What 399 owners told NHTSA about the 2013 Toyota Prius Phev

The brake light, abs light, and traction control light is on. This was a known issue with Toyota Prius. They extended the warranty but failed to adequately notify user. I believe this is a serious safety issue and should be a recall as it affects the adequate stopping of a car, not just an extended warranty.

NHTSA ODI 11749675

I am filing a formal safety complaint regarding a catastrophic brake component failure on my 2013 Toyota Prius, occurring at less than 83,000 miles. The vehicle’s Brake Master Cylinder/Actuator Assembly has suffered an internal hydraulic pressure leak, causing the electric booster pump to run continuously to prevent a total loss of braking assist. This is a well-documented manufacturing defect that directly compromises passenger safety, drastically increases stopping distances, and threatens a complete loss of power assist while driving. Toyota explicitly acknowledged this inherent design flaw through its Customer Support Program (ZJB). However, they limited coverage to a strict 10-year expiration date from the first date of use. Because my vehicle has exceptionally low mileage and was driven gently, the component took longer to degrade, causing it to fail just outside Toyota's arbitrary time limit. Limiting safety coverage based on time rather than mileage penalizes owners of low-mileage vehicles for an engineered factory defect.

NHTSA ODI 11747592

On June 20, 2026 while driving the Toyota Prius I experienced a sudden brake failure. Initially I thought I might have pressed the accelerator instead of the brake. But then pressing the brake I found the car did not stop and the ABS brake, brake lights, and other lights lit up on the dash board. The car had only 61,150 on the odometer. I called on Toyota for their warranty coverage but they declined saying that the vehicle is no longer covered. This brake failure should have been under Recall. AAA auto service has pulled C1391 vehicle code - requiring removing and replacing brake booster pump assembly with master cylinder, etc.

NHTSA ODI 11745987

There have been several reports of this matter and a ton of recalls due to the Brake Booster issues with all Prius makes and models from 2010 on. The recall was issued and ended before I purchased this vehicle and never fixed. The brake booster has recently began having trouble in my vehicle. I purchased it in February of 2024, the recalls all show they quit honoring them in 2023.

NHTSA ODI 11745078

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ODI 11740656

Brake booster went out, car only has 78,000 miles

NHTSA ODI 11740684

Brake pedal is going all the way to the floor the car barely stops. The ABS and brake lights show up on the dashboard and won't go away; when I used a diagnostic scanner to find the problem, three malfunction codes involving the brake system showed up. This has been going on for five days now, and I am going to take it to the manufacturer for further inspection.

NHTSA ODI 11738525

Actuator needs replacing, currently at 127k miles and displaying traction control, brake and ABS warning lights. The repair will be a few thousand dollars, the cars market value is only around $6k. This is a known Toyota defect for this generation of Prius but Toyota hasn’t recalled these vehicles. I think Toyota should have to pay. The vehicle is out of warranty at 127k miles and it’s a 2013

NHTSA ODI 11736288

Year/Make/Model: 2013 Toyota Prius • Component: Brake Booster Assembly with Master Cylinder (Part #47070-47060) Description of the Defect: After approximately 30–40 minutes of driving, my dashboard illuminates with the Brake, ABS, and VSC warning lights simultaneously. The brake pedal becomes inconsistent and requires significantly more effort to stop the vehicle. This is a known internal fluid leak within the brake booster assembly that causes the accumulator pump to run continuously and ultimately reduces braking performance — a direct safety hazard. Why This Requires Federal Attention: This is not an isolated incident. Hundreds of 2013 Prius owners have reported identical symptoms, with associated diagnostic trouble codes C1391, C1252, C1256, and C1253. Toyota acknowledged this defect by issuing Technical Service Bulletin TSB-0089-20 and a Customer Support Program (ZJB) providing limited extended warranty coverage. However, that program was not well publicized . I was never informed as a vehicle owner . And it has now expired, leaving thousands of owners with a dangerous defect and repair bills costing thousands . A safety defect of this magnitude — one that can result in sudden, significant loss of braking ability — should not have an expiration date on its remedy. Toyota has not issued a mandatory recall, and owners continue to unknowingly drive vehicles with compromised brake systems. Requested Action: I respectfully urge NHTSA to: 1.Open a formal investigation into this defect across all affected 2013–2015 Toyota Prius model years 2.Require Toyota to issue a mandatory safety recall 3.Compel Toyota to cover repair costs for all affected owners regardless of mileage or age of vehicle

NHTSA ODI 11736173

THE ABS brake system is now making a noise that is directly related to the failure of the brake pump booster and associated parts. I only know about this as I was able to look up other people that have heard a noise coming from it and I was able to directly compare my sound to video recordings of other priuses that make that noise just before the system fully fails. Mine has not yet completely failed and there are no warning lights yet, nor are there any "recalls" out for my VIN number. My car is also outside of the 10 year "extension" that toyota issued for he part, but is well under the 150,000 mile marker that toyota chose. It's at around 113,000 miles currently. I listed the date of the incident as the first date that I began hearing this noise. Please help.

NHTSA ODI 11734819

Brake booster failed. We were driving on the freeway and almost got into a pile up. Brakes completely stopped working and pedal became very stiff. The more I look it is this is an extremely common issue

NHTSA ODI 11733682

My 2013 Toyota Prius with only 99,000 miles is experiencing a brake system failure. The brake warning light, ABS light, and traction control light all illuminate. The brake actuator pump runs every 10 seconds, indicating loss of hydraulic pressure. Safety concern: This issue affects braking performance and disables ABS and traction control, creating a safety hazard, especially in emergency braking situations. This appears to be a known issue with Toyota Prius brake actuator assemblies. Toyota previously issued a warranty extension, but my vehicle is now outside the time window despite low mileage. This failure occurred prematurely and without warning. What happened: The warning lights temporarily went off after adding brake fluid but returned shortly after. The pump continues to cycle frequently, indicating system failure.

NHTSA ODI 11730517

While driving my 2013 Toyota Prius, the red brake warning light, traction control, and ABS warning light suddenly illuminated on the dashboard. The brake pedal became spongy and required significantly more effort to stop the vehicle, indicating reduced braking power. The vehicle was diagnosed with code C1391 — abnormal leak in the brake booster accumulator assembly — a known manufacturing defect acknowledged by Toyota via Customer Support Program bulletin ZG1 for 2010–2015 Prius vehicles. The brake accumulator was replaced by a repair shop (ARC Auto Repair, Pasadena, CA), but the issue has recurred. The symptom is pressure-dependent: brake performance degrades in Eco drive mode as accumulator pressure bleeds down, and partially restores in Power mode when the system is forced to repressurize. Toyota dealership (Hamer Toyota, Mission Hills, CA) and Toyota Customer Experience (1-800-331-4331) both declined to assist, citing expired warranty. This is a known safety-critical defect in the braking system that Toyota has previously acknowledged. No crash or injury occurred, but the reduced braking capability presents a significant safety risk to the driver and public.

NHTSA ODI 11730038

This vehicle qualifies for a repair under T-SB-0024-19. However, this TSB expired in 2023 but the defect and responsibility shouldn't. The car didn't qualify for the repair before the TSB expired, but does now. Because the bulletin was issued and Toyota as acknowledged the repair is needed I have asked them to cover the repair as if it was prior to expiration date. Without the pricey repair, the car is unsafe to drive at no fault of the purchaser. The TSB covers the brake booster and brake booster pump and fail. Do lives have to be put at risk for Toyota to honor and repair the very thing they know is faulty? The car has under 115,000 miles and the issue just started in February. The dealership refuses to provide an itemized repair receipt. The ticket just outlines warranty information of the repair and the second are the techs notes provided via text.

NHTSA ODI 11728922

My 2013 Prius brake booster aassembly with aster cylinder had to be replaced for the sum $3996.75. Milage on the vehicle was 109,541. The car 's brake light went on and the engine area a buzzing occured. The car was very difficult to stop and I was concerned enough to drive the vehicle home and have it towed to the [XXX] Toyota dealer. I was informed that I needed a brake booster assembly and master cylinder the quote was about four thousand dollars. Attached is my paid bill for $3996.75. The VIN number of the car is [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11728260

This is the 3rd time I have had to address this issue. The ABS system fails, resulting in increased braking distances. The dealership refuses to warranty or recall this dangerous defect, replacing the parts which fail again. Symptoms include increased braking distance, extremely hard pedal, lack of ABS function, lack of traction control, lack of hybrid regen. The entire dash lights up with indicators for all these functions.

NHTSA ODI 11722019

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.

NHTSA ODI 11721011

I was driving and notice ABS light and other light came on, then noticed that when I tried to brake it felt weak, had to pump brake, then later noticed a leak on brake fluid. I took car to Toyota and they checked it and said brake booster and booster pump needed replacing and they wanted to charge me 3,000 dollars. I could not do the job so I checked around and the auto one in my area informed me that many Toyota Prius’s had a recall on that issue. I made an appointment with Parks Toyota in Deland, Florida to fix problem but when he got there they told me that my car was not on recall for that but was for battery EV fuse but couldn’t do because my engine light was off. I am having such a difficult time with this car. I cannot risk my life and that of others driving with this brake condition if I can’t have the manufacturer or who ever has to to take care of this issue. So far I was able to get a mechanic to do some adjustments so I can drive. I am being very careful and only use it as needed. I stopped looking for a part-time job because I need this fixed first. I am [XXX] , please tell me if I am able to get this recall show for me. Thanks INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11716671

The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while coming to a stop, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle unexpectedly lunged forward. The ABS warning light and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000.

NHTSA ODI 11713353

ABS warning light illuminated and the system failed while driving, causing longer braking distance and reduced steering control during braking. I am concerned this ABS malfunction increased the risk of a crash for me and other road users.

NHTSA ODI 11713285

The brake actuator/ABS hydraulic system on my 2013 Toyota Prius failed. The component is available for inspection upon request, as it was replaced by a Toyota dealership. Prior to failure, the vehicle intermittently displayed ABS, Traction Control, and VSC warning lights while driving, which would sometimes clear on their own but eventually became persistent. This condition reduced or disabled ABS, traction control, and vehicle stability functions, increasing the risk of loss of control or reduced braking effectiveness, particularly in emergency braking or low-traction conditions. The problem was reproduced and confirmed by a Toyota dealer, who diagnosed the failure using diagnostic code C1391 indicating internal brake actuator malfunction. The vehicle was inspected by the manufacturer’s authorized dealer, who replaced the brake actuator assembly after three days of repair at a cost of approximately $3,000. Warning lamps were present for months prior to the final repair and gradually progressed from intermittent to constant, indicating a worsening failure of a known issue affecting this generation of Prius vehicles.

NHTSA ODI 11711995

I was driving on Saturday January 10th, 2026, when out of nowhere all of my dash warning lights came on and the brakes felt spongy and unresponsive. I had to limp home with 20% of my brake capacity which was very scary. Did some research and it was my brake actuator that went out. Dealer quoted me $4,000 to fix! This is a very common issue with Priuses between 2005-2015 and it's a crime that the part has NOT been recalled. Please put out a recall for this part. Toyota has already had a class-action lawsuit so precedent has been set. I have no idea how I'm going to pay $4,000 to fix this, I'm recently unemployed. Please hold Toyota liable!

NHTSA ODI 11710284

Crack in the Engine. I had been following the recommended Maintenance schedule, but I suddenly had issues where the engine would stall/stutter on activation (switching from electric to motor operation). The check engine light came on, and I immediately took it to the dealer who replaced the battery and spark plugs saying that was the issue. That solution did not even last a month, as I had sometimes severe shaking in the engine along with the stutter. I again brought it to the dealership who told me that the actual problem was a cracked head gasket and that the vehicle was "mechanically totaled". I was lucky that I live close to the dealership and worry what would have happened if I had to drive on it further.

NHTSA ODI 11709373

Red brake light came on, traction control light came on, ABS light came on, Toyota says my brake pump needs replaced. That my brake will fail.

NHTSA ODI 11705122

On [XXX], we were driving from Coalinga, CA to Phoenix, AZ for Thanksgiving. As we began to descend into Los Angeles on [XXX], three warning indicators suddenly went on: the ABS warning light, the traction control light and the brake warning light. The brakes still worked but the brake assist was weakened. We pulled over as soon as possible at the nearest AutoZone. The employee performed a standard handheld OBD-II scan of the vehicle and did not detect any issues. We continued on our way through Los Angeles and to San Bernadino where we were spending the night. At one point the indicator lights went off for a few minutes but then came back on. We spent the night in San Bernadino, and the next day (11/26/2025), we took the car into the San Bernadino Toyota Dealership as we felt it was unsafe to keep driving. The dealer conducted a thorough full brake and hybrid system diagnostic and confirmed that the failure was inside the brake booster system. The repair estimate states: "Brake booster assembly with master cylinder and brake booster pump assembly have an internal leak." Thus, Toyota's own technician identified an internal hydraulic leak within the booster system, affecting the booster assembly, master cylinder, and booster pump assembly. The total repair estimate is $3,959.99. This is a major safety defect affecting sealed hydraulic components that are not part of routine wear-and-tear. There were 4 people in the car. Fortunately, the brake failure did not result in an accident, but it could have if we had kept driving on to our destination. We contacted the Toyota Brand Engagement Center to ask for Goodwill Assistance, but they were unable to help us. In addition to the repair costs, we have incurred rental car costs. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11703465