Audi A3 Parking Brake Failure: Fix & Cost Guide

Recently faced a similar electronic brake fault on my 2018 Audi A4 2.0 TFSI. The brake diagnostics revealed a defective electric motor in the rear caliper, causing the system glitch you described. The repair involved complete replacement of the caliper assembly since the electronic motor is integrated into the unit. Its a common issue when brake calipers get exposed to road salt and moisture over time. The warning lights and error codes are the vehicle safety system alerting about compromised brake function. This is not a DIY repair as it requires dealer-level diagnostic equipment to properly calibrate the new electronic brake components after installation. The repair is considered serious since it affects core vehicle safety systems and parking functionality. Initial checks you can perform: Check battery voltage as low power can trigger system errors, Look for visible damage to brake cables and connectors, Test if manual brake release lever works Would recommend having this checked soon by a certified shop specializing in brake diagnostics, as continuing to drive with faulty electronic brakes poses safety risks. The repair typically takes 2-3 hours of labor plus parts.

Thanks for the detailed response regarding the electronic brake system. I had very similar symptoms with my Audi A3 last winter, complete brake control failure with constant warning lights. Your diagnosis matches what I discovered with the caliper motor being the culprit. The brake sensor picked up multiple faults before complete failure. I ended up getting it fixed but I am curious, do you remember roughly how much you paid for the full repair? And has the brake system been working properly since the fix? Just want to compare experiences since these electronic parking brake issues seem fairly common in our models.

Had the repair done 3 months ago and the electronic brake system has worked flawlessly since. The total came to 505 Euro, which covered both the new caliper unit with integrated motor and the specialized brake diagnostics needed for proper calibration. The electronic parking brake now engages smoothly without any warning lights or error codes. The brake control module shows no faults during system checks. The investment was worth it for the peace of mind, knowing the parking brake works reliably again. If you had similar symptoms and brake fault codes, you were right to get it fixed. These electronic brake components are critical safety features that need proper function. The repair cost matches what most shops charge for this type of brake sensor and actuator work on modern vehicles. Good to hear you got yours sorted too. These electronic parking brake issues do seem to affect quite a few Audi models when they reach higher mileage.

I finally decided to take my A3 to a specialized Audi shop rather than the previous mechanic. The brake control unit and caliper needed replacement, costing 480 Euro total including labor and electronic calibration. The brake switch and all safety systems are now working perfectly after 2 months. The shop diagnosed it quickly using proper diagnostic equipment and completed everything in one day. Much better experience than my previous attempts with general repair shops that lacked the right tools for electronic brake systems. Really glad I made the switch to a specialist, the vehicle safety features are too important to risk unreliable repairs. The electronic parking brake now engages smoothly without any warning lights or error messages. Money well spent for proper peace of mind.