NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Service Brakes complaints
262 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Nov 5, 2023
Service Brakes
I have been experiencing intermittent brake issues with this car now for the last 50k miles. Sometimes the warning lights on the dash will activate, sometimes not when I am experiencing issues. the power assist is the problem. - it activates and then deactivates without warning instantaneously, while applying brakes or not. Some…
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I have been experiencing intermittent brake issues with this car now for the last 50k miles. Sometimes the warning lights on the dash will activate, sometimes not when I am experiencing issues. the power assist is the problem. - it activates and then deactivates without warning instantaneously, while applying brakes or not. Sometimes when I am applying the brakes without the brake assist working, it will instantaneously start working without warning, causing my car to almost lock up its brakes. This is very dangerous, especially in traffic. When I apply my brakes at any given time, I never know if I am going to have power assist or not. I have replaced the brake master cylinder once already with a mobile mechanic and the problem went away for about one year but now it is happening again so this seems to be a reoccurring issue with this car. I have decided to just stop driving the car and bought a different one. I am a delivery courier and I cannot be driving a vehicle unsafe as this. I have reported the issue to my local dealership, but they are refusing to troubleshoot without charging me and it’s telling me there are no recalls.
NHTSA ODI #11553641
Mileage unknown · Oct 29, 2023
Service Brakes
My brakes were making noise since month,now the ABS light turn on.
NHTSA ODI #11552522
Mileage unknown · Oct 2, 2023
Service Brakes
The ABS, anti-skid, and brake lights came on. Immediately, the brakes were less than full stopping power, and it was obvious it was not safe to drive the car any further. We had noticed that a pump was being activated when the brakes were being used, but no service codes were being displayed when checked. We later found out t…
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The ABS, anti-skid, and brake lights came on. Immediately, the brakes were less than full stopping power, and it was obvious it was not safe to drive the car any further. We had noticed that a pump was being activated when the brakes were being used, but no service codes were being displayed when checked. We later found out there was a recall on the Brake Booster and Accumulator, but it was only a limited recall, no notice was sent to us, and no repair was authorized by Toyota unless the brakes completely failed. Once the dash warning lights came on, the C1391 service code appeared when checked, "Abnormal Leak of ACC Pressure". This issue is a safety matter because your brakes fail instantaneously at any moment while driving.
NHTSA ODI #11547672
Mileage unknown · Sep 27, 2023
Service Brakes
Traction control, ABS and Brake warning lights came on while driving. Car is now at the dealership for complete replacement of power pump and master cylinder assembly at a cost of $3,300.00
NHTSA ODI #11546853
Mileage unknown · Sep 18, 2023
Electrical SystemService Brakes
Brake booster and brake booster pump assembly are faulty and failing. Brakes are still functioning, but will ultimately fail without warning, from what I have read. This is highly dangerous for myself and other motorists. I was driving last week and tried coming to a stop at an intersection. I pushed the brake pedal and the car …
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Brake booster and brake booster pump assembly are faulty and failing. Brakes are still functioning, but will ultimately fail without warning, from what I have read. This is highly dangerous for myself and other motorists. I was driving last week and tried coming to a stop at an intersection. I pushed the brake pedal and the car hesitated and then jumped/lurched forward before coming to a complete stop. The brake booster is sounding every 30 to 45 seconds to try and build back the pressure it is losing. Toyota offered a "Customer Support Program" for these parts, as there's been numerous premature failures. Unfortunately, my vehicle no longer fits within the parameters of the support program (see attached). From what I've read though, Toyota has been negligent with replacing the brake booster under the support program. I have called Toyota Corporate and they have offered no reprieve and won't stand behind this faulty part. Toyota needs to be forced to recall these 3rd gen Priuses and ordered to replace the breaking system. Expecting customers to shell out between $2-3k to have the ability to safely break/stop their vehicle is ridiculous, especially when Toyota is more than aware of this issue. I was quoted $2600 over the phone to remedy the issue from an independent hybrid shop. I've owned 7 Toyotas and two have been Priuses. This 2011 is by far one of their worst to roll off the assembly line with numerous reports of breaking problems, oil consumption issues, and head gasket failures. They need to stand behind their product(s), especially to brand loyal customers. Read more complaints about the breaking system: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI #11545134
Mileage unknown · Jul 17, 2023
Service Brakes
Dear Mr; I own a 2011 Toyota Prius, and this week my brakes failed while driving down the highway. The ABS and Break lights and the ESP warning light on the instrument panel come on. The brake pedal is hard and has an intermittent hum in the engine area. The scanner gave the code C1391 / ACC PRESS abnormal leak error. I wan…
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Dear Mr; I own a 2011 Toyota Prius, and this week my brakes failed while driving down the highway. The ABS and Break lights and the ESP warning light on the instrument panel come on. The brake pedal is hard and has an intermittent hum in the engine area. The scanner gave the code C1391 / ACC PRESS abnormal leak error. I want to file a formal claim against Toyota for the failure of my car's brake system and request repair/replacement of my car's brake system. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? BRAK SISTEMS / YES, IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? IT WAS DIFFICULT TO BRAKE / THE CAR WAS DEVIATED WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKE / I LEFT THE ROAD DUE TO THE RISK OF A COLLISION BY NOT HAVING THE ACTIVE BRAKING SYSTEM. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? YES / INDEPENDENT SERVICE. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? NO. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? NO
NHTSA ODI #11532745
Mileage unknown · Jul 1, 2023
Service Brakes
All of a sudden, a few weeks ago, the ABS, TRAC, BRAKE, and brake warning lights all illuminated on my 2011 Toyota Prius, and the brakes became hard to press. Turns out, this is a known issue with this model of the Prius. DTC C1391 stored in the ECU. There is a defect with the brake booster/brake booster pump, and Toyota issued …
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All of a sudden, a few weeks ago, the ABS, TRAC, BRAKE, and brake warning lights all illuminated on my 2011 Toyota Prius, and the brakes became hard to press. Turns out, this is a known issue with this model of the Prius. DTC C1391 stored in the ECU. There is a defect with the brake booster/brake booster pump, and Toyota issued a Customer Support Program to extend the warranty on these two parts, but the program ended in 2021 and I am just now having this issue, although my Prius only has 115k miles. This should be a recall. I should not have to pay more than $3500 at the Toyota dealership to get this replaced when it is a defect with the parts that Toyota made (I should not have to pay ANYTHING). No dealership in the area wants to honor it either. Instead, they want to charge me $3500. And when I called Toyota Corporate, they brushed it off and told me "the program expired a whole 2 years ago" without even trying to work with me on the cost of the repair or anything. Complete let down from Toyota.
NHTSA ODI #11529927
Mileage unknown · Jun 10, 2023
Service Brakes
Brake actuator failed. Noise when applying brake but no code or dashlight. Looks like a common problem across prius 2011 model cars
NHTSA ODI #11526374
Mileage unknown · Jun 9, 2023
Service Brakes
The brake actuator on my 2011 Prius failed. Toyota issued an extended warranty of 10yrs/150k miles because they knew there was a problem with the product. I have less than 80k miles on my car and the actuator failed. I feel like I am being penalized because I don't drive my car as often. I contacted Toyota and was dismissed by t…
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The brake actuator on my 2011 Prius failed. Toyota issued an extended warranty of 10yrs/150k miles because they knew there was a problem with the product. I have less than 80k miles on my car and the actuator failed. I feel like I am being penalized because I don't drive my car as often. I contacted Toyota and was dismissed by them because I was outside of the 10yr window. The repair was $1737.98 in parts and $780 in labor by a Toyota certified technician.
NHTSA ODI #11526206
159,000 miles · Jun 7, 2023
Service Brakes
The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the check engine, service brakes, ABS, and the traction control system warning lights were illuminated. The contact parked the vehicle on the side of the road for approximately 3 minutes before continuing to drive to her residence. The contact stated …
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The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the check engine, service brakes, ABS, and the traction control system warning lights were illuminated. The contact parked the vehicle on the side of the road for approximately 3 minutes before continuing to drive to her residence. The contact stated on March 17, 2023, while her husband was approaching a traffic light, the brake pedal was depressed but failed to stop the vehicle properly. The contact stated that several warning lights were illuminated. The driver stated that the vehicle cruised to a stop independently. The driver decided to drive at a slow speed to the residence. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the brake master cylinder, the brake pump assembly, and the brake booster needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 159,000.
NHTSA ODI #11525790
Official recalls
6Oct 4, 2018
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Toyota Prius and 2012-2014 Toyota Prius V vehicles. Excessive voltage in the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) within the inverter may cause the hybrid system to shut down, causing the vehicle to stall while being driven.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the hybrid system shuts down unexpectedly, it can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the motor/generator control electronic control unit (ECU) and the hybrid control ECU as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 22, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is J0V. Note: The software updates in this recall are needed even if the vehicle had the software previously updated under recalls 14V-053 or 15V-449.
Jun 30, 2016
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Toyota Prius, 2010 and 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid, and 2011-2012 Lexus CT200h vehicles. A weld in the curtain shield air bag inflator may crack causing one or both portions of the inflator to eject into the passenger cabin.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If either portion of the curtain shield air bag inflator ejects into the passenger cabin, there is an increased risk of injury to vehicle occupants.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will install retention brackets to the curtain shield air bags, free of charge. The recall began on October 17, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota Customer Service Department at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is Toyota G0U, and Lexus GLJ.
Jun 2, 2016
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.
Nov 19, 2014
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 Rav4 and 4Runner. The affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge. The recall is expected to began in January 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.
Feb 12, 2014
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2010 through 2014 Prius vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) inside the inverter module (a component of the hybrid system) contains transistors that may become damaged from high operating temperatures. If this occurs, various warning lamps will be illuminated on the instrument panel and the vehicle will have reduced power allowing it to only drive a short distance.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The vehicle may enter a fail-safe/limp-home mode that limits the drivability of the vehicle. The hybrid system could also shut down completely resulting in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners and dealers will update the software for both the motor/generator control electronic control unit (ECU) and the hybrid control ECU, free of charge. If an owner experiences a failure of the inverter before the vehicle receives updated software, the dealer will repair or replace the inverter assembly with a new one at no charge. The recall began on March 21, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Hybrid Propulsion System: Inverter
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2010 through 2014 Prius vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) inside the inverter module (a component of the hybrid system) contains transistors that may become damaged from high operating temperatures. If this occurs, various warning lamps will be illuminated on the instrument panel and the vehicle will have reduced power allowing it to only drive a short distance.
Consequence: The vehicle may enter a fail-safe/limp-home mode that limits the drivability of the vehicle. The hybrid system could also shut down completely resulting in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners and dealers will update the software for both the motor/generator control electronic control unit (ECU) and the hybrid control ECU, free of charge. If an owner experiences a failure of the inverter before the vehicle receives updated software, the dealer will repair or replace the inverter assembly with a new one at no charge. The recall began on March 21, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Electrical System:software
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2010 through 2014 Prius vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) inside the inverter module (a component of the hybrid system) contains transistors that may become damaged from high operating temperatures. If this occurs, various warning lamps will be illuminated on the instrument panel and the vehicle will have reduced power allowing it to only drive a short distance.
Consequence: The vehicle may enter a fail-safe/limp-home mode that limits the drivability of the vehicle. The hybrid system could also shut down completely resulting in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners and dealers will update the software for both the motor/generator control electronic control unit (ECU) and the hybrid control ECU, free of charge. If an owner experiences a failure of the inverter before the vehicle receives updated software, the dealer will repair or replace the inverter assembly with a new one at no charge. The recall began on March 21, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Jan 16, 2013
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.
Remedy: Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Seats
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.
Consequence: If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.
Remedy: Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.
Consequence: If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.
Remedy: Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
3DP23005 · Brake Actuator Valve Wear
Opened Nov 22, 2023 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received a petition dated September 19, 2023 from the owner of a 2012 Toyota Prius V requesting that ODI reevaluate its decision to deny DP19-004. In the letter, the petitioner reported experiencing an unexpected and complete loss of brake power while driving, accompanied by multiple dashboard warning lights. This petition is based on the petitioner's direct experience and assessment that ODI closed DP19-004 because its prompting petition was withdrawn by that petitioner. ODI will review the work conducted during DP19-004 and a review of any additional related complaints and crashes via a new defect petition The petition and related materials can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under the following ODI number:11553736.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received a petition dated September 19, 2023 from the owner of a 2012 Toyota Prius V requesting that ODI reevaluate its decision to deny DP19-004. In the letter, the petitioner reported experiencing an unexpected and complete loss of brake power while driving, accompanied by multiple dashboard warning lights. This petition is based on the petitioner's direct experience and assessment that ODI closed DP19-004 because its prompting petition was withdrawn by that petitioner. ODI will review the work conducted during DP19-004 and a review of any additional related complaints and crashes via a new defect petition The petition and related materials can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under the following ODI number:11553736.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received a petition dated September 19, 2023 from the owner of a 2012 Toyota Prius V requesting that ODI reevaluate its decision to deny DP19-004. In the letter, the petitioner reported experiencing an unexpected and complete loss of brake power while driving, accompanied by multiple dashboard warning lights. This petition is based on the petitioner's direct experience and assessment that ODI closed DP19-004 because its prompting petition was withdrawn by that petitioner. ODI will review the work conducted during DP19-004 and a review of any additional related complaints and crashes via a new defect petition The petition and related materials can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under the following ODI number:11553736.
DP22005 · Pedestrian Alert Sounds
Opened Jan 27, 2023 · Closed Aug 7, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:propulsion System
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.
DP19004 · Brake Actuator Valve Wear
Opened Sep 30, 2019 · Closed Jan 21, 2021
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist
On September 19, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a defect petition from Mr. Roger Hogan requesting that the Agency investigate and recall certain Toyota Prius, Prius PHV, Camry Hybrid and Avalon Hybrid vehicles for a brake actuator valve wear condition covered under Toyota Customer Support Programs ZJB and ZKK (subject CSP?s). In support of his request, the petitioner identified 117 NHTSA complaints allegedly related to the subject CSP condition, including 60 reporting crashes. On September 30, 2019, ODI opened Defect Petition DP19-004 to evaluate the petitioner?s request for an investigation. In August 2020, the petitioner notified the Agency that he was withdrawing his petition. Because the petitioner has withdrawn the petition, we are denying the petition as moot and no further analysis of this petition is necessary.NHTSA is authorized to issue an order requiring notification and remedy of a defect if the Agency?s investigation shows a defect in the design, construction, or performance of a motor vehicle that presents an unreasonable risk to safety. 49 U.S.C. ?? 30102(a)(9), 30118. Because the petitioner has with withdrawn the petition, the petition is denied as moot. This action does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency notes that it is not required to receive a defect petition prior to opening a defect investigation and will take further action if warranted by future circumstances.