Spongy Brakes & ABS Issues: Vauxhall Adam Help Needed

Hey there! I had a somewhat similar issue with my 2018 Vauxhall Corsa (I have some experience working on cars, but mostly basic maintenance stuff). The symptoms you're describing sound exactly like what I dealt with. Turns out my brake system wasn't properly bled after some routine maintenance. Had to take it to my local workshop, and they found air bubbles in the brake lines. The whole fix, including proper bleeding of the system, cost me around 90€. Before suggesting anything specific though, could you tell me if you've had any recent brake work done? Also, does the pedal feel different when the engine is off versus when it's running? This info would help me understand if you're dealing with the same problem I had.

Thanks for replying! Just had my latest service about 3 weeks ago, and they didn't mention any brake-related issues. At 143202 km, I'm wondering if maybe something got messed up during the service. The pedal actually does feel different when the engine's off, it's much firmer compared to when the engine's running. I'm getting worried it might be more serious than just air in the lines, especially with those warning lights. Anyone else experienced this specific issue with their Adam?

Hey again! Thanks for the additional info about your Adam. Yeah, that pedal behavior difference between engine on/off definitely rings a bell, it's super similar to what I experienced with my Corsa after my service at 138000 km. From what you're saying, I'm even more convinced it could be similar to my case. When my brake warning lights came on and the pedal got spongy, I initially freaked out thinking it was the brake booster pressure sensor (which I mentioned in my previous diagnoses), but it turned out I was overthinking it. The timing after your service makes me suspect they might've done something with the brake fluid but didn't bleed the system properly. In my case, I first noticed it about 2-3 weeks after service too. The warning lights are definitely scary (trust me, I know!), but they can be triggered by air in the system messing with the sensors. The fact that your pedal is firmer with the engine off is exactly what I experienced. Would definitely recommend getting it checked out ASAP though, maybe try the same workshop that did your service? They should sort it out under warranty if it's related to their recent work. In my case, they did it for free since it was their mistake during service. Keep us posted on what you find out! Really curious if it turns out to be the same issue.

Thanks so much for all the detailed info! You've actually made me feel a lot better about this whole situation. I just called the workshop that did my service, and they agreed to check it out first thing tomorrow morning. They seemed pretty interested when I mentioned the timing after the service and the pedal behavior you described. You're right, I was probably overthinking it with the brake booster pressure sensor theory. It makes so much sense that it could just be air in the lines from improper bleeding during service. Fingers crossed it's as straightforward as your Corsa's fix was! I'll definitely update this thread once I get it sorted. Really appreciate you sharing your experience, it's helped me avoid a lot of unnecessary worry! Hopefully, this info will help other Adam owners who might run into the same issue.