VW T-Cross Brake Pedal Issues: Spongy Feel & Squeaking

Similar issue occurred on my 2019 VW T-Roc. As someone with some car maintenance experience, particularly with brake systems, the symptoms sounded very familiar. Initially thought it was worn brake pads, but the workshop diagnosed an undervoltage problem affecting the brake system electronics. The voltage issue was causing irregular behavior in the hydraulic brakes and electronic brake assist systems. The repair involved: Complete system diagnostic, Voltage regulator replacement, Brake fluid level check, Testing of brake calipers and rotors, Full brake system recalibration Total cost was 240€ including parts and labor. The repair took about 4 hours, and the brake pedal response returned to normal immediately after. To better assist with your case, could you provide: Current mileage on your T-Cross, Whether any warning lights are showing on the dashboard, If the brake fluid level has been checked recently, Whether the symptoms change when the engine is cold vs warm These details would help determine if you are dealing with the same electrical issue or perhaps a mechanical problem with the disc brakes or brake calipers.

Had my last service at 138327km about 2 weeks ago, and they did a brake fluid change then. The warning light issue you mentioned really caught my attention because my brake warning light occasionally flickers. The metal brakes make the same squeaky noise regardless of engine temperature. After reading about your voltage regulator fix, I checked the battery voltage with a multimeter and got readings between 11.8V and 12.1V, which seems low. This could explain why my brake system acts up similarly to what you described. Will have it checked at a workshop soon, hoping it is just the voltage regulator like in your case. The 240€ repair cost sounds reasonable if it fixes these brake issues completely.

Thanks for those details, especially about the battery voltage measurements. After fixing my voltage regulator issue on my T-Roc, I actually had similar problems return about 6 months later. Turned out my battery was failing and needed replacement. Your voltage readings strongly suggest a charging system problem. The brake warning light flickering is another typical symptom of low voltage affecting the hydraulic brake system. When voltage drops too low, the electronic brake assist may not function properly, leading to that spongy pedal feel. Based on my second repair experience, here is what to expect: Full electrical system diagnosis, Battery load test, Alternator output check, Brake system electronic test The repair cost for me was: New battery: 180€, System diagnosis: 60€, Total around 240€ The squeaking might be unrelated to the voltage issue. While getting the electrical system checked, have them inspect the brake rotors and brake calipers for wear. Metal-on-metal sounds often indicate worn brake pads need replacement.

Thanks for the detailed follow-up about my electrical problems. Just booked an appointment at the workshop for next week. Your experience helps me better understand what might be going on. The voltage readings from my car match your initial problem pretty closely. My squeaky brakes and spongy pedal feel exactly like what you described. Will definitely have them check both the electrical system and brake components since the brake rotors could also be wearing down. Appreciate the cost breakdown too. Looking at around 240€ for the voltage fix plus whatever they find with the brake calipers inspection. The brake fluid was just changed during service, so at least that is not an issue. Will update the forum once I get the results from the workshop. Hoping its just the voltage regulator or battery causing these brake system problems rather than more extensive repairs.