This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
While commuting home by Prius has the traction control, ABS, brake light, and brake system indicator dash lights activate. I was able to make it to an autoparts store and the code C1391 was displayed. Researching this code points me to a safety issue that Toyota is aware of and their remedy ended in 2021. Toyota should warranty this known issue, especially for those people who were never notified of the failure of the brake accumulator and brake booster. I now am afraid to drive my vehicle due to potential failure of the brake system and the costs of the repairs are really expensive.
Seven days ago, the hazard lights on our 2012 Prius suddenly would not turn off. By the time we got home, the brake, ABS, and the traction warning lights all came on. Two hours later, the hazard lights stopped blinking but the other lights were still on. We brought the car into the Toyota dealer for service the next morning (8/1/2022) to have the issue checked, notified the service writer of the hazard light being the initial issue. Mechanic cleared the codes and the lights all were off and stayed off after what he said was 2 test drives. We asked him if the mechanic had tested the hazards, to be sure they didn't stay on. He said the mechanic had left and we agreed to leave the car overnight so he could check that again. The service writer gave us a list of other repairs/maintenance we should have done but none of them was the brake booster acuator. We declined the other service and went home. Car drove fine. Yesterday morning, we woke up to see the hazard lights flashing, even though we hadn't egnaged them since the previous Sunday. Our neighbor noted he noticed them flashing at 2 am. We brought the car back to the dealer and when my husband spoke directly with the manager, he (manager) said that they weren't aware of the hazards flashing. That is a lie. I told the service writer when it was brought in and then we discussed it again that afternoon. Manager calls us late yesterday to say that we need to replace the brake booster acuator at the tune of $3400+. The manager told us this morning that Toyota had a recall on it but they weren't notifying people unless the issue occurred. He said there was recall coverage, which Toyota extended, but it expired 7/24/2022. We never received any mail or email notification of a recall and have only had our car serviced at this dealer. Why did they not warn people" We are outraged and livid. How is this kind of greedy chicanery allowed"
ABS system has malfunctioned- brakes lose pressure constantly (makes a barking noise when pressing on them or holding them down), and brakes feel very squishy. Car constantly makes whirring noise of actuator pump trying to function. Mechanic said on inspection that it was the abs actuator and potentially the master cylinder as well. Vehicle is unsafe to drive
I have the same issue as every other Toyota Prius owner. My car has 177,000 miles and Toyota quoted me $3200 to replace ABS system that causes Brake Failure and risk of Crashing. All the ABS lights come on and the car almost loses all braking power.
- Saint Louis, MO, USA
Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...
MY brake warning lights have coming on for over 12,000 miles abs, vehicle stability off/ stability control and indicator and red brake light.Last week they came on and stay on.I took it to mechanic he told me there was a recall on them up to 150,000 miles.I don't see it on your site.The part is Toyota Brake Booster part Number - 47050-47180. I mention this to toyota in January and they said the light sometime just come on.I don, t know what the mileage should have anything to do about a recall
I took my vehicle in to the Toyota dealership last month because of a brake related noise that was concerning and a loss of brake sensitivity. The diagnostic showed that the brake booster was showing signs that is would fail soon. I was informed that there was a warranty program (ZJB) for it but the warranty required that a specific error code must be present (C1391), regardless of the obvious symptoms. They were unwilling to honor the no cost replacement even though everything but the error code was present. Fast forward to just under a month after the warranty period expired (16 APR 2022 was the expiration date, today is 13 MAY 2022) and the vehicles brakes nearly fail and the error code, which was required for the warranty replacement is now present. Toyota is unwilling to assist me in the slightest with the cost regardless of the inspection prior to expiration of the warranty showing that is was approaching failure and the error code showing shortly after expiration of the warranty. I never received a notice that there was even a warranty for the part in the first place, I was only informed when it took it in the first time, before the warranty expired.
The vehicle was traveling on the interstate at cruising speeds around 70 MPH when the braking system suddenly lost nearly all function. The dashboard began displaying multiple brake system warnings. There was no warning about potential failure. It was sudden and started when the brake pedal was not engaged. Some braking power remained, but it required full activation of the pedal. The vehicle was then driven very slowly to the next exit and later towed to the Toyota dealership for repair and inspection. The dealer has confirmed that this is the same error described in Toyota's Customer Support Program ZJB. Two adult passengers and one infant inside the vehicle and all other vehicles in the vicinity were at risk of suffering a high-speed crash.
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the vehicle lost brakes and power steering functionality. The traction control, ABS, and braking system warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer and was diagnosed with brake booster failure. The vehicle remained at the dealer and was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V235000 (Service Brakes). The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
Brakes started making leaking sound when stopped at lights. Went to get diagnosed and was told I needed to have brake booster (toyota PN 47050-47180) and related pump assembly (Toyota PN 47070-47060) replaced. The specific cause note given by the technician: "FOUND BRAKE PUMP AND BOOSTER ASSEMBLY TO BE LEAKING INTERNALLY CAUSING PUMP TO ACUATE MORE THAN NORMAL WHICH WILL CAUSE THESE NOISES" Found out researching online that this is a common issue with the brake booster/master cylinder assembly affecting multiple models and model years of Toyota vehicles and a pending class-action lawsuit in Texas for it. Was told there was no recall but there was an extended service option. I was not made aware of this extended service option which they indicate in the program notes would be mailed to vehicle owners, and was told when the issue was diagnosed that my vehicle does not qualify for it.
The Brake Booster pump assembly in the car has failed. Toyota issued a Customer Support Program to provide coverage for brake booster and brake booster pump assemblies, However, there are parameters limiting the age of the vehicle and mileage on the vehicle that exclude our car from the campaign. Therefore, the consumer is subject to pay for the entire cost of the repair, which can exceed $4,000. The malfunction occurs over time, and the part fails at a steady pace. Unfortunately, I was unaware of the issue until my ABS light came on, and the breaks became subject to malfunctioning. I took my car to the Toyota Dealership on January 29, 2022, and the dealership made no mention of the Safety Campaign which directly impacts my vehicle. In my opinion, Toyota has demonstrated negligence in regards to this issue. A full recall should be issued for this part. A Safety Campaign simply fails to completely resolve the issue at hand.
My 2012 Toyota Prius Hybrid: the brakes failed on 12/30/21 with virtually no warning which was very scary and could have caused fatalities and a crash. Luckily I was able to pull of the road and put on the e brake to stop the car but if the failure had happened about 10 mins earlier, I might have died because I was going 50 mpg coming down a large hill. I did some research and see that Toyota has KNOWN the brake booster assembly is bad on this model Prius yet they did not issue a full recall and are putting peoples' lives at risk! I am outraged, I was told by my local Toyota dealer that I could qualify for this "customer support program" but only after I had the break line (which also blew out) fixed so I spent $1,100 to fix the brake line then the booster/pump was still malfunctioning but then Toyota changed their tone and told me my vehicle has too many miles to qualify for the booster/pump replacement and then quoted me $4,500 to replace it !! This is an OUTRAGE, Toyota knows this is an issue but is skirting the issue and putting people in danger. It doesn't get much worse then brakes failing on a vehicle. I hope the government forces Toyota to do the right thing and slap them with a huge fine to teach them a lesson. This is not okay!
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the ABS, traction control, and several other unknown warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel as the brake pedal became spongy. The contact initially drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic who informed her of a service bulletin related to the failure; he then instructed her to take the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the vehicle could not be covered under a warranty related to the failure. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and confirmed that her vehicle was no longer covered under warranty; a case was filed with the manufacturer. The contact agreed to have the vehicle repaired by the dealer and the vehicle remained in their possession. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 192,000. The VIN was not available.
Loud noises coming from braking system. Diagnosed by Toyota service technician as a failure of the brake booster and booster pump assemblies. This specific issue is acknowledged by Toyota per a Customer Support Program ZJB. My vehicle, a 2012 Prius with 130,000 miles, qualifies for coverage under the CSP, however Toyota is denying coverage as the vehicle has not displayed a warning light or code associated with the problem, despite a Toyota service tech confirming the issue. Toyota wants me to drive a vehicle with brakes that may completely fail at any given moment. The Toyota Brand Engagement team has been no help in trying to get the repairs covered under the CSP. Class action lawsuits appear to be filed in several states as Toyota has refused to issue a full recall.
The brake master cylinder/accumulator has failed causing multiple codes as well as dash lights for the brake and abs systems. I took the vehicle to the local Toyota dealership after reading about this problem in all other models of the Prius. I have just purchased the vehicle. They covered this issue with a free warranty replacement up until August of 2021. They had extended the warranty with restrictions until this next year. Reading about other models of the same car, the warranty still covers regardless of mileage. It's the identical part as other models that are still being covered. This is a $3000 dollar repair made in some vehicles for the identical part, but not in others. This is terrible customer service for an unsafe issue by Toyota. This issue does effect the braking in the vehicle and it is unsafe to drive. The regenerative braking also no longer is functioning changing the entire handling and characteristics of the vehicle.
Vehicle has issue with brake booster and accumulator, making it dangerous to drive on the road as brakes would intermittently go out not allowing me to stop. Toyota Corporate had agreed to fix the vehicle originally based on good faith and acknowledgement of the defect under their "Customer Support Program" yet coerced me to go to the local dealership to get the repair, and now disclaims responsibility to cover the repair/parts costs. Toyota Corporate did call the dealer to authorize the repair on 12/14, but since then, have not paid for any of the repairs so my vehicle is being held hostage at the dealership.
I have a ABS alarm on my car. Toyota ABS C1391 (1/1) Current Abnormal Leak of ACC Press I tried to Talk to the Toyota I left a message with the service writer At Avondale Toyota In Arizona and left a message about my car problem They never returned a call to me! I have bought 4 new cars from Avondale Toyota. You would think they should return my call to talk about my cars brake problems I haven't received any return calls
Toyota did not inform us about a half recall on our family's Prius car. My wife driving yesterday with kids Christmas shopping and the brake pedal stopped working. She was able to thankfully to have space to let car slow down and pull off to side of road. People with a Toyota Prius need to know the brake pedal could stop working at any moment. The Toyota dealership says the repair is $2900 and they will not cover it. They advised I call Toyota so I did and spoke to 3 people advised and they said they would not. The half recall states online, which I dug and found after the dealership advisor told me about it, states that cars up until 8/31/2021 with unlimited milage are covered. After, then its 10 years from purchase and drops from unlimited milage to 150K. We are a few months from Sept and they would not make an exception and do the right thing. The cars is past the 150K milage BARELY, but still under 10 years. If the breaks had gone out in August 31st and a major accident happened would Toyota been liable" HAs this happened and people don't know" It's not right, not ethical, we were not informed of this at any point or even the last time I took the car into the dealership. The idea that others could have this happen to them or even get hurt out there is insane to imagine as a possibility actually a reality as it happened to us. Toyota headquarters brand representative (Monica supervisor) on phone told me that if my wife had the break pedal and system go out in August and died Toyota would have covered it. I almost dropped the phone. Others need to know about this. Do you know anyone with a Toyota Prius" or a Toyota" Please tell them the brake pedal could stop working at any moment and cause an accident. Please help us and together help others know about this. Toyota should have done the right thing, but they didn't. Toyota needs to alert others of this before someone gets hurt. The National Safety board needs to force to a full recall to REPLACE THEM
ABS/Brake Actuators on these cars are faulty! Not able to apply adequate pressure on the brakes to stop the car confidently. Brake actuator hissing notating that pressure is being lost. Brakes feel like they are skipping, and also making a loud "quack/screeching" noise. Brakes were inspected on my vehicle, and the pads had over 60% life left, and no damage to the rotots, so its the brake actuator at fault. A very common issue on 3rd generation prius models, and a $3000+ repair through toyota. Customer support program ZJB issued. Its not a recall, but instead an "extended warranty". Toyota will not fix the problem without dash warning lights on, so my car is just waiting to break down or cause an accident. I worry about my life and the brakes failing at some point. Ive taken it to two different mechanics and they both noted its a well known problem that toyota is trying not to pay out for.
I write to report that I asked for help at TOYOTA on the repair of the brake booster pump program. On August 19th, 2021 I took my Toyota Prius 2012 to my nearest dealer, in this case, Toyota of Homestead in Florida, US (I have a screen capture of the appointment); because the brake pump was pumping continuedly every 15 seconds regardless of the vehicle was in motion or stop parked; also the breaking felt like spongy and hesitant. I explained that to the Toyota dealer employee and he told me that the pump running every 15 seconds is not normal and agree that something was not right with my car's brake, but if there is not a MIL light ON, they can not replace my brake booster under the Toyota Program, and I have to pay $170.-first to "scan" the vehicle and make a diagnostic, well I told him that was too much money just to scan the vehicle since there was no light on in the dash the Toyota employee told me I will need to pay for the full brake pump replacement. That was unfair because the Toyota employee agree that definitely the brake was bad, but can not do anything. Took my car home and a few days later September 2nd, the brake lights came on. Well, my wife uses this car daily to transport our kids to school and to do the shopping necessary for food and supplies, and definitely, the cars do NOT break AS IT SHOULD. Toyota employee told me the repair will cost between $3000.- to $4000.-, I took the car to the Dealer when was covered under the Customer Support Program, but the light on the dash should NOT be the main factor to determine that the brake booster needs to be replaced. To be fair TOYOTA should recall all those vehicles. The Toyota dealer employee witness that there was a problem with the pump, and anybody with common sense that know this cars should immediately notice that the sound of the pump going on every 15 seconds is NOT NORMAL. This is my second Prius (My first one was a Toyota Prius C 2014) and I detect almost immediately with something is WRONG.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Tyrone, GA, USA