10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
6 / 0
Average Mileage:
38,792 miles

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problem #40

Jul 182024

Prius v

  • miles
I purchased a 2013 Toyota Prius V a couple of years ago from a reputable local dealership. In July of 2024 my brakes failed and several lights came on the dashboard. I went to my regular mechanic, Mr Tire and and to Hendricks Toyota and got two estimates, both a shocking nearly $4000. This is for a BRAKE BOOSTER and ABS PUMP ASSEMBLY. I found out that this was a known issue for years by Toyota and dealers were sent a TSB regarding this. I called Toyota corporate and at at first was told that there was a recall on the parts, BUT that the period of repair by Toyota had closed in July of 2023, one year prior to my car's issues. The next time I called asking for upper level management (which I never got) I was told that it was not an actual recall, just a "special program" that has now ended. They basically figuratively shrugged shoulders and said oh well, sorry we know this is frustrating but you will just have to pay out of pocket. I am a [XXX] on fixed limited income. I don't have $4000+ available just like that. I work part-time providing concierge services for [XXX] 10-20+ years older than me who are no longer able to drive. I take them grocery and pharmacy shopping, and to doctors appointments etc. I bought this car specifically because it is a comfortable wagon perfect for me and my elderly clients, easy for them to get in and out, easy to place their walkers or folding wheelchairs in. I am so stressed, nervous and worried about this situation, as I know I am putting myself, my clients, and others on the road at risk every time I take this car on the road! Particularly now that we are getting wintery weather. I cannot comprehend how such a huge company as Toyota refuses to help with a dangerous defect that they are well aware of. I am sorely disappointed, as myself and my entire family have been loyal Toyota car owners for over 40 years. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Cary, NC, USA

problem #39

Nov 202024

Prius v

  • miles
I was travelling at 65MPH and realized the brakes were gone there was no pressure in the brake pedal and it just sunk and applied all my strength and nothing happened, luckily this car has engine braking mode and actuated that and came to stop using steep road and hand brake luckily no one was hurt and road was empty. This is a serious issue and applies to every other Toyota prius cars out there

- Edwardsville, IL, USA

problem #38

Nov 182024

Prius v

  • miles
The car's failure is with the Brake Booster Pump Assembly (Accumulator) that generates code C1391 Safety of others and myself is at risk because stopping power can be dramatically reduced and lead to accident. The problem has been reproduced by Toyota from a previous version of the vehicle - [XXX] This has been inspected by the Toyota Dealership to confirm the code and issue. Check engine light was observed to be on INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Melbourne, FL, USA

problem #37

Nov 112024

Prius v

  • 79,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Prius V. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH in stop-and-go traffic and applying the brake pedal to decrease in speed, the vehicle hesitated to decrease in speed. The contact had to apply an excessive amount of pressure for the vehicle to decrease in speed. The Slip indicator light, brake system failure, and anti-lock brake failure warning lights are illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who informed the contact that code C1391 which showed on the diagnostic machine. The dealer stated the brake booster pump needed to be replaced. The mechanic informed the contact that the failure was related to the Customer Support Program 20TE07 with the NHTSA ID Number 10184564 (Service Brakes, Equipment, Equipment Adaptive/Mobility). The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the warranty coverage was associated with the Customer Support Program. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a safety complaint. The failure mileage was 79,000.

- Los Angeles, CA, USA

problem #36

Sep 282024

Prius v

  • miles
Several years ago my brakes were making a funny sound. The mechanic said there was an issue with the brake booster but he can't do anything until the car started throwing off codes. yesterday that happened. Toyota said that they were aware of the problem but they only cover it for 10 years and its now totally out of pocket for the repair. With a known issue it should be a recall since its with the brakes. Now in order to get the vehicle drivable they want approximately 4k. 2013 Prius V

- Wellington, FL, USA

problem #35

Sep 142024

Prius v

  • miles
The break actuator and booster pump failed while driving, causing the driver to experience an unexpected loss in breaking. This issue has been confirmed by an independent mechanic (issue code C1391 - Anormal leak of ACC press). Additionally, both the mechanic and dealer have confirmed this is a "common" issue with this vehicle. There are also a number of lights on including the red break light, ABS light, skid control light, etc. This issue represents a significant safely hazard for drivers, as it occurred unexpectedly leading to a loss of breaking power and appears to be common (there are wide spread reports online of other Prius owners experiencing similar issues AND we experience the same issue previously on a 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid). Requesting that NHTSA investigate this issue, and work with Toyota to issue a recall to address this defect and safety issue.

- Chapel Hill, NC, USA

problem #34

Aug 022024

Prius v

  • miles
While driving on a highway, breaking became inefficient(very soft, failing to the floor) and car start showing "BREAK", ABS, VCS, Exclamation sign AFTER that. We had to drop the speed, exit highway (i95) and have car parked. It turned out that the booster pump has been working/turning on every 5 seconds and was barely able to create pressure in the breaking system. Now the booster pump, break actuator have to be replaced, breaks have to be bleed. Toyota knows about this being a repeat issue with its hybrids produced around 2013, and had been offering free repair for cars that are les than 10years old and have less than 150k miles, however, this is safety concern as breaks failure happens very unexpectedly, with NO prior warnings. Our car has only 98k miles, we are the original owners and it is just 10.5 years old which disqualifies it from Toyota's attempt to remedy this known safety concern. Toyota should recall all Prius V of this year, and replace booster pump and actuator BEFORE they fail on the road.

- Midlothian, VA, USA

problem #33

Jun 012024

Prius v

  • miles
Booster began working very frequently - every 10-15 seconds, computer scan tool indicated codes C1345 & C1368 done by independent service center. The dash display started indicating four warnings related to brakes: 2 different brake system warnings, ABS warning and SLIP indicator. Also, the brake action felt softer, the regenerative braking and ABS stopped working.

- Temecula, CA, USA

problem #32

Jun 042024

Prius v

  • miles
The actuator and brake pump booster failed and car was undrivable. For years I complained to Toyota service reps of an ecltronic wining noise. They told me iy was "common for older hybrid cars and not a problem ". It turned out to be the actuator & brake pump & booster all that time. Toyota knew about it years ago, but didn't warn or advise me. Luckily it did not fail while driving, but I had to haved it towed away from my clients parking lot. A toyota service rep mentioned it happened to her on her Highlander Hybrid too. I found this was a common problem and contacted Toyota USA, Engagement dept. They told me that because "they issued an extension to their up to 10 years or 140k miles and my car was 11 years 77k miles, I was not eligible". I told them that the car had made the noises for years but they said "that did not matter". I just got the car back after repairs and the noises I complained to Toyota service about are all gone. This is such a common problem and dangerous, that Toyota needs to recall ASAP before people are injured or killed. Their issuing only an advisory to dealers, who make money on out of warranty repairs, is uncountable and dangerous. Separately thousands of owners have paid thousands of dollars in repairs with no relief and may not know the failure was on Toyota. Please advise me further, thank you.

- Delray Beach , FL, USA

problem #31

May 162024

Prius v

  • miles
I started my Prius V 2013 and a lot of error lights came on. Some of these included the ABS, BRAKE, and traction control lights. I put the car in reverse to back out of my parking space and the car wouldn't stop beeping and none of the warning lights turned off. When I went to stop the car and put it into drive, the brake pedal was soft and wouldn't brake the car. I pressed as hard as I could and the car slowly came to a stop. I put the car in drive and the same problem happened with the brakes: the brake pedal was soft, as if the hydraulic pump wasn't working, and when I pressed super hard it eventually rolled to a slow stop. I had to have the car towed to a mechanic. They said three error codes that showed up related to the brakes: C1252, C1253, C1256. They followed the Toyota troubleshooting tree and concluded the brake booster pump assembly accumulator was faulty. The cost to fix the Brake Power Booster Unit: $2,700. Meanwhile, I discovered a Customer Service Program (CSP 20TE07CSP) from Toyota that has to do with the Brake Booster. Toyota was covering the cost of this repair under the CSP, but you had to have the problem before 07/08/2023 because that's when the program expired. So I was 10 months outside the window and now Toyota will not cover the cost even though the company knew the accumulator was faulty and will eventually break in all Priuses.

- Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA

problem #30

Apr 262024

Prius v

  • miles
Brakes are incredibly stiff and require an egregious amount of force to apply any amount of braking force and the brake booster is constantly spooling up and making noises. apparently this as well the EGR was a recall but window to qualify for the recall is too short and the brake booster failing is a serious safety hazard.

- Apollo Beach, FL, USA

problem #29

Nov 282023

Prius v

  • miles
On November 28, 2023 my brakes went out in the middle of 3 lanes of traffic. Fortunately, I succeeded in not having a traffic accident and pulled off the road. The car was towed to Daytona Toyota. They informed me it was the ABS malfunction. I discovered it has been a known issue. The brake booster pump assembly on certain Prius V vehicles from years 2022 to 2014 are affected. A 'bulletin' had been mailed out several years prior, and it could be repaired free of charge up to September 30, 2023 - if I had mentioned it. It was and has been traumatic to consider what can and could happen when the brakes go out without any warning. There was no indication the brakes were bad, no warning light, nothing. This car has been continually serviced by Daytona Toyota on a regular basis. Not once has it ever been mentioned to me. Not once. In my opinion, nothing said, no repairs to be paid for. When I complained, and called Toyota's 'Brand Engagement' (case # 231129001653) I was told they had mailed out the information and was very sorry I didn't see it. So, as I see it, they are absolved of any legal responsibility. My fault, not theirs. I could have caused serious or deadly harm to someone. It would be my responsibility. Again, not once has my service advisor or anyone else said a word about it. I stopped by my neighbor's to advise him of the problem with the car. He said he liked to keep his cars maintained and had happened to Google any info on his car. It showed up, he took his car in and they said good thing he saw it. That the service coverage was expiring in a few days (it was late September). They fixed it for free right away. I on the other hand, almost 'rear-ended' someone in the center lane of traffic and paid $3,506.76. (they gave me 10% discount for being a good customer) So, how many other car drivers are on the road with this unknowing problem?

- Ormond Beach, FL, USA

problem #28

Dec 192023

Prius v

  • miles
At approximately 150,100 miles (barely outside Toyota's extended warranty) several dash lights came on including the brake, ABS, and traction control lights. A Toyota dealer determined the problem to be the notorious C1391 brake booster issue (which seems identical to previous petition DP19-004). Even though by the time I got the vehicle to the dealer it had 150,300 miles on it (just 300 miles outside the extended warranty), Toyota refuses to pay a dime of the $4,000+ repair cost! I cannot afford the repair cost and since I was NOT warned that I could not drive the car as the brakes were still operational without the ABS, stability control, and traction control, I continued driving it. But after approximately 4 months, on 12/29/2023, at 152,787 miles, as I was slowly driving through a residential neighborhood, I lost almost all ability to brake and had to put tremendous pressure on the brake pedal to get the car to stop. Upon a subsequent reading of error codes that I performed myself, in addition to the C1391, codes C1252, C1253, and C1256 have also now triggered. It is a miracle I did not have an accident as I could have easily been on a highway or going down a steep hill when this brake failure occurred. In my 36 years of driving, I have never been behind the wheel of any car in which the brakes have failed like this, regardless of make, model, or year of vehicle. Please issue a recall on this known defective part before someone gets killed. (NOTE: I tried several times to upload the document receipt from the dealership with brake booster diagnosis but every time I click on the "Upload Files" button, the button disappears.)

- Baltimore, MD, USA

problem #27

Nov 142023

Prius v

  • miles
It happened overnight. 4 different warning lights on dashboard ( abs, brake, red triangle, ) car 100% unsafe to drive with faulty brakes. Dealer said its brake booster and brake assembly). They refused to cover expenses. 4 K total to fix it. This should be recall 100%. Please do something.

- Omaha, NE, USA

problem #26

Sep 192023

Prius v

  • miles
Driving 2013 Prius V multiple lights suddenly came up on dash Brake System, ABS, Master Warning, SLIP indicator Safety put at severe risk while driving. These defective parts installed were never disclosed, or notified, by Toyota and put in severe risk for consumers to drive as a National Recall was NEVER issued. Toyota was called since this and refused to fix. Toyota acknowledges parts are defective yet refutes liability despite acknowledgment of defective parts. Defective parts never disclosed to me by any entity of Toyota including Dealerships/Corporate despite willful knowledge of national defective parts in model 2013 Prius V. This is a liable safety situation that can cause irreparable human life damage.

- Franklin, TN, USA

problem #25

Jul 092023

Prius v

  • miles
When braking to slow down in a roundabout, I had to push my brakes down further than usual to stop. After this various warning, signals came on my dashboard: brakes, slip indicator, brake system warning light, PCS, ABS. I took it in to Toyota dealer they said I needed to replace my master cylinder kit and brake booster pump. My concern is that when I went online, I discovered this has been an on going problem with no recall. It has caused accidents!

- Green Bay, WI, USA

problem #24

Nov 012022

Prius v

  • 131,000 miles
The brake booster begins to show signs of failure and Toyota refuses to address it citing expired warranty. The faulty brake booster in Toyota Prius is a known issue to Toyota since there are numerous accidents happened because of it and a class action lawsuit brought against Toyota.

- Arcadia , CA, USA

problem #23

Dec 022022

Prius v

  • 133,000 miles
As my wife was driving my children to school All the lights on my 2013 Prius V dash came on as I was driving on December 2, 2022. All braking power became stiff and it was hard for me to stop. I pulled over turned off my car called AAA. When the AAA driver came to check out the vehicle she was surprised he told me -??oh ya this is a common problem. He told me is most likely was the ABS master cylinder and brake boosters needing to be replaced. I would take it to Lithia Toyota of Missoula. A representative from BOSCH came to look at the vehicle made a special appointment for this person to meet me and my wife at my local Toyota dealership. They checked the car and told me there wasn-??t a problem with my brakes. The Bosch representative said the car was fine. My wife and I would then leave and exactly one week my wife called me at work to say all the lights on the dash would came on again as she was driving. We would then take it back to Lithia Toyota for them to tell me it was the ABS braking system and I would need to spend $5000 to get the car repaired. Parts and labor. Her car is only worth 11500. They wanted me to spend more then half of what the car was worth. I would research and learn so many people are having this issue. There was a -??customer support program that ended at the end of August 2022. This would be there way of weaseling themselves out of the issue. I am reporting this to help me and other drivers. Please don-??t ignore. There are TOO MANY COMPLAINTS FOR YOU TO IGNORE. People have HAD MAJOR ACCIDENTS my wife and Children-??s lives were at jeopardy due to your incompetence of over looking this issue.

- Missoula, MT, USA

problem #22

Jul 082022

Prius v

  • miles
All brake and traction lights illuminated. Brake pedal developed variable pressure. Brake Booster diagnosed. This particular issue is now appearing across many Toyota Prius V of the same vintage. A TSB and Recall should be announced, extremely unsafe to drive as is.

- Chapel Hill, NC, USA

problem #21

Apr 042022

Prius v

  • miles
Completely unexpected, I started my Prius V and the ABS warning light, Traction control and parking brake lights were on. I had been hearing a high pitched thumping sound when stopped at street light or other times when brakes were engaged, but my mechanic was unable to locate the source. After the warning lights came on, The brakes still worked in a limited fashion requiring several seconds to engage. Had I not been an experienced driver using longer distance between myself and other drivers, I am sure I would have wrecked. Took the car to my mechanic. He ran the codes and found C 1391. After researching the chat groups, I found this to be a long term known defect. Disappointed that consumers reports did not mention. Called dealership and they required their machines run diagnostic codes. I decided to call Toyota customer service and talked to several levels of associates and I am stone walled. By the way: I feel for those people in their jobs. The supervisor I talked with kept mentioning the distressing lights. My concern is the wrecks I, and other drivers, could cause. I do see people stating in chat groups that thry have wrecked. And someone mentioned that if the dealership runs the code, the receipt will say -?? do not drive-?? and -??Toyota is not liable-?? if car is driven and a wreck occurs. ( my summary may not be exact.) I now have a fabulous non-functioning car.

- Maryville, TN, USA

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