Anyone else experiencing this break issue?

Yes, I have noticed this a number of times and it is quite startling. I had a gen I prius, but I can't remember if it did it or not.

 

Is this when braking fairly strongly on a rough or uneven road surface? "Surges" under those conditions are well-known and are the result of wheels slipping and the ABS kicking in, which requires regenerative braking to cut out. So you go from regen braking to ABS-ing mechanical brakes.

 

I had that issue with my 07 Rav4, not sure if they're related or not. It only happens on the freeway when I lightly step on the brakes, then I would feel the car jerk forward a little before slowing down. Haven't experience this with my new prius though.

 

yes i have experienced this as well! glad i am not the only one. It has only happened a handful of times and only happens when i hit a pothole

 

Yes, the ABS system is terrible on the Prius. If you hit the brakes hard over any big bumps, you are going to get the feeling of the car flying away

 

Perhaps you are experiencing the normal transition between electrical regenerative braking and the friction brake pads engaging?

When braking with a routine amount of pressure on the brake pedal, the Prius will use regen down to 6mph or so, then the friction brakes engage to bring the car to a stop. The transition often feels like the brakes stopped working for a fraction of a second.

And when braking over a rough road surface (like hitting a pothole), the traction control kicks in, and it also feels like the brakes stopped working for a fraction of second before it re-engages.

If these are what you are experiencing, you will get used to it soon enough. This kind of braking behavior prompts me to think ahead just a bit more so I start applying the brakes earlier than I would in a regular all-friction-brake car.

 

If i hit a bumpy road surface when coming to a stop,especially downhill, there is a loss of braking in my 05.