2013 Toyota Prius PLUG-IN Hybrid

On 5/23/24, the ABS, Traction, and Brakes lights came on the dash and the brakes were not responding. My car was picked up from the Toyota dealer on 5/22/24 afternoon. It passed their multipoint inspection after they replaced all 4 brake pads on 5/21/24. Code C1391 internal leak. The brake actuator and brake pump needed to be replaced. I was quoted $2700 for repairs after I already paid over $570 to replace brake pads.

Parts failed: accumulator/brake actuator and brake pump [XXX]: I dropped off my car at the Coggin Toyota dealer in Jacksonville, FL to replace all (4) brake pads [XXX]: I picked up my car during lunch and their multipoint inspection passed with no issues [XXX]: Maintenance lights came on the dash during lunch, brakes were not responsive, and my car was beeping non-stop. I dropped off my car to Coggin Toyota to check the issue. They estimated $2722.81 before tax to replace brake actuator and brake pump because there is an internal leak in the brake actuator. [XXX]: The Toyota advisor stated that my car did not qualify for their extended warranty to replace the parts. He also stated that if I pay for the repairs, they will only cover the parts for up to 12k miles or 1 year. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

On [XXX], while driving on a highway with two young children, the dashboard lit up with multiple lights and error warnings. This appeared without warning and with no incident, and the warnings included the main hybrid screen reading “Check PCS System”, triangular Master Warning Light, Brake System Warning Light, Brake Warning Buzzer, ABS Warning Light, and Slip Indicator. We immediately pulled over to the side of the highway to check for any major damage or leaks, but found nothing unusual. We booked a diagnostic with a Toyota service center, where we were informed that brake system error code C1391 was discovered and the service recommendation was to replace the failed (leaking) brake booster and booster pump assembly. The service representative informed us that this exact system failure was previously covered by a Toyota Customer Support Program due to a known faulty part, but the primary coverage date ended in August 2021 and we just barely surpassed the 10-year secondary coverage date of February 2023. We were urged to repair it right away and were told that the vehicle is unsafe to drive in the current condition, as the Antilock Braking System could fail at any time. We have noticed that it takes more pressure to brake the vehicle than prior to the issue, which may have been began deteriorating prior to the issue but was difficult to identify due to the slow progression. We brought the vehicle home with hopes of resolving the matter with Toyota customer engagement. They confirmed that this issue affected almost 1 million vehicles, but because it was a customer support program and not a recall, they could not help us since we were past the 10-year mark (yet well under the 150,000 mile limit to the program). The vehicle still has all the lights described above, and as such is concerning to drive. A second vehicle is critical for our family, so to be suddenly told that our vehicle is unsafe to drive but the defect wasn’t a full recall is concerning. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION AC

I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WITH MY 2013 TOYOTA PRIUS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC. THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME SUDDENLY CAME TO A STOP AND I IMMEDIATELY SLAMMED ON MY BRAKES. THERE WAS AMPLE DISTANCE TO STOP SAFELY BUT I ENDED UP REAR ENDING THE CAR AHEAD OF ME WITHOUT ANY NOTICEABLE SLOWDOWN. THE BRAKE PEDAL FELT SPONGY AND THE BRAKES DID NOT APPLY. THE CAR WOULD TYPICALLY JERK IF THE ANTI LOCK BRAKES WERE WORKING BUT THIS DID NOT OCCUR. THE FRONT STEERING WHEEL AND KNEE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THE SEAT BELT DID NOT TIGHTEN UP EITHER. THE FRONT END OF THE CAR WAS BADLY DAMAGED AND THE INSURANCE ADJUSTER CONSIDERED THE CAR TOTALED.

I WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 30 MPH IN TOWN WITH PLENTY OF STOPPING ROOM IN FRONT OF ME. THE CAR IN FRONT STEPPED ON THE BRAKES AND SO I STEPPED ON MINE. MY BRAKES WERE TOTALLY UNRESPONSIVE. I PUSHED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR AND NOTHING HAPPENED. I DID IT AGAIN AND NOTHING HAPPENED. I REAR ENDED THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. AFTER THE ACCIDENT THE BRAKES WORKED FINE. I HAD IT TOWED TO TOYOTA. THEY CHECKED IT OVER AND TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG. THEY ARE FOLLOWING UP ON THE INCIDENT, BUT I WANTED YOU TO KNOW THAT IT HAPPENED.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA PRIUS PRIUS PLUG-IN HYBRID. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT MOVED FORWARD AND PUSHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE AND A CHAIN LINKED FENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN NEUTRAL; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE REVERSED AND PUSHED INTO ANOTHER SECTION OF THE FENCE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE START/STOP BUTTON WAS BEING DEPRESSED AT THE TIME AND FAILED TO OPERATE NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,922. UPDATED 11/09/16*LJ *TR