2014 Toyota Prius C Owner Complaints

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

We were driving on a city street about 25-30mph and the car jerked suddenly and the lights on the dashboard illuminated and the "Check Hybrid System" message came up as well. The car was able to coast to a nearby parking lot. We attempted to drive the car home and the car stalled in the middle of the street. We were able to push the car off the road and then get it towed. The presented a potentially very dangerous situation as the car had a complete failure while driving in the middle of the road. The Toyota service department ran a diagnosis which returned DTC P0A94. All of this indicates that the car should be covered under the CUSTOMER CONFIDENCE PROGRAM 23TE03 however that program seems to only cover the 2010-2015 Prius and 2011-2017 Prius V models and not the Prius C. There are several reports of this same issue happening on the Prius C as well though so it doesn't make sense that it is not covered.

NHTSA ID

11667479

Incident

Jun 15, 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

My 2014 Toyota Prius C experienced a complete hybrid inverter failure. The part number of the inverter is the same as the one covered under Toyota’s inverter recalls (such as Recall J0V), yet my VIN is not included. The failure created a serious safety concern, as the vehicle lost power while in motion. Toyota’s recall appears to be too limited in scope and may need to be expanded to cover Prius C models that share the same faulty part. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this issue, as it appears to involve the same hardware defect acknowledged in other Prius models.

NHTSA ID

11659113

Incident

Apr 29, 2025

Code C1391 Master cylinder/ break booster

NHTSA ID

11649719

Incident

Mar 20, 2025

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID

11609675

Incident

Jul 13, 2024

While driving car completely shut off in middle of road. Would not turn back on. Had car towed still will not start.

NHTSA ID

11604161

Incident

Jul 21, 2024

The contact owns a 2014 Toyota Prius C. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds and turning from the left lane, the steering wheel popped out. The vehicle was able to reverse however, tires were pushed inward. The vehicle was pushed out of the roadway. There were no warning lights illuminated. The hazard light was inoperable. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ID

11586549

Incident

Apr 30, 2024

Mileage

170,000 mi

Watergets into the body of the car for years since i bought the car i chaged the "body plugs" at the dealer they told me that would fix the problem but whenever it rains floor and trunk fills with water.

NHTSA ID

11571037

Incident

Feb 9, 2024

The contact owns a 2014 Toyota Prius C. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to move the vehicle to the shoulder of the roadway safely. The contact stated that before losing motive power, an unknown warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure had recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 73,211.

NHTSA ID

11528077

Incident

Dec 13, 2022

Mileage

73,211 mi

While driving, I received a warning "hybrid system malfunction". Within seconds, the vehicle powered off and the steering wheel LOCKED. I had no control of the car and came to an abrupt stop in lane 1 of a two lane road. I was fortunate that it was late in the evening with few cars on the road, had I been on the highway during rush hour the outcome, due to loss of power and control (steering), could have been catastrophic and perhaps fatal for me or other commuters. I note that in 2014, Toyota notified NHTSA of a recall to, "rectify software in two of the Prius's electronic control units, one for the motor/generator and the other controlling the hybrid system." Further Toyota said, "In rare circumstances, it could shut down the hybrid system itself, resulting in loss of power and the vehicle coming to a stop". This is exactly what happened to me the other night. Toyota claims, in 2014, that "it has received no reports of accidents or injuries related to the problem." This seems to be an extraordinarily amount of good luck as I could have been easily rear-ended the other night. Curiously, in this NHTSA data base, another owner reported an incident (11439720) on November 8, 2021, that is similar to the experience I had just days prior. And our VINS are eerily close. Coincidence? Not likely. Does the 2014 recall apply to my car and if not, why not given I experienced the exact same symptoms?

NHTSA ID

11441194

Incident

Oct 27, 2021

While driving on the interstate yesterday my Prius computer shut down entirely.

NHTSA ID

11439720

Incident

Nov 7, 2021

The seal of the rear lamp assembly becomes unsealed and lets water in. Burns our bulbs and short out electrical system because of this. Second right rear assembly was replaced today and now front units are also foggy so I know that the seal on the lamp unit is also wearing. I read about this with other Prius and other c models. I had to buy actual Toyota parts as there are no aftermarket units.

NHTSA ID

11432288

Incident

Sep 9, 2021

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

I TURNED ON MY VEHICLE AND WHEN I SWITCHED GEARS, FROM PARK TO DRIVE, IT DID NOT REGISTER THAT IT WAS IN DRIVE. WHEN I TRIED TO DRIVE AWAY, THERE WAS NO ACCELERATION AND LACK OF POWER. MY BATTERY WAS OPERATING AT ALMOST MAX CAPACITY.

NHTSA ID

11310098

Incident

Feb 19, 2020

Mileage

75,000 mi

MY DAUGHTER WAS TRAVELING DOWN 121 BY GRAPEVINE MILLS MALL. SHE NOTICED A DRIVER BEING AGGRESSIVE. SO SHE ATTEMPTED TO SWITCH TO GET AWAY FROM HIM. WHEN SHE WAS CHECKING TO MERGE TO NEXT LANE THE AGGRESSIVE DRIVER STOPPED FOR NO REASON. INTENTIONELLY WRECKING HER CAR. THEN DRIVING OFF. HER VEHICLE HAD EXTENSIVE DAMAGE AND HER AIR BACKS NEVER DEPLOYED. HER PRIUS C HAD DRIVER SIDE FRONT END DAMAGE. THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE FENDER WAS RIPPED FROM THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA ID

11298226

Incident

Dec 16, 2019

Mileage

63,769 mi

CITY STREET ...PRESSED ON GAS AFTER THE LIGHT CHANGED AND IT DID NOT GO FORWARD AND THEN WAIVERED FOR AWHILE. I WAS VERY CLOSE TO HOME. I DO NOT KNOW HOW IT WILL WORK TOMORROW . NO WARNING LIGHTS WERE ON. IT HAS ACTED FUNNY BEFORE LIKE THIS ON HIGHWAY TRIPS AND THEN IT WOULDN'T DO IT. TOYOTA DEALERS DO NOT EVEN KNOW ABOUT THEM AND IT IS ANNOYING. IT FEELS LIKE A TRANSMISSION SLIPPING BUT HAS LESS THAN 70,000 MILES. I THOUGHT MAYBE HEAT IS DOING IT BUT NOW THAT IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY IE OVER 5 YEARS OLD, I DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO. I AM UNSURE WHAT CAUSES THIS SINCE NO LIGHTS WARN ANYTHING IS WRONG.

NHTSA ID

11240225

Incident

Jul 28, 2019

Mileage

68,500 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 TOYOTA PRIUS C. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH OR ABOVE, WHEN A LARGE VEHICLE PASSED, IT WOULD PULL THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE INTO ITS PATHWAY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE ALSO OCCURRED IN HIGH WIND CONDITIONS. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT HAD TO SLOW DOWN TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. ON MAY 15, 2017, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION WITH AN 18-WHEELER. THE CONTACT BELIEVED HE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUFFERED PAINS AND SOUGHT MEDICAL ATTENTION A MONTH LATER. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE BODY DAMAGE TO THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PULLING FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 1804052396 IN 2018 AS WELL AS CASE NUMBER: 1905141699 FOR THE RECENT FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED FOR HIS SAFETY BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED ON JANUARY 8, 2019, WHICH DAMAGED THE CHASSIS AND HYBRID BATTERY CAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSURANCE COMPANY REPAIRED THE CHASSIS; HOWEVER, THE HYBRID BATTERY CAGE AND BATTERY WERE NOT REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS VERY CONCERNED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD CATCH FIRE IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 30,000.

NHTSA ID

11208117

Incident

Dec 24, 2014

Mileage

30,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 TOYOTA PRIUS C. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE MANAGED TO RESTART AFTER A FEW ATTEMPTS AND THE FAILURE WAS CORRECTED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOME. A DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 49,000. *DT CONSUMER STATED DEALER RAN COMPLETE DIAGNOSTICS AND FOUND NO FAULTS LOGGED. CONSUMER WILL REPLACE INVERTER. *JB

NHTSA ID

11154525

Incident

Nov 27, 2018

Mileage

49,000 mi

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

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2014 TOYOTA PRIUS C. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS STRUCK BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE SIDE AND FRONT DRIVER SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, BUT NEITHER STOPPED THE DRIVER FROM MAKING CONTACT WITH THE WINDSHIELD. IN ADDITION, THE SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN THE DRIVER. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED FACIAL LACERATIONS, CONTUSIONS TO THE LEFT ARM, SHOULDER, AND HIP, AND SEVERE HEADACHES THE REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW LOT AND DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.

NHTSA ID

11114182

Incident

Jul 20, 2018

Mileage

40,000 mi

CAR BATTERY CEASED FUNCTION FOLLOWING HEAT WAVE - REQUIRED SECONDARY BATTERY REPLACEMENT. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AFTER SHORT DRIVE (1 MILE) FOLLOWING 24 HOUR NON OPERATION DURING HIGH HEAT (100+). ATTEMPTED TO TURN CAR ON AND ENGINE WOULD NOT START. REQUIRED A TOW AND FULL BATTERY REPLACEMENT.

NHTSA ID

11113935

Incident

Jul 11, 2018

Mileage

85,000 mi