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2012 Toyota Prius brakes complaints

Page 4 of 8: complaints 71 to 100 of 201, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2012 Toyota Prius brakes problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Mar 1, 2024 · Brakes, Engine · OK

I bought my first used car, 2012 Toyota Prius, from Fowler Toyota back at the end of October 2023, but I was not able to pick it up until September 21, 2023 due to extra time for re-conditioning. I did not haggle about the price nor complained about the 3 week delay. In the last 3 weeks of owning my car, the TPMS sensor light and check engine light infrequently turned on. February 28, 2024 all the fault sensor lights on my instrument panel are on, along with the loss of proper braking function. I was not worried about the other sensor faults, but brake malfunction is a matter of life and death to myself and others on the road. I have had the car for a little over 4 months and less than 10k miles. I brought the car in to diagnose all the error codes. The dealer said it will cost over $2600 to fix the brake malfunction. I chose this particular car because carfax had well documented service records and Fowler Toyota advertised that every used vehicle for sale has surpassed rigorous inspection. I voiced my complaint to the used car director and he offered numerous default excuses for unforeseen problems inherent in buying a used car. I said I did my due diligence by selectively purchasing a used Toyota Prius, from a reputable Toyota dealership that uses a Toyota certified service center to inspect and recondition vehicles for sale. All the cliche nightmare stories of buying a used car from the side of the road car lots came true in my experience at Fowler Toyota. The worst used car story happened to me, despite performing my due diligence: to buy a used Toyota from a Toyota dealership that uses a Toyota certified service center for re-conditioning vehicles. I even paid more to finance my Prius through Toyota Financial services, which did not offer extended warranty. For God sake, I was buying a Toyota with 121k miles. I only bought a prius because I work too hard to throw away all my hard earned money on gasoline. The only recourse the dealership offered

Filed Feb 15, 2024 · Brakes, Lights · KS

Brake master control system failure with constant issues over 80k miles. Forward running lights control housing has not held a light fixture since day one and dealership wants to charge for light replacement. It’s a faulty part and burnt through the housing. Olathe Toyota refused to repair under warranty saying it was a customer issue but is clearly a safety problem. Irresponsible dealer management.

Filed Feb 9, 2024 · Brakes, Electrical · 120,000 miles · MA

The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the ABS warning light illuminated and the vehicle skidded while depressing the brake pedal. The contact stated that the hazard lights independently activated and caused the battery to drain, and the vehicle would stall. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the contact was informed that there was a Customer Satisfaction Program for the failure, but the Customer Satisfaction Program had expired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

Filed Jan 29, 2024 · Brakes · 88,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle started shaking and failed to slow down as intended. The brake, ABS, and traction control warning lights were illuminated. On another occasion, while driving 70 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle began shaking and failed to slow down as intended. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.

Filed Dec 13, 2023 · Brakes · AR

Brake failure

Filed Nov 27, 2023 · Brakes · CA

Hard to stop, ABS and brake and traction controll related warning lights on. Error code c1391

Filed Nov 2, 2023 · Brakes · TX

On October 24, 2023, while driving my car, several lights went on all at once, including the ABS, and brake lights. I immediately drove it to the Toyota Dealership on 2213 Old Jacksboro Hwy, WF TX 76301. The car was also making a noise constantly, that I had taken into Toyota service center previously which was also causing an issue with my battery dying. (It went through 4 batteries in the last 2 years). Toyota diagnosed it as a problem with brake booster and assembly and brake booster pump. calling for both of them to be replaced at a cost of $3,888. Toyota did not inform us of any recall regarding brakes, I did email Toyota directly, called and tried to work with the dealership, all to no avail. They are being sued due to numerous complaints and refused to assist me.

Filed Oct 27, 2023 · Brakes · MA · crash

I have had a 2012 Prius since 2016. The entire time I've had it, it occasionally "hydroplanes" but without any water. It happens in wet or dry (but mostly dry) conditions. Usually at slower speeds so, though it makes me very uncomfortable, it doesn't happen with any regularity. I've taken it multiple times to my mechanic who always says "Prius' just do that", which is not reassuring. I know there was a recall and I was told my car did not fall under that umbrella. On Wednesday of this week, 10/25/23, I finally had an accident because of this. The brake lockup had been happening more frequently in the past week and in this instance I saw the car in front of me suddenly slow down - I had about 2/3 of a cars distance between me and the car ahead. I hit the brakes and nothing happened. I was pushing down on them long enough to think, "Ok, this is it. They aren't responding at all and I'm going to hit this car in front of me." I did and it crushed the passenger side of the car. Luckily I wasn't hurt. There were no warnings from the car at all that this was going to happen, as there never are. I took it in for possible repair today (the mechanic is not sure but thinks it may be a total loss). This car did everything they describe in the recall cases and I want to know if there's anyway to be repaid from the company for this as there was nothing I could do to stop this accident? Why wasn't my car included in the recall?

Filed Oct 20, 2023 · Brakes · VA

Error code C1391 confirmed by two separate facilities, described as "abnormal leak in accumulator" and "accumulator pressure." Took to an independent shop first, then to Haley Certified Toyota Dealership. At dealership, parts needed were quoted to include tsb-0024-19. Three lights went on simultaneously (ABS, Traction, Brake).

Filed Oct 6, 2023 · Brakes · FL

The abs pump kept running after the car stopped running... Malfunction and had to be replaced!

Filed Oct 3, 2023 · Brakes · CA

My car breaks with out i almost hit the car in front of me, i could killed someone . This is very dangerous i took my car to a Toyota dealership they said the Extended warranty expired. They said upon inspection found code C1252,C1253,C1256 brake pump and actuator fault. Upon inspection found abs actuator accumualtor leak. Causing brake pedal to be hard and brake system malfunction. Toyota should had made a recall of this and not just a extended warranty that expires. I have 206,000 miles original owner they should me a lawsuit for this its very dangerous. I end paying $3000 of my own money to fix it, i should get reimburse for my money.

Filed Sep 18, 2023 · Brakes · TX

ABS, Break and traction control lights from dashboard lit on and breaks were difficult to operate during driving, able to drive back home safely. Find out that ABS (brake booster and brake booster pump assemblies which are consider safety items), are defective and can cause accidents. When calling Toyota Customer Experience Center, they decline to honor customer support program ZJB due to my car is exceeding by 5k miles the additional limited warranty. Now I will have to pay out of pocket on known safety defective part, this should be a recall and not wait to an accident to happen.

Filed Aug 21, 2023 · Brakes · TN

My teenage daughter was driving and almost had an accident because the brakes failed. No warning lights came on until the brakes failed. I am learning now that it is a brake booster pump that Toyota knows about it as they had issued an extended warranty on the same thing that expired last year. Toyota confirmed that my Pruis was included in the customer service program but it has now expired.

Filed Jun 20, 2023 · Brakes · HI

While coming to a stop there was a loss of braking power and feel. Due to the unexpected change in braking characteristics this nearly caused me to collide with the vehicle in front of me. Noticed the traction control, ABS and Brake light on dash illuminated. My local Toyota dealership has diagnosed the repair as a repair involving the brake booster master cylinder and pump assembly.

Filed Jun 13, 2023 · Brakes · CA

On June 11, 2023, my Toyota Prius brakes failed while I was driving! The vehicle was towed to the Toyota dealership on June 12, 2023 and determined the car needed brake booster assembly with master cylinder, based on codes presented at diagnostic. Quoted repair cost of $3,544.99+tax. I am second owner of this vehicle, which was purchased December 2020 from the same dealership. I was never notified about this pending issue from Toyota North America or from the dealer. I contacted Toyota North America on June 13, 2023 and was denied repair because Consumer Support Program 20TE07 expired May 2022. This Consumer Program should have been a recall. Brake failure is a major safety issue.

Filed May 23, 2023 · Brakes · 139,000 miles · NC

Brakes Failed with code c1391 this is a known issue with toyota .

Filed May 8, 2023 · Brakes · 119,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal humming and buzzing sound detected. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the ABS brake and brake booster pump needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and referred to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000. The VIN was not available.

Filed Apr 26, 2023 · Brakes · 125,000 miles · FL

The contact's mother owns a 2012 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the brake pedal, the brakes made an abnormal sound. There were no warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the ABS, the brakes, the electronic parking brake, and traction control system warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the brake booster assembly, the brake booster pump, and the brake master cylinder needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as an unknown Customer Satisfaction Program had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

Filed Apr 20, 2023 · Brakes · FL

The Brake Actuator and Brake Accumulator were covered under a customer support issue until 5/18/22 On our car they are charging me $2600 to fix this issue. The car was at Toyota years earlier for a recall but Toyota never told us about this issue. That is not fair in my opinion. And now we are being charged $2600 to fix this issue Best [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Filed Apr 18, 2023 · Brakes · FL

The Brake Actuator and Accumulator on the car have failed Toyota had a customer support issue on these parts and fixed them for free BUT it expired 5/18/22 No Toyota dealer told me about this issue and I received no warnings Now the 2012 Prius with 78,000 miles has this issue and Toyota wants $2600 to fix it

Filed Mar 27, 2023 · Brakes · 165,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle responded after depressing the brake pedal several times, and came into a complete stop. The ABS and anti-skid warning light were illuminated, and the message "Brake" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an unknown location, where it was diagnosed that the rear passenger brake sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the pump actuator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The mechanic referred the contact to the manufacturer. There was no further information provided. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under an unknown Technical Service Bulletin Number as it had exceeded the mileage and year required. The failure mileage was 165,000.

Filed Mar 11, 2023 · Brakes · 112,000 miles · AL

Driving on Interstate and suddenly traction control light, brake Light, and ABS light came on. After this the brakes were not as affective at stopping the vehicle and felt sluggish. Found a lot of reports online about similar issue and even some when the vehicle brakes failed. My brakes allowed me to get home without incident.

Filed Feb 17, 2023 · Brakes, Electrical · KY

Our 2012 Toyota Prius experienced brake failure due to the Accuator and Accumulator. I contacted Toyota Corporate office, which advised it is a known problem and had a customer support program that expired last year. The Toyota rep advised me to not drive the vehicle because of the brake failure and opened a ticket advising it is a known issue. After researching online, it is a very common issue. https://www.aboutautomobile.com/Consumer-Complaint/2010/Toyota/Prius/Brake

Filed Feb 15, 2023 · Brakes · 53,000 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the ABS module software needed to be updated. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.

Filed Jan 23, 2023 · Brakes · NC

Suspected Brake Booster failure. We have been experiencing our brake booster running several times a minute and something felt off. In December, we took it to the dealership who said they "were unable to replicate the issue". We found that odd since we experience the issue every few minutes, but we believed them when they said that there was nothing wrong with our brakes. Yesterday, about one month later, we were driving on a busy street when our brakes appeared to fail. We couldn't make the car stop, three dashboard lights came on (the ABS and two others) and eventually we realized the brakes had to be pressed really hard to get the car to stop. We avoided an accident, pulled into a parking lot, turned off the car, checked the brake fluid (the brake fluid was fine), restarted the car and the lights still remained and the brakes continued to not compress easily. We called our Toyota dealer who said that there is no recall on our Brake Booster and that this is not a known issue, and yet there are hundreds of readily available accounts of 2012 prius owners who experience the same fail.

Filed Jan 9, 2023 · Brakes · VA

Toyota Program ZJB, internal malfunctions of the brake booster assemblies. A known failure of the brake booster than Toyota did extend the warranty on for 10 years BUT would not honor the warranty unless specific diagnostic codes appeared on the vehicle. My issue is that all of the symptoms of the failure occurred on my vehicle (pump constantly running, varying hydraulic pressure resulting in pulsing brake stops, soft brake pedal) but the warranty would not be honored because the diagnostic did not manifest itself. Had technicians tell me that it definitely was this booster failure, but Toyota would not pay for it unless the diagnostic came up. I am now left with a vehicle that has a failed brake system and no monetary support from Toyota. Quoted $2500 to $3000 to repair. Not safe to drive in my opinion with a known failure that I am having trouble getting funding to repair. Contacted Toyota customer support and they reiterated that they would not pay for the repair without the diagnostic occurring and now their extended warranty expired August 31, 2021. Inspection available upon request Safety issue as braking is inconsistent and not predictable Problem was identified by Toyota dealer service department No diagnostic alarms - which is the only symptom not present

Filed Jan 9, 2023 · Brakes · 335,000 miles · TN

The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the brakes became inoperable. The ABS and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an unknown local dealer where it was diagnosed that the brake booster and brake pump assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 335,000.

Filed Dec 30, 2022 · Brakes · CA

The Brake Booster or Actuator is failing, without any indication or warning lights on the dash alarming us to the problem. The car has been making weird sounds, but after being inspected, this, according to the Authorized Toyota Dealer, on December 22, 2022, is a life-threatening and very dangerous malfunction to myself and others around me when driving. This is the first hybrid car we have owned, and we thought the noises we had been hearing for a couple years was normal, because there were no warning lights coming on to tell us otherwise. The dealer did not want us to drive the car any further due to the danger of the problem. We asked the dealer to repair the problem without charge, but that request was denied by the Toyota Brand Engagement Center (Case 221222000587). The dealer is currently repairing the malfunction at a cost of approximately $2650 plus tax). We are highly disappointed with Toyota not repairing this known problem under a dealer recall.

Filed Dec 27, 2022 · Brakes · 185,519 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the brake master cylinder and brake booster needed to be replaced; however, the dealer informed the contact that the repair was not covered under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving and the vehicle hesitated while the brake pedal was depressed. The contact slammed on the brake pedal and the vehicle came to a complete stop. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 185,519.

Filed Dec 20, 2022 · Brakes · CA

The brakes on my 2012 Toyota Prius failed suddenly with little warning after starting the car, and when I began driving off in a busy Walmart parking. I was startled when I felt that the brakes did not seem to work, nearly causing me to collide with the car in front of me. I had to quickly depress the brake pedal to bring the car to a stop. The normal braking power was greatly reduced when I depressed the brake pedal, and I had to use more force to bring the vehicle to a stop. Only when I looked down did I see that some of the dashboard lights relating to the brake system stayed lit and not turn off like they normally do. These lights appear to be brake warning, ABS warning, and anti-skidding lights. The brake problem has been inspected and confirmed by both an independent service center as well as the Toyota dealer. The failed brake component was diagnosed as an abnormal leak in the accumulator, and the brake booster with master cylinder assembly requiring replacement, with the code #c1391. After having done some research, it appears that this exact brake problem seems to be afflicting many such generation Toyota Prius vehicles, and the manufacturer Toyota was aware of this problem existing in such vehicles.

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