Grabby Brakes?

[Tom]

Most C-Max reviews I've read list "grabby brakes" as a negative aspect to the car.  When I first got mine, I also noted that the brakes were grabby.  However, after driving for a number of miles (say 200) the grabby condition has stopped -- or I have gotten so use to it that I don't notice it anymore.  

 

Thought I would share this to see what others have experienced?

[erwhitham]

If "grabby" brakes means extra sensitive, this is the very first driving issue I noticed during my test drive. After 5 months I'm pretty much used to it-though when another family member drives my car we experience lots of sudden jerks.

[Tdefny]

"Grabby" usually happens in the transition from regenerative braking to friction braking. It is difficult to completely eliminate this, but it is barely noticeable compared to my Prius.

[PWBarrett]

I'll second that - when we test-drove a Prius V, we found the brakes were WAY more grabby than the C-Max.

I only notice it at all now in the C-Max in wet conditions for some reason.

I also noticed that I had some brake-dust on the wheels during the first week, but not since.  I bet once the brake pads get worn in a bit, the transition gets smoother.

[Jus-A-CMax]

No problem here...infact, I like the grabby brake feel, akin to the Jaguar XF that I use to drive from Galpin - its assuring and gives confidence. Also, I love the fact that even after 9000+ miles, I have not had ONE black wheel with brake dust, everytime I wash, it's like pristine inside the wheels. Freaking amazing. 

[Tdefny]

Regen is sweet that way. I replaced my brakes in the Prius only once, at around 100k, because i thought I should. I now have over 200k in that car and I was told at my last inspection last month that they are worn about halfway. Another one of those things that people who look only at MPG will never understand about hybrid technology.

[Jus-A-CMax]

Regen is sweet that way. I replaced my brakes in the Prius only once, at around 100k, because i thought I should. I now have over 200k in that car and I was told at my last inspection last month that they are worn about halfway. Another one of those things that people who look only at MPG will never understand about hybrid technology.

You have the benefit of already owning a prior hybrid so a good leg up over the rest of us, while most of us, including moi, it's our first hybrid...and  :wub2:  it. The Ford engineers did ask about the brakes at the Irvine meeting and I said I luved them, great to have no brake dust to clean.

[Mr. E]

If anyone on here feels their brakes are "grabby" do you mean:

1. That you don't like the amount of deceleration the car does for the amount you step on the brake?

2. Or do you feel inconsistent braking (almost like pulsing) during a stop, could be during the beginning middle or end.    

 

Generally, most reviews say they are grabby because I feel if you move the brake pedal very little, the car decelerates a lot.  If you switch back and forth between a hybrid and regular gas car you will notice it more.