2014 Toyota Prius C Problems

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

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.

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.

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?

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

I BOUGHT A 2014 TOYOTA PRIUS C 10-07-2017 FROM CARVANA WITH LESS THAN 30,000 MILES. WITH 2 NEW TIRES IN THE FRONT BRIDGESTONE ECOPIA 175/65 R15. IT WOBBLES AT SPEEDS ABOVE 50 MPH AND SLOPPY STEERING THE ROAD WAS DRY. WELL AT THAT TIME THE THE CAR WAS STILL UNDER WARRANT WITH CARVANA SO IF I CHANGE MY MIND ABOUT IT I COULD GET ANOTHER CAR. SEARCHED THE WEB FOR SIMILAR COMPLAINTS AND FOUND A FEW. SO WE TOOK THE CAR TO A PLACE THAT SOLD BRIDGESTONE TIRES TO REPLACE THE REAR TIRES THAT WERE ORIGINAL BUT GOODYEAR BRAND SAME SIZE. SO NOW WE HAVE 4 TIRES THE SAME AND QUESS WHAT HAPPEN THE SAME WOBBLY DRIVING AND SLOPPY STEERING AT 50 MPH. SO WE TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE SHOP. THE MECHANIC SAID I GUESS THAT IS WHY THEY PUT THE 2 NEW TIRES IN THE FRONT TO CORRRECT THE PROBLEM BUT WHAT YOU NEED AFTER MY TEST DRIVE IS A 4 WHEEL ALIGNMENT. SO I SAID GO AHEAD AND DO IT. DURING THE PROCESS THE ALIGNMENT MECHANIC GUY SAID THE FRONT PASSED BUT THE REAR FAILED. SO THEY CALLED TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND ASKED IF THEY WERE SPECIAL SHIMS TO FIX THE REAR ALIGNMENT. THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP SAID THERE ARE NO PARTS FOR THAT BECAUSE THAT CAR MODEL DOES NOT REQUIRE A REAR ALIGNMENT. THE C IN TOYOTA PRIUS MEANS C IS FOR CITY DRIVING ONLY. WE WERE STUNNED. I SAID I KNEW THEY HAD A REASON WHY THEY GOT RID OF THE CAR BUT CAN YOU FIX IT ? THE MECHANIC SAID IT IS A POSSIBLE FACTORY DEFECT AND WE SEE SOME OF THOSE SOMETIMES BUT I THINK WE CAN FIX IT AND SOLVE YOUR PROBLEMS WITH THAT CAR. WE CAN USE SOME SHIMS THAT ARE MADE FOR A DIFFERENT TYPE OF TOYOTA CAR AND SEE IF WE CAN GET IT IN PROPER ALIGNMENT. I SAID I AM WILLING TO GAMBLE ON YOUR EXPERTISE GO AHEAD AND DO IT. IT IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY WITH CARVANA BUT I DO LIKE THE HATCHBACK CAR. AFTER THE WORK WAS DONE THE TEST DRIVE PROVED THE SUCCESS AND THE PROBLEM WAS GONE. OH AND BY THE WAY IT DRIVES GREAT ON THE HIGHWAY AND I STILL OWN IT.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

I BOUGHT A 2014 TOYOTA PRIUS C 10-07-2017 FROM CARVANA WITH LESS THAN 30,000 MILES. WITH 2 NEW TIRES IN THE FRONT BRIDGESTONE ECOPIA 175/65 R15. IT WOBBLES AT SPEEDS ABOVE 50 MPH AND SLOPPY STEERING THE ROAD WAS DRY. WELL AT THAT TIME THE THE CAR WAS STILL UNDER WARRANT WITH CARVANA SO IF I CHANGE MY MIND ABOUT IT I COULD GET ANOTHER CAR. SEARCHED THE WEB FOR SIMILAR COMPLAINTS AND FOUND A FEW. SO WE TOOK THE CAR TO A PLACE THAT SOLD BRIDGESTONE TIRES TO REPLACE THE REAR TIRES THAT WERE ORIGINAL BUT GOODYEAR BRAND SAME SIZE. SO NOW WE HAVE 4 TIRES THE SAME AND QUESS WHAT HAPPEN THE SAME WOBBLY DRIVING AND SLOPPY STEERING AT 50 MPH. SO WE TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE SHOP. THE MECHANIC SAID I GUESS THAT IS WHY THEY PUT THE 2 NEW TIRES IN THE FRONT TO CORRRECT THE PROBLEM BUT WHAT YOU NEED AFTER MY TEST DRIVE IS A 4 WHEEL ALIGNMENT. SO I SAID GO AHEAD AND DO IT. DURING THE PROCESS THE ALIGNMENT MECHANIC GUY SAID THE FRONT PASSED BUT THE REAR FAILED. SO THEY CALLED TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND ASKED IF THEY WERE SPECIAL SHIMS TO FIX THE REAR ALIGNMENT. THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP SAID THERE ARE NO PARTS FOR THAT BECAUSE THAT CAR MODEL DOES NOT REQUIRE A REAR ALIGNMENT. THE C IN TOYOTA PRIUS MEANS C IS FOR CITY DRIVING ONLY. WE WERE STUNNED. I SAID I KNEW THEY HAD A REASON WHY THEY GOT RID OF THE CAR BUT CAN YOU FIX IT ? THE MECHANIC SAID IT IS A POSSIBLE FACTORY DEFECT AND WE SEE SOME OF THOSE SOMETIMES BUT I THINK WE CAN FIX IT AND SOLVE YOUR PROBLEMS WITH THAT CAR. WE CAN USE SOME SHIMS THAT ARE MADE FOR A DIFFERENT TYPE OF TOYOTA CAR AND SEE IF WE CAN GET IT IN PROPER ALIGNMENT. I SAID I AM WILLING TO GAMBLE ON YOUR EXPERTISE GO AHEAD AND DO IT. IT IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY WITH CARVANA BUT I DO LIKE THE HATCHBACK CAR. AFTER THE WORK WAS DONE THE TEST DRIVE PROVED THE SUCCESS AND THE PROBLEM WAS GONE. OH AND BY THE WAY IT DRIVES GREAT ON THE HIGHWAY AND I STILL OWN IT.

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.

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.