pads and discs are wear parts that wear down in use and therefore have to be replaced regularly. The rate of wear depends on various factors. Your driving style plays a role, and the weight you carry also has an impact. The type of journeys you make partly determines how long the brakes will last.
In addition, sensor and electronics problems occur regularly. ABS and ESP sensors are often located near the wheels, where they are exposed to dirt, moisture and road salt. Damaged wiring or corrosion can cause fault messages even if the mechanical part of the braking system is still working fine.
Problems with the brake servo or brake fluid are less frequent but still serious. A defective brake servo results in a hard pedal and reduced braking power. Old or contaminated brake fluid can form air bubbles and can also attack the inside of the system. Both situations require professional repair and must not be ignored.
‘ Discover everything about engine problems, electrical faults, services and the experiences of other owners. ’
Find out more about the Volkswagen Touran
In addition to braking system faults, other technical issues can also occur with the Touran. On the Carnews website you will find extensive information on common faults, maintenance advice and practical tips for the Volkswagen Touran and other models. Discover everything about engine problems, electrical faults, services and the experiences of other owners. Read more about specific model years and know what to expect.
Frequently asked questions
Possible symptoms of a braking system fault in a VW Touran include warning messages or lights on the dashboard relating to the braking system or brake servo. In addition, reduced braking performance and a hard or, conversely, spongy brake pedal can point to a problem. Squeaking or grinding noises when braking and vibrations in the brake pedal or steering wheel often indicate worn or damaged brake pads and discs. A beep from the wear indicator when braking is also a clear sign that something is wrong with the brakes.
The most common causes of braking system problems in the VW Touran are wear to brake pads and discs, often recognisable by squeaking or grinding noises and vibrations when braking. In addition, problems with the brake servo or associated sensors also occur regularly, which can lead to a hard brake pedal and reduced braking performance. A low brake fluid level or hydraulic leaks also frequently play a role. Furthermore, faults in ABS/ESP or other brake-related sensors and wiring can trigger brake warnings and warning lights.
A braking system fault is always urgent, because the brakes are an essential safety system and have a direct impact on control of the car. Reduced braking performance can significantly increase stopping distances and greatly increase the risk of collisions. Faults in components such as the brake servo, ABS or brake fluid can lead to an unexpectedly hard or spongy pedal feel and loss of stability during heavy braking. Therefore, if you notice clearly reduced braking performance or see warning messages, the vehicle should in principle no longer be used in normal traffic until it has been checked.
You can check yourself whether the brake fluid level is correct, listen for unusual squeaking or grinding noises when braking and look visually (through the wheel) to see whether the brake pads still look sufficiently thick and whether the discs are not heavily grooved or blue in colour. Also pay attention to changes in pedal feel: if the pedal becomes spongy, sinks down or vibrates strongly, that is a warning sign. If there is any dashboard message relating to the braking system, noticeably reduced braking performance or loud mechanical grinding noises, a visit to a garage is unavoidable. In those cases, continuing to drive is risky and the brakes, fluid, lines and possibly sensors must be checked professionally.
Typical costs for fixing braking system faults in a VW Touran range from a few hundred euros for replacing brake pads and discs to (significantly) higher amounts if the brake servo, ABS/ESP components or sensors also need to be renewed. During every service, have the brakes visually inspected and the brake fluid replaced in time, so that wear and hydraulic problems are detected early. Respond immediately to squeaking or grinding noises and warning lights, and do not continue driving if you notice clearly reduced braking performance. Having fault codes read out regularly and not waiting until several warnings appear at once helps to prevent costly consequential damage.