2014 Toyota Prius C Brakes Problems

The brakes failed while driving at a high speed (55 MPH) on the highway along with failing when braking at a low speed (15 MPH) near a major intersection. This occured with no warning other than the Brake, ABS, and Traction Control appearing as the failure was occuring. The warning light when away after the first occurance and the brakes began working again within a few moments. It then reoccured and the lights did not turn off and the car began beeping. My safety, along with my passengers safety and the safety of those who were in the area was put at risk. The highway failure occured in a high traffic area which was also a construction zone so workers were at risk. It has been confirmed by an independent service center that the Power Brake Booster and Brake Master Cylinder Assembly failed. There were no sypmtoms or warning prior to this dangerous failure. After researching this issue, I have found that this is a common issue but no recall has been issued, only a Customer Support Program Bulletin, of which I never received. This is extremely troubling due to the nature of brake failure at both high and low speeds can put not only the driver at risk but those who are near the vehicle experiencing the brake failure. Repairs are currently in process at the cost of approximatly $3,200.

NHTSA ID

11771074

Incident

Oct 6, 2026

Brake actuator assembly known issue in Prius C, Toyota refuses to do anything about it. Part is not cheap.

NHTSA ID

11724852

Incident

Mar 16, 2026

While driving, suddenly all brake lights and warning lights went on, and brakes stopped working normally. It became difficult to brake (brake took a while to engage - had to press pedal to the floor). After diagnostics at the dealership it looks like the brake booster failed. Apparently Toyota knew about this issue as they did an extended warranty through a Customer Support Program, but unfortunately my issue occurred just past the expiration of that warranty. Since brakes are such a critical component of vehicle safety, if they don't operate well or as expected, it endangers the driver and everyone else on the road. It is wild that Toyota is aware of this issue but that there has been no recall yet.

NHTSA ID

11700832

Incident

Nov 13, 2025

I was told that my Brake Booster and Brake Booster Pump Assembly needed replaced. I had specifically asked my dealership in the past if there were any issues with my car and was told that there was nothing, which was untrue. I called Toyota and was told that I was mailed something back in 2018, but I do not remember receiving it. Now I am told that this has expired. I wanted to know if I had any recourse or extension time on this program 21 TE01. I am afraid that my brakes will not work, as the lights go off and on. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11679204

Incident

Mar 13, 2025

Cruise Control Not Working. Traction Control Light Active, Brake Light Active, And Light Active The cause was diagnosed by Toyota of Paris. TSB for C1391 Code abnormal leak in accumulator. The corrective action is to replace brake booster assembly with Master cylinder and Brake Booster pump Assembly.

NHTSA ID

11673351

Incident

Jun 10, 2025

2014 Toyota Prius C with 220k miles. Four warning lights came on while driving. Brakes became not responsive unless you press down very hard. Regenerative braking, went away. The Brake pump can be audibly heard turning on every few seconds.

NHTSA ID

11665317

Incident

Jun 5, 2025

Brake failure / Unintended Acceleration / Unknown cause Driving at approx 25mph on urban street (road in good condition no potholes, ramps, etc) I began to slowly brake as I approached a red traffic light. Instead of braking, the car began to accelerate quickly. I pressed the brake pedal again - no response. Pressed down hard for a third time which executed an emergency stop. This all happened within 1 or 2 secs. There were no injuries or involvement of other cars on this occasion. However, had I been any closer to the car in front, I believe I would have rear-ended it. Had this occurred a few moments later, at the busy junction 400m ahead, it could have been fatal. I am absolutely sure it was not driver error. I was not distracted, drive regularly, and have been a confident and safe driver for over 30yrs. I have never experienced this in a car before, and in fact wasn't aware that it could happen until I researched it on this site. No warning lights or indicators came on. The car ran normally for the remaining 2 miles back home. I didn't think anything of it before, but prior to this incident (in our 5 yrs ownership) there were approx. 5 instances when the engine would "roar" as if it wanted to accelerate but didn't when I was breaking or slowing down on a highway. Also, there were perhaps 3 instances when the car felt as though it was "running away" i.e. a slight acceleration - for no obvious reason. As neither of these represented safety issues, I assumed the car was just a bit old and these issues would be addressed as part of any service. Now I wonder if they are related to the sudden acceleration. The car is currently having a "health checks" run, but nothing has been found. I am reluctant to drive this vehicle if neither my dealer or Toyota can discern the problem. Overall we have been happy with this car and its performance, but this is an unacceptable "anomaly" as far as safety is concerned. Vehicle available for inspection.

NHTSA ID

11429735

Incident

Aug 18, 2021

WHILE BRAKING THE FRONT WHEEL ROLLED OVER A SUNKEN SEWER COVER CAUSING TEMPORARY BRAKING FAILURE AND A SLIDING SENSATION.

NHTSA ID

11119828

Incident

Jul 29, 2018

Mileage

65,530 mi

A LOS 3 MESES DE COMPRADO FUE EN MARZO 2017 DIO LA PRIMERA VEZ EL PROBLEMA EN TODO EL SISTEMA DE FRENOS LO REPARE Y AL MISMO TIEMPO EXACTO FINALES DE JUNIO 2017 VOLVIO A DAR EL MISMO PROBLEMA EL CONCESIONARIO NO QUIZO RESPONDER NI PORQUE TENIA GARANTIA LLEVE EL CARRO Y COMO NO SE PODIA MANEJAR POR LOS FRENOS NO SERVIAN ME ENVIARON EL CARRO EN GRUA A MI CASA NO LO USO DESDE AGOSTO Y LO ESTOY PAGANDO Y POR LOGICA YA SUCEDIO DOS VECES EL CARRO NO SIRVE Y YA NO SE A QUIEN PEDIR AYUDA PORQUE EL CARRO AUNQUE SE REPARE SU PROBLEMA SE VOLVERA A REPETIR PORQUE EL CARRO NO SIRVE Y ME E ENCONTRADO UN COMUNICADO DONDE DICEN QUE LOS PRIUS MUCHOS HAN RESULTADO CON EL MISMO PROBLEMA DE LOS FRENOS. TOYATA DIJO EN UNOS DE MIS RECLAMOS QUE ERA MI CULPA Y NI EN LO MAS ABSOLUTO NL ES MI CULPA SOY DUEA DE 3 CARROS MAS Y MAS VIEJOS Y CON NINGUNO HE TENIDO PROBLEMAS DE NINGUNA INDOLE ESPERO PUEDAN AYUDARME PORQUE MI VIDA Y LA DE MI HIJA CORREN PELIGRO AL MANEJAR ESE VEHICULO. ADJUNTO FOTO DE CUANDO DEL DEALER MANDARON MI CARRO PORQUE NO ES NADA SEGURO MANEJARLO.😠

NHTSA ID

11060968

Incident

Jun 29, 2017

Mileage

28,000 mi