Toyota Prius V Complaints

479 consumer complaints on file.

#11663090May 27, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
For the last few months, our brakes seem to have been making "extra" noises, but not palpably struggling to function. After driving roughly 45 minutes via high speed Interstate, parking, and then restarting the car, ALL the brake-related lights suddenly came on ((1)Brake, (2)ABS, (3)VSC, and (4)(!)). We took it slowly, off highway, w hazards on, and lots of space between other cars to the dealership. This felt scary because, although the brakes were making some strange noises, there was no way of knowing what the warning lights were specifically indicating, or if the brakes would go out. The Alexandra Toyota dealership confirms a code C1391, "abnormal leak in the Accumulator" and requires "replace brake master cylinder kit and brake booster pump assembly" This was addressed in a Toyota "customer support program": [XXX] but our car is not covered despite having less than 80,000 miles on it. In Toyota's own words this is an "internal malfunction" and ought to be covered by a full recall. As it stands, owners' vehicles would have had to show symptoms within a tiny 2.5 year window, and it's evident online that many others have experienced failures outside of that window. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11663280May 27, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
brake failure during operation due to bad brake booster pump and accumulator.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11662646May 22, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While driving my 2014 Prius V it stalled. I turned it off and restarted it. The yellow car symbol with an exclamation point lit up. I turned the car on and off again. The light went away and I was able to drive home. I was unable to get any OBD 2 codes on my personal reader. I changed the 12 V battery and thought this had fixed the stalling. Then it stalled again and repeated the same process. Though we were able to drove the car I had it towed to a dealership for safety reasons. The dealership pulled codes, cleared them, drove the car 20 miles, and were unable to reproduce the codes. I was told to return when the codes returned. It stalled again and now I am afraid to drive this car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11660422May 12, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Prius V. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the service brakes warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed failures with the brake booster assembly and brake booster pump assembly. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21TE01. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11660257May 11, 2025
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, AIR BAGS
On 10-17-24 these warning lights came on: 1. Pre-collision System 2. Hybrid System 3. Airbag 4. Safety Connect red light And Intermittently: 1. Slip Indicator 2. Brake System Cruise control would not set, and displayed "E3". ------- Component failed: Dealer determined that the driver's side door harness had been chewed by a rat that had entered the under dash area "somehow". They said it couldn't be repaired but must be replaced. My insurance deductible was $500 and they paid the balance of the $1,387.06 bill. (I have retained the harness, which could have been repaired by splicing the two wires connecting to the driver's side airbag collision sensor. The labor to splice the wires would have been less than an hour.) ------ Safety: The chewed wire apparently disabled the Airbag, Pre Collision, Emergency Automatic Braking, Seatbelt Pre-Tensioning, ABS, and Stability Systems. ----- The dealer confirmed the problem. ----- My insurance adjuster did inspect the harness. ----- I placed electronic rat traps in the vehicle, which killed three rats. ========= NEXT ========= ALL THE SAME WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON A FEW MONTHS LATER! I didn't throw more money at the Dealer, and took off the panels to inspect the wiring myself. There was damage to the passenger side door harness wires. I removed the harness and ordered a $60 used replacement on Ebay. While waiting for delivery, I researched rat damage to Toyota wires, and how rats could possibly enter the interior of the car. I discovered that there is an UNSCREENED 12x9 inch opening to bring fresh air into the HVAC system. It is hidden under the windshield wiper cowls. Also, there are two UNSCREENED vents in the trunk area. Other Prius owners covered those openings with 1/4 inch metal wire hardware cloth. I spent a few hours disassembling, covering, and reassembling pieces to prevent further access through the fresh air intake, and will do to the rear next. TOYOTA should recall these cars and ratproof the harnesses
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11657666April 29, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Car was driving fine one day and then while driving down the interstate I had the Pre collision system malfunction error, Brake light came on, Cruise will not operate, ABS light is on. After much research it seems Prius V has a common issue with brake booster faulting.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11655151April 17, 2025
PARKING BRAKE, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Prius V. The contact stated while driving 35-40 MPH, the ABS, traction control, parking brake, and the malfunction indicator warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the brake pedal vibrated while being depressed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and DTC: C1391 was retrieved. The dealer determined that the brake booster pump assembly and the brake booster assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the repair could not be covered under Toyota Campaign Number: 20TE07; because the program had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11654674April 15, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
[XXX] almost every light on my dash came on & my brakes locked up. I barely made it to the side of the road quickly enough to avoid being struck by traffic. On February 7, 2025. I had the brake booster assembly & master cylinder actuator replaced in my 2013 Toyota Prius V. On [XXX] it went out again. I paid my friend a total of $1600 to borrow his vehicle because rental cars charge so much for me to commute almost an hour each way to work every day. Not only have I been devastated/traumatized, I’ve paid a Mechanic $1500 twice within two months as well as almost $2500 in parts for these repairs. I’m out over $7k, and every time I get behind the wheel of the car I am afraid. I’ve never experienced a fear of driving in my life, and I am almost [XXX] years old. This is my 8th Toyota. My boyfriend drives a Toyota, as well as his son, and both of my twin boys… We are now in the process of switching our Toyotas out for something more safe. I never thought I would hear those words coming out of my mouth, but it’s clear that Toyota has no regard for our safety anymore. Not only that, but they’ve set up the recall for these parts in such a way that the majority of people are no longer within the parameters by the time the brake booster assembly fails. This is by design. I don’t know how they sleep at night, Toyota should be ashamed of themselves. I am sad to say that after 35 years of being a Toyota Family, we are all switching to Honda. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11654448April 14, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
I just had the brake actuator fail on my 2013 Prius with 80K Miles on it
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11653636April 9, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Prius V. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The service brakes and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed failures with the brake booster and master cylinder assembly, resulting in an abnormal leak in the brake accumulator pressure. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to the Customer Satisfaction Program: 20TE07. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 63,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11650090March 24, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2014 Toyota Prius V. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed and traveled to the floorboard. The contact engaged the parking brake to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11649867March 22, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Break pump , break pump assembly, Break actuator. Vehicle has only 91k miles it. Breaks feel rough and slower to react. Too worried to use vehicle. Dealership said it’s a very well known issue and wanted $5800 to fix it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11647443March 10, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2014 Toyota Prius V. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the brakes and ABS warning lights illuminated the instrument cluster. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the brake booster and brake booster pump assemblies needed to be replaced. The contact was informed about the Customer Satisfaction Program: 20TE07 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the vehicle was no longer covered under the warranty extension. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 133,838.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11645443February 27, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Rear hatch does not have manual release. Had to have the rear hatch pried open when the battery failed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11643279February 17, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
My wife was driving home and four dashboard error lights illuminated (Brakes, ABS, SLIP and a yellow light_) The brakes suddenly "went soft" (in her words), and it freaked her out. I now learn that I need to have the brake master cylinder and a booster pump assembly replaced at a cost of over $4,000. Ouch!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11642078February 11, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Brakes failing while driving in the rain. I was unable to use my brakes in the rain and headlights turned off while driving too. Took it to the dealer and they won't do anything unless lights are on on dashboard to read the code.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11641267February 7, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
Toyota did implement an extended service warranty that ran through June of 2024 for a KNOWN issue with the ABS system. The problem was identified in a number of vehicle models, multiple recalls were made starting in 2019, and the Prius V (mine is a 2015) was excluded from that recall. After a road trip from Phoenix, AZ to Albequerque, NM, I started noticing a "farting" noise while braking. The extended service program had closed the month prior. I had the car inspected at my local AAA service department prior to leaving. The problem got worse, the braking is squishy and inconsistent, so I took it back to the shop. They've told me that my ABS system is not functioning and needs to be replaced. I called a dealership about the issue, and they said they can't honor the warranty unless Toyota does. They gave me the contact number for Toyota's Customer Care line, and I requested an appeal or exception which was denied. I have 85,000 miles on the car. It hasn't even rolled over yet. I don't drive very much and didn't drive really at all for almost 3 years between 2020 and 2023 since I was working online. There is nothing I could possibly have done to contribute to this issue, so it is CLEARLY a manufacturer error. Any issue with brakes poses a serious threat to safety and must be taken seriously. The repair cost is over $5,000, and MOST households cannot absorb that cost. If more vehicles are having similar issues, then I GUARANTEE you that there are more cars on the road right now with unstable brake systems that may fail at crucial moments. I have an appointment on Monday 2/10/24 with a the dealership service center. I have no idea if I'll be able to cover the cost of the repairs.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11640662February 4, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
On [XXX], multiple break lights on my dash appeared. I was told that the accumulator is leaking internally due to a known issue with Toyota's break booster system. See code C1391 referenced in TBS POL18-03 [XXX] ). I was never informed of this issue by Toyota either by letter or by a dealership despite bringing in my car for a separate recall in 2020-- within the timeframe that the repair was covered. Additionally, I was informed by Toyota that they would not cover the repair on this part unless it broke within the timeframe listed in the TBS. This is a dangerous system to commonly malfunction especially if Toyota refuses to do any preventive work to fix it, to inform their customers, or to cover it after the short timeframe. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11639525January 30, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
While driving suddenly the ABS and vehicle traction lights came on and the car became very slippery, was unable to stop without an excessive amount of space between the car in front of me and me. While looking at the car, I realized the actuator brake booster pump. I then found multiple websites and forums dedicated to people with the same problem ( brakes suddenly not functioning correctly while driving) with the same model car as I have, and there was a service bulletin that shows Toyota acknowledged there was a problem ( and a fix) but with the date of the bulletin and the date it was to be fixed within, it was near impossible to actually have it fixed. My car has 87,000 miles and the brake system is dangerous
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11639411January 29, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
Approximately 2 months ago my brake booster and accumulator pump failed looked up recalls on this issue my vehicle falls in the recalled model year was wondering if it is just overlooked because it has not had any problems with it in the past only 76000 miles on vehicle due to low mileage I believe it should not have failed it has a internal leak had vehicle scanned code C1391 was detected for abnormal leak of ACC press. Thank you For any assistance you can provide for me unable to afford repairs at this need vehicle for transportation to and from work again. Thank you
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

← Back to Toyota Prius V