2008 Toyota Prius: brake failure

Filed Oct 15, 2024 · Brakes · OH

Loud grinding noise coming from engine compartment accompanied by a loud shrill alert. When attempting to pull over to a safe place, I put my foot on the brake pedal, but immediately became distressed because it felt like I had no brakes at all. After applying extreme pressure to the brake pedal, the car did begin to slow down, albeit very slowly. I had 2 passengers in the car (ages [XXX] and [XXX] ) and I felt their lives were in jeopardy. Upon researching, I found that Toyota has known about this ABS problem for quite awhile (at one point, they even extended the warranty on the faulty parts). With the gravity of losing the ability to brake while driving, reasonable people would conclude that a recall is in order. It does not matter if it is voluntary by Toyota or mandatory by the appropriate government entities. I, literally, feared for my life and the lives of my passengers. I am grateful it didn't happen while traveling at highway speeds because the outcome could have been much much worse. I sincerely hope that my government who is in charge of protecting it's citizens against known automobile dangers, will take the necessary steps to initiate a recall for all Toyota vehicles that have this serious ABS problem. My fear is that those decisions are made by algorithms and actuarial data rather than by reasonable common sense. I certainly hope there isn't an arbitrary number of deaths before a recall is made. What if one of your family died as a result of purposeful inaction. The diagnostic codes for my Toyota are C1256 and C1391. These both point to serious problems with the ABS system ( actuator, accumulater etc.). Please consider investigating this common and life threatening problem. Thank you INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jul 26, 2024 · Brakes · WA

Brake failure while driving. No warnings prior to failure. ABS Module 4450047141

Filed May 19, 2024 · Brakes · CA

The ABS Actuator failed. It can be inspected. This is dangerous as this has the possibility of causing a brake failure. A retired mechanic plugged in his scan tool and determined that the ABS actuator is leaking. In addition, I can tell audibly that this is the case because the car's pump is starting up every 10-15 seconds trying to fill the air reservoir but is unable to due to the leak. Neither the vehicle nor the component has been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others. The brake and ABS lights are lit up on the dashboard. The car's pump is starting up every 10-15 seconds trying to fill the air reservoir but is unable to due to the leak.

Filed Mar 14, 2024 · Brakes · SC

The electronic brake actuator failed while driving causing the loss of brakes. Didn't cause accident but still very dangerous situation. Mechanic pulled odb code c1256 from vehicle and says not to drive until it is repaired.

Filed Feb 26, 2024 · Airbags, Brakes · 240,000 miles · SC · crash · 1 injury

The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH, the brakes failed when pressed causing the vehicle to crash into the rear end of a second vehicle. During the crash, the air bags did not deploy and the rear driver-side seat belt had sprung outward, although no rear seat passenger was present. The second vehicle's rear driver's side passenger was later treated for an undisclosed injury. A police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed away. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 240,000.

Filed Oct 5, 2023 · Brakes · NC

Yes it is available for inspection upon request. My brakes failed going down the road due to a flaw in brake actuator design that had a previous recall. My safety was put at risk as the brakes failed while I was traveling down the road. The problem has not gone away and can be easily reproduced. There are various warning lamps and the car is unable to be driven. Requests for Toyota to repair the vehicle have been fruitless. This is a KNOWN issue on this year and model.

Filed Aug 6, 2020 · Brakes · 173,600 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 toyota prius. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced brake failure and was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the ABS module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 173,600.

Filed Jul 9, 2020 · Brakes · 66,600 miles · HI

Brakes went out. Hydrauli control assembly antilock brakes modulator valve. Toyota wants $3,806 to repair it. There was a warranty extension program that ended december 2017. This should be on recall, tons of problems. I am the second owner of the vehicle, purchased april 2017, but was not notified by toyota of the warranty extension, or that it was ending. I was driving the vehicle, all brake lights came on, toyota says not to drive due to risk of complete loss of braking system. Case number 10664 has been filed with toyota.

Filed Mar 30, 2020 · Brakes · 185,000 miles · FL

When turning the car on, while in park, the car lunges forward with the brake pedal fully depressed. The ABS actuator/modulator is constantly whirring. Several dash lights are illuminated simultaneously (ABS vsc, e-brake, !). My dealer says that this is a common prius problem that can result in complete failure of braking capability and that the repair is $3,500. According to my service advisor, another customer of central florida toyota was scheduled for this repair when his brakes failed and his car was totaled. This seems like a very serious safety issue, and is documented on owner forums as a common problem for prius'. My car has been doing this for a couple weeks now, and realizing how serious is it has prompted me to schedule the repair at my local dealership. I am a nursing home administrator and I rely on this car for my 100 mile commutes.

Filed Jul 19, 2019 · Brakes, Engine · 135,000 miles · AZ

Son was driving car on city street going around 35 MPH, then 20 brakes went out completely until parked. Started with a loud beep noise, lights on dash then brakes no longer worked. He had to push as hard as he could to try and at least slow car down not to hit car in front of him, pulled into bike lane to avoid crash as car would not stop. Turned car off and left in parking lot. I went to get car to drive home and then brakes were working. However scared to let him drive it in case issues happen s again. Have not taken to dealership yet. The other issue is since we purchase the car burns oil, car has around 130k miles and before 3000 miles up have less then quart of oil and no.lwaks in drive way therefore feel it must be buring oil. Add ouk at each gass fill up to avoid no oil.

Filed May 5, 2018 · Brakes · 140,000 miles · PA

Vehicle brake actuator failed causing loss of brakes during reversing, all brake warning lights illuminated on dash. Found that toyotas extended warranty on this part expired in december 2017. I was never sent a notice about this part possibly failing.

Filed Apr 4, 2018 · Brakes · 142,583 miles · NC

In bumper to bumper traffic the brakes failed to stop the car when approaching a traffic light. It bumped the vehicle in front at a low speed without injuries or damage.