2018 Toyota Camry brakes problems

The brake vacuum pump fails, reducing or eliminating power brake assist, making the brake pedal hard to depress or requiring excessive force. Owners report soft, mushy, or completely unresponsive brakes. Some vehicles display 'Low Braking Power' warning messages; others fail silently. Several owners report the brake pedal traveling to the floorboard or becoming stuck in the depressed position. Failures occur across the mileage spectrum (16,500 to 255,000 miles) with no clear wear-out pattern.

When: Throughout vehicle ownership; some reported at low speeds (5–25 mph) during parking or turns, others at highway speeds (55–70 mph)

Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal becomes hard to depress or requires excessive force; Soft or mushy brake pedal; Complete brake failure with no braking response; Brake pedal travels to floorboard; Brake pedal becomes stiff or seizes in depressed position; 'Low Braking Power' or 'Low Brake Power' warning message on dash; 'Brake System Error' message; Brake warning light or master warning light illumination; Extended stopping distance; Vehicle fails to slow or stop despite pedal depression

Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 21V890000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), NHTSA Campaign 18V211000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), NHTSA Campaign 19V-544 (brake booster vacuum pump failure)

Repairs/costs cited: Brake vacuum pump replacement required. Owners report parts costs of $691.85 to $1,800+; labor varies. Some owners paid out of pocket ranging from $1,200 to $1,600+. Independent mechanics also perform repairs. Parts availability was a major issue as of 2022; many dealers reported parts on order or unavailable for extended periods.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota recalls exist (21V890000, 18V211000) but not all affected vehicles are included. Many owners report their VINs excluded from recalls despite identical symptoms. Dealers sometimes refused to cover repairs under goodwill warranty. Toyota Customer Hotline declined to expand coverage or explain exclusions. Some dealers voided recalls if independent mechanics worked on brake components first. Recall repairs took months; parts remained unavailable into 2022. One owner reported Toyota failed to perform recall repair and just 'checked it off' without fixing the vehicle. Reimbursement claims for out-of-pocket repairs were initially denied for administrative reasons (missing documentation), and the reimbursement portal was reported down.

After extended parking, when backing out slowly or creeping forward/backward at speeds under 5 mph, the vehicle's brakes activate abruptly and fully, halting motion. Drivers report an accompanying mechanical actuator sound from the engine compartment. Feathering the brake pedal to control creep speed triggers repeated abrupt activation cycles. The cycle repeats multiple times over the length of a driveway or garage. Once the vehicle is warmed up and on the road, braking performance improves, though drivers report occasional brake grab at stops.

When: After prolonged parking periods; low-speed maneuvers (2–5 mph) in garages and driveways

Symptoms owners cite: Abrupt, hard brake activation when creeping backward or forward; Brake pedal feathering causes repeated hard braking cycles; Mechanical actuator sound from engine compartment preceding abrupt braking; Obstacle warning alarm in garage (unrelated to braking malfunction); Brake grab when coming to normal stops once vehicle is warmed up; Multiple drivers (5 separate drivers in one case) reported dissatisfaction with the behavior

Codes mentioned:

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership mechanic told one owner that brakes are 'designed to operate as conventional hydraulic brakes below 5 mph,' which does not address the abrupt activation or engine compartment sounds.

Brake system fails to respond when brake pedal is depressed during slow-speed parking maneuvers (under 5 mph in driveways, lots, or garages) or during very low-speed traffic (5–25 mph). Vehicle does not slow or stop as expected. Some incidents result in collisions with poles, garage doors, or other vehicles. One owner reported striking a garage door at near-zero speed, going through the garage and hitting the inside wall.

When: During parking and low-speed driving maneuvers, typically under 25 mph

Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal depressed but vehicle fails to slow or stop; Vehicle continues moving despite brake pedal application; No prior warning lights before failure; Collision with fixed objects (poles, garage doors) or other vehicles; Vehicle hits parked or stationary vehicle

Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 21V890000

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owners were not initially notified of applicable recalls. After crashes, Toyota was contacted but offered no assistance. VINs were often not included in recall campaigns despite matching failure symptoms.

Brake assist becomes inconsistent—sometimes working normally, sometimes providing little or no assist. An accompanying loud knocking noise occurs in the engine compartment, described as 'injector noise' or 'normal noise' by dealership staff despite growing severity. 'Brake System Error' messages appear on the dashboard. The combination of inconsistent assist and noise suggests a vacuum pump or brake booster problem. One owner brought the vehicle back multiple times over months, only to be told it was 'normal' until the vacuum pump finally failed.

When: Progressive degradation over months; inconsistent assist worsened with repeated complaints

Symptoms owners cite: Inconsistent brake power assist (sometimes strong, sometimes weak); Loud knocking or rapping noise from engine compartment; 'Brake System Error' message on dashboard; Noise increases in volume and frequency over time; Noise audible in heavy traffic

Codes mentioned:

Repairs/costs cited: Vacuum pump replacement cost over $1,800 at dealership.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership initially dismissed knocking as 'injector noise' and recommended injector cleaner despite an active TSB for the issue. When owner returned with escalating complaints, dealership initially denied warranty coverage and refused goodwill adjustment. Toyota Customer Hotline would not explain why VIN was excluded from recall, would not extend goodwill coverage, and would not accept a complaint. Dealer eventually confirmed vacuum pump failure but refused recall coverage.

In one complaint, the transmission shifted to neutral independently while driving 65 mph. After turning the vehicle off and restarting, the braking system became stiff and unresponsive, with 'Low Braking Power' message displayed and extended stopping distance. In another case, a recall for fuel system (Campaign 20V682000) was performed, but upon return, 'Low Braking Power' warning appeared and brake pedal failed to function; the owner also reported excessive oil leak after the fuel system repair.

When: Coincident with transmission anomaly or fuel system repair; appears immediately or shortly after

Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal becomes very firm and difficult to depress; 'Low Braking Power' warning message; Extended stopping distance; Brake pedal fails to operate as needed; Vehicle jerks while accelerating; 'Maintenance Required' and 'Stop in Safe Place' messages; Excessive oil leak (reported after fuel system repair)

Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 20V682000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), NHTSA Campaign 18V211000 (not applicable to VIN)

Repairs/costs cited: Brake booster and vacuum pump replacement required. Owners report diagnostic fees charged by dealers.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer offered no assistance. Dealer provided diagnostic fee but vehicle was not repaired.

When brake pedal is depressed, the vehicle does not immediately slow or stop; there is a noticeable delay or lag. Occurs at various speeds including normal traffic speeds. One owner reports the vehicle would not slow down during highway driving when a car ahead stopped abruptly.

When: During normal driving and traffic situations

Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal depressed but vehicle continues without immediate response; Delayed braking response at various speeds; Vehicle fails to slow when needed

Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 21V890000

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Cause not determined in all cases. Dealership confirmed recall applied but parts unavailable.

The vehicle's radar-based automatic emergency braking (AEB) system activates abruptly or engages when not necessary. The system only monitors forward obstacles and does not account for following vehicles. In one case, the AEB engaged suddenly on a highway, causing a vehicle behind to veer onto the shoulder to avoid collision. The AEB cannot be permanently disabled; it reactivates each time the vehicle starts.

When: During highway driving; independent of driver input

Symptoms owners cite: Automatic braking engages without driver command; Sudden hard braking during controlled stops or when not needed; AEB engages due to forward vehicle without considering rear traffic; System reactivates each time vehicle starts despite previous disabling; Potential for rear-end collision from following vehicle reacting to AEB

Codes mentioned:

Owner brought vehicle in for brake noise complaint. Dealership recommended rear brake replacement. After service and leaving the lot, vehicle performed normally. The next day, during highway driving at high speed, brakes suddenly lost all effectiveness. Vehicle could not be stopped, reaching 82 mph on a downgrade before coasting to a stop. Warning message 'Low Braking Power' appeared. Dealership attributed failure to defective brake part (calipers) that had been installed and later said they needed to order a new part. Dealership then became unresponsive to phone calls and emails.

When: Day after rear brake service at dealership; manifested during high-speed highway driving

Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of braking ability at high speed; 'Low Braking Power' warning message; Brake pedal travel to floorboard or unresponsive; Vehicle unable to stop, reaching dangerous speeds

Codes mentioned:

Repairs/costs cited: Dealership initially stated calipers failed; later said defective part was installed and ordered a replacement. Dealership remained unresponsive and would not provide explanation.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall applied to this VIN. Owner appealed to dealership GM and owner with no replies. Dealership became unresponsive.

While driving at 55 mph and depressing brake pedal, vehicle failed to slow. Driver used both feet to depress pedal but vehicle continued at speed, resulting in a three-vehicle collision. Brake warning light illuminated. Driver and passengers sustained injuries (seat belt injuries, neck/thoracic/chest bruising, knee bruising). Airbags did not deploy. Vehicle was not repaired or diagnosed for the brake failure, though manufacturer was notified of a related recall.

When: During normal highway driving at 55 mph

Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal depressed with both feet but vehicle fails to slow; Brake warning light illumination; No warning before failure; Complete loss of braking ability resulting in collision

Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 21V890000 (VIN not included)

Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not repaired.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified of failure and informed of recall; however, VIN not included in recall. No assistance offered.

Brake warning light or service brake warning light illuminates. Brake pedal becomes stiff or difficult to depress. Stopping distance is extended. 'Check Brake Pump' or similar warning messages appear. Vehicle becomes difficult to drive safely.

When: While driving at various speeds

Symptoms owners cite: Brake warning light or service brake warning light illumination; Brake pedal stiff or difficult to depress; Extended stopping distance; 'Check Brake Pump' or similar warning message; Vehicle not drivable without reduced brake functionality

Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 21V890000

Repairs/costs cited: Vacuum pump and power brake booster replacement required.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recalls applied but parts often unavailable. Manufacturer exceeded reasonable time for recall repair. Loaner vehicles provided in some cases while parts remained on order.

Owner's husband replaced the brake vacuum pump himself after independent mechanic diagnosed 'no air entering vacuum pump.' The failure recurred. Subsequent independent mechanic stated the camshaft needed replacement. The underlying cause (vacuum pump vs. camshaft) remains unresolved.

When: Approximately 92,000 miles; after owner-performed vacuum pump replacement

Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal failed to stop vehicle at low speed (10 mph); Recurrence of failure after vacuum pump replacement; Subsequent diagnosis suggests camshaft involvement

Codes mentioned:

Repairs/costs cited: Owner replaced vacuum pump but failure recurred; subsequent diagnosis indicated possible camshaft issue.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware of failure.

Many owners received recall notifications (Campaign 21V890000) but dealers reported that the replacement brake vacuum pump or associated parts were not available. Some owners waited months or years with the recall unrepaired. Dealers provided loaner vehicles in some cases. Manufacturers attributed parts delays to NHTSA and instructed owners to contact NHTSA. As of early 2022, parts remained unavailable on many vehicles, even though recalls were issued in 2021. Some owners were given estimated repair dates (e.g., 'February 2022,' 'second quarter of 2022') that were not met.

When: Starting 2021 for recall notifications; parts availability extended into 2022 and beyond

Symptoms owners cite: Recall notification received but repair cannot be scheduled; Dealer confirms parts not yet available; Extended wait times for remedy (months to years); Owners unable to drive vehicles safely due to unrepaired recall

Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 21V890000

Repairs/costs cited: Repair cannot proceed without parts; vehicles remain in dealer inventory or with owners.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota cited parts shortages and NHTSA responsibility for releasing parts. Some dealers provided loaner vehicles. Manufacturer acknowledged exceeding reasonable recall repair time but offered no alternative remedy. Some owners were instructed to contact NHTSA about parts delays. One owner reported a dealer had the car for 6+ months with no repair completed.

Vehicle experiences loud or excessive noise from brakes when stopping, accompanied by stiff or firm brake pedal requiring extra effort. One owner reports brakes that 'grab' much harder than expected for the pedal pressure applied, causing alarm to passengers and pedestrians.

When: During low-speed stops and normal braking

Symptoms owners cite: Loud or screeching sound from brakes; Brake pedal stiff or firm; Brake grab—brakes respond with more force than pedal pressure indicates; Brake lurches at stop

Codes mentioned:

Repairs/costs cited: Toyota Technical Service Bulletin TSB-0033-20 published 4/8/2020 describes a fix for brake grab, but was only applicable to vehicles under warranty (3-year coverage). Owner discovered fix after warranty expiration and Toyota refused to perform it at no charge.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota issued TSB-0033-20 for brake grab problem but limited coverage to vehicles within warranty period, excluding owners outside that window.

Vehicle underwent brake vacuum pump recall repair. Roughly 3 weeks later, an internal engine part that was removed during the recall repair came loose and caused internal damage. Vehicle has produced no power, struggles to accelerate, and has constant safety system malfunctions since. Toyota has failed to adequately repair the vehicle despite dozens of repair attempts over 6 months. Vehicle will not pass smog test due to engine malfunction introduced during recall repair. Currently in litigation.

When: 3 weeks after recall repair completion

Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle loses power output; Struggles to accelerate; Constant safety system malfunctions; Engine malfunction indicator; Will not pass emissions test

Codes mentioned:

Repairs/costs cited: Toyota attempted dozens of repairs over 6 months (April–October) without resolving the issue.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota performed recall repair but introduced engine damage. After dozens of unsuccessful repair attempts, Toyota returned vehicle unfixed and is now ignoring complaints.

Multiple owners report VINs not included in brake-related recalls (21V890000, 18V211000, 19V-544) despite experiencing identical symptoms and failures—loss of brake assist, 'Low Braking Power' messages, stiff pedals, vacuum pump failure. Owners report vehicles built within the same timeframe as recalled vehicles, with the same defect. Some owners were told by dealers the recall does not apply; others report Toyota Customer Service refusing to explain the exclusion or expand coverage based on matching symptoms.

When: Across the ownership period of affected vehicles

Symptoms owners cite: All symptoms consistent with vacuum pump or brake booster failure; Identical symptoms to vehicles included in recalls; Brake system error or warning messages; Loss of brake assist

Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 21V890000 (VIN not included), NHTSA Campaign 18V211000 (VIN not included), NHTSA Campaign 19V-544 (VIN not included)

Repairs/costs cited: Owners forced to pay out of pocket for vacuum pump replacement ($691.85 to $1,800+) or brake booster repair, though some later received reimbursement letters from Toyota.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota and dealers refuse to cover repairs under recall or goodwill warranty despite matching defects. Toyota Customer Hotline declines to explain exclusions or extend coverage. Some owners received reimbursement letters but encountered obstacles submitting claims (website errors, missing documentation requirements, unresponsive support). One owner states that after paying out of pocket, Toyota later sent a reimbursement letter, but the website submission portal did not function properly.