Toyota Prius Complaints (2015)

171 consumer complaints on file.

#11695550October 25, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
I was driving from Las Vegas to my home in Los Angeles. An alarming message began flashing on the dashboard telling me to pull over. The vehicle became hard to control. I somehow managed to get it off an exit. I was "lucky" enough to get it towed to a nearby Toyota dealership where I was told the inverter had failed and that that inverter and associated parts had to be replaced. On my 2015 Prius with only 50,000 miles on it. I SPECIFICALLY asked if there had been a recall on the electrical system of any 2015 Priuses, and they flatly said no. I also CALLED TOYOTA, and they also said there were no recalls involving the electrical system or inverters. The Barstow Toyota dealership said it would cost over $5,000 to repair AND that they wouldn't have the parts they needed for a WEEK. As it was, I had been stranded in the desert at a hotel for two days. I then had to pay $1,100 to be towed back to LA and took it to a hybrid mechanic I trust and paid them to do the work. But this cost me THOUSANDS UPON THOUSANDS. In a month where a friend of mine died (which was the reason I was driving from city to city). To have to replace this on a car with only 50,000 miles is preposterous. To NOW find out there actually IS a recall on the 2015 Prius FOR the electrical system involving the inverter is so far beyond frustrating, I don't have the correct word for it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11690972October 2, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
On or around 9/13/25 my ABS, Brake, Traction and Emergency Sign sensors turned on in my 2015 Toyota Prius. I noticed that my brakes became squishy and when I drove, it took longer for my car to brake (there was more distance in my braking ability to stop the car). My car also felt a bit more airy than it usually does when I drive it. I took it to 2 independent car repair shops for a diagnostic and both told me that the ABS C1391 code came up. Soon thereafter, I took it to a local Toyota dealership for a diagnostic and was given the ABS C1391(code) Abnormal Leak in the accumulator. The Toyota mechanic informed me that that when he did the diagnostic, the TSB 0024-19 code came up on his end, which means that Toyota alerts their mechanics of the necessary procedures to implement for this problem, as it's a known Toyota problem and defect: 1) Remove & Replace the Brake Booster Assembly w/the Master Cylinder (apparently the master cylinder goes out too since they're connected) and 2) Remove and Replace the Brake Booster Assembly Pump. Toyota's estimate to repair it is $4,404.72; I can't afford this and need a car. It's my only car! I did research and learned that this is a known Toyota issue for Prius (2010-2015) and a Customer Support Program w/an extended warranty was issued to cover the full cost. Despite this, their extended warranty expired for me on 12/29/24, despite me meeting the other 10 yr or 150K or less mileage criteria. Despite filing a complaint with Toyota's Resolution Center they refused to extend or offer warranty or any payment for a KNOWN Toyota defect, saying my issue was "after the extended warranty date" and there "isn't a recall." I'm disgusted to say the least about this, as Toyota is well aware of this car part defect which is a safety hazard and liability for its customers. Something must be done about this. It's unfair and not equitable to have loyal Toyota customers absorb the cost of known safety hazard defects by Toyota and risk lives.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11690363September 29, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
Brake Accumulator and Master cylinder has failed. All lights for the ABS, TSC, and VSC are iliuminated
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11689781September 25, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11688952September 22, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11688356September 19, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11688213September 18, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
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).
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11684838September 3, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
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
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11682496August 22, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11679891August 11, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
Failure of the: pump break booster actuator Had it towed to Toyota and they said it’s a $3,500 repair
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11679896August 11, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11678377August 4, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11677243July 30, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
While driving my Prius on the highway, the ABS and traction control warning light suddenly came on. The brakes started feeling different right away, and it didn’t feel safe to drive. I took it to a Toyota dealership, and they found that the brake booster and pump had failed. I looked online and saw that many other Prius owners had the same issue, so it doesn’t seem like an isolated case.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11676730July 28, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
2015 Toyota Prius ABS warning light came on . Went to car mechanic . Brake Actuator & Pump code leaking. It happen on 7/27/25 under 100,000 miles. Currently Anti Sway and ABS braking disable.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11676437July 27, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I am having a hybrid propulsion system issue due to a part that was recalled according to this ID number for the NHTSA 17V718000 that was posted NOV 14, 2017 and my car does seem to be affected because it is facing the same issues as other cars reported from that batch. I want to make sure that I can have it serviced properly at my dealership
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11670795July 2, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
omponent/System Involved: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC ⸻ Make: Toyota Model: Prius Year: 2015 Mileage: 155,470 VIN: [XXX] ⸻ What happened: My 2015 Toyota Prius is experiencing brake failure symptoms related to a known defect addressed in Toyota’s Warranty Enhancement Program ZJB. The vehicle has triggered DTC codes C1256 and C1391, which indicate failure of the brake booster and master cylinder — a problem widely reported by Prius owners. The defect causes decreased brake effectiveness and increased stopping distance. My Prius is just 5,470 miles over Toyota’s 150,000-mile coverage cap, and despite confirming the exact codes, the dealership refused to repair unless Toyota pays first. Toyota Corporate opened Case #[XXX], but has not offered a resolution. This is a safety-critical issue that Toyota acknowledges in internal service bulletins, but they are denying assistance based on a technicality, despite my vehicle having the exact failure their program is designed to address. I am filing this complaint because I believe Toyota is avoiding responsibility for a dangerous manufacturing defect affecting braking performance and safety. 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
#11668371June 21, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Failure of brake pump and brake cylinder assembly system, resulting in reduced braking ability and stiff brake pedal. Per Toyota's diagnostic: trouble code C1391 is present, abnormal leak in accumulator, replaced brake ABS actuator assembly, along with brake master cylinder, and bleed the brake hydraulic system. No warning lamps or safety indicators prior to failure. Upon failure (while on freeway going 50+ MPH) the ABS, Brake, and traction control warning lamps illuminated. The failure resulted in no accident or injury, however it did occur while on the freeway going freeway speeds, and resulted in difficulty in braking, which was dangerous. Took Prius into Toyota dealer for diagnostic and repair, was told that part was known to fail in this model of Prius, and had a manufacturer designated extended warranty for 10 years or 150,000 miles. However, despite prius being under 150,000 miles, it passed ten years since purchase in march 2025, meaning I had to pay in full for the repair ($3,631.96). The car gave no indication of needing the repair until the day of the failure, which was on June 18th 2025. If the vehicle had given some prior indication of brake pump system failure or fault I would have had it repaired prior to the warranty expiration, but it did not, leaving me to pay out of pocket for a failed part that Toyota is at fault for making prone to failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11668240June 20, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
Brake booster failed while driving down the mountains back from big bear. Nearly wrecked several times, had no idea why my brakes weren't working properly. Go to AutoZone to scam the code, and I got the dreaded ABS failure. Sadly the extended warranty for this known issue from Toyota conveniently expired 2 weeks before the failure. Toyota should be held accountable and pay for my repair, that O did myself. Parts cost me $1800, plus a day off from work I had to take. Atrocious situation, Toyota should be ashamed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11667525June 17, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
While driving my 2015 Toyota Prius, the brake pedal became extremely stiff and hard to press. I was on the way to the dog park with my dog in the back seat when I had to press down very hard just to slow the car at a traffic light. It felt like I was stepping on a rock. The brakes barely engaged, and I had to use far more force than normal to get the car to stop in time. When I hit the brakes, they finally caught hard and suddenly and my dog went flying off the back seat and landed on the floor. She’s fine physically, but now she’s terrified of getting in the car at all. It was scary for both of us and felt totally unsafe. If I had been going just a little faster or if someone was walking across that intersection, it could’ve ended badly. I later found out this issue is tied to a known defect with the brake booster and accumulator system, specifically related to code C1391. Toyota even acknowledged this problem in a Customer Support Program (CSP ZJB/ZKK), but they refuse to help because my car is slightly over the mileage limit. That doesn’t change the fact that this is a serious, dangerous failure that affects the driver’s ability to stop safely. Toyota should be forced to take responsibility for this failure before someone gets seriously hurt.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11664528June 3, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
Toyota Hybrid Brake Problems 2015 Toyota Prius I took to my dealership Jim Ellis Toyota in McDonough GA. I was told that my brake master cylinder & brake booster pumps vehicle has failed. I experienced my brakes locking up, causing the vehicle to unexpectedly lunge forward or failing to engage when the brake pedal is depressed. On [XXX] my ABS, Brake, Traction lights came on out of nowhere. I tried taking it to my dealership in April to Jim Ellis, Toyota of McDonough for the lights, the one lights being on. I took it there around 8 o’clock in the morning and then there was a very rude and disrespectful service person by the name of Victoria who told me that they would not be able to see me and told me that I needed to leave because I didn’t I have an appointment. This is a Dealership that I purchased this car phone in 2018 and I have been taking my car to Jim Ellis Toyota of McDonough since 2018 to get regular oil changes and other maintenance for my car. Such as things my brakes replace my front and the back brakes have my battery please and come several times out of the year to get a oil change because I have part of what they consider a lifetime oil change on my car. Also, I had a Warranty whole time that I have been taking my car to the dealership they never once brought to my attention that there was a known recall for the brakes booster. It wasn’t until I took my car to dealership on Friday 5/30/25 that I was advised that this was a known issue for 2010-2015 Toyota Prius Jim Ellis dealership knew about the problem and failed to make repairs when I spoke with general manager Lorenzo Smith he advised that past the recall timeframe and my warranty has expired. Jim Ellis dealership knew their were known issues and hid the issue I refuse to write the wrong by making the repairs to my vehicle. They’re trying to charge me over $3200 in repairs when I spoke with the general manager, he advised me that they didn’t make the repairs because my vehicle vin number. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFOR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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