Hi everyone! I have a 2022 hybrid with 27k miles on it. I recently went in for a tire rotation, and they told me my back brakes (rotors, pads, calipers) need to be replaced. Honestly, this seems way too soon, especially since they said the pads are barely worn. I drive carefully and leave plenty of space between cars. I can remember only a few times when I had to hit the brakes hard in the last two years. Does this sound right to anyone? Something feels off here.
It could be because they’ve rusted. Definitely worth getting another mechanic’s opinion. Niros barely use the rear brakes because of the regenerative braking system and the front brake bias. This means rust can build up on the rear rotors. Try using the brakes more on hills or pressing a little harder than usual to prevent rust from building up in the future.
That sounds about right for a hybrid. They hardly use the rear brakes since the generator does most of the braking. Also, most cars have about 70% of the brake power at the front and only 30% at the back. If you’re driving carefully and focusing on fuel economy, the back brakes might not get used much, which leads to rust and them seizing up. Every now and then, it’s a good idea to brake harder to keep the system working well.
I can see needing pads and maybe rotors, but replacing calipers seems like a stretch. It’s common for electric vehicles since the rear brakes don’t get used much. Make sure to do a hard brake every now and then to clear rust and heat things up. Also, keep an eye on the brake fluid—it should be changed regularly due to moisture buildup.
Update: I went to a local auto shop, and they said my brakes are totally fine. They won’t need replacing for a long time! They did mention some rust, but that’s normal. I’ll just need to brake more often to clean them up.
QwizConnect2 said:
@Hux
Thanks for the update! Was it the dealership trying to get you to replace everything?
No, it was Midas. I wouldn’t recommend them after this! The mechanic I went to for a second opinion said he gets people all the time who were given bad advice from dealerships too.
@Hux
Good to know, thanks for the info. I’m considering getting a 2022 hybrid myself and was a bit worried about the brakes after reading this. Glad to know it’s not a big issue!
Sounds like you almost got ripped off! I always ask for the brake pad thickness in millimeters to show the mechanic I know what I’m talking about. If you want a quick fix for the rust, try braking while reversing. A lot of modern brake systems will self-clean when you brake in reverse. That’s why you hear that screeching sound when you back up after it’s rained or the brakes have gotten wet.
That’s wild! I’ve had two Niros, a 2018 and a 2022, and I drove both of them past 150,000 miles without needing a brake job. I wrecked the 2022, otherwise I’d still be driving it.
Harley said:
That’s wild! I’ve had two Niros, a 2018 and a 2022, and I drove both of them past 150,000 miles without needing a brake job. I wrecked the 2022, otherwise I’d still be driving it.
Hope the crash wasn’t because of bad brakes?
Harley said:
That’s wild! I’ve had two Niros, a 2018 and a 2022, and I drove both of them past 150,000 miles without needing a brake job. I wrecked the 2022, otherwise I’d still be driving it.
I hear you! I’ve got over 300,000 miles on my Niro and the brakes are still doing fine.
That sounds super shady. I’d definitely take it somewhere else. The need to replace calipers doesn’t make sense to me.
It’s really easy to accidentally drive with the parking brake on. If the brakes are really worn out, that could be why.
Wylie said:
It’s really easy to accidentally drive with the parking brake on. If the brakes are really worn out, that could be why.
Yeah, that explanation makes sense.
Wylie said:
It’s really easy to accidentally drive with the parking brake on. If the brakes are really worn out, that could be why.
I never use the parking brake, so I don’t think that’s it. Maybe it’s just rust?
@Hux
In just three years? Are you driving through the ocean or something? You definitely need a second opinion.
You’re getting scammed big time. I have 140,000 miles on my 2017 Niro, and my brake pads are still at 50%.