2014 Toyota Prius V: ABS light or ABS activating

Filed Sep 8, 2026 · Brakes · FL

The vehicle is experiencing a critical failure of the Brake Actuator and Booster Pump assembly. The dashboard currently displays multiple warning indicators: ABS light, Traction Control light, and the Brake System Warning light (Master Warning "!"). Symptoms: Mechanical Failure: The internal high-pressure accumulator is failing to hold pressure. The electric brake booster pump is heard cycling every 10-20 seconds even when the vehicle is stationary and the brake pedal is not depressed. Loss of Braking Safety Features: The system has disabled regenerative braking and Anti-lock Braking (ABS), causing significantly increased stopping distances and a “spongy" brake pedal feel with diminished braking response. Predictability of Failure: This failure matches the exact symptoms described in Toyota's Customer Support Program 20TE07 (and previously ZJB), which acknowledges an internal defect in the brake actuator. Safetv Risk: The sudden transition from power-assisted braking to manual hydraulic braking during a drive creates an immediate safety hazard. As the pump motor continues to cycle excessively to compensate for the internal leak, it is at risk of total thermal failure, which would lead to a near-total loss of braking assist while the vehicle is in motion. Despite the vehicle having only 75,689 miles (well under the 150,000 mile limit acknowledged in Toyota's support programs), Toyota has declined to provide assistance because the vehicle has surpassed the 10-year age mark. Toyota is wrong in not providing support for vehicles whose critical components such as brakes shouldn’t experience catastrophic internal failure at 75,689 miles, regardless of the vehicle's age.

Filed Jul 22, 2026 · Brakes · AZ

In 2024, I had my vehicle checked out prior to a road trip because the brakes were making "fart noises," and I was worried about driving it to Albuquerque. The AAA certified dealer I took the car to said everything checked out alright. I never received the letter regarding the brake system issue, so I could not take advantage of the extended warranty repair program. My car was in the 80-90 thousand mile range and had not yet rolled over. Fast forward to 2025, my dashboard lit up all over the place, and I got the brakes checked again. By that time, the fault code was coming up, but the entire ABS system needed to be replaced. I was unable to get any help from TOYOTA despite this being a KNOWN FAULT WITH TOYOTA PRIUS AND TOYOTA PRIUS V FROM THIS TIME PERIOD. They are STILL not doing anything to help their customers. Brake issues are EXTREMELY dangerous, and it is wildly negligent to continue moving forward WITHOUT fully recalling the ABS system in the FULL LINE of prius vehicles from the impacted manufacture dates. Every prius owner I know has had to deal with this. My care was UNDER the required mileage but PAST the dates to be repaired. PLEASE consider holding TOYOTA responsible and getting them to refund Prius owners who have already paid for this COSTLY repair out of pocket. Thank you.

Filed May 13, 2026 · Brakes · AL

Description of the Problem Vehicle: 2014 Toyota Prius v (Mileage: 70,000) Problem Description: The vehicle is experiencing a critical failure of the Electronically Controlled Braking (ECB) system, specifically the Brake Actuator and Booster Pump assembly. The dashboard currently displays multiple warning indicators: ABS light, Traction Control light, and the Brake System Warning light (Master Warning "!"). Symptoms: Mechanical Failure: The internal high-pressure accumulator is failing to hold pressure. The electric brake booster pump is heard cycling (straining) every 10–20 seconds even when the vehicle is stationary and the brake pedal is not depressed. Loss of Braking Safety Features: The system has disabled regenerative braking and Anti-lock Braking (ABS), causing significantly increased stopping distances and a "wooden," unresponsive brake pedal feel. Predictability of Failure: This failure matches the exact symptoms described in Toyota’s Customer Support Program 20TE07 (and previously ZJB), which acknowledges an internal defect in the brake actuator. Safety Risk: The sudden transition from power-assisted braking to manual hydraulic braking during a drive creates an immediate safety hazard. As the pump motor continues to cycle excessively to compensate for the internal leak, it is at risk of total thermal failure, which would lead to a near-total loss of braking assist while the vehicle is in motion. Additional Notes: Despite the vehicle having only 70,000 miles (well under the 150,000-mile limit acknowledged in Toyota’s support programs), Toyota has declined to provide assistance because the vehicle has surpassed the 10-year age mark. I am filing this report because a primary safety component (brakes) should not experience catastrophic internal failure at 70,000 miles, regardless of the vehicle's age.

Filed Sep 25, 2025 · Brakes · TN

Upon inspection, our mechanic determined that the master cylinder assembly and the actuator assembly require replacement (error code C1391). It is currently available for inspection, but will need to be repaired soon. Our safety and the safety of others is at great risk, because there is impending brake failure if driven and the end result could be catastrophic. On 09/13/25, the BRAKE, TRACTION CONTROL, ABS and ((!)) lights came on about 10 minutes from home. We drove home, parked the car and did not drive it again until we took it to our mechanic on 09/15/25. During this incident, the brakes failed to respond properly, which could have led to a serious accident. We took the car to a local mechanic and repairs are currently pending. The estimated cost for the necessary parts is approx. $3,000 and the labor costs are estimated to be between $1,100 and $2,000. Our local Toyota dealership was also contacted and they confirmed the presence of code C1391. Please reference Toyota Service Bulletin POL18-03, which addresses issues related to the braking system in certain Toyota models, including the Prius V. This bulletin indicates that various brake system-related warning lamps may illuminate due to internal malfunctions within the brake system, and it outlines affected parts that may require replacement. Additionally, please reference Toyota Customer Support Program 20TE07, which provides extended coverage for certain brake system repairs. It is concerning that, despite this well-known, very serious problem, Toyota has not issued a recall. While our vehicle currently has 116,975 miles, we are aware that the warranty period ended 10 years from the first date of use or 150,000 miles. However, this malfunction not only endangers our safety, but also that of other drivers on the road. We urge the federal safety agency to investigate this matter thoroughly and consider the implications for a potential recall for this model, because Toyota is well-aware of this issue.

Filed Sep 4, 2025 · Brakes · FL

I have a 2014 Prius V with 92,000 miles. My anti-skid, brake and ABS idiot lights went off approximately 1 week ago. (August 25, 2025) Scheduled an appointment at my Toyota dealer (September 3, 2025) and was told there was an abnormal leak in the accumulator and that the brake booster pump and brake pump assembly needed to be replaced. Cost $5715. Not related to the brakes, but they also said I had to replace the rear shock absorbers as they are leaking and needed to be replaced and then realigned. Cost $1363. This should have been a recall not a mileage or 10 year limit.

Filed Jul 24, 2025 · Brakes · CA

ABS Brake pump actuator booster failed. It is available for inspection. While driving, I started hearing a hissing sound from my brakes. I tried to slow down and my several diagnostic lights (ABS, traction control, brake, check engine, etc.) flashed on while my brakes failed to work properly. I turned on my hazard lights immediately. I was in the middle of the road with my toddler in the car and I almost rammed into the car in front of me. Luckily I was able to pull into a turn lane and pushed with all my might on the brakes and it finally was able to stop. My brakes failed and I could have hit the cars in front of me and hurt my child, myself and others. It was terrifying. Problem has been confirmed by an independent service center. The warning lamps only appeared WHILE the issue was happening and my brakes failed to work properly.

Filed Jun 10, 2025 · Brakes · MO

Upon exiting the highway my brake system when engaged was completely unresponsive. I of course pushed down gently as would and upon realizing the brakes were not responding I started pounding on the brake pad. I had to ram the brake down for the vehicle to even slow. Thankfully no-one was in front of me at the light and I was able to pull into the nearest gas station having to ram brake to fullest extent to get the vehicle to stop moving. All lights within the braking system lit up including the Master Warning Light, Brake System Warning Light, ABS Warning light, and SLIP indicator as well as the warning siren. These warning lights did not come on til after* the brake system was engaged with failure*** NOT PRIOR. It was not indicative of an issue prior too, no former brake issue or warning lights. I turned the vehicle off and then back on again to see if the same lights still lit and issue was still malfunctioning. I called for a tow and had vehicle taken to the Adams Toyota Dealership (MO)The following diagnostic code C1391 was registered on my vehicle at dealership. Upon research (not disclosure) I found that the above code- C1391- "Brake booster and Brake Booster Pump Assembly" is a known issue that Toyota offered a Warranty repair from May 21-Nov 22' IF FAILURE Not a recall but a "if" brake system fails. Please see Customer Support Program 21TE01. I purchased vehicle in OCT 21 and was never informed, never provided this warranty letter, issue didn't show up on Carfax etc and I purchased directly from the Toyota Dealership. Upon research you will find that Toyota is currently in class action and individual lawsuits re this specific part failure with the above diagnostic code. They are denying replacement due the expired warranty time. The Parts should recalled* not just a "warranty issue" -unacceptable to leave buyers uninformed to such a major issue that can cause accident/death (IM PREGNANT I MAY ADD!) and unable to seek covered repairs unless it fails!

Filed Mar 10, 2025 · Brakes · 133,838 miles · AL

The contact owns a 2014 Toyota Prius V. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the brakes and ABS warning lights illuminated the instrument cluster. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the brake booster and brake booster pump assemblies needed to be replaced. The contact was informed about the Customer Satisfaction Program: 20TE07 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the vehicle was no longer covered under the warranty extension. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 133,838.

Filed Feb 7, 2025 · Brakes · AZ

Toyota did implement an extended service warranty that ran through June of 2024 for a KNOWN issue with the ABS system. The problem was identified in a number of vehicle models, multiple recalls were made starting in 2019, and the Prius V (mine is a 2015) was excluded from that recall. After a road trip from Phoenix, AZ to Albequerque, NM, I started noticing a "farting" noise while braking. The extended service program had closed the month prior. I had the car inspected at my local AAA service department prior to leaving. The problem got worse, the braking is squishy and inconsistent, so I took it back to the shop. They've told me that my ABS system is not functioning and needs to be replaced. I called a dealership about the issue, and they said they can't honor the warranty unless Toyota does. They gave me the contact number for Toyota's Customer Care line, and I requested an appeal or exception which was denied. I have 85,000 miles on the car. It hasn't even rolled over yet. I don't drive very much and didn't drive really at all for almost 3 years between 2020 and 2023 since I was working online. There is nothing I could possibly have done to contribute to this issue, so it is CLEARLY a manufacturer error. Any issue with brakes poses a serious threat to safety and must be taken seriously. The repair cost is over $5,000, and MOST households cannot absorb that cost. If more vehicles are having similar issues, then I GUARANTEE you that there are more cars on the road right now with unstable brake systems that may fail at crucial moments. I have an appointment on Monday 2/10/24 with a the dealership service center. I have no idea if I'll be able to cover the cost of the repairs.

Filed Aug 16, 2024 · Brakes · TX

I have a 2014 Toyota Prius V. I was driving down the highway at 55 m/h when my brakes became spongy all of a sudden and the ABS, traction and brake lights came on the dashboard. I was very scared and seeing that my brakes were failing I almost caused an accident that could have cost my life and my family's. I managed to get home safely and after scanning the system got the code C1391 - ABORMAL LEAK IN ACCUMULATOR. I did some research and this defect is so well known that Toyota launched a costumer program to replace the booster for free. I took it to a Toyota dealership and they wont't replace it though because the program expired a couple of months ago. This is an expensive and life-threatening part. The defect comes from the manufacturing facility, not from usage, so Toyota should be responsible for it.

Filed Aug 15, 2024 · Brakes · NY

I am a US military member stationed in Germany. I bought my Toyota Prius V used, in 2020, knowing I'd be stationed in Europe and expressly because of Toyotas reliability and Prius's great mileage. This was our family's third Prius and a sixth Toyota vehicle. It's been almost exactly 2 years since my family moved to Germany, when one day I was driving through a small town, below the speed limit of 35 mph (50 km/h). Suddenly, while driving, the red BRAKE light, yellow ABS light, and red brake system warning lights came on all at once. The car's brake continued to work normally but I also started hearing a low volume, frequent, 1-sec long electronic buzzing sound coming from somewhere the front of the car, on the driver's side. It was audible every 3 seconds or so, even after the car was put in Park and turned off, then it went off after a couple minutes. I took the car to a local German Toyota leadership to have the problem diagnosed. The Service Department told me later that day the DTC1391 was identified, and the brake booster assembly + brake booster pump assembly needed to be replaced, at a total cost of this repair being over EUR 9,000 (around $9,900). The parts themselves were quoted to cost EUR 3,500 and EUR 4,000 each, and would have to be ordered from the US. I cannot afford to pay $10K to repair a 10-year old car. After some research, I discovered while Toyota never issued a recall, they knew about this brakes problem since 2018. I found several "Customer Support Program" notifications to Prius owners for this specific problem, including the one numbered 20TE07 which applied to 2012-2015 Prius's V. It told dealers to do this repair free of charge and extended the coverage for 10 years or 150,000 miles It also had info on repair cost reimbursement to customers. Hoping I could get my car fixed and file for reimbursement I called Toyota US and was told this CSP expired in Mar 2024 for my VIN and that there was nothing Toyota would be able to do.

Filed Jul 5, 2024 · Brakes, Driver assistance · GA

Four warning lights related to the braking system illuminate, followed by what seems to be the cessation of the ABS. After 5 minutes of driving, the lights went off and abs returned, although brakes are shaky. The abs seems to be a known faulty park and is covered under warranty but only up to 150,000 miles. When taken to a dealer, the repair shop recommended I call corporate. Citing the arbitrary mileage limit, the Toyota mechanic seemed convinced the corporate office would cover the cost, saying he’s seen it done on a case by case basis. This coverage should be made unilaterally for all car owners with this defect, not simply those willing to fight for it. Class action lawsuits over what seems to be a similar issue have been privately settled.