2001 Lexus ES300 Brakes Problems

“I have a 2001 Lexus 300. I have never ever had issues with it-except for 12-18 months ago- my mat got stuck. As I drove it keep at high speed and kept going faster- the brake pedal would not move as I pushed down. I pit my head down and pulled at the matt & unhooked the front hook under the seat . I thank god I was able to remove my mat- as of that day-I removed my mat & have ruined my carpet, but that is fine. …”

“On january , my wife was driving our two children to an appointment at approximately 0845 hrs. While driving at normal speeds on a two lane road, she stated that the brake light illuminated, and then, the brakes locked up and steering control was not possible. The car did a 540 (a complete 360 and a 180) and ended up off the road and hit a tree. The car was totaled. The temperature was approximately 0 f. The front passenger side wheel was completely severed from the frame. There were no warnings. The car was serviced in 2002 due to complaint about excessive brake noise.”

“2001 Lexus es 300 brake problems causing so far 4 accidents- failure to stop. Spongy-like brakes. Dealer serviced and made aware. These have been collisions while trying to stop and other vehicles have been rear ended. The latest accident on october 1o, 2003 hit a group of public supermarket shopping carts damaging the hood of the car and emblem front plastic cover. The car just does not stop well when asked to. The service dealership just completed the 30000 mile check up and specifically was told about the brake problem. …”

“Consumer complained of grinding brake noise when stopping. Dealer replaced front rotors and pads with updated versions and replaced brake fluid. When first driven after update brake peddle went to floor and car became difficult to stop. Pedal soon became less spongy, but required more pressure and more pedal travel to stop car than in the past. Dealer service writer said pedal felt normal. After two or three close calls consumer fin rear ended another stopping car, causing over $12,000 in damage to subject car and car that it hit. No injuries. …”

“On november 11th, 2001 I experienced a terrifying and potentially life-threatening incident with my car. On that evening, I was approaching a stop sign at a busy intersection, and when I pressed on the brake the car wouldnt stop and instead a sudden acceleration forced me into the middle of the intersection. I was able to stop the vehicle by using the emergency brake. Since this has never happened before, I thought it was an isolated incident, so I continued to drive the vehicle. It seemed to be operating properly for the next week or so, when it occurred again. …”