15 Nov 2026
The voice of the independent garage sector

Parts warning

VOLKSWAGEN has issued a warning about dangerous counterfeit brake pads.

The counterfeit parts box label indicates that the product is a ‘Wasserpumpe’ and not brake pads. Wasserpumpe is German for water pump.

Printing error on counterfeit parts box reads ‘Fonnel Q’, but should read ‘Formel Q’.

The backing plate of the counterfeit brake pads is engraved with ‘TAXTE’ or ‘TEXTA’, whereas the genuine part is engraved with ‘TEXTAR’.

No fitting instructions were included in the box.

The tamper proof seal on the box is missing

The counterfeit parts do not have a batch code or production date.

The performance of the counterfeit product is significantly lower than the genuine brake pads.