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:
3 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
103,344 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 5 of 6)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #35

Nov 082013

Camry Hybrid 4-cyl

  • 88,000 miles

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

Please investigate the ABS system on the hybrid 2007 Camry. I almost killed myself about 2 months ago. I was going about 60mph when I hit on the brakes to slow down on a curve the brakes would not respond, it was like the brakes were really hard to step on, and to control the steering wheel. The lights to check the vsc system came on, check ABS, the emergency brake light. After a few seconds everything would go back to normal. I have done extensive research and there are so many complaints with the same problems on the 2007 Camry hybrid. Please do something about it so Toyota can recall and fix the problem before someone gets killed. After taking it to Toyota for the last 5 months without finding a problem, because the computer would not register anything and they couldn't duplicate the problem, now they are saying its the ABS system and it cost $4,000 to fix it. They are not doing anything to investigate the problem because they claim that not enough people have registered complaints. So I ask how many people have to die before we get any attention.

- Arlington, TX, USA

problem #34

Jan 252014

Camry Hybrid 4-cyl

  • 45,230 miles
I was driving on street that had several potholes in both lanes. Lanes were blocked by barrels because of the roadwork being done. There were too many potholes to Dodge and none seemed significantly bigger than the rest. Since I was unable to swerve, because of traffic going the other way in the lane beside me, I hit a series of potholes. After the last one, which seemed a little bigger than the others, I heard a beep and the display read, "check vsc, " which I know from the last time this happened means "vehicle stability control." The parking brake light seemed to come on at that time. I could not get the car to roll any but instead had to hit the accelerator to move at all. The brake was not as powerful, so I had to be sure to brake in plenty of time. The steering seemed more restricted also, and there was a high-pitched buzzing that continued all the time unless the car was off with all doors shut. I live close by, so I was able to get my car back home but did not think it was safe to drive it to the dealership. I had aaa tow it a few days later. They told me at the dealership that a part of the anti-lock brake system would have to be replaced. They later found that one of the lines involved in keeping the engine cool was leaking and the water pump had to be replaced.

- Jackson, MS, USA

problem #33

Apr 142014

Camry Hybrid 4-cyl

  • 80,000 miles
Warning brake light came on ( the emergency brake one) while I was out driving. The emergency brake was not engaged. Tried to get the car home and at a light when I went to take off, the car started to move then suddenly stopped in the intersection, but the car was still running. I turned on my flashers, and restarted the car. The "check vsc system" warning came on and I drove the car slowly home. The brakes were very spongy, like there was hardly any braking power.

- North Richland Hills, TX, USA

problem #32

Apr 082014

Camry Hybrid 4-cyl

  • 81,000 miles

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

Upon starting the car, the check vsc alert appeared on the dash indicator screen. User manual instructed me to drive to nearest service center. This is not a safe procedure, as the braking system was near complete malfunction. Upon research online, it came to my attention that this is a common problem. The total cost of repair will near $2500. The service technician also informed me that there is a system update for this problem, indicating that Toyota is aware of the malfunction. Hopefully this complaint will assist in the issuing of a recall for the brake actuator or related vsc system that has been such a persistent issue. Thank you.

- Richmond, TX, USA

problem #31

Feb 122013

Camry Hybrid 4-cyl

  • 85,000 miles
Car was parked. Turned on ignition and saw multiple waening lights. Drove to dealer for repairs and was told brake actuator assembly needs to exchanged.

- Katy, TX, USA

problem #30

Mar 242014

Camry Hybrid 4-cyl

  • 210,000 miles
Apparently my brakes lost significant brake pressure and I thought I might crash. Further when I start my car the brakes do not fully kick in until 5-10 seconds later so I tend to roll forward or backwards. I took the car to three dealerships and they all said my ABS actuator was bad and needed to be replaced. The part costs $2,600 just to buy from Toyota and then coast an additional $800 in labor to install. That is insane. I looked on the internet and her are tonsss of Camry with this problem. Clearly this as a design flaw and I should not have to pay to replace a part that Toyota failed to design safely. Not I can't safely drive with the broken part....

- Agoura Hills, CA, USA

problem #29

Mar 232014

Camry Hybrid 4-cyl

  • 99,900 miles

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

I have been using this Camry since mid 2006. So far it has not had many major issues. However out of the blue on March 23rd 2014, when I was planning to drive to a temple almost 50 miles from my house with my wife, 2 month old daughter, mother and mother-in-law in the car, just as we pulled out of the drive way, the check vsc message came on and the brake light, the car slipping light and the bas lights came on the dash and as I tried to brake, the brakes completely failed. Luckily since I was only rolling out of my drive way (in reverse), the car only rolled a little bit and there was no cross traffic on the road. I had to press my parking brakes to bring the car to a halt. I was scared to death with my family members in the car there was no way I was driving it in that condition. I tried shutting off the car and waiting for 5 minutes before turning it on.the message came on again and the brakes were unresponsive. I immediately moved my family to another car to continue our trip. I then cautiously moved the car back on to the driveway with my left leg on the emergency brakes so that I don't run into my house. After searching the web and seeing many such reports, the next day (today 3/24) I tried to move the car again and see if the message disappeared. However it was there and when I reversed a little bit, suddenly the message and the lights disappeared and the brakes were working as normal. I am still not driving the car, thankfully I have 3 cars so I am using the other cars. I hope Toyota does a recall on this because I don't want to spend $3500+ on a car that may not be more than $8000 value today. I was planning to get a 2014 sienna soon but reading about the safety issues with Toyota's my faith and loyalty in this brand is now severely shaken.

- Brea, CA, USA

problem #28

Feb 282014

Camry Hybrid 4-cyl

  • 92,980 miles
Driving down the freeway in the rain an extremely loud alarm went off and the vsc, brake, ABS, and triangle lights were on without my foot being on the brake pedal. The car would not stop and fortunately I was able to slow down without incident. I took the car to Toyota on the following Monday in dry weather and was getting off the freeway and the left front brake locked up and skidded 30 feet. This time I almost hit 2 cars but was able to steer clear. The dealer told me it was the actuator. This is the 3rd time this car was in for those lights going off and disables the power generators for help in slowing down. It also happens in the car wash. I have never felt the ABS work on this car since I've owned it. It always set the code and disables it. It's in the shop right now as I'm writing this waiting for me to say fix it for $3000. ? I was hoping NHTSA would investigate this car before it's fixed to see the problem everybody is complaining about. My wife says she will never drive this car again after its fixed. It was a very frightening situation.

- Palmdale, CA, USA

problem #27

Aug 012013

Camry Hybrid 4-cyl

  • 115,000 miles
The "check vsc system" light came on as well as the parking brake symbol, tire stability symbol, etc. The brake pressure has been reduced. I took it to the dealership and they said I have to replace the ABS actuator with a cost of $3300 plus.

- Tomball, TX, USA

problem #26

Nov 062013

Camry Hybrid

  • 134,000 miles
I started my car one morning, and several warning lights came on: (emergency) brake light, red warning light, yellow warning light, traction control light and ABS light. This warning came and went intermittently for some time, and now seems to be a permanent problem. The brakes feel jagged while pressing lightly, almost like the brake pads are gone, and the rotors are uneven. A dealership in Oklahoma identified the problem to be with the "accumulator" for the ABS system. This part and the labor to put it in will run me nearly $3000, a sum far too many car owners cannot afford, including myself. Toyota has insisted that because my the part is out of 3yr/36000 mile warranty, they will not help in the cost of this repair. Meanwhile, Toyota has changed the original oem part, a tacit acceptance that the original is flawed, and needed to be re-engineered. I cannot believe the amount of people who have reported the same exact problem online with no recourse but to pay a phenomenal sum to have a part replaced that is known to have a dangerous defect.

- Edmond, OK, USA

problem #25

Feb 242014

Camry Hybrid 4-cyl

  • 91,000 miles

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

Driving down interstate, all of a sudden the following warning lights came on: 1 - check vsc system 2 - red "brake" indicator (brake system warning light) 3 - yellow indicator (brake system warning light) 4 - master warning light 5 - ABS indicator. Continued the rest of the 3 miles towards home but brakes did not seem responsive. Took to automotive shop 2 miles away where they checked codes and quoted us a repair bill of $3500 for replacement of ABS accumulator. Called Toyota complaint line on 2/26/2014 and was told do not drive car. We had car towed to Toyota dealer and are awaiting determination as to the repair and if Toyota will cover costs for repair.

- Vestavia, AL, USA

problem #24

Dec 182013

Camry Hybrid 4-cyl

  • 107,000 miles
While coming to a stop before exiting a parking lot, the braking system was engaged in a normal fashion only to have the brake system shudder and then experience a loss of automatic brake assist. Many lights on the dashboard, including the 'check vsc' light, illuminated along with a very audible warning sound. The dealership identified the problem as the ABS brake actuator and related parts. The price to fix the issue was right near $3000 for parts and labor.

- Elgin, IL, USA

problem #23

Feb 112014

Camry Hybrid 4-cyl

  • 82,000 miles
While slowing down for a stop light speed was around 45 mph I experienced a sudden drop in brake pressure causing me to apply hard pressure in order to keep from hitting the vehicle in front of me stopping but inches from the other vehicles bumper. When the loss of brake pressure was happening I also noticed multiple lights came on and after the stop on the display there was a check vsc system message that will not extinguish. This morning it is still in the same condition. I called the service center and they told me a diagnostic check would be around $105 dollars. I have since done research and have seen multiple issues with this and the cost of repair(upwards of 3,000) is ridicules. If this is a manufactures defect and know problem Toyota needs to do the right thing and fix the issue before someone has a major accident. This item ABS actuator needs to be looked at as the culprit. I need my car to get to work but who can afford $3,000 at the drop of a hat and do I want to risk my life.

- Cocoa, FL, USA

problem #22

Jan 122014

Camry Hybrid 4-cyl

  • 64,300 miles
I have a 2007 Toyota Camry hybrid with ~64K miles on it. On 12-Jan-2014, as I was approaching a stoplight, I stepped on the brake pedal and it was like nothing happened. The regenerative braking engaged, but the physical brakes did not. I was unable to stop the car before striking the SUV ahead of me. No one was injured. However damage to my vehicle was over $3K. Two days later (14-Jan-2014) I experienced the same loss of braking, fortunately without accident or injury.

- West Chester, PA, USA

problem #21

Sep 142007

Camry Hybrid 4-cyl

  • 2,500 miles
While driving all of a sudden multiple warning lights appeared and brake and stability controls were disabled. Very difficult to stop. This happened before when car was new in 2007. Took it to dealer and could not replicate. They told me if it happens again to shut off the car and then restart. That works but when it happens while driving, car is difficult to control. I have since had this happen recently 4 times in Dec 2013.

- Venice, FL, USA

problem #20

Jan 222014

Camry Hybrid 4-cyl

  • 123,321 miles
The brake accumulator cycles continuously and pulses when depressed making a distinct howling noise even when stopped. The brake assist intermittently pulses and makes braking more difficult and increasing stopping distance. This part is specific to the regenerative braking as part of the hybrid system.

- Placentia, CA, USA

problem #19

Jan 272014

Camry Hybrid 4-cyl

  • 92,000 miles
While driving to work on 1/27/14 my brake, ABS, check vsc and red warning lights turned on. It was almost impossible to brake. I had to pull off and turn the vehicle off and hope the issue would resolve it. After a few times it finally did. I have taken it to the dealer in the past and it was diagnosed as my ABS actuator having a leak and it was replaced. There still appears to be an issue. Additionally when braking at any point in time, there is a stutter when under 5 mph, which I was told was due to this same issue which still hasn't been resolved.

- Sacramento, CA, USA

problem #18

Jan 022014

Camry Hybrid

  • 85,000 miles
Driving car through town when ABS, red triangle. Vsc lights lite up dashboard. Lost steering and braking ability. Coasted to stop in local shopping center parking lot. Thank god I was there and not on interstate or highway. Took to dealer and they told me braking actuator failed and repair would be $3200. Not covered by 10 year/100K hybrid warranty although braking system specific for hybrids. Choices are: Trade in car to dealer and let them fix it, drive it around until I kill someone or myself(not happening) or play the lottery tonight and maybe I can fix car tomorrow (also not happening) or swipe the plastic and end up paying over 4K for the repair......very disappointing for a Toyota to cost this much in repairs with so little mileage. Will never buy another Toyota.

- Lady Lake , FL, USA

problem #17

Oct 022013

Camry Hybrid 4-cyl

  • 215,000 miles
I have a 2007 Toyota Camry hybrid that started showing "check vsc system" on the multifunction display in early October of 2013. By the end of that moth it became a permanent item on the display. The computer indicates a C1391 error. After testing the actuator assembly was deemed defective. I have discontinued driving this vehicle after an incident in rainy weather while the "check vsc system" was displayed on the multifunction display. I was on the interstate traveling approximately 60 mph in light rain. Traffic started slowing ahead so I tried to apply the brakes, but they did not respond immediately. After an approximately 2 second delay they did respond, but it was abruptly and caused the car to start skidding. Without immediate and substantial driver input the vehicle would have been in an out-of-control situation. The car has remained parked since that incident for fear it is too dangerous to drive without functioning brakes. The operation of the brakes on this vehicle in an ABS failure mode is dangerous and potentially deadly. I have driven plenty of vehicles that were not equipped with ABS, and none of those vehicle ever exhibited the dangerous behaviors this vehicle exhibits with a failed component. Since the brakes on a vehicle are relied upon in emergency situations all components in that system should be designed to fail in a safe manner leaving a vehicle that is still safe to drive. Further Toyota is aware that select years of this vehicle have a manufacturing defect or faulty design since the actuator was redesigned a couple years after this vehicle was first introduced into the market. I ask that the NHTSA investigate the safety of this vehicle model and year to determine the safety of these vehicles during an ABS/vsc component failure.

- Richmond, TX, USA

problem #16

Sep 042013

Camry Hybrid

  • miles
I was shock to take my car in to fix my brake actuator. I almost got into an accident and killed someone on the road. When I took my car in they charge me $2900. Wth! please recall this part Toyota so you can pay me back. Theirs too much people paying to fix this! we will get you guys!

- Portland, OR, USA

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