NHTSA Complaint #11455010 — 2018 TOYOTA CAMRY

Abrupt activation of brakes: new vehicle to present. When first backing out of garage or parking spot, at a slow-creeping speed, without use of throttle pedal, attempting to control backward motion with light brake pedal the vehicle's brakes will abruptly active fully halting rearward motion. Further rearward motion requires driver to completely remove foot from brake pedal but any attempt to control rearward speed by feathering brake pedal often causes a repeat of the abrupt brake activation. This cycle repeats the full length of the vehicle within the garage and the length of the driveway to the street , additionally 5 to 6 times the vehicle length. The problem manifests after a lengthy parking, in both forward and reverse directions. There is often an accompanying discernible mechanical actuator sound coming from the engine compartment that I associate as a Trigger to expect the abrupt braking. The obstacle warning may alarm in the garage but acknowledging it with OK does not effect the abrupt braking cycle which continues the length of the driveway, clear of any obstructions. To be clear, this problem occurs at very slow speeds, about 2 miles per hour. I have been told by the dealership mechanic that the brakes are designed to operate as conventional hydraulic brakes below 5 mph; this of course doesn't explain the actuator noise emanating from under the hood. Once the vehicle has been on the road, the brake's performance improves with only a slight tendency to grab when coming to a stop; It's cause to celebrate when the driver can successively make 5 smooth stops. This problem was experienced by 5 separate drivers, each of whom directly expressed dis-satisfaction. Possibly related to the abrupt braking described above is the sudden activation of the brakes and BRAKE warning in what would otherwise be a controlled stop behind a stopped vehicle at a red traffic light. There an association with: vehicle size -color- brake lite position/intensity.