Check the brake switch at the pedal.
How about a malfunctioning brake light switch
Working brake lights are important for safety reasons while driving. It is important to check all of the wiring, if the brake lights are not working and the fuses and bulbs have been checked.
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.
The problem points to the directional/lights and hazard switch. The brake light wiring is part of that circuit.You can buy the switch after market it is about $70.00.
check the wires at brake light switch on brake pedal they are bad about breaking brake light switch
replace brake light switch on brake pedal if it hasn't been done try that
Check to see if stop lights are working - shift interlock and stop lights are same circuit Check fuse Try turning key to 1st (unlock) position shift to neutral start vehicle and then shift to "Drive"
Check the stop light switch - usually located at the upper end of the brake pedal under dash area
brake lights say lit after ignition has been shut off. lights shut off after hitting the brakes.
Turn signal switch is melting...replace the turn signal switch in the steering column.
If you have been playing around the bottom of your seat you could of touched the E- brake just a tad and they will go off, you will notice if your brake light is on that means your running lights are off, DEC 22/09 it caught me by surprise.