NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
207 reportsMileage unknown · Aug 20, 2025
Service Brakes
The brake actuator failed, it can be available for inspection anytime. My ABS light, brake light, and traction control lights all came on to indicate the failure. Since the hybrid engine requires the breaking system to recharge, failure of this part will eventually lead you to be stranded if it isn’t functional. Additionally,…
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The brake actuator failed, it can be available for inspection anytime. My ABS light, brake light, and traction control lights all came on to indicate the failure. Since the hybrid engine requires the breaking system to recharge, failure of this part will eventually lead you to be stranded if it isn’t functional. Additionally, the responsiveness of the breaks makes driving at higher speeds a lot riskier. Toyota offered an "extended warranty" to have the parts replaced for free for 10 years or 150,000 miles, whichever came first. My make is 2014, at only 89,000 miles.
NHTSA ODI #11681994
Mileage unknown · Aug 12, 2025
Service Brakes
Apparently Toyota knows of a recurring problem with the brake actuator. I took my Toyota Prius to the dealer for an unrelated recall issue that they repaired and I asked them what the sound was that I kept hearing every 10 seconds or so. The told me it is the brake actuator, but did not seem concerned at all that I get it repa…
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Apparently Toyota knows of a recurring problem with the brake actuator. I took my Toyota Prius to the dealer for an unrelated recall issue that they repaired and I asked them what the sound was that I kept hearing every 10 seconds or so. The told me it is the brake actuator, but did not seem concerned at all that I get it repaired right away. They did quote me a very high price to have it fixed by them. I have chosen to take it to my mechanic for repair. In the mean time, I decided to research this on the internet and discovered that it is a known problem by Toyota and there is a class action suite filed on them. I want Toyota to pay to have it fixed! I fear for my life and lives of others with the same issue.
NHTSA ODI #11680117
150,000 miles · Aug 12, 2025
Service Brakes, HydraulicTraction Control System
The contact owns a 2014 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that the ABS and the traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the brake master cylinder needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to a certified…
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The contact owns a 2014 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that the ABS and the traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the brake master cylinder needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic and was diagnosed, and it was determined that the brake booster had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, one day later, both warning lights returned. The vehicle was returned to the mechanic and air was blown into the hydraulic valves and the other valves were cleaned; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
NHTSA ODI #11680048
Mileage unknown · Aug 4, 2025
Service Brakes
There was a safety recall issued for brake system malfunctions involving the brake booster and brake booster pump assemblies on my vehicle. Unfortunately, the recall expired on December 31, 2024. On March 4, 2025, at 4:10 PM, I contacted the District Manager Advocate in Plano, Texas. I explained that I had been in the ICU twice …
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There was a safety recall issued for brake system malfunctions involving the brake booster and brake booster pump assemblies on my vehicle. Unfortunately, the recall expired on December 31, 2024. On March 4, 2025, at 4:10 PM, I contacted the District Manager Advocate in Plano, Texas. I explained that I had been in the ICU twice and am now [XXX]. During the recall period, I was in and out of hospitals for more than four years, making it impossible for me to be aware of or respond to the recall in time. My vehicle has since begun exhibiting the exact symptoms outlined in the recall. When I brought this to their attention, I was told that while the issue was indeed covered under a past recall, there is nothing they can do now because it has expired. This vehicle is our only mode of transportation, which is critical for my ongoing medical treatments, as well as for my husband who recently suffered a heart attack. As I write this, we have no other option but to continue using the vehicle—despite the serious safety risk—because of the urgent and necessary care both of us require. On August 4, 2025, I contacted Toyota headquarters. They reached out to the dealership and spoke with management, but unfortunately, no resolution was offered except for information about a separate, newer recall. I followed up again with the District Manager and spoke with Ashley, who informed me that after escalating the case, there was still nothing further they could do and she expressed her apologies. This situation has caused further deterioration to my health due to the stress and anxiety of potential vehicle failure, and it has added to the burden of my husband’s fragile health condition. At this time, he has been unable to return to work, and we have no income to cover the cost of a repair that should have been addressed through the original recall. We would deeply appreciate any assistance, reconsideration, or compassionate review of our case. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI #11678383
Mileage unknown · Jul 3, 2025
Service Brakes
I am writing to express my profound concern and disappointment regarding a recent, terrifying incident involving the brake system of my 2014 Toyota Prius. On Saturday, June 21, 2025, while driving with other passengers, my vehicle experienced a complete and sudden brake failure. Multiple warning lights illuminated on the dashboa…
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I am writing to express my profound concern and disappointment regarding a recent, terrifying incident involving the brake system of my 2014 Toyota Prius. On Saturday, June 21, 2025, while driving with other passengers, my vehicle experienced a complete and sudden brake failure. Multiple warning lights illuminated on the dashboard, and despite my efforts, the brakes became unresponsive, making it impossible to stop the car. The sheer terror and helplessness I felt in that moment, with the very real potential for a catastrophic accident involving myself, my passengers, and other road users, is indescribable. Fortunately, through sheer luck and quick thinking, I was able to make an emergency stop on the side of the road, preventing any collision or injury. However, the emotional toll of that experience, the lingering stress, and the fear of a recurrence remain significant. I was subsequently informed that the cause of the failure was a leak in the brake accumulator. I am attaching the diagnosis and repair invoice. The necessary repairs were not completed until Wednesday, June 25th. This unforeseen and critical malfunction also necessitated the expense of a rental car for four days, adding to the financial burden and inconvenience. My frustration is compounded by the fact that this brake accumulator issue is a well-documented and known defect in Toyota Prius models, specifically affecting 2010-2015 vehicles. Toyota itself has previously issued a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB T-SB-0043-13) acknowledging this problem and offering warranty extensions for affected vehicles, typically up to 10 years or 150,000 miles. Despite this being a recognized safety concern, I was informed that my vehicle falls approximately eight months outside the 10-year warranty period, thus disqualifying me.
NHTSA ODI #11671120
Mileage unknown · Jul 2, 2025
Service Brakes, Air
See Attached Letter
NHTSA ODI #11670687
Mileage unknown · May 20, 2025
Service Brakes
After 120K miles and 11 years of use, my Prius 3 brake booster pump failed while I was driving. The warning lights came on, including the ABS and brake lights. My brake felt strange, and I had to finish my drive to the dealership keeping a large driving distance so the brakes would work in time. I was advised that this was a res…
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After 120K miles and 11 years of use, my Prius 3 brake booster pump failed while I was driving. The warning lights came on, including the ABS and brake lights. My brake felt strange, and I had to finish my drive to the dealership keeping a large driving distance so the brakes would work in time. I was advised that this was a result of a C1391 error and that the brake pump part is only covered under extended warranty for 10 years. The advisors at the dealership said it is extremely common for cars to come in with this problem just after the warranty period has ended. I have spoken to other Prius user who have complained of the same issue and are considering a class action lawsuit because this safety issue is so common.
NHTSA ODI #11662237
Mileage unknown · May 8, 2025
Service Brakes
While driving my dashboard lit up with Brake, ABS, and traction control warning lights. Brake pedal fell to the floor when pressed. I was then able to stop the car. I brought the car to a local auto parts store, where they were able to determine that the error code was C1391 brake accumulator pressure leak. I made an appoin…
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While driving my dashboard lit up with Brake, ABS, and traction control warning lights. Brake pedal fell to the floor when pressed. I was then able to stop the car. I brought the car to a local auto parts store, where they were able to determine that the error code was C1391 brake accumulator pressure leak. I made an appointment and brought my car to my local Toyota dealer the next day. I was informed that the brake booster assembly, brake booster pump, and master cylinder would have to be replaced, at a cost of approximately $4035.00. I was informed that Toyota issued a Customer Satisfaction Program for this exact issue on my car. While my car has 129,000 miles and falls within their coverage range of 150,000, the car’s age of 11 years did not fall within their limit of 10 years. According to Toyota, this is a known failure and my only problem is that my brakes did not fail sooner. Toyota’s corporate office denied my appeal to cover the cost of the repair. The local Toyota dealer charged me $150 to read the code and confirm what the local Auto parts store was able to do for free.
NHTSA ODI #11659668
Mileage unknown · Apr 29, 2025
Service Brakes
Issue started with a noise sounding like a motor constantly trying to prime its self. Then while driving on freeway ABS light Brake light and traction control lights all came on. Took car to dealership and was given a $3700 bill to replace Brake Booster Master Cylinder and Brake booster pump. This is a known issue to Toyota a…
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Issue started with a noise sounding like a motor constantly trying to prime its self. Then while driving on freeway ABS light Brake light and traction control lights all came on. Took car to dealership and was given a $3700 bill to replace Brake Booster Master Cylinder and Brake booster pump. This is a known issue to Toyota and have offered an extended warranty 10 years or 150000 miles but not a recall. My vehicle is at 11 years and 123000 miles. This issue put my family in danger due to the threat of total brake failure.
NHTSA ODI #11657656
Mileage unknown · Apr 17, 2025
Service Brakes
Was driving down the road and the brakes stopped working and the the brake light the traction light and abs light came on. The brakes only worked if i put the pedal all the way to the floor after that. I checked online and found numerous other people have had this issue but no recall has ever been done. only nhtsa safety notices…
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Was driving down the road and the brakes stopped working and the the brake light the traction light and abs light came on. The brakes only worked if i put the pedal all the way to the floor after that. I checked online and found numerous other people have had this issue but no recall has ever been done. only nhtsa safety notices and a volunteered customer support program by toyota which was no longer being honored because I was passed the 10 year mark even though my vehicle was still under the 150k mile threshold by toyota. I wish your organization would force toyota to do a full recall on this. this is a dangerous safety issue involving a defective brake booster and master cylinder
NHTSA ODI #11655290
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.