Owners have filed 544 complaints
about the 2013 Toyota Prius with NHTSA between 2012 and 2026.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 8 of 25 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 44
Against the median year of the Toyota Prius. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 85
16.5% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 75
44% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
3012.3%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
3815.6%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
3112.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
2711.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
249.8%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
3213.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
4217.2%
150,000+ miles
208.2%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Dec 2012peak 15Aug 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2013 Toyota Prius
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
1
investigation is
still open.
DP23005Opened 22 Nov 2023Still openSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
Brake Actuator Valve Wear
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based on the petitioner's direct experience and assessment that ODI closed DP19-004 because its prompting petition was withdrawn by that petitioner.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 additi...
DP22005Opened 27 Jan 2023Closed 7 Aug 2023ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM
Pedestrian alert sounds
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 Marc...
DP19004Opened 30 Sep 2019Closed 21 Jan 2021SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST
Brake Actuator Valve Wear
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 requ...
Recalls on the 2013 Toyota Prius
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
20V369000
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM: INVERTER
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.
Risk: An unexpected hybrid power system shut down may increase the risk of a crash.
18V684000
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
Risk: If the hybrid system shuts down unexpectedly, it can increase the risk of a crash.
14V053000
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.
Risk: 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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202172355,683 units in Canada
Electrical
Issue: This recall is for certain block heater kits installed on certain vehicles or sold as accessories at Toyota or Lexus dealerships. On certain vehicles, the engine block heater cable may not have enough heat protection and could be damaged by high temperatures. If this happens, the cable could short circuit while plugged in, and cause the wiring to overheat or melt. Note: This recall only affects the following block heater/cord part numbers: C014003034 PK5A408J09 PU14000904 C014003151 PK5A408J13 PU14000905 C014000885 PK5A489J11 PU14000907 C014000888 PK5A489J22 PU14000909 C014000907 PK5A410H00 PU14000911 C014100904 PU14000900 PU14000913 C014100907 PU14000901 PU14003571 C014100911 PU14000902 PK5A489J14 PK5A408J05 PU14000903 Safety Risk: Engine block heater wiring that overheats or melts could create the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: Toyota recommends that you should stop using the engine block heater immediately. Toyota will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to disable the engine block heater. For some vehicles, the corrective actions for this recall are under development. For others, a new engine block heater cannot be installed, and the owner will receive a refund of the purchase price of the engine block heater.
Recall 20194205,327 units in Canada
Other
Issue: This recall is for aftermarket replacement rear window glass produced by Vitro Automotriz. Certain rear window glass may not have been properly tempered. If the window breaks, the glass may separate into large pieces instead of very small ones. Note: This is a voluntary recall that is not being conducted under the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Safety Risk: Glass that breaks in to large pieces could create a risk of injury. Corrective Actions: The company will notify consumers by mail and instruct them to inspect the designation code marked on the rear window glass. Products affected by this recall have the designation “DOT 287” along with the lettering “VMR” (Replacement Market) and a date code that is before July 2019. This information is printed on the bottom corner of the glass. Consumers should contact Vitro's customer service at 1-412-995-6457 or argbacklites@vitro.com to arrange for replacement of the glass.
Recall 201854623,125 units in Canada
Powertrain
On certain vehicles, the Intelligent Power Module (IPM), which is part of the hybrid drive system, could become damaged under certain driving conditions. This could cause various warning lights to illuminate on the instrument panel of the vehicle and cause a reduction or loss of motive power, increasing the risk of a crash causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will update motor/generator and hybrid control ECU software and affect repairs as necessary. Note: This recall supersedes recalls 2014-042 and 2015-312. Vehicles repaired under the previous recall(s) will require repair.
Recall 2017558363 units in Canada
Powertrain
On certain plug-in hybrid vehicles, the electric vehicle (EV) hybrid battery's fuse could be subjected to excessive thermal stress and potentially fracture if the vehicle is operated by the electric motor under high-load driving conditions, such as during a long ascent. This would illuminate warning lights and warning messages in the instrument cluster, and in some cases cause the vehicle to enter a fail-safe mode resulting in reduced motive power. In other cases, the hybrid system could shut down, resulting in loss of motive power, which could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will replace the EV fuse with a new one of an improved design.
Recall 201404213,791 units in Canada
Powertrain
On certain vehicles, the Intelligent Power Module (IPM), which is part of the hybrid system inverter assembly, could become damaged under certain driving conditions. This could cause various warning lights to illuminate in the instrument panel of the vehicle and cause a reduction or loss of motive power, increasing the risk of a crash causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will update motor/generator and hybrid control ECU software and affect repairs as necessary. Note: This recall is superseded by recall 2018546. Please see <a href="http://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/7/VRDB-BDRV/search-recherche/detail.aspx?lang=eng&&rn=2018546">recall 2018546</a> for more information.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Forestdale, MACrash
WHEELS
While driving straight on smooth paved road, car began to shake and right rear passenger wheel came completely separated from car. After skidding off the road and being able to visually inspect, it was clear the sub-frame had broken and the wheel had come off in its entirety. The rotor, the lugs, and calipers were all still attached to the wheel.
NHTSA complaint #11753091 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Forestdale, MACrash
SUSPENSION
While driving straight on smooth paved road, car began to shake and right rear passenger wheel came completely separated from car. After skidding off the road and being able to visually inspect, it was clear the sub-frame had broken and the wheel had come off in its entirety. The rotor, the lugs, and calipers were all still attached to the wheel.
NHTSA complaint #11753091 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Forestdale, MACrash
STRUCTURE:BODY
While driving straight on smooth paved road, car began to shake and right rear passenger wheel came completely separated from car. After skidding off the road and being able to visually inspect, it was clear the sub-frame had broken and the wheel had come off in its entirety. The rotor, the lugs, and calipers were all still attached to the wheel.
NHTSA complaint #11753091 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Somerville, TNFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Pulled out of the driveway drove about a 100 ft heard large clunking sound front end dropped down as if there was a flat tire pulled off the highway drove through the grass 100 ft back to my home the car started smoking from the engine compartment and burst into flames. Tried to extinguish with fire extinguishers and water hose while calling 911. Fire Department extinguished the fire. Car is a complete loss. There was an oil leak trail from where the car first drop down through the grass. The car did not have a previous oil leak. The car had 300,000 miles on it. No one was injured.
NHTSA complaint #11669902 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Somerville, TNFire
ENGINE
Pulled out of the driveway drove about a 100 ft heard large clunking sound front end dropped down as if there was a flat tire pulled off the highway drove through the grass 100 ft back to my home the car started smoking from the engine compartment and burst into flames. Tried to extinguish with fire extinguishers and water hose while calling 911. Fire Department extinguished the fire. Car is a complete loss. There was an oil leak trail from where the car first drop down through the grass. The car did not have a previous oil leak. The car had 300,000 miles on it. No one was injured.
NHTSA complaint #11669902 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 73,761 milesHawthorne, CACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact's vehicle was involved in a head-on collision. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle had not been inspected for damages. The contact was transported to the local medical center. The contact sustained injuries such as a fractured sternum and a fractured left foot. The contact received treatment and the local medical ctr for a total of four days and then transferred to a primary care facility. In addition, the contact was receiving continued treatment. A Police report was filed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 73,761.
NHTSA complaint #11649711 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Spring, TX
SERVICE BRAKES
Brake actuator failed
NHTSA complaint #11758413 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesMonterey Park, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS, traction control, and BRAKE warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled off on the off-ramp and became aware that extra effort was needed to depress the brake pedal. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with brake booster and accumulator failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #11756742 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My vehicle has 105492 miles and ABS light, Trackion and Brake light went on. I could hear a buzzing sound from the brake actuator every 5 seconds. The brake actuator and master cylinder was failing. According to the dealership failure of brake actuator and master cylinder is a common safety issue with Toyota Prius. The failure of the actuator can lead to failure in the braking system and a crash. Online research shows that several customers have reported this issue. The Claremont Toyota quoted me $3646 to fix this issue. I contacted Toyota of America and they informed that they cannot cover these repairs case number 260515002576.I took my vehicle to a private mechanic. I paid $2312 for parts and labor to fix this safety issue. I would like to file a complaint against Toyota for not addressing this critical safety issue.
NHTSA complaint #11755768 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
My vehicle has 105492 miles and ABS light, Trackion and Brake light went on. I could hear a buzzing sound from the brake actuator every 5 seconds. The brake actuator and master cylinder was failing. According to the dealership failure of brake actuator and master cylinder is a common safety issue with Toyota Prius. The failure of the actuator can lead to failure in the braking system and a crash. Online research shows that several customers have reported this issue. The Claremont Toyota quoted me $3646 to fix this issue. I contacted Toyota of America and they informed that they cannot cover these repairs case number 260515002576.I took my vehicle to a private mechanic. I paid $2312 for parts and labor to fix this safety issue. I would like to file a complaint against Toyota for not addressing this critical safety issue.
NHTSA complaint #11755768 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Suwanee, GA
SERVICE BRAKES
I am the first owner of a Toyota 2013 Prius that I purchased in Baltimore, MD, in 2013. I moved Georgia in 2014. The car currently has 130000 miles. I heard there were recalls on this vehicle type few years ago, but I was never notified. The brake has failed recently with code C1391. I spent $3,500 recently and the car is still in the repair shop.
NHTSA complaint #11753299 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Forestdale, MACrash
WHEELS
While driving straight on smooth paved road, car began to shake and right rear passenger wheel came completely separated from car. After skidding off the road and being able to visually inspect, it was clear the sub-frame had broken and the wheel had come off in its entirety. The rotor, the lugs, and calipers were all still attached to the wheel.
NHTSA complaint #11753091 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Forestdale, MACrash
SUSPENSION
While driving straight on smooth paved road, car began to shake and right rear passenger wheel came completely separated from car. After skidding off the road and being able to visually inspect, it was clear the sub-frame had broken and the wheel had come off in its entirety. The rotor, the lugs, and calipers were all still attached to the wheel.
NHTSA complaint #11753091 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Forestdale, MACrash
STRUCTURE:BODY
While driving straight on smooth paved road, car began to shake and right rear passenger wheel came completely separated from car. After skidding off the road and being able to visually inspect, it was clear the sub-frame had broken and the wheel had come off in its entirety. The rotor, the lugs, and calipers were all still attached to the wheel.
NHTSA complaint #11753091 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clovis, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
Code 1391 / power brake booster failure. Know defect by Toyota in which they extended warranty, vehicle is within mileage warranty but past the date warranty. Therefore Toyota will not assist in repairing. Very troubling in that this is a high risk recall or safety issue well known and instead of repairing extended. Repairs cost more than half the value of the vehicle and we are heavily reliant on this car and cannot afford 4k repair nor would sell knowing the saftey issue. Apparently there was notices sent for voluntary repairs in which I never received, had I received and reviewed I would have had repaired. My car had been to Toyota dealership and was never notified of this recall. Toyota offered voluntary programs (such as ZJB or model-specific extensions like 21TE01 for certain 2012–2014 Prius c vehicles) to replace failing brake boosters and pump assemblies.
NHTSA complaint #11752316 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lancaster, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
The brake light, abs light, and traction control light is on. This was a known issue with Toyota Prius. They extended the warranty but failed to adequately notify user. I believe this is a serious safety issue and should be a recall as it affects the adequate stopping of a car, not just an extended warranty.
NHTSA complaint #11749675 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TX
SERVICE BRAKES
I am filing a formal safety complaint regarding a catastrophic brake component failure on my 2013 Toyota Prius, occurring at less than 83,000 miles. The vehicle’s Brake Master Cylinder/Actuator Assembly has suffered an internal hydraulic pressure leak, causing the electric booster pump to run continuously to prevent a total loss of braking assist. This is a well-documented manufacturing defect that directly compromises passenger safety, drastically increases stopping distances, and threatens a complete loss of power assist while driving. Toyota explicitly acknowledged this inherent design flaw through its Customer Support Program (ZJB). However, they limited coverage to a strict 10-year expiration date from the first date of use. Because my vehicle has exceptionally low mileage and was driven gently, the component took longer to degrade, causing it to fail just outside Toyota's arbitrary time limit. Limiting safety coverage based on time rather than mileage penalizes owners of low-mileage vehicles for an engineered factory defect.
NHTSA complaint #11747592 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Roseville, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
On June 20, 2026 while driving the Toyota Prius I experienced a sudden brake failure. Initially I thought I might have pressed the accelerator instead of the brake. But then pressing the brake I found the car did not stop and the ABS brake, brake lights, and other lights lit up on the dash board. The car had only 61,150 on the odometer. I called on Toyota for their warranty coverage but they declined saying that the vehicle is no longer covered. This brake failure should have been under Recall. AAA auto service has pulled C1391 vehicle code - requiring removing and replacing brake booster pump assembly with master cylinder, etc.
NHTSA complaint #11745987 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Canehill, AR
SERVICE BRAKES
There have been several reports of this matter and a ton of recalls due to the Brake Booster issues with all Prius makes and models from 2010 on. The recall was issued and ended before I purchased this vehicle and never fixed. The brake booster has recently began having trouble in my vehicle. I purchased it in February of 2024, the recalls all show they quit honoring them in 2023.
NHTSA complaint #11745078 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Palm Beach, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
See attached document for complaint.
NHTSA complaint #11740656 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pagosa Springs, CO
SERVICE BRAKES
Brake booster went out, car only has 78,000 miles
NHTSA complaint #11740684 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pensacola, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
Brake pedal is going all the way to the floor the car barely stops. The ABS and brake lights show up on the dashboard and won't go away; when I used a diagnostic scanner to find the problem, three malfunction codes involving the brake system showed up. This has been going on for five days now, and I am going to take it to the manufacturer for further inspection.
NHTSA complaint #11738525 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bellerose, NY
SERVICE BRAKES
Actuator needs replacing, currently at 127k miles and displaying traction control, brake and ABS warning lights. The repair will be a few thousand dollars, the cars market value is only around $6k. This is a known Toyota defect for this generation of Prius but Toyota hasn’t recalled these vehicles. I think Toyota should have to pay. The vehicle is out of warranty at 127k miles and it’s a 2013
NHTSA complaint #11736288 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cleveland, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Year/Make/Model: 2013 Toyota Prius • Component: Brake Booster Assembly with Master Cylinder (Part #47070-47060) Description of the Defect: After approximately 30–40 minutes of driving, my dashboard illuminates with the Brake, ABS, and VSC warning lights simultaneously. The brake pedal becomes inconsistent and requires significantly more effort to stop the vehicle. This is a known internal fluid leak within the brake booster assembly that causes the accumulator pump to run continuously and ultimately reduces braking performance — a direct safety hazard. Why This Requires Federal Attention: This is not an isolated incident. Hundreds of 2013 Prius owners have reported identical symptoms, with associated diagnostic trouble codes C1391, C1252, C1256, and C1253. Toyota acknowledged this defect by issuing Technical Service Bulletin TSB-0089-20 and a Customer Support Program (ZJB) providing limited extended warranty coverage. However, that program was not well publicized . I was never informed as a vehicle owner . And it has now expired, leaving thousands of owners with a dangerous defect and repair bills costing thousands . A safety defect of this magnitude — one that can result in sudden, significant loss of braking ability — should not have an expiration date on its remedy. Toyota has not issued a mandatory recall, and owners continue to unknowingly drive vehicles with compromised brake systems. Requested Action: I respectfully urge NHTSA to: 1.Open a formal investigation into this defect across all affected 2013–2015 Toyota Prius model years 2.Require Toyota to issue a mandatory safety recall 3.Compel Toyota to cover repair costs for all affected owners regardless of mileage or age of vehicle
NHTSA complaint #11736173 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cleveland, OH
SERVICE BRAKES
Year/Make/Model: 2013 Toyota Prius • Component: Brake Booster Assembly with Master Cylinder (Part #47070-47060) Description of the Defect: After approximately 30–40 minutes of driving, my dashboard illuminates with the Brake, ABS, and VSC warning lights simultaneously. The brake pedal becomes inconsistent and requires significantly more effort to stop the vehicle. This is a known internal fluid leak within the brake booster assembly that causes the accumulator pump to run continuously and ultimately reduces braking performance — a direct safety hazard. Why This Requires Federal Attention: This is not an isolated incident. Hundreds of 2013 Prius owners have reported identical symptoms, with associated diagnostic trouble codes C1391, C1252, C1256, and C1253. Toyota acknowledged this defect by issuing Technical Service Bulletin TSB-0089-20 and a Customer Support Program (ZJB) providing limited extended warranty coverage. However, that program was not well publicized . I was never informed as a vehicle owner . And it has now expired, leaving thousands of owners with a dangerous defect and repair bills costing thousands . A safety defect of this magnitude — one that can result in sudden, significant loss of braking ability — should not have an expiration date on its remedy. Toyota has not issued a mandatory recall, and owners continue to unknowingly drive vehicles with compromised brake systems. Requested Action: I respectfully urge NHTSA to: 1.Open a formal investigation into this defect across all affected 2013–2015 Toyota Prius model years 2.Require Toyota to issue a mandatory safety recall 3.Compel Toyota to cover repair costs for all affected owners regardless of mileage or age of vehicle
NHTSA complaint #11736173 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Year/Make/Model: 2013 Toyota Prius • Component: Brake Booster Assembly with Master Cylinder (Part #47070-47060) Description of the Defect: After approximately 30–40 minutes of driving, my dashboard illuminates with the Brake, ABS, and VSC warning lights simultaneously. The brake pedal becomes inconsistent and requires significantly more effort to stop the vehicle. This is a known internal fluid leak within the brake booster assembly that causes the accumulator pump to run continuously and ultimately reduces braking performance — a direct safety hazard. Why This Requires Federal Attention: This is not an isolated incident. Hundreds of 2013 Prius owners have reported identical symptoms, with associated diagnostic trouble codes C1391, C1252, C1256, and C1253. Toyota acknowledged this defect by issuing Technical Service Bulletin TSB-0089-20 and a Customer Support Program (ZJB) providing limited extended warranty coverage. However, that program was not well publicized . I was never informed as a vehicle owner . And it has now expired, leaving thousands of owners with a dangerous defect and repair bills costing thousands . A safety defect of this magnitude — one that can result in sudden, significant loss of braking ability — should not have an expiration date on its remedy. Toyota has not issued a mandatory recall, and owners continue to unknowingly drive vehicles with compromised brake systems. Requested Action: I respectfully urge NHTSA to: 1.Open a formal investigation into this defect across all affected 2013–2015 Toyota Prius model years 2.Require Toyota to issue a mandatory safety recall 3.Compel Toyota to cover repair costs for all affected owners regardless of mileage or age of vehicle
NHTSA complaint #11736173 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
san Diego, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
THE ABS brake system is now making a noise that is directly related to the failure of the brake pump booster and associated parts. I only know about this as I was able to look up other people that have heard a noise coming from it and I was able to directly compare my sound to video recordings of other priuses that make that noise just before the system fully fails. Mine has not yet completely failed and there are no warning lights yet, nor are there any "recalls" out for my VIN number. My car is also outside of the 10 year "extension" that toyota issued for he part, but is well under the 150,000 mile marker that toyota chose. It's at around 113,000 miles currently. I listed the date of the incident as the first date that I began hearing this noise. Please help.
NHTSA complaint #11734819 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tucson, AZ
SERVICE BRAKES
Brake booster failed. We were driving on the freeway and almost got into a pile up. Brakes completely stopped working and pedal became very stiff. The more I look it is this is an extremely common issue
NHTSA complaint #11733682 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mabank, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My 2013 Toyota Prius with only 99,000 miles is experiencing a brake system failure. The brake warning light, ABS light, and traction control light all illuminate. The brake actuator pump runs every 10 seconds, indicating loss of hydraulic pressure. Safety concern: This issue affects braking performance and disables ABS and traction control, creating a safety hazard, especially in emergency braking situations. This appears to be a known issue with Toyota Prius brake actuator assemblies. Toyota previously issued a warranty extension, but my vehicle is now outside the time window despite low mileage. This failure occurred prematurely and without warning. What happened: The warning lights temporarily went off after adding brake fluid but returned shortly after. The pump continues to cycle frequently, indicating system failure.
NHTSA complaint #11730517 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mabank, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My 2013 Toyota Prius with only 99,000 miles is experiencing a brake system failure. The brake warning light, ABS light, and traction control light all illuminate. The brake actuator pump runs every 10 seconds, indicating loss of hydraulic pressure. Safety concern: This issue affects braking performance and disables ABS and traction control, creating a safety hazard, especially in emergency braking situations. This appears to be a known issue with Toyota Prius brake actuator assemblies. Toyota previously issued a warranty extension, but my vehicle is now outside the time window despite low mileage. This failure occurred prematurely and without warning. What happened: The warning lights temporarily went off after adding brake fluid but returned shortly after. The pump continues to cycle frequently, indicating system failure.
NHTSA complaint #11730517 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mabank, TX
SERVICE BRAKES
My 2013 Toyota Prius with only 99,000 miles is experiencing a brake system failure. The brake warning light, ABS light, and traction control light all illuminate. The brake actuator pump runs every 10 seconds, indicating loss of hydraulic pressure. Safety concern: This issue affects braking performance and disables ABS and traction control, creating a safety hazard, especially in emergency braking situations. This appears to be a known issue with Toyota Prius brake actuator assemblies. Toyota previously issued a warranty extension, but my vehicle is now outside the time window despite low mileage. This failure occurred prematurely and without warning. What happened: The warning lights temporarily went off after adding brake fluid but returned shortly after. The pump continues to cycle frequently, indicating system failure.
NHTSA complaint #11730517 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.