2011 Toyota Prius: jerking or lurching

Filed Feb 2, 2026 · Brakes · CA

While driving, the Brake, ABS, traction light and other light lit up. The car lurched in an odd way. I can hear the oil pressure pump turn on every 5 seconds. Toyota shops told me the master cylinder and booster pump are failing and that the brakes will stop working while driving, causing an accident.

Filed Feb 21, 2024 · Brakes, Driver assistance · TX

The 2011 Prius has an issue known to Toyota, in which the brake booster pump fails after an indiscriminate amount of time, leading to significant loss in braking ability and control. Toyota knows of this because they issues an extended warranty coverage for these vehicles and this issue, that did not extend beyond 10 years, or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first. [XXX] ) When I was driving my car down Highway [XXX] I lost braking control completely, with a series of constant beeping starting to emit from the braking system. Luckily through mashing the brake pedal and using ebrake I was able to get the car to slow down and pull off the highway. The brakes sporadically and randomly cut in and out with the power braking, leading to uncontrolled stopping power and jerky or inactive braking. There had been lights on the dash indicating the traction system or braking system had issues but these would frequently turn off and on and didn't result in a loss of braking ability or performance and had been there a couple months. Upon taking the vehicle to a Toyota Dealership (Charles Maund North Austin) I was told it was a C1391 error regarding a failure of the brake booster pump assembly and that it would need to be replaced and reprogrammed for about 3300 dollars. After looking online I saw there were many other people with this issue, all who were unable to fix this in the given 10 year frame. Many unsuspecting second owners of this vehicle do not know that there is a hidden danger waiting for them when their power brake pump assembly fails. If I had been a less experienced driver I would've certainly crashed and Toyota, knowing of this safety concern already, should have done the right thing and issue a recall for these vehicles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 18, 2023 · Brakes, Electrical · KY

Brake booster and brake booster pump assembly are faulty and failing. Brakes are still functioning, but will ultimately fail without warning, from what I have read. This is highly dangerous for myself and other motorists. I was driving last week and tried coming to a stop at an intersection. I pushed the brake pedal and the car hesitated and then jumped/lurched forward before coming to a complete stop. The brake booster is sounding every 30 to 45 seconds to try and build back the pressure it is losing. Toyota offered a "Customer Support Program" for these parts, as there's been numerous premature failures. Unfortunately, my vehicle no longer fits within the parameters of the support program (see attached). From what I've read though, Toyota has been negligent with replacing the brake booster under the support program. I have called Toyota Corporate and they have offered no reprieve and won't stand behind this faulty part. Toyota needs to be forced to recall these 3rd gen Priuses and ordered to replace the breaking system. Expecting customers to shell out between $2-3k to have the ability to safely break/stop their vehicle is ridiculous, especially when Toyota is more than aware of this issue. I was quoted $2600 over the phone to remedy the issue from an independent hybrid shop. I've owned 7 Toyotas and two have been Priuses. This 2011 is by far one of their worst to roll off the assembly line with numerous reports of breaking problems, oil consumption issues, and head gasket failures. They need to stand behind their product(s), especially to brand loyal customers. Read more complaints about the breaking system: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Mar 7, 2022 · Brakes · CA

Our Prius started showing brake issues in June 2021 that has us concerned about safety. The car lurches when the brakes are pressed, and the brake functions inconsistently. This seems to fall under the “brake booster pump assembly with master cylinder” issue that many others have complained about. When we called Toyota, they said a letter was issued in April 2019, but when we took the car in for diagnostics in August 2019, the brake issue (diagnostic code) didn’t appear then. So they said they won’t fix the hazardous defect. Even more troublesome is the fact that this issue has caused crashes and injuries in the past, and Toyota hasn’t issued a recall. Please help consumers hold Toyota accountable for putting their customers in harm’s way.

Filed Mar 3, 2019 · Electrical, Engine · 182,000 miles · FL

A few months ago I had the required software update to adjust the safety feature in the hybrid system in case of a failure. While driving on a side street on 3/1/19 I pressed the gas after being stopped, the car jerked, and the check hybrid system light came on. This was on railroad tracks but the car did drive on the gas engine a short distance to make it over the railroad tracks. I had the car towed to a toyota dealer who stated the inverter was bad, but that toyota would replace it as they extended the warranty. This seems to be an issue that toyota is ignoring. I also own a 2014 toyota prius v which is also prone to this issue. Toyota should address this issue beyond a mere software update.

Filed Jun 22, 2016 · Brakes, Transmission · 50 miles · MI

When braking while the vehicle is going over a bump or depression in the ground, the vehicle lurches forward. Instead of stopping the vehicle seems to accelerate forward. This happens consistently in this setting.

Filed Sep 1, 2015 · Brakes, Engine · 63,000 miles · CA

There are 3 issues I am having with this prius. The brakes are the first problem. As others have stated, I too have the same lurching forward when braking over bumby or rough roads. This has been ongoing over the last few years. Second, the suspension is creaking and crunching when making turns at low speeds under 20mph. This happens when the wheels are turned all the way right and all the way left. This crunching noise happens when backing out of the driveway, making u-turns, coming to a stop on an incline, and braking over speed bumps. I've had the dealer look at this for the last year when I come in for service and one tech says they can't figure it out, another tech says he hears it but can't find the root of the problem, the service mgr. Also went on a drive with me and reproduces the noise concern but the techs couldn't find it. Most were suggesting new front suspension components-struts, towers, links, etc. I replaced the two front struts and all of the extra components-the noise concern is still there. I am very upset about this. Third issue is the ice-motor. When stopped at a red light and the engine shuts off, the car lurches forward and makes a creaking sound. It's appears that something is not right. The engine seems like it is loose. The engine also makes rattling sound when cruising lightly at 15-25 MPH with the accelerator pressed slightly. The sound is coming from the passenger side, under the dashboard-glove compartment area. This is a rattle sound coming from the engine. I've had this looked at as well and the dealer states they cannot duplicate it. I have recorded all sounds related to these concerns and am taking it back to the dealer this month.

Filed May 29, 2015 · Brakes · 2,500 miles · WI

This has happened multiple times since I purchased this vehicle. The first time this happened was at 2,500 miles. While applying brakes on a rough road or when crossing a pot hole, cracked road, or bridge joint the brakes fail momentarily allowing the car to lurch forward. It his happens regardless of the speed. I could be traveling at 15 or 50 MPH and the brakes will fail and lurch forward. I purchased the prius new in 2011 and have told the service folks at toyota about the problem and they look at the vehicle and are not able to find a reason for this brake failure. This is dangerous. I have to make sure I start braking a good distance from a car in front of me as I am afraid this defect will cause an accident. If I have to brake suddenly and am driving over any road that is not smooth my brakes fail and lurch forward. How many people need to get injured or die before toyota fixes this defect?

Filed Nov 18, 2014 · Brakes · 1,500 miles · NM

While applying brakes on a rough road or when crossing a pot hole, cracked road, or bridge joint the brakes fail momentarily allowing the car to lurch forward. I purchased the prius new in 2011 and have told the service folks at toyota about the problem and they always tell me it?s normal for a prius without noting anything in my file. I am here to tell you that the prius brake design is faulty and the federal safety agency should be investigating!

Filed Sep 19, 2014 · Body, Brakes · 32,000 miles · IL · crash

The prius failed to stop when brakes were applied; instead the car did a lurch when the brakes were applied and then accelerated forward causing a 4 car collision; luckily no one was injured. Made toyota aware of the problem, when they investigated they of course found nothing wrong with the vehicle's brake system.

Filed Aug 31, 2014 · Brakes · 31,000 miles · NY

When I applied the brakes while going over a pothole or curb, the vehicle lurched forward. This has happened twice so far and I've only owned the car for a few months.

Filed Jun 10, 2014 · Brakes · 41,500 miles · ME

The prius brakes do not work well under certain conditions. When I slow down the vehicle and am over uneven pavement or a pothole, the car feels like it lurches forward for a split second. My reaction is one of panic and to press harder on the brakes. My wife and I have experienced this four times since we have owned the vehicle. We feel very unsure of the brakes and worry for bicyclists or pedestrians.