2012 Toyota Prius: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed Mar 6, 2025 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 106,019 miles · VA

The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the brakes while the brake pedal was depressed. The brakes, the traction control, and the ABS warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with brake booster and master cylinder assembly failure. The vehicle was not repaired for the most recent failure. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,019.

Filed Jul 25, 2024 · Brakes · NC

I started noticing a strange noise when I applied the brakes. It was an electronic type of almost grinding sound. When I looked into it, it was determined that the brake actuator was failing despite no warning lights coming on. This started around the beginning of March. Finally in the beginning of July the noise stopped and a lot of dashboard lights came on including ABS, BRAKE, and others. This is when the brake actuator actually failed, and the battery no longer was charged when the brakes were applied. This is extremely concerning that a major brake component can fail like this and affect the safety of the vehicle. I am attaching a photo of the dash that shows the lights that came on when this failure occurred.

Filed Dec 12, 2015 · Visibility · 625,000 miles · NC

Wind shield wiper switch quit working at 62,500 mile.the wind shield wiper motor is now making grinding noises and needs to be replaced(74,000 miles). Both parts broke when we were traveling out of state,during rain storms.

Filed Nov 11, 2012 · Brakes · 3,000 miles · MA

The vehicle emits a repetitive 'woo......woo.....' that varies with speed/wheel revolution (something rubbing during each revolution). To the best of my ability to tell, it sounds like the groan is coming from the rear-passenger side. The sound is usually present after the car has sat overnight or after prolonged parking and last for 100-300 feet of driving. I've even heard it after four hours of being parked at work. It will typically make this sound for a few days after a rain event. The sound has occurred in both forward and reverse and with the emergency brake on or off prior to departure. I purchased the vehicle in april and have heard it all the way to the present. During a tire replacement I made note of the issue to the dealer, who attributed it to rotor oxidation. I responded that I've heard the grind/groan of rust being worn off the rotor when first apply the brakes, and this is not that sound. I went in with a recording on my phone and the technician agreed it wasn't rust. They repaired the tire and tried to reproduce the condition without success. They did tear down the brake and found nothing out of the ordinary. The fact that this issue persists on multiple vehicles of this model is indicative of a manufacturer's defect that should be addressed.

Filed Oct 18, 2012 · Brakes, Suspension · 2,400 miles · CA

Repeating several-second groaning or grinding noise heard from rear wheel area upon startup motion. The noise is severe and sounds like low-pitch metal grinding. It's potentially brake related but could be suspension bushings or other components rubbing against one another. It does not sound like typical brake glazing. The noise occurs in all weather conditions and typically after vehicle has been sitting for several hours or overnight. Noise continues for several minutes at stop and start. Noise is loud enough to startle an experienced driver. The absolute severity and indication of the sound is enough to question safe ongoing functionality of braking and/or suspension systems. Multiple reports are documented online at priuschat.com. Toyota does not appear to have a fix or resolution at time of writing, 10/2012. This is for 2012 prius v model five.