10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
9 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 2
Average Mileage:
49,941 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

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.

2012 Toyota Prius v brakes problems

brakes problem

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2012 Toyota Prius v Owner Comments (Page 3 of 5)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #47

Apr 302019

Prius v

  • 93,108 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Brake light/tsc light on dash was on. There appeared to be no difference in drive-ability, but there was a humming noise present at idle and 20-30 mph. Took car to dealer 4/30/2019 for check. Coggins Toyota in jacksonville, fl determined the cause was a, abnormal leak in the accumulator. They replaced the brake booster/master cylinder assembly. After the new equipment was installed, the technician noticed the new pump assembly had excessive noise and vibration internally so another replacement part was ordered. New pump assembly brake booster was installed and car was put back in service 5/19/2019. Total cost of this service was $2,745.11. We later learned that a customer support program csp zjb was issued by Toyota for 'certain" 2010 phd prius, "certain" 2011-2015 prius, and "certain" 2012-2015 phv prius. As per the csp zjb mailing to our relative who also owns a prius, the problem was "with the brake booster and brake booster pump assemblies". according to dianne, customer service rep with Toyota, these vehicles included in the csp zjb were produced between October 2010 to November 2015 and included some 946,100 vehicles. My vehicle was not included in this program as the VIN number did not match the affected vehicles. However, we had the same problem with our vehicle that the program was initiated to include. Upon submitting a request for reimbursement from Toyota for the cost associated with repairs, it was rejected. We believe the problem for which the service program was initiated is the same problem we experienced and our vehicle VIN should be added by Toyota to the list of affected vehicles so that it becomes eligible for expense reimbursement.

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

problem #46

Mar 172020

Prius v

  • 117,000 miles
This complaint is for a 2012 Prius V that I've notified my local dealer and Toyota about a possible safety issue relating to the brake booster. The Prius V is currently not included in the zjb customer support program and I believe it should be. Brake pedal feels very firm and inconsistent and much harder to activate the brakes. There is constant (every few seconds) brake booster actuation/whirring consistent with symptoms of a leaking/defective brake booster per my local dealer. Warning lights for brake, ABS, stability control, and tire pressure are on.

- Palm Harbor, FL, USA

problem #45

Dec 242019

Prius v

  • 99,350 miles
Brought car in for recall J0V00D and immediately afterwards the ABS, traction-control, brake light came on. The lights went on and off and then stayed on. Went back to dealer and was told it needed a $3800 repair. Was told that certain VIN numbers were affected, but not my VIN#. not sure how this is possible since I am reading all over the internet that this is a problem on this year car also? I was driving on highway us 19 in clearwater, when this all happened.

- Palm Harbor, FL, USA

problem #44

Jan 022020

Prius v

  • 122,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Unlike other 2011-2015 Toyota prius vehicles the Prius V is not covered under Toyota's csp-zjb customer support program. My 2012 Prius V has all the indications of this brake booster and pump problem... multiple lights on the dash (brake, ABS, pcs..... on; codes C1252 & C1256; and brake boost pump running every 6-8 seconds plus a brake pedal that you can push to the floor in 4-5 seconds. In hard braking I've had to pump the brake pedal to get stopped. It's my wife's car but she will not drive it anymore. Took the car to a Toyota dealer who was aware of this problem and started to have it fixed at their expense until he put the VIN # in his computer. His estimate was $2500+ to have the problem fixed after I paid to have the problem diagnosed even though he knew what the problem was. I declined and called Toyota customer service which was a waste of time...sorry, your car is out of warranty and your car does not have a problem we will cover. On the net, there are multiple Prius V owners with the same problem that started in 2008. Until someone with a bigger stick (NHTSA), Toyota is saying there isnot a problem with the Prius V brakes.

- Blairsville, GA, USA

problem #43

Dec 262019

Prius v

  • 5 miles
While driving the brakes went out. I brought the car to Toyota and they said the brake booster is defective and needs to be replaced the price to do so is about $3,000 they also said they don't know why this happened as in some cases you never have to replace a brake booster nor master cylinder

- Hollywood, FL, USA

problem #42

Jan 182020

Prius v

  • 68,000 miles
2012 Prius V 68,000 miles on vehicle brake issues from the time car was purchased new from a Toyota dealer. History... when braking and going over rough surface or bump, the brakes would seem to momentarily disengage and then reengage after the surface smoothed. The car seemed to lunge or skip forward and take longer to stop. Alerted the dealership, they checked and said everything was fine. This has continued throughout my ownership of this vehicle. Recently during an emergency stopping action on a freeway, my prius was the 3rd car in a 3 car accident. The 1st car for some reason, slowed drastically, and was rear ended by the car in front of me. I felt I was at a good distance behind the car in front of me and I reacted and fully depressed the brakes and felt this car continue to roll and contact the car in front. The brakes did finally take hold, but I felt a hesitation which lengthened the stopping distance. I have researched and found there are dozens of reported issues with the hybrid's brake systems in both prius models as well as some reported issues with Lexus hybrids. I wonder how many other incidents have occurred with the millions of prius vehicles that have not been reported. There seems to be issues with the computerized/mechanical braking integration and possible issues with the actuator.

- Manhattan Beach, CA, USA

problem #41

Nov 152019

Prius v

  • 68,700 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

11/15/19 originally the car showed brake, ABS, antiskid and engine idiot lights went to the dealer with a code C1391. They said I need to replace the master cylinder and the power booster for $2600. Then they said it was policy to also replace the brake booster pump assembly for an additional $2,000 or a total of $4600. After I complained that they had recalled 972,000 other prius but didn't include the Prius V they said I only needed to replace the master cylinder and power booster and said they would do it for $1,516.89. So then I go to take the car to the service department today 12/4/19 and while sitting there the idiot lights all turn off and the brake start to function normally own its own... I ask the service representative what his thoughts were and he said I should still make the repairs, but he couldn't say what they would do it came back. So I'm going to drive the car for a week to see. While I'm waiting can you please do a recall on the brake pump assemebly since these folks dont even know what the heck is going on with this car. It appears its not either device and its a computer glitch that they haven't resolved...help us prius owners please!!!

- Honolulu, HI, USA

problem #40

Dec 012019

Prius v

  • 151,000 miles
My entire breaking system went out while driving to work on a busy road, where I had to pull over to the side to see what was wrong, as I had never seen those five lights light up ever, as this is not a typical issue that would ever break without a manufacturing issue. I was never notified of a specific issue with certain 2011-2015 prius vehicles that are involved in a customer support program zjb. I have now paid $100 to Toyota to diagnose this problem, which was not necessary, as it is obviously the exact issue (5 lights luminated) from the customer support program, and they have told me that I was not notified of the issue because my VIN is not included in the program. It has been diagnosed with the exact break booster issue listed in the letter sent to other VIN numbers. I drive children around in this car, and this issue is severe and should clearly be for a larger number of cars than they are admitting. I have now been told that they will not pay for the $3,000 in repairs because it is not included. This is unacceptable. This is a safety hazard on the road and unbelievable that I would pay extra money for a Toyota because it is supposed to be a safe and reliable car, only to find out they will not admit when they have a widespread break manufacturing issue with their vehicles. My only recourse though Toyota I am told is to make a case number and if my VIN happens to be added to the list, they may reimburse me. This is unacceptable. Toyota needs to recall all vins for this issue, so consumers are aware that their breaks may fail at any moment.

- Wilmington, NC, USA

problem #39

Nov 152019

Prius v

  • 68,000 miles
My 2012 Prius V started showing the warning lights for brakes, ABS, anti-skid and engine lights. This happened while driving on a regular road. Brakes still work but feel spongy. Scanned for codes and it says C1391 which requires replacing all the main brake components. The cost is over $3000 because so many parts involved. There's seems to have been a recall for other models of prius but the 'V' not included. Many V owners have experienced this problem. All the parts shown in the attached picture need to be replace cause Toyota doesn't know or can't figure out where the problem is. Car only has 68,000 miles on

- Honolulu, HI, USA

problem #38

Nov 062019

Prius v

  • 100,000 miles
The brake loses its grip over a rough road bump while pulling in for a stop. Very very not safe, I almost rear ended a car in front of me a couple of times. Creates extremely unsafe feeling. Brake loss happens all the time over bumpy road only.

- Falls Church, VA, USA

problem #37

Oct 292019

Prius v

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The brakes failed while driving. All the ABS, brake lights and a continuous beep sound turned on. I almost had a crash. It was the brake actuator pump and I read about multiple owners had complains with it.

- Isabela, PR, USA

problem #36

Oct 102019

Prius v

  • miles
My 2012 Prius V is only 90K miles. Starting from about 2 weeks ago, the warning lights including brake system warning light, ABS warning light and slip indicator light were suddenly lit on when I was driving, then I found the regenerate brake become very hard and difficult to stop which was malfunctioning. These warning lights were kept on all the time when I drive the car. The car threw out code C1391 when given a diagnosis. After some online work, I found this is a very common problem for Prius V. I went to the dealership however the dealership states that my car, based on its VIN, is not in one of the certain cars covered by zjb phase 2 which covers brake booster and brake booster pump assemblies for certain 2011-2015 model year prius vehicles. The failure of the brake could be a deadly deficiency to all the people in the car when driving. Now I have to think to stop using this car because of the severe security risk. Toyota should take action to solve all this problem for all involved cars, not certain cars. My car is made in 2012, the diagnosis code C1391 given by my car are falling into one of the four codes associated with the brake problem covered by zjb phase 2. it is ridiculous that my car was not issued this extended warranty.

- Tallahassee, FL, USA

problem #35

Oct 052019

Prius v

  • 54,500 miles
My 2012 Prius V with only 55,000 miles. ABS lights came on and buzzing sound every 3 seconds from just in front of steering column. Toyota dealer charged $270 for computer diagnostic then gave me a parts and labor estimate for replacing brake booster and master cylinder of $4400!!! independent mechanic can order parts from another Toyota dealer in mainland us for $1400 less than the $3200 that dealer in Hawaii quoted and labor for much less. But still will be costing me about $2500. Searched recall sites and regular 2012 prius models had recalls for exactly the same issue but no recall on 2012 Prius V brakes?

- Kahului, HI, USA

problem #34

Jul 262019

Prius v

  • 163,414 miles
Complete brake failure on the freeway!!! ABS, brake and traction control lights lit up. Almost crashed! code C1391-abnormal leak in brake actuator pump. How long will it take this Agency to make Toyota fix this?? its a safety issue!!! stop picking your asses and do something about it!!!!

- Clearwater, FL, USA

problem #33

Apr 242019

Prius v

  • 118,515 miles
Car experienced greatly diminished braking power on interstate 75 prior to approaching heavy traffic backed up to exit. Many warning lights illuminated on the dash: Brake, ABS, etc. Toyota has already issued a warranty extension for this issue for the standard model prius, and I believe this is a safety hazard on the Prius V wagon as well.

- Apollo Beach, FL, USA

problem #32

Feb 092019

Prius v

  • miles
Takata recall. Right after recall no 18V-684 update system on my prius at local Toyota dealer my car brakes pedal become veird. When I just start on the engine thn start moving and stoping, the brake pedal is really up and not moving down and brakes car really quick. At the same time when I start driving I hear that rear writing brakes for about 1-2 miles. Then it come off and brake pedal goes down little bit to normal position and works great. This is happen every time when shot down engine and start again to go somewhere. Its really dangerous bacous the position of brake pedal sometime up sometimes down, can not predict how soon you can stop when its needed. It always happen now when I drive in my city roads. I came back to dealer that did update system on my car, they said that I need to pay to find out what is going on with my car, they will charge me even if this happen after theire recall update system on my car. This is horrable.

- Vancouver, WA, USA

problem #31

Nov 012018

Prius v

  • 110,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Prius V. while driving at any speed, the brakes made noise and the ABS failed. The vehicle was taken to venice Toyota (941-451-5150, located at 900 U.S. 41 bypass, venice, fl 34285) where it was determined that there was no recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

- Venice, FL, USA

problem #30

Sep 182018

Prius v

  • 10 miles
ABS brake is not working. While I was driving on a city traffic and come to a complete stop at the traffic light, the brake pedal went deep when I step on it and it took me more time to stop than I expected it. I went and got it red the code C1391 abnormal leak in accumulator.

- Silver Spring, MD, USA

problem #29

Jun 162018

Prius v

  • 60,530 miles
While pulling into a parking space (speed less than 5 mph) and applying the brakes the pedal went to the floor and the car seemed to speed up. The car jumped the curb and struck a tree. A good samaritan assisted and actually got in the car and found the brake pedal went to the floor. Shortly after the accident the brakes returned to normal operation. This is the second time that the car has experienced similar problems. In 2014 while pulling into the driveway the brake pedal went to the floor and struck the house. Shortly after the brakes returned to normal operations. Toyota was notified and inspected the car's computer and braking system per case number 1410012557. After the inspection Toyota said that there were no brake issues found with the car and stated that it was safe to drive. Obviously there is an issue with the braking system in these cars.

- Wilmington, NC, USA

problem #28

Apr 252018

Prius v

  • 69,347 miles
Brake activator unit failed after 4 months of reporting the issue to Toyota. It follows the conditions indicated on Toyota wen ZG1. Vehicle was in motion at highway speed when braking malfunction occurred. Vehicle was controllable and allow for secure stop. Brake response was sluggish and hard on the foot.

- San Juan, PR, USA

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