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2008 Toyota Prius brakes complaints

Page 7 of 14: complaints 161 to 190 of 391, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2008 Toyota Prius brakes problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Aug 10, 2010 · Acceleration, Brakes · NY · fire

2008 toyota prius with unintended acceleration. *kb an inspection was performed on the vehicle. According to the dealer, the front and rear brakes were completely worn, the rotors were also worn and were in need of replacement. The brake fluid was within normal limits and there was a fluid leak from the impact damage. The accelerator pedal was in good condition and moved freely with no binding or sticking. The drivers side floor mat was an aftermarket all weather mat, not properly secured. It was positioned forward where it could interfere with the accelerator. According to the letter the brakes caught on fire and a motorist extinguished the fire. *jb updated 12/30/10 *bf updated 01/07/11

Filed Jul 15, 2010 · Brakes · DC

I have a 2008 toyota prius, and repeatedly experience the "brake drop-out" problem that has been discussed on numerous prius-related websites. (see, for example, http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-prius-technical-discussion/80218-traction-control-disabling-brakes-over-bumps.html, or http://priuschat.com/forums/prius-hybrid-news/75647-toyotas-next-page-ranking-nightmare-prius-brakes-4.html, among others). I also understand that this problem has been raised with the federal safety agency numerous times. The problem I experience is that when I drive over a bump or pothole, particularly at a low speed, while braking, a warning light flashes on and the car momentarily lurches forward. Several times I have felt close to getting into an accident as a result. I understand from the extensive online discussions of this problem that it has to do with a transition from the regenerative braking system to the traditional friction braking system, but that only explains the problem, and does not solve it. I understand that toyota has addressed this problem in the gen iii prius, but has done nothing about the gen ii prius. Also, this has nothing to do with the floor mat recall for this car.

Filed Jul 12, 2010 · Brakes · WI

My 2008 toyota prius touring edition has had a consistent problem with the skid light going on under the most innocuous of conditions. I now have 34,000 miles on it, and after it happened again yesterday, and I saw this website address, I decided to report it. Often, when I drive at any speed, especially on city streets, if I go over a tiny bump, a small pot hole, a minor moist spot, not to mention snow and ice, the yellow light comes on while the car seems to become airborne for a few seconds, seems out of control, and skids when the tires grip the ground again. My heart lurches along with the car, and it makes me afraid to drive it (in addition to the general recalls that have eroded my confidence in the car). In some cases, I have actually skidded into a curb before I could regain control with the brake. (I was told by my dealership 1) they haven't heard of such a problem; later: 2) well, it is because of the tires, which had only 20,000 miles on them; and when we replaced the tires with michelins and it still happened: 3) the car is supposed to do this and it's good that the braking system is so sensitive.

Filed Jun 21, 2010 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 35,000 miles · CA · crash

I drive a 2008 prius. When braking and driving over a pot-hole, bump, or other road work the anti-lock braking system engages, and the brakes release for an extended period of time (>1 second) causing the car to coast during this time. I drive on busy city streets and on highways with stop and go traffic, and this uncontrolled brake release represents a safety hazard. I have driven vehicles with anti-lock brakes before, and this kind of braking release is much longer and results in a much greater loss of vehicle control than in other vehicles I have driven. In a specific recent incident, I hit a car immediately in front of me. In the incident, I was driving over bumpy pavement and the car in front of me stopped abruptly. As I tried to brake sharply to avoid hitting the car in front, the braking released because the anti lock brakes engaged, and instead of stopping safely, I hit the car. Although there were no injuries and damage was minor, the incident (and the regularity with which the brakes release under normal driving conditions) seems to me to represent a significant safety problem for the vehicle.

Filed Jun 21, 2010 · Brakes, Visibility · IN

2008 toyota prius. Consumer states problem with brakes disengage when braking. *tgw in addition, the brakes disengaged when the tires rolled over a tar strip or any other type of bumps. Also, the heating system was not adequate during winter conditions, the automatic dimming rear view mirror did not work because it was blocked by the rear window frame. Consequently, the consumer was blinded by the lights of other vehicles behind him.

Filed Jun 15, 2010 · Brakes · 60,000 miles · MD · crash · 1 injury

Tl*the contact owns a 2008 toyota prius. The contact stated that on may 21, 2010, while driving at 20 MPH, the contact applied the brakes but the vehicle did not stop. As a result, the vehicle rear ended another vehicle. There were minor damages to the vehicle but the contact suffered a leg injury and was he taken to the hospital. There was no police report filed. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealership but the failure could not be duplicated. The contact called the manufacturer who later sent him a letter stating that no failure was found within the vehicle. The current and failure mileages were approximately 60,000.

Filed Jun 2, 2010 · Brakes, Driver assistance · OH

On my 2008 toyota prius, when I hit a bump or pothole at relatively low speed, the car sometimes goes into "anti-skid" mode, leading to a brief (~1/2 second), disconcerting period of lurching/acceleration/loss of braking ability before the car returns to normal. This problem is usually accompanied by the lighting of the yellow skid icon indicator on the dash.

Filed May 31, 2010 · Acceleration, Brakes · 30,000 miles · WI

1. While driving and braking over potholes or rough road, the car veers forward even though brakes are being applied 2. Happens ever since we received our 2008 prius maybe once a month or so: results in scary few moments, although no accidents yet have occurred 3. Dealer claims cannot re-create the issue.

Filed May 26, 2010 · Brakes · 120 miles · SC

2008 toyota prius - braking system. Braking on a rough or bumpy road, the brakes will disengage and cause your braking time to increase by 5-10 ft without notice. When this disengagement happens, you feel for a few seconds as if you have lost control of the car and the skid light comes on as well.

Filed May 25, 2010 · Brakes · NY

In my 2008 prius, when I am braking and go over a bump, the anti-lock braking system kicks in. However, when it does, it feels like the brakes disengage for a second and the car speeds up. I feel like I am losing control of the car for a few seconds.

Filed May 22, 2010 · Brakes · PA

I am experiencing a feeling that the brakes on my 2008 prius seem to disengage when I go over a bump and sometimes when I am braking somewhat abruptly. The uncomfortable feeling that the car is not going to stop and actually feels as if it is accelerating only lasts momentarily- but it is a scary feeling. The car was checked by the toyota dealership from whom it was purchased. They assured me that it was a common occurrence with the ABS system found in the model. I am however, not at all comfortable with the insecure feeling that the car is not going to stop.

Filed May 21, 2010 · Brakes · 10,000 miles · MN

When I step on the brakes, and the road is bumpy, the brakes feel like they are not working for a second, and then they grab. This happens every time I am braking and there is a bump in the road.

Filed May 20, 2010 · Brakes · 1,000 miles · IL

I own a 2008 prius. When braking on an uneven surface, the brakes seem to momentarily fail and the ABS light blinks on the dashboard. It makes me feel as though there is a defect in the braking system. This happens regularly. Incident date is actually date of purchase of the car.

Filed May 20, 2010 · Brakes · 20,000 miles · MN

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 toyota prius. When braking from speeds of 6 MPH, there was an unusual increase in brake stopping time. The contact stated she applied extreme pressure to the brakes before they engaged. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. There were no repairs made to the vehicle. The failure mileage was 20,000 and the current mileage was 25,000. Updated 7/26/10 *cn the consumer stated the brake would start to engage and then suddenly let go. Updated 08/03/10

Filed May 19, 2010 · Brakes, Driver assistance · CT

2008 prius. Often when I go over a bump the anti-lock braking system kicks in and it feels as if I have lost control of the car. I don't think I could stop suddenly. I haven't had an accident but I am uncomfortable driving sometimes even in good weather. The service department was no help.

Filed May 18, 2010 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 1 miles · NY

Every time I am braking and go over a bump in my 2008 toyota prius the anti-lock braking system kicks in. When it does so, it feels like the brakes disengage for a second and the car goes faster, like the braking system is failing before it ends up kicking in. My toyota dealer tells me this is the way it is supposed to work but it does not feel safe to me. It has been this way since the first day I bought the car brand new from the dealer.

Filed May 17, 2010 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 300 miles · WI

Frequently while driving on dry, clear and clean roads, my car braking system will seem to fail and feel like the car is going into a skid. The ABS warning light comes on as well - although there is no reason for brake trouble. Seems to be happening more and more frequently lately.

Filed May 16, 2010 · Brakes · 20,000 miles · WI

When braking on slippery surface-the ABS kicks in- it feels as though the brakes disengage and the car speeds up slightly.

Filed May 15, 2010 · Brakes · 12,000 miles · WI

In my 2008 toyota prius, when I am braking (using the regenerative braking system) and hit a rough patch of pavement that requires the ABS, there is a short time when no brake is engaged and the car seems to speed up temporarily (just a split second). Please note that this has happened on numerous occasions, not just the date requested below.

Filed May 15, 2010 · Brakes · 41,000 miles · WI

During a hard braking event, the anti-lock-brakes take over but for a moment before they do, it feels like I have no brakes and the car seems to go faster. It is a scary feeling.

Filed May 15, 2010 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 15 miles · WI

2008 toyota prius -ABS releases brakes while applying brakes over bump or bumpy road surface causing longer stopping distance. Vehicle will stop acceleration in turn if going over bump as thug stability control is activating.

Filed May 9, 2010 · Brakes · WI

I have noticed a seeming problem with my 2008 toyota prius. If I am braking when I happen to go over a bump in the road, the brakes seem like they "let up", so that it feels like instead of braking, the car is accelerating. Occasionally, the light will come on the dash that indicates a slippery road, so I think it may have something to do with the anti-lock brakes? It just doesn't seem right, and I'm curious if there may be a defect in the brake system.

Filed May 6, 2010 · Brakes · 52,702 miles · 00 · crash

I was driving a rented toyota prius 2008 hybrid electric on april 8th in mississauga ontario and met with three vehicles collision. On a solid green signal, a min van coming from east, opposite direction cut off the oncoming traffic from west. First car slammed the brakes and did not hit the wrongful mini van. Second car hit the first car. I rear ended second car. I was in safe distance and applied brakes. This car did not stop and kept moving and hit the second car. It was a rainy day. Normal cars would stop without hitting. No one injured. I think toyota has to advice all year models to fix the brake problems. Contacted toyota scarborough. It says this car is not in re-call list. How recalling list prepared, I do not know. After incidents? I will never drive prius again.

Filed May 2, 2010 · Acceleration, Brakes · 9,000 miles · MD

While driving about 65 MPH on a smooth interstate, my 2008 toyota prius accelerated when I tapped the brake to take it out of cruise control. I stepped on the brake again and it stopped accelerating, and slowed down. I had removed the floor mat a few weeks prior. I took it to toyota to have the recall work done, which included a software upgrade. They said after they inspected the car that they determined form the log that the brake and accelerator had been pressed at the same time, twice. I am sure I did not step on both. As I said, I tapped the break to take it out of cruise control, and at the time it accelerated my foot was in the air, not touching either pedal. I suggested the cruise control may be erroneously putting flags in the log as it slows and accelerated to maintain a consistent speed. The dealer refused to report this suggestion or since it would be diagnosing, and said there was no place for them to report that I was sure I had not stepped on both pedals at the same time. Thank you, and I hope you are able to resolve this problem.

Filed Apr 27, 2010 · Brakes, Engine · OH

S10 appropriate handling-letter to the secretary from re toyota problems *tgw the consumer stated the brakes made a noise. According to the dealer, there may have been rust on the rotors, due to lack of driving. The vehicle was not getting proper gas mileage and the gas motor made a lot of noise.

Filed Apr 7, 2010 · Brakes · 35,000 miles · CA

Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). 2008 toyota prius [xxx] when applying brakes, if I drive over a bump, ie railroad track, the brakes disengage for a couple of seconds and then reengage. It feels like you hit a patch of black ice. I have had no accidents as a result, only a few scares. This problem has been recognized by toyota as a problem with the 2010 prius, but not the 2008 prius. The same problem exists on my 2008 prius.

Filed Mar 30, 2010 · Acceleration, Brakes · NJ

2008 toyota prius. Consumer states brake problems with the vehicle. *tgw on several occasions, prior to public notice and the recently announced recall, the consumer noticed an unusual braking incident. The incidents happened while slowing down to make a turn. When she applied the brake, the engine raced for a split second and the vehicle surged for a moment.

Filed Mar 29, 2010 · Acceleration, Brakes · 19,354 miles · CO

Toyota prius 2008 less serious - frequent release or lapse of braking by ABS (assumed) on irregular roadway small cracks seem to confuse system with significant forward travel of vehicle before brakes reengage. Similar to my earlier 2005 model but more frequent occurrences and longer lapse in pad rotor contact during braking. Most serious brakes failed almost 10 seconds. Travel on wet slushy highway for 2 hours on 55 MPH road with uphill grade and slight turn to right driver applied light brake pressure attempting to time deceleration to controlled intersection for green light. Application of brakes slowed vehicle no more then uphill coast, firmer pressure to no effect, full hard pressure no effect, slight release and full slam, no immediate effect, finally ABS stuttered/pulsed and stop vehicle.

Filed Mar 26, 2010 · Brakes · 21,147 miles · OR · crash

I have a 2008 toyota prius that we purchased new in april of 08. On march 19th I was driving in heavy stop and go traffic on a street with construction panels on parts of surface. I was leaving a car length in front of me. When the car ahead stopped, I applied the brakes and nothing happened. The car kept going and crashed into the rear end of the car ahead. No one hurt but damage to bumper and hood of my car. Took the car to the dealership next morning. Toyota rep looked over it, ran diagonstic codes and said nothing was wrong with the car. I know the brakes failed. We have lost confidence in the car and toyota service.

Filed Mar 24, 2010 · Acceleration, Brakes · 32,669 miles · NC

When hitting small bumps travelling at speeds of 25-50mph (such as bumps before bridges) the ABS will activate and the pedals go loose. It seems the car can not be controlled for about 3/4 of a second once this occurs. Luckily I have never been rounding a turn or approaching stopped traffic when this occurs or I would not have been able to stop. I had one close call where the brakes seemed to lag before kicking in, then jolting hard after the delay causing me to almost lose control of the vehicle.

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