POLL: Did the ECU Update Recall work for you?

I had mine done a couple months ago and noticed it for the first time this week. Was definitely quicker catch up and "less scary" as some would say. It never really bothered me to begin with so my vote is the fix is successful.

G

 

I find your post alarming. It is apparent to me that this is a problem. You state that "nothing is broke." Are owners of early model Prius' experiencing this? I don't know the answer to that question but I'd suspect they are not since I haven't heard about it in the news. If they are not experiencing it then it seems that their brakes are working properly and the issue is indeed valid in the 2010 model.

I still experience the problem after the recall. I'm on the phone with Toyota HQ discussing the problem. I'll repost once my conversation is over (on hold right now). They at least seem to be more customer focused than the dealer.

 

Owners of Gen II Prius, myself included, are very familiar with the brake-dropout issue. It's been there all along. It is more prominent with the Gen III Prius for two reasons:

1) New, more powerful regenerative brakes which accentuate the feeling of surging forward when braking transition occurs.

2) A new batch of mainstream Prius owners less tolerant of the idiosyncrasies of the Prius.

As stated in many other threads, this isn't a real problem, but is a matter of perception. The brakes work if you really need them, but light braking over uneven terrain can force a transition to friction ABS braking with the resultant uncomfortable sensation of surging forward. This isn't unique to the Prius, or even unique to regenerative braking. Toyota's new FJ does the same thing, with nary a hybrid battery in sight. The issue relates to modern ABS braking systems.

I don't know if you are old enough to remember when ABS brakes were introduced. Many people hated ABS and considered it a major safety risk. Now it is standard and required by law. All drivers are now familiar with ABS and most know how to use it effectively. The Prius is in a similar situation. It will take some time for new owners to become comfortable with the new systems.

As for your discussion with Toyota, I wouldn't expect much to come from it. Your brakes are working as designed. They will probably say soothing words and give you a reassuring pat on the head, but at the end of the day nothing will change, as there is nothing for them to fix. I assume future generations of Toyota's electrically assisted brakes will further reduce this uncomfortable sensation, but that won't help you today. You are faced with learning to live with the brakes as they are, or trading your Prius for a different car. If you do trade, make sure the new one has brakes that you like.

Tom

 

Hi Tom,

I appreciate the polite reply and further explanation.

I suspect that you are correct and that the brakes work as designed. I tend to agree that they work when needed. However, the "surging forward" problem is alarming. Whether true or not, the perception among many Prius owners is that it is a problem and may cause a slight delay in stopping. I tend to agree that in rare cases, it could be the difference in inches, maybe more when traveling at higher speeds.

I know they can configure the brakes to engage in a way that removes any gap between the different braking components. Will they - know knows...but I tend to think they will eventually address this completely if enough people log enough concerns.

Toyota wants to sell cars. My wife and I are in the market for another car and I will probably avoid buying another Toyota. It's a shame because I am otherwise completely happy with my Prius. However, with a 6 month old in the backseat, I want to be 100% sure there isn't a problem with the brakes. I'd say right now I'm 98% sure I'll stop as needed but that's just not good enough for me.

All the best. Happy driving!

Steve

 

Totally understand the concern with precious payload. I will add that in a case of emergency, you slam on the brakes you are going to get 100% friction (disk brakes) braking. This car stops very well. The only time this issue is a problem is when you gently riding the brakes into a stop and hit some rough surface. That is easy to mitigate by giving a little extra space between you and the car in front.

 

Good to know. Thanks!