A brake pedal that feels abnormal is a serious safety issue. A soft brake pedal indicates hydraulic pressure loss, while a hard brake pedal suggests a vacuum issue.

Possible Causes (Soft Pedal)

• Brake fluid leak in hoses, calipers, or master cylinder
• Air in brake lines
• Worn brake pads or discs
• Faulty master cylinder

Possible Causes (Hard Pedal)

• Vacuum pump failure
• Cracked or leaking vacuum hose
• ABS module issues
• Old brake fluid freezing in cold weather

Fixes

• Inspect system for leaks and repair
• Bleed air from brake lines
• Replace brake pads/discs if worn
• Test and replace vacuum pump if faulty
• Check ABS system with OBD tool