2012 TDI: Spongy Brakes

[A4-A6-A4-A3]

Just a couple quick questions;

I'm taking my car in next week to have a couple of cosmetic items addressed (scratched window from inept removal of window sticker and some lockbox scratches). I was driving in heavy traffic yesterday and really not liking the brake feel. Edmunds mentions spongy brakes in their review, so I don't want to be picky. Pedal travel seems really long and not linear.

Anyone have anything to offer in this regard?

Oh, and also; how can I tell if I have the latest nav update?

TIA

[VW/Porsche Fahrer]

I have also observed the spongy brakes and, in my opinion, long stopping distance. This is my first SUV and the vehicle does weight about 5000 lbs. but, still, I believe VW chose brake pads that will keep the wheels clean rather than the metallic pads that work better but leave your wheels turning black.

[A4-A6-A4-A3]

I have also observed the spongy brakes and, in my opinion, long stopping distance. This is my first SUV and the vehicle does weight about 5000 lbs. but, still, I believe VW chose brake pads that will keep the wheels clean rather than the metallic pads that work better but leave your wheels turning black.

Thanks for the reply. I'm liking the clean wheels though! Not sure how long the stopping distance is, but it really feels like you're hauling down 5000 lbs! Our Volvo XC90 has about the same travel/feel.

I launch myself through the windshield of my wife's MINI now. Talk about brake dust.

[Tenere]

I also was surprised at the spongy brakes on my Touareg when I first drove it home but now after a few thousand miles, they are much better. Certainly nothing like my M3, but not bad for a 5,000 SUV. While a real nitpick, the brake pedal in relationship to the accelerator is a tad high. While I have gotten use to it, I would prefer to not have to lift my foot quite as high to get on top of the brake pedal.

[A4-A6-A4-A3]

I also was surprised at the spongy brakes on my Touareg when I first drove it home but now after a few thousand miles, they are much better. Certainly nothing like my M3, but not bad for a 5,000 SUV. While a real nitpick, the brake pedal in relationship to the accelerator is a tad high. While I have gotten use to it, I would prefer to not have to lift my foot quite as high to get on top of the brake pedal.

Thanks for the feedback. I guess it'll take some time to get used to the loooong throw. The thing I find disconcerting, and I'm struggling to explain, is that you don't always get the same amount of braking for the same amount of pedal movement. Not as linear as I would like I guess. But it's been a long time since I drove such a big car as my primary transport.

[Eugene-Dave-1]

I noticed a spongy feel when brand new. Then it seemed to start getting better. Now have 3300 miles on it and the brakes feel fine.

[rich!]

9.5k miles - no noticeable issues or concern (not even from the wife and she would be the first to ) - it is a tank so I'm not expecting stop on a dime ability.

[luckeydoug1]

We have 2 2011 Touaregs we purchased new and have not experienced this at all on either of them. If you want to experience bad brakes, try stopping a Routan with a full load of passengers.... that requires a VERY long distance. In fact, I traded my Routan for the Touareg because of the excellent braking in the Touareg, even when loaded with passengers. While nothing will "stop on a dime" we find that the Touareg comes close.

[A4-A6-A4-A3]

Thanks to everyone who took the time to respond!

I'm heading to the dealer today for the other work. Probably have them check things out. Seems fine the last couple of days, but I did get a bit concerned in traffic last week: maybe low vacuum due to stop and go made the pedal go limp. We'll see.