2014 Toyota Prius V: brake failure

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 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 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 Dec 14, 2024 · Brakes · FL

Brake Actuator Valve Wear all lights relating to brakes are on, Dec. 12th 2024. The warranty for this expensive fix ended March, 2024 or 150k miles, there are only 106k miles on the vehicle. Something that is such a safety hazard SHOULD not have a date. We are experiencing unexpected loss of brake power while driving, accompanied by multiple dashboard warning lights, so we are unable to drive to the Toyota Dealership to have it scanned for issues. Toyota has advised us NOT to drive the vehicle, and we live 40 min from the nearest dealership. We bought the car from a Toyota dealership used, and they should have fixed this before selling the vehicle. Complete negligence and a huge safety issue. We only ask that they warranty be extended for the entire year of Dec. so that we can get this fixed asap.

Filed Sep 25, 2024 · Brakes · FL

Brake actuator failure, coded as C1391. known issue by Toyota which can result in loss of brakes if not repaired. symptoms of problem: pulsing air sound from master brake cylinder, and/or all braking system lights illuminate on dash.

Filed Aug 22, 2024 · Brakes · FL

Brakes failed to stop vehicle for over almost ½ of a block. The driver, a young woman, was so terrified that she is refusing to drive the car even after the brakes have been repaired. It is my understanding that Toyota is aware of this problem and has issued directives for its dealers to make the necessary repairs. However, I was told that this was extended to 150,000 miles or 10 years from first in service date. I am including the invoice from Lipton Toyota for over $4,000 and I am respectfully requesting that Toyota makes this right and refunds this money. The failure of a braking system represents a critical life threatening situation of which no one can deniy.

Filed Jul 1, 2024 · Brakes · 120,000 miles · NC · crash · 1 injury

The contact owns a 2014 Toyota Prius V. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously involved in two car crashes, where the vehicle rear-ended other vehicles due to the brakes failure. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed after the second crash, but the information was not available. The contact stated that the other driver sustained unknown injuries during the second crash. The vehicle sustained damages and was repaired. There was no further information provided. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the brake pedal, the brakes made an abnormal sound and the brake pedal was spongy. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated to respond. The ABS warning light and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the brake booster had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that it was a known failure; however, the repair could not be covered because the vehicle had a salvage title. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

Filed Jun 12, 2024 · Brakes · NJ

Completely unannounced and sudden brake failure, which caused a failure in the traction control and ABS system as well. Most likely brake actuator pump failure.

Filed Jan 3, 2024 · Brakes · 152,589 miles · AL

2014 Toyota Prius V [XXX] [XXX] (17:45 CST) Sudden loss of braking ability. Brake pedal goes nearly to the floor. Nearly caused collision. ABS, BRAKE, VSC and Orange Exclamation Point Warning all indicated simultaneously. Brake ABS pump / actuator makes buzzing sound audible in driver seat about every 5 seconds. CSP/TSB coverage apparently expired 75 days ago. Occurred at mileage 152,589. Open case with Toyota # [XXX] Vehicle not yet inspected by dealer. Vehicle is available for inspection upon request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jul 18, 2021 · Brakes · LA

The brakes failed while I was driving. I had received a "Voluntary Customer Support Program" notice several months before this happened. I called the dealership right away and they told me not to worry about it and to put the notice in my owners manual. After the brakes failed, I had it towed in to the dealership and they determined that it was an issue that would be paid for by Toyota. Now my car has been in the dealership for almost 2 months and the part is still not available. They have no estimated time to expect the part. I have a loaner, which they would not give me at first until I complained to the Toyota customer service number. My loaner is a large SUV, which is a gas guzzler and is much bigger than I am used to. I just want my old Prius V back. Repaired.

Filed Sep 17, 2018 · Brakes · 100,000 miles · FL

Did an oil change to the car on 9/14/18. Driving to key largo saturday 9/15/18 morning and while driving (almost there) when the ABS, anti skid, system failure lights came on. Took it to the toyota and the service manager had it scanned for the codes. Came back as brake actuator failure and they told me the car was not safe to drive because the brakes failed. Same exact thing that happened to my 2012 prius which I had to pay to get fixed. This time I was told by the assistant service manager that toyota seems to be aware there's an issue so they would probably cover the cost of the part $3500 but I'm responsible for the labor which they quoted at $1500!!! Something is clearly wrong. I don't think I should have been responsible for the money paid to get the 2012 fixed nor should I have to pay for the 2014 now. My car is at the toyota until I can come up with the money...sounds like a class action lawsuit !! Also, interestingly enough, both my 2012 and 2014 were roughly at the same mileage when this part failed.