P0571 on Volkswagen: Causes, Symptoms and Fix Cost
Quick Answer
Not safe to drive
P0571 on a Volkswagen means the engine computer has found a fault in the circuit of brake switch "A", the switch at the brake pedal that tells it when you are braking. The signal is missing, stuck or does not make sense, so the engine computer switches off cruise control and, on many cars, lights an engine warning. The usual cause is a worn brake light switch, but a blown brake light bulb, a fuse, the wrong bulb type or a wiring fault can set the same code on cars that check the brake light circuit. VW, Audi, Skoda and SEAT apps often show this code as P057100; the last two digits are a failure-type byte.
- Severity
- Moderate · Electrical
- Typical repair cost, all makes
- €2-€150
Connect a standard OBD2 adapter (Bluetooth LE on iPhone) to your Volkswagen and Skanyx tells you what P0571 means on that engine, whether it is safe to keep driving, and what the fix should cost. Free on iPhone and Android.
Get Skanyx freeWhat does P0571 mean on a Volkswagen?
The Quick Answer above is the generic definition. What follows is the model-specific detail for the Volkswagen models that log P0571.
Volkswagen Golf
2004-2020
On Volkswagen group cars the fault text for this code is "Brake Light Switch (F): Implausible Signal". Volkswagen lists blown brake light bulbs, the wrong bulb type (a 21 W bulb where a 5/21 W one belongs), failed fuses and wiring alongside the switch itself, and on diesels the glow plug light can come on with this code. Check the bulbs and fuse before buying a switch.
What causes P0571 on a Volkswagen?
Beyond the generic causes listed on the main P0571 page, these are the patterns noted for Volkswagen models:
Failed brake light switch (F)
: Volkswagen Golf
Blown brake light bulb or wrong bulb type
: Volkswagen Golf
Failed brake light fuse
: Volkswagen Golf
How to diagnose P0571 on a Volkswagen with OBD2
Follow these steps to pinpoint the root cause of P0571:
- Have someone watch the brake lights while you press and release the pedal. Lights that never come on, never go off, or only partly work point to bulbs, fuses or the switch.
- Read all stored codes and the freeze frame. P0504 stored alongside points to the two halves of a dual-contact switch disagreeing. A generic OBD2 reader shows the stored codes and freeze frame; the brake switch status itself is usually only visible with manufacturer-level software.
- Check the brake light bulbs and their type against the handbook, and check the brake light fuse.
- Inspect the switch above the brake pedal: it should sit firmly in its bracket with the plunger resting against the pedal. A loose switch or a missing stop pad means it does not switch at the right point.
- Unplug the switch and check the connector for corrosion and damaged pins. With a multimeter, check that the switch contacts open and close cleanly as the plunger moves.
- Replace the switch if it fails the test, setting it up as the manufacturer describes. Clear the code and confirm that the brake lights and cruise control work.
How much does P0571 cost to fix on a Volkswagen? (EUR)
Estimated repair costs for P0571 in EUR, compiled across makes. Volkswagen costs typically sit in the middle of each range.
| Repair | Parts Cost | Labor Cost | Total Estimate | DIY Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Replace brake light switch | €15–€40 | €20–€60 | €35–€100 | Easy |
| Adjust brake light switch or replace pedal stop pad | €0–€10 | €20–€60 | €20–€70 | Easy |
| Replace brake light bulbs or fuse | €2–€15 | €0–€30 | €2–€45 | Easy |
| Repair brake switch wiring and connector | €5–€30 | €40–€120 | €45–€150 | Moderate |
Prices estimated as of March 2026. Costs vary by region, vehicle, and shop.
Codes related to P0571
These codes are often seen alongside P0571 or point to related issues, on any make:
Looking for the full P0571 reference (all makes, full diagnosis flow, complete repair cost matrix)? See the main P0571 guide
Diagnose P0571 on your Volkswagen
Your car logged P0571. Skanyx reads it on a standard OBD2 adapter (Bluetooth LE on iPhone), tells you whether it is safe to keep driving, and shows the €2-€150 repair range so you know the number before a shop quotes you. Free on iPhone and Android, and you do not need to be a mechanic to read it.
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