berndschroeder3
Pacifica Hybrid Brake Pedal Issues Need Urgent Fix
4 comment(s)
berndschroeder3 (Author)
Last service was done just 2 months ago at 60570 KM. The pulsing happens mostly during moderate braking at higher speeds, not during gentle stops. The master cylinder could be the culprit since the brake fluid level keeps dropping despite no visible leaks. The dealership quoted 780€ for a complete brake system overhaul including master cylinder replacement, but wanted to get feedback from other owners before proceeding. I noticed the brake pedal gets slightly firmer after sitting overnight, which seems to support the theory of a failing master cylinder. Will book an inspection this week to confirm the diagnosis. Thanks for sharing your experience with similar brake system issues, very helpful in understanding what to expect.
victoria_sky2
Having gone through similar issues with my Pacifica Hybrid, your symptoms strongly point toward a failing master cylinder. The overnight pedal firmness change you mentioned is particularly telling, this was exactly what I experienced before confirming the master cylinder problem. The consistent brake fluid loss without visible leaks matches my experience too. My master cylinder started failing around 65000 KM, quite close to your current mileage. The quoted 780€ for a complete brake system overhaul is actually reasonable considering the work involved. After my initial brake pad and rotor replacement, I ended up needing the master cylinder replaced about 3 months later. The pulsing at higher speeds continued until the master cylinder was fixed. One tip: when they do the repair, insist on a complete brake fluid flush of all brake lines. This prevents any contaminated fluid from causing future issues. The regular service might have missed this since master cylinder problems can develop quickly. Also worth mentioning that hybrid brake systems are particularly sensitive to master cylinder performance due to the interaction with regenerative braking. Based on how closely your symptoms match what I went through, getting that brake inspection done sooner rather than later is definitely the right call. Delaying could lead to more extensive brake system repairs down the line.
berndschroeder3 (Author)
Thank you for confirming those details about your experience. My mileage is actually at 63200 KM now, so pretty close to when your master cylinder issues started. The pulsing does happen exactly as you described, mainly during moderate to heavy braking at highway speeds. After hearing about your repair progression, I definitely want to avoid having to do multiple repairs like you did. Will schedule the complete brake system overhaul including the master cylinder replacement right away. The 780€ price seems fair considering the complexity of hybrid brake systems and the parts involved. The overnight brake pedal behavior really concerns me now that you mentioned experiencing the same thing. I also agree about getting all brake lines flushed during the repair. Makes sense to start fresh with clean brake fluid throughout the entire system. Good call about the regular service possibly missing this issue. The brake fluid level has dropped noticeably just in these past few weeks. Will get it into the shop this week before any other brake system components get damaged.
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victoria_sky2
I had the exact same symptoms with my 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid last year. Having some experience working on hybrid vehicles, I recognized these classic signs of worn brake components right away. The pulsing sensation through the brake pedal and inconsistent pedal feel often indicate worn brake pads and potentially warped rotors. The low brake fluid level typically means the hydraulic brakes need attention, as the fluid level drops while brake pads wear down. I took it to my regular workshop for a thorough brake inspection. They found significant wear on both front rotors and pads, plus the rear pads were approaching their minimum thickness. The total repair came to 480€, which included new rotors, pads, and a brake fluid flush. The hybrid braking system is a bit more complex than conventional car brakes due to the regenerative braking component. Could you share your current mileage and whether youve noticed any other symptoms? Also, does the pulsing happen at specific speeds or only during certain braking conditions? This information would help determine if your issue matches what I experienced. I strongly recommend getting it checked soon. While the warning light hasnt activated yet, these symptoms suggest your brakes need attention. Its better to address brake issues early rather than wait for more serious problems to develop.