Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
2008 Camry Hybrid stopped at a gas station with car was in park. No one in car, car came out of park, rolled out of station, across first 2 lanes, then median, then 2 additional lanes and ended up in a tree in/near a school yard/property. Toyota had engineer review in early sept. Toyota wrote letter in January that they refuse to further evaluate or be responsible for collision. An insurance agent at my carrier had exactly the same issue but her damage was below her deductible and she just had it repaired without telling Toyota.
Upon starting vehicle a "check vsc system" warning message was displayed. The maintenance "!", "brake drum", "trac" and "ABS" warning lights illuminated. An obd2 code check was performed and a diagnostic code "c0210 rh rear speed sensor circuit" was returned. Authorized Toyota dealer/service replaced the right rear speed sensor and hub. Warning signals reset was attempted, but failed. Diagnostic code remained. Dealer proposed to begin replacing down-stream parts until code would be able to be reset. There was no guarantee that any of the replacements would correct the code or reset the ABS & stability systems. Aggressive conversation between the dealership and Toyota could not resolve the issue. The vehicle is without the safety of the ABS or traction control systems as long as the warning lights are on. …
On or about mid April 2018 this vehicle was left parked and unattended outside in upstate ny for approximately 2 weeks. The outside temperature at the time was from the mid 20s to the mid 30's with some snow. After 2 weeks, I came back and attempted to drive it from it's parked spot when I discovered the driver's side rear wheel locked up and the vehicle would not move. The vehicle was towed to a local garage where the d/s rear caliper pins were found frozen and the emergency brake was found rusted. On April 2019 the same vehicle was left parked in upstate ny when the local temperature varied from the low 30's to the high 30's with some snow on the ground. I returned after 2 weeks and this time it was discovered the rear wheels would not turn. The vehicle was again towed and the rear rotors were found extremely rusted and had to be replaced. …
When our car was in motion, we experienced very loud audible grunt along with very poor breaking. Extremely scary situation especially since it started suddenly, without warning while driving and the brakes did not work at all during the first incident. The warning lights did not come on and luckily we were not yet on the expressway. We made it home and had it towed to the repair shop the next day. We drove it around the parking lot with the mechanic and the brakes failed again. We had to have the ABS brake system (ABS pump/module assembly) replaced at a cost of $2,263. We contacted Toyota who said they could not reimburse for the issue. We have read online that other issues have happened to consumers and it seems that anything that results in total brake failure should warranty a recall. Please advise if you are able to consider this situation and if you need any further information. …
While driving my car on 40 miles/hour the brake light, ABS, skid control, and maintenance light illuminated with a whistling sound too, also the dash board had check the vsc system warning. I was unable to stop the car due to braking system failure, so I pulled over to a close by gas station and stopped by hitting the curb. The car was taken to the dealership, and diagnosed as ABS braking actuator system malfunction, and estimated repair cost is $2,200, it was out of the extended warranty by 4 months so I have to pay out of pocket for this particular manufacturer life threatening mistake that could take away my life if I couldn't stop the car. I contacted the Toyota company 3 times they stated they are aware of the malfunction problem, but they have nothing to do with it, as it is not a recall yet, it's only under investigation. I know this happened to many cars of this model. …
I was driving on the freeway one afternoon when all the indicators on my dashboard turned on and stated "check vsc system". I made an appointment with Toyota scheduled for August 2, 2015. After the indicators turned on, I was reversing out of a parking spot when I noticed an oncoming vehicle. I pressed the brakes but my car failed to stop, and I had to shift to park to prevent an accident. The Toyota serviceman informed me the brake actuator was the problem. He further claimed that this was not covered under warranty since the car had been in an accident 3 years ago and wanted to charge me $1,500. How can an accident 3 years ago cause my brake actuator to suddenly fail last month? I am unable to drive my car for fear of an accident; despite the accident Toyota should honor the lsc and fix the actuator instead of trying to charge me for a problem they caused in the first place.
I have always noticed a delayed braking feeling in my 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid. Also, when traveling at a higher rate of speed I notice the car shaking when just applying the brakes to even gradually slow down. This morning I rearended someone because of what I feel is the delayed braking. ABS did not kick in and no airbag deployed. I was traveling under 25mph and was on a decline. I should not have had to apply the brakes as hard as I felt I was pressing but was so shocked when the car would not stop.
Warning buzzer, brake, check engine, no cruise control, hard brake pedal to stop. I paid to the dealer to diagnostic, and the ABS actuator assembly with labor is almost us$1,700. Only something the sound of the buzzer and the lights turn off, and brake perfect. But must of the time, permanent noise and lights are on. To use the car is dangerous and noise no good for passengers. The problem start with vehicle in motion, in the city.
Vsc check engine error came on display along with check engine light, ABS, parking brake, traction control, and something else. I was coming off the highway and exiting the off-ramp when the car binged, all the lights came on, the check vsc came on and the brakes hiccuped. I was already pulling off the highway, so I turned onto a side street. Parked, and then restarted the car. The error came on again, but then went out.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid. While driving approximately 10 MPH, the vehicle experienced a complete loss of braking ability. The failure occurred without warning. The vehicle was towed to swope Toyota (1085 n dixie hwy, elizabethtown, ky), but the failure could not be replicated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. The VIN was not provided.
NHTSA investigations
Brake Actuator malfunction
On June 25, 2014, Toyota initiated a Warranty Enhancement Program (ZE1) to extend warranty coverage for the brake actuator assembly and skid control ECU/brake pedal stroke sensor in certain MY 2007 to 2011 Toyota Camry hybrid vehicles.
Brake complaints in other Camry Hybrid years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid?
NHTSA has 67 complaints about the brakes of the 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid, 41% of the model year's 162 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 97,000 miles, and 5% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.