Brake pads Raybestos or OEM Volkswagen

Looks like a good project. I would be concerned about what you described about the brakes. It could be alot of different things causing that issue.

Raybestos Element 3. They last a while and bite pretty well when braking hard

Pretty happy with them so far.

I found Raybestos Element 3 pads and rotors were great on my 2011. The pads have a higher friction rating than the OE pads but still low dust and great feel and braking. Terrific value. The rotors are nice as well.

Make certain your kiddo has GOOD brakes and tires.

Have had very good experiences with Raybestos Element 3. Excellent price as well.

I put Akebono ProActs on my car 3 years ago, and it has the softest pedal of any car Ive ever owned; I almost have to plan ahead before hitting the brakes it takes so long to come to a complete stop. I Put the Raybestos E3 on my wife's van (which previously had warped rotors), and the braking was fantastic for the final 2 years we kept it. More bite, no warping (even with the Semi-metallic pads), stop on a dime, no noticeable noise. Meanwhile the Akebonos on my car squeal like frightened pigs now, and the rotors just started warping (hence why Im on this sub, comparing other brands).So I'm going back to the Element 3s, or moving up to PowerStop. IDC what Scotty Kilmer says about the Akebonos - the main thing I want from my brakes is to stop the car quickly and safely, hopefully without warping the rotors. Everything else is secondary. The friction on the "premium" ProActs is mediocre at best (also no warranty, but that doesn't really factor in for me). And with my family as passengers, Im more concerned with stopping safely than a little noise or dust, or pad longevity.YMMV, but for me, Im done with the 'bonos.

I would recommend Raybestos ST43s but they’re going to be the same price and availability is scarce.

Same on my wife's '22 Atlas. So much so that I think it activates the parking sensors on every occasion when we slowly come to a stop, like in a red light and nothing is around the vehicle to make the parking sensors activate. It's just at 37k miles but I'm considering upgrading the pads and rotors!

I had to replace my brakes early as well, and I was also past the extended warranty campaign.