I have a 2000 5spd maxima with brake pads installed not too long ago.
Today, my car at one point did not brake. When I pressed the brake pedal, it would just depress all the way in with 5-10% braking power. Luckilly i was at a 35mph zone, so using the emergency brake to slow down was ok. AFter i parked my car and checked for brake fluid or any leaks it was fine. Then i got in the car and pumped the brake pedal. Then when i drove off the parking lot, the braking was fine. I went back home to jack the car up and looked at the brake pedals and they still had 90-95% padding left. The brake pedals were replaced like only 2-3 months ago so they were in pretty good condition. Also the front rotors(brembo) are new.
Another thing i've noticed is that my car also squeaks when i brake, but like i said it still has a 95% brake pad left, so i am lost at this point. I do not want to lose braking again, especially at the wrong time and place..
help would be much appreciated.

 

Posted wrong answer. Sorry.

 

I hope you all know that this is not due to the rotors and pads right? If you don't, please turn in your license right now. You are dangerous on the street.

It sounds like a brake system malfunction. Either the ABS was stuck, or the servo did not operate properly, or some other part of the system failed to operate. Have it looked at whenever possible.

and fyi, warped rotors cause jittering and shaking, because their surface becomes uneven and wavy...

 

I didn't even read the whole post the first time, your right the rotors are not the problem in this occasion I take my post back.

 

Did you bleed your brakes and/or replace the fluid recently?

 

That sounds like hydrollic failure.
It's possible that air was cought in the line and bleeding will fix it. However, I don't think that is the case because of the quick appearance and disappearnce of the problem. I suspect your master cylinder is failing. It's possible for the plunger (i don't know the technical term,) to leak around the edges as you depress the pedal.
I would have the master cylinder taken off and inspected.

Let us know how it turns out.

 

thanks guys,
ill go ahead and check the areas you guys recommended.