2013 Toyota Prius complaints

The brake pedals felt very soft with no resistance and barely had braking power. Was taken to dealership and they said it’s the brake booster which was a common thing on these cars, but there’s no recall to fix it and they won’t replace it.

On this 2013 Toyota Prius 2, the brake actuator is starting to make more and more rhythmic noise. A mechanic just alerted me that the seal is leaking, requiring a costly repair - to which he said to check for a recall as he has seen many Priuses with the same issue. While no Toyota recall is present, I can see that the NHTSA is already investigating the issue for a potential recall. As this is a live example in the Los Angeles, CA area, I am happy to demonstrate this issue to a NHTSA office, if necessary and/or available.

My Prius has a brake actuator defect that is common among 2013 Priuses. Supposedly Toyota mailed a notification of this problem, but did not do a recall. The notification offered to fix the problem, but you had to know that your Prius had the problem. I did not know. Once I understood that my Prius had this problem, the Toyota repair window had closed. The Prius is dangerous to drive. I approached Toyota and the dealer that sold me the car, and Toyota refused to authorize the repair and so the dealership refused to fix at their expense. I spent thousands on unnecessary brake replacement because the problem was never the brakes but the brake actuator, which is a KNOWN PROBLEM! Yes, the problem is able to be discerned upon request and I have taken video and you can hear the noise. This problem puts the driver, passengers and other vehicles at risk. There are no warnings or lights showing this problem, but the noise is loud, grinding and obvious.

Full brake actuator assembly failed. Brakes started responding differently and we became uncomfortable with driving the car. Problem was confirmed by ISC. The part has not been inspected, but I will ask them to save the part for me. No, it all happened at once while driving at speed on the freeway.

The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that upon parking the vehicle, the vehicle made an abnormal sound every 30-seconds. The contact stated the vehicle then stopped making the sound. The ABS warning light, the traction control warning light, and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed. The mechanic determined that the brake actuator and the ABS module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. An unknown dealer was contacted for parts information. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

The hybrid braking systems on Toyota Prius' manufactured from 2010-2015 had a serious failure of the hybrid braking system that had additional long term warranties to repair, but never recalled in order to save the money from a total recall. The Sloan Toyota dealership in Glenside knew before I purchased the 2013 Toyota Prius I purchased that a serious brake system failure was very probable with my car but failed to tell me. If they did, i would not have purchased the car. I had the 5000 mile oil change in early August and three days later after the service and a clear 25 point inspection, and the system failed. I want full reimbursement or just pay for the repair.

Entering the highway the car suddenly learched and stopped excelerating, creating an unsafe situation, and went into a slow mode. It limped along. Caused cars issue around having to slow merge and driving only 10-15 miles per hour. The dealer could find no codes and said it could be an air bubble in fluid line??? No warning lights.

The Toyota brake booster system failed and is no longer safe to be on the road. The car will no longer brake properly and is a danger to anyone else on the road. It was inspected by Toyota prior. The entire dashboard warning lights for the brake system lit up 2 years ago and has fully failed now.

The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while reversing, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the vehicle. The contact exited the vehicle and performed an inspection of the vehicle. While inspecting the vehicle, the contact became aware that the passenger’s side rear wheel was touching the frame of the wheel well. Additionally, the wheel was leaning inward. The dealer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a fractured rear wheel assembly. The contact was informed that the rear wheel assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. In addition, the contact was informed that the failure was a known failure. The contact was informed by the independent mechanic that two similar vehicles had been repaired with similar failures, within the week. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 179,000.

I have a 2013 Toyota Prius with 164,000 miles. A mechanic confirmed that the master cylinder and brake booster are failing and are not covered since warranty expired 14,000 miles ago. I have heard this is a common issue with this vehicle. Traction light, brake light and ABS light are all on. The earring lights go on and off.

When test driving the vehicle I asked about this buzzing/ whirring noise while sitting in the running but parked car. I was told these cars are hybrids, the electrical components make all sorts of whirring and humming noises and not to be concerned. Over the years I heard this noise, increasingly more and more, but I never knew it was something to pay attention to. Fast forward to July 2025. I noticed the car is inching forward while I’ve been stopped for a while at a red light almost like the brakes don’t want to hold. This has been happening so often that I have began to put the car in park while waiting for lights to turn green because it gets painful having to push the brake so far down. I take my car to a mechanic, explain all of the noises and the sensations and two mechanics Drive it but say it feels fine and there are no recalls. They say my front brake pads are low and that must be what I’m feeling. After replacing the brake pads nothing had changed. Now there is also a squeak while moving at a slow speed in stop and go traffic. 1 week later i bring it up while getting an oil change and ask if they know what it could be. They said brakes seemed fine. A couple weeks go by and yesterday while I was driving down the highway in heavy school traffic out of nowhere my car makes a clunk noise and all of these lights pop up on the dash. I roll the windows down and scream for my children to hold on because something was wrong. Luckily we were able to get to safety but I defin

Car currently at 88k miles. Spongy and weakening brake pressure. Slower to stop. Brake constantly priming indicates brake actuator and brake boost failure. Confirmed by independent mechanic.

Failed brake booster, pump, fluid, and actuator on my Toyota Prius 2013 with 143,972 miles on it.

Brake booster, ABS controller, and brake booster pump have failed for a second time. Parts replaced with new, in box from aftermarket dealer. Dealer/Manufacturer refuses to accept that there are design flaws and will not recall.

I was driving normally, about 30 mph in a residential area and the brakes all of sudden became soft. It was very scary and I didn’t know if it was safe to drive the vehicle. The brake, ABS, and traction control sign all came on at the same time. I scanned the car and it was a C1391 error code. The Toyota dealership said it is not covered under any recalls. I called Toyota and asked about the ZJB program that covered the repair but they said it expires. Toyota has a repair program for the defective part but no longer covers it. This issue is a known manufacturing issue and it’s dangerous. Toyota should cover it free of charge.

When I’ve hit a pothole or hit the breaks to hard by ABS, and traction control lights would come on and then turn off. The other day they all turned on and stayed on with the break light on as well. Breaks all seemed to work fine, just a little spongy. I brought it in to a shop and they estimated 3k to repair Remove, replace, calibrate, and bleed ABS accumulator assembly and brake master cylinder assembly. Test drive-New OEM Toyota Parts. These parts were recalled but only up to 10 years or 150k miles. I’m at 164k so ineligible for the recall but if this part completely failed while I was driving I could have been killed or caused someone serious harm.

Around May 2025, the brake booster and pump in the car stopped working. There was no clear warning lamp or indicator prior to it failing. While driving on the highway, the part stopped working and significantly changed the car's braking power. Rather than smoothly braking as it did before, the car's brakes have significantly less braking power. The defective part also affects the car's ABS system, making the car unsafe if a sudden stop were required as the brakes will lock up and the car will lose grip on the road and start skidding. Significantly longer braking distances is needed and it's not clear the car would be able to safely stop at a short distance in the event of an emergency. It's a miracle we didn't get into any accidents when the part suddenly failed. There is a significant risk that failure of this part will be the cause of a car accident when the car suddenly no longer brakes how the driver is used to. Toyota has previously offered an extended warranty on the part, but the part did not fail until shortly after the warranty expired. The car has been within my family since it was originally put into service and none of the owners were ever notified that the part could be replaced or even fail in such a manner. The problem has been confirmed by a dealer but they have only offered to fix it at a significant cost. The vehicle does not feel safe to drive. Warning lights only appeared after the part failed but they weren't particularly helpful in diagnosing the problem

Just like many prius owners have complained of brake actuator/booster failure , my brake booster has failed also. Toyota recalled some cars and then decided to not own up to this issue which they know is affecting many pruis owners and costs between $3000 and $4500 for dealers to fix, therefore Toyota has just decided to refuse to do this repair and leave their customers high and dry with a known major safety brake issue affecting these most prius vehicles. Toyota needs to be forced to recall these cars and own up to this issue. Look at how many complaints Toyota has had on this brake booster issue and yet they are refusing to recall or even offer help to resolve this major safety issue. NHTSA needs to put pressure on Toyota to recall this brake issue affecting many prius owners as shown by the volume of complaints.

The ABS system and the brake actuator began to fail, which triggered multiple warning lights. The Toyota dealership service department confirmed that the Anti-lock brake system and the actuator needed to be replaced, a $3800 value.

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)

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.

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)

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.

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 o

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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 enric

CODE C1391 - Brake booster assembly failure

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

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

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

Brake accumulator suddenly failed in vehicle. Known issue from manufacturer

The abs booster/master cylinder has failed due to an internal leak causing the accumulator pump to constantly run and sets a c1391 dtc. the brakes work poorly and has a stiff pedal feel. braking is definitely reduced. this issues has not been seen by any dealer, shop, or agency yet. I was a toyota certified Master Diagnostic Technician for years before i quit to be a stay-at-home dad and am more than qualified and capable to accurately diagnose this. in addition, toyota has a CSP out (ZGB) that covers this, but the coverage needs to be extended. this is a known very dangerous failure that should be covered for much longer. i did notice, what i thought was an over-frequent cycling of the accumulator pump, but since i had just purchased the vehicle, it was hard to tell how out of the norm it was.

CODE C1391 for leak in brake accumulator pressure. All brake system lights flashed (e-brake, traction control, ABS).

The brake booster pump assembly has been failed.everytime I tried to stop the. vehicle the brake pedal will go to the floor and it will take longer to stop the car. IT has been inspected by my mechanic and conformed the problem

Failure of the brake booster system resulting in no ABS function, appears to be a common problem with this vehicle.

The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving at approximately 25 MPH and depressing the brake pedal to slow for a traffic sign, the vehicle was not slowing down. The contact pumped the brake pedal several times before the vehicle slowed down. The contact stated that an unknown warning light was illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the brake booster and brake actuator had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

The brake booster assembly (part number 47070-47060) on my 2013 Toyota Prius has failed. This component is critical to the proper functioning of the braking system. It is currently still installed in the vehicle and available for inspection upon request. As a result of the failure, the ABS warning light, traction control light, and brake warning light are all illuminated on the dashboard. The braking performance has noticeably declined — the pedal feels inconsistent and at times unresponsive. This has created a significant safety risk while driving, especially during sudden stops or in wet conditions, as it compromises the vehicle's ability to brake efficiently and predictably. The issue has been confirmed by a Toyota dealer (or independent mechanic if that’s the case — feel free to change this line accordingly). The dealer diagnosed the issue as a failure of the brake booster assembly, which aligns with known failures reported by many other 3rd-generation Prius owners. The vehicle has not been involved in an accident, and has not been inspected by the police or insurance representatives. Toyota previously issued a Customer Support Program (CSP ZJB or ZG1) covering this part, but it has since expired. I only recently began experiencing symptoms and was unaware of the CSP until after contacting Toyota. Prior to the warning lights, I experienced intermittent symptoms such as a soft or delayed brake pedal, and an unusual sound from the brake system when the vehicle was turned of

The abs system and brake lights started showing on my dash and when I put my foot on the brake it makes a noise and the car shakes hard to brake when to the mechanic they said is the abnormal leak acc pressure code c1319

ABS, Brake, and Traction Control light came up had dealer review these and got error code C1391 and P0441. Initially they said its covered by Toyota customer service program which covered upto 150k miles as my vehicle only has 98k miles. Later they said only 10 years from the vehicle service which ended in 2023 and quoted $4500 to fix. Previously i asked them to check before expiration since it was not showing consistent light on they could not fix it. Reading through several forums it seems like consistent issue should have been included in recall not customer support program.