VW Tiguan Brake Pedal Vibration Points to Worn Rotors

I had a similar issue with my VW Golf from 2015 which turned out to be related to the brake system and electrical components. With some experience working on VWs, I can share what happened in my case. The symptoms you describe with the brake pedal vibration match exactly what I experienced. Initially thought it was just worn brake rotors, but the diagnosis revealed an undervoltage problem affecting the brake control module. The pulsing through the brake pedal was actually the ABS system misfiring due to irregular power supply. Had it fixed at my regular workshop, they performed a complete electrical system diagnostic and found the voltage regulator was failing. Total repair came to 240€ including parts and labor. The brake calipers and brake fluid were actually fine, though they did inspect the entire brake system to be thorough. To help provide more specific guidance for your case, could you share: Current mileage on your Tiguan, Whether check engine or ABS warning lights are active, If the vibration changes with vehicle speed, Whether the issue occurs when the engine is cold or warm, If youve noticed any other electrical issues like dim lights These details would help determine if youre facing the same underlying electrical problem or if its purely mechanical brake wear.

Thanks for the detailed response. My Tiguan has 147969km and just had its annual service last month. No warning lights on the dash, but the vibration does get worse at higher speeds. The squeaky brakes started gradually but are now noticeable every time I brake. Based on your experience with the electrical system, I will have them check both the brake rotors and the voltage. The brake pedal pulsing happens whether the engine is cold or warm, and I have not noticed any electrical issues. Given the mileage, worn rotors seem likely, but I will mention the voltage regulator during the inspection.

Thanks for those additional details. While our symptoms started similarly, your case sounds more like mechanical wear than the electrical issues I encountered in my Golf. The fact that the vibration increases with speed and is accompanied by squeaky brakes strongly suggests worn brake rotors and possibly uneven pad wear. The high mileage on your Tiguan and the progressive nature of the symptoms point toward normal wear of brake components rather than an electrical fault. In my case, the pulsing was consistent regardless of speed, unlike your situation. When my brake rotors eventually needed replacement at similar mileage (around 150000km), I had similar symptoms, especially the speed-dependent vibration. The workshop found the rotors had developed uneven wear spots, causing both the vibration and the squeaky brakes. A complete brake service ended up costing 520€, which included new rotors, brake pads, and caliper maintenance. While they can check the voltage regulator, I would bet the brake system components need attention first. Consider requesting a brake rotor thickness measurement during inspection, this will quickly confirm if youre dealing with uneven wear or warped rotors, which matches your symptoms more closely than my previous electrical issue.

Thanks for the informative feedback about the brake rotor issue. The symptoms you described definitely align with what I am experiencing, especially regarding the speed-dependent vibration and squeaky brakes. Since my Tiguan is at 147969km, worn brake components seem the most logical explanation. Will book it in for a complete inspection of the brake system next week. Good to know the approximate cost of 520€ for a full brake service, helps with budgeting. Though I will still ask them to verify the voltage regulator just to be thorough, focusing on the disc brakes and checking for uneven rotor wear appears to be the right approach. Having them measure the brake rotor thickness should quickly confirm if this is indeed the source of my brake pedal pulsing. Hope the repair will restore that smooth braking feel. The hydraulic brakes still work fine for now, but best to address this before it potentially becomes a bigger issue. Will update once I get the official diagnosis.