Brake Master Cylinder problems of the 2001 Toyota Highlander

I am experiencing problems with my 2001 Toyota Highlander. Whenever I press on the brake it pulsates,vibrates and it makes a distracting loud ratcheting sound. When the speedometer drops to less than 10mph- it happens. This happens so frequently, that I really hate driving anywhere. I took it to several different mechanics. After being told the problem that I am having is due to warped rotors and warn brake pads- I paid to have new brake pads and rotors installed. That didn't work. (now they say it is an abs problem) I took the Highlander to a Toyota dealer who without properly performing a computer scan, blamed the mechanics who replaced my rotors and brake pads for the problem that I have been having-and they told me that it was not the abs system. Anyway, I am still having the same problem that both professional mechanics disagree on. Pulsation, vibration and loud noises. Note: neither of the two indicator lights brake/abs has activated since the problem started. Finally, I took the Highlander to a third mechanic, paid for an inspection of my abs system and received several computer scan abs faults codes:c1271-c1278- abs activates at a lower speed. Also, master cylinder pressure sensor malfunction c1281. I want Toyota to repair the defects in my Toyota Highlander.

Increased pedal stroke lengthen the stopping distance. Saw in your website a recall for it. Took it to dealer they don't have it in the system so they won't fix the problem. They looked up the VIN# your website won't specify VIN#, only specify's year.

Frequently when the brake pedal was depressed the pedal went to the floor, which caused the brakes not to stop immediately in a panic or emergency situation. Dealership indicated that this was normal for the brake system for this vehicle. Three different mechanics inspected the brake system, and determined that the master cylinder was not functioning correctly. The master cylinder needed to be constantly replenished with brake fluid. Also, the brake system had to be bled because air got in it. Dealership indicated that the brake system was designed for a passenger vehicle and not an SUV. Repairs were also performed on vehicle due to premature wear on pads and rotors, and on vehicle's front door weather stripping due to premature wear. Recall#01v228000. The brake problem had been a problem since purchase.

01 v 228 000/brake system: recall repairs was done at(ourisman fairfax Toyota; fairfax, va; phone# 703/359-1010). After repairs was made, problem with soft pedal and applyed to close to the floor before stopping; dealer notified. Feel free to provide any further details concerning this matter.

Recall# 01v228000/ manufacturer's recall ssc10g; consumer got recall notice on Jul 30, 2001 and made an appointment for Aug 1, 2001. Took vehicle in, and dealer didnot have parts. Gave dealer phone # to call when parts come in. Also, consumer called dealer on Aug 16 about parts, and dealer stated had parts, and did not know whether they have anymore.

Approximately three weeks after my accident I received a recall from Toyota motor sales for brake master cylinder recall ssc10g. I contacted my dealer with this recall while they still had my vehicle making repairs from the accident. They immediately denied any brake failure - before even checking the vehicle. I then contacted Toyota motor company. After many weeks of waiting they have also refused to take any responsibility for my brake failure. Meanwhile, when my vehicle is finally ready to be picked up I repeatedly ask them if they have checked and fixed the brakes. They insist that they have. 4 weeks later Toyota of knoxville gives me a call begging me to bring the vehicle back to them, because they have not yet fixed the problem with the brakes. They assure me once again that the vehicle is safe to drive but I certainly do not feel safe in the vehicle, nor do I trust Toyota of knoxville to service the vehicle.

The recall work subject to campaign 01v228000 was not performed correctly. The vehicle still has excess pedal travel, and the pedal feel is 'mushy,' like the brakes need to be bled, as they were supposed to be during the recall work. The increased pedal stroke lengthens the stopping distance of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. The recall work took 20 minutes - Toyota says it should take about 1 hour. Bleeding the brakes, according to the Toyota Highlander service manual, consists of three parts - the master cylinder, the abs/vsc actuator, and the brake lines. There was no evidence that the actuator or the master cylinder were bled. The dealer has since tried to convince me that they're all like that, and this is normal brake operation. There are several posts to the edmunds Highlander discussion group about mushy Highlander brakes, with some saying the recall work improved their brake feel, others saying it didn't. I fear that many of the recall correction attempts have not been successful.

Prior to recall notice 01v-228 the consumer noticed when braking hard the car would shudders along with a loud noise and the vehicle did not stop as well as it should. Nlm.