Thread: Loose breaks?

I've had my Venza for 3 months, 3k miles. The brakes took a little getting used to. They seem softer than my previous vehicle. I know all vehicles brake differently and I have gotten used to the stop time during regular driving. My concern is stopping short. I feel like the car will not stop short in an urgent situation. I have tested stopping short several times and there is quite a stop time even when I slam on the brakes. I feel this is a safety issue. Does anyone else feel this way? And PS, sorry for the incorrect spelling in the subject line!

We have had no problems like you describe. One year of ownership and 13k miles of great service. I have had one panic stop with our Venza and it performed better than I expected, not skidding and stopping well short with no sway. If you feel your brakes are soft or squishy, take it in to the dealership. Perhaps you have air bubbles in your brake lines? Who knows. Peace of mind is worth a visit to the dealership. Good luck.

Greetings:
According to the Venza brochure the Venza comes with the STAR Safety System which includes Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) w/cutoff switch + Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-loc Brake System with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EDB) and Brake Assist. When I bought my previous Toyota (2007 Highlander Hybrid) the salesman demonstrated the Brake Assist feature during the test drive. When I applied the brakes quickly/suddenly, the car came to a very quick but controlled stop without any drama. I made sure no one was behind me when I did this. I haven't had any need to abruptly apply the brakes on my 2011 Venza as yet, but I'm sure I won't have any braking ssues since it's a similar (if not improved) system that was on my Highlander. I do find that the peddle seems a bit soft in general but the car stops smoothly. I do miss the better mpg of the HH though. I could drive that car in a very brisk manner and still get 26-27mpg whereas I must 'baby' the Venza to get 25mpg and if I 'put the vinegar to it' then the mileage drops to 23mpg or so. Still, the Venza offers many features (pano roof, smart-key, power open/close liftgate) that were not on my HH plus the Venza is far more stylish (IMMHO) than the HH.

My V6 Venza brake pedal has a soft feel. The dealer says it is normal. Yet when I drove a loaner Venza (4cyl) the pedal was up high & quite firm. I did not bring that up with the dealer yet, but I might at some later time.