Toyota Prius V Complaints

479 consumer complaints on file.

#11768408October 1, 2026
AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Airbag light remains on and horn has also stopped working.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766722September 24, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH and depressing the brake pedal there was a buzzing sound coming from the vehicle and the brake warning light illuminated. The contact stated that after inspecting the vehicle, the brake fluid level was very low. The vehicle was taken to a service center where it was diagnosed and DTC: C1391; was retrieved. The contact was informed that a leak in the brake accumulator had caused the brake master cylinder and hydraulic power brake accumulator to fail and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was scheduled to be repaired by the service center. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure via telephone. The contact stated that the manufacturer was aware of the failure and offered an extended warranty to cover the repair. However, the part needed to be replaced. The failure mileage was approximately 81,239.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11764638September 16, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Prius V. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, brake fluid was leaking from the vehicle. While driving over 45 MPH, the brake pedal became firm, requiring the driver to exert extra force while depressing the brake pedal; the brakes failed to respond as intended. Additionally, a burning and toxic odor was present during the failure. Multiple warning lights illuminated on the instrument cluster, including the ABS system, parking brake, brake malfunction, and electronic stability warning lights. In addition, the automotive brake system, brake pump, and pressure warning messages were displayed. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failed brake booster assembly after inspection. The dealer determined that the brake booster assembly needed to be replaced. The contact associated the failure with Customer Support Program: 20TE07. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline by a lawyer, and the contact had found a class action lawsuit related to the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 187,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11763226September 9, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES
2012 Toyota Prius v with 89,662 miles. Multiple brake warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle stored diagnostic trouble code C1391, “Abnormal Leak in Accumulator.” The brake booster/accumulator pump is also cycling about every 13 seconds, even when the brake pedal is not being applied. The vehicle and components are available for inspection. My safety concern is that this involves a critical braking-system component. When the warning lights are on, regenerative braking is disabled, and braking behavior changes. I am concerned that continued deterioration could reduce braking performance or result in loss of brake assist. The issue has not yet been formally diagnosed by a Toyota dealer. I scanned the vehicle with a diagnostic scan tool, which currently shows C1391. I also contacted my independent repair shop, which recommended that Toyota diagnose the vehicle because this code is associated with the brake booster/booster pump failure previously addressed by Toyota Customer Support Program 20TE07. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by Toyota, police, insurance, or another manufacturer representative. A Toyota corporate case has been opened and escalated. There were no known brake warning lights before this incident. The problem first became apparent when multiple brake warning lights illuminated. Afterward, I noticed the brake booster pump cycling unusually often. Toyota previously identified C1391 as a qualifying code under 20TE07 for certain 2012–2014 Prius v brake booster/booster pump failures. My vehicle is outside the time-based coverage period despite relatively low mileage. I am reporting this because I am concerned this safety-related failure may continue occurring in similarly aged vehicles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11762896September 8, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES
The vehicle is experiencing a critical failure of the Brake Actuator and Booster Pump assembly. The dashboard currently displays multiple warning indicators: ABS light, Traction Control light, and the Brake System Warning light (Master Warning "!"). Symptoms: Mechanical Failure: The internal high-pressure accumulator is failing to hold pressure. The electric brake booster pump is heard cycling every 10-20 seconds even when the vehicle is stationary and the brake pedal is not depressed. Loss of Braking Safety Features: The system has disabled regenerative braking and Anti-lock Braking (ABS), causing significantly increased stopping distances and a “spongy" brake pedal feel with diminished braking response. Predictability of Failure: This failure matches the exact symptoms described in Toyota's Customer Support Program 20TE07 (and previously ZJB), which acknowledges an internal defect in the brake actuator. Safetv Risk: The sudden transition from power-assisted braking to manual hydraulic braking during a drive creates an immediate safety hazard. As the pump motor continues to cycle excessively to compensate for the internal leak, it is at risk of total thermal failure, which would lead to a near-total loss of braking assist while the vehicle is in motion. Despite the vehicle having only 75,689 miles (well under the 150,000 mile limit acknowledged in Toyota's support programs), Toyota has declined to provide assistance because the vehicle has surpassed the 10-year age mark. Toyota is wrong in not providing support for vehicles whose critical components such as brakes shouldn’t experience catastrophic internal failure at 75,689 miles, regardless of the vehicle's age.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11761665September 2, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES
The brake booster assembly failed, as many of these models had before. A bunch of codes went off as I was driving and the brakes did not function properly. Toyota had an extended warranty for this which they discontinued last year and they would extend no good will towards the $4,000 repair
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11751973July 22, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES
In 2024, I had my vehicle checked out prior to a road trip because the brakes were making "fart noises," and I was worried about driving it to Albuquerque. The AAA certified dealer I took the car to said everything checked out alright. I never received the letter regarding the brake system issue, so I could not take advantage of the extended warranty repair program. My car was in the 80-90 thousand mile range and had not yet rolled over. Fast forward to 2025, my dashboard lit up all over the place, and I got the brakes checked again. By that time, the fault code was coming up, but the entire ABS system needed to be replaced. I was unable to get any help from TOYOTA despite this being a KNOWN FAULT WITH TOYOTA PRIUS AND TOYOTA PRIUS V FROM THIS TIME PERIOD. They are STILL not doing anything to help their customers. Brake issues are EXTREMELY dangerous, and it is wildly negligent to continue moving forward WITHOUT fully recalling the ABS system in the FULL LINE of prius vehicles from the impacted manufacture dates. Every prius owner I know has had to deal with this. My care was UNDER the required mileage but PAST the dates to be repaired. PLEASE consider holding TOYOTA responsible and getting them to refund Prius owners who have already paid for this COSTLY repair out of pocket. Thank you.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11751939July 21, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY, SERVICE BRAKES, SUSPENSION
N/a
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11751147July 17, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES
My Prius had brake warning lights come on around December 2025. Turns out the brake accumulator had an internal leak. After doing some research, I discovered this was a known brake booster issue that Toyota has not issued a recall on. They do have an extended warranty program, but my vehicle did not qualify. The warning lights did not come on until after the 10 years or 150k miles cutoff for the warranty. Toyota's refusal to issue a recall and limits of their warranty program are clearly a move to avoid paying for repairs incurred as a result of defective manufacturing. Why should I be ineligible for reimbursement just because my vehicle is 13 years old rather than 10? Please make Toyota issue a recall or extend their Customer Support Program No. POL18-03.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11747383June 30, 2026
ENGINE
I purchased a 2014 Toyota Prius V in 2013, and it currently has 120,000 miles on it. Last month, the engine light came on, so I took it to a dealership. They diagnosed the issue and provided the codes P0302 and P0304. After consulting multiple shops, all confirmed that coolant is leaking into the engine, which means I either need to repair the head gasket or replace the engine entirely. The quotes I've received for this repair range from $5,000 to $15,000, while the current value of the car is only about $5,000. I want to file a complaint regarding Toyota's responsibility for these engine issues. We buy cars because we trust the brand, and in this case, Toyota has broken that trust. Despite maintaining the car according to Toyota's recommended schedule, I have encountered this serious problem.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11747171June 29, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES
Brake actuator assembly failure on a vehicle with 99,818 miles. Whirring sound when braking followed by lighting of several brake alert lights on dash including PCS and ABS and others. The whirring noise has occured for several weeks, but the light indicators happened on 6/28/26. Toyota has an acknowledged Customer Support Program (20TE07) for this exact failure on this exact and Toyota declined to cover the repair. This vehicle is 14 years old but has well under 150k miles and Toyota will not honor claim though they clearly are aware of the safety hazard.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11747076June 28, 2026
ENGINE
Driving down the highway, the engine suddenly threw a rod, causing a terrible jolt, after which the engine burst into flames. There had been no warning lights.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11745426June 21, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES
The ABS system has failed. All brake related warning lights have appeared on the dash board and the ABS no longer works. The car will brake for now, but the pedal is mushy. The issue was diagnosed by a dealer. The diagnosis from the dealer, based on diagnostic trouble codes they did not provide, is that brake fluid is leaking in the master cylinder and brake booster. The recommendation is to have both the master cylinder and booster replaced. This vehicle has 143,000 miles on it. No accidents have occurred as a result of the brakes yet but how long before the brakes ultimately fail is unknown.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11743546June 11, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES
ABS, brake, and traction control lights, all illuminated at once on the dashboard. Inspection found DTC C1391 indicating the accumulator is leaking or failing to hold pressure correctly. We are advised that the braking system performance will decline, eventually failing. An very expensive repair is required and Toyota apparently has a shortage of the parts required. We cannot drive the vehicle given the potential of braking failure and cannot get it repaired in a timely manner for lack of Toyota parts.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11737539May 13, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES
Description of the Problem Vehicle: 2014 Toyota Prius v (Mileage: 70,000) Problem Description: The vehicle is experiencing a critical failure of the Electronically Controlled Braking (ECB) system, specifically the Brake Actuator and Booster Pump assembly. The dashboard currently displays multiple warning indicators: ABS light, Traction Control light, and the Brake System Warning light (Master Warning "!"). Symptoms: Mechanical Failure: The internal high-pressure accumulator is failing to hold pressure. The electric brake booster pump is heard cycling (straining) every 10–20 seconds even when the vehicle is stationary and the brake pedal is not depressed. Loss of Braking Safety Features: The system has disabled regenerative braking and Anti-lock Braking (ABS), causing significantly increased stopping distances and a "wooden," unresponsive brake pedal feel. Predictability of Failure: This failure matches the exact symptoms described in Toyota’s Customer Support Program 20TE07 (and previously ZJB), which acknowledges an internal defect in the brake actuator. Safety Risk: The sudden transition from power-assisted braking to manual hydraulic braking during a drive creates an immediate safety hazard. As the pump motor continues to cycle excessively to compensate for the internal leak, it is at risk of total thermal failure, which would lead to a near-total loss of braking assist while the vehicle is in motion. Additional Notes: Despite the vehicle having only 70,000 miles (well under the 150,000-mile limit acknowledged in Toyota’s support programs), Toyota has declined to provide assistance because the vehicle has surpassed the 10-year age mark. I am filing this report because a primary safety component (brakes) should not experience catastrophic internal failure at 70,000 miles, regardless of the vehicle's age.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11736312May 7, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES
I have 2014 Prius v 5 with 100,000 miles but I had issues with brake booster pump
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11735136May 1, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES
Suddenly Cars Brakes failed with vehicle almost lunged forward. I had to slam the brakes heavily for it to stop; Took the vehicle to Toyota Service and clearly its a QUALITY issue toyota acknowledged as a know problem with error code C1391. They even had customer support program 20TE07 acknowledging it as their issue; I almost got killed for this. The repair costs are abnormally high at 4900$'s putting me a financial burden also and currently unsafe car; Toyota - they literally KNOW THIS ISSUE and still put me at risk. They are refusing any kind of assistance to help too.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11733333April 23, 2026
Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness
The harness webbing/strap on the Evenflo Revolve360 Slim tore without any known incident or accident causing the damage. The defect was discovered on April 15, 2026 when the seat was temporarily removed from the vehicle. Upon inspection, the harness strap was found to be nearly completely torn through and would likely not have restrained the child occupant in the event of a crash. The seat had been in regular use and had not been involved in any collision. No unusual event or misuse is known to have caused the failure. It is suspected that the rotating mechanism of the seat placed repeated stress on the harness webbing over normal use, causing it to deteriorate and tear. The seat has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, law enforcement, or insurance representatives, but is available for inspection upon request. The seat has been taken out of service and is not being used.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11733421April 23, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
8/2025 Car stalled on freeway. Went to dealer. They said nothing wrong. Then on a trip north, car stalled again on freeway. Went to the nearest dealer. They too said nothing wrong. This time same thing. There is a recall for the exact symptoms of the exact car yet they say the repair was done. Why does my vin not qualify for the exact symptoms that generated a recall? This was super dangerous at freeway speed. Toyota knows there is a problem with the inverter and it's computer. Now I'm paying again for a diagnosis. That makes $750 just diagnosing and now if they actually decide it is the inverter, I have to pay upwards of $3000 even though there is a recall? What the heck?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11731817April 17, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Prius V. The contact stated that while pulling out of a parking space at approximately 15 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal felt spongy, but the vehicle responded as intended. The brake, the ABS, the traction control warning lights, and an unknown warning light were illuminated. The contact scanned the vehicle with a code reader and retrieved diagnostic trouble codes for the brake booster and brake accumulator systems failure. The contact related the failure to the Toyota Customer Satisfaction Program: 20TE07 (Certain 2012 - 2014 Model Year Prius V Coverage for Brake Booster and Brake Booster Pump Assemblies). The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was no longer covered because the 10-year limit was exceeded. The contact was referred to the dealer, who provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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