Toyota Prius Complaints (2010)

2,829 consumer complaints on file.

#11690902October 2, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
The brake and pre collision system suddenly fail without warning.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11685121September 4, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, STEERING, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Have multiple warning lamps that light up on and off and the brakes in my car get spongy making the braking unsafe. The lights that turn on are the steering/ traction , brake, and abs light. There are multiple complaints online on YouTube from similar issues ongoing and no recall made. My mechanic says it indicates a leak however there is no brake fluid missing and on YouTube there’s work arounds because people keep getting the same message, yet no recall has been made. This can affect steering and cause an accident. Please recall soon. Including YouTube link so you can see all the comments and issues from thousands that don’t know how to report but view to fix temporarily. [XXX] 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
#11684476September 2, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
The ABS, Brake, TSC lights have all appeared on the dash. When running the OBD codes, the error C1391 appears indicating a problem with the ABS pump. When under the dash with the vehicle running, one can hear the abs pump engaging every few seconds which is not normal. After resetting the code. The error quickly pops back up. This is a known problem with this model Prius that Toyota is aware of. Toyota has NOT put out a safety recall for this issue. They refuse to make the repair of a faulty designed abs module, which is obviously a safety concern. The vehicle currently has 128000 miles with no other issues.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11683582August 28, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
It is a known problem that Priuses manufactured from 2004 to 2015 have issues with the brake master cylinder and brake booster accumulator. When the vehicle computer recognizes an internal leak (ABS C1391) or other issue in the accumulator pump, it completely disables the regenerative braking system, which significantly reduces braking power. In my case, the problem is intermittent, and the vehicle computer will occasionally clear the code and operate normally. A slight whirring sound can still be heard (indicative of an internal leak), leading me to conclude that the part is still damaged, even when the code clears itself. This continues to affect my and my passengers' safety because the problem comes back with no warning while driving. Many times at highway speeds, the regenerative braking system will shut off while decelerating. This has caused scares and near-accidents. Imagine you are approaching stopped traffic while traveling 65 miles per hour. You press the brake to start slowing down, and while decelerating, the dashboard lights up and the brake pedal goes spongey. Now, you must slam the brake all the way into the firewall to engage the disks and pads exclusively. Aside from the imminent terror of hitting the car in front of you, now you are skidding on the brakes, worried the car behind you will crush the rear. Sooner or later this will cause somebody to get into an accident when a split-second decision cannot to be made quickly enough. The issue is well-known, and a warranty recall was issued, but it does not cover any vehicles over a certain age and mileage. It has been reproduced by my local mechanic and inspected by a Prius specialist, who both quote about $3800 to fully replace and recalibrate the failing parts. There were no indicators of this issue before it happened to my wife and I the first time on the highway. While I am grateful that nobody was injured, the situation could be completely different had the problem occurred just seconds later.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11679218August 7, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
Brakes have failed with a DTC C1391 indicating an accumulator leak. The brake booster pump constantly runs. When the DTC is triggered the brake feel becomes suddenly different as regen braking is lost. Appears to be a very common and expensive repair. Toyota has already had recalls and extended repair program for these parts but they are now expired and not covered.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11675989July 24, 2025
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL, POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2010 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH downhill on a mountain and depressing the accelerator pedal, the pedal travelled down to the floorboard, but the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The contact stated that upon turning off and restarting the vehicle several times, the vehicle responded as needed. The contact stated that the failure recurred after making a turn at 3-4 MPH downhill. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 194,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11673058July 12, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My 2010 Toyota Prius has had a charcoal fuel canister leak since day one. 2.9 million Prius cars were recalled and Toyota says my car is NOT included in the recall but has the same issue of the other Toyota Prius that were included? Check engine light has never gone off. Upon fueling a strong odor of gasoline is detected and I am very worried about the car catching fire. Toyota needs to be held accountable and forced to fix this safety related problem.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11672181July 9, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
A few weeks ago, while waiting at a traffic light, the brake warning lights (ABS, Emergency brake, Traction control) lights on my 2013 Prius lit up and the brake pedal suddenly becomes much less responsive. I drove carefully back home, and researched online what the problem could be. To my surprise, this seems to be a known problem to Toyota, who had issued a campaign in the past to address this problem (ABS actuator, pump) and to replace the known faulty parts for free, but only for owners who were experiencing a failure at that time. Now the recall has expired, and owners like me who weren't having a problem at the time are stuck in a situation with cars that have a known, dangerous fault, while Toyota refuses to help with the problem anymore. The approximate cost for replace/repair is over $4000. All owners should have been included in the previous campaign, whether they were experiencing a failure or not, during that time period since Toyota knew that these parts are faulty.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11671942July 8, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Brake Actuator failed requiring replacement of booster assembly with master cylinder and booster pump assembly How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? This greatly impacted braking and stopping distance Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, Toyota Dealership Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes, Toyota Dealership Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No. These lights appeared after the failure - Brake, ABS, Traction Control
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11670352June 30, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:ABS WARNING LIGHT
The contact owns a 2010 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving 45-50 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the ABS, the traction control, and the check engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced reduced braking power and the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that upon engaging the brake, the vehicle decelerated, and the contact pulled to the base of an inclined side street, where the vehicle was able to stop. The contact was able to safety park and inspected the vehicle. The contact was able to drive to the residence at slow speeds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the brake booster and master cylinder had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11668166June 20, 2025
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2010 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Hybrid Malfunction" was displayed, and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to restart after detaching and reconnecting the rear battery. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11666573June 12, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
While driving on the freeway the Traction control light, ABS light, Brake System Light and Brake light all came on. Fortunately I haven't had any issues but when I took it to the a dealership I was told that the Brake booster and pump need to be replaced as the master cylinder was leaking into the brake fluid and given an estimate of $3500 for the repair. People online have said that after having this issue the brakes can go out at any time. I am unable to pay for the repairs at the moment so I have to drive with the knowledge of having my brakes going out at any time.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11666335June 11, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Toyota issued a recall with a limited time for Prius brake booster/actuator failures. This issue is known to present brake failures and necessarily place drivers, passengers, and pedestrians at risk in the case of such brake failures. Toyota made no effort to proactively remedy this problem and further neglected customer safety by excluding Priuses with the same manufacturing issue from the recall, under its 10 year 150,000 mile requirement. Whether or not the Priuses have been driven 150,000 miles or 10 years the nature with which the malfunction presents represents a safety for any driver.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11661544May 16, 2025
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2010 Toyota Prius. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V487000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11660987May 14, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
C1391 error, "Abnormal Leak of ACC PRESS". This is a common failure in many prius and requires the replacement of the brake master cylinder and brake accumulator. Toyota has an expired customer support program but no actual recall. Parts were replaced to bring braking system back into working condition.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11660115May 10, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
I purchased a used 2010 Prius on May 1, 2025. On May 5, the car would not turn on. Thought it was the battery. Replaced the battery on May 6. On May 8, the battery was dead again. I jumped the car and tried driving it to the Toyota dealership to have it looked at. On the way a loud beeping sound started and the ABS light came on. I pulled over and noticed the brakes felt strange. After having it towed to Ourisman Toyota, the told me the brake booster was broken causing the battery to drain. The cost for repair is a little over $4,000. This almost half of what I paid for the vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11659119May 5, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
Code diagnostic C1391 ABS system. I have replaced this in my previous 2009 Toyota Prius, it has been replaced in this 2010 Toyota Prius, and now needs to be replaced AGAIN in the 2010 Toyota Prius. It’s incredibly dangerous, no warning signs, spongy brakes all of the sudden that barely feel like they’re going to work. It puts not only myself in danger, but others especially when it just happens without warning and all of the lights come on as you are driving and the brakes become extremely wonky.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11658300May 1, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
We have a 2010 Toyota Prius. All the sudden we got errors/warnings on our dash about ABS and traction lights, and brake light, staying on all the time. Brakes extremely sluggish, and from doing research advised not to drive it. Toyota did a diagnostic test which came up as C1391, bad ABS booster pump and master cylinder. This is a huge safety issue, others have reported brakes completely going out on the highway, and also reporting Toyota is not paying for fixing the issue, and only "certain Priuses" meet their criteria to pay for repairs. There supposedly was a recall at some point but we NEVER received it. I have contacted Toyota America and waiting to hear back. It is going to be very expensive to repair, about $3500-$4500. Yes, it is a 2010, but from what I'm reading and hearing is a MAJOR safety issue and Toyota needs to be held responsible and honor/extend any and all recalls. Again, I'm waiting to hear back from them, but was advised by many other Prius owners to file a complaint with NHTSA.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11655931April 21, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
My brake booster master cylinder and pump assembly went out while driving on the freeway. My brakes became soft and unresponsive, though I was able to exit the freeway without incident. My ABS light, brake light, and traction control lights all came on. The lights have since remained on and my brakes continue to malfunction. My local repair show diagnoses the issue with the diagnostic trouble code: C1391 Back in 2018, before I owned the car, Toyota offered an "extended warranty" to have the parts replaced for free for 10 years or 150,000 miles, whichever came first. I'm past the year threshold but well short of the mileage one. I feel a recall should be made and the repair covered, as this is clearly a safety issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11655240April 17, 2025
AIR BAGS
I was hit in the back by an SUV (my speed=40 mph, the SUV's speed=70 mph). As a result of the impact, my prius flew off the road, hit the roadside railings, and then rolled over 4 times landing upside down. However, NONE of the airbags deployed. This includes the front, side, and curtain airbags. The vehicle was serviced at a Toyota dealership a few years ago where they performed the airbag recall. However, the airbags did not deploy at all. Only sheer luck saved me from death due to the airbag malfunction.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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