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Rx400h braking problems.

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Old Feb 5, 2010 | 07:04 AM
  #1  
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Default Rx400h braking problems.

My 2008 Rx400h has always had the well described "braking surge" problem on occasion. I notice it on slow speed braking, typically at an intersection. I will be pressing down on the brake pedal and then suddenly will feel like I am losing braking capacity. The immediate responce to to hit the brake harder and the vehicle always then slows down properly. I don't think the car actually surges forward much but it probably would if you didn't respond quickly. I am not the only one. There are several threads on the internet describing this.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/hyb...-breaking.html

This has always been written off as normal "hybrid braking." Now with the Prius braking problems, I wonder if we are next in line for a repair???

Last edited by jrobe; Feb 5, 2010 at 11:52 AM.
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Old Feb 5, 2010 | 04:32 PM
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I had the problem you're describing (different from the Prius description) a couple years ago and brought it to the dealer. They were able to fix it with no problem.
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Old Feb 10, 2010 | 03:19 PM
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Default I had the same problem,

and reported it to two different dealerships who claimed they never heard of the problem. I felt they were suggesting I imagined it and I am still driving with the problem. While not a serious safety issue since the brakes do apply eventually it's not something that should happen.

It goes off lease soon and am seriously considering the MB M class even though I loved my RX.
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Old Feb 10, 2010 | 05:45 PM
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I notice you're from NJ. Which dealers did you go to? Mine was fixed at Warnock Lexus. They are great about things like this.
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Old Feb 13, 2010 | 09:38 AM
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I have not been able to duplicate the problem but it's only happen to me twice since I've owned the car. First time I was pulling into the Autozone I put my foot on the brake as I pulled into the parking space pressed the brake pedal to stop there was a delay and I ended up pressing the brake harder to stop which came to a abrupt halt. I panicked because I thought something went wrong but I haven't been able to duplicate the problem since. Second time I was trying to stop and to turn into to a parking lot. The brakes already have no "feel" to them but I ended up running right up to the parking entrance still going about 35mph and set off the ABS when I realized I still had too much speed and I couldn't tell if I was braking hard or not, strange. Then I hear about the Prius braking problems about 6 months later. No point in going to the dealer for it because it's only happen twice the second time maybe I'm just not used to the electric brakes since I don't drive it too often.
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Old Feb 13, 2010 | 01:29 PM
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i agree you gotta get used to the Hybrid brakes.. it's not as "effective" as a traditional brake... cant win them all..
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Old Feb 16, 2010 | 01:26 PM
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In reply to RexLexBlue

It had been to both Lexus of Bridgewater and Lawrenceville Lexus.

Last edited by ALM54; Feb 16, 2010 at 01:34 PM. Reason: clarification
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Old Feb 21, 2010 | 08:06 PM
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i have noticed it too in my RX. I think the lack of braking response will cause problems in close quarters with another vehicle but as long as you have a reasonable distance between vehicles it should be okay. its not as predictable but occours fairly commonly to be worthy of notice
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Old Mar 6, 2010 | 08:22 PM
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Originally Posted by LexRexBlue
I had the problem you're describing (different from the Prius description) a couple years ago and brought it to the dealer. They were able to fix it with no problem.
I have noticed it too. Do you know what the fix was? Maybe I will ask the dealer since its still under warranty. my wife has never had it happen but I have more than a few times.. I just expect it now...

I think its something with the CVT trans, its going into nuetral while braking.
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Old Mar 7, 2010 | 08:03 AM
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Originally Posted by 06WTRX400H
I have noticed it too. Do you know what the fix was? Maybe I will ask the dealer since its still under warranty. my wife has never had it happen but I have more than a few times.. I just expect it now...

I think its something with the CVT trans, its going into nuetral while braking.
Sorry. I'm sure they have a record of it. If I check service history online it is too brief.
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Old Apr 28, 2011 | 08:46 PM
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I have the exact same problem ... I stepped on brake and the car choked while braking ... is that a problem ? or normal behaviour ?
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Old Apr 29, 2011 | 01:53 PM
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I had the new regular RX 350 as a loaner and I loved it. It also didn't skid over wet manholes when you braked. I test drove the new 450h to make sure I was making the right decision. I traded in my 400h in August. In light of the past winter with the never ending snow I was very happy with my decision. Of course now the price of gas has skyrocketed, but I don't drive that many miles.

Last edited by LexRexBlue; Apr 29, 2011 at 01:54 PM. Reason: didn't proofread
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Old Dec 10, 2017 | 01:51 AM
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Default Brake problem rx400h

Originally Posted by jrobe
My 2008 Rx400h has always had the well described "braking surge" problem on occasion. I notice it on slow speed braking, typically at an intersection. I will be pressing down on the brake pedal and then suddenly will feel like I am losing braking capacity. The immediate responce to to hit the brake harder and the vehicle always then slows down properly. I don't think the car actually surges forward much but it probably would if you didn't respond quickly. I am not the only one. There are several threads on the internet describing this.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/hyb...-breaking.html

This has always been written off as normal "hybrid braking." Now with the Prius braking problems, I wonder if we are next in line for a repair???
I only have my rx400h for 2 months now and have noticed the loss in braking powder when slowing down. My theory is that the car changes from engine to battery at this point hence a difference in power being given to the brakes (does this make since)?

Last edited by Jmitch63; Dec 10, 2017 at 01:56 AM. Reason: Spelling errors
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Old Dec 27, 2017 | 06:37 AM
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Know somebody where are interior light fuses located? Thanks
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Old Dec 27, 2017 | 06:53 AM
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rx400h Interior light fuse location? plsss
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