Toyota Prius hesitation problems

Filed Nov 1, 2026 · Brakes · NV

I own a 2012 Toyota Prius with approximately 132,000 miles. I first experienced problems with the braking system approximately one year ago, in 2025. The ABS, brake, and other warning lights began illuminating intermittently, and I experienced occasional hesitation in braking response. I was concerned enough about the vehicle's safety that I stopped driving it for an extended period. After recently returning the vehicle to service, the warning lights continued to appear intermittently, even when the brakes seemed to function normally. An independent mechanic inspected the vehicle but could not retrieve a diagnostic code at that time. On November 1, 2026, an ABS diagnostic scan at O'Reilly Auto Parts confirmed trouble code C1391, "Abnormal Leak of Accumulator Pressure." The diagnostic report recommended replacement of the brake booster and master cylinder. Toyota previously acknowledged this brake booster problem through Customer Support Program ZJB, which covered certain 2010–2015 Prius vehicles with this defect. Despite my vehicle having fewer than 150,000 miles, Toyota informed me that the coverage period had expired and that no exceptions would be granted. I am concerned that this known braking system defect can develop in vehicles that remain in service after Toyota's limited coverage expires. The intermittent nature of the malfunction makes it particularly concerning because the brakes may appear normal even when an underlying hydraulic pressure problem exists. I request that the federal safety agency investigate whether this defect warrants a safety recall rather than a time-limited customer support program. My diagnostic report is available, and the vehicle can be made available for inspection upon request.

Filed Nov 3, 2025 · Brakes · 94,100 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15-20 MPH, the ABS, brakes, and the traction control warning lights, and the malfunction indicator light were illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle hesitated to respond while depressing the brake pedal, causing the braking distance to be extended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with an abnormal leak in the accumulator and a leak in the brake booster pump. The dealer determined that the brake master cylinder and the brake booster pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,100.

Filed Sep 19, 2025 · Brakes · 186,000 miles · OK

The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal went to the floorboard, and the vehicle hesitated while responding. The traction control, ABS, BRAKES, and cruise control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Gasket Masters Inc, where it was diagnosed and determined that the ABS assembly was leaking fluid into the braking system, and the ABS module had failed, causing the brake pump to fail. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the malfunction warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 186,000.

Filed Jul 18, 2025 · Fuel system · AZ

During hot temperatures and after coming to a full stop, the car stalls/hesitates significantly (5-6seconds) when pushing the gas pedal. The car eventually proceeds but the issue reoccurs. It can only be intermittently reproduced and no codes are shown on the car dashboard. Mechanics are unable to identify the source of the issue so it cannot be resolved.

Filed May 16, 2025 · Brakes · 140,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the ABS and traction control warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that while attempting to depress the brake pedal, the vehicle hesitated while responding. The contact stated that there was a buzzing sound coming from accumulator pump. The dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to Nico's Auto Repair where it was diagnosed and determined that the brake booster and accumulator assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.

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 Feb 28, 2023 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 135,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2010 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle started to hesitate. The ABS and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that there was brake message displayed. During the failure the brake pedal had to be depressed twice before the vehicle responded. The vehicle was taken to the local Service Center who diagnosed that power brake booster and master cylinder needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle did not qualify for the Extended Warranty related to the failure. The local dealer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 135,000.

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 Nov 23, 2021 · Brakes · 139,000 miles · KY

The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but hesitated to respond. The contact did not recall the number of feet in stopping distance delay. The ABS warning light, traction control warning light, tire pressure warning light, and an unknown warning light were illuminated. The Brake message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the brake booster and the brake booster pump needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that the failure was a known failure however, the extended warranty had expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 139,000.

Filed Jun 13, 2019 · Brakes · GA

When driving my 2006 prius I am unable to stop properly. The brakes go all the way down but it hesitates to stop I get a loud peeping and the ABS lights are coming on. I almost hit another car while driving and the brakes are good. I was told that there was a warranty on this vehicle that deals with the ABS system. The warranty has expired and toyota is price gauging to fix it, can someone look into this because it is a safety concern and toyota knows about this issue but wont work with people to fix it?