I own a 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid. This is my fifth Toyota and I have always been a fan. But, now that the brake system for my hybrid is failing and Toyota will do nothing about this dangerous problem. Needless to say, I am very upset. What has to happen? Do I have to die or kill someone before Toyota pays out?

This brake actuator assembly seems to be specific to the Camry Hybrids 2007-2008. As of today, there have been 59 reported problems to the NHTSA regarding the brake actuator system and possibly 30,000 other cars that are affected. Obviously, it's all about the money because Toyota would have to pay almost $1 billion to fix all of these cars. They are going to skip and dance around the issue so as not to have to lose that much money.

A class action lawsuit is brewing. I have added my name to the class action lawsuit. The link is: http://www.chimicles.com/toyota-camry-hybrid-brake-actuator-defect-investigation. Also, you can go on line and report your complaint to the NHTSA. The agency is looking into the issue and meeting with Toyota.

I purchased a used 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid (TCH) 12/31/2013 and was told by the Automotive dealer that the VSC light had come on but to their knowledge…. there was no known problem with the braking system. Approximately 1 week later, every warning light associated with the brakes was lit up on the car.

While driving the car…. the vehicle would not immediately stop when pressure was applied to the brake. There was pulsating and hesitation in the braking system while applying a tremendous amount of pressure to get the car to stop. So, week 3…..I parked the car until I could get the car fix. My 1st stop was the Toyota dealership. I was given an estimate of $2400 for the brake actuator. So, not wanting to spend that kind of money, I did some checking online and with some local repair shops specializing in foreign car repair and able to locate a used brake actuator for $900 with an installation cost of $321.

With so many Camry owners having the same issue with this car…it is gross negligence and irresponsible business practice on Toyota’s part to have not recalled this part. They knowingly allow people (myself included) to drive the TCH with a malfunction in the braking system…that is just awful.

45 Days ago the VBS light came on indicating some kind of brake or electrical problem. The car was brought to the Toyota dealership where I was advised that the base battery had to be replaced at the ridiculous price of $600 and that the water pump also needed to be replaced at another $400. After spending $1,100+ (with other shop costs and taxes) the car worked OK for about another month when the VBS light came on again!! This time, the replacement is going to cost $3,400+!!

Where are class action attorneys when we need them? All over the internet there are complaints about this same problem in all Toyota and Lexus Hybrid vehicles. This is obviously a generic problem that is being caused by a faulty part that is incredibly expensive to replace (since Toyota is apparently the only one who makes this replacement part).

I had always defended Toyota but I can guarantee you that after this incident neither I nor anyone that I know will ever buy a Toyota vehicle. They have lost a customer for life and will lose everyone that I ever speak to about this matter.