10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
13 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
7 / 0
Average Mileage:
38,113 miles

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« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #30

Jun 102017

Prius

  • 78,000 miles
Vehicle stability control, anti-lock brake, and traction control lights intermittently turn off. A few times it shut down the hybrid system and tell me to stop. Now all those lights are all on and I am driving without vss, ABS and traction control. Braking is getting harder. I took it to the dealer and they told me the cost is $3500. I did some research and found out that this is a known Prius problem problem

- Bellevue, WA, USA

problem #29

Jul 282017

Prius

  • 106,453 miles
On July 28, 2017, I was driving along with my three children. I pulled into a driveway to park my vehicle behind a parked vehicle. There was approximately a 2 foot span between the back of the vehicle and the front of my 2012 Toyota Prius. To the right of the parked vehicle was a parked truck. Being that I was pulling into a space to park my vehicle, I was traveling extremely slowly. I began to press on my brake to park the vehicle and instantly knew there was a problem. Upon depressing the brake, several lights began to flash within the dash to include but not limited to the ABS, warning light, and the light with vehicle swerve lines. Other lights were also flashing, but I do not recall each one. The brake pad instantly went straight to the floor with no pressure. The vehicle would not stop and continued to travel forward with acceleration. To avoid hitting the vehicle in front of me I began to turn my wheel to the right. The vehicle continued to accelerate and came into contact with the truck that was to my front-right. My Prius failed to slow or stop. It continued to accelerate and began pushing the truck up the driveway and into the metal garage door with the brake pedal being depressed the entire time. Eventually, the car came to a stop and the lights continued to flash prior, during, and after the incident. After the car was towed tread wheel marks were found on the driveway where the wheels spun and left an imprint in the asphalt. I and my children were uninjured however, the incident was incredibly traumatic. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by my insurance company and as of yet to be processed for diagnostic testing by Toyota. The Toyota care service was informed of the accident. Toyota believes it to be associated with the intelligence component of the vehicle, however determination is currently unknown until diagnostic is performed.

- Frederica, DE, USA

problem #28

Jun 262017

Prius

  • 120,000 miles
While driving the vehicle on a dry surface street, the "check hybrid system" light illuminated. The brake pedal felt like I had to apply more pressure to stop and it seemed to travel further toward the floorboard than normal.

- San Bernardino, CA, USA

problem #27

Nov 152014

Prius

  • miles
I received the warning, please check hybrid system. After checking the dtc the following code appeared on the computer: P0A08:DC/DC converter circuit status which indicates an inverter problem. Looking at the recall website using VIN number, showed no recall concerning this. The problem happened many times while driving on a city or a highway

- Gainesville, FL, USA

problem #26

Apr 282017

Prius

  • 30,000 miles
For some time I have noticed that when braking, if my car hit a bump, the brakes would disengage for a second or two even if the brake pedal was fully pressed, and the car would lurch forward until the brakes reengaged. It was a similar sensation to hydroplaning, even though it would occur on a dry road. The antilock braking system light would be on while the brakes were out, and I am told that the brake lights on the back of my car also were on, but no brake function for a second or two. A few days ago I was braking at a stoplight in normal weather conditions and the brakes did not work at all. I had to stop the car using the emergency brake. The mechanic has been unable to find anything wrong with the car. My car only has 30K miles on it and has been well-maintained.

- Atlanta, GA, USA

problem #25

Sep 222016

Prius

  • 95,000 miles
Pivot bolt inside steering wheel came loose, was warned it had dropped to where it could interfere with brake linkages. Filed complaint with Toyota and never heard back so filing this complaint. (1) a large bolt inside a sealed area should not be able to come loose if installed correctly (manufacturing error - single instance or systematic?) and (2) a loose bolt should not be a risk for a possible catastrophic outcome - loss of brakes (design flaw, linkages should not be susceptible to being jammed - that's what they warned me about when they asked for the $330 to fix it). This was discovered when I took the vehicle in for regular servicing, they told me the steering felt funny.

- Shingle Springs, CA, USA

problem #24

Sep 062016

Prius

  • 63,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Prius. While attempting to accelerate from a stop, the vehicle hesitated prior to accelerating. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the brake actuator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 63,000.

- Swansboro, NC, USA

problem #23

May 242016

Prius

  • 135,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Prius. While driving 20 mph, the brake pedal was depressed, but failed to engage. As a result, the contact's vehicle crashed into the rear of another vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. A police report was not filed and there were no injuries. The contact was able to drive the vehicle away from the crash scene. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure recurred intermittently. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 135,000.

- Smithtown, NY, USA

problem #22

Feb 102016

Prius

  • 46,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Prius. While depressing the brake pedal, it made an abnormal noise. The dealer diagnosed that the brake actuator was faulty and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified. The VIN was invalid. The failure mileage was 46,000.

- Sacremento, CA, USA

problem #21

Sep 082015

Prius

  • 20,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that the vehicle independently accelerated while pulling into a parking space with the brake pedal applied. The contact applied extreme force and the vehicle continued to unintendedly accelerate at a high rate of speed. The vehicle turned right and crashed into a trash dumpster. The driver and front passenger sustained whiplash. Medical attention was not required. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer's collision center who repaired the body damages and was to send a third party to investigate the cause of the failure. The contact was waiting on the dealer and the manufacturer to determine the remedy to repair the vehicle. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000.

- Mission Viejo, CA, USA

problem #20

Aug 142015

Prius

  • 9,000 miles
Vehicle had little or no braking power in a panic stop situation. This was likely cause by a delay switching from regenerative braking to mechanical brakes.

- Bethlehem, PA, USA

problem #19

Jan 102015

Prius 4-cyl

  • 50,000 miles
I own a 2012 Prius with the technology package, including radar adaptive cruise control. I believe these same radar sensors are also used to detect imminent collisions in front of the vehicle, even when cruise control mode is not engaged. About a month ago, while driving North on interstate 5 in downtown seattle at approximately 60 miles per hour, and without cruise control engaged, my Prius went into "imminent collision mode" despite the fact that there was nothing in front of me -- no vehicles, no debris, no obstructions. Before slamming on the brakes, my seat belt was "tightened" and the brakes were automatically applied at full force, even without my foot touching the brake. This was incredibly jarring and disturbing, and could have been a serious accident if there was a vehicle behind me. Fortunately, there was no vehicle behind me at this time. After about two seconds of full braking, the vehicle "disengaged" collision mode and allowed me proceed and return to speed. I called the Toyota of seattle dealership and spoke to their service department. They were unaware of this issue, and suggested that I bring the vehicle in for servicing. They confirmed there were no outstanding recalls on the vehicle. They told me it would cost at least $100 for a basic diagnostic, and if sensors had to be replaced, it could cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Because I am currently unemployed and looking for work, I did not bring my vehicle into the service center. I feel this is Toyota's obligation to fix, and shouldn't require me spending money out of pocket. I would like some kind of response from Toyota on this issue. I have avoided using the radar cruise control since this moment, but the fact that it occurred while not in this mode makes me feel that the car could "take control" at any moment and cause an accident. Thanks, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Mill Creek, WA, USA

problem #18

Jan 242015

Prius 4-cyl

  • 19,466 miles
I was driving on I-45 at 55 or 60 mph and the brake pedal went to the floor. It is still that way, brake fluid level is ok. Toyotacare plan is expired. Is there a recall for these vehicles? thanks

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #17

Oct 082014

Prius 4-cyl

  • 33,200 miles
I went to start my Prius V. after it was started, a number of the warning lights came on including the ABS and stability control. I was stunned since I had my 30000 mile check up in may with no problems. When I took it to the dealer for repair, the dealer determined that rodents had eaten through a number of the electrical systems because of the soy based wiring. (I understand now that it's "biogradable soy based wiring insulation.) I generally park my car at only two locations - my home and my work. I had never seen any rodents of any type! I can't imagine what would have happened if one of the wires to the engine, or airbags, or any system for that matter separated while I was driving. Apparently, Toyota is aware of this problem but is trying to downplay it! I was told it's not a warranty item. My car requires two new wiring harnesses, the alarm wiring, and the airbag harness plus other repairs.

- Holiday, FL, USA

problem #16

Jun 172014

Prius 4-cyl

  • 25,070 miles
I was driving on my residential street and stepped on the brake to slow down to make a left turn into my driveway. The car failed to slow down or stop, and instead went over the curb, veering to the right and side swiped the left side of my neighbor's car, narrowly missing his garage.the car then side swiped a tree on my left (on property between my and neighbor's property.) the front end of the car crashed into a tree, saving me from rolling about 900 feet to the street below. The entire time of this incident the brakes never engaged (pedal was down to floor) and I frantically tried to steer to avoid hitting anything. A witness, standing on the street, confirmed my brake lights were on. Car was serviced by Toyota (world class inspection) 15 days before the incident. Inspection report indicated brake fluid level and brake lining were "checked and ok." After the incident the car was towed to a repair site where the operator demonstrated to me that the brakes were nonexistent and the brake fluid level was still appropriate. Car was deemed totaled.

- Newport Beach, CA, USA

problem #15

Jan 032012

Prius

  • 5,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while traveling at various speeds, the vehicle failed to respond to deceleration attempts. The contact mentioned that the failure was experienced multiple times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who was unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 5,000.

- Seattle, WA, USA

problem #14

Apr 212014

Prius 4-cyl

  • 19,648 miles
I was traveling about 20 miles an hour during traffic hour when I saw the car stopped in front of me. I had at least 4 car distance when I applied brakes. Normally, I can feel the seat belt tighten, cars jerking or shake due to anti-lock brake when you step on the brake hard. But this time, I did not feel the car slow down when I stepped on brake all the way down, it continue to cruise a little before it slow down, but by then, I have already hit the car in front of me. This car was serviced regularly, during my last visit 3 weeks ago, I was notified that my car is on the recall list for software update.

- Campbell, CA, USA

problem #13

Apr 042014

Prius

  • 60,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving 25 mph, the vehicle was crashed into from the rear. The driver attempted to engage the brakes however, the brakes became unresponsive. As a result, the driver crashed into another vehicle and the air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed and no injuries were reported. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure and current mileage was 60,000.

- Armonk, NY, USA

problem #12

Apr 022012

Prius

  • 1,500 miles
I have owned a Toyota Prius 2012 since February 2012 and have had multiple issues with the braking system. I have noticed that if driving over a depression in the road (e.g. pot hole or man hole cover) while depressing the brake the vehicle accelerates. It seems that the vehicles brake system releases and you have to reapply the brakes. I have had the vehicle inspected by the dealer 2 times and they have been unable to identify the problem. I have notice various other complains on this website and wanted to add my experience. Hopefully this will eventually lead to the government forcing Toyota to recall 2012 Prius models before someone is seriously hurt.

- Bel Air, MD, USA

problem #11

Jan 032014

Prius 4-cyl

  • 32,775 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Prius hybrid. The contact stated that the automatic startup engaged independently with a loud clunking noise. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer for diagnosis. The technician was unable to duplicate the problem. The vehicle was also diagnosed by a different dealer who refused to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The vehicle had not been repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 32,775...updated 02-28-14 the consumer stated the vehicle was traded in. Updated 03/19/2014

- Spanaway, WA, USA

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