Brake Accumulator and Master cylinder has failed. All lights for the ABS, TSC, and VSC are iliuminated
2015 Toyota Prius
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2015 Toyota Prius do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 164.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Prius years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
71 reports with mileage · 93 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. Review the 87 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 27 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Power Train. Review the 13 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
164 reportsBefore, I was driving and occasionally the traction control light would flash when I put my foot down on the brakes but would go away when released. I didn't think much of it but then a few days later, I went to brake to stop the car and then the abs, traction control and brake system lights lit up on the dash and wouldn't go aw…
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Before, I was driving and occasionally the traction control light would flash when I put my foot down on the brakes but would go away when released. I didn't think much of it but then a few days later, I went to brake to stop the car and then the abs, traction control and brake system lights lit up on the dash and wouldn't go away. I pulled over safely and turned the car off and on again but it wouldn't go away. The brakes were also noticeably more firm compared to before as it was quite squishy but now it was solid and all regen braking went away and it appeared I had no more ABS which could lead to a collision. I immediately took it into the dealer to have it diagnosed. I did some reading and if I kept driving with this problem, eventually the brakes would fail and collapse completely and leave me unable to stop the vehicle. At the service center, they were able to read the code DTC C1246 and clearing the codes did not work. The part that was replaced was the brake booster and the brake master cylinder and the brake pedal stroke sensor. It appears that a warranty program exists for this issue but it is not a recall. I am also not sure if the part that was replaced is a revised part that will no longer have this issue or there is no change in the part design. I believe this is a massive safety issue and should be a recall and not a warranty replacement program as every prius should be recalled for this defect. I was very close to being out of warranty and if I had taken any longer to bring it into the dealer I would have been out of the extended CSP warranty. Even the dealer initially thought I would be out of warranty but I had to argue that I was in warranty and should be eligible for a warranty replacement and that I should not need to pay for a diagnostic fee despite it not being a recall.
Got the warning code for C1391 for the brake booster. It failed at 140k miles but because it failed past the 10 year mark did not qualify for the Toyota extended warranty program. I don't think the warranty program is good enough and should be addressed as a recall. I had sudden total brake failure on the highway which could hav…
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Got the warning code for C1391 for the brake booster. It failed at 140k miles but because it failed past the 10 year mark did not qualify for the Toyota extended warranty program. I don't think the warranty program is good enough and should be addressed as a recall. I had sudden total brake failure on the highway which could have been extremely deadly.
The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal went to the floorboard, and the vehicle hesitated while responding. The traction control, ABS, BRAKES, and cruise control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Gasket M…
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The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal went to the floorboard, and the vehicle hesitated while responding. The traction control, ABS, BRAKES, and cruise control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Gasket Masters Inc, where it was diagnosed and determined that the ABS assembly was leaking fluid into the braking system, and the ABS module had failed, causing the brake pump to fail. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the malfunction warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 186,000.
Our 2015 Prius suffers from the Brake booster/master cylinder defect as outlined in TSB T-SB-0024-19. Which is a well known an pervasive issue for this vehicle. We were unable to medically drive when the vehicle was still under the time frame and mileage which would have allowed it to be covered by Toyota. Despite requesting …
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Our 2015 Prius suffers from the Brake booster/master cylinder defect as outlined in TSB T-SB-0024-19. Which is a well known an pervasive issue for this vehicle. We were unable to medically drive when the vehicle was still under the time frame and mileage which would have allowed it to be covered by Toyota. Despite requesting an extension due to extenuating circumstances (medically unable to drive, thus detect the issue during the covered period) they disclaim any and all remedy. When I was able to drive the vehicle after being cleared from surgical recovery restrictions, the issue was immediately found and reported to Toyota whom promptly denied the claim through their local dealership and subsequently through their offices after sending a letter requesting an exception or good will extension. This issue is a major safety issue and unfortunately also a cost prohibitive repair to take on. The defect in question is acknowledged by Toyota through MULTIPLE TSB's and warranty extensions and their own ZJB Customer support program. We are under the actual mileage cutoff but outside the time frame by a few months (medical period where the vehicle was not driven).
I have a 2015 Toyota Prius with 48,600 miles. My breaks started failing suddenly while driving which almost got me into a car accident. I took it to my mechanic immediately and the DTC was Code C1281. I was advised to take the car to A Toyota dealer. I got an appointment and a manager was waiting for me wanting to charge me $250…
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I have a 2015 Toyota Prius with 48,600 miles. My breaks started failing suddenly while driving which almost got me into a car accident. I took it to my mechanic immediately and the DTC was Code C1281. I was advised to take the car to A Toyota dealer. I got an appointment and a manager was waiting for me wanting to charge me $250 for a new diagnostic test and $2,500 - $3,000 for repair if the diagnosis was correct. I called customer service and washed their hands from any responsibility. I called the Toyota's customer advocate service located in Plano, TX and was on the phone for more than an hour. They apologize, were very courteous, but I was told that I was not covered because I had call too late and that the repair offered by Toyota had expired. They acknowledged that Toyota never issued a recall for this manufacturer defect. I informed them that the discovery of the problem had occurred on [XXX], 10 years and 2 month after I bought the car from them and that the car was almost new with very little mileage. I let them know that felt this was a deceptive trade practice with breach of warranty and breach of implied warranty of merchantability, along with it being a fraudulent concealment with failure to warn their customers of potential danger and harm. I plea with the Toyota's advocate that since the statute of limitation and equitable tolling had not elapsed from the day of discovery that they should honor my request for it being just. I was told that Toyota's decision on the Prius brake defect was not covered and that I was free to take my car to a Toyota dealer or an independent mechanic, whatever was more convenient and/or affordable and that the cost was on me. I asked if I were to get a new Toyota car and trade in my old car if they would appraise it as if the defective brake part had not malfunctioned. The answer was that the value of my car if traded in, would be significantly less due this issue. He gave me a Ref # [XXX] and hanged up. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT
Code C1391 Leakage in Accumulator abnormal. This required replacement of the master cylinder, brake booster pump assembly. This fault resulted in mushy brake pedal and loss of abs system. The components were replaced at a Toyota dealership. Total cost was $3207.82. Apparently this was a known issue with Toyota for Prius models 2…
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Code C1391 Leakage in Accumulator abnormal. This required replacement of the master cylinder, brake booster pump assembly. This fault resulted in mushy brake pedal and loss of abs system. The components were replaced at a Toyota dealership. Total cost was $3207.82. Apparently this was a known issue with Toyota for Prius models 2010 through 2015.
The brake booster pump and ABS actuator is beginning to fail recently. I took it to the Toyota dealership to use Customer Support Program ZJB to replace the parts, but they said my vehicle was not covered. They then quoted me $3000 to fix the issue. The brake booster pump and ABS actuator contribute to safety while driving, so w…
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The brake booster pump and ABS actuator is beginning to fail recently. I took it to the Toyota dealership to use Customer Support Program ZJB to replace the parts, but they said my vehicle was not covered. They then quoted me $3000 to fix the issue. The brake booster pump and ABS actuator contribute to safety while driving, so why is this not recalled? We need an official recall to happen and not a simple Customer Support Program.
Failure of the: pump break booster actuator Had it towed to Toyota and they said it’s a $3,500 repair
Brake booster failed. ABS lights on. Brake light on. Traction control light on. Was sitting at stop with foot gently on brake when lights turned on. Attempted to restart car to clear lights, lights would not turn off after normal restart x3. Brake no longer function correctly, and the factory installed ABS are no longer function…
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Brake booster failed. ABS lights on. Brake light on. Traction control light on. Was sitting at stop with foot gently on brake when lights turned on. Attempted to restart car to clear lights, lights would not turn off after normal restart x3. Brake no longer function correctly, and the factory installed ABS are no longer functioning. Braking distance greatly increased, and no longer as safe to operate.
Official recalls
120V369000 · Hybrid Propulsion System: Inverter
Jun 24, 2020
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Prius and 2014-2017 Prius V vehicles not included in recall 18V-684. 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: An unexpected hybrid power system shut down may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will perform a software update for the hybrid system. If the vehicle has experienced an inverter failure with certain hybrid system faults related to this condition, the inverter assembly will be repaired or replaced, prior to software update. All repairs will be performed free of charge. This recall began July 24, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TB10 / 20TA10.
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
3DP23005 · 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.
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