2013 Toyota Prius V

For the last few months, our brakes seem to have been making "extra" noises, but not palpably struggling to function. After driving roughly 45 minutes via high speed Interstate, parking, and then restarting the car, ALL the brake-related lights suddenly came on ((1)Brake, (2)ABS, (3)VSC, and (4)(!)). We took it slowly, off highway, w hazards on, and lots of space between other cars to the dealership. This felt scary because, although the brakes were making some strange noises, there was no way of knowing what the warning lights were specifically indicating, or if the brakes would go out. The Alexandra Toyota dealership confirms a code C1391, "abnormal leak in the Accumulator" and requires "replace brake master cylinder kit and brake booster pump assembly" This was addressed in a Toyota "customer support program": [XXX] but our car is not covered despite having less than 80,000 miles on it. In Toyota's own words this is an "internal malfunction" and ought to be covered by a full recall. As it stands, owners' vehicles would have had to show symptoms within a tiny 2.5 year window, and it's evident online that many others have experienced failures outside of that window. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

[XXX] almost every light on my dash came on & my brakes locked up. I barely made it to the side of the road quickly enough to avoid being struck by traffic. On February 7, 2025. I had the brake booster assembly & master cylinder actuator replaced in my 2013 Toyota Prius V. On [XXX] it went out again. I paid my friend a total of $1600 to borrow his vehicle because rental cars charge so much for me to commute almost an hour each way to work every day. Not only have I been devastated/traumatized, I’ve paid a Mechanic $1500 twice within two months as well as almost $2500 in parts for these repairs. I’m out over $7k, and every time I get behind the wheel of the car I am afraid. I’ve never experienced a fear of driving in my life, and I am almost [XXX] years old. This is my 8th Toyota. My boyfriend drives a Toyota, as well as his son, and both of my twin boys… We are now in the process of switching our Toyotas out for something more safe. I never thought I would hear those words coming out of my mouth, but it’s clear that Toyota has no regard for our safety anymore. Not only that, but they’ve set up the recall for these parts in such a way that the majority of people are no longer within the parameters by the time the brake booster assembly fails. This is by design. I don’t know how they sleep at night, Toyota should be ashamed of themselves. I am sad to say that after 35 years of being a Toyota Family, we are all switching to Honda. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

On [XXX], multiple break lights on my dash appeared. I was told that the accumulator is leaking internally due to a known issue with Toyota's break booster system. See code C1391 referenced in TBS POL18-03 [XXX] ). I was never informed of this issue by Toyota either by letter or by a dealership despite bringing in my car for a separate recall in 2020-- within the timeframe that the repair was covered. Additionally, I was informed by Toyota that they would not cover the repair on this part unless it broke within the timeframe listed in the TBS. This is a dangerous system to commonly malfunction especially if Toyota refuses to do any preventive work to fix it, to inform their customers, or to cover it after the short timeframe. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

I purchased a 2013 Toyota Prius V a couple of years ago from a reputable local dealership. In July of 2024 my brakes failed and several lights came on the dashboard. I went to my regular mechanic, Mr Tire and and to Hendricks Toyota and got two estimates, both a shocking nearly $4000. This is for a BRAKE BOOSTER and ABS PUMP ASSEMBLY. I found out that this was a known issue for years by Toyota and dealers were sent a TSB regarding this. I called Toyota corporate and at at first was told that there was a recall on the parts, BUT that the period of repair by Toyota had closed in July of 2023, one year prior to my car's issues. The next time I called asking for upper level management (which I never got) I was told that it was not an actual recall, just a "special program" that has now ended. They basically figuratively shrugged shoulders and said oh well, sorry we know this is frustrating but you will just have to pay out of pocket. I am a [XXX] on fixed limited income. I don't have $4000+ available just like that. I work part-time providing concierge services for [XXX] 10-20+ years older than me who are no longer able to drive. I take them grocery and pharmacy shopping, and to doctors appointments etc. I bought this car specifically because it is a comfortable wagon perfect for me and my elderly clients, easy for them to get in and out, easy to place their walkers or folding wheelchairs in. I am so stressed, nervous and worried about this situation, as I know I am putting myself, my clients, and others on the road at risk every time I take this car on the road! Particularly now that we are getting wintery weather. I cannot comprehend how such a huge company as Toyota refuses to help with a dangerous defect that they are well aware of. I am sorely disappointed, as myself and my entire family have been loyal Toyota car owners for over 40 years. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

I was travelling at 65MPH and realized the brakes were gone there was no pressure in the brake pedal and it just sunk and applied all my strength and nothing happened,luckily this car has engine braking mode and actuated that and came to stop using steep road and hand brake luckily no one was hurt and road was empty. This is a serious issue and applies to every other Toyota prius cars out there

The car's failure is with the Brake Booster Pump Assembly (Accumulator) that generates code C1391 Safety of others and myself is at risk because stopping power can be dramatically reduced and lead to accident. The problem has been reproduced by Toyota from a previous version of the vehicle - [XXX] This has been inspected by the Toyota Dealership to confirm the code and issue. Check engine light was observed to be on INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Prius V. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH in stop-and-go traffic and applying the brake pedal to decrease in speed, the vehicle hesitated to decrease in speed. The contact had to apply an excessive amount of pressure for the vehicle to decrease in speed. The Slip indicator light, brake system failure, and anti-lock brake failure warning lights are illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who informed the contact that code C1391 which showed on the diagnostic machine. The dealer stated the brake booster pump needed to be replaced. The mechanic informed the contact that the failure was related to the Customer Support Program 20TE07 with the NHTSA ID Number 10184564 (Service Brakes, Equipment, Equipment Adaptive/Mobility). The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the warranty coverage was associated with the Customer Support Program. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a safety complaint. The failure mileage was 79,000.

Several years ago my brakes were making a funny sound. The mechanic said there was an issue with the brake booster but he can't do anything until the car started throwing off codes. yesterday that happened. Toyota said that they were aware of the problem but they only cover it for 10 years and its now totally out of pocket for the repair. With a known issue it should be a recall since its with the brakes. Now in order to get the vehicle drivable they want approximately 4k. 2013 Prius V

The break actuator and booster pump failed while driving, causing the driver to experience an unexpected loss in breaking. This issue has been confirmed by an independent mechanic (issue code C1391 - Anormal leak of ACC press). Additionally, both the mechanic and dealer have confirmed this is a "common" issue with this vehicle. There are also a number of lights on including the red break light, ABS light, skid control light, etc. This issue represents a significant safely hazard for drivers, as it occurred unexpectedly leading to a loss of breaking power and appears to be common (there are wide spread reports online of other Prius owners experiencing similar issues AND we experience the same issue previously on a 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid). Requesting that NHTSA investigate this issue, and work with Toyota to issue a recall to address this defect and safety issue.