Why is the brake pedal on my toyota corolla so low?

Check the level of brake fluid in your master cylinder. If the level is down you may have a leak in the system somewhere.Please get this checked out as it could result in the loss of braking. Ralph

"rj713 makes a really good point: be sure to get it fixed. A soft brake pedal like that is a serious problem, and is indicative of a leak in a brake line. You will be able to add brake fluid on your own without any problems. Go to your local auto parts store and ask them for the right brake fluid for your car (probably DOT 3 brake fluid). As per the probable leak, take it to a mechanic and have him/her do a thorough inspection of the brake system and make the necessary repairs. This should be about what your engine compartment looks like. I don't have exact info, but the master cylinder is most likely the amber/clear reservoir with a black cap in the far right of the image I provided.

Until you can get more brake fluid in and the car in for service, pumping the pedal a time or two should build up pressure in the system thereby raising the pedal, but only for a few seconds."

"Check your drum to shoe adjustment in the rear. This will cause a long pedal.

The problem you're experiencing also exists on the newest generation corollas."

i have a 2000 corolla with the same problem and after i adjusted the rear drums the problem went away

"Hi

I have a 1998 Toyota Tazz 1300 & have also recently experienced a “spongy “ brake pedal. I have recently replaced the clutch & a couple of weeks later I noticed a “oil “ spot by the back wheel. Must mention that a couple of days prior to the spot I had to replace the back wheel due to a flat while driving. Could someone please advise me as to the cause of this as I'm not able to drive to a mechanic as I'm afraid with the issue I might cause more damage?

Thanks, Charlotte"

"Check the fluid level on the master brake cylinder (found on the firewall on driver's side).... If fluid is low, you have a leak in the system. Add brake fluid and have a mechanic examine the brake system for a leak and repair. If the brake pedal rides low but is firm and the brake fluid level is normal....the low brake pedal could be caused by the rear drum brakes being out of adjustment (if the car is equiped with rear drum brakes). In any event, don't take a chance on malfunctioning brakes and get the system repaired ASAP.

John Carroll"