2000 Toyota Camry: brake failure

Filed Feb 7, 2010 · Brakes · 140,000 miles · IA

I drive a 2000 toyota camry, and have had a few incidents previously, during the winter months of 2008-09. This concern never happens during warmer months. It happened 3 times in the same day on february 3, 2010: when approaching a t-intersection of smaller highways, when I came to a stop light controlled 4-way intersection in the town of newton, ia, and as I was slowing down to turn off the main street into a parking lot. When I pushed down on the brake pedal, it was almost like there were no brakes. I had to push it clear to the floor and then very slowly and gradually, my car eventually stopped, but out in the intersection or beyond my turnoff. I have not rear-ended anyone or hit any pedestrians, but that is a definite possibility. I started researching online to see if others have had this problem and discovered that some toyota models in the years 2007-2010 have been recalled due to a very similar problem, with the same symptoms. When I called toyota of des moines, I was told that it could not be the same problem, since the brake system used in 2000 is different from that in the recall years. I have an appointment in 2 weeks in d.m. And have to be very cautious between now and then, especially if driving when snow is falling and/or the temperature is quite cold. It makes no difference if the pavement is wet or dry, when this happens, and it's like a layer of ice is within my brakes, keeping them from taking hold when I apply them.

Filed Feb 19, 2008 · Brakes, Steering · 120,000 miles · MA · crash · 1 injury

I was driving around 30mph, and the car started to buck. As I approached the intersection, I pressed the brake pedal to the floor, and the car did not slow down at all. The brakes failed, and steering became very difficult. My road was ending, so I attempted to make a left. I tried to steer the vehicle to the side and hit a tree with the front end of the vehicle.

Filed Aug 22, 2006 · Brakes · PA · crash

2000 camry brakes failed causing the vehicle to strike 2 vehicles. *ts while braking the for a toll both the vehicle would not stop and struck two vehicles.. The vehicle then crashed through the toll gate on the berm. The vehicle came to rest on the berm outside the toll gate. The vehicle sustained damage to the front right and left quarter panel, front right and left turn signal assembly, hood, windshield and right exterior mirror. This accident also damaged the other two vehicles and turnpike toll gate.

Filed Oct 31, 2005 · Brakes · 48,000 miles · NY · crash

Dt: the contact stated on two occasions the brakes would not stop his vehicle. There was a pulsation when he applied the brakes. The first time the brakes failed the contact's vehicle hit a vehicle that stopped in front. The dealer examined the vehicle, and said there was no problem with the brakes. After the second incident he replaced the rotors. He found that a crack had formed on the old rotors. He believed the crack was the reason for the vehicle not stopping when the brakes were applied. *ak updated 11/16/2005 -

Filed Oct 6, 2004 · Airbags, Brakes · IN · crash · 1 injury

While driving consumer applied the brakes and pedal went to the floor. Another vehicle crashed into consumer's vehicle head on. Upon impact, both air bag did not deploy. The seat belt broke, causing it to hit the glass windshield. Visor inside of the vehicle sheared off and fell onto of the driver head and caused a deep scar on top of the driver 's forehead. The driver was transported by ambulance to the hospital. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection.

Filed Jul 6, 2004 · Engine · 102,000 miles · NH · fire

I purchased a 2000 toyota camry ce (VIN # 4t1bg22koyu962183) with a 4 cylinder engine, 5 speed manual transmission in february of 2000. Friday, july 3, 2004 around 6:15am I was driving this car to work on rte 495 south in hudson, mass. Without warning, I heard a pop under the hood and suddenly there was a loud explosion. White smoke was pouring out the rear and dark smoke from under the hood. I was driving 65 MPH down a steep grade, in heavy traffic. I quickly began pull into the brake down lane. I applied the brakes but the brake pedal went to the floor and the clutch pedal was also to the floor. I slowly applied the parking brake and managed to get the car stopped. I had flames coming from under the hood and smoke coming into the drivers compartment. The traffic that was being blinded by the smoke and the road had guardrails so I could not pull completely off the road. I was concerned about getting out of the car into traffic but I had to get out quickly. I got away from the vehicle and called the authorities. By the time the fire trucks arrived the front of the camry was fully engulfed in flames. The car was a total loss. What occurred that morning hit me later. I realized that I could have been seriously injured or killed. Thankfully I did not panic and cause a bad situation to be worse. I thought what if someone else had been driving this car, my pregnant daughter or my wife. What if a family with a child in a car seat, a new younger driver or an elderly person was driving? I consider myself lucky to walk away uninjured. Someone else might have been another story. I dont know what caused this to occur, I took good care of this vehicle. My insurance company, travelers casualty company of connecticut, is handling the settlement. I thought it was important to let you know of this failure. I had found that there was an investigation into camry fires a while ago. Please contact me if you need more details. William hovey.

Filed Feb 11, 2004 · Brakes, Electrical · CA · fire

Consumer felt something shoot through the bottom of vehicle and out of the tail pipe. Then, brake pedal went to the floor. Driver has to use hand brake to stop. Driver got out of vehicle, and vehicle caught on fire.

Filed Aug 27, 2003 · Brakes · 11,000 miles · IL

Loss of brake effectiveness, pedal travels to floor, spongy brakes. Pedal clearance is 0. Inches (minimum 2.8 inches at 100 lbf with engine on).rakes less effective in hotter weather. Many close calls in stopping before hitting someone. Vehicle is unsafe! Took vehicle in 5 times to dealership, called toyota hotline, no fix yet they are stumpped! Tried cleaning, adjusting, bleeding and master cylinder.

Filed Dec 9, 2002 · Brakes · MI

While exiting freeway rear brakes failed. Dealership contacted and informed consumer that the rear barrings was not properly installed. Please provide further information. Ph

Filed Oct 7, 2002 · Brakes · MI

Consumer parked the vehicle on a steep incline and engaged the emergency brake. When consumer released the brake, there was a loud thump at the rear passenger side. Consumer started the vehicle and drove approx. One mile when the brakes failed completely. The brake warning light never illuminated. Consumer took the vehicle to the service department where purchased, and after examining the vehicle, they indicated that the rear brakes heated up slightly warping the brake drum. Consumer is concerned that some inherent defect could cause the brakes to over heat again.

Filed Aug 20, 2002 · Brakes · CA

Repeated brake failure problem with vehicle.

Filed Jun 21, 2002 · Brakes · MD

While the consumer was driving, the brakes failed and the consumer bumped the vehicle in the front. The dealer found out that the master cylinder had failed and there was an internal leak.