2014 Toyota Prius

The brake system malfunctioned suddenly. While driving and while stopped, the brake pedal became very hard and braking behavior became unpredictable. The vehicle sometimes brakes aggressively and other times requires excessive pedal force to stop. The ABS and BRAKE warning lights illuminated. The vehicle no longer provides normal braking assistance. This issue is related to a failure of the brake actuator / brake booster, which is a known issue affecting Toyota Prius models from 2010 to 2015. This defect creates a serious safety risk, as braking performance is inconsistent and may increase stopping distance or cause loss of control during emergency braking situations. The vehicle has not been repaired yet because the cost is very high and the manufacturer has declined assistance despite this being a known safety-related defect.

My 2014 Toyota Prius (VIN [XXX] , 77,000 miles) displayed Brake, ABS, and Slip warning lights. A mechanic confirmed failure of the Brake Booster and Pump Assembly (DTC C1391). Toyota previously acknowledged this as a safety-related defect under Customer Support Program ZJB, but my coverage expired because I never received Toyota’s notice dated May 21, 2019. My car has been undrivable for weeks and Toyota refuses goodwill repair. This is a serious brake safety issue that should be reviewed for recall or extended coverage since many Prius owners have experienced the same failure. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

My brakes consistently lock and the car lunges forward. Driving down the highway I tapped my brakes and they didn’t work. I lost traction in the brakes. I had no control over the car or speed. I’m scared everyday I have to drive it. This is extremely dangerous and I've seen this comment often with this vehicle. Toyota said they had an extended warranty for this but it expired. I never received any mail or phone calls stating that this was a known defect. They say they can’t do anything now and are quoting me over $3000 to fix it.

The ADS, traction light, and brake light all came on at once. Apparently this is a known problem with these cars and Toyota was fixing them for awhile but has stopped. No brake issues were reported when I brought it in for inspection in 2023. I never received any mail stating that this was a know defect and I needed to bring my car in to get it inspected. It's obvious to me that Toyota designed a defective part that impacts safety, and is forcing the owner to bear the cost of the fix by creating parameters that can never be met before the warranty expires.

The brake actuator failed, it can be available for inspection anytime. My ABS light, brake light, and traction control lights all came on to indicate the failure. Since the hybrid engine requires the breaking system to recharge, failure of this part will eventually lead you to be stranded if it isn’t functional. Additionally, the responsiveness of the breaks makes driving at higher speeds a lot riskier. Toyota offered an "extended warranty" to have the parts replaced for free for 10 years or 150,000 miles, whichever came first. My make is 2014, at only 89,000 miles.

Apparently Toyota knows of a recurring problem with the brake actuator. I took my Toyota Prius to the dealer for an unrelated recall issue that they repaired and I asked them what the sound was that I kept hearing every 10 seconds or so. The told me it is the brake actuator, but did not seem concerned at all that I get it repaired right away. They did quote me a very high price to have it fixed by them. I have chosen to take it to my mechanic for repair. In the mean time, I decided to research this on the internet and discovered that it is a known problem by Toyota and there is a class action suite filed on them. I want Toyota to pay to have it fixed! I fear for my life and lives of others with the same issue.

There was a safety recall issued for brake system malfunctions involving the brake booster and brake booster pump assemblies on my vehicle. Unfortunately, the recall expired on December 31, 2024. On March 4, 2025, at 4:10 PM, I contacted the District Manager Advocate in Plano, Texas. I explained that I had been in the ICU twice and am now [XXX]. During the recall period, I was in and out of hospitals for more than four years, making it impossible for me to be aware of or respond to the recall in time. My vehicle has since begun exhibiting the exact symptoms outlined in the recall. When I brought this to their attention, I was told that while the issue was indeed covered under a past recall, there is nothing they can do now because it has expired. This vehicle is our only mode of transportation, which is critical for my ongoing medical treatments, as well as for my husband who recently suffered a heart attack. As I write this, we have no other option but to continue using the vehicle—despite the serious safety risk—because of the urgent and necessary care both of us require. On August 4, 2025, I contacted Toyota headquarters. They reached out to the dealership and spoke with management, but unfortunately, no resolution was offered except for information about a separate, newer recall. I followed up again with the District Manager and spoke with Ashley, who informed me that after escalating the case, there was still nothing further they could do and she expressed her apologies. This situation has caused further deterioration to my health due to the stress and anxiety of potential vehicle failure, and it has added to the burden of my husband’s fragile health condition. At this time, he has been unable to return to work, and we have no income to cover the cost of a repair that should have been addressed through the original recall. We would deeply appreciate any assistance, reconsideration, or compassionate review of our case. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

I am writing to express my profound concern and disappointment regarding a recent, terrifying incident involving the brake system of my 2014 Toyota Prius. On Saturday, June 21, 2025, while driving with other passengers, my vehicle experienced a complete and sudden brake failure. Multiple warning lights illuminated on the dashboard, and despite my efforts, the brakes became unresponsive, making it impossible to stop the car. The sheer terror and helplessness I felt in that moment, with the very real potential for a catastrophic accident involving myself, my passengers, and other road users, is indescribable. Fortunately, through sheer luck and quick thinking, I was able to make an emergency stop on the side of the road, preventing any collision or injury. However, the emotional toll of that experience, the lingering stress, and the fear of a recurrence remain significant. I was subsequently informed that the cause of the failure was a leak in the brake accumulator. I am attaching the diagnosis and repair invoice. The necessary repairs were not completed until Wednesday, June 25th. This unforeseen and critical malfunction also necessitated the expense of a rental car for four days, adding to the financial burden and inconvenience. My frustration is compounded by the fact that this brake accumulator issue is a well-documented and known defect in Toyota Prius models, specifically affecting 2010-2015 vehicles. Toyota itself has previously issued a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB T-SB-0043-13) acknowledging this problem and offering warranty extensions for affected vehicles, typically up to 10 years or 150,000 miles. Despite this being a recognized safety concern, I was informed that my vehicle falls approximately eight months outside the 10-year warranty period, thus disqualifying me.

After 120K miles and 11 years of use, my Prius 3 brake booster pump failed while I was driving. The warning lights came on, including the ABS and brake lights. My brake felt strange, and I had to finish my drive to the dealership keeping a large driving distance so the brakes would work in time. I was advised that this was a result of a C1391 error and that the brake pump part is only covered under extended warranty for 10 years. The advisors at the dealership said it is extremely common for cars to come in with this problem just after the warranty period has ended. I have spoken to other Prius user who have complained of the same issue and are considering a class action lawsuit because this safety issue is so common.