Eight problems related to brake master cylinder have been reported for the 2003 Toyota Camry. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2003 Toyota Camry based on all problems reported for the 2003 Camry.
The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while driving 30 mph, the brake pedal became inoperable. The contact mentioned that he was able to maintain control of the vehicle by shifting into neutral until the vehicle came to a complete stop. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who was unable to diagnose the failure but replaced the master cylinder as a safety precaution. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 142,740 and the current mileage was 142,754. Pmb.
Brake failure. Has happened before and complaint filed previously. This time, brakes failed when approaching intersection. Vehicle speed before braking about 35 mph. Vehicle had been driven about 5 miles with occasional gentle braking after being parked for approximately 6 hours. Outside temperature about 85 degrees, sunny and dry. Failure hadn't happened all winter, warmer weather only time problem occurs. In this instance, brake pedal went to floor upon initial application. Braking effort insufficient even though both feet pushing pedal. I'm 210 lb active cyclist. Pushing effort definitely not lacking. Nearly broadsided car in cross traffic. Swift evasive action by other driver only reason accident didn't occur. In past, dealer said they were unable to duplicate condition. Brake pedal has "quiver" when pressed quickly. Dealer replaced brake booster but problem not corrected. Brake pads, shoes, rotors and drums in excellent condition. Brake fluid clean and at correct level. Feels like flaw inside master cylinder or in pedal linkage design which is different than most motor vehicles. I feel car is dangerous to operate and I won't let other 2 drivers in the family use this vehicle. Toyota should know of Camry braking problems as they are posted many places and have been brought to Toyota's customer, including myself. Thses defective vehicles are highly prevalent on the highwqys and are a ticking time bomb waiting to kill or maim some unsuspecting person.
Brake pedal frequently goes nearly to floor. Has happened even when car stopped at lights. When pedal travel excessive, braking performance very poor. No warning. Brakes work fine for a while then pedal travel and brake performance drgrade severely without warning. Nearly in several collisions. Also, fraquent vibration in pedal linkage, especially when pedal pushed quickly. Dealer replaced brake booster but no imporvement in performance. Dealer says there is nothing else to be done. Often feels like internal leak in master cylinder. Complaint to Toyota turfed back to dealer. Feel car is dangerous in this condition but Toyota and northway Toyota not interested in repairing problem. Last date listed in incident date, but has happened many, many times. Afraid to operate vehicle in heavy traffic, especially at highway speeds.
2003 Toyota Camry. We have had the car since new. I always thought there was a problem with the brakes-the pedal nears the floor before braking action begins. Reported to dealer numerous times. They maintain the brakes are fine and up to specs. I had the front rotors and pads changed along with new shoes on the rear-even though the original parts were not worn out-and stopping improved although there is still an awful lot of pedal travel before braking takes place. I feel there is a problem with the master cylinder that should be rectified by Toyota motor CO. I think the recent events with their vehicle recalls is just the tip of the iceberg.
On December 8, 2003, at 6918 miles consumer was at a stop sign and tried to apply brakes and they failed. Consumer was in a school zone and tried to stop at a traffic light, took the vehicle to dealer to be inspected, and the service department couldn't find anything wrong. Again, had the vehicle out and was at a 3 way stop and tried to apply the brakes, and they failed again. Took vehicle to dealership on April 21, 2005 at 13096 miles, and they did find that because of a brake failure there was internal failure in master cylinder, and the front rotors were warped.
When the brake pedal was depressed at any speed, the vehicle failed to stop. This resulted in extended stopping distance. The dealership replaced the master cylinder because it was leaking, but the problem recurred, then the dealership cleaned and readjusted the rear brakes. The brake pedal traveled to the ground.
A 2003 Toyota Camry, v-6, with all safety equipment experienced intermittent cruise control disengagement, actual turn-off, at highway speeds. Sometimes the brake pedal needed to be lifted with the left foot to restart/re-engage the cruise control. Later, while parallel parking, on applying the brake, the car surged ahead hitting the SUV parked ahead. Toyota dealer, and field technician drove vehicle and the only thing noticed was the cruise control went off when turning around in a driveway. The problem was sporadic on the highway when first observed. Toyota legally denied the claim after over 3 months time from reporting to their regional center. No injuries occurred. The master cylinder has been replaced and the front end repaired. The car appears to be operating satisfactorily. The consumer stated if the brake pedal is depressed slightly to disengage the cruise control, he still has to lift the pedal to engage it again. Updated 03/05/10.
Brake pedal goes down low close to the gas pedal by itself. When master cylinder fluid is added the pedal returns to its correct position. Dealership replaced the master cylinder, but the problem recurs.