I am new owner of a 2012 leaf. I love the car.
But this morning I had a really scary experience with braking. I was traveling around 25 mph and looked down a moment. Looking up, I noticed the car a ways in front had slowed down a bit, I pumped the brake to equalize the speed, my touch was a bit harder than intended, but I expected the car to quickly drop about 4-5 mph. I got a real scare and scared the ---- out of the car behind when the brakes locked and this rubbing rubber sound emanated. My foot pressure was minimal, but still on the brake... but when I experienced the brake rubber sound I lifted my foot and still the sound continued and the car came to a near stop (walking speed). Of course the car behind me was caught completely off-guard and I'm sure wondered what happened. Fortunately there was enough room so she could stop, but it was close.
As new owner, this caught me completely by surprise. This is definitely a brake operation defect and needs to be addressed. Owners need to be aware of this peculiar brake behavior... or the possibility of this happening. When your foot pressure is released, the car MUST respond and the physical brake MUST let go; only regenerative braking is ok. I was very lucky not to have caused a rear end accident to my car. I was very shaken up as I have never had a vehicle respond like this while braking. I'm not bothered by ABS if it lets go when braking pressure is released, but pumping the brake CANNOT cause the car to come to a near stop after foot pressure or your foot is completely removed from the brake peddle.
But this morning I had a really scary experience with braking. I was traveling around 25 mph and looked down a moment. Looking up, I noticed the car a ways in front had slowed down a bit, I pumped the brake to equalize the speed, my touch was a bit harder than intended, but I expected the car to quickly drop about 4-5 mph. I got a real scare and scared the ---- out of the car behind when the brakes locked and this rubbing rubber sound emanated. My foot pressure was minimal, but still on the brake... but when I experienced the brake rubber sound I lifted my foot and still the sound continued and the car came to a near stop (walking speed). Of course the car behind me was caught completely off-guard and I'm sure wondered what happened. Fortunately there was enough room so she could stop, but it was close.
As new owner, this caught me completely by surprise. This is definitely a brake operation defect and needs to be addressed. Owners need to be aware of this peculiar brake behavior... or the possibility of this happening. When your foot pressure is released, the car MUST respond and the physical brake MUST let go; only regenerative braking is ok. I was very lucky not to have caused a rear end accident to my car. I was very shaken up as I have never had a vehicle respond like this while braking. I'm not bothered by ABS if it lets go when braking pressure is released, but pumping the brake CANNOT cause the car to come to a near stop after foot pressure or your foot is completely removed from the brake peddle.