1999 Toyota Camry: ABS light or ABS activating

Filed Aug 26, 2005 · Brakes, Engine · 27,000 miles · NC

Dt: the consumer believed the brake problem the problem concerned ABS pump. While driving the brakes failed. Every two-three months this problem occurred, at least twenty times. This problem first started in september 2001. The first documentation was for may of 2002. There have been several near accidents, but none as of yet. The dealer was unsure of the exact problem because they were unable to find it. They have told the consumer numbers possibilities, but still has not fixed the problem. Also, there was also a problem with the engine. They changed the timing belt because of engine noise. They told the consumer that there was a problem with the water pump and it was changed. The consumer had a report from the dealership. But, not all of the times that vehicle was taken to the dealer was included in the report. The consumer believed that engine problem was with the valve and the lifters.

Filed Nov 15, 2003 · Brakes · 89,416 miles · IL

Without warning, I.e. Squealing, sounds, etc., I experienced increased stopping distance when I pressed the brakes to avoid a collision. When I returned the car to the dealer/service, they stated that the front pads are metal to metal. The car has 89,000 miles and the brakes and portions of the braking system have been replaced on average every 8,000 miles. This has been the eleventh time that there has been brake problems with this car. The front brake pads are being worn prematurely. There is usually a lot of brake dust and crystallized or solid material falling from the front brake pads. The dealer/mechanic/service has stated various reasons for the brake failures each time, but the problem is never resolved. This car has ABS.

Filed Jul 16, 2002 · Brakes · HI

01/2001 - 03/2001 4 wheel ABS. Intermittent occurrence of the following: ABS functioning or brakes operating when brake pedal is not depressed. Notice while driving on highway, car starts to vibrate excessively from unneeded braking. The problem goes away as driving continues. After 1 incident took car to a repair station because I needed to apply the gas pedal to go down hill to keep car going at speed limit (where usually car will roll at speed limit). Car put on racks and found brakes were extremely hot. All wheels could not be hand turned. After brakes cooled problem was able to drive car normally. Had 4 occurrences of this in last 3 months. Took car to dealer and problem did not occur. Dealer said there was no sense is taking things apart when there were no symptoms. 03/2001 took car back to dealer 3 weeks later. Latest experience was that brakes were now failing. Pedal went low when applying brakes. Dealer said brake fluid was contamintated and warranty is now void. Dealer mentioned that 1 week earlier another car came in with contaminated brake fluid. Dealer says that due to contamination, they need to replace almost entire braking system (calipers, lines, master, ABS sensors) this was estimated at over $3,000. Told dealer to try and only flush brake fluid. He said could do this but they would also need to replace the master since brake pedal was going low. Dealer also said that they (toyota) would not be responsible for any brake failure that occurred following this compromised repair alternative. Dealer called later and said front rotors also need to be replaced because they are beyond tolerance for resurfacing. Agreed to the change. (total cost of repairs: $1,000) 09/2001 the car operated fine for almost six months. Notice that at around the 60 MPH range, vibration starts to occur. Appears to be the early symptoms of the ABS starting to function without depressing brakes (again). Imo problem is the ABS starting to function by itself. Problem stopped *

Filed Dec 9, 2001 · Brakes · CT · crash

Abs braking system engage immediately upon braking with no impending skid resulting in increased stopping distance and dog being struck. Pavement was dry and I could have avoided the accident if the car did not have overly sensitive ABS brakes. I compained to the selling dealer about this when the car was new and was told this is normal and not a problem. The ABS has activated on several other occasions when it shouldn't have cause loss of control but no accident. Abs should be reprogrammed to only activate when there is an impending wheel lockup.

Filed Sep 27, 2001 · Brakes · KS

The brakes seem to loose its power assist at low speeds, they feel much the way if the engine was shutt off and greatly increase the stopping distance of the vehicle, often the loss of braking will put the vehicle into an intersection or other dangerous situations when trying to accelerate from a stop or when stopping suddenly, also when stopping normally then try to press harder on the brake pedal, there is an extended stopping problem, consumer does not believe the problem is with the ABS, however dealer unable to duplicate the problem and states its just like fact that the vehicle has ABS.

Filed Feb 1, 2001 · Brakes · NY

Abs too sensitive for road conditions. Slightest variation in road condition causes ABS system to go into panic mode braking. On many occasions the car would not stop because of road was wet under one tire and not the other. Current winter conditons cause ABS system to brake erraticly even though there is no reason for the brakes to be pulsating like they do or for the brakes to vibrate so loud to cause the driver to panic . I dread driving this car for I don't know how the braking system will react.

Filed Oct 5, 2000 · Brakes · NY

Loud noise when braking kind of an airplane landing / braking toyota said that its normal... Abs deployees often in dry pavement or reversing down hill or of a parking lot.

Filed Oct 6, 1999 · Brakes · OH

Brake system failed on two occasions due to failure of the (1st failure) ABS valve and (2nd failure) master cylinder leakage. The systems are designed to engage if one unit fails, then other will engage, which did not happen. Mjs

Filed Sep 29, 1999 · Brakes · IL

When applying ABS brakes a loud noise occurs and extended stopping distance occurs. Dealer can not identify the cause of the problem. Please give any further details.

Filed Sep 22, 1999 · Brakes, Suspension · MA

Major "bottoming out" problem when car is carrying 4 adults. Vehicle actually bangs down onto pavement when rolling over the smallest speedbump or exiting driveway. Dealer notified & replaced front struts 9/16/1999. Have yet to "test" new parts. Airconditioner reeks of strong odor since 1st use. Reported to dealer who used a spray in the aircon but system still smells strongly. Have not reported ABS brake situation to dealer as this has occurred 3x. Have never had ABS brakes before & thought it was "normal." if stopping very suddenly, entire vehicle shudders and vibrates. Has not happened recently as a short-stopping situation has not arisen. Do not know if brake/vehicle shudder is normal?

Filed Jun 30, 1999 · Brakes · OK · crash

Applied brakes and pedal went to floor, reapplied brakes again and pedal went to floor and struck another vehicle. This has occurred 4 times previously, after each incident, I reviewed ABS stopping procedure to be sure it wasn't me. My sister was present during 1 episode.