I have asked a similar question.Ive checked the bulbs and the fuse and they are fine. There is a brake light plunger type switch attached to the upper part of the brake pedal but i havent been able to locate it yet.Its awarkward lying on your back with a torch trying to find it.
Blown fuse or defective brake light switch.
A defective brake light switch could cause the problem. Also a defective turn signal switch could also. The brake lights work through the turn signals. It cancels the brake light so that the turn signal can work.
check the brake light switch behind the brake pedal under the dash.
a mis adjusted brake light switch could cause that fault.
Could be a bad wiring harness, disruption of the circuit somewhere between the brake pedal and the brake lights, a bad switch which fails to actuate the brake lights. See sources and related links below for bulb information.
Nonfunctional Brake LightsOne possible cause of this issue is that the brake light switch is not adjusted properly, or the switch could be defective.
Check the brake light switch. This can cause the brake lights to go out. There have been a couple of recalls on the 2001 for this exact problem. Contact your local VW dealer and have the switch replaced.
Probably the wrong bulbs or the brake lights are getting stuck "on". Or maybe a combination of the two. Check that you have the right bulbs and check to make sure something isn't keeping the brake lights on. FriPilot
a mi me paso eso se arregla con solo cambiar el relay de luces y punto ya vuelve las luces a prender....
my back brake lights don't work, but the brake light on the back door does what could be wrong
burned out bulb, blown fuse, wiring
It could, if the lights are on all the time.