10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
42 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
19 / 0
Average Mileage:
70,306 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.

2010 Toyota Prius brakes problems

brakes problem

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2010 Toyota Prius Owner Comments (Page 2 of 27)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #513

Jan 132016

Prius

  • 65,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2010 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the vehicle consistently made abnormal sounds and jerked forward while the brake pedal was being depressed. The vehicle became inoperable. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was due to a crack and leak in the brake booster. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact referenced the NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V235000 (Service Brakes). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and determined that the vehicle was no longer under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000. The contact stated this is a known manufacturing fail for the brake booster 2010 Prius.

- Overland Park, KS, USA

problem #512

Nov 022023

Prius

  • miles
My brakes behave strangely cause i experience inconsistent brake feel after actuation during slow and steady application after brakes on rough or slick surfaces.also, All three lights ABS light, brake light and VSC come on and off on dashboard at the same time.

- Methuen , MA, USA

problem #511

Nov 062023

Prius

  • miles
A couple weeks ago we were driving our 2010 Toyota Prius and 3 brake lights came on: BRAKE, ABS, and a car with squiggly lines behind it. We took the car into the Toyota dealership ($209) to perform a diagnostic. Their results are as follows and I quote: "Hydraulic Brake Booster Pump DTC C1391 Abnormal leak in accumulator. Has T-SB and CSP that are both expired. Recommend perform repair outlined. Recommend R&R Brake Actuator Assy, Booster Pump Assy and perform ABS ECU Reflash. We wouldn't have purchased this car had we known a few years later we'd be facing a $4400 charge Toyota wants to charge. We don't have the funds let alone go now and purchase another car.

- Rocklin, CA, USA

problem #510

Sep 152023

Prius

  • miles

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

Slip indicator symbol, Brake word, Brake symbol, and ABS word lit up while driving. Brake pedal had to be pushed further down to stop the car. No warning lights or issues before this incident. Toyota diagnosed as abnormal leak in accumulator and internal brake fluid leak, and quoted replacement of the brake booster assembly with master cylinder and the brake booster pump. There is no advance indication and the brake booster will not be available while driving. Toyota recalled selected vehicles. There are currently many reports online from vehicles excluded from the recall that are affected by the same brake booster malfunction and warning lights.

- Spencerville, MD, USA

problem #509

Aug 012023

Prius

  • miles
The brake booster assembly and brake booster pump have failed due to a vaccine leak internally in the brake booster. Failure of the brake booster can cause the vehicle to be more difficult to stop. Yes the failure codes have been reproduced. The vehicle falls -??out of warranty-?? for a part that should last the life of the vehicle. Replacement of the part is quoted over 4,000 dollars. The abs light, brake light, and traction control lights.

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #508

Oct 262023

Prius

  • miles
Hi I want submit issues with the master cylinder and abs pump assy I have 2 vehicles same model with average same mileage and both had issues with this system if I drove any distance below 25 mph in a constant time the dash lights comes on traction control, abs light, brake light, and the brake pedal goes low and barely brakes make this situation dangerous when I stop if you try turn it off the engine and on again lights stay there but if I reset the codes the pump works again for some while and then again when you don-??t expected lose pressure and I am really afraid for my safety and my family, and I am not the only one with this problem is too many Prius owners who have the issues I went from dealer and they advice $3000 dlls fix situation who motivate people to lose money for $1200 in parts and $1800 dlls in labor for something they can resolve it because in reality is an manufactured defect

- Raytown, MO, USA

problem #507

Sep 292023

Prius

  • miles

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

The breaking lights, skid lights and another light associated with breaks came out and I lost the ABS abilities, the hv battery is not charging while breaking. These lights comes out randomly. Very risky especially while breaking.

- Dracut, MA, USA

problem #506

Sep 292023

Prius

  • miles
Due to insufficient corrosion protection, the rear brake line of my 2010 Prius burst as I pressed the brake pedal in my driveway. It dumped ALL of the brake fluid onto the ground within a couple of minutes. Imagine if I had been driving!! There could have been a serious crash!! This was sudden. There were no brakes! Pedal lost all pressure and went to the floor when pressed. Lots of warning lights and alarms screaming inside car. The vehicle has been inspected and repaired at the Toyota dealer as of 10/03/2023. I have pictures of the failed part when it was installed on the car. If the dealer is contacted quickly, they might still have the actual failed brake line (which I was charged disposal fees for.) This was very scary and numerous lives could be at risk due to the popularity of this car and its use in rideshare/taxi service. There were no warnings prior to this. Brakes worked normally. Car is well maintained with dealer service records. There is no excuse for not properly trading such a critical part for corrosion, just to save money. Peoples lives are at stake!! It's the BRAKES of the car!! Someone needs to investigate this! I have pictures and receipts I can provide.

- Ingleside, IL, USA

problem #505

Sep 262023

Prius

  • miles
I was driving and all of the sudden lights came on, on the dashboard and when I started to slow down, I noticed the brakes were very "mushy" and barley worked. I then drove it directly to the dealership and on the way the lights went off, and brakes went back to normal. This is a very dangerous situation for anyone to be in and I don't know why NHTSA has not made this a mandatory recall for Toyota, I did find a recall # 13V235000 (which needs to be extended). The dealership said it would cost $3,000 to replace the Brake Booster Pump Assembly and Master Cylinder. This type of repair should be recalled, and NHTSA should get this resolved with Toyota ASAP.

- Aiea, HI, USA

problem #504

Aug 232023

Prius

  • miles
Affected by the recall number 10V036000, the 2010 toyota prius is manufactured with a defective brake booster and master cylinder system which causes defect of the brake system, and causes my vehicle to often lose power in abs and randomly lose abs power braking, making brakes hard, and makes for longer stopping distance. This is a problem for many and obvious reasons on the road regarding safety. All vehicles should have optimal braking systems for the road, and should otherwise be repaired at no cost if the car is manufactured with defect. This has caused no accident for me yet but the abs has failed on many occasions. I have read at least 100 cases of this given vehicle under this recall being caused an accident with faulty brakes, and sometimes complete failure to stop which is extremely worrying. This recall excludes vin numbers past a certain date, yet the recall in question is certainly still affecting many cars, as capistrano toyota has also called for petition of toyota to repair at no cost for all affected vehicles. Yet all dealerships have denied my request and toyota has no formal coverage regarding the rest of the faulty vehicles they manufactured.

- Mesa, AZ, USA

problem #503

Aug 172023

Prius

  • miles

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

Known problem for Prius with limited manufacturer liability. My breaks started failing, I am being quoted at $4000 in repairs and labor. My car is 3 years older than the recall parameters but within mileage. Manufacturer won-??t cover anymore since it-??s past due

- Aurora, CO, USA

problem #502

Aug 222023

Prius

  • miles
Hello on my 2010 Prius the ABS, Brake, Traction Control lights are all on lit up on my dashboard. Brakes are making loud noise when I stop the vehicle. I took the car into my local dealership service department. I-??m being told that the brake booster and master cylinder needs to be repaired. This was a part that was put under an extended warranty with Toyota but now it-??s no longer being covered by the warranty. So they want me to pay out of pocket to fix. I would like to report that they should honor the warranty agreement for my vehicle.

- Los Angeles, CA, USA

problem #501

Aug 212023

Prius

  • miles
Brake system failure. ABS light / Brake Light / Traction Control light. There is a recall but expired. Code C1391 need to replace Brake Booster and Brake pump. Recall should have included my car. $1,500 plus parts only. recall should be extended.

- Metairie, LA, USA

problem #500

Jun 052023

Prius

  • miles
To submit a claim to the NHTSA regarding my 2010 Toyota Prius (VIN [XXX] ), I wish to highlight a concerning issue with the brake booster, actuator, and brake booster pump assemblies. This malfunction has the potential to lead to brake failures, posing a significant risk of collisions with other vehicles. The presence of a diagnostic trouble code (C1391) and the illumination of ABS, traction control, and exclamation symbol lights, coupled with an audible whirring sound during braking, underscore the confirmed nature of this problem. This whirring sound initially emerged a year ago, accompanied by temporary dashboard light activation, which eventually subsided, while the whirring sound has persisted. Toyota has initiated an extended warranty program labeled (ZJB), encompassing a span of 10 years from the initial usage date or until 150,000 miles are reached, whichever comes first. Regrettably, my vehicle's mileage has exceeded 182,000 miles over the stipulated 150,000-mile threshold, and its age surpasses 13 years, rendering it ineligible for inclusion in this program. The actions of Toyota appear to prioritize financial gains over the well-being and security of countless drivers and passengers who are potentially endangered by these defective brakes. Their stance is exemplified by the reluctance to offer a comprehensive solution. I find myself compelled to bear the burden of approximately $3,000 in brake-related expenses at dealerships-?"an unjust imposition on consumers, given Toyota's distribution of flawed components that jeopardize safety and lives. Toyota's response has been inadequate, limited to extending warranties and performing repairs solely on vehicles that have already experienced brake failures. This approach neglects the prevention of potential injuries or fatalities that could be averted through proactive measures, such as issuing a full-scale recall. In light of these circumstances, I am seeking redress through the app INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.

- Raleigh, NC, USA

problem #499

Jun 192023

Prius

  • miles
My brakes are not working effectively. They are not engaging as they are meant to.

- Hedgesville, WV, USA

problem #498

Jul 042023

Prius

  • 137,000 miles
Brake booster failed while driving. Warning light ABS, traction control and brake light lights up. Lost power brake. Car is hard to stop with the manual brake in the fail safe mode. with C1391 code logged. Toyota had an ZJB warranty extension but my car is not covered because the warning light did not show during the 10 year window. The brake booster fail appear common and should be cover by a recall instead of a warranty extension.

- Austin, TX, USA

problem #497

May 302023

Prius

  • 116,000 miles
Brake system failure. ABS light / Brake Light / Traction Control light. Low mileage car. Likely the last Hybrid I would buy. $4000 to fix. Almost what I paid for the vehicle. There is a recall but expired. Should be by mileage not time!

- Lafayette, LA, USA

problem #496

Apr 202023

Prius

  • miles
Brakes take longer to apply with weird noise. There is a weird sound. Brakes are fine not worn. Mechanic says bad abs actuators which should not have failed since should last life of car. There was a recall on this but my car not in the vin search not sure why. All problems described in that recall is what I am experiencing.

- Garden Grove, CA, USA

problem #495

Feb 262023

Prius

  • miles
There's existing problem right now in my vehicle that braking is less responsive and also the ABS, EMG brake lamps and Traction control lights are on the whole time on my dashboard. I took it to the mechanic and he found out that Theres a problem with the Brake Booster Pump Assembly which developed a crack inside the accumulator housing. As result nitrogen gas could leak into the brake fluid and gradually cause a loss of power assist. Under certain circumstances, this could affect stopping distance and increase the risk of a crash.

- Inglewood, CA, USA

problem #494

Jun 142023

Prius

  • 202,000 miles
Even though a related recall has already been performed 4 years ago, my vehicle is exhibiting the same brake safety symptoms: - 3 dashboard lights all illuminated: BRAKE, ABS, and traction control (anti-slip) - brake accumulator pump noise occurring at 5 second intervals - regenerative braking and ABS are non-functioning - error code C1391 appears via OBDII The above symptoms appeared two weeks ago (6/14/2023), and on 6/16 an independent service center that specializes in foreign vehicles (including Toyota) confirmed the symptoms and error code, and said that the vehicle is unsafe to drive due to impending brake system failure. Toyota dealer indicated newer brake system parts are available to address the issue, but would need to be installed at my cost. The symptoms appeared while driving the vehicle at freeway speeds commuting to/from work. The vehicle is available to be inspected, however, I have already scheduled a repair (at my cost) because we use it daily for work.

- Oakdale, MN, USA

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