2010 Toyota Prius: brake failure

Filed Mar 4, 2026 · Brakes · GA

While driving my 2010 Toyota Prius, the brake warning lights suddenly illuminated and the brake pedal became soft and unresponsive. Stopping distance increased significantly, and the vehicle required much more pressure to slow down. This created an unsafe situation in traffic and could have easily resulted in a collision. A Toyota dealership diagnosed the issue as a failure of the brake booster and brake booster pump assembly (DTC C1391). This is the same failure Toyota previously acknowledged in Customer Support Program ZJB for 2010–2015 Prius models. My vehicle is experiencing the exact symptoms described in that program, but the support period has expired even though the mileage is well within normal expectations for a hybrid of this age. The sudden loss of braking assist is a serious safety hazard. There was no warning before the failure, and the vehicle became difficult to stop immediately. This appears to be part of a widespread pattern of brake booster failures on this generation of Prius, and the defect poses a risk of crash or injury. I am filing this complaint because this is a safety‑critical component that should not fail under normal use, and many other owners have reported the same issue. A review or investigation may be warranted given the frequency and severity of these failures.

Filed Dec 30, 2025 · Brakes · TX

On November 25, 2025, at approximately 11:45 p.m., our 2010 Toyota Prius experienced a braking system malfunction during normal operation. The brake pedal required significantly increased effort and the vehicle exhibited reduced braking performance, indicating a loss of brake power assist. The vehicle required increased stopping distance, creating an immediate risk of a collision. At the time of the failure, multiple warning indicators illuminated simultaneously, including the brake system warning, ABS warning, check engine light, battery warning, steering warning, tire pressure warning, and vehicle stability control/slip indicator. There were no warning lamps or abnormal symptoms prior to the failure. The failure was determined to involve the brake booster pump assembly, a component responsible for maintaining hydraulic brake assist pressure. This component is known to experience internal accumulator housing degradation, which can allow nitrogen gas migration into the brake fluid and result in partial or complete loss of brake assist. The affected component remains available for inspection. Following the incident, an authorized Toyota dealership inspected the vehicle and reproduced and confirmed the condition. Service records indicate the brake booster pump assembly had previously been replaced under a Toyota safety recall. Despite this prior recall repair, the same component failed again after approximately 41,000 miles of service, demonstrating that the recall remedy was ineffective. As a result of this failure, the vehicle was rendered unsafe to operate. Despite dealer confirmation that the malfunction involved a previously recalled safety component, corrective repairs were declined, with warranty limitations cited rather than addressing the repeat safety-related failure.

Filed Jun 11, 2025 · Brakes, Electrical · LA

Toyota issued a recall with a limited time for Prius brake booster/actuator failures. This issue is known to present brake failures and necessarily place drivers, passengers, and pedestrians at risk in the case of such brake failures. Toyota made no effort to proactively remedy this problem and further neglected customer safety by excluding Priuses with the same manufacturing issue from the recall, under its 10 year 150,000 mile requirement. Whether or not the Priuses have been driven 150,000 miles or 10 years the nature with which the malfunction presents represents a safety for any driver.

Filed Jan 3, 2025 · Brakes · 105,336 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2010 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 25 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights illuminated with an audible chime being heard. The contact's husband pulled over to the side of the road and depressed the brake pedal and the pedal went to the floorboard and the brakes started to respond as needed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the brake pads and rotors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, and there was an abnormal sound coming from the brakes. The contact stated that the brake pedal went to the floorboard. The contact then towed the vehicle to the residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and offered a Customer Satisfaction Program Extended warranty repair. The failure mileage was approximately 105,336.

Filed Jun 13, 2024 · Brakes · 120,000 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2010 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, with the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The contact stated that the brakes failed to adequately slow the vehicle. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the brake booster. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 13V235000 (Service Brakes) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 120,000.

Filed Mar 7, 2024 · Brakes, Electrical · IN

My 2010 Toyota Prius hatchback suddenly had 4 or 5 warning lights appear on the dashboard and my brakes failed to function properly. It felt like the power brakes was turned off ! Although I did get the vehicle stopped, it surely was a dangerous situation. I understand that Toyota knows about this problem, and have read that it was warranted if this happened before 150,000 miles. My Prius has approx 167,000 miles right now and to replace the Brake Actuator, the cost will be $ 3 - 5 thousand dollars…absurd amount in my opinion. Since this critical feature (brakes) has a long known history of being faulty on Toyota vehicles it should be warranted for at least 25 years and at least 300k ! My Prius is “unsafe to drive” and is nothing more than a paperweight…I repeat, Toyota knows, and has known about this defective brake actuator problem for years and years!!! Please lean on Toyota to up the warranty of this faulty brake problem for the MANY, MANY Toyota owners who have purchased the Toyota product and and NOT screwing the public like they are doing now !

Filed Oct 3, 2023 · Brakes · IL

Due to insufficient corrosion protection, the rear brake line of my 2010 Prius burst as I pressed the brake pedal in my driveway. It dumped ALL of the brake fluid onto the ground within a couple of minutes. Imagine if I had been driving!! There could have been a serious crash!! This was sudden. There were no brakes! Pedal lost all pressure and went to the floor when pressed. Lots of warning lights and alarms screaming inside car. The vehicle has been inspected and repaired at the Toyota dealer as of 10/03/2023. I have pictures of the failed part when it was installed on the car. If the dealer is contacted quickly, they might still have the actual failed brake line (which I was charged disposal fees for.) This was very scary and numerous lives could be at risk due to the popularity of this car and its use in rideshare/taxi service. There were no warnings prior to this. Brakes worked normally. Car is well maintained with dealer service records. There is no excuse for not properly trading such a critical part for corrosion, just to save money. Peoples lives are at stake!! It's the BRAKES of the car!! Someone needs to investigate this! I have pictures and receipts I can provide.

Filed Aug 12, 2023 · Brakes · NC

To submit a claim to the federal safety agency regarding my 2010 Toyota Prius (VIN [XXX] ), I wish to highlight a concerning issue with the brake booster, actuator, and brake booster pump assemblies. This malfunction has the potential to lead to brake failures, posing a significant risk of collisions with other vehicles. The presence of a diagnostic trouble code (C1391) and the illumination of ABS, traction control, and exclamation symbol lights, coupled with an audible whirring sound during braking, underscore the confirmed nature of this problem. This whirring sound initially emerged a year ago, accompanied by temporary dashboard light activation, which eventually subsided, while the whirring sound has persisted. Toyota has initiated an extended warranty program labeled (ZJB), encompassing a span of 10 years from the initial usage date or until 150,000 miles are reached, whichever comes first. Regrettably, my vehicle's mileage has exceeded 182,000 miles over the stipulated 150,000-mile threshold, and its age surpasses 13 years, rendering it ineligible for inclusion in this program. The actions of Toyota appear to prioritize financial gains over the well-being and security of countless drivers and passengers who are potentially endangered by these defective brakes. Their stance is exemplified by the reluctance to offer a comprehensive solution. I find myself compelled to bear the burden of approximately $3,000 in brake-related expenses at dealerships—an unjust imposition on consumers, given Toyota's distribution of flawed components that jeopardize safety and lives. Toyota's response has been inadequate, limited to extending warranties and performing repairs solely on vehicles that have already experienced brake failures. This approach neglects the prevention of potential injuries or fatalities that could be averted through proactive measures, such as issuing a full-scale recall. In light of these circumstances, I am seeking redress through the app INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.

Filed Jun 14, 2023 · Brakes · 85,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2010 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS warning light and two other unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the brake pedal went to the floorboard while depressed. Additionally, the contact stated that while self-inspecting the vehicle, he became aware that there was no brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir. The contact stated that when the vehicle was self-inspected for a second time that same day, the brake fluid was full. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact of an unknown recall for the brake booster. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.

Filed May 21, 2023 · Brakes · 116,000 miles · LA

Almost caused a major accident. Brakes failed with no warning!

Filed Dec 26, 2022 · Brakes · TX

My 2010 is covered under a recall. I had total brake failure and the dash light up like a Christmas tree. Brought in before the recall was released and it was repaired under my extended warranty. Then got recall notice, so I guess there was an internal fund transfer.

Filed Dec 19, 2022 · Brakes · NJ

My 2010 Toyota Prius seemed to have a faulty ABS actuator/ boaster pump for years but I did not know it until recently. For years the car would display the abs, traction controls, and brake light for 50 miles and then go away but the most recent time it did not go off. The actuator continuously runs and you can hear it consistently buzz every 5-10 seconds. The brake pedal require a lot more force in order for the car to slow down and the car jumps forward when depressing the brakes suddenly. In the past the brake would require much more force but after a few miles on the road the light would go off and the car would seem to function as normal, but most recently as of last week the light would not go off and the brakes require a lot of force still after doing almost 400 miles. I had 2 near misses once almost hitting another car during a rainy day and another missing a stop sign by almost half a car length. I took my car to the dealership and they stated that the error code is showing a faulty abs actuator but the rep told me it should still be fine to drive if I do not want to pay the out of pocket cost and get it fixed immediately. This is a major safety concern for me and my family and even though I been servicing my car for year at the Toyota dealership it was never brought to my attention. Only recently when I had the near misses and had my mechanic run test on it did I realize. I then took my car to Toyota for routine maintenance and it was confirmed that the abs actuator/boaster pump was faulty, yet they offer no remedy and they never even notified me of this faulty OEM issue until I brought it to their attention. The dealership said my VIN did not qualify for any recall or customer satisfaction proposal (CSP) and that if I wish to fix the brakes/actuator issue it would be an out of pocket cost of a few thousand dollars. This is unacceptable and action needs to be taken immediately to recall and rectify this before innocent lives are lost due to brake failure.