weird and dangerous problem

Its either the battery or alternator. I had the same problem with the OEM battery ...it had a bad plate in it that shorted. It made it look like the alternator tested bad Replaced under warrenty and it never happened again. (I'm at 110K miles) Paul

It might be the ignition switch. How many keys on your key ring? Try to limit it to one or two keys.

later, dave Reminder........ Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize them, you are a mile away from them, and you have their shoes. Frieda Norris

I'll second the ignition switch. There's a extended warranty on that vintage passat's switches. I had to replace my passat's at around 90k miles. It most likely happens during the day but you don't notice it. Does your heater and radio go off for short intervals also?

Joe R

The thing is, if it were the ignition switch, wouldn't all the idiot lights come on instead of just those two? The heater and radio are not affected as well. And why would the head lights go out? I didn't think the headlights were in any way related to the brakes or the ignition switch.

thanks

Lanny

If it was the ignition switch, I think the idiot lights would go out. My 84 rabbit needs a new ignition switch, and when the car shuts off because of it, everything has no power. Sounds like a bad ground somewhere, perhaps the alternator. Test the alternator and battery. Your FLAPS might offer this as a free service. Joe

Thanks to all who responded. It was the ignition switch.