What 359 owners told NHTSA about the 2013 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid

My 2013 Prius Plug-In Hybrid with 131k miles on it showed the ABS, Brake, and Traction Control lights while driving last week. Diagnostics from auto shop showed DTC code C1391. System is available for inspection upon request. Safety is definitely at risk, since I am needing to drive it around to assess the issue, and brakes could fail at any time. Vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others. After speaking to Toyota, I was informed that--although under 150k miles--my car is not covered by the extended warranty because it is 2 years past the 10 year requirement. I drove my car very little between 2020-2022 because of the global pandemic. This is a very common issue with 2012-2015 models caused by a defective part, and it's likely that the problem does not commonly present itself until after the warranty expires.

NHTSA ODI 11697772

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.

NHTSA ODI 11697794

I had my car serviced Oct 21 and when I picked it up the vehicle brakes made a whooshing noise and felt spongy. I thought it must be ok as they had just serviced it but when it became apparent this could be a problem I took it back Nov 1 and was told the hydraulic brake booster pump needing replacing at the cost of $3400. I was shocked as they told me it could break completely AT ANY TIME but the brakes would still work. I decided to drive it home as that is an enormous car repair bill and I would have to get financing or get a different car. I didn't want to make rash decisions. I investigated the issue and found out this was a recall for these vehicles for 2010 through 2019 models. This same dealer did not mention this to me at the time of sale, that they had been subject to a recall, and since I did not have them inspect the car immediately after service (I had to miss work and my son drove me after he was off work and I feared they would close before I arrived so I had them park the car outside and the sales desk had the key). I thought I would drive it but after reflection I do not want to endanger other people if my brakes fail. This is a clear violation of the public trust that these cars are yet on the road.

NHTSA ODI 11697195

I am experiencing the issue described in the BRAKE BOOSTER AND BRAKE BOOSTER PUMP ASSEMBLIES recall issued by Toyota for the Prius, which for me ended in 2023. The vehicle is unsafe to drive without performing this $4000 repair (dealer cost), which is almost more than my car is worth. Toyota should issue another extension for the repair coverage since they are known to be faulty. The previous recall and extension of the recall can be found here: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11679041

The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Prius. The contact stated there was a constant beeping sound while attempting to depress the brake pedal while slowing down. Additionally, the brake pedal was very firm, requiring added for to be depressed. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the brake booster assembly, brake master cylinder, and the brake booster pump were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 119,000.

NHTSA ODI 11676207

A very common issue with 2012-2015 models caused by a defective part that causes the brake fluid to leak into the brake actuator causing an eventual DTC C1391 error code that Toyota previously had a recall and warranty on the parts. ABS has failed, traction control is non-responsive and the brake light is on. This is an issue that Toyota was previously aware of and only recently discontinued their “extended” warranty for the failed parts - despite this occurring in the upper mileage life of the car. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11675683

There has always been this ringing sound when releasing the brakes. I had it looked at and was told there was no issue. Then while driving it felt like the brakes locked and all of the sensors came on the dashboard. I had those scanned and was told they were sensor issues but car started driving/braking ok. Few days later everything locked up. I can’t push the brake at all. I was told the Brake Booster Pump Assembly with Accumulator was shot. So i began research and saw hundreds of complaints for the exact thing in my make and model and year. This could have killed someone had it happened on a highway. This should be a recall, major issue that numerous are experiencing.

NHTSA ODI 11674979

While driving on Highway 316E on March 31, 2022, at approximately 10am, at some point, as traffic started to slow down and I applied my brakes I was dumbfounded when my car would not stop! It was frightening, as I watched my car get closer and closer to the large truck in front of it. I kept applying the brake and then pumping the brake. The brakes kept failing and had no pressure or tension in them to stop the car. The brake pedal was flat on the floor. But, thanks to a sufficient distance between my car and the truck in front of it, it rolled to a stop just short of crashing into the back of said truck by an inch or two. Sometime in October of 2024 , I spoke with a Service Rep at Marietta Toyota about a whizzing sound that appeared to be coming from under the hood on the driver’s side. This sound would occur while I was driving and even when I turned the car off. It would continue making this whizzing sound sometimes for as long as 45 minutes after the ignition was turned off. I took the car back to Marietta Toyota and the service rep said the problem was related to the weather. On December 24, 2024, at around 11:00am EST, I parked my car in the parking lot in front of a print shop. The weather was clear, and the pavement was dry as I pulled my car into a clean, unfettered spot. Upon returning to my car, I could see a fresh puddle under the front passenger side. I ran my finger across the liquid that presented itself as a clean, thin oil that was as smooth as silk. It was odorless and sat in a pristine area looking freshly run out from the underside of my car. On February 27, 2025, when driving in the middle lane on Highway I-20 West, the ABS warning lights came on my dashboard screen along with the image of a skidding car. I was frozen with fear and did not know what would happen next. I would have to cross over multiple lanes to exit off Highway 1-20. I put on hazard lights and drove at 25-35 mph. Took car in for diagnostic and repair.

NHTSA ODI 11674582

For last 4 years i have been noticing a hissing sound when brake pedal is pressed. At first it was unclear to me where it could be coming from, and no indicator light has triggered. I have brought this to the attention of toyota dealership when i first noticed it and the individual couldn't really make out what it was. The sound has now gotten worse, and upon further studies i am learning that there was indeed a recall pertaining to the brake booster and actuator, but my car for some reason is not included. This is a major safety issue and i expect toyota to help resolve. Please help.

NHTSA ODI 11671484

Pulled out of the driveway drove about a 100 ft heard large clunking sound front end dropped down as if there was a flat tire pulled off the highway drove through the grass 100 ft back to my home the car started smoking from the engine compartment and burst into flames. Tried to extinguish with fire extinguishers and water hose while calling 911. Fire Department extinguished the fire. Car is a complete loss. There was an oil leak trail from where the car first drop down through the grass. The car did not have a previous oil leak. The car had 300,000 miles on it. No one was injured.

NHTSA ODI 11669902

Break booster issue. Car only has 63,465 miles. Toyota has received reports about certain internal malfunctions of the brake booster. Problem is, not many have had luck getting the part covered because it's likely that the problem does not commonly present itself until after the warranty expires.

NHTSA ODI 11669528

The ABS system has failed, and I have to pony up $3000 + for repair, since the warranty extension from Toyota has expired - 10 years since first use (even though I have only had it for 5 years). I have less than 150,000 miles on this car, which is the the other parameter for service coverage for this problem. Toyota knows these parts fail, and they extended the warranty, BUT there is no recourse if your car is over the 10 year limit, even if under the mileage limit. it is a safety issue and should be addressed no matter the age of the car. I can't afford the cost of repair and so will gamble on not needing to use the antilock brakes.

NHTSA ODI 11668900

My prius have a scan code: C1391 and my brakes don’t work good i almost crash. And I traying to see what happen online but i see hundreds and hundreds, of prius with this problems, you need to do something and do a Recall. This is a recurring problem with Prius models, and they never do anything about it. It seems like Toyota is paying someone not to do the recall.

NHTSA ODI 11667601

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.

NHTSA ODI 11667182

my 2013, Toyota Prius recently suffered a sudden hybrid system failure with DTC space P0A0F and a check hybrid system warning. This matches the symptoms described in NHTS a safety recall 20V369000. Your recall look up tool shows my Vin is not included. However, I have never received this recall repair, and my failure is identical to the documented safety issue. I am requesting help in getting Toyota to complete a goodwill repair or warranty extension review as this is clearly a safety related inverter failure for which Toyota has acknowledged responsibility and similar vehicles.

NHTSA ODI 11666693

Brakes failed to provide sufficient power to stop car. Towed to garage where FIXD was plugged in OPBD port and received code "C1391." Cost to replace parts and labor is $3,002.42.

NHTSA ODI 11664299

I wash my car at the car wash and when I got back in a bunch of the dash lights were on including the ABS light traction control and I had no brake pressure. I took it to the shop and they said my brake booster had failed and it was going to be $3,000 to fix it went out do I have any idea now okay

NHTSA ODI 11664218

My vehicle displays the anti-skid light when brakes are applied. I also hear a chirping noise and brake pump activation noise when the vehicle's brakes are utilized and as the vehicle is stopped. Information on the internet indicates this is a serious issue with the Prius Gen III brake system, requiring replacement of the hydraulic brake booster and pump. This brake failure should not be happening, and Toyota has already identified this problem. This Prius has been trouble free up to this point and has ~185,000 miles.

NHTSA ODI 11664092

Hybrid System fail safe. I was driving on the highway and the car started to slow down on its own. There were no warning signs. I was able to pull over in time. I turn my car off and when I try to start it, it stalled. I couldn't drive off. Three hours later Hybrid System Fail error appeared, stating for me to pull over. I could have gotten in an accident.

NHTSA ODI 11663684

My electronic brake booster failed at just under 215000 miles, causing a brake line to snap. I now have to get the car towed 40 miles at my expense for a costly replacement of this major component, which Toyota already conceded was faulty by virtue of extending the warranty to 2023.

NHTSA ODI 11663752

Toyota defective ABS system- revised master cylinder&brake booster pump never changed by dealership except misleading inspection and breach of recall in 2020. The incident happened last year in Sep 2024 dangerous on hwy or freeway. Thank got I was on the side street with beeping vehicle and codes on the dashboard, barely with serious risk went back home! As a defective parts they should be replaced for free or customer should received reimbursement! A professional dealer who performs  ONLY AN INSPECTION for a “recall” in 2020 should replace the factory-damaged part and not brazenly wait for the codes to appear on the dashboard, depriving the customer of free replacement of the factory-defective ABS system. "the complaint was originally filed over the Toyota hybrid system problems in Feb. 2020, presenting claims on behalf of owners of certain 2010 through 2015 Toyota Prius and Prius PHV, 2012 through 2015 Toyota Prius V, 2012 -2014 Toyota Camry Hybrid and Toyota Avalon Hybrid vehicles that contain the defective braking system" ... This complaint accuses Toyota of placing PROFITS before the lives and safety of hundreds of thousands of drivers and passengers whose brakes are defective, but must wait for the potentially life-threatening brake booster defect to occur before the manufacturer will address it. The lawsuit ; ;"presents claims of breach of warranties, false advertisement, illegal sales practices, fraudulent concealment, unfair and deceptive trade practices, unjust enrichment and various other allegations on behalf of hundreds of thousands of impacted vehicle owners across the nation". Similar problem with defective piston rings in my engine which was burning oil under 85-87k based on NEW WORLD ORDER which cost catastrophic engine failure in so many brands and models -2010-2025 Toyota is playing idiotic game about defective products/parts from Toyota Motor Corporation #8rebuild engine [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11663833

CODE C1391 - Brake booster assembly failure

NHTSA ODI 11662615

Last year, the brake light failure came on the dashboard. I brought the car to a repair shop they diagnosed the problem as a rusted brake line on the passenger side. Bill approximately $700 for the repair. Over the last weekend, I was driving near my home, and the same indicator lights came on. I drove home and when I got home, noticed that there was brake fluid on my garage floor. I checked the brake fluid level there was none detected. I filled it up with brake fluid and waited until the next day, and the level seemed stable. I started the car to bring it to a local repair shop. No more indicator lights were showing. The repair shop said it was the driver's side brake line that had rusted out. $400 for it to be replaced. I reported this to Toyota today. Reference Number #250516001403

NHTSA ODI 11661503

Vehicle warning lights for brakes, ABS and traction control all on while driving. Per mechanic, known problem on Prius and repair cost is $3-$5K. Covered by a prior customer support program but has expired. I have two Prius’s with the identical problem - bill will be up to $10K Error codes C1391, C1214

NHTSA ODI 11660975

Vehicle warning lights for brakes, ABS and traction control all on while driving. Per mechanic, known problem on Prius and repair cost is $3-$5K. Covered by a prior customer support program but has expired. I have two Prius’s with the identical problem - bill will be up to $10K. Error code C1391

NHTSA ODI 11660976