The ABS failed while driving on the highway. There was no accident, but it was substantially harder to brake when needed.
2015 Toyota Prius
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2015 Toyota Prius do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 164.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Prius years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
71 reports with mileage · 93 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Service Brakes. Review the 87 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 27 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Power Train. Review the 13 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
164 reportsThis vehicle has 95k miles, now the vehicle has a brake problem which can cause deadly problems. The parts that have gone bad on this car are defective parts that toyota knows about. The warranty they extended for this ended in 02/2015. They had 150k miles or 10 years limit on that warranty. We are well under the mileage and 10 …
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This vehicle has 95k miles, now the vehicle has a brake problem which can cause deadly problems. The parts that have gone bad on this car are defective parts that toyota knows about. The warranty they extended for this ended in 02/2015. They had 150k miles or 10 years limit on that warranty. We are well under the mileage and 10 months over according to toyota. Can’t believe they will dismiss something this delicate and dangerous. The parts are not cheap and it’s something we can’t afford to fix right now. I can’t believe Toyota will just wash their hands on something this important in a vehicle. This is a know defective part! They should have some sort of responsibility and resolution. I called and was told they cant do anything. Even a part offer so we can fix nothing. Please review this and hopefully you can help.
The vehicle has 95k miles on it and both brake actuator assembly and booster pump have gone bad. This is a defective issue, I called toyota and was told too bad since the program that fixed this ended 02/25. The car met the mileage requirement, but being 10 months out of the date gives toyota the right to wash their hands on a d…
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The vehicle has 95k miles on it and both brake actuator assembly and booster pump have gone bad. This is a defective issue, I called toyota and was told too bad since the program that fixed this ended 02/25. The car met the mileage requirement, but being 10 months out of the date gives toyota the right to wash their hands on a defective part. The part is over $1500 just in parts to replace! This is wrong on their part. Not one option offered.
The brake accumulator went out thanksgiving day on my way home nearly causing an accident. I also missed dinner due to the issue creating a clearly unsafe driving condition where I was barely able to use my brakes. This is a known issue by Toyota, whom extended the warranty to 10 years. Of course, my warranty was 3 days past th…
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The brake accumulator went out thanksgiving day on my way home nearly causing an accident. I also missed dinner due to the issue creating a clearly unsafe driving condition where I was barely able to use my brakes. This is a known issue by Toyota, whom extended the warranty to 10 years. Of course, my warranty was 3 days past the 10 years even though it is under the mileage requirement. This should have been a recall, as it is a known and reported problem. I am now out 3300$ for the repair just to get my car in an operable condition. There were no warnings, the abs light as well as the traction alert went off and I lost the ability to properly brake in an instant. There was no warning, nor was I notified about this part.
Hi, I am reporting a brake system failure on my 2015 Toyota Prius. In July 2025, the ABS and brake warning lights suddenly appeared, and a Toyota service center confirmed it is the known Prius brake system defect. The repair estimate ranges from $4,502 to $27,814, but Toyota declined coverage because the vehicle is just past the…
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Hi, I am reporting a brake system failure on my 2015 Toyota Prius. In July 2025, the ABS and brake warning lights suddenly appeared, and a Toyota service center confirmed it is the known Prius brake system defect. The repair estimate ranges from $4,502 to $27,814, but Toyota declined coverage because the vehicle is just past the 10-year warranty limit. This issue poses a safety risk due to reduced braking performance. 1) The brake system / ABS actuator assembly malfunctioned. and yes, the component is still installed in the vehicle and available for inspection upon request. 2)The ABS is no longer functioning properly, significantly increases the risk of losing control or extended stopping distance, especially in wet or emergency braking conditions. I rely on this car for daily transportation in a car-dependent area, so this issue directly affects my ability to drive safely and could endanger others on the road. 3)Yes. The issue was diagnosed and confirmed by an authorized Toyota dealership center. 4)Yes. The vehicle was inspected by an authorized Toyota dealership only. 5)Yes. The ABS light, brake warning light, and other dashboard indicators suddenly appeared in July 2025.
The Brake Booster system failed two weeks after the Toyota Customer Confidence Program for that condition ended and they will not reimburse me for a $3000 repair. I knew there was a problem because all the dash lights came on at once while we were driving on a highway. I had it towed away to be repaired and it was found that the…
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The Brake Booster system failed two weeks after the Toyota Customer Confidence Program for that condition ended and they will not reimburse me for a $3000 repair. I knew there was a problem because all the dash lights came on at once while we were driving on a highway. I had it towed away to be repaired and it was found that the brake booster system was failing. Had I ignored it or not acted as immediately as I did the brakes could have failed while the car was in use and hurt or killed me or someone else. They should issue a recall for this condition and fix it for Prius models that still need it and they should reimburse me.
The ABS, BREAK, and Traction Control, suddenly turned on when I was traveling on the freeway in mild traffic. I was traveling at about 60-65 mph. I attempted to use the breaks and could feel a substantial difference in how much and how hard I had to push in order to stop. The problem has not been confirmed by a dealer or service…
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The ABS, BREAK, and Traction Control, suddenly turned on when I was traveling on the freeway in mild traffic. I was traveling at about 60-65 mph. I attempted to use the breaks and could feel a substantial difference in how much and how hard I had to push in order to stop. The problem has not been confirmed by a dealer or service center. The vehicle was inspected by my brother in law who works on cars frequently. There were no warning symptoms prior to the problem. The problem first occurred on Saturday November 1st at about 12:30. According to my brother in law, it was the break pump that failed; you can hear air escaping when you push on the break pedal.
The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15-20 MPH, the ABS, brakes, and the traction control warning lights, and the malfunction indicator light were illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle hesitated to respond while depressing the brake pedal, causing the braking distance to be e…
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The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15-20 MPH, the ABS, brakes, and the traction control warning lights, and the malfunction indicator light were illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle hesitated to respond while depressing the brake pedal, causing the braking distance to be extended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with an abnormal leak in the accumulator and a leak in the brake booster pump. The dealer determined that the brake master cylinder and the brake booster pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,100.
I was driving from Las Vegas to my home in Los Angeles. An alarming message began flashing on the dashboard telling me to pull over. The vehicle became hard to control. I somehow managed to get it off an exit. I was "lucky" enough to get it towed to a nearby Toyota dealership where I was told the inverter had failed and that tha…
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I was driving from Las Vegas to my home in Los Angeles. An alarming message began flashing on the dashboard telling me to pull over. The vehicle became hard to control. I somehow managed to get it off an exit. I was "lucky" enough to get it towed to a nearby Toyota dealership where I was told the inverter had failed and that that inverter and associated parts had to be replaced. On my 2015 Prius with only 50,000 miles on it. I SPECIFICALLY asked if there had been a recall on the electrical system of any 2015 Priuses, and they flatly said no. I also CALLED TOYOTA, and they also said there were no recalls involving the electrical system or inverters. The Barstow Toyota dealership said it would cost over $5,000 to repair AND that they wouldn't have the parts they needed for a WEEK. As it was, I had been stranded in the desert at a hotel for two days. I then had to pay $1,100 to be towed back to LA and took it to a hybrid mechanic I trust and paid them to do the work. But this cost me THOUSANDS UPON THOUSANDS. In a month where a friend of mine died (which was the reason I was driving from city to city). To have to replace this on a car with only 50,000 miles is preposterous. To NOW find out there actually IS a recall on the 2015 Prius FOR the electrical system involving the inverter is so far beyond frustrating, I don't have the correct word for it.
On or around 9/13/25 my ABS, Brake, Traction and Emergency Sign sensors turned on in my 2015 Toyota Prius. I noticed that my brakes became squishy and when I drove, it took longer for my car to brake (there was more distance in my braking ability to stop the car). My car also felt a bit more airy than it usually does when I driv…
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On or around 9/13/25 my ABS, Brake, Traction and Emergency Sign sensors turned on in my 2015 Toyota Prius. I noticed that my brakes became squishy and when I drove, it took longer for my car to brake (there was more distance in my braking ability to stop the car). My car also felt a bit more airy than it usually does when I drive it. I took it to 2 independent car repair shops for a diagnostic and both told me that the ABS C1391 code came up. Soon thereafter, I took it to a local Toyota dealership for a diagnostic and was given the ABS C1391(code) Abnormal Leak in the accumulator. The Toyota mechanic informed me that that when he did the diagnostic, the TSB 0024-19 code came up on his end, which means that Toyota alerts their mechanics of the necessary procedures to implement for this problem, as it's a known Toyota problem and defect: 1) Remove & Replace the Brake Booster Assembly w/the Master Cylinder (apparently the master cylinder goes out too since they're connected) and 2) Remove and Replace the Brake Booster Assembly Pump. Toyota's estimate to repair it is $4,404.72; I can't afford this and need a car. It's my only car! I did research and learned that this is a known Toyota issue for Prius (2010-2015) and a Customer Support Program w/an extended warranty was issued to cover the full cost. Despite this, their extended warranty expired for me on 12/29/24, despite me meeting the other 10 yr or 150K or less mileage criteria. Despite filing a complaint with Toyota's Resolution Center they refused to extend or offer warranty or any payment for a KNOWN Toyota defect, saying my issue was "after the extended warranty date" and there "isn't a recall." I'm disgusted to say the least about this, as Toyota is well aware of this car part defect which is a safety hazard and liability for its customers. Something must be done about this. It's unfair and not equitable to have loyal Toyota customers absorb the cost of known safety hazard defects by Toyota and risk lives.
Official recalls
120V369000 · Hybrid Propulsion System: Inverter
Jun 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.
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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