I have a 2001 Lexus 300. I have never ever had issues with it-except for 12-18 months ago- my mat got stuck. As I drove it keep at high speed and kept going faster- the brake pedal would not move as I pushed down. I pit my head down and pulled at the matt & unhooked the front hook under the seat. I thank god I was able to remove my mat- as of that day-I removed my mat & have ruined my carpet, but that is fine. I am surprised this recall is not for my make & model- when I heard the issues with the pedal...it brought back that day- if I was unable to free the pedal, I do not know what would have happened- I would never had thought to hit the E brake or shut car down- and I put all my power on the brake & it would not work. All in all it is an excellent car!

- Nutley, NJ, USA

2001 Lexus ES 300 brake problems causing so far 4 accidents- failure to stop. Spongy-like brakes. Dealer serviced and made aware. These have been collisions while trying to stop and other vehicles have been rear ended. The latest accident on October 1O, 2003 hit a group of public supermarket shopping carts damaging the hood of the car and emblem front plastic cover. The car just does not stop well when asked to. The service dealership just completed the 30000 mile check up and specifically was told about the brake problem. They stated that a full search was done and the vehicle received new front brake pads as a recommended item to improve the problem without success. I tested the vehicle upon delivery after the service and found that the car spongy feeling continued. The dealership service department stated that there is nothing they can do about it. On a previous service the car was checked for the same problem. We had a previous Lexus ES 00 from 1997 and that problem was not present. I am very disappointed since my wife uses this car to pick up our children from school as well as for her transportation. I have tested other Lexus vehicles and the brakes are very different (Lexus LX470, Lexus RX300, Lexus RX330), I also have a Mercedes C240 that shows to have very sensitive brakes and you feel secure when braking either wet or dry. I had a 1992 Toyota Camry that had also very good brakes.

- Orlando, FL, USA

On January, my wife was driving our two children to an appointment at approximately 0845 hrs. While driving at normal speeds on a two lane road, she stated that the brake light illuminated, and then, the brakes locked up and steering control was not possible. The car did a 540 (a complete 360 and a 180) and ended up off the road and hit a tree. The car was totaled. The temperature was approximately 0 F. the front passenger side wheel was completely severed from the frame. There were no warnings. The car was serviced in 2002 due to complaint about excessive brake noise.

- West Chester, OH, USA