NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Service Brakes complaints
229 reportsClear category filter103,000 miles · Mar 14, 2019
Service BrakesCrash
SOMETHING STARTED BUZZING EVERY FEW SECONDS IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT TOWARD DRIVERS SIDE FIREWALL. AT SLOW SPEEDS, BRAKES PULSATED WITH UNEVEN BRAKING. AS TIME WENT ON, BUZZING WAS MORE FREQUENT. WARNING LIGHTS FLASHED ONCE BUT WENT OUT. AFTER THAT, WHEN PARKING CAR, THE BRAKES WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AND I HIT ANOTHER CAR AT…
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SOMETHING STARTED BUZZING EVERY FEW SECONDS IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT TOWARD DRIVERS SIDE FIREWALL. AT SLOW SPEEDS, BRAKES PULSATED WITH UNEVEN BRAKING. AS TIME WENT ON, BUZZING WAS MORE FREQUENT. WARNING LIGHTS FLASHED ONCE BUT WENT OUT. AFTER THAT, WHEN PARKING CAR, THE BRAKES WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AND I HIT ANOTHER CAR AT PARKING SPEEDS. DEALER SAYS 'BRAKE ACTUATOR PUMP' AND WILL COST NEARLY $3000 TO FIX. THIS PUMP ALSO WENT OUT ON MY 2005 PRIUS! BUT THAT WAS COVERED BY A 'HIDDEN' WARRANTY THAT I FOUND WHILE GOOGLING THE ISSUE. WOULD HAVE PAID FULL PRICE FOR THAT REPAIR IF I HAD NOT RUN ACROSS THAT TSB. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A BIG MONEY MAKER FOR TOYOTA FIXING THESE BUT IS A HUGE DANGER TO THE MANY DRIVERS THIS HAS HAPPENED TO OVER THE YEARS. PLEASE DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT. IT IS A RECURRING AND SUBSTANTIAL THREAT TO DRIVER SAFETY THAT MANY DRIVERS WILL OVERLOOK BECAUSE OF THE INFLATED COST OF THE PARTS. THANK YOU.
NHTSA ODI #11186947
115,000 miles · Feb 27, 2019
Service Brakes
A LOT OF LIGHTS LIT UP ON THE DASH. THE REGENERATIVE BRAKING QUIT WORKING AND THE BRAKE PADS WORE OUT REALLY QUICK.
NHTSA ODI #11182832
120,000 miles · Feb 2, 2019
Service Brakes
BRAKE ACTUATOR WENT BAD AFTER RECENT (SERVICE APPT 1/26/19) INSTALL OF NEW 12 VOLT BATTERY AND SOFTWARE UPDATE DUE TO NHTSA RECALL #18V-684. WHILE TRAVELING DOWN THE HIGHWAY ON 1/30/19 LIGHTS CAME ON FOR BRAKE, ABS AND SKID CONTROL. VEHICLE WAS NOT BRAKING AT THE TIME. CONDITION CAUSED REDUCTION OF BRAKE CONTROL. THE NEXT DAY WH…
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BRAKE ACTUATOR WENT BAD AFTER RECENT (SERVICE APPT 1/26/19) INSTALL OF NEW 12 VOLT BATTERY AND SOFTWARE UPDATE DUE TO NHTSA RECALL #18V-684. WHILE TRAVELING DOWN THE HIGHWAY ON 1/30/19 LIGHTS CAME ON FOR BRAKE, ABS AND SKID CONTROL. VEHICLE WAS NOT BRAKING AT THE TIME. CONDITION CAUSED REDUCTION OF BRAKE CONTROL. THE NEXT DAY WHILE AGAIN TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY AT HIGHWAY SPEED TO TOYOTA DEALER FOR SERVICE, THE LIGHTS WENT OFF AND BRAKES WORKED PROPERLY. SERVICE WAS NOT ABLE TO RESET CODE AND I WAS TOLD THAT MEANS THE BRAKE ACTUATOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. I WAS QUOTED $3,400 FOR REPAIR
NHTSA ODI #11173721
95,000 miles · Dec 14, 2018
Service Brakes
UNUSUAL LOUD CLICKING AND SCREECHING SOUND AS WELL AS VIBRATION FEELING UNDER THE BRAKE PEDAL WHILE PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL AND BRAKES DON'T FEEL POWERFUL ENOUGH DESPITE JUST GETTING NEW BRAKE PADS AT THE DEALERSHIP AND THERE IS MUCH LONGER DISTANCE NEEDED FOR BRAKING AND BRINGING TO A FULL STOP. THIS HAS PROGRESSIVELY INCREASE…
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UNUSUAL LOUD CLICKING AND SCREECHING SOUND AS WELL AS VIBRATION FEELING UNDER THE BRAKE PEDAL WHILE PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL AND BRAKES DON'T FEEL POWERFUL ENOUGH DESPITE JUST GETTING NEW BRAKE PADS AT THE DEALERSHIP AND THERE IS MUCH LONGER DISTANCE NEEDED FOR BRAKING AND BRINGING TO A FULL STOP. THIS HAS PROGRESSIVELY INCREASED SINCE LAST NOTICED ABOUT 11-12 MONTHS AGO WHEN THE ODOMETER WAS AROUNT 95000 MILES. IT STARTED SPONTANEAOUSLY ON ITS OWN. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT OR IMPACT OF ANY KIND.
NHTSA ODI #11161417
100,000 miles · Dec 5, 2018
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Service BrakesVehicle Speed Control
I NOTICED WHEN I WAS DRIVING ON A DRY CLEAR DAY TRACTION CONTROL/BRAKE LIGHT/ABS ILLUMINATED MY BRAKES BECAME EXTREMELY HARD TO PRESS AND COME TO A STOP ALSO MY CRUISE CONTROL WILL NOT ENGAGE. THE LIGHTS ON THE DASH WOULD GO OFF AND THE CAR WOULD DRIVE NORMAL FOR A FEW DAYS. IT REPEATED THIS SCENARIO A FEW TIMES BEFORE THE TRACT…
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I NOTICED WHEN I WAS DRIVING ON A DRY CLEAR DAY TRACTION CONTROL/BRAKE LIGHT/ABS ILLUMINATED MY BRAKES BECAME EXTREMELY HARD TO PRESS AND COME TO A STOP ALSO MY CRUISE CONTROL WILL NOT ENGAGE. THE LIGHTS ON THE DASH WOULD GO OFF AND THE CAR WOULD DRIVE NORMAL FOR A FEW DAYS. IT REPEATED THIS SCENARIO A FEW TIMES BEFORE THE TRACTION CONTROL/BRAKE LIGHT/ABS LIGHTS STAYED ON PERMANENTLY AS WELL AS THE CRUISE CONTROL WILL NOT ENGAGE.
NHTSA ODI #11156466
196,000 miles · Nov 6, 2018
Service Brakes
SUDDENLY THE ABS, BRAKE AND THE TRACTION LIGHT CAME ON AND WILL GO WAY AFTER 20MIN. WHEN THE LIGHTS CAME ON THERE'S NO WARNING SO YOU MIGHT GET AN ACCIDENT WITHOUT BEING PREPARED FOR WORDS AS IS SO DANGEROUS TO HAVE SUCH A SAFETY ISSUE WITH THE CAR LIKE THIS.
NHTSA ODI #11149716
99,400 miles · Jul 17, 2018
Service Brakes
2013 PRIUS 3 VEHICLE ALWAYS SERVICED AT TOYOTA DEALERSHIP, LAST SERVICE THEY RECOMMENDED FRONT BRAKE PADS REPLACEMENT, TIRES AND ALIGNMENT SO I DID . 7 MONTHS LATER DRIVING ALONG SMOOTH CITY ROAD ABS, TRACKING CONTROL, AND BRAKE LIGHTS COMES ON BRAKES FEEL HARDER TO DEPRESS AND NO GENERATIVE BRAKING. I HAD DIAGNOSTICS RUN FOR CO…
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2013 PRIUS 3 VEHICLE ALWAYS SERVICED AT TOYOTA DEALERSHIP, LAST SERVICE THEY RECOMMENDED FRONT BRAKE PADS REPLACEMENT, TIRES AND ALIGNMENT SO I DID . 7 MONTHS LATER DRIVING ALONG SMOOTH CITY ROAD ABS, TRACKING CONTROL, AND BRAKE LIGHTS COMES ON BRAKES FEEL HARDER TO DEPRESS AND NO GENERATIVE BRAKING. I HAD DIAGNOSTICS RUN FOR CODES AND CAME BACK (C1391 ABNORMAL LEAK IN ACCUMULATOR). RESEARCH FOUND THIS COMMON PROBLEM CRACK IN ACCUMULATOR DUE TO VIBRATION BUT FOUND NO RECALL ON IT.
NHTSA ODI #11112022
90,000 miles · Mar 22, 2018
Electrical SystemService Brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO STOP THE VEHICLE, THE DRIVER DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SWERVE AND VIBRATE. THE ECU SENSOR INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE BRAKES FAILED. THE DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO IMMEDIATELY STOP THE VEHICLE. THE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO STOP THE VEHICLE, THE DRIVER DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SWERVE AND VIBRATE. THE ECU SENSOR INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE BRAKES FAILED. THE DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO IMMEDIATELY STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE EVENTUALLY STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY INTERSECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN DIRECTLY TO ALLEN JAY TOYOTA (40 US HWY 27 NORTH, SEABRING, FL) WHO INITIALLY WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. AFTER RETRIEVING THE VEHICLE, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ECU WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND NO SOLUTION WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. *TT *JS
NHTSA ODI #11080932
60,000 miles · Oct 5, 2017
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Service Brakes
WHEN MOVING THEN BRAKING, JUST BEFORE THE CAR STOPS(IN THE LAST FEET OF DEAD STOP) THE BRAKE PEDAL SHAKES AND THE TIRES FEELS LIKE THEY ARE ENGAGING AND DISENGAGING IN BRAKES, ASSOCIATED WITH LOUD RUBBER NOISE RUBBING(LIKE UN-LUBRICATED ACTUATOR). THIS NOISE IS ALSO HEARD 2 MINUTES AFTER SWITCHING THE CAR OFF
NHTSA ODI #11031927
14 miles · Nov 17, 2016
Service Brakes
WHEN I APPLY BREAK AT ANY SPEED (MAYBE ABOVE 20MPH) THE BREAK SYSTEM DOESN'T WORK PROPERLY. I HAVE TO PRESS THE BRAKE PADDLE REALLY HARD DOWN TO THE FLOOR. SOME TIME I EVEN HAVE TO RELEASE THE PADDLE AND THEN RE-BRAKE. THIS IS DANGEROUS, NOT SAFE AT ALL. BREAK ACTING LIKE THIS WAY SINCE I BROUGHT IT BRAND NEW. I NOTIFY DEALER TW…
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WHEN I APPLY BREAK AT ANY SPEED (MAYBE ABOVE 20MPH) THE BREAK SYSTEM DOESN'T WORK PROPERLY. I HAVE TO PRESS THE BRAKE PADDLE REALLY HARD DOWN TO THE FLOOR. SOME TIME I EVEN HAVE TO RELEASE THE PADDLE AND THEN RE-BRAKE. THIS IS DANGEROUS, NOT SAFE AT ALL. BREAK ACTING LIKE THIS WAY SINCE I BROUGHT IT BRAND NEW. I NOTIFY DEALER TWICE TO CHECK (1ST YEAR OF SERVICE AND THEN SECOND YEAR OF SERVICE), THEY CAME BACK AND SAYS NOTHING WRONG (THIS WAS UNDER WARRANTY). NOW, WHEN I WENT TO DEALER TO REPORT THIS.. DEALER LIKE YOUR VEH IS 2013 AND HAS 10K MILES ON IT AT AUGUST, 2016, LET'S CHANGE THE ROTOR AND BREAK AND THEN WE CAN TEST IT (ARE THEY SERIOUS?). I AM SCARED TO DRIVE AND HAVE A FEELING, I WILL CRASH WITH A BRAKING SYSTEM LIKE THIS PRIUS. SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH SOME/FEW PRIUS - PLEASE ADDRESS BEFORE SOMEONE DIES.
NHTSA ODI #10926577
Official recalls
3Jun 24, 2020
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Prius and 2014-2017 Prius V vehicles not included in recall 18V-684. 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: An unexpected hybrid power system shut down may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will perform a software update for the hybrid system. If the vehicle has experienced an inverter failure with certain hybrid system faults related to this condition, the inverter assembly will be repaired or replaced, prior to software update. All repairs will be performed free of charge. This recall began July 24, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TB10 / 20TA10.
Oct 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.
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.
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.
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