Spongy Brakes and Low Fluid Signal Master Cylinder Alert

As someone with some experience working on cars, I dealt with a similar brake issue on my 2018 Buick Encore. The symptoms you describe match what I experienced, that spongy brake pedal is definitely concerning and shouldnt be ignored. In my case, after inspection, the mechanic found that the brake fluid was low due to worn brake pads and rotors. The hydraulic brakes system needed proper maintenance as the fluid had absorbed moisture over time, which affected brake performance. The repair involved: Complete brake fluid replacement, New brake pads installation, Resurfacing the rotors, Bleeding the brake lines to remove air Total cost came to around 480 Euro for parts and labor. The work took about 3-4 hours. However, your situation could be different. To provide more specific guidance, could you share: Current mileage on your Envision, When was the last brake service done, Are you noticing any grinding sounds when braking, Have you checked for visible brake fluid leaks under the car This information would help determine if youre dealing with normal wear or potentially bigger issues with the brake system components. Remember that brake issues should be addressed promptly, driving with compromised brakes isnt worth the risk.

Thanks for the helpful input. After reading this, I scheduled a brake inspection right away. My Envision has 166991 KM and the last brake service was done about 8 months ago. The brake pedal started feeling different just this week. The warning light hasnt come on yet, but the spongy brake pedal definitely concerns me. I did a quick check underneath and couldnt spot any obvious brake fluid leaks, but the fluid level in the reservoir is noticeably low. Looking at the repair costs you mentioned, I will set aside a similar budget just in case it needs more than a simple fluid replacement. Safety comes first with brake system issues.

Good to hear you scheduled an inspection. Given your car had brake service 8 months ago and is now showing these symptoms with low brake fluid, this could indicate a leak in the brake system that needs attention. In my Buick, a similar situation occurred where fluid levels dropped months after service. The mechanic found a small leak in one of the brake lines that wasnt immediately visible during basic inspection. The brake fluid was slowly seeping out where a line had corroded. Even though the brake warning light hasnt activated, the spongy pedal combined with low fluid typically points to air getting into the system, either through worn seals or a leak. The brake inspection should reveal if youre dealing with a similar brake line issue or if its related to the master cylinder. The fact that this started suddenly rather than gradually developing suggests it might be more than just normal pad wear. Make sure the shop does a thorough check of all brake lines and fittings. Since yours was serviced recently, repair costs might actually be lower than what I experienced if the pads and rotors are still in good condition. Still smart to budget for potential brake system repairs though.

Thanks for the insights everyone. Just got back from the shop and wanted to share what they found. After a thorough inspection, they discovered a small leak in one of the brake lines near the master cylinder. The hydraulic brakes needed more than just a basic fluid replacement. The final repairs included: Replacing the faulty brake line, Complete brake fluid replacement, Bleeding the brake system, Safety inspection of remaining lines Total came to €395, less than expected since my brake pads were still in good shape from that service 8 months ago. The warning light never came on, but that spongy pedal was definitely a sign something wasnt right. For anyone else experiencing similar symptoms, dont wait. Getting it checked right away probably prevented more extensive damage to the brake system. The pedal feels solid again and the brakes are working perfectly now.