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Suspension, steering, brakes and wheels

Problems with the brake system: symptoms, cost and affected models

We have documented 98 faults with the brake system in 90 cars. The most important by severity and frequency: brake fluid leak and loss of ABS/ESP from the EBS valve block (2024 production) (Opel Corsa F), brake fluid leak and loss of ABS/ESP due to the EBS valve block (2024 production) (Peugeot 208 II) and SBC (Sensotronic Brake Control) electrohydraulic braking system failures (Mercedes-Benz Clase E W211).

Documented faults
98
92 of high or critical severity
Cars analysed
90
with at least one fault on this part
Affected models
90
car generations in our database
Garage repair
No data
No reliable published costs

9 sourcesHow we work

How it works and why it fails

Brake pedal, hoses and brake fluid

The hydraulic circuit carries pedal pressure to the wheels: brake master cylinder, rigid pipes and flexible hoses. A leak or a faulty pedal are safety faults, and most of the documented ones have been corrected with recalls.

What to do

If the pedal drops lower than normal, feels spongy, you see fluid next to a wheel or the reservoir level falls, do not drive: call breakdown assistance. Change the brake fluid at the manufacturer's interval, because it absorbs moisture over time.

General explanation by MotorFiable. The specific faults of each engine and car, with their sources, are on the linked pages.

Common symptoms

The symptoms that come up most often in the documented faults with the brake system. Open each one to see what other faults cause it.

Problems with the brake system by car

Faults documented on specific cars, which occur with any engine. From most to least important.

  1. 1Critical severityFrequency: Very frequentOpel Corsa FBrake fluid leak and loss of ABS/ESP from the EBS valve block (2024 production)The manufacturer recalled Opel Corsa F cars built between 24 May and 27 August 2024 because of an EBS valve block with a casting defect that can cause an internal brake fluid leak and the loss of stability control, ABS and electronic brake distribution.
  2. 2Critical severityFrequency: Very frequentPeugeot 208 IIBrake fluid leak and loss of ABS/ESP due to the EBS valve block (2024 production)The manufacturer recalled Peugeot 208 IIs built between 27 May and 6 June 2024 over an EBS valve block with a casting defect that can cause an internal brake fluid leak and loss of ABS and ESP. The Opel Corsa has an equivalent campaign with different dates.
  3. 3Critical severityFrequency: CommonMercedes-Benz Clase E W211SBC (Sensotronic Brake Control) electrohydraulic braking system failuresThe E-Class W211 introduced the SBC electrohydraulic braking system, which could fail because of a faulty control of its high-pressure pump, especially in extreme situations; Mercedes-Benz recalled it twice (2004 and 2005) and ended up removing it completely in the 2006-2007 facelift after customer complaints.Appears at around 120,000 km
  4. 4Critical severityFrequency: CommonOpel Astra KBrake master cylinder contaminated by clutch debrisYes: Opel recalled 2016-2018 Astra K cars because the seal on the clutch slave cylinder can release particles that contaminate the brake master cylinder, lengthen the pedal travel and reduce braking power.
  5. 5Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalAlfa Romeo GiuliettaBrake and clutch fluid contaminated with mineral oil: risk of brake and clutch failure (2017 campaign)Safety Gate/RAPEX published in March 2018 (alert 10/2018) a recall of Giulietta built in November and December 2017: the brake and clutch fluid contained mineral oil, which can damage components and cause the brakes and clutch to fail.
  6. 6Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalAlfa Romeo GTBadly vulcanised flexible brake hoses in a 2007 Alfa Romeo GT batchYes: DVSA recall R/2007/174 covered 687 Alfa Romeo GTs built between 16 October and 16 November 2007, because the rubber flexible hoses in the brake circuit could be badly vulcanised and restrict the flow of fluid. The batch was checked and the affected hoses were replaced.
  7. 7Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalAlfa Romeo TonaleBrake pedal assembly that can collapse when braking (two campaigns on the hybrid Tonale)Yes: two Safety Gate alerts (campaign 6921, from November 2024, and F53P, from January 2026) cover mild-hybrid (MHEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) Tonales built between January 2023 and September 2024, because the brake pedal assembly can collapse when braking. Together they total about 29,700 units worldwide.
  8. 8Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalAudi A4 B5Brake pedal retaining bolt that can work loose (1998-1999 campaign)The British DVSA recorded in January 1999 a recall of 9,192 Audi A4s built between July 1994 and August 1995: the bolt holding the brake pedal could work loose and leave the pedal on the floor without returning, with loss of braking control. The bolt was checked and tightened.
  9. 9Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalAudi e-tronBolt on the rod between the brake pedal and the brake booster that can work looseAudi first recalled a small batch of 2019 e-trons (recall 46P6) and, in 2026, about 96,000 e-trons and Q8 e-trons worldwide because of the bolted connection of the rod between the brake pedal and the brake booster, which can work loose. It is checked and tightened free of charge.
  10. 10Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalAudi e-tronOvertightened bolts on the brake hoses of the Q8 e-tron (2023-2024)In 2024 Audi recalled 284 Q8 e-trons and Q8 e-tron Sportbacks built between May 2023 and March 2024 because overtightened bolts on the brake hoses can break, causing a brake fluid leak and the failure of one circuit.
  11. 11Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalAudi Q5 IIBrake master cylinder leak and rear pistons that do not work properly (2018-2019 campaigns)Between 2018 and 2019, Audi recalled production batches of the Q5 II for a possible brake fluid leak in the master cylinder and, in a separate campaign, for rear brake pistons that might not work correctly.Repair: €0
  12. 12Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalBMW Serie 2 Active Tourer U06Defective weld on the hollow shaft of the brake servo (brake system servomotor)In 2025 BMW recalled several models, including the 2 Series with type U2AT (Safety Gate alert SR/00053/25), because the hollow shaft of the brake servomotor could be poorly welded and could break under high pressure. In the United Kingdom, the DVSA counts only 3 Active Tourers built between March 2023 and July 2024.
  13. 13Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalBMW X1 U11Faulty weld on the hollow shaft of the brake servo (brake system servo motor)In 2025 BMW recalled, with a Safety Gate alert, X1 and iX1 models (and others) built between July 2022 and November 2024 because the hollow shaft of the brake servo motor could be badly welded and break under high braking pressure: the pedal would need more force, braking distances would grow and ABS and DSC would lose assistance.
  14. 14Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalBMW X2 F39Integrated braking system (IBS) that can lose hydraulic assistanceBMW recalled X2s built between June 2022 and January 2024 because the integrated braking system could fail and leave the pedal without hydraulic assistance, with longer braking distances and no ABS or DSC. The fix is warning software and, if a doubtful unit is found, its replacement.
  15. 15Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalCitroën C3 IVGQ8 recall: brake pedal bracketAccording to the Safety Gate alert, some 2025 C3s have the brake pedal bracket poorly secured because a pin is missing or fitted incorrectly; if it drops, the pedal can come loose and the car may not stop using the pedal. The car needs to go to a workshop.
  16. 16Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalCitroën C4 IIIInternal brake fluid leak from the EBS valve block (built May-June 2024)In C4 III cars built between 29 May and 5 June 2024, the aluminium of the EBS valve block may not have fused completely around the valves, which causes internal brake fluid leaks and may lead to loss of ABS and stability control.
  17. 17Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalCitroën C4 XInternal brake fluid leak in the EBS valve block (built May and June 2024)Yes: on C4 X cars built between 29 May and 3 June 2024 the aluminium of the EBS valve block may not have been cast properly and can cause an internal brake fluid leak that disables the stability control and ABS. It is a recall published on Safety Gate in June 2025.
  18. 18Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalDS DS 3 CrossbackWrongly positioned brake hose, with a risk of breakage (built April-December 2019)DS recalled DS3 Crossbacks built between April and December 2019 because the brake hose may be wrongly positioned, which over time can lead to it breaking and a brake fluid leak.
  19. 19Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalFiat Ducato IIIBrake pipes damaged by rubbing: brake fluid leak (2014 to 2019 units)Yes: Fiat recalled Ducatos built between 31 October 2014 and 16 July 2019 (47,711 units worldwide) because the brake pipes could be damaged by rubbing against other components and lose brake fluid, which limits braking.
  20. 20Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalFord RangerFatigue cracking and deformation of the front brake hosesTwo recall campaigns (19S12 and 19U12) affect the front brake hoses of the Ranger: on vehicles built between June 2016 and August 2018 they can crack through fatigue, and on the 2019 Ranger Raptor they can become deformed and rub against the wheel rim. In both cases braking performance is reduced.
  21. 21Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalFord Transit CustomBrake pedal pin clip out of specification: the pedal can come away from the brake servoIn 2013 a warning was issued that the first Transit Custom vehicles (built between late September 2012 and early February 2013) had an R-clip on the brake pedal pin that did not meet the material specification and could come off, leaving the pedal disconnected from the brake servo and with no braking.
  22. 22Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalFord Transit VI-VIIFatigue of the rear axle brake pipe bracket boltIn 2013 it was notified to Safety Gate (alert A12/0224/13, submitted by the United Kingdom) that the bolt securing the brake pipe bracket to the rear axle of the Transit built between May 2010 and August 2012 may fail and break the rear brake pipe through fatigue, which would compromise braking.
  23. 23Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalFord Transit VI-VIIBrake pedal pin 'R' clip out of specificationIn March 2013 Safety Gate recorded campaign 2C498: the 'R' clip that retains the brake pedal pin on the Transit (and Transit Custom) built between September 2012 and February 2013 does not meet the material specification and may come off, which would separate the pedal from the brake servo rod.
  24. 24Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalHyundai VelosterABS module short circuit caused by brake fluid leak (campaign 41D091)Yes: Hyundai has recalled Velosters built between November 2010 and October 2014 because impurities in the brake fluid can damage some O-rings and let fluid reach the ABS circuit board, with a risk of short circuit and fire. According to Autofácil, the check is free of charge.
  25. 25Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalJeep Wrangler JLSoftware fault in brake system module with insufficient braking assistance (2021 model year)Yes: a Safety Gate alert from March 2021 (campaign Y09) covers 2021 model year Wrangler JLs, because the brake system module may have a software fault that reduces assistance in an emergency stop.
  26. 26Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalKia Carens IIIInternal brake fluid leak in the ABS/ESC hydraulic unit with fire riskA February 2025 Safety Gate alert includes Carens built between September 2009 and December 2012. An internal brake fluid leak can cause a short circuit in the ABS/ESC electrical circuit and overheat the fuse box, with a risk of an engine fire.
  27. 27Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalKia Ceed IFaulty brake master cylinder on Ceed with ESP built in 2008-2009Yes: in 2010 Kia recalled cee'd models with ESP built between 1 April 2008 and 30 March 2009, because the brake master cylinder could fail to deliver the expected force and lengthen braking distance. The inspection and, if necessary, replacement of the part were free of charge.
  28. 28Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalMercedes-Benz Citan W415Underbody brake pipe not screwed in properly on cars built in August and September 2016On some Citans built between 25 August and 13 September 2016, the underbody brake pipe may not have been screwed in properly, with a risk, in the worst case, of losing brake fluid. It is recorded on a Citan known-problems page; this is the only source we have found.
  29. 29Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalMercedes-Benz Clase A W168Faulty brake master cylinder: longer pedal travel in sub-zero temperaturesIn the UK, Mercedes recalled 563 A-Class cars built in 2000 because an internal defect in the master cylinder could lengthen pedal travel at temperatures below 0 °C and, with it, the braking distance. The remedy was to replace the master cylinder.
  30. 30Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalMercedes-Benz Clase V W447Brake fluid reservoir not properly seated in its mounts, with progressive fluid lossYes: in 2016 the DVSA recorded a campaign (SRX1601) on 9,399 British Vito and V-Class models built between October 2013 and April 2016, because the brake fluid reservoir might not be properly seated or secured and could come loose. If it loses fluid, the pedal travels further and further and braking gets worse.
  31. 31Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalMercedes-Benz Clase V W447Badly fitted brake pipes with brake fluid leak and fire risk (November 2018 to May 2019)Yes: a Safety Gate alert (A12/1375/19) affects V-Class and Vito models built between 28 November 2018 and 6 May 2019 because badly fitted brake pipes can leak fluid, lengthen braking and, on reaching hot parts, cause a fire.
  32. 32Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalMercedes-Benz Sprinter 907Front flexible brake hoses damaged by rubbing against the wheel archAlert A12/00718/20 warns that the front flexible brake hoses can be damaged by rubbing against the inner wheel arch, with a risk of brake fluid leaking, reduced braking effectiveness and a longer stopping distance. It covers Sprinters built between November 2017 and March 2020.
  33. 33Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalMercedes-Benz Vito W447Badly fitted brake pipes with brake fluid leak and fire risk (November 2018 to May 2019)Yes: between 28 November 2018 and 6 May 2019 some Vito and V-Class vehicles left the factory with badly fitted brake pipes; fluid could leak, stopping distances could lengthen and, if it fell onto hot parts, the risk of fire increased. It is corrected through a recall.
  34. 34Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalNissan Navara D40Brake system defect: 2010 recall of the Nissan Navara D40In 2010 Nissan recalled the Navara, Pathfinder and NV200 built between 1 February and 3 March 2010 over a brake defect, according to FACUA.
  35. 35Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalNissan Pathfinder R51Brake system defect: 2010 recall of the Nissan Pathfinder R51In 2010 Nissan recalled the Navara, Pathfinder and NV200 built between 1 February and 3 March 2010 over a brake defect, according to FACUA.
  36. 36Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalOpel FronteraPossible breakage of the brake pedal bar (weld) on the Frontera from June to August 2025Yes: the KUX campaign affects Frontera built between 10 June and 2 August 2025, because the brake pedal bar may break (the British DVSA refers to a weld) and leave the driver without service brakes. It is a small campaign: 388 vehicles according to the KBA.
  37. 37Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalOpel FronteraBrake pedal bracket pin missing or incorrectly fitted on the Frontera from September to November 2025According to the British DVSA, some Frontera built between 3 September and 2 November 2025 may have the brake pedal bracket without a pin, or with the pin incorrectly fitted; if it comes out, the pedal could disengage. The joint is checked and redone if necessary.
  38. 38Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalOpel Mokka BBrake fluid leak and loss of ABS/ESP from the EBS valve block (built May-June 2024)Opel recalled Mokka Bs built between 24 May and 7 June 2024 over a casting defect in the EBS valve block that can cause an internal brake fluid leak and the loss of ABS and stability control.
  39. 39Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalOpel Zafira LifeFaulty rear brake: reduced braking efficiency of the brake system (January 2022)In September 2022 Opel recalled 457 Zafira Life and Vivaro C vehicles built between 20 and 28 January 2022, because a fault in the rear brake could reduce the efficiency of the service brake. The source does not specify which part fails.
  40. 40Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalPeugeot 508 IIBrake fluid leak from the rear axle brake hoses (2020 campaign)Peugeot recalled 508 II cars built between November 2018 and December 2019 because the brake hoses on the rear axle could be damaged by contact with the wheels and cause a brake fluid leak.
  41. 41Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalPorsche Cayenne IIPedal bracket circlip that can come loose and affect the brake pedal (recall)In 2016 Porsche recalled Cayennes built up to January 2016 because the circlip on the pedal bracket could come loose and obstruct the brake pedal. The Spanish press reported it on 25 March 2016, alongside the Touareg, with a repair taking around thirty minutes at the workshop.
  42. 42Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalPorsche TaycanFront brake hoses with insufficient bend radius (recall ARB0)Yes: the 2024 recall ARB0 affects Taycans built between October 2019 and June 2024 (149,847 cars according to car-recalls.eu) because the front brake hoses can fatigue and crack, leaking fluid and reducing braking effectiveness. Both hoses are replaced, in about two hours and at no cost.
  43. 43Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalSeat AtecaWeld defect in the brake pedalOn 2020-2021 vehicles with a DSG gearbox, Seat found that a defective weld between the brake pedal and its support plate could deform or come apart under hard braking. The brand contacted the affected owners directly to inspect the weld and change the pedal if necessary.Repair: €0
  44. 44Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalSeat TarracoBrake pedal weld defectOn 2020-2021 cars with a DSG gearbox, Seat found that a defective weld between the brake pedal and its support plate could deform or come apart under heavy braking. The brand contacted the affected owners directly to check the weld and replace the pedal if necessary.Repair: €0
  45. 45Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalToyota Celica VIICorrosion in the brake master cylinder: brake fluid leakA Toyota recall (DVSA reference R/2004/168) covers Celicas built between September 1999 and September 2000: inadequate washing of a master cylinder part may have corroded the seal groove, with a risk of brake fluid leaking or air getting in and, with it, a longer braking distance.
  46. 46Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalVolkswagen Touareg IIBrake pedal shaft retaining ring that may come looseVolkswagen recalled Touareg IIs built between 2010 and January 2016 because the pin or retaining ring of the brake pedal shaft could come loose and prevent the brake from being fully applied. The press put the number of affected Touaregs worldwide at 391,000; the fix at an official workshop took about 30 minutes.
  47. 47Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalVolvo S60 IIIRecall: braking system disabled in B mode after a long descent (plug-in hybrid S60)On plug-in hybrid S60s, the braking system can be disabled when using B mode after a long descent, with a risk of collision. Volvo corrected it with a campaign (R10329, Safety Gate 28/2025) covering 76,365 cars of several models built between May 2019 and June 2025.
  48. 48High severityFrequency: OccasionalAlfa Romeo StelvioFaulty brake system IBS module: risk of ABS failure (Stelvio 2019-2021)A Safety Gate alert from September 2021 (campaign 6334) warns that the IBS module of the integrated braking system on some Giulia and Stelvio built between January 2019 and February 2021 may be faulty and leave the ABS inoperative. It affected only 56 vehicles worldwide.
  49. 49High severityFrequency: OccasionalCitroën C-ElyséeBrake pedal cover that can come off (momentary loss of braking effectiveness)Yes, there was a recall: on C-Elysées built between 6 May and 11 July 2019 the brake pedal cover could suddenly come off, so your foot lost its grip and braking suffered for an instant because of the surprise. It is fixed at the dealer.
  50. 50High severityFrequency: OccasionalFord S-Max IIFront brake hoses that may leak (recall 22B44)The British DVSA lists a Ford campaign (22B44) for possible leaks from the front brake hoses on S-Max models built between May 2015 and October 2018. The remedy is to replace both hoses and, if necessary, modify their routing. We have not confirmed its scope in Spain.
  51. 51High severityFrequency: OccasionalIveco Daily IVIncorrectly specified flexible brake hoses (2007)A batch of Iveco Dailys built in October and November 2007 may have received flexible brake hoses that did not meet specification, with a risk of brake failure if they were not replaced. Iveco recalled all affected vehicles for inspection.
  52. 52High severityFrequency: OccasionalIveco Daily VBrake hoses that rub against the gearboxIn 2013 Iveco inspected 1,384 Dailys in the UK because the brake hoses could rub against the gearbox, wear and lose fluid, reducing braking efficiency. The clips were repositioned and damaged hoses replaced.
  53. 53High severityFrequency: OccasionalIveco Daily VIFront brake hose damaged by the routing of the electric brake or tyre pressure monitoring wiringIveco checked 1,547 Dailies built between May 2019 and April 2022 in 2022 because the front left brake hose could be damaged by the routing of the pipes or the wiring of the EPB or TPMS optional equipment, leading to a gradual loss of braking efficiency.
  54. 54High severityFrequency: OccasionalKia Carens IVInternal brake fluid leak that can cause a short circuit in the ABS/ESCA Safety Gate alert from February 2025 covers a Kia recall, including the Carens built between August 2012 and July 2018, for an internal brake fluid leak that can cause a short circuit in the ABS/ESC circuit and a risk of fire.
  55. 55High severityFrequency: OccasionalLexus IS IIBrake fluid leak from the master cylinder rear seal (IS 250 and IS 220d)The UK's DVSA records a recall of 15,445 Lexus IS 250 and IS 220d: if an unsuitable brake fluid was used, the master cylinder rear seal could dry out and distort, with a fluid leak and the low-level warning light coming on. The seal was replaced with an improved one.
  56. 56High severityFrequency: OccasionalMercedes-Benz Clase A W168Porous brake hoses and other brake system defectsDEKRA's 2011 defect report cites porous brake hoses as a typical defect of the A-Class W168 and records more brake defects than the average for its class: 10.4% of cars under 50,000 km compared with an average of 3.7%.
  57. 57High severityFrequency: OccasionalMercedes-Benz Clase M W163Brittle brake hoses on the Mercedes M-Class W163AUTO BILD reports that the ML W163's brake hoses show weakness at three years and that the only solution is to replace them. The technical inspections it cites repeat this as a common criticism.
  58. 58High severityFrequency: OccasionalMitsubishi LancerFaulty brake servo check valve: hard brake pedal after a long stopIn 2009 the DVSA registered a campaign (R/2009/038) for 818 British Lancers built between January 2008 and April 2009: the brake servo check valve could fail and, after the car had been standing for a while, the pedal needed to be pressed harder on the first application. On the second application the system worked normally.
  59. 59High severityFrequency: OccasionalPeugeot 301Brake pedal cover that can come off (momentary loss of braking effectiveness)Yes, there was a recall: on 301s built between 6 May and 26 June 2019 the brake pedal cover could suddenly come off, so your foot lost its grip and braking suffered for an instant because of the surprise. It is fixed at the dealer.
  60. 60High severityFrequency: OccasionalRenault Espace V2016 brake recalls: front brake hose and ABS/ESC hydraulic unitThe first Espace V cars had two brake recalls in 2016: a front brake hose fitted incorrectly that could rub against the wheel rim and lose fluid, and an ABS/ESC hydraulic unit with contaminating particles. Both are preventive recalls.
  61. 61High severityFrequency: OccasionalRenault TalismanBrake recalls on early units: brake hose, caliper-disc and ABS/ESC unitEarly Talisman units (2015-2016) had three brake recalls: a front brake hose fitted incorrectly, an unsuitable caliper-disc combination and contamination of the ABS/ESC hydraulic unit. They are preventive campaigns, not a widespread fault.
  62. 62High severityFrequency: OccasionalSeat Toledo IIIDamaged brake hoses with the reinforcement mesh showingIn Dutch MOT inspection data (APK), a damaged brake hose with the reinforcement showing appears in 4% of Toledo III cars from model year 2004, 8% from 2005 and 9% from 2006, and the source classes it as a major defect. There is no recall and no Spanish data.
  63. 63High severityFrequency: OccasionalSubaru XV IBrake hoses with insufficient sealingYes: Subaru recalled 585 XV and Impreza cars in the United Kingdom built between July 2016 and August 2018 because the brake hose fittings had insufficient sealing. They are replaced with a corrected part. It only affects the last units of this generation.
  64. 64High severityFrequency: OccasionalSubaru XV IIBrake hoses with insufficient sealing at the fitting crimpIn the UK, Subaru recalled XVs built between 28/07/2016 and 21/08/2018 because the crimped fitting of the brake hoses did not seal sufficiently. It is fixed by replacing the hoses with a corrected part. We have not found an equivalent campaign in the European sources consulted.
  65. 65High severityFrequency: OccasionalToyota Aygo XIncorrect brake pedal with too little clearance from the clutch pedalToyota recalled Aygo X built between 24 February and 3 April 2022 because an incorrect brake pedal was fitted, leaving very little clearance from the clutch pedal, so the brake could be pressed by accident when changing gear. The DVSA indicates inspecting and, if necessary, replacing the pedal bracket.
  66. 66High severityFrequency: OccasionalVolkswagen ArteonRecall for the brake pedal rodAccording to the fiches-auto.fr data sheet, the Arteon has had two campaigns for the brake pedal linkage: March 2020 (2018-2019 models) and September 2021 (2019-2021 models). It is a preventive campaign cited only by the data sheet.
  67. 67High severityFrequency: OccasionalVolkswagen Caddy VFluid leak from the Caddy's rear left brake hoseAn incorrectly tightened rear left brake hose can cause a slow brake fluid leak on the Caddy and Caddy Maxi built in April-June 2024; the campaign affects 4,118 cars.
  68. 68High severityFrequency: OccasionalVolvo S60 IIIRecall: insufficient welding in the brake system hydraulic unitOn a small batch of S60s built between December 2020 and January 2021, Volvo warned of an insufficient or missing welded connection in the brake system hydraulic unit and corrected it by replacing the unit. The reference is R10120.
  69. 69High severityFrequency: OccasionalVolvo XC40The brake pedal can move out of position due to faulty assemblyIn 2018 XC40 units, faulty assembly can cause the brake pedal to move out of position and affect the operation of the braking system. Germany's Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (KBA) registered a recall to correct it free of charge at the official network.Repair: €0
  70. 70Critical severityFrequency: RareAudi A3 IVRisk of total loss of braking power (11 cars)In September 2021, Audi recalled 11 A3 cars built between August 2020 and May 2021 because a faulty component could cause total loss of braking power.Repair: €0
  71. 71Critical severityFrequency: RareBMW Serie 5 E60Soft brake pedal due to a fault in the brake servo vacuum pump or hoseBMW recalled around 5,000 5 Series E60s in March 2016 because a fault in the vacuum pump (diesel) or the brake servo vacuum hose leaves the brake pedal soft with the engine running, according to fiches-auto.fr.
  72. 72Critical severityFrequency: RareCitroën C4 CactusBrake hose failure from rubbing against the shock absorber (built July-September 2019)Citroën recalled C4 Cactus cars built between July and September 2019 because the brake hose can rub against the shock absorber and fail, causing a brake fluid leak.
  73. 73Critical severityFrequency: RareCupra FormentorRisk of brake failure or leakYes, in two separate recalls: in September 2021 Cupra recalled a series of Formentors over a risk of braking failure, and in January 2024 over a possible brake fluid leak in units with the DSG gearbox. Auto Express documents both without giving more technical detail or unit figures.Repair: €0
  74. 74Critical severityFrequency: RareFiat 500XRisk of the brake pedal breaking after an impact (2023-2024 build)Yes: a campaign covers vehicles built between 20 July 2023 and 27 June 2024 in which the brake pedal arm could break or become detached after an impact, reducing braking capability.
  75. 75Critical severityFrequency: RareJeep Compass MPBrake system hydraulic control unit (IBS) fault that reduces assistance and disables ABS (2020-2021 production)Yes: an August 2021 recall covers vehicles built between November 2020 and March 2021 in which a defect in the hydraulic control unit of the integrated brake system (IBS) could reduce braking assistance and disable the ABS.
  76. 76Critical severityFrequency: RareJeep Compass MPRisk of the brake pedal breaking or coming loose after an impact (MHEV and PHEV versions, 2023-2024 production)Yes: a recall covers MHEV and PHEV versions built between 20 July 2023 and 30 September 2024 in which the brake pedal arm could come loose or break after an impact; the same source gives an almost identical window for the Jeep Renegade PHEV.
  77. 77Critical severityFrequency: RareJeep RenegadeRisk of the brake pedal breaking after an impact (built 2023-2024)Yes: a campaign covers vehicles built between July 2023 and September 2024 in which the brake pedal arm could detach or break after an impact, reducing braking capacity.
  78. 78Critical severityFrequency: RareMercedes-Benz CLA C118Recall for rear brake hoses that are too longYes: rear axle brake hoses of incorrect length can rub against other parts and lose fluid; it affects CLAs built between 27 February and 14 March 2024.
  79. 79Critical severityFrequency: RareNissan Qashqai I2011 recall for a brake fault in cars from a specific production periodYes: in summer 2011 Nissan recalled around 12,000 Qashqais worldwide, built between 27 August 2010 and 18 February 2011, over a problem related to the brakes.
  80. 80Critical severityFrequency: RareOpel Insignia BBrake pedal plate that may come loose (2021 campaign)In 2021 Opel recalled Insignia B models built between February and April 2021 because the brake pedal plate could come loose when the pedal is pressed, with a risk of losing braking.
  81. 81Critical severityFrequency: RarePeugeot 206Risk of the service brake linkage disconnecting (1998-2002 production)A campaign (ref. r2003158) covers Peugeot 206 cars built between September 1998 and February 2002 in which the link between the pedal and the braking system could disconnect, with a risk of losing braking.
  82. 82Critical severityFrequency: RarePeugeot 4007Vacuum pump and brake servo relay fault: harder brake pedalIn 2014 the DVSA recorded a campaign (R/2014/126) over a possible fault in the brake servo vacuum pump system on 8 British Peugeot 4007s built in July 2010: the pump could stop, warning lights and an audible warning would come on, and the pedal had to be pressed harder. The pump and relays are replaced and the software is updated.
  83. 83Critical severityFrequency: RareŠkoda Kodiaq IWelding defect in the brake pedalIn a very limited batch built between 14 and 17 July 2020, Skoda found that the weld between the brake pedal and its support plate might be insufficient. The brand inspected and, where necessary, replaced the pedal free of charge.Repair: €0
  84. 84Critical severityFrequency: RareToyota Yaris IIIBrake fluid leak at the rear brakesA 2013 campaign recalled about 929 Yaris models built between April 2012 and May 2013 because brake fluid could leak at the joint between the hose (or drum) and the caliper on both rear brakes, with a resulting loss of braking force.
  85. 85Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalAlfa Romeo 166Damaged or corroded brake hoses and pipes on the Alfa Romeo 166The Dutch roadworthiness test fairly often fails 166s for brake hoses with the reinforcing layer showing (3% to 8% of failures depending on the year) and for corroded brake pipes (3% to 4%).
  86. 86Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalCitroën C1 IIBrakes: worn discs, handbrake and brake hoses fail the inspectionAccording to Gebrauchtwagenberater, the braking system is the main reason the C1 fails the German inspection: worn discs, a faulty parking brake and damaged brake lines.
  87. 87Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalHyundai Kona IIntegrated brake system (IEB) faults on 2018-2020 hybrid and electric KonaA German buying guide reports problems with the integrated electronic brake system (IEB) on hybrid and electric Kona built between January 2018 and March 2020.
  88. 88Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalRenault Twingo IPremature wear of brake discs and brake hoses on the Twingo IAt the TÜV (the German inspection), the Twingo I failed mainly on its brakes: discs that wore out early, brake hoses that need replacing at around five years, and poor braking efficiency on all axles.
  89. 89Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalRenault Twingo IIService brakes and brake lines deteriorated at inspectionAt the TÜV, the Twingo II fails more often than average for its service brakes and for brake lines in poor condition; the ADAC and Gebrauchtwagenberater.de also point to the brakes as a weak point of this generation.
  90. 90High severityFrequency: RareFord Focus IVBrake pedal pivot bolt defective (recall)Focus IV built between 19 October and 8 December 2018 may have left the factory with an insufficient brake pedal pivot bolt that could break and reduce braking.
  91. 91High severityFrequency: RareIveco Daily IVBrake pipe held by a plastic clip that can vibrate and fractureOn some Iveco Dailys built between April 2006 and February 2008, a brake pipe fixed to the bulkhead with a plastic clip can come loose through vibration and eventually break, with a loss of braking efficiency. Iveco fixed it with a rubber-insulated steel bracket.
  92. 92High severityFrequency: RareNissan Micra IVDefective brake master cylinder (2013 recall)Gebrauchtwagenberater.de records a 2013 recall in Germany of 4,287 Micras with the 80 PS engine due to a problem with the brake master cylinder, on cars built between June 2012 and March 2013.
  93. 93High severityFrequency: RareRenault Captur IRisk of front brake hose deterioration (recall)Renault recalled Captur cars built between 1 January 2013 and 7 November 2014 over a risk of deterioration of the front brake hose that could affect braking effectiveness. The inspection and, where applicable, replacement of the part were free of charge.Repair: €0
  94. 94High severityFrequency: RareRenault Clio IIIBrake pedal switch fault: the brake lights do not come onRenault issued a recall in May 2007 for 20,145 Clio III cars built up to February 2006 because the grease in the brake pedal switch (contactor) baked in the heat and stopped operating the brake lights.Repair: €0
  95. 95High severityFrequency: RareRenault Scénic IIISafety rectification over risk of the brake pedal weld breakingIn November 2009 Renault recalled Scénic IIIs built between June and July 2009 at the Douai and Palencia plants over a risk of the weld on the brake pedal's rubber stop breaking.Repair: €0
  96. 96High severityFrequency: RareSuzuki S-Cross IILeft rear brake pipe rupture due to a manufacturing defectYes: on 2023 cars, the left rear brake pipe may have been damaged when tightened at the factory, which over time can rust and develop a hole, causing a brake fluid leak. Suzuki recalled 4,878 vehicles in total (S-Cross and Vitara) from February 2024.
  97. 97High severityFrequency: RareSuzuki VitaraRear left brake pipe breakage due to manufacturing damageYes: on 2023 units, the rear left brake pipe may have been damaged when tightened at the factory, which over time can rust and develop a hole, causing a brake fluid leak. Suzuki recalled 4,878 units in total (Vitara and SX4 S-Cross) from February 2024.
  98. 98Medium severityFrequency: RareMazda 3 IIFaulty brake hoses on the Mazda 3 (BL) flagged in the TÜV reportAuto Bild, summarising the German TÜV report, states that the brake hoses on the Mazda3 BL may be faulty; it gives no figures and does not explain the cause.

Problems with the brake system by make

Problems with the brake system in your car

8 cars have several documented faults with the brake system. Choose yours to see only the ones that affect them, by engine and by year.

Audi 1
Ford 1
Iveco 1
Jeep 1
Mercedes-Benz 2
Opel 1
Volvo 1

How much it costs to repair a fault with the brake system

Sorted from the most expensive repair to the cheapest. Prices in Spain including VAT (parts and labour); what each figure includes is on its page.

How we calculate costs · The most expensive repairs across all engines

OBD fault codes with the brake system

The codes the ECU usually stores when this part fails: what they mean, causes and what to check.

Frequently asked questions

Which cars have problems with the brake system?

Among those we have analysed: Opel Corsa F (brake fluid leak and loss of ABS/ESP from the EBS valve block (2024 production)), Peugeot 208 II (brake fluid leak and loss of ABS/ESP due to the EBS valve block (2024 production)), Mercedes-Benz Clase E W211 (SBC (Sensotronic Brake Control) electrohydraulic braking system failures), Opel Astra K (brake master cylinder contaminated by clutch debris), Audi e-tron (bolt on the rod between the brake pedal and the brake booster that can work loose), Ford Transit VI-VII (fatigue of the rear axle brake pipe bracket bolt), Mercedes-Benz Clase A W168 (faulty brake master cylinder: longer pedal travel in sub-zero temperatures) and Mercedes-Benz Clase V W447 (brake fluid reservoir not properly seated in its mounts, with progressive fluid loss). In total, 90 cars with documented faults with the brake system.

How much does it cost to repair a fault with the brake system?

It depends a lot on the engine or car. At a dealer, from €0 to €0, including VAT, based on the 10 faults with a documented cost. The most expensive is brake master cylinder leak and rear pistons that do not work properly (2018-2019 campaigns) (Audi Q5 II).

What symptoms does a fault with the brake system cause?

The most frequently cited in the documented faults: brake fluid leak, hard brake pedal or loss of brake assistance, abs or esp warning light on, esp warning light on or flashing and squealing or metallic grinding when braking.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. Fiabilité Audi Q5 II : pannes, rappels et témoignagesfiches-auto.fr · Reliability study · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  2. Los SEAT Tarraco y Ateca, bajo sospecha de un defecto en el pedal del freno que podría causar accidentesMotorpasión · Motoring press · published 17 February 2021 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  3. Volvo XC40: typische Probleme und Schwachstellengebrauchtwagenberater.de · Reliability study · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  4. Used Audi A3 Mk4 (2020-date) buyer's guide: classy used hatchbackAuto Express · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026
  5. Used Cupra Formentor (Mk1, 2020-date) buyer's guide: stylish and family-friendlyAuto Express · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026
  6. Used Skoda Kodiaq (Mk1, 2017-2024) reviewAuto Express · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026
  7. Llamada a revisión; defecto en los latiguillos delanteros de los frenos (fabr. 1/1/13-7/11/14)Club Foro Renault Captur (solocaptur.com) · Owners' forum · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  8. Fiabilité Renault Clio 3 : que vaut le modèle en occasion ?Caradisiac · Motoring press · published 26 November 2012 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  9. Maxi-fiche fiabilité : que vaut le Renault Scénic 3 en occasion ?Caradisiac · Motoring press · published 2 February 2016 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French