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Brake problem feels like being rear-ended

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by azgringo, Feb 8, 2010.

  1. azgringo

    azgringo New Member

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    I have owned my Gen III since June and have experienced the " brake problem" on many occasions. In my experience, it has been more than just a split-second delay in braking. I've had several experiences where it feels as though I've just been rear-ended. Has anyone else had this happen? It's pretty scary and IMHO, Toyota's been horribly ignorant about this until now. I'm thankfull for the recall that's about to happen, but feel let down that (according to msnbc) we Toyota owners are left holding the bag on decreased trade-in and Blue Book values. What a shame.
     
  2. TonyPSchaefer

    TonyPSchaefer Your Friendly Moderator
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    You think you feel bad, what about the Ford Fusion and Escape hybrid owners who are left holding the bag for the recall on their braking systems? Not to mention the Pontiac owners left holding the bag on the Vibe's accelerator pedal assembly recall.
     
  3. Russell Frost

    Russell Frost the whatdrives.us guy

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    I was going to respond and then thought, seriously, why?

    I got hit from the rear in my 2010 last August. I've experienced the "brake issue". The two events were nothing alike.
     
  4. Surfdolfin

    Surfdolfin Surfin the Blizzard Pearl

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    Re: Brake problem & Toyota Goodwill?

    Toyota ought to give us something like a free oil change with the needed brake fix. It would be tremendous "goodwill" for them, and reimburse owners for their down time on this issue. I've even tried the pothole braking, but nothing ... or should I say, it works normal.
     
  5. DeadPhish

    DeadPhish Senior Member

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    Re: Brake problem & Toyota Goodwill?

    This is one of the problems of this issue. A good number of people have felt it but a larger number of people can't make it happen under any circumstance. So which group is right?

    Majority rules? ... OR ... Everybody has to be perfectly satisfied?

    If one owned a company which sold 103,000 items and if in following up with the buyers one found out that 102,000 customers were very happy but that 1,000 were unhappy, what would one do? probably try to make the unhappy ones happy.

    In fact the official numbers here in the US are 132 unhappy and 102,870 happy. But what if more become dissatisfied later in the year?
     
  6. azgringo

    azgringo New Member

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    Let me clarify my post...I've actually felt as though I was rear ended on a few of the occasions when the braking incidents have happened. A thud and a forward lurching sensation is what I've experienced. Perhaps I made a mistake by suggesting that I felt some I'll feelings towards Toyota since some folks on this board felt compelled to focus on that as opposed to what the title of the post reads. Some of you clearly can't see the forest through the trees. Sheesh!
     
  7. 32kcolors

    32kcolors Senior Member

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    Re: Brake problem & Toyota Goodwill?

    Also got rear-ended in my brand-new 2010 a few months ago. If you're referring to the surging forward (sans the impact), I know what you meant. But I think it's mostly a trick of the mind and a disconnection between pedal sensitivity and driver's expectation, while it doesn't actually travel that much. Someone brought up the following analogy. Supposed you're sitting in a car thinking it's on but it's not actually on and you step on the gas, your head/body would naturally lean forward expecting the car to go.

    This is hardly any different from any other TSBs, take it in at your next scheduled appointment. They did enough "goodwill" for us by changing the official oil and filter change interval to 10k miles.
     
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  8. azgringo

    azgringo New Member

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    You've clearly missed the point of my post. I was asking if anyone else has experienced the rear end sensation.
     
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  9. TonyPSchaefer

    TonyPSchaefer Your Friendly Moderator
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    I got that point but you went on to express disappointment that "we Toyota owners are left holding the bag." I simply indicated that other manufacturers have similar owners who are joining us in bag holding.
     
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  10. octavia

    octavia Active Member

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    I thought we were the new ones to the bag-holding party... Hasn't this sort of thing been a consistent part of Ford ownership for a while?
     
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  11. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    There is little reason to ask this question again. On the other threads there are dozens if not hundreds of posts relating to this issue. The short answer is "yes"; many other people have felt this sensation.

    Tom
     
  12. Rhino

    Rhino New Member

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    I have been rear ended by another car.

    The feeling I think most people feel for the brake thing is like somebody suddenly stepped on the gas. A sudden but smooth acceleration - I don't know if the car accelerated but it subjectively feels that way. For only a microsecond.

    Now being rear ended is a thump, a jerk, and a push. If you are feeling this, go to Toyota right away. You have a more serious problem that (in my opinion only) the recall is not designed to fix.

    No. I never felt rear ended in a Prius even though I've experienced the braking thing. And I have not read anyone on this chat site felt rear ended without a collision. You are the only one and it is serious - get it fixed.:eek:
     
  13. rrolff

    rrolff Prius Surgeon

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    Re: Brake problem & Toyota Goodwill?

    ??? Where do you get your numbers - I believe the correct statement is 132 filed complaints. I did not file a complaint - but am not satisfied with the braking.
     
  14. jim256

    jim256 Member

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    Re: Brake problem & Toyota Goodwill?

    My dealer sent out a nice email about all the recalls, and is doing this for anyone recalled:
    • Free comprehensive vehicle safety inspection
    • $25 gift certificate good towards any service or parts purchase
      [*]
      $500 gift certificate good towards the purchase of any new or pre-owned vehicle
     
  15. RoyThePriusGuy

    RoyThePriusGuy New Member

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    Re: Brake problem & Toyota Goodwill?

    Nice... Would be good if all dealers did this. Little things mean a lot - especially when we'll all need to make a special trip to the dealer for the fix.
     
  16. 3GIII

    3GIII New Member

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    Yes, It's happened to me a few times. What I'd like to know is how did Toyota fix on assembly line after January? Was it new control module, or just software upgrade. I suspect the fix pre January cars are getting is not what post January Cars received. Does anybody know?
     
  17. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    Software upgrade.

    Tom
     
  18. Russell Frost

    Russell Frost the whatdrives.us guy

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    +1 Tom

    It's software controlled and the new software update available through the voluntary recall will address this issue.
     
  19. azgringo

    azgringo New Member

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    Sorry Tom. Didn't realize that a message board wasn't for posting messages. My bad. I'm sure there are also plenty of threads where people have said, "there are dozens if not hundreds of posts relating to this issue." (My smart A$$ way of saying, CHILL OUT, MAN!) :)
     
  20. azgringo

    azgringo New Member

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    [/QUOTE] And I have not read anyone on this chat site felt rear ended without a collision. You are the only one and it is serious - get it fixed.:eek:[/QUOTE]

    Funny. According to Tom, the short answer to my question is "yes." And I was flamed by him for even asking. And according to you, I'm the only one!

    **SIGH**:D