2008 Toyota Prius brake problems

SERVICE BRAKES

2008 Toyota Prius gen2 with 139k miles. ABS, Brake, parking brake, and Traction Control lights all illuminated while driving the other day. Potential is losing all electronically assisted braking function in the car. Problem has been confirmed by local independent service center. Independent service center pulled codes: C1256 Accumulator low pressure C1378 Capacitor Communication Malfunction C1391 Abnormal leak of ACC pressure all consistent with ABS accumulator failure. Recommending ABS modulator assembly replacement at $2742.66 Toyota had a warranty enhancement program that covered this component: Warranty Enhancement Program – ZG1 2006-2007 Model Year Highlander Hybrid & 2004-2009 Model Year Prius Vehicles Extension of Warranty Coverage for Brake Actuator Assembly This Warranty Enhancement Program provides enhanced coverage to the vehicle’s “New Vehicle Limited Warranty” as it applies to the Brake Actuator Assembly. The specific condition covered by this program are repairs related to an internal malfunction of the Brake Actuator Assembly. If the condition is verified, the vehicle will be repaired with a new Brake Actuator Assembly at no charge under the terms of this Warranty Enhancement Program. • The Primary Coverage offers warranty enhancement until December 31, 2017, regardless of mileage. • After the Primary Coverage end, the Secondary Coverage is applicable for 10 years from the date of first use, or 150,000 miles, whichever occurs first

NHTSA complaint #11725225 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

Brake pedal became hard and vehicle was difficult to stop. ABS warning light appeared on dashboard. This is a problem that Toyota has addressed previously by extending the warranty period to 10 Years/150,000 miles. My vehicle has 122,000 miles on it but the 10 year extended warranty has expired. I took the vehicle to a local repair shop and they confirmed that there was a problem with the brake actuator assembly. Now, Toyota says it would cost over $3000 to remove and replace their already defective part.

NHTSA complaint #11714800 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

The ABS brake booster/accumulator is going out and this has been a known issue with Toyota for years. Mine was purchased used a few years ago and had no issues until recently, as the pump is running more frequently.

NHTSA complaint #11689871 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

ABS failed and mechanic tells me my actuator needs replacement which is a known issue with my generation of Prius.

NHTSA complaint #11681125 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

Incident Summary: While relocating from northern to southern Alabama, I experienced a sudden and concerning failure in the vehicle’s braking system. While driving, multiple dashboard warning indicators were triggered simultaneously, including: •Brake warning light •ABS light •VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) light •Additional system fault alerts This happened unexpectedly and severely impacted my ability to drive the vehicle safely. Given the nature of these warnings and the critical systems they pertain to, I immediately took the vehicle to a certified Toyota dealership for diagnostics and repair. Following inspection, I was informed that the ABS actuator and related components had failed and would require replacement at an estimated cost of nearly $3,000. I was further advised that while this issue had been part of a previous recall or customer support program, that program is no longer active. Rationale for Cost Coverage Request: 1) Known Safety Issue: This ABS/VSC failure aligns with prior technical service bulletins and recall actions issued by Toyota for Prius models of this era. The abrupt system failure while driving raises significant safety concerns. 2) Purchased from Certified Dealership: The vehicle was purchased from an authorized Toyota dealership. I trusted that all known recall issues would have been properly addressed prior to sale. 3) Recall Program Timing & Fairness: The original recall or warranty enhancement was tied to a timeframe or mileage limit, but given that this issue has not been resolved and is now manifesting as a serious failure, I believe an exception should be made—especially since it was known to affect vehicles like mine. 4) Customer Loyalty and Safety Assurance: I have maintained this vehicle responsibly and expect Toyota, as a brand committed to quality and safety, to assist with this issue in good faith. Request: I respectfully request that Toyota cover the full cost of diagnosing and repairing the ABS system issue.

NHTSA complaint #11668556 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

I recently took my vehicle to the dealership because all the hazard lights on the dash came on. They diagnosed it as an issue with the inverter water pump and suggested that the engine was overheating, which was causing the hazard light to appear on the dashboard. So I had them replace that part and everything was fine. A week later, I went to drive to work and my entire dashboard was out. My radio, clock, blinkers, and brakes worked, but I could not see the speedometer, gas gauge, odometer or any other dashboard features. When I tried to restart the car, it wouldn't turn off. I tried several times and even got my husband to try. When we couldn't turn it off, I drove blindly straight to the dealership. They diagnosed the issue as being a problem with the combination meter. Recently, I found out that there was a Customer Support Program through Toyota that replaced the combination meter in my same car model. This service expired in 2017. I got the car in 2020-21. Thankfully I was home, and was able to follow my husband to the dealership. I'm not sure what I would've done if this happened while I was out. I am also have traction issues with the brakes. When I try to brake on a slope or incline, the glide hazard lights come on. It's happened several times when it's raining, but it's been happening more when it's not. I typically give enough space between myself and the car in front of me, but it's concerning that the brakes lock up when I'm on any type of sloped surface.

NHTSA complaint #11665147 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

Brake actuator fails. Subject to prior recalls, but they're continuing to be an issue. This vehicle, and thousands of others like it, the electric brake actuator/pump starts running constantly then fails entirely. When that happens, as has to mine, the vehicle has NO power brakes, which can and does cause the vehicle to crash. The replacement part is over a thousand dollars. Toyota has engineered a failure mode that creates massive continuing profits.

NHTSA complaint #11648237 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

The error lights related to the ABS, VSC braking system can suddenly come on, the antilock brakes stop working, and breaking power is greatly diminished. This occurs without warning and when it does, the brakes do not work safely and it is more difficult to bring the car to a stop. I have taken the car in to repair shops who have confirmed the issue. This malfunction produces error code C1256 and multiple mechanics have confirmed it is related to a faulty ABS Actuator Assembly and recommend immediate replacement of the unit. This is a common and known issue with these cars. I have been quoted a range of $2,100+tax to $2950+tax to perform the repair using a brand new part from Toyota.

NHTSA complaint #11644952 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

brake actuator assembly failed

NHTSA complaint #11637121 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

Loud grinding noise coming from engine compartment accompanied by a loud shrill alert. When attempting to pull over to a safe place, I put my foot on the brake pedal, but immediately became distressed because it felt like I had no brakes at all. After applying extreme pressure to the brake pedal, the car did begin to slow down, albeit very slowly. I had 2 passengers in the car (ages [XXX] and [XXX] ) and I felt their lives were in jeopardy. Upon researching, I found that Toyota has known about this ABS problem for quite awhile (at one point, they even extended the warranty on the faulty parts). With the gravity of losing the ability to brake while driving, reasonable people would conclude that a recall is in order. It does not matter if it is voluntary by Toyota or mandatory by the appropriate government entities. I, literally, feared for my life and the lives of my passengers. I am grateful it didn't happen while traveling at highway speeds because the outcome could have been much much worse. I sincerely hope that my government who is in charge of protecting it's citizens against known automobile dangers, will take the necessary steps to initiate a recall for all Toyota vehicles that have this serious ABS problem. My fear is that those decisions are made by algorithms and actuarial data rather than by reasonable common sense. I certainly hope there isn't an arbitrary number of deaths before a recall is made. What if one of your family died as a result of purposeful inaction. The diagnostic codes for my Toyota are C1256 and C1391. These both point to serious problems with the ABS system ( actuator, accumulater etc.). Please consider investigating this common and life threatening problem. Thank you INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11619772 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

Brake actuator failing just like everybody else

NHTSA complaint #11618641 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

I have a 2008 Toyota Prius (172k miles). From the sounds coming from the ABS Brake actuator and soft breaks, it is clear from my research online that I will soon have a failing ABS brake actuator. I have the code C1256 thrown which is ABS "Accumulator Low Pressure" Read more: [XXX] I do not feel safe driving it as it is clear one day the brakes will suddenly go out on it. This needs repaired. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11614339 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

Brake failure while driving. No warnings prior to failure. ABS Module 4450047141

NHTSA complaint #11604837 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

Brake ABS and front brakes have completely failed because a software error where the and cannot be calibrated and terminates during calibration. The car only has rear brakes which frequently lock of and cause a safety issue. Front brakes completely disabled due to a software calibration issue

NHTSA complaint #11600249 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

My abs actuator has failed at 104k miles

NHTSA complaint #11589993 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

The ABS Actuator failed. It can be inspected. This is dangerous as this has the possibility of causing a brake failure. A retired mechanic plugged in his scan tool and determined that the ABS actuator is leaking. In addition, I can tell audibly that this is the case because the car's pump is starting up every 10-15 seconds trying to fill the air reservoir but is unable to due to the leak. Neither the vehicle nor the component has been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others. The brake and ABS lights are lit up on the dashboard. The car's pump is starting up every 10-15 seconds trying to fill the air reservoir but is unable to due to the leak.

NHTSA complaint #11589556 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

The electronic brake actuator failed while driving causing the loss of brakes. Didn't cause accident but still very dangerous situation. Mechanic pulled odb code c1256 from vehicle and says not to drive until it is repaired.

NHTSA complaint #11577384 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

I was shocked to find out that Toyota appears to be falsifying data in order to get out of paying to repair safety problems with their cars. Hiding safety issues may have already led to injuries and death. We bought a 2008 Toyota Prius in 2014. The title with Virginia DMV is dated 08/01/14. On November 4, 2023, after several indicator lights showed up, I found out from my garage that the car's anti-lock braking system was defective and not working. However, according to the garage manager, Toyota had acknowledged a defect with their anti-lock braking system. There had been a recall some years ago for this part on the 2008 Prius, but it was no longer in effect. On November 6, 2023, Brittany at Toyota told me the same thing. Toyota acknowledged in 2016 that there was a problem with the anti-lock braking system with this model of car, and that it would be replaced for free by Toyota. This was a "customer support program" rather than a recall. However, according to Brittany, the notice of this "customer support program" was not mailed to us. It was mailed to the previous owner, who owned it before 2014. We never received it. Of course, the dates do not work. We bought the car in 2014, and the notice went out in 2016. There was no reason to send the notice to someone who didn't own the car. Brittany, pretty innocently, had revealed that Toyota is falsifying records. She said that Toyota is using state DMV records to find car owners and send notices of faulty and dangerous parts. However, this is obviously not true. Virginia DMV issued our title to the car on 08/01/14, well before the recall. The only way I can see this happening is if Toyota is falsifying records so that they have to pay to fix far fewer cars. This practice could easily lead to injury and death. There would appear to be a notification mailing, with a postage bill to prove it, but it could have been at least partly fabricated by using past owners instead of current owners. If Toyota had not falsi

NHTSA complaint #11554190 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

Yes it is available for inspection upon request. My brakes failed going down the road due to a flaw in brake actuator design that had a previous recall. My safety was put at risk as the brakes failed while I was traveling down the road. The problem has not gone away and can be easily reproduced. There are various warning lamps and the car is unable to be driven. Requests for Toyota to repair the vehicle have been fruitless. This is a KNOWN issue on this year and model.

NHTSA complaint #11548427 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the messages for the parking brake, tire pressure monitoring system, ABS, and VSC illuminated while driving. The vehicle was later driven to the local dealer who diagnosed that the brake actuator and brake pump were faulty and needed to be replaced. The failure was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was informed of the Manufacturer's Extended Warranty Coverage for the failure however, the warranty had expired. The failure mileage was 129,674.

NHTSA complaint #11546918 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

The inverter water pump failed while I was driving 50mph, it caused the car to stop working and the brakes malfunctioned as well. When I tried to hit the brakes I had to hit them a lot harder and it still acted like it wasn’t going to stop. I was lucky enough that the light up ahead was still green and the cars in front of me started going forward.

NHTSA complaint #11480313 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

Brake actuator is going bad, they had a recall on it and are refusing to fix it. Brakes are a lot harder to press.

NHTSA complaint #11480316 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

Vehicle braking system faulting because of lack of pressure from failing ABS accumulator. Given the price of the vehicle on the used market, parts and labor drive the cost of repair to a significant portion of the vehicle's value.

NHTSA complaint #11477201 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK

The contact stated owns a 2008 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the ABS system locked up and the brake pedal was firm and difficult to depress, causing the contact to lose control of the vehicle. The contact activated the parking brakes to aid in stopping the vehicle. The vehicle stopped and was restarted and drove normal for several miles before the failure recurred. The vehicle was driven to the dealer and the contact was informed that the failure was a known issue. The contact was informed that since the part was defective the dealer would offer a discount towards the repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.

NHTSA complaint #11451229 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

Abs system began a high pitch tone every time the brake pedal was pressed. Brakes did not function consistently, stopping either jarringly or not at all at a specific pressure. Brake pedal has high resistance. Toyota system diagnosed ABS codes C1252, C1256, and C1391: indicative of a faulty/broken brake actuator.

NHTSA complaint #11446349 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

I was driving at a speed of 30mph on a road with a slight incline. As I descended that slight incline, I began my descent at a speed of 30mph. There was about 250 ft between the descent of the incline, and the red light at the bottom. As soon as I began my descent I lost all brake pressure. Fortunately there was an entrance to a parking lot to my right, just before the stop light. When friction had slowed my car down I was able to find a parking spot to pull over. Accompanied with my failing brakes were all of my brake associated lights on the dash, and the red triangle light. There was also a steady high pitch buzzing noise. Still, without brake pressure I get out to inspect the car. There were no signs of leaking brake fluid and the rotors and pads were in great condition. The drum brakes in the back were also in great working order. After finding nothing of suspicion, I turn the far off and back on. To my surprise all the warning lights were off, and my brakes were once again functioning properly. The only thing changed was a buzzing noise from the brake actuator as it built up pressure. It has now been over a month with no issues from the brakes expect for the lingering unusual noise from the actuator, which I suspect it to mean that the actuator is close to failing. I no longer feel safe driving this vehicle. I took the car to my nearest Toyota dealer the day after the incident. They were not able to read any codes because the codes did not store. They told me they would have to see the car with all the lights on for it to read. Basically meaning, "we can't do anything about it until you're life is at great risk". This problem should absolutely be recalled as I am not the only one to have this issue. Toyota says there top priority is consumer safety, yet they blatantly disregard the issue, and instead do very little to resolve it.

NHTSA complaint #11445827 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

To whom it my concern, I’m the original owner of a 2008 Toyota Prius. The car has 93,000 miles on it. I encountered a braking problem one day after starting the car and backing up. The brakes felt spongy and car started to roll backwards with the brakes applied. Had to push harder for the car to stop. The VSC, ABS and brake lights were on, on the dash with a tone I could hear indicating something is wrong. I shut the car down and restarted and problem still existed. I called the dealer and did a little research online and found out the brake actuator had malfunctioned and will need to be replaced. Dealer said there was a program offering an extended warranty, but that has expired in 2018. I never received any letter from dealer or Toyota themselves indicating there was a problem. I called Toyota corporate office and they indicated a letter was sent out in 2016, but I never received any letter. The car now sits and I’m trying to figure out if it’s worth fixing. This car has meticulously been taken car of and ran great when I was driving it. I will try reaching out to Toyota again to see if there any exceptions to this case. Over 700,000 cars were affected by this problem and was wondering why a recalled was not issued.

NHTSA complaint #11441673 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.