I have a 2008 toyota prius that experiences the same hesitancy and shaking while braking that the 2010 recalled models have. I initially took the vehicle to toyota within the first year of ownership and they claimed to not be able to duplicate the problem. They also told me last week at the dealership they have had other 2008 owners state the same problem, but since the vehicles are not under recall, there is no recourse for these cars. I have never had a crash due to the problem, but it makes handling a bit difficult when the brakes shake. I feel the recall fix should be made available to other model years as well.
2008 Toyota Prius brakes complaints
Page 8 of 14: complaints 191 to 220 of 391, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Tl*the contact owns a 2008 toyota prius. While traveling at a speed of 25 MPH the contact attempted to apply the brakes and noticed that they would not engage. When the brakes failed to stop the vehicle the contact crashed into a curb which caused the vehicle to stop. The VIN was not available. There were no injuries or need to file a police report. The failure mileage was 15,000 and the current mileage was 15,500.
I left my 2008 toyota prius running and had to run back into a home where I'd just left a sales appointment. Eventhough I had the key fob in my pocket, I noticed out of the corner of my eye as I was crossing the street back towards the house that my car was careening into the buick parked across the street. I ran and jumped in and steered it away from t-boning the parked buick, but could not keep it the driver's side of the prius from scraping along the driver's side corner of the buick's rear bumper.
Vehicle did not stop as expected in stop and go traffic. I bumped the car in front of me in the morning. And then on the way home I almost rear ended another car. This never happened before or since. I thought something was wrong with me that would make my timing be so off that I would hit another car! I told the dealer about it and they said it was probably "brake fade". I disagreed and stopped driving the car recently while the braking/acceleration concerns are investigated. I have a 2008 prius.
Consumer is concerned with braking problems with the 2008 toyota prius. *ts the consumer believed the braking problem was related to weight of the vehicle, due to it being so light.
I own a 2008 toyota prius. When we drive over a bump/pothole it feels as if the brakes fail for approx. A second and a half or so. And the vehicle lurches forward. It is a very unsettling feeling. It has happened several times.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 toyota prius. When driving approximately 15 MPH over an icy or bumpy road surface and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle seemed to continue accelerating instead of decreasing in speed. The driver had to continue depressing the brake pedal in order to decrease the speed of the vehicle. She noticed the problem on at least 6 separate occasions. The dealer was contacted and stated that there was nothing they could do to correct the failure. There were no recalls on the vehicle. The manufacturer was not contacted and no repairs were made to the vehicle at the time of the complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000 and the current was 500.
2008 toyota prius brakes failed while driving causing and accident. *kb the consumer stated the vehicle in front of him began to brake and he thought he had plenty of time to brake. In fact, his foot was already on the brake pedal, with the system he believed was already in regenerative braking. In fact, it actually seemed to decrease significantly for about a second while exhibiting none of the foot pedal vibration characteristic of anti-lock brakes. Only after the second long period of no braking capability did any braking force seem to occur which the consumer believed was when the system's mechanical braking took over.
Driving 2008 toyota prius, going around a round about when the car went over a small patch of ice. The brake was applied but the car did not seem to slow down or respond. The cars passenger front tire hit the curb and caused $2300 worth of damage to the vehicle. There were no other injuries or damage.
My 2008 prius has an unacceptable level of ABS false activation. I have been waiting for an software update to be developed and deployed, but it seems toyota only acknowledges the issue on the 2010 model. I am a former brake systems engineer and I know how the ABS should operate. This tuning is too sensitive on rough surfaces and results in temporary reduction in braking force that is disconcerting and potentially dangerous. This occurs anytime braking on rough surfaces (chatter bump).
I own a 2008 toyota prius and I have problems with my brakes after going over bumpy roads or potholes. I notice this when I am applying constant brake pressure through bumpy road conditions as my brakes will simply let go. I personally believe that there is a software problem regarding the ABS system and the system believing there is wheel lock up when there is none. This would cause the ABS system to engage. It should not be so sensitive that is goes off when no wheels are slipping. I have experienced this in many instances and it has almost lead to me crashing into a toll booth arm/pole. Or once driving too far into an intersection at a red light. Toyota says the braking problem only affects the 2010 prius model but this is simply not true. I have been experiencing this since I first took possession of my model 2008 prius in early 2008.
Whenever I brake while driving over a bump in the road or a pothole, my brakes give out momentarily. At that same time a symbol flashes on my dashboard. My manual identifies this symbol as "the vsc (vehicle stability control) has been engaged." this form requires a specific month, day, year. The approximately incident dates are every day, every week, every month, every year.
I was involved in a accident in my 2008 toyota prius. I was traveling east on greenback lane in citrus heights ca on dec. 24 2008 slight sprinkling at the time at about 35 MPH when the cars in front of me began to stop I couldn't get the car stopped and rear ended a van . The brakes didn't work for a second or so and I kept pressure on and finally they started to work but to late to avoid the collision. I hit a minivan and it pushed him into a 2005 chevy trailblazer. I didn't realize at the time my car may be defective until all the news started to surface and now many others are having the same symptoms. Everyone else said they weren't injured at the time but now the driver in the trail blazer says he has whiplash injuries.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 toyota prius. Whenever the contact applies the brakes while traveling over a rough surface the ABS will activate causing the vehicle to surge forward. The vehicle had not been diagnosed by the dealership and there were no prior warnings. The current and failure mileages were 65000.
2008 toyota prius increases speed for 1 sec when starting to brake. This issue has occurred a few times per calendar year since I bought the car brand new in july of 2008.
Momentary brake failure on 2008 toyota prius. So far the brakes appeared to fail for a fraction of a second on three occasions. In all three instances this happened when I was going over a defect in the pavement (not a pothole, just a rough section of paving).
Second accident caused by brake failure with acceleration. 2008 prius in stop and go traffic driving in battery (brake)mode about 10-15 MPH. Car in front slowed down, I hit the brake and the car accelerated slightly. I look to be sure my foot was on the brake pedal and it was and then rear ended the car in front. Car in front move forward but prius wouldn't stop and started to accelerate again so I pushed on the parking brake with my left foot and slowed it down for the second impact. Car in front then drove slowly to a parking lot and the prius kept moving so I drove it into the parking lot and when it slowed going up the ramp I pushed the parking button stopping the car. I then restarted it and released the parking brake to move further into the parking lot. 4 people injured, 3 seriously. A similar incident occurred 29 september 2008 when driving on cruise control at 26 MPH the prius suddenly turned left hitting a parked car. The video shows I was trying to counter steer hard right. Skid marks showed the left front wheel stopped and the car pivoted on it with acceleration marks from the right front tire.
Tl*the contact owns a 2008 toyota prius. On january 19, 2010 while driving approximately 65 MPH and applying the brakes to slow down with traffic flow the brakes failed to respond. The vehicle responded as if he was stepping on the accelerator pedal. He was able to change lanes and avoid a collision. He did not take the vehicle to the dealer, because he thought it was drivers error. The failure mileage was 19,000 and the current mileage was 20,000.
2008 touring prius with blizzack tires. Driving at 10-15 MPH in parking lot coated with ice, both smooth and bumpy. Applied brakes to slow for a turn out of the lot and the brakes locked, the ABS did not engage, and the car did not slow down, hitting an icy snowbank and cracking the front right fender. This incident was 1/1/10. On 2/1/10 on the freeway, at about 30-40 MPH, on snow that was slick and icy, I applied the brakes, the car was sliding, the ABS did not engage and the car was not slowing down; this time, though, I let up on the brakes and pumped them and then the car did slow down and I did not hit the car in front of me. In 45 years of driving, I have never had an accident. There may have been other times the ABS did not engage, because I have had a number of times in which I have had to pump the brakes after it feels like there is no braking action. The two incidents above, though, are the two I specifically remember.
Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). Hello and to whom it may concern: I purchased a 2008 prius on may 14, 2008 and experienced within one month of buying this prius, an issue with the brakes. I tried braking as I pulled up to my garage in order to park my car in front of it like I usually do, the brake acted "iffy" and the car went right into my garage door! Originally, I thought this was my fault, but I knew I had hit the brakes correctly like I did in the past and swear something must of acted-up. A couple months later I experienced something like this again, in a target store parking lot where the brake was acting, "iffy." when I brought my car into the toyota dealership for the 5000 miles check-up I had expressed my concerns, but this was before any "recall" notice what-so-ever!! I have been back to toyota for my every 5000 miles check-up since, and always inquire about that situation as I hope they document my concerns. Knock on wood, I have not had this happen again, but it did happen, and I have a new garage door and scraped front fender to show for it! When I heard about the "recall" I just knew it was not me nor my imagination here!!! I am seeking repair/damage compensation for the front fender and garage door replacement! Thank you very much. Your experience regarding this problem is greatly appreciated. [xxx]
Tl*the contact owns a 2008 toyota prius. The contact stated that when pulling up to her garage to park the vehicle, the vehicle would not stop when she applied the brakes and hit the garage door. There were no injuries. Four months later, the failure recurred, minus the crash. She had not noticed any problems since then. She took the vehicle to the dealership and the dealer told her that they could find nothing wrong with the vehicle. She had not called the manufacturer to-date. The current mileage was 26,000. The failure mileage was approximately 3.
Low speed brake failure resulting in crashing into car in front. Impact speed about 10-15mph. Damage to car >$2800. Stood on the brake and the car would not stop as it should. Updated 03/12/10
A. Dash lights would just disappear (no display for speed or gear) b. Key "bob" wouldn't release and car wouldn't turn off. - twice c. Car would "rev-up" when engine cool while in gear applying brakes 1. Took to dealer to resolve - couldn't recreate the problems and was told to keep the key in my pocket. 2. Second time was able to take to the dealer while the problem was happening. After 30 minutes came back with the solution of not to insert key bob. The lights and the "key bob" problem happen twice. The engine "rev-up" happen when the car was cold and I would need to make sure to firmly apply the brakes. The last time it happened I wasn't so lucky - going at a speed of 40 I started a turn to go under the freeway when the engine "rev-up" and forced me into a concrete wall... Totaling the car.
I own a 2008 toyota prius and have been reading about the 2010 prius braking problem. I am experiencing the same symptons when I hit the brakes on a bumpy or pot-holed section of roadway. It is a temporary (split second) loss of braking power. Although I have not had any accidents attibutable to this condition, I am nevertheless concerned and would like the problem corrected. Will the federal safety agency expand its investigation to include toyota's 2nd generation prius like mine?
My 2008 prius, may have had a braking problem similar to what I have read about. I have not seen a 2008 included in the news, but my experience sounds very similar to what others have been reporting. While driving to work on snow packed roads I was making a turn into the business park where I work. The corner was going normally until I hit the drainage dip in the intersection. At this time I feel that I lost all braking with the vehicle. The street was covered with packed fresh snow, but no ice. I had been driving in similar conditions on the 20 mile drive into work with no issues or traction problems at any intersection or corner. When I realized something was wrong and that I was not slowing I quickly tried to let off the brakes and then reapply them but nothing seemed to happen at all regardless if I was pressing the brakes or not. No pumping sound from antilock brakes, no traction warning light, no slowing of the car - nothing at all. It felt like the brakes were not responding to my push of the pedal in any way. Luckily I was not going fast at all (I would estimate well under 10mph), so this happened over a very short distance. I did strike a curb that was part of an island and cracked a rim but no damage to the steering that an alignment did not resolve. I had to replace all of the rims since the local dealer had to order them in and I needed my car to get to work. I was very lucky that there was an island and that I did not crash into another car in the other lane or worse a pedestrian. I realize that I was on packed snow at the time and am not asking for anything for the damages to the wheel from toyota - but just wanted you to know that the braking issue may be more than the current model year. I have never had such a loss of control in a car before in any road conditions ever. It was a loss of any ability to brake or even slow the car. I hope this information helps you and that toyota is testing the software for older prius models too.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 toyota prius. While driving 25 MPH the contact applied the brakes and they did not engage. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and the contact was advised that nothing was wrong with the vehicle. The failure mileage was 300. The current miles were 14000. The VIN was not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 toyota prius. She stated that three times she has experienced sudden acceleration. Once while turning left on the highway at 55mph the vehicle suddenly accelerated. She also experienced brake failure when pulling up to a stop sign, or red light, or driving over a bump the brake did not respond immediately. She took the vehicle to the dealer. The dealer stated the vehicle is not included in the recall and there was nothing they could do, but they would report the failure to the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 25,000 and the current mileage 33,765.
In year of 2009, I drove my 2008 toyota prius to visit my friend's house on a local road. The weather was nice. While I saw my friend's house near, I started to hit the brake to slow down, all of sudden, my car got speeding up and I ended up to hit the roadside fence to stop this terrible shock. I spent about $2,500 to fix the front bumper cover and other scratches on my car. Until now I read the news about the defect on toyota cars problem. I feel extremely frighten I could have got killed if I was on the highway during that time. I feel I have to give this report about my car accident on driving my toyota prius to let public to be aware of. I mentioned this to local toyota dealer. They told me that I have wrong model of prius for the problem that I should not have problem on this prius. I was disappointed at the response from car dealer who did not have auto safety concern at all for consumer. This is something related to the human life while they took such question carelessly. I have lost the confidence on toyota auto. If possible, I would like to seek toyota take back my prius and reimburse my repair cost of this accident.
I have a 2008 prius, but I have that same braking issue that the 2010 prius has. At least 3 or 4 times in the past, I have hit a bump while braking, usually when approaching an intersection, and the car feels like it surges forward off the bump, requiring pushing the brake harder. It's a strange enough sensation that it would make me say "whoa, that felt weird" every single time, but I just thought I didn't brake hard enough. Until I heard and read about the 2010 prius braking complaints, and then realized that is exactly what has been happening with my 2008 model. It was always when braking and hitting a bump at the same time. So far, there's never been a car close enough in front of me to hit when it surges forward. I don't have specific dates for the incidents, as I hadn't been keeping track of the episodes up until now. But your form requires a date, so I'm just using 12/1/09, although it has happened sporadically throughout the year. I sent an e-mail about it to the federal safety agency on 2/9/10. You replied back on 2/18/10 that it was received -- case number 232390 & the federal safety agency id: 194611. I have a service appt. At the dealership on 2/20/10 for some other warranty items, and I also mentioned this braking issue to them, although I don't know what they will be able to do with the information at this time, since the focus is only on the problem with the 2010 model at the present time. But it would appear that it involves earlier models, too.
2008 prius:on several occasions while breaking on rough roads or over manhole covers, vehicle looses traction(lights on dash flash and breaks fail) momentarily. Usually already slowing, feels like battery power starting to take over, then when you go to break it seams like the battery power is just kicking in. (a timing thing) exactly as what was described in 2010 prius. Vehicle was taken to dealer a year ago. Unable to replicate. Nothing done. Continues to happen.
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