While backing out of a parking space at low speed, the rear axle beam (torsion beam) broke apart and the rear wheel assembly tore away from the beam. The vehicle was towed. The beam shows heavy, long-standing corrosion with flaking scale and rust-through holes on its exterior near the rear mounting points. Six weeks earlier, on September 16, 2026, a Toyota dealer performed a multipoint inspection and tire rotation and marked the suspension and corrosion items as “Checked and OK.” No warning was given. Had this failure occurred at highway speed, it could have caused a loss of control and a serious crash. Other owners have reported the same rear axle beam corrosion failure on 2010–2015 Prius models.
The worst 2014 Toyota Prius problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Brakes103
- Electrical33
- Engine17
- Driver assistance15
- Acceleration14
- Airbags14
- Visibility12
- Fuel system10
- Body9
- Steering8
- Lights6
- Transmission6
- Seats4
- Seat belts2
- Suspension2
- Tires2
- Wheels1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2014 Toyota Prius
ABS 45Brake failure 18Stalling 12No deployment 8Loss of power 8Warning lights 8Headlights 7Spongy pedal 6
Trouble codes owners of the 2014 Toyota Prius mention
C1391 20C1252 3C1253 3C1256 3
Recalls 3
Hybrid propulsion system: inverter
- What is wrong
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Prius and 2014-2017 Prius V vehicles not included in recall 18V‑684. Excessive voltage in the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) within the inverter may cause the hybrid system to shut down, causing the vehicle to stall while being driven.
- Risk
- An unexpected hybrid power system shut down may increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will perform a software update for the hybrid system. If the vehicle has experienced an inverter failure with certain hybrid system faults related to this condition, the inverter assembly will be repaired or replaced, prior to software update. All repairs will be performed free of charge. This recall began July 24, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1‑888‑270‑9371. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TB10 / 20TA10.
Recall number 20V369000 · Recall details
Hybrid propulsion system
- What is wrong
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Toyota Prius and 2012-2014 Toyota Prius V vehicles. Excessive voltage in the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) within the inverter may cause the hybrid system to shut down, causing the vehicle to stall while being driven.
- Risk
- If the hybrid system shuts down unexpectedly, it can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the motor/generator control electronic control unit (ECU) and the hybrid control ECU as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 22, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1‑888‑270‑9371. Toyota's number for this recall is J0V. Note: The software updates in this recall are needed even if the vehicle had the software previously updated under recalls 14V‑053 or 15V‑449.
Recall number 18V684000 · Recall details
Electrical system: software
- What is wrong
- Toyota is recalling certain model year 2010 through 2014 Prius vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) inside the inverter module (a component of the hybrid system) contains transistors that may become damaged from high operating temperatures. If this occurs, various warning lamps will be illuminated on the instrument panel and the vehicle will have reduced power allowing it to only drive a short distance.
- Risk
- The vehicle may enter a fail-safe/limp-home mode that limits the drivability of the vehicle. The hybrid system could also shut down completely resulting in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Toyota will notify owners and dealers will update the software for both the motor/generator control electronic control unit (ECU) and the hybrid control ECU, free of charge. If an owner experiences a failure of the inverter before the vehicle receives updated software, the dealer will repair or replace the inverter assembly with a new one at no charge. The recall began on March 21, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1‑800‑331‑4331.
Recall number 14V053000 · Recall details
See all 3 recalls for the 2014 Toyota Prius
Defect investigations
Brake Actuator Valve Wear
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received a petition dated September 19, 2023 from the owner of a 2012 Toyota Prius V requesting that ODI reevaluate its decision to deny DP19-004. In the letter, the petitioner reported experiencing an unexpected and complete loss of brake power while driving, accompanied by multiple dashboard warning lights. This petition is based on the petitioner's direct experience and assessment that ODI closed DP19-004 because its prompting petition was withdrawn by that petitioner. ODI will review the work conducted during DP19-004 and a review of any additional related complaints and crashes via a new defect petition The petition and related materials can be reviewed at under the following ODI number:11553736.
DP23005
Pedestrian alert sounds
the federal safety agency received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, the federal safety agency opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified the federal safety agency he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by the federal safety agency regarding the subject matter of the petition.
DP22005
Brake Actuator Valve Wear
On September 19, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a defect petition from Mr. Roger Hogan requesting that the Agency investigate and recall certain Toyota Prius, Prius PHV, Camry Hybrid and Avalon Hybrid vehicles for a brake actuator valve wear condition covered under Toyota Customer Support Programs ZJB and ZKK (subject CSP?s). In support of his request, the petitioner identified 117 the federal safety agency complaints allegedly related to the subject CSP condition, including 60 reporting crashes. On September 30, 2019, ODI opened Defect Petition DP19-004 to evaluate the petitioner?s request for an investigation. In August 2020, the petitioner notified the Agency that he was withdrawing his petition. Because the petitioner has withdrawn the petition, we are denying the petition as moot and no further analysis of this petition is necessary.the federal safety agency is authorized to issue an order requiring notification and remedy of a defect if the Agency?s investigation shows a defect in the design, construction, or performance of a motor vehicle that presents an unreasonable risk to safety. 49 U.S.C. ?? 30102(a)(9), 30118. Because the petitioner has with withdrawn the petition, the petition is denied as moot. This action does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency notes that it is not required to receive a defect petition prior to opening a defect investigation and will take further action if warranted by future circumstances.
DP19004
Technical service bulletins for the 2014 Toyota Prius 427
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Obsolete notice
- This bulletin includes basic procedures for performing a rescue charge on Ni-MH high voltage (HV) batteries
- Condition in which a musty odor is present
- The air conditioning dye injection tool kit has been developed to aid in identifying the location of air...
- Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical...
- To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used...
- The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix...
- Toyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal...
- Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad...
- Condition in which a musty odor is present
2014 Toyota Prius fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8L 4‑cyl Plug-in hybrid | FWD | 51 | 49 | 50 |
| 1.8L 4‑cyl Hybrid | FWD | 49 | 46 | 48 |
What 2014 Toyota Prius owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The Toyota Prius, models through 2010 - 2015 have a known issue with the Brake Booster (actuator) and ABS Pump where the parts will degrade and break at or around 100,000mi. Toyota issued a bulletin and had a replacement program that covered the part that has since elapsed but has not corrected the issue with existing stock and inventory so the problem remains. When I purchased my car I was the 2nd owner, the car was purchased with roughly 160,000mi. The previous owner had informed me that he already replaced the actuator and ABS pump so I wouldn't have to worry about that repair. All told he said he spent $4000+ on the repair. When the car was driving I heard a high pitched whine. I took it to garages after my OBD tools could not identify the issue, no one had a fix and speculated that it was a power inverter and it was normal. Some weeks later, I was involved in an accident where the car did not stop in time, the brake went spongy and locked up, ABS failed to activate with no warnings or indicators. This is what first led me to suspect something wrong with the ABS. later the persistent whine was loud enough that I could identify that it was hydraulic in nature, pointing to the brakes. Within weeks the whine had stopped and my brake, ABS, and TCS lights came on, on the cluster. My OBD indicated that the ABS pump and Brake actuator were giving codes to the ECM. I replace it, and at about 240,000mi it went out again. Due to the extremely expensive nature of the part I purchased a used part which is now also bad. Toyota informed me that they have no intention of passing a recall notice or fixing the defective part. I would imagine that if the NHSTA looked into crashes involving this model and year group they would see an unusually high trend of these getting into an accident around 100,000mi increments. I believe that a recall should be issued due to the serious safety implications of potential defective cars on the road that may not be able to brake in time.
My vehicle is experiencing the well-known brake booster failure. This started at 90,000 miles, with an increased frequency in the running of the brake booster. It has steadily gotten worse, and now the pump runs with every brake application or every 13 seconds. There is now a hissing sound when I apply the brakes. I have repeatedly taken this to Toyota dealers and have been told: "The system is working as designed; no issues found". When I asked why the pump runs so frequently. No response. This is a $4,000 repair that Toyota should step up and fix. The next step in the degradation of this part is a loss of brake pressure. I tried resolving this matter with Toyota Corporate and was denied, even though my mileage is well below the extended coverage for this part of 150K miles and 10 years.
Facing brake booster/accumulator leak at ~105,000 miles diagnosed and confirmed by a mechanic at an independent service center. Problem is characterized by a hissing and chirping sound from the brakes. No warning lights appear on the dash, but this is a known problem with the 2014 Prius. Brake system could fail at any time, preventing the car from stopping. Repair of this system requires a >$2,500 payment. Toyota had an extended warranty up to 10 years after the car was purchased or before 150,000 miles. In this situation, the problem showed up after this time (2026), preventing compensation for repairs.
ABS and brake light are on. was on the freeway and when i pressed the brake the wheels got locked and the car made a 360 spin, it almost flipped over
While driving my 2014 Toyota Prius, the BRAKE, ABS, and vehicle stability/traction control warning lights illuminated. There was no crash, injury, or noticeable loss of braking before the warnings appeared, and there were no preceding symptoms. The vehicle was evaluated by Mac Haik Toyota in League City, TX, an authorized Toyota dealer. They diagnosed DTC C1391, “Abnormal Leak of Accumulator,” and determined that the brake booster and brake booster pump/accumulator assembly require replacement. The dealer advised that the vehicle cannot be driven and is considered down. The vehicle/components are available for inspection upon request. My safety concern is that this is a brake-system malfunction serious enough that an authorized Toyota dealer has determined the vehicle cannot be driven. Toyota previously established Customer Support Program ZJB addressing internal malfunctions of the brake booster and brake booster pump assemblies in 2011–2015 Prius vehicles. Toyota’s documentation specifically identifies C1391 as a diagnostic code associated with this condition. My Prius has only approximately 102,000 miles, well below the program’s 150,000-mile limitation, but is outside its 10-year time limitation. The Toyota replacement part required to repair the brake system is now backordered with no known timeframe for availability. Because Toyota has advised the vehicle cannot be driven, it will remain out of service until the part becomes available. I am reporting this because a previously identified brake-system failure continues to occur after Toyota’s support period expires. I ask the federal safety agency to consider whether continued C1391 brake booster/accumulator failures in these Prius vehicles warrant further investigation or safety action.
I am submitting this complaint regarding a serious safety concern involving the brake actuator/booster assembly on my 2014 Toyota Prius. My vehicle has experienced failure of this critical braking component and has been unable to be properly repaired since November due to difficulty obtaining the correct replacement parts. This involves a major safety system required for proper braking operation. Brake actuator/booster assembly. Diagnostic codes: B1206, B2321, C1252, C1253 C1256. Toyota previously acknowledged brake actuator concerns through Customer Support Program ZJB. However, my vehicle is outside the program limits despite experiencing what appears to be the same type of failure reported by many other Prius owners. Since November, I have faced difficulty obtaining the correct parts, reports of nationwide backorders or limited availability, conflicting information regarding updated Toyota part numbers, and concerns about repair providers advertising new OEM parts that may actually be aftermarket or incorrect components. This creates a safety concern because owners experiencing brake failures may be unable to obtain timely repairs using verified, appropriate parts. Repair estimates have ranged from approximately $3,000 to over $4,000, including a Toyota dealership estimate of approximately $4,100. This creates a significant barrier to restoring a vehicle to safe operation, especially involving a component Toyota has previously addressed through a customer support program. I request that the federal safety agency review this complaint and similar reports to determine whether further investigation is warranted regarding Toyota Prius brake actuator failures, parts availability issues, and whether additional manufacturer action or support is needed. A vehicle’s braking system is a fundamental safety component. Owners should be able to obtain a safe and reliable repair without months of delay or uncertainty regarding replacement parts.
My car experienced a failing brake actuator/accumulator. The first sign was the ABS and break lights accompanied by a whoosing sound. The issue causes intermittent system wide break failure and renders the car undriveable. Toyota had an extended warranty for this issue but that offer was closed by the time my car had the failure even though it was still under 150,000 miles. I believe this is a significant safety issue and should rise to the level of a recall by Toyota.
Brake actuator had been making noises and it finally stopped working on 7/14/26. Thankfully my car was and stopped and parked. The car has 137k miles on it, one owner and no explanation of what caused this. There were no accidents, abuse, or failure to maintenance.
The traction control, abs, and emergency brake light came on. We checked and the code produced was C1391. There’s a humming noise every 10 or so seconds when idle. The humming noise is also present when braking. We did some research and this appears to be an issue with Toyota Prius. We called the dealership and were informed that this was not a known issue. Thank you.
Compare the 2014 Toyota Prius
Prius vs Toyota Camry HybridPrius vs Ford Fusion HybridPrius vs Honda Accord HybridPrius vs Honda Insight
Other model years
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Questions about the 2014 Toyota Prius
Is the 2014 Toyota Prius reliable?
Owners have filed 211 complaints about the 2014 Toyota Prius, 1.3 times a typical Prius model year.
What is the 2014 Toyota Prius year score?
The 2014 Toyota Prius scores 63 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Toyota Prius: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2014 Toyota Prius?
Brakes, with 103 complaints, typically around 60,000 miles. Next is electrical (33).
How many recalls does the 2014 Toyota Prius have?
3 recalls, covering hybrid propulsion system and electrical system.
What year does the Toyota Prius have bad brakes?
The Toyota Prius model years with the most brakes complaints are 2010 (1,945 complaints), 2008 (391 complaints) and 2007 (331 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2014 Toyota Prius get?
Official estimates for the 2014 Toyota Prius range from 48 to 50 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.8L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid, FWD) gets 51 city and 49 highway.
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