New Prius has defective ABS - how long for the FJ?

**Bostonian1976** · 02-04-2010, 06:35 AM

Amazing - Toyota is crashing hard (no pun intended). I heard the above on NPR this am.

How long until they recognize bad ABS in the FJ and some electronic acceleration problems with the FJ as well, I wonder

Clues · 02-04-2010, 06:42 AM

There have been reports for some time of FJC owners experiencing exactly what Prius owners have been experiencing. See 'Worst ABS Brakes Ever' thread in the What I'd Like To Tell Toyota forum.

It sure sounds like that this is the same issue for which Toyota has issued a 'software fix' for Prius owners....

The symptoms are identical to those experienced by many here (including me). Braking at low speeds (under 30mph) while hitting eneven or loose surface on one side of the FJ results in a momentary loss of braking power.

Today's news reports Paul Nolasco, a Toyota company spokesman saying, "When the car (Prius) moves on a bumpy or slippery surface, a driver can feel a pause in the braking when the vehicle switches between the traditional hydraulic brakes and the electronically operated braking system. The brakes start to work if the driver keeps pushing the pedal, but the driver may momentarily feel they aren't working."

Sounds familiar.

EffJ · 02-04-2010, 07:14 AM

I just got my 08 FJ a month ago and YES i have noticed something weird about the brakes. once applied and engaged they are strong and feel solid, but there is a weird delay, not sure if its on uneven terrain, heavy or light breaking, or speed of travel, but something certainly doesn't feel right. not that i ever feel in danger, but its a slight lack of precise control that i didn't feel on my previous cars.

**Bostonian1976** · 02-04-2010, 07:29 AM

I agree it does sound exactly the same. I've experienced it. I blame it on the live axle jumping, unsettling the vehicle and confusing the ABS. It looks like in the Prius, they're blaming it on the electric motors (which we obviously don't have)

Brakes in hybrids such as the Prius operate differently from brakes in most cars. In addition to standard brakes, which use friction from pads pressed against drums or rotors, the electric motors in hybrids help slow them. The process also generates electricity to recharge the batteries.

"I have been driving my 2010 Prius for 6 months and have experienced the following nearly 10 times," one owner wrote. "When braking, if a pothole or bump in the road is hit, the car seemingly jerks forward/accelerates for a split second."

**Swingshiftworker** · 02-04-2010, 07:45 AM

Quote:

Clues previously said:

The symptoms are identical to those experienced by many here (including me). Braking at low speeds (under 30mph) while hitting eneven or loose surface on one side of the FJ results in a momentary loss of braking power.

I too have experienced this in my 2007 FJ, but not in my 2006 Prius.

Toadily Insane · 02-04-2010, 07:58 AM

My wife has a 6 month old 2010 Prius. This is her 3rd Prius to date - no prior problems at all.

She immediately started experiencing the described brake issues and the dealer essentially responded with "all systems appear to be working normally - couldn't recreate the reported problem".

My wife contacted dealer again this week following another "episode" and now the response is "could you please bring the car in right away ?".

We have been an all Toyota family (me, wife and 2 boys) for 15+ years and believe in their product. Might have felt differently if a loved one was hurt or killed.

I do believe that Toyota has created (and is continuing to create) a classic B-school blunder and is caught up now in a vortex of non-disclosure, lack of candor and too much "message control" probably overly influenced by a complete fear of potentially uncontrollable litigation.

Pulling out of this vortex of controversy is possible but so far Toyota is not demonstrating the best of tactics to accomplish this.

Brock · 02-04-2010, 08:17 AM

Never ever had a problem with brakes on my FJC....

***mikey*** · 02-04-2010, 08:37 AM

Never had a problem with the brakes on the FJ.

I hate ABS in general, IMO it is for the lazy driver.

Threshold braking is much more effective and should still be taught as part of drivers education. But then again what do I know?

genxweb · 02-04-2010, 08:45 AM

My 08 acts funny now and then with acceleration when I am not on the gas as well as breaking. The dealer says there is nothing wrong I am jsut waiting for toyota to send the letter out and add the FJ to the list. Does not matter one way or the other I would still keep my FJ.

**Bostonian1976** · 02-04-2010, 08:48 AM

FJ's have poorly designed brakes - make no mistake. When they work as they should, they work very well - very very strong. But the confused ABS on potholes and panic assist on double tap of the brakes is a problem. Again I still love my truck, but the brakes are, and have always been, a problem. There have also been some users on here that have discussed their truck accelerating on its own, well before these recalls. I expect it's only a matter of time before this applies to us as well..