2013 Hybrid Brake FAILURE

[stijojo]

Well, I got a big surprise on Friday! As I was stopping at a traffic light and the car was transitioning from the re-gen to regular brakes (10-15 MPH) the brake pedal just falls through and the dash lights up. I stopped the car, parked it, then restarted to make sure it wasn't some sensor. Nope! Once I restarted the car the warning light to CHECK BREAKS stayed on. I decided to park it in first parking lot I came to and as I tested the brakes the ABS kept coming on. Next day I took it to the dealership, where I was told it was the ABS brake module and that it should be safe to drive for another week until the parts come in. My vehicle is at 42K and so out of warranty, the dealership was not able to provide a loaner vehicle, and they will charge me for the fix. My question: Is the vehicle safe to drive? I have children and don't want them in a vehicle I can't trust. And has anyone else had anything similar happen. Is there a way to check NTSB reports? :banghead:

[Griswald]

The ABS module on my 1994 Ford van has been broken since I bought it, so if that is truly what is wrong, you will just not have anti lock brakes and you can drive it.

 

However, letting you drive away in a broken car seems a bit un-dealer-like. Try another dealer or a good independent mechanic before you drive too far.

[lolder]

It's probably safe to drive but you may not have computer controlled, regenerative, ABS braking. You will have normal mechanical power brakes put the pedal may go an inch or more farther down.

[stijojo]

Its opposite in my case where the ABS wont stop. The pedal is constantly giving the ABS feel even at a full stop the ABS is working overtime and sometimes the pedal just falls through. ( think old school air in brake line). Has anyone else had this problem on their hybrid?

[lolder]

Do you mean the pedal is pulsing? The dealer said the ABS is faulty which sounds right. When there is a problem sensed in the computer controlled braking system which includes the ABS, it disables it and you go to power assisted normal mechanical braking. Because the pedal goes down a lot farther before that engages, it gives the feeling that the pedal is "soft". When you press down far enough, the car should stop. If it doesn't, something else is wrong. The additional travel of 1-2 inches feels to many like the brakes have failed including early Consumers Reports car reviewers who had computer brake failures on early 2010 FFH's caused by a software problem. Move your seat forward a little and see if that helps you push the pedal farther.

These failures are rare. Have the dealer confirm it's the ABS module and not a much simpler wheel speed sensor which has been more common.

Edited June 21, 2016 by lolder

[JD1985]

My wife's car did the same thing one time .

I could not replicate the failure and neither could the dealer.

hey suspect the brake pedal and bracket for $1100.00 but say they are not sure if that will fix this.

I suspect that it is something else but am not sure what .