Toyota Prius Complaints (2010)

2,829 consumer complaints on file.

#11571721February 13, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES
I noticed that the ratcheting parking brake pedal has stopped ratcheting correctly, and I planned to have it inspected on the next scheduled maintenance. Recently, the brake system illuminated the traction control, ALB and "BRAKE" lights simultaneously, and the braking power diminished by more than half, with no braking until the pedal was halfway down. I depressed the parking brake pedal a few times, which cleared the "BRAKE" symbol and the problem stopped and normal braking returned. This has now happened three times with the same fix. It appears that when the "BRAKE" symbol is no longer illuminated, the problem goes away. This appears to be a software problem that triggers a braking problem to engage the traction control and ABS icons when the "BRAKE" icon associated with the parking brake is illuminated. This web site has other instances reported with the same symptoms, and Toyota had a service bulletin, which has expired, which leads to a $2000-$3000 repair bill to replace a brake booster. It appears to be software related to me, not mechanical. It poses a safety risk because braking performance is severely compromised with no warning. NHTSB needs to look into this, as rear end accidents can easily happen if strong braking in heavy traffic is required to avoid a collision. I recommend that a recall be established to fix this. An alternative cause may be a misaligned micro switch in the parking brake mechanism, which has been experiencing problems. This could lead to the "BRAKE" light being illuminated, and sending a bad signal to the computer.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11570326February 6, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES
Video recording
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11569810February 4, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was in my 2010 Toyota Prius with my two children when I suddenly lost my brakes, with luck I was able to let off my gas and coast to a stop. Now I am left with a 3,000 dollar repair. I now know what the price of my children and my life is worth to Toyota! To find that this has already been a problem with no notification is ludicrous!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11567046January 22, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:ABS WARNING LIGHT, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP, SERVICE BRAKES
The contact owns a 2010 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving 50-55 MPH, the ABS, traction control, and brake warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the brake booster assembly needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 139,999.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11564940January 11, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
All the lights on my dash board came on suddenly, and the brake emergency, traction control and ABS lights stayed illuminated. Upon exiting the interstate I could not come to a complete stop at the end of the exit, which was very scary. Fortunately the cars driving on the road the exit merges into did, so we avoided a terrible accident. The brakes were spongy and not operating properly after that. The next day with all the lights still on, I slowly drove (20 mph) to the local Toyota Dealer , who claimed that error code (C1391) was being displayed and according to Toyota, that means the Booster is or will be leaking. Therefore the Pump and Booster needs to be replaced (estimated at $3K). No lights or errors were given before the incident, the brakes just suddenly malfunctioned. However Toyota apparently is aware that the booster and pumps fail without warning, because I discovered with an on-line search that code had a "customer extension" warranty (by googling the code C1391), I called customer service but they refuse to help. They claimed I was mailed a letter in October 2018 (they didn't offer to supply a copy.) However, I never received a letter or any notice from Toyota or the Toyota dealer that I have repeatedly used since I bought the car in 2010 (I have had brakes replaced there when it was under 150k and no one said anything!) Now they are stating that the extension has expired as it was only good up to 150,000 miles or 10 years which ever came first. I can't understand why they have a known brake issue and not replace the part when the vehicle is already at the dealer (It's there for every oil change 3 x a year!) Brakes are an important part of a vehicle, a failure like this should have been recalled, and Toyota should have been made to replace the faulty parts!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11564722January 10, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES
The contact owns a 2010 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact depressed the brake pedal and noticed an abnormal humming sound. The contact stated that the failure had been intermittent since 2016. The contact stated that the failure had become persistent. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not assist. The failure mileage was approximately 296,842. The VIN was unavailable.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11563140January 2, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES
Recently, I had ABS failure in my vehicle and warning lights came up on my dash with code C1391 which indicates a problem with brake booster assembly and pump. Now I am afraid to drive it because the brakes seem that they could fail at any time and I cannot break quickly when needed. Toyota is aware there is a problem with the brake booster assembly and pump based on prior Customer Support Programs (my vehicle was not included since warning lights were not present at the time), class action lawsuits, and petitions to NHTS about this issue. I believe the problem is prevalent enough and brakes are significant for driver safety that there should be a safety recall. My vehicle has less than 150,000 miles. I called Toyota to complain about the problem as I know it is very common among Prius owners, but they have said there is nothing they can do.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11562113December 27, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:ABS WARNING LIGHT, SERVICE BRAKES
The contact owns a 2010 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS and brake warning lights remained illuminated, and the brake pedal was firm while depressed. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to immediately stop while depressing the brake pedal, causing the stopping distance to be extended. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11558338December 4, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:ABS WARNING LIGHT
The contact owns a 2010 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the traction and ABS warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the brakes were inoperable. The contact stated that he was driving at a low speed and was able to safely stop the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed brake booster. The contact was informed that the brake booster needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not assist. The failure mileage was approximately 227,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11557081November 27, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES
While operating the vehicle at normal highway speeds, the car suddenly had the ABS, Traction Control, and Brake lights all come on. The vehicle did not operate or sound any differently at the moment all the lights came on. However, over the next week there developed a mild humming coming from somewhere in the engine bay approximately behind the dashboard. My mechanic identified the problem as the brake booster and pump assembly failing and informed me that the vehicle may drive normally for sometime but the brakes will fail suddenly once the brake booster and pump fully fail. Thus, making operating the vehicle extremely dangerous. I am currently waiting for a Toyota specialty mechanic to become available to replace the brake booster and pump assembly at a cost of +$3,000. Please investigate this issue, there are many people experiencing this issue with the 2010 Prius models.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11556139November 20, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES
The contact owns a 2010 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the vehicle consistently made abnormal sounds and jerked forward while the brake pedal was being depressed. The vehicle became inoperable. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was due to a crack and leak in the brake booster. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact referenced the NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V235000 (Service Brakes). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and determined that the vehicle was no longer under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000. The contact stated this is a known manufacturing fail for the brake booster 2010 Prius.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11555558November 16, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES
My brakes behave strangely cause i experience inconsistent brake feel after actuation during slow and steady application after brakes on rough or slick surfaces.also, All three lights ABS light,brake light and VSC come on and off on dashboard at the same time.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11554031November 7, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES
A couple weeks ago we were driving our 2010 Toyota Prius and 3 brake lights came on: BRAKE, ABS, and a car with squiggly lines behind it. We took the car into the Toyota dealership ($209) to perform a diagnostic. Their results are as follows and I quote: "Hydraulic Brake Booster Pump DTC C1391 Abnormal leak in accumulator. Has T-SB and CSP that are both expired. Recommend perform repair outlined. Recommend R&R Brake Actuator Assy, Booster Pump Assy and perform ABS ECU Reflash. We wouldn't have purchased this car had we known a few years later we'd be facing a $4400 charge Toyota wants to charge. We don't have the funds let alone go now and purchase another car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11553582November 4, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES
Slip indicator symbol, Brake word, Brake symbol, and ABS word lit up while driving. Brake pedal had to be pushed further down to stop the car. No warning lights or issues before this incident. Toyota diagnosed as abnormal leak in accumulator and internal brake fluid leak, and quoted replacement of the brake booster assembly with master cylinder and the brake booster pump. There is no advance indication and the brake booster will not be available while driving. Toyota recalled selected vehicles. There are currently many reports online from vehicles excluded from the recall that are affected by the same brake booster malfunction and warning lights.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11552748October 30, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES
The brake booster assembly and brake booster pump have failed due to a vaccine leak internally in the brake booster. Failure of the brake booster can cause the vehicle to be more difficult to stop. Yes the failure codes have been reproduced. The vehicle falls “out of warranty” for a part that should last the life of the vehicle. Replacement of the part is quoted over 4,000 dollars. The abs light, brake light, and traction control lights.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11552461October 29, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Hi I want submit issues with the master cylinder and abs pump assy I have 2 vehicles same model with average same mileage and both had issues with this system if I drove any distance below 25 mph in a constant time the dash lights comes on traction control, abs light, brake light , and the brake pedal goes low and barely brakes make this situation dangerous when I stop if you try turn it off the engine and on again lights stay there but if I reset the codes the pump works again for some while and then again when you don’t expected lose pressure and I am really afraid for my safety and my family, and I am not the only one with this problem is too many Prius owners who have the issues I went from dealer and they advice $3000 dlls fix situation who motivate people to lose money for $1200 in parts and $1800 dlls in labor for something they can resolve it because in reality is an manufactured defect
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11551927October 25, 2023
AIR BAGS, AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
The airbag sensors for my passenger seat do not work. Regardless of if there is someone sitting in the passenger seat, buckled it, the system indicates that there is no one sitting in the seat and that they are not buckled in. This is of course a safety issue since the airbags would likely not go off even if someone was sitting in the seat. My vehicle is available for inspection upon request. They first appeared shortly after I purchased the vehicle from the last owner. The vehicle was lightly used and is very clean, and I have no reason to believe the passneger seat was abused in any way. My concern is this: this airbag sensor issue is a recall I have seen for other 2010 Toyota Priuses. I understand that in the systems, this recall does not show up for my car. However, I think it's interesting and worth looking into that I have the same make, model, and year, and my vehicle is having the exact same issues. This is an issue that was not triggered by any crash/collision, and I did not have anyone even sitting in my passenger seat prior to this issue, so it seems to be purely a system issue that I could not have prevented myself.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11550827October 19, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
The contact owns a 2010 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal was firm and difficult to depress. The contact stated that that the brake pedal was pumped to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that the ABS and stabili-trak warning lights were illuminated and an “Exclamation Mark" message was displayed. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the brake master cylinder and brake booster pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V039000 (Service Brakes, Air). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11550360October 17, 2023
ENGINE
Excessive Oil consumption, particularly with highway driving. I have had this car for about a year. I only noticed that the oil was nearly empty when the engine was shaking while idling at an intersection. No warning lights for oil pressure or level ever came on, it would occasionally "ding" for oil pressure, but barley long enough for me to even read what the warning was. By excessive, I mean VERY excessive. First oil change after only 3k, almost empty. Road trip, mainly highway only about 600 miles, nearly empty. If I top it off, I check it constantly. City driving (more electric) it may burn a quart every 1-2k miles, highway more. I had the EGR, manifold and plugs serviced/replaced, it improved slightly. I'm having more work done now, but after reading SO MANY similar complaints online, I find it hard to believe this isn't a recall. An engine sputtering and nearly dying while idling is not safe, especially with no warning lights on! I contacted Toyota, they said they had not recalls or Consumer Confidence programs for complaints of oil consumption and/or piston ring seat problems in these vehicles (seems to be the primary cause). I did see a class action for many other Toyota 4cyl engines due to excess oil consumption.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11548870October 8, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My car malfunctioned causing me to lose control of the car and it crashed into 38 Woodcutters Lane first, and 33 Woodcutters Lane second.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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