CarComplaints.com Notes: The Camry Hybrid's first year is a mixed bag of brake actuators failing and power issues. The hybrid version even shares the same excessive oil consumption as its non-hybrid counterpart. And it hardly gets enough fuel efficiency gains to warrant the extra costs up-front or during repairs.

Toyota seemed to get their act together with later model years, so if you're looking for a used Camry Hybrid I suggest looking there.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
12 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
5 / 0
Average Mileage:
112,584 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid brakes problems

brakes problem

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2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid Owner Comments (Page 11 of 20)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #191

Jun 052014

Camry Hybrid 4-cyl

  • 53,800 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While traveling on the highway at speeds of over 60 mph, several warning lights became illuminated simultaneously on the vehicle's dashboard. The lights that were illuminated included the ABS indicator, parking brake indicator, and warning light, among others. The text "check vsc system" is also constantly displayed on the vehicle's dashboard. Since these warning lights have illuminated, breaking has become more difficult and the vehicle shakes while breaking at low speeds.

- Boca Raton, FL, USA

problem #190

Sep 012012

Camry Hybrid 4-cyl

  • 72,100 miles
While driving on the freeway, the brake failure light came up and the brakes became ineffective. As I was driving, the brakes went soft to the floor, and then all of a sudden engaged. It brake so hard, it felt like a hit something. A few days later, the brake light, traction/stability control (vsc) and ABS lights turned on, and check vsc system displayed. I took it to Toyota dealer and they diagnosed the problem as ABS actuator failure and malfunctioning of the rear brakes. I contacted Toyota about the failure and they claimed that my situation was one of a kind and there was not pattern of similar failures for this model. After prolonged arguments with Toyota and the dealership, I could not get them to address the problem under the 100,000 miles warranty for the hybrid components of the car. I had to pay over $3,000 to get the car repaired. Today, I found out (through consumer reports forums) that there are other owners of this car that have faced exactly the same problem, indicating that this is not an isolated problem and needs to be investigated by NHTSA before someone is seriously injured or loses life.

- Sugar Land, TX, USA

problem #189

Jun 102009

Camry Hybrid 4-cyl

  • 50,000 miles
We took our Camry to a brake shop due to weak performance and loud screeching sound. After inspection the mechanic said that the rear brake pads were metal on metal and the fronts were not even broken in. This was most likely an indication of a problem with the ABS system for which I would have to take the car to the dealer. We went straight to the dealer and they first refused to check it out then when we insisted, they took the car around the building and said there was no problem. All throughout the time we always had issues with stopping at a reasonable distance, the car losing control in wet weather and the feeling of always driving on ice. We learned later on that my 14 year old daughter was driving the car without a driver license and rear ended another vehicle. When asked, she said that she hit the breaks but the car didn't stop. We always thought that this was due to her inexperience but now we think that it was because of the problem with the breaks. About about a few month ago the ABS, break, vsc lights intermittently started coming on and now they're on full time. I always suspected that there was a problem but the dealer said there was no problem and dismissed us and had no choice but to take their word for it. I just came across an article online that said ntsb was investigating a similar issue and wanted to offer our help if you need it. We still have our vehicle but it was repaired after the crash. My daughter had to go to the emergency room due to neck pain. We certainly didn't appreciate her stealing the car without a license but are thankful that she's ok.

- Littleton, CO, USA

problem #188

Jun 172014

Camry Hybrid

  • 201,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Was slowing down to make a turn vsc error on display loud tone from dash car would not stop until I downshifted and used parking brake if there had been a car in front of me I would have slammed into it full force.someone will get injured from this defect dealer says around $2500 to fix and they stated if I wait probably will be recalled soon...when?

- Weston, FL, USA

problem #187

Jun 172014

Camry Hybrid 4-cyl

  • 101,000 miles
First: I got check vsc system when I made a U-turn. I read the failure code is C1391. So, it means ABS accumulator is leaking. I also noticed ABS accumulator was pretty noise about two month before. I though it may be a problem, but I did not pay attention on it because I was suffering the engine oil consumption. Now, it really died. I got many cases online about this issues and they reported that Toyota has redesigned this accumulator, so it means Toyota already knew this problem. This is a very important issue. It may cause deadly accident if the brake doesn't work suddenly. In addition, fix this problem needs over two thousands dollars. It should not be paid by owner since this is a design defect. I hope Toyota will recall this problem. Second, this car's engine piston ring has defect. This causes engine oil consumption. In fact, my car is burning engine oil now. It's about 1500 miles/0.6quart. It will get worse and this also may cause engine failure in the future.

- Seattle, WA, USA

problem #186

Jun 032014

Camry Hybrid

  • 142,216 miles
The contact owns a 2007 Camry hybrid. The contacts stated that after powering up the vehicle, the tire pressure, brake and the ABS lights illuminated. The contact mentioned that the brake pedal became soft and the brake distance increased failing to bring the vehicle to a complete stop. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 142,216 and the approximate current mileage was 142,230.

- Houston , TX, USA

problem #185

Jun 112014

Camry Hybrid 4-cyl

  • 71,800 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

As I was backing up, the brakes went soft to the floor, and then all of a sudden the brakes engaged. It brake so hard, it felt like a hit something. A few days later, the brake light, traction control and ABS lights turned on, and check vsc system displayed. I took it to Toyota and they said it was code-1391, abnormal leak in accumulator. The cost was going to be $2694. I declined the repair, because I don't have money to repair.

- Tampa, FL, USA

problem #184

Jun 092014

Camry Hybrid

  • 110,000 miles
Brake actuator failed after several days of increased noise and difficulty braking. Toyota dealership gave me a $3800 quote to repair. They made no mention of similar safety issues with other customers even though there is an NHTSA investigation going on.

- Walnut Creek , CA, USA

problem #183

Dec 092013

Camry Hybrid 4-cyl

  • 83,000 miles
Two different issues with brakes occurring on multiple dates. First, ineffective slowing when depressing the brakes and various lights came on including ABS and brakes and warning to take to dealer immediately. The vehicle was harder to stop and required pumping the brakes to eventually stop. This happened intermittently and dealer could not get it to repeat. Second issue is brakes making noise when depressing either as the vehicle slows or while holding brake down while stopped. This is very concerning as both appear to be complaints currently under investigation. Please respond as soon as possible on current status of investigation.

- Albuquerque, NM, USA

problem #182

Sep 202013

Camry Hybrid

  • 130,000 miles
I was only driving my vehicle about a mile when it first happened. I was approaching a stop light and attempted to apply the brakes. Nothing happened. The steering went out and the brakes felt like they weren't catching. Thankfully, I was only going about 25-30 mph, and had enough space to stop before hitting another car that was stopped at the light. I looked at the dashboard display and noticed something that read, "check vsc system". there was also a warning triangle. The Camry manual instructed us to bring it to the dealership - but I can't afford that. The next day, it worked fine. A few weeks later, the incident happened again while I was exiting the highway and coming to a red light. I was decelerating from about 65 mph to a full stop and felt the brakes give again and the steering was difficult. I was able to pull over, turn off the car, and restart and it was fine again. I had the brake pads changed, but don't understand what is happening. We didn't have the problem for several months. But now it feels like the brakes want to give when I am idling in traffic. While my foot is on the brake, the car will squeak and subtly jerk forward like the brakes are about to give up the ghost. It's really scary, but I can't afford another car at this time. I've looked into the vsc system and don't understand why that would intermittently affect my braking and steering ability.

- Tomball, TX, USA

problem #181

May 042011

Camry Hybrid 4-cyl

  • 40,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Parked the auto, was in a meeting for 45 min. Started the auto and "check vsc system" warning came on. Tried driving and brakes were erratic, took to dealer, they said that they had to reprogram the computer because I had done something to the battery. Not true. But it seemed that the problem was corrected as it performed ok. On May 29, 2014 I backed the car out of our garage and parked it on the street, about one hour later I started it to return it to the garage and the "check vsc system" came on and the brakes were very erratic. I then took the vehicle to the closest dealer and they checked it and informed me that the brake control computer needed to be replaced at accost of nearly $2000. As this appears to be a safety issue I feel that Toyota should have recalled the vehicle and replaced the defective parts under a recall program. I feel very fortunate that the brake control computer did not fail while the car was moving.

- Granger , IN, USA

problem #180

May 022014

Camry Hybrid 4-cyl

  • 49,950 miles
While driving up a slight incline the indicating lights on the dashboard suddenly illuminated - red brake system warning icon, red ABS light, red brake light, red master warning light. In addition, the screen displayed "check vsc system" and an audible warning tone sounded. From about 6 months prior to this incident, the brake actuator motor would cycle on/off frequently after a trip. Over time, the duration of the on and off cycling after a trip gradually increased from about 30 seconds to approximately 90 seconds. The actuator motor also cycled when opening the door before a trip. Other symptoms that surfaced prior to this incident included frequent on/off cycling of the brake actuator motor at traffic light stops and an audible "barking" sound from under the hood. Research on the world-wide-web revealed many owners with same symptoms. Because the engine in the hybrid cars turn off during normal operation, engine vacuum is not readily available for the power brake assistance as found in conventional automobiles. Consequently, the failure of the power assist is due to the inadequate design of the hybrid system. Furthermore, I understand that the replacement brake actuator part that Toyota provides for the 2007 and 2008 Camry hybrids has a different part no. Than the original one provided. This strongly suggests that Toyota recognizes its original brake actuator has a faulty design. I have not driven the car since this incident for fear of losing the power assist on the brakes. The local Toyota dealer has not replied to my inquiry on this matter. I also have a 2009 Camry hybrid and although the brake actuator cycles on and off after opening the door before a trip and after the system is shutdown following the trip, the cycle is very short and the duration is no longer than 30 seconds. I do not have any brake problems with the 2009 model.

- Aiea, HI, USA

problem #179

May 232013

Camry Hybrid 4-cyl

  • 117,775 miles
Coming to a street stop at 15 mph ABS lights and some other came on. It was very hard to stop the vehicle even with all possible pressure on pedal.

- Colton, CA, USA

problem #178

May 232014

Camry Hybrid 4-cyl

  • 77,005 miles
Vehicle started in driveway, foot on brake. When parking brake was released the vehicle rolled into street despite the brake pedal being depressed. Brakes engaged suddenly after rolling out into traffic. Second incident at gas station. Vehicle in drive, foot on brake, when parking brake released vehicle began to roll forward, a thud was heard and brakes applied suddenly after rolling several feet.

- Antelope, CA, USA

problem #177

May 282014

Camry Hybrid 4-cyl

  • 114,681 miles
While braking on a slight incline my 2007 Toyota Camry hybrid's power brakes and steering malfunctioned making the vehicle hard to steer and stop. It felt as if both the power brakes and steering went out simultaneously and the car seemed to roll, or sway, left and right. At the same time a "check vsc system" warning appeared on my dash along with the red brake indicator light, red service indicator light (triangle with exclamation point), amber brake system warning light and the amber ABS warning light. If I had been traveling at a higher rate of speed, in heavy traffic or had I been approaching a crowded crosswalk or intersection this event could have been disastrous. After pulling over and visually inspecting my brake fluid level and engine compartment I used my cell phone to check online and found others with similar problems (which led me here to file a complaint/report). After waiting on the side of the road for about a half hour the warning message and lights went out so I slowly drove to the dealer 5 miles away. The dealer informed me that the ABS actuator needed to be replaced at a cost of $3607.88 (plus tax on the $3000 part). My southern California Toyota csr proclaims to have never heard of this issue -- even though my web searching has turned up lots of discussion and articles (I.e. L.a. times report, cbs, nbc, ap, Consumer Affairs plus the NHTSA announcement of the opening of their investigation at the end of January 2014).

- Coto De Caza, CA, USA

problem #176

Aug 172012

Camry Hybrid

  • 120,000 miles
The power brakes failed on my 2007 Toyota Camry hybrid while I was trying to stop after a vehicle ahead of me swerved exposing a broken down car in the traveling lane...updated 08-26-14

- Albuquerque, NM, USA

problem #175

May 282014

Camry Hybrid 4-cyl

  • 215,617 miles
While driving on highway my brake light turned on. I thought I left the emergency brake pedal down, but everything was fine. Suddenly all warning lights in dashboard turned on, as a reaction I tried to apply brakes and to my surprise my brakes wouldn't brake properly.

- Siloam Springs, AR, USA

problem #174

Apr 092014

Camry Hybrid 4-cyl

  • miles
First incident of brake failure happened on the drive way of my home. Starting the car for the morning commute, had the "check vsc" sign and other warning lights lit on the dash. I tried pressing the brake pedal and shutting and restarting the car. After a few tries, the warnings were gone and break paddle felt normal. Second incident happened while I was on a freeway traveling at 65 miles an hour. All of a sudden the dash board lit up with warning lights ad I lost the braking power. Luckily, I was able pullover without an incident. If the investigation on this subject has stated as of Jan 2014, when should we expect to hear from the Agency on the outcome?

- Frisco, TX, USA

problem #173

May 042014

Camry Hybrid

  • 115,000 miles
The contact owns a 2007 Toyota Camry hybrid. The contact stated that there was an intermitent knocking noise from the engine compartement. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was not able to neither duplicate nor diagnose the failure. Since the failure persisted the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer, who diagnosed that the ABS actuator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was to be repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.

- Richmond Hill, GA, USA

problem #172

Jan 162013

Camry Hybrid 4-cyl

  • 102,000 miles
The vsc light appeared & the car lost brakes. Like others, I have experienced failure of the brake actuator / boost accumulator. Although the brakes work to a degree, there is no boost. Despite application of my maximum effort to depress the brake pedal, stopping distances are very long and stopping speeds are very slow. I consider the car dangerous to drive & has been shelved pending NHTSA review. Reports are that Toyota has known of this problem & has refused to address it NHTSA should require that Toyota replace this part at no cost to the consumer in view of Toyota unconscionable behavior.

- Merion, PA, USA

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