2013 Toyota Prius: multiple warning lights

Filed Oct 19, 2026 · Brakes · CA

On XXX, at approximately 152,570 miles, the brake, ABS, and traction-control warning lights illuminated at the same time on my 2013 Toyota Prius. The brakes felt spongy, and I heard a recurring buzzing sound approximately every 3 seconds. Because of the change in brake-pedal feel and concerns about braking safety, I stopped using the vehicle. I reported the problem to Longo Toyota in [XXX], which directed me to Toyota customer support. The vehicle was subsequently diagnosed with trouble code C1391, “Internal Leak in Accumulator.” I contacted the dealership and Toyota customer support about Customer Support Program ZJB, which addressed code C1391 brake booster and brake booster pump failures. Toyota denied coverage because the failure occurred outside the program’s time and mileage limits. The symptoms began only 2,570 miles beyond the 150,000-mile limit. My primary concern is **safety**, not simply the expiration of coverage. The vehicle developed spongy brakes, multiple warning lights, and frequent buzzing. The diagnosis appears consistent with the type of brake-system failure Toyota previously addressed through ZJB. I request that the federal safety agency investigate whether this condition constitutes a safety defect affecting 2013 Toyota Prius vehicles and whether a recall or other corrective action is warranted, including for vehicles that develop the failure after the support program expires. I can provide the diagnostic report and available supporting records. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Feb 27, 2026 · Brakes · DC

While driving my 2013 Toyota Prius (110,691 miles), multiple warning lights suddenly illuminated on the dashboard, including the ABS, Brake, and Stability Control lights. I initially took the vehicle to an independent specialist (DC Line), but the mechanic there suggested I take it directly to Toyota because his staff recognized this as a known manufacturing defect that should be covered by the manufacturer. A Toyota dealership confirmed diagnostic code C1391, which indicates an internal high-pressure leak in the brake actuator and booster assembly. This is a critical safety defect that causes the brake pedal to become soft and unpredictable, significantly increasing stopping distances and disabling the ABS system. This poses a direct threat to my safety and others on the road. Toyota is fully aware of this defect through Customer Support Program ZJB, but they are refusing to cover the repair because of an arbitrary expiration date they set for 2023. I am currently 40,000 miles under the 150,000-mile limit Toyota established for this exact part failure, yet they are using the 2023 calendar date to deny coverage. Furthermore, I was never properly informed of this defect. Toyota claims they sent a single notification card in 2018, which I never received. I am now being forced to pay $3,000 out of pocket for a manufacturing flaw that even independent mechanics recognize as Toyota’s responsibility. It is unacceptable that a manufacturer can avoid responsibility for a dangerous braking failure by relying on a single postcard and an arbitrary 2023 deadline on a vehicle well under the mileage limit. This should be a mandatory safety recall, as the safety of a vehicle's braking system should not depend on a postcard or a calendar date.

Filed Nov 11, 2025 · Brakes · CA

brakes had no stopping power. Normally when braking it was smooth. All the lights went on. Toyota dealer confirmed that the brake booster Pump Assembly and Brake Master Assembly needs to be replaced.

Filed Nov 5, 2025 · Brakes · TX

Brake actuator went out on 2013 Toyota Prius Gen 5. The part is very expensive and in my opinion is a part that should not have to be replaced. The care has 120,000 miles. It is driven very softly, meaning not fast and hard but commuting to work and grocery store as needed. A nice commuter. It is not fast but gets you there. The actuator put me at risk as stepping on the brake was hard and the car did not want to stop and I was close to hitting the car in front of me. All the lights came on at the dashboard and I was very scared to continue to drive and had to get a tow truck.

Filed Aug 11, 2025 · Brakes, Driver assistance · TN

The ABS system and the brake actuator began to fail, which triggered multiple warning lights. The Toyota dealership service department confirmed that the Anti-lock brake system and the actuator needed to be replaced, a $3800 value.

Filed Jun 16, 2025 · Brakes · NC

6/12/25 I'm driving my 2013 Prius w 123K m through a construction zone. The road became bumpy and when I depressed the brake nothing happened. Thinking I must have hit air or be imagining things I tried the other pedal. The acceleration re-oriented me to the fact that my brakes were non-existent. Many lights I've never seen illuminated on the dash as I looked into my mothers eyes to say we had no brakes. I was somehow able to pull safely. After the initial loss of braking I discovered I had a small amount of stop if I put the pedal on the floor. The closest local shop thought most of the internal braking system related to the pump and actuator would need to be replaced but requested I get an opinion from Toyota. At drop off I had requested they top off the brake fluid, despite their informing me that was never necessary. Perhaps this repressurized the system because upon visiting the car all dash lights were off and the brakes felt normalish. The shop did not know why. This is my only transportation.At 9:30 in the AM 6/14/25 I proceeded to the closest Toyota dealership w the safest direct route slowly with hazard lights and lots of space from other cars. While waiting for diagnosis I discovered this exact issue was a known defect and had been the subject of a class action lawsuit and customer service bulletin of which i had no notice. Since 2022/2023 the car had been briefly and consistently losing traction over minor bumpy conditions. Without notice of the issue I had no way to know this was a precursor to Total brake failure. This car was serviced at 3 Toyota dealerships during the extended warranty authorized by the CSB. I was never apprised of the potential issue, and expressly requested a list of recalls related to my vehicle at Lumberton Toyota in 2022 which they refused to provide. I therefore googled recalls, but this issue was not a recall. I have never heard of a CSB. Two Toyota dealers quoted me the full price to replace the braking system, $3,273.94.

Filed Oct 22, 2024 · Brakes, Driver assistance · CA

Took car in for repair because all the warning lights are on. The repair shop quoted $1200 for Anti lock braking actuator system which is defective. This is a huge safety issue and a costly repair from Toyota.

Filed Jul 8, 2024 · Brakes · CA

As I was driving my vehicle, all lights related to ABS system came on and stayed on. This included the traction light, the ABS light, and the brake light. My brake pedal became much less responsive and took more pressure to activate the brakes in the car. If I had needed to brake suddenly, I don't know that my car would have stopped. I took it to the dealer and they said there is an abnormal leak inside the ABS accumulator.

Filed May 29, 2024 · Brakes · CA

2013 Prius lit up like a Christmas tree last night. Traction control, brake, and abs warning lights all came on at once. The brake feel really weird and luckily I was like 3 miles away from home

Filed Mar 15, 2024 · Brakes · TX

- The Hydraulic Brakes, or brake actuator, failed. I have taken it to my local mechanic and they confirmed. - My brakes are operating at a substantially reduced capacity - an emergency mode that only allows for the front brakes to work - Yes, my local mechanic confirmed the problem - It has only been inspected by my local mechanic - yes, several warning lights came on while I was driving.

Filed Mar 6, 2024 · Brakes · FL

Several dashboard lights came on suddenly when braking. Upon speaking with the dealership it was determined that I experienced sudden brake actuator failure resulting in loss of braking power. Fortunately, it was not complete loss of braking or it could have been dangerous to myself and others on the road. Upon researching this issue, I have discovered that brake actuator failures are not uncommon in Toyota Prius models, and there have been numerous reports and complaints from other owners facing similar problems. This raises serious questions about the integrity of the brake system in these vehicles and the potential for widespread safety hazards.

Filed Aug 23, 2023 · Brakes · 93,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at 35 MPH, when the contact's wife depressed the brake pedal, the brakes were inoperable and inadvertently all the warning lights illuminated on the control; however, the wife then let off the brake pedal and then depressed the brake pedal again and was able to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that the wife was able to safely drive the vehicle to their residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed as having an ABS control module failure and needed to be replaced; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure; a case was filed, but the manufacturer provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.