2009 Toyota Prius: ABS light or ABS activating

Filed Jun 17, 2026 · Brakes, Driver assistance · CT

Dashboard Warning Lights: ABS, VSC, Parking Brake Light, Triangle with Exclamation Point, Codes: C1256 & C1391, Intermittent Audible Cabin Buzzing indicating critical pressure loss on start-up for about 10 seconds...then stops, not loss so much as anti-braking quick bursts at about 5 mph of stopping v slowly and seamlessly coming to a stop. I contacted Toyota Corporate Case Management; they refused to escalate or remediate the issue due to vehicle mileage, despite being notified of the active brake pressure leak codes and the audible safety alarm.

Filed May 7, 2026 · Brakes · KS

I own 2 2009 Toyota Prius. Both cars less than 175,000 miles and both have failed ABS modules. The ABS module in this vehicle is also the power brake booster. This failure can cause braking issues such as loss of braking or sudden brake application. Only known fix is replacement of the ABS brake module which requires the Toyota Techstream service computer.

Filed Apr 8, 2026 · Brakes · 174,000 miles · KY

The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact stated that the ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the extended warranty had expired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the extended warranty had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 174,000.

Filed Feb 14, 2025 · Brakes, Electrical · 157,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, extra effort was needed to stop the vehicle while depressing the brake pedal. In addition, the contact stated that the instrument panel intermittently went blank and failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the ABS and the instrument cluster needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 157,000.

Filed Aug 22, 2024 · Brakes · CA

Car Mechanics say I need a new ABS actuator/pump costing about $4,400 at dealership and over $2500 at garages. Most quoting about $3500.00. It is a known fact that this is common on Pruises, which I am now learning. I feel Toyota should be reimbursing their consumer for this unexpected charge. My car has only about 60000 miles on the car. RIght now I have to park the car until I come up with the money. So have no invoice to attach until I do the repair.

Filed Mar 5, 2024 · Brakes · NC

Losing all breaking from abs dealership says $3000 to replace abs brake actuator module. I have been hearing from other second generation owners this is a common problem and it vecomes unsafe when you lose brake functioning in traffic additionally it was an extended warranty twice with no milage limitations but wondering why itvwasntvrecalled. Now I fear driving because u safe yet I am unable to afford to make the repair because I am unable to worker as delivery driver is my employment to generate income needed for repair.

Filed Jan 27, 2024 · Brakes · NC

ABs Light came on high pitched sound and brakes suddenly stopped working while driving making very unsafe driving conditions. i recently purchased this car as my second, 2nd generation prius but the abs recall was evidently not performed when it was recalled and extended. this puts me upside down in a loan because i have found the repairs will be $1000-$2000 and now I can not afford to drive it. the car is at my home and available for inspection upon request. i felt very unsafe last night and the abs light recently came on and was intermittently making the high pitch sound which was continuous last evening when i was driving when the brakes stopped functioning

Filed Sep 15, 2023 · Brakes · 236,425 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65–70 MPH, the ABS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the brake pump actuator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 236,425.

Filed Aug 29, 2021 · Brakes · FL

The brake actuator is failing in my 2009 Prius Touring. This is confirmed by the dealership. Brakes work intermittently when reversing and are slowly becoming non-responsive during normal driving. This creates an unsafe situation for me and my son as drivers, as well as others on the road. The brake light and ABS light is on in the car. Toyota needs to cover this repair regardless of the year of the vehicle. Service code given by the dealership is C1391.

Filed Aug 12, 2021 · Acceleration, Brakes · CA

I went to park in a parallel space when all of a sudden my ABS, (!), VSC light come on with the loss of brake power and a loud beeping noise. With this sudden loss of brakes in the middle of driving, I could have harmed myself and others in any cars around me because I also lost steering capability. This is a problem that there was an extended warranty for, but there should be a recall. My car is a 2009 and was only covered before the pandemic and now it is 2021 and I have no recourse, but to try and fork over $3500.00 for which I don't have. I am a second owner and this is a very common problem amongst Prius owners. I didn't have any other symptoms that I could point out prior to this situation. I have had my hybrid battery, engine, ecu and most recently a stolen catalytic converter replaced. This ABS actuator problem needs to be addressed for another 5 years with a free repair. I would hate to have hit some other car and had my car smash into a wall, another car, pedestrian, pole or any other object based on it's ability not to stop.

Filed Nov 13, 2020 · Brakes · 93,836 miles · PA

My 2009 prius with 96425 miles as of 10/29/20 has the common problem known as failure of the brake actuator assembly. I have the brake, ABS, and vsc warning lights indicating failure of the brake actuator assembly. My mileage is reduced by 25%, and the brake rotors are very hot after driving the vehicle. Toyota issued a zg1 warranty enhancement program to cover the cost for replacement of faulty brake actuator assemblies, but my vehicle is beyond the limits of the zg1 program. Since this is a known problem, it is my opinion that toyota is responsible to correct the situation. Toyota will not assist me in resolving this dangerous situation, and this is why I am bringing this matter to your attention. It is an expensive repair, this is a known problem with the brake actuator assembly, and potentially could result in serious (even fatal) situations.

Filed Jul 24, 2020 · Brakes · 208,068 miles · CA

I was driving when the ABS, brake system, and parking brake light turned on. The brakes became very mushy, I was trying to stop, and I could hear the brake actuator motor buzzing and making a groaning noise.