jtamethyst

I do most of the car repair myself. I am not a mechanic but I managed an auto parts for over 20 years. I change my oil every 3000 miles, give or take a few miles. I keep a maintenance log for all my 4 cars. :P

The brake fluid is full, brake pads are practically (90-95%) new. Car is 2005 model. Who would expect this major problem (major to me) because we are talking about the BRAKES which is a safety issue. I had planned to buy a Highlander for myself after my wife got her Camry. But too bad. In fact I don't think I will ever buy another Toyota. I hope my arbitration will work out in my favor.

It actually goes all the way down almost to the floor. It's about an inch from the floor. Normally, the pedal should travel only halfway or mabe down 2/3rds, not 3/4ths. For Freeway driving (60-70 MPH), it is very dangerous because it seems the brake is not engaging. For local streets, it's okay because the speed is only 20-30 MPH & stopping the car requires a shorter distance. I went on the internet & I encounter similar problems from Toyota owners starting from the 1997 model. Sienna & Tundra have it too. Now your RX330. I think this is a common problem with Toyota but Toyota won't admit it. Without admitting the problem exists, they don't have to fix it.

Toyota Motors sent their "technical expert" & with the dealer's top mechanic said there's nothing wrong. It's normal. But they tested it on local streets at 10-15 MPH, not on freeway. They wouldn't do anything else. As far as they are concerned, nothing is wrong. So I filed for arbitration, & is waiting for the appointment. I also filed with NHTSA. But they need more complaints before doing anything. If anyone has this problem, speak up. The more of us complaining, the better & faster something will be done.

My wife drives this car, bought in May or June 2005. I drove it first time last July 4th weekend (2005) during our camping trip & immediately I knew something was wrong with the brakes. I almost has an accident because the car won't stop right away after I braked. It took a while to stop or slow down. I had to pressed the brake all the way almost to the floorboard before car stopped or slowed down. This is freeway driving going 65 or 70 MPH. For local streets, it's not a big deal because you are going 25 to 35 MPH only.

I have a low brake. At 65 MPH or higher on freeway, braking is dangerous as car takes longer to stop. I have to press down on brake pedal all the way almost to the floorboard. Toyota Motors said it's normal but I don't think so. I have been driving since 16 different vehicles & this is the first time I have this problem. I only have about 10,000 miles on the car. It's like my brake are down to 20 or 30 % (time to change brake). :(