I have heard rumors of RX 300's having issues with brake systems seizing. I have seen nothing actually published, and my 2001 RX 300 has been nothing short of perfect - but this source is generally reliable. Anybody else heard of such problem?

 

If you have the source, please let us know. Whenever possible, we try not to work with rumors on CL, just facts.

 

Do you mean seizing up? Never heard of it. I think others would have noticed this if it were the case so no worries mate!

 

Which is worse, ceasing or seizing? Not aware of either on the RX.

 

My source is confirmed...there have been 10 reported cases of brake issues with the 2004 RX330. And it was actually the Master Cylinder that failed causing the brakes to not work at all as opposed to the brakes "seizing" as I noted before. Toyota Cambridge manufactured these cars and they are being investigated because of allegations that they new about this issue...and they still sent the cars out. No word on what caused the braking system to fail.

 

I thought you said RX300. Where did you read about the 10 cases?

The issue is probably caused by extreme cold weather.

 

Yes...I did blindly say the RX 300 to begin with - however my source did confirm that it was the 2004 RX 330. And this source of mine is one of seniority at the Cambridge Toyota plant whom I very recently had a lengthy discussion with. Whether or not this issue has been posted publically is yet to be determined...but my source is rock solid. This will be public knowledge sooner or later.

 

I've heard of some cases where the brake booster of the RX330 failed and cause it to be very hard to brake. Dunno if this is related to that issue.

 

This was covered on another thread but essentially there was a cold weather problem with the brake boosters (power brakes)failing during the cold snap in January. Since the failures happened all at once there was a sudden run on the parts and it took a while to get them all replaced. The parts supply has been corrected and it really is not a current issue. The brake pedal would be very stiff without the booster but would still stop. There weren't any injuries or accidents reported during the January problem but it is now surfacing in the media. Consumer Reports has it as a best pick for safety and it has an admirable record of ability to avoid accidents with its agile handling and excellent braking. It also is the top selling Luxury model. Everyone should be as safe as the RX330 owners are and next the RX400h will arrive on April 15th.