Car Thumps and Shudders When Braking From Moderate Speed

[hytibill]

I have a 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid Titanium. When braking moderately from about 40 MPH, the car will shudder/thump and feel like it's sliding for a second or two. This cannot be consistently reproduced. Sometimes, it will brake normally. A few times, it will shudder/thump. It is disconcerting; is it normal?

[murphy]

It is not normal.

[FernMTL]

It happens to me to. Feels like the car is slipping.

[murphy]

Is this on dry pavement or in the rain?

If a wheel slips and locks up the ABS braking will kick in.

 

If it is happening on dry pavement it might mean a wheel speed sensor is failing.

[hybridbear]

If it happens on roads with really bad potholes then it is relatively normal. We have some concrete roads where the gaps between the sections of concrete are now 3-4 inches wide and as deep as the slabs of concrete. If braking hard (near the regen limit) and I go over these bumps it will feel like the car is sliding because when the tires lose contact with the pavement on the bumps the wheels lose traction.

[FernMTL]

Is this on dry pavement or in the rain?

If a wheel slips and locks up the ABS braking will kick in.

 

If it is happening on dry pavement it might mean a wheel speed sensor is failing.

It happens on dry pavement. Seems like brake release for a really short time.

Edited June 10, 2015 by FernMTL

[hytibill]

It happens on dry pavement. Seems like brake release for a really short time. Anyway, I have SO many problems with my car, I don't even think that they'll have time to look at this before my warantie ends. The tech will probably tell It's normal.

 

Thanks for all the responses. I don't think it's an ABS issue because it happens on dry pavement. It even happens on level surfaces so it's not a pothole issue. Like FernMTL, my car feels like it's sliding a little bit. It really feels like a brake release for a few seconds. Perhaps there's a problem with the brakes changing from regen to normal?

[hybridbear]

 

Thanks for all the responses. I don't think it's an ABS issue because it happens on dry pavement. It even happens on level surfaces so it's not a pothole issue. Like FernMTL, my car feels like it's sliding a little bit. It really feels like a brake release for a few seconds. Perhaps there's a problem with the brakes changing from regen to normal?

Does it happen when turning? Acdii had an issue with his car when slowing down & turning.

[hytibill]

Happens in straight line. Will go to dealer this weekend.

[FernMTL]

Have you got it checked?

[TomC]

What was the outcome of the visit to the dealer? I have had this issue as well on dry straight pavement while braking or when braking while going over a change in pavement height for example where new pavement meets old pavement.

[FordService]

What was the outcome of the visit to the dealer? I have had this issue as well on dry straight pavement while braking or when braking while going over a change in pavement height for example where new pavement meets old pavement.

 

Hi TomC,

 

Have you had a chance to visit your dealer? Please let me know, along with your mileage, and I'll look into some options.

 

Meagan

[hytibill]

I apologize for the belated update. The dealer somehow missed the fact that the rear rotors were grooved/rusted/warped at only 21,000 miles and needed replacement. The pads were only half worn, but the rotors themselves were really messed up. The front rotors and pads were just fine. I can post pictures of the rear rotors later today. The car has stopped shuddering after the rotors were replaced. Just be wary of the free multipoint inspection from the dealership with every oil change! =P