← New search

2010 Toyota Prius

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Prius years

Owner complaints for the 2010 Toyota Prius are substantially higher than the model-year median of 164.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

2,264 reports with mileage · 558 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 849 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes. Review the 593 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes, Electric. Review the 502 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

183 crash reports13 fire reports48 injury reports

Unknown Or Other complaints

108 reports
Clear category filter
500 miles · Feb 8, 2010
Unknown Or Other

THIS IS THE BREAKING PROBLEM IM HAVING WITH MY 2010 PRIUS: WHEN I AM STEPPING ON THE BREAK, AND ALSO GO OVER A SMALL BUMP IN THE ROAD, THE CAR SEEMS TO ACCELERATE FOR A MOMENT AND THEN GOES BACK TO BREAKING AGAIN.

NHTSA ODI #10307487

5,000 miles · Feb 8, 2010
Service Brakes, ElectricUnknown Or Other

BRAKES DISENGAGE MOMENTARILY WHEN BRAKING ON A ROUGH OR RIPPLED SURFACE. IT GIVES THE FEELING THE VEHICLE IS BEING ACCELERATED. UNCONTROLLED TRAVEL DISTANCE CAN BE LENGTHLY. I HAVE EXPERIENCED FOUR SUCH INSTANCES.

NHTSA ODI #10307424

56 miles · Feb 8, 2010
Unknown Or Other

WHILE BRAKING AND ON UNEVEN SUFRACE BRAKES FEEL LIKE THEY HAVE SROPPED WORKING AND THEN LATER CATCH, VEHICLE SEEMS TO ACTUALLY SPEED UP. IT OCCURES AT LEASE 1+ A DAY DEPENDING ON WHERE I AM DRIVING AND OR WEATHER CONDITIOND. SPEED DOSN'T ALWAYS MATTER, AS IF COMING OFF EXPRESSWAY AND BRAKING, SPEEDS CAN BE 55MPH AND IT STILL HA…

Read full complaint

WHILE BRAKING AND ON UNEVEN SUFRACE BRAKES FEEL LIKE THEY HAVE SROPPED WORKING AND THEN LATER CATCH, VEHICLE SEEMS TO ACTUALLY SPEED UP. IT OCCURES AT LEASE 1+ A DAY DEPENDING ON WHERE I AM DRIVING AND OR WEATHER CONDITIOND. SPEED DOSN'T ALWAYS MATTER, AS IF COMING OFF EXPRESSWAY AND BRAKING, SPEEDS CAN BE 55MPH AND IT STILL HAPPENS. LUCKILY I HAVE NOT HIT ANY THING YET.

NHTSA ODI #10307414

2,500 miles · Feb 8, 2010
Unknown Or Other

MY 2010 TOYOTA PRIUS SEEMS TO LOSE BRAKING POWER WHENEVER I HIT A BUMP OR SLICK PATCH IN THE ROAD. NOT ONLY DO THE BRAKES SEEM COMPLETELY DISENGAGED, BUT THE CAR ACTUALLY FEELS LIKE IT ACCELERATES FORWARD. I'VE ADAPTED MY DRIVING, BUT ONLY AFTER I'D ENDED UP IN THE MIDDLE OF A COUPLE OF INTERSECTIONS BECAUSE THE CAR SHOT FORWARD…

Read full complaint

MY 2010 TOYOTA PRIUS SEEMS TO LOSE BRAKING POWER WHENEVER I HIT A BUMP OR SLICK PATCH IN THE ROAD. NOT ONLY DO THE BRAKES SEEM COMPLETELY DISENGAGED, BUT THE CAR ACTUALLY FEELS LIKE IT ACCELERATES FORWARD. I'VE ADAPTED MY DRIVING, BUT ONLY AFTER I'D ENDED UP IN THE MIDDLE OF A COUPLE OF INTERSECTIONS BECAUSE THE CAR SHOT FORWARD WHILE I WAS OSTENSIBLY BRAKING. FORTUNATELY, I'VE NOT YET REAR ENDED ANYONE.

NHTSA ODI #10307374

400 miles · Feb 7, 2010
Unknown Or Other

I BOUGHT A 2010 PRIUS IN AUGUST 2009. WHEN I APPLY THE BRAKES ON A BUMPY ROAD THERE IS A LOSS OF BREAKING FOR A SHORT TIME. IT FEELS LIKE A SURGE IN ACCELERATION BEFORE THE BRAKES WORK AGAIN. I DO NOT KNOW IF IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE BUT IT IS VERY DISCONCERTING. *TW

NHTSA ODI #10307322

50 miles · Feb 7, 2010
Unknown Or Other

WHILE BRAKING ON ROADWAY THAT HAS A MANHOLE OR A PATCH IN THE ASPHALT THAT IS NOT EXACTLY LEVEL WITH THE REST OF THE ASPHALT, THE TIRES FEEL LIKE THERE IS NO TRACTION AND THE CAR FEELS LIKE IT IS HYDROPLANING. I HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS WHILE DRIVING ON TWO SPECIFIC ROADS AND NOW I TRY TO AVOID THE AREAS TO PREVENT THE FEELING OF …

Read full complaint

WHILE BRAKING ON ROADWAY THAT HAS A MANHOLE OR A PATCH IN THE ASPHALT THAT IS NOT EXACTLY LEVEL WITH THE REST OF THE ASPHALT, THE TIRES FEEL LIKE THERE IS NO TRACTION AND THE CAR FEELS LIKE IT IS HYDROPLANING. I HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS WHILE DRIVING ON TWO SPECIFIC ROADS AND NOW I TRY TO AVOID THE AREAS TO PREVENT THE FEELING OF HAVING NO CONTROL OVER THE CAR. IT FEELS LIKE THE CAR LURCHES FORWARD AND HAS NO TRACTION. THIS HAPPENS ON DRY ROADS. IT IS VERY FRIGHTENING WHEN IT HAPPENS. I FIRST NOTICED IT WHEN I FIRST PURCHASED THE CAR IN JULY AND IT HAS CONTINUED TO HAPPEN. *TW

NHTSA ODI #10307321

5,500 miles · Feb 7, 2010
Unknown Or Other

I HAVE OWNED A 2010 TOYOTA PRIUS FOR APPROXIMATELY SIX MONTHS. DURING THAT TIME I HAVE EXPERIENCED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS (6-8 TIMES) A FEELING THAT THE CAR IS ACTUALLY LURCHING FORWARD WHILE I AM DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS OVER ROUGH PAVEMENT AND APPLYING THE BRAKE. IN MY CASE THE LURCHING OF THE CAR HAPPENS ONLY WHEN I AM SLOWING DOW…

Read full complaint

I HAVE OWNED A 2010 TOYOTA PRIUS FOR APPROXIMATELY SIX MONTHS. DURING THAT TIME I HAVE EXPERIENCED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS (6-8 TIMES) A FEELING THAT THE CAR IS ACTUALLY LURCHING FORWARD WHILE I AM DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS OVER ROUGH PAVEMENT AND APPLYING THE BRAKE. IN MY CASE THE LURCHING OF THE CAR HAPPENS ONLY WHEN I AM SLOWING DOWN TO MAKE A TURN. IT IS A FRIGHTENING EXPERIENCE WHEN YOU'RE APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE AND YOUR CAR FEELS AS THOUGH IT IS ABOUT TO TAKE OFF. THE SENSATION LASTS FOR A SECOND OR TWO NEVERTHELESS IT'S STILL AS I SAID FRIGHTENING. WHEN I FIRST MENTIONED IT TO MY LOCAL DEALER THE RESPONSE WAS THAT IT'S THE ABS BRAKES AND IT'S NORMAL. *TW

NHTSA ODI #10307313

1,000 miles · Feb 7, 2010
Service Brakes, HydraulicUnknown Or Other

1.I PURCHASED THIS 2010 PRIUS IN AUGUST 2010. I HAVE EXPERIENCED UNANTICIPATED ACCELERATION TWO TIMES SINCE THE LAST (INITIAL) SERVICE. ONCE WITH MY HUSBAND DRIVING ON ROUTE 17 AND THE OTHER TIME WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A LOCAL ROAD. 2.AS I STATED IN MY SERVICE PAPERWORK WHEN THE CAR WAS FIRST SERVICED, THERE IS A PROBLEM W…

Read full complaint

1.I PURCHASED THIS 2010 PRIUS IN AUGUST 2010. I HAVE EXPERIENCED UNANTICIPATED ACCELERATION TWO TIMES SINCE THE LAST (INITIAL) SERVICE. ONCE WITH MY HUSBAND DRIVING ON ROUTE 17 AND THE OTHER TIME WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A LOCAL ROAD. 2.AS I STATED IN MY SERVICE PAPERWORK WHEN THE CAR WAS FIRST SERVICED, THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES. THEY DO NOT STOP ON UNEVEN ROAD SURFACES, SUCH AS POT HOLES, BUMPS, ETC. YOUR SERVICE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THIS IS CAUSED BY THE ABS AND IT IS ?NORMAL?. OBVIOUSLY THERE IS STILL A PROBLEM. PLEASE ADVISE WHAT WILL BE DONE TO CORRECT THIS ISSUE. 3.WHEN START THE ENGINE FIRST THING IN THE MORNING (OR WHEN THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN DRIVEN FOR A WHILE) OFTEN, BUT NOT ALWAYS, IT MAKES A GRINDING NOISE WHEN STARTING *TW

NHTSA ODI #10307263

Mileage unknown · Feb 7, 2010
Service Brakes, HydraulicUnknown Or Other

I'VE BEEN HEARING IN THE NEWS ABOUT THE POTENTIAL OF A BRAKING ISSUE WITH THE 2010 TOYOTA PRIUS. JUST WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW THAT I DEFINITELY NOTICED THIS ISSUE IN MY NEW PRIUS. APPROXIMATELY ONCE A MONTH, WHEN I'M BRAKING OVER AN UNEVEN OR SLIPPERY SURFACE, ESPECIALLY IF IT IS ONLY ONE SIDE OF THE CAR GOING OVER THE SLIPPERY…

Read full complaint

I'VE BEEN HEARING IN THE NEWS ABOUT THE POTENTIAL OF A BRAKING ISSUE WITH THE 2010 TOYOTA PRIUS. JUST WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW THAT I DEFINITELY NOTICED THIS ISSUE IN MY NEW PRIUS. APPROXIMATELY ONCE A MONTH, WHEN I'M BRAKING OVER AN UNEVEN OR SLIPPERY SURFACE, ESPECIALLY IF IT IS ONLY ONE SIDE OF THE CAR GOING OVER THE SLIPPERY SURFACE, WHILE I'M BRAKING, THERE IS A MOMENT LASTING LESS THAN A SECOND WHERE IT FEELS LIKE THE BRAKES DISENGAGE. (CAUSES YOUR HEART TO SKIP A BEAT WHEN IT HAPPENS.) I ALSO NOTICED A SEPARATE QUIRK THE OTHER DAY THAT I WANT TO PASS ON TO YOU. I'M NOT SURE IF THIS WAS DONE DELIBERATELY BY TOYOTA OR WHETHER THIS IS A DEFECT, HOWEVER, I BELIEVE MY SPEEDOMETER IS CALIBRATED SO THAT IT READS A SPEED THAT IS 2 MPH FASTER THAN MY ACTUAL SPEED. I NOTICED THIS WHEN I WENT ON A TRIP AND USED MY WIFE'S TOM TOM, WHICH USES ITS GPS SIGNAL TO MEASURE THE SPEED OF THE CAR. THE TOM TOM IS USUALLY SPOT ON IN MY WIFE'S ACURA. IN THE PRIUS, IT WAS INDICATING THAT MY TRUE SPEED WAS 2 MPH LESS THAN WHAT MY SPEEDOMETER INDICATED. I'M WONDERING IF THIS WASN'T SOMEHOW INTENTIONALLY DONE BY TOYOTA TO GET BETTER PERCEIVED GAS MILEAGE BY THE DRIVER. HAVING THE CAR GET OVER THE 50 MPG THRESHOLD IS A BIG MARKETING ADVANTAGE FOR THEM. GETTING OVER THIS THRESHOLD WOULD BE EASIER IF THE ACTUAL SPEED OF THE CAR WAS LESS THAN THE PERCEIVED SPEED. *TW

NHTSA ODI #10307182

14 miles · Feb 7, 2010
Service Brakes, ElectricUnknown Or Other

WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES OVER A BUMPY OR METALLIC SURFACE, THERE IS A UNCOMFORTABLE DELAY UNTIL THE BRAKES "KICK IN". THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR SOME TIME.

NHTSA ODI #10307177

Official recalls

10

18V684000 · Hybrid Propulsion System

Oct 4, 2018

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

16V487000 · Air Bags:side/window

Jun 30, 2016

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Toyota Prius, 2010 and 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid, and 2011-2012 Lexus CT200h vehicles. A weld in the curtain shield air bag inflator may crack causing one or both portions of the inflator to eject into the passenger cabin.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If either portion of the curtain shield air bag inflator ejects into the passenger cabin, there is an increased risk of injury to vehicle occupants.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will install retention brackets to the curtain shield air bags, free of charge. The recall began on October 17, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota Customer Service Department at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is Toyota G0U, and Lexus GLJ.

16V396000 · Seats:front Assembly:seat Heater/cooler

Jun 2, 2016

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.

14V743000 · Seats:front Assembly:seat Heater/cooler

Nov 19, 2014

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 Rav4 and 4Runner. The affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.

Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge. The recall is expected to began in January 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.

14V053000 · Electrical System:software; Hybrid Propulsion System: Inverter

Feb 12, 2014

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Hybrid Propulsion System: Inverter

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.

Consequence: 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.

Electrical System:software

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.

Consequence: 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.

13V235000 · Service Brakes

Jun 5, 2013

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2010 Prius vehicles manufactured March 31, 2009, through October 9, 2009; and model year 2010 Lexus HS250h vehicles manufactured June 19, 2009, through October 9, 2009. Nitrogen gas from a component of the brake booster pump assembly could leak into the brake fluid.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: As nitrogen is released into the brake fluid, the brake pedal may have reduced hydraulic pressure. Under certain circumstances, this condition could affect stopping distance and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected brake booster pump assemblies. The recall began on August 7, 2013. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

13V014000 · Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE ; Seats

Jan 16, 2013

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.

Remedy: Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Seats

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.

Consequence: If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.

Remedy: Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.

Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.

Consequence: If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.

Remedy: Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.

10V039000 · Service Brakes, Air:antilock:control Unit/module

Feb 9, 2010

TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 TOYOTA PRIUS AND LEXUS HS250H PASSENGER VEHICLES. CUSTOMERS HAVE EXPERIENCED INCONSISTENT BRAKE FEEL AFTER ABS ACTUATION DURING SLOW AND STEADY APPLICATION OF THE BRAKES ON ROUGH OR SLICK ROAD SURFACES. STOPPING DISTANCES MAY BE INCREASED COMPARED WITH A CUSTOMER'S EXPECTATION FOR A GIVEN PEDAL FORCE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCES MAY INCREASE RELATIVE TO A CUSTOMER'S EXPECTATION INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REWRITE THE PROGRAMMING OF THE ABS CONTROL UNIT FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 3, 2010, AND IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN LATE MARCH 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331 AND LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.

10V035000 · Equipment:other:labels

Feb 3, 2010

GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. DEALERS WILL ALSO CORRECT THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA AT 713-580-3300.

10V036000 · Equipment:other:labels

Feb 3, 2010

SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

4

DP23005 · Brake Actuator Valve Wear

Opened Nov 22, 2023 · No close date supplied

Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist

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 NHTSA.gov under the following ODI number:11553736.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components

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 NHTSA.gov under the following ODI number:11553736.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist

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 NHTSA.gov under the following ODI number:11553736.

DP22005 · Pedestrian Alert Sounds

Opened Jan 27, 2023 · Closed Aug 7, 2023

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:propulsion System

NHTSA 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 NHTSA.gov 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, NHTSA 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 NHTSA 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 NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.

DP19004 · Brake Actuator Valve Wear

Opened Sep 30, 2019 · Closed Jan 21, 2021

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist

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 NHTSA 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.NHTSA 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 NHTSA 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.

PE10006 · Braking Performance, Hybrid Vehicle

Opened Feb 3, 2010 · Closed Jul 12, 2010

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module ; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:disc; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:hydraulic

The subject vehicles are the first model year of a new design generation of the Prius model line.The vehicles are powered by a hybrid drive system that uses both a regenerative braking system, which converts vehicle momentum into electrical energy to be stored in onboard batteries, and a hydraulic brake system more typical of the brake system used on non-hybrid vehicles.As is the case for other similarly designed hybrid vehicles the interaction and management of the two braking systems during ABS braking is complex and requires a sophisticated control system.In a February 9, 2010 Defect Information Report, Toyota advised the agency of its plans to conduct a safety recall to address inconsistent brake feel and increased stopping distances that may occur during braking events requiring ABS operation, such as would occur when braking on rough or low friction road surfaces.Toyota will reprogram the ABS control unit with improved software that addresses this condition.Based on Toyota's action the investigation is closed. ODI will continue to monitor the subject vehicles' performance and will take further action as future circumstances dictate.

Additional source detail variants (7)

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

The subject vehicles are the first model year of a new design generation of the Prius model line.The vehicles are powered by a hybrid drive system that uses both a regenerative braking system, which converts vehicle momentum into electrical energy to be stored in onboard batteries, and a hydraulic brake system more typical of the brake system used on non-hybrid vehicles.As is the case for other similarly designed hybrid vehicles the interaction and management of the two braking systems during ABS braking is complex and requires a sophisticated control system.In a February 9, 2010 Defect Information Report, Toyota advised the agency of its plans to conduct a safety recall to address inconsistent brake feel and increased stopping distances that may occur during braking events requiring ABS operation, such as would occur when braking on rough or low friction road surfaces.Toyota will reprogram the ABS control unit with improved software that addresses this condition.Based on Toyota's action the investigation is closed. ODI will continue to monitor the subject vehicles' performance and will take further action as future circumstances dictate.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip

The subject vehicles are the first model year of a new design generation of the Prius model line.The vehicles are powered by a hybrid drive system that uses both a regenerative braking system, which converts vehicle momentum into electrical energy to be stored in onboard batteries, and a hydraulic brake system more typical of the brake system used on non-hybrid vehicles.As is the case for other similarly designed hybrid vehicles the interaction and management of the two braking systems during ABS braking is complex and requires a sophisticated control system.In a February 9, 2010 Defect Information Report, Toyota advised the agency of its plans to conduct a safety recall to address inconsistent brake feel and increased stopping distances that may occur during braking events requiring ABS operation, such as would occur when braking on rough or low friction road surfaces.Toyota will reprogram the ABS control unit with improved software that addresses this condition.Based on Toyota's action the investigation is closed. ODI will continue to monitor the subject vehicles' performance and will take further action as future circumstances dictate.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:disc

The subject vehicles are the first model year of a new design generation of the Prius model line.The vehicles are powered by a hybrid drive system that uses both a regenerative braking system, which converts vehicle momentum into electrical energy to be stored in onboard batteries, and a hydraulic brake system more typical of the brake system used on non-hybrid vehicles.As is the case for other similarly designed hybrid vehicles the interaction and management of the two braking systems during ABS braking is complex and requires a sophisticated control system.In a February 9, 2010 Defect Information Report, Toyota advised the agency of its plans to conduct a safety recall to address inconsistent brake feel and increased stopping distances that may occur during braking events requiring ABS operation, such as would occur when braking on rough or low friction road surfaces.Toyota will reprogram the ABS control unit with improved software that addresses this condition.Based on Toyota's action the investigation is closed. ODI will continue to monitor the subject vehicles' performance and will take further action as future circumstances dictate.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components

The subject vehicles are the first model year of a new design generation of the Prius model line.The vehicles are powered by a hybrid drive system that uses both a regenerative braking system, which converts vehicle momentum into electrical energy to be stored in onboard batteries, and a hydraulic brake system more typical of the brake system used on non-hybrid vehicles.As is the case for other similarly designed hybrid vehicles the interaction and management of the two braking systems during ABS braking is complex and requires a sophisticated control system.In a February 9, 2010 Defect Information Report, Toyota advised the agency of its plans to conduct a safety recall to address inconsistent brake feel and increased stopping distances that may occur during braking events requiring ABS operation, such as would occur when braking on rough or low friction road surfaces.Toyota will reprogram the ABS control unit with improved software that addresses this condition.Based on Toyota's action the investigation is closed. ODI will continue to monitor the subject vehicles' performance and will take further action as future circumstances dictate.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:hydraulic

The subject vehicles are the first model year of a new design generation of the Prius model line.The vehicles are powered by a hybrid drive system that uses both a regenerative braking system, which converts vehicle momentum into electrical energy to be stored in onboard batteries, and a hydraulic brake system more typical of the brake system used on non-hybrid vehicles.As is the case for other similarly designed hybrid vehicles the interaction and management of the two braking systems during ABS braking is complex and requires a sophisticated control system.In a February 9, 2010 Defect Information Report, Toyota advised the agency of its plans to conduct a safety recall to address inconsistent brake feel and increased stopping distances that may occur during braking events requiring ABS operation, such as would occur when braking on rough or low friction road surfaces.Toyota will reprogram the ABS control unit with improved software that addresses this condition.Based on Toyota's action the investigation is closed. ODI will continue to monitor the subject vehicles' performance and will take further action as future circumstances dictate.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist

The subject vehicles are the first model year of a new design generation of the Prius model line.The vehicles are powered by a hybrid drive system that uses both a regenerative braking system, which converts vehicle momentum into electrical energy to be stored in onboard batteries, and a hydraulic brake system more typical of the brake system used on non-hybrid vehicles.As is the case for other similarly designed hybrid vehicles the interaction and management of the two braking systems during ABS braking is complex and requires a sophisticated control system.In a February 9, 2010 Defect Information Report, Toyota advised the agency of its plans to conduct a safety recall to address inconsistent brake feel and increased stopping distances that may occur during braking events requiring ABS operation, such as would occur when braking on rough or low friction road surfaces.Toyota will reprogram the ABS control unit with improved software that addresses this condition.Based on Toyota's action the investigation is closed. ODI will continue to monitor the subject vehicles' performance and will take further action as future circumstances dictate.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

The subject vehicles are the first model year of a new design generation of the Prius model line.The vehicles are powered by a hybrid drive system that uses both a regenerative braking system, which converts vehicle momentum into electrical energy to be stored in onboard batteries, and a hydraulic brake system more typical of the brake system used on non-hybrid vehicles.As is the case for other similarly designed hybrid vehicles the interaction and management of the two braking systems during ABS braking is complex and requires a sophisticated control system.In a February 9, 2010 Defect Information Report, Toyota advised the agency of its plans to conduct a safety recall to address inconsistent brake feel and increased stopping distances that may occur during braking events requiring ABS operation, such as would occur when braking on rough or low friction road surfaces.Toyota will reprogram the ABS control unit with improved software that addresses this condition.Based on Toyota's action the investigation is closed. ODI will continue to monitor the subject vehicles' performance and will take further action as future circumstances dictate.