2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid Brakes Problems

“I first noticed the issue literally driving the new car off the dealer lot. I was traveling behind my wife in my truck with her behind the wheel in the new car. I began to notice that at times the brake lights would come on when braking or not, very intermittently. I figured that since it was a new car it would take time for any new driver to get familiar to that new vehicle. It is very rare that I would be following her in a separate vehicle watching her brake. …”

“I was in my gym's parking lot and had just turned left into a parking space. I placed my foot on the brake to slow the car to a stop as it moved forward into the parking space. However, the brake pedal did not respond. Instead, the car continued driving forward on its own, and then I heard a sound of acceleration, as if the car was revving itself up to a higher speed. Thinking that the brake had not engaged, I took my foot off the pedal and placed it back on the brake pedal, stepping harder, but there was no response. …”

“Identical problems as recent recall for prius and lexus models, but hadn't heard my model being affected, so I wanted it documented. The brakes work on this model, but I always had the feeling that I had to push the brake pedal much harder than any other car I had drive to get the same effect. And so I often find myself having to push very hard on the brakes at the last minute to avoid a collision (I haven't had one yet) because what I think is normal pressure on the brakes isn't cutting it. …”

“When driving on local roads, the ABS, slip and warning lights would come on suddenly. I would experience a severe decrease in brake function (I would need to slam on the brakes to get them to apply properly). This happened four times before the service center was able to diagnose a failed ABS actuator. This is apparently a known issue for the camry hybrids, as Toyota issued an extended warranty for 2006-2011 camry hybrids for this very problem. (unfortunately, I have a 2012 hybrid and the service center would like to charge me over $3k (!) to fix this issue.).”

“On friday the 20th of september, I took my vehicle to queensboro Toyota in ny to change my oil and check why my brake ABS signal hazard lights were on. The oil was changed and I was told nothing is wrong with your brakes and the signal was removed. On september 24th, I almost got into an accident because my brakes failed on me, so I returned the vehicle for a 2nd diagnostic. I was then told who ever changed your oil, they put the wrong brake fluid and it damaged the brake system. My brake fluid was never changed because I have a 2012 new car and it is unnecessary to change it now. …”