2014 Toyota Prius V Brakes Problems

In 2024, I had my vehicle checked out prior to a road trip because the brakes were making "fart noises," and I was worried about driving it to Albuquerque. The AAA certified dealer I took the car to said everything checked out alright. I never received the letter regarding the brake system issue, so I could not take advantage of the extended warranty repair program. My car was in the 80-90 thousand mile range and had not yet rolled over. Fast forward to 2025, my dashboard lit up all over the place, and I got the brakes checked again. By that time, the fault code was coming up, but the entire ABS system needed to be replaced. I was unable to get any help from TOYOTA despite this being a KNOWN FAULT WITH TOYOTA PRIUS AND TOYOTA PRIUS V FROM THIS TIME PERIOD. They are STILL not doing anything to help their customers. Brake issues are EXTREMELY dangerous, and it is wildly negligent to continue moving forward WITHOUT fully recalling the ABS system in the FULL LINE of prius vehicles from the impacted manufacture dates. Every prius owner I know has had to deal with this. My care was UNDER the required mileage but PAST the dates to be repaired. PLEASE consider holding TOYOTA responsible and getting them to refund Prius owners who have already paid for this COSTLY repair out of pocket. Thank you.

NHTSA ID

11751973

Incident

Jul 1, 2024

N/a

NHTSA ID

11751939

Incident

Jul 21, 2026

Description of the Problem Vehicle: 2014 Toyota Prius v (Mileage: 70,000) Problem Description: The vehicle is experiencing a critical failure of the Electronically Controlled Braking (ECB) system, specifically the Brake Actuator and Booster Pump assembly. The dashboard currently displays multiple warning indicators: ABS light, Traction Control light, and the Brake System Warning light (Master Warning "!"). Symptoms: Mechanical Failure: The internal high-pressure accumulator is failing to hold pressure. The electric brake booster pump is heard cycling (straining) every 10–20 seconds even when the vehicle is stationary and the brake pedal is not depressed. Loss of Braking Safety Features: The system has disabled regenerative braking and Anti-lock Braking (ABS), causing significantly increased stopping distances and a "wooden," unresponsive brake pedal feel. Predictability of Failure: This failure matches the exact symptoms described in Toyota’s Customer Support Program 20TE07 (and previously ZJB), which acknowledges an internal defect in the brake actuator. Safety Risk: The sudden transition from power-assisted braking to manual hydraulic braking during a drive creates an immediate safety hazard. As the pump motor continues to cycle excessively to compensate for the internal leak, it is at risk of total thermal failure, which would lead to a near-total loss of braking assist while the vehicle is in motion. Additional Notes: Despite the vehicle having only 70,000 miles (well under the 150,000-mile limit acknowledged in Toyota’s support programs), Toyota has declined to provide assistance because the vehicle has surpassed the 10-year age mark. I am filing this report because a primary safety component (brakes) should not experience catastrophic internal failure at 70,000 miles, regardless of the vehicle's age.

NHTSA ID

11737539

Incident

May 6, 2026

I have 2014 Prius v 5 with 100,000 miles but I had issues with brake booster pump

NHTSA ID

11736312

Incident

May 4, 2026

The brake booster has failed and seems to be a common issue with this model vehicle for Toyota issued an extended warranty, but I am passed the date and they are unwilling to do anything. Due to the malfunctioning brake booster. The car is unsafe to drive the too expensive to repair.

NHTSA ID

11728818

Incident

Dec 3, 2024

Brake booster is not working

NHTSA ID

11717879

Incident

Feb 4, 2026

The contact owns a 2014 Toyota Prius V. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the brake light, tire pressure, traction control, battery, and other warning lights were illuminated. While attempting to depress the brake pedal, there was more resistance than normal, making it difficult to slow the vehicle. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the nearest mechanic; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was then taken to the residence. The vehicle was taken to another certified mechanic, who diagnosed and determined that the brake master cylinder and actuator assemblies had failed. The brake master cylinder and brake actuator assemblies were in the process of being repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 220,000.

NHTSA ID

11697738

Incident

Oct 31, 2025

Mileage

220,000 mi

Upon inspection, our mechanic determined that the master cylinder assembly and the actuator assembly require replacement (error code C1391). It is currently available for inspection, but will need to be repaired soon. Our safety and the safety of others is at great risk, because there is impending brake failure if driven and the end result could be catastrophic. On 09/13/25, the BRAKE, TRACTION CONTROL, ABS and ((!)) lights came on about 10 minutes from home. We drove home, parked the car and did not drive it again until we took it to our mechanic on 09/15/25. During this incident, the brakes failed to respond properly, which could have led to a serious accident. We took the car to a local mechanic and repairs are currently pending. The estimated cost for the necessary parts is approx. $3,000 and the labor costs are estimated to be between $1,100 and $2,000. Our local Toyota dealership was also contacted and they confirmed the presence of code C1391. Please reference Toyota Service Bulletin POL18-03, which addresses issues related to the braking system in certain Toyota models, including the Prius V. This bulletin indicates that various brake system-related warning lamps may illuminate due to internal malfunctions within the brake system, and it outlines affected parts that may require replacement. Additionally, please reference Toyota Customer Support Program 20TE07, which provides extended coverage for certain brake system repairs. It is concerning that, despite this well-known, very serious problem, Toyota has not issued a recall. While our vehicle currently has 116,975 miles, we are aware that the warranty period ended 10 years from the first date of use or 150,000 miles. However, this malfunction not only endangers our safety, but also that of other drivers on the road. We urge the NHTSA to investigate this matter thoroughly and consider the implications for a potential recall for this model, because Toyota is well-aware of this issue.

NHTSA ID

11689707

Incident

Sep 13, 2025

I have a 2014 Prius V with 92,000 miles. My anti-skid, brake and ABS idiot lights went off approximately 1 week ago. (August 25, 2025) Scheduled an appointment at my Toyota dealer (September 3, 2025) and was told there was an abnormal leak in the accumulator and that the brake booster pump and brake pump assembly needed to be replaced. Cost $5715. Not related to the brakes, but they also said I had to replace the rear shock absorbers as they are leaking and needed to be replaced and then realigned. Cost $1363. This should have been a recall not a mileage or 10 year limit.

NHTSA ID

11685008

Incident

Sep 3, 2025

C1391 - Abnormal Leak of ACC Pressurization. Bad Brake booster assembly.

NHTSA ID

11683055

Incident

Jul 15, 2025

Toyota has a break issue that they extended the warranty for 10 years or 150000 miles and now a few months pass the 10 years I have a problem with the actuator giving warnings and my daughter went into a skid when applying the breaks. She was lucky and didn’t hit anyone. If Toyota knows there is a problem that is a safety concern they should fix it I did get a Toyota dealership to give an estimate to fix it and was told $4300.00 I think that’s too much for a defective part. It should be a safety recall.

NHTSA ID

11679420

Incident

Aug 1, 2025

ABS Brake pump actuator booster failed. It is available for inspection. While driving, I started hearing a hissing sound from my brakes. I tried to slow down and my several diagnostic lights (ABS, traction control, brake, check engine, etc.) flashed on while my brakes failed to work properly. I turned on my hazard lights immediately. I was in the middle of the road with my toddler in the car and I almost rammed into the car in front of me. Luckily I was able to pull into a turn lane and pushed with all my might on the brakes and it finally was able to stop. My brakes failed and I could have hit the cars in front of me and hurt my child, myself and others. It was terrifying. Problem has been confirmed by an independent service center. The warning lamps only appeared WHILE the issue was happening and my brakes failed to work properly.

NHTSA ID

11675955

Incident

Jul 23, 2025

While braking on the interstate, this car threw error code C1391: Abnormal Leak of ACC PRESS. This is the brake system accumulator pressure - meaning lost all assistance to braking - it took a long time to slow down and come to a stop. Easily could have caused a serious crash had I been on a hill or coming up on stopped traffic. I did some research and found this is a KNOWN ISSUE with Toyota and SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL! Toyota skirted the issue by offering customers that encountered the problem a CUSTOMER SERVICE PROGRAM where they would pay for a new brake pump and master cylinder. HOWEVER, Toyota put TIME and MILEAGE CONSTRAINTS ON THE PROGRAM, and it just so happened our car had exceeded those limits - so we had to pay full price for the repair of the 2 new brake parts - over $3,000! The 2014 Toyota PriusV that we bought new and had always serviced it properly was hardly worth that, but it was our only car, so we paid it. BUT will never buy another Toyota now - and NHTSA needs to fine Toyota for this poor brake system

NHTSA ID

11668796

Incident

May 17, 2025

Upon exiting the highway my brake system when engaged was completely unresponsive. I of course pushed down gently as would and upon realizing the brakes were not responding I started pounding on the brake pad. I had to ram the brake down for the vehicle to even slow. Thankfully no-one was in front of me at the light and I was able to pull into the nearest gas station having to ram brake to fullest extent to get the vehicle to stop moving. All lights within the braking system lit up including the Master Warning Light, Brake System Warning Light, ABS Warning light, and SLIP indicator as well as the warning siren. These warning lights did not come on til after* the brake system was engaged with failure*** NOT PRIOR. It was not indicative of an issue prior too, no former brake issue or warning lights. I turned the vehicle off and then back on again to see if the same lights still lit and issue was still malfunctioning. I called for a tow and had vehicle taken to the Adams Toyota Dealership (MO)The following diagnostic code C1391 was registered on my vehicle at dealership. Upon research (not disclosure) I found that the above code- C1391- "Brake booster and Brake Booster Pump Assembly" is a known issue that Toyota offered a Warranty repair from May 21-Nov 22' IF FAILURE Not a recall but a "if" brake system fails. Please see Customer Support Program 21TE01. I purchased vehicle in OCT 21 and was never informed, never provided this warranty letter, issue didn't show up on Carfax etc and I purchased directly from the Toyota Dealership. Upon research you will find that Toyota is currently in class action and individual lawsuits re this specific part failure with the above diagnostic code. They are denying replacement due the expired warranty time. The Parts should recalled* not just a "warranty issue" -unacceptable to leave buyers uninformed to such a major issue that can cause accident/death (IM PREGNANT I MAY ADD!) and unable to seek covered repairs unless it fails!

NHTSA ID

11666163

Incident

May 31, 2025

The contact owns a 2014 Toyota Prius V. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed and traveled to the floorboard. The contact engaged the parking brake to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

NHTSA ID

11650090

Incident

Mar 24, 2025

Mileage

100,000 mi

Break pump , break pump assembly, Break actuator. Vehicle has only 91k miles it. Breaks feel rough and slower to react. Too worried to use vehicle. Dealership said it’s a very well known issue and wanted $5800 to fix it.

NHTSA ID

11649867

Incident

Feb 28, 2025

The contact owns a 2014 Toyota Prius V. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the brakes and ABS warning lights illuminated the instrument cluster. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the brake booster and brake booster pump assemblies needed to be replaced. The contact was informed about the Customer Satisfaction Program: 20TE07 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the vehicle was no longer covered under the warranty extension. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 133,838.

NHTSA ID

11647443

Incident

Feb 17, 2023

Mileage

133,838 mi

Toyota did implement an extended service warranty that ran through June of 2024 for a KNOWN issue with the ABS system. The problem was identified in a number of vehicle models, multiple recalls were made starting in 2019, and the Prius V (mine is a 2015) was excluded from that recall. After a road trip from Phoenix, AZ to Albequerque, NM, I started noticing a "farting" noise while braking. The extended service program had closed the month prior. I had the car inspected at my local AAA service department prior to leaving. The problem got worse, the braking is squishy and inconsistent, so I took it back to the shop. They've told me that my ABS system is not functioning and needs to be replaced. I called a dealership about the issue, and they said they can't honor the warranty unless Toyota does. They gave me the contact number for Toyota's Customer Care line, and I requested an appeal or exception which was denied. I have 85,000 miles on the car. It hasn't even rolled over yet. I don't drive very much and didn't drive really at all for almost 3 years between 2020 and 2023 since I was working online. There is nothing I could possibly have done to contribute to this issue, so it is CLEARLY a manufacturer error. Any issue with brakes poses a serious threat to safety and must be taken seriously. The repair cost is over $5,000, and MOST households cannot absorb that cost. If more vehicles are having similar issues, then I GUARANTEE you that there are more cars on the road right now with unstable brake systems that may fail at crucial moments. I have an appointment on Monday 2/10/24 with a the dealership service center. I have no idea if I'll be able to cover the cost of the repairs.

NHTSA ID

11641267

Incident

Jul 24, 2024

Approximately 2 months ago my brake booster and accumulator pump failed looked up recalls on this issue my vehicle falls in the recalled model year was wondering if it is just overlooked because it has not had any problems with it in the past only 76000 miles on vehicle due to low mileage I believe it should not have failed it has a internal leak had vehicle scanned code C1391 was detected for abnormal leak of ACC press. Thank you For any assistance you can provide for me unable to afford repairs at this need vehicle for transportation to and from work again. Thank you

NHTSA ID

11639411

Incident

Nov 8, 2024

Brake Actuator Valve Wear all lights relating to brakes are on, Dec. 12th 2024. The warranty for this expensive fix ended March, 2024 or 150k miles, there are only 106k miles on the vehicle. Something that is such a safety hazard SHOULD not have a date. We are experiencing unexpected loss of brake power while driving, accompanied by multiple dashboard warning lights, so we are unable to drive to the Toyota Dealership to have it scanned for issues. Toyota has advised us NOT to drive the vehicle, and we live 40 min from the nearest dealership. We bought the car from a Toyota dealership used, and they should have fixed this before selling the vehicle. Complete negligence and a huge safety issue. We only ask that they warranty be extended for the entire year of Dec. so that we can get this fixed asap.

NHTSA ID

11630689

Incident

Dec 12, 2024

Brake light and several other lights suddenly came on. The brakes became spongy. Taken to a repair place close enough for walking for diagnostic work. It showed that the brake booster needs to be replaced. There was a campaign for this problem, so Toyota knows that it is/was a problem. That campaign has apparently ended. This is a very expensive repair on a car that I expected to use the rest of my life. There was no warning by the dealership from which I purchased the car that this was a possible pending problem.

NHTSA ID

11630293

Incident

Dec 9, 2024

Car was diagnosed at a Toyota dealership with a brake booster issue reading code 20TE07 after my vehicles brakes suddenly would not work and the car continued to jolt forward. The brakes wouldn’t stop the car. According to Toyota, my vehicle is three months outside of the warranty period but under the covered mileage so we are left to repair this defect ourselves. This was a very dangerous situation and could have cost us and our children our lives instead of just the $4800 repair cost. This has happened to both of our Prius’s so this is not a rare issue. Toyota needs to have a plan for these parts failing suddenly and they should all be recalled for safety in my opinion. The experience was very scary and we had zero control over the vehicle when the brakes suddenly went out. Where do I join the class action lawsuit?

NHTSA ID

11621260

Incident

Oct 18, 2024

Brake actuator failure, coded as C1391. known issue by Toyota which can result in loss of brakes if not repaired. symptoms of problem: pulsing air sound from master brake cylinder, and/or all braking system lights illuminate on dash.

NHTSA ID

11616427

Incident

Sep 10, 2024

Brakes failed to stop vehicle for over almost ½ of a block. The driver, a young woman, was so terrified that she is refusing to drive the car even after the brakes have been repaired. It is my understanding that Toyota is aware of this problem and has issued directives for its dealers to make the necessary repairs. However, I was told that this was extended to 150,000 miles or 10 years from first in service date. I am including the invoice from Lipton Toyota for over $4,000 and I am respectfully requesting that Toyota makes this right and refunds this money. The failure of a braking system represents a critical life threatening situation of which no one can deniy.

NHTSA ID

11610337

Incident

Aug 7, 2024

I have a 2014 Toyota Prius V. I was driving down the highway at 55 m/h when my brakes became spongy all of a sudden and the ABS, traction and brake lights came on the dashboard. I was very scared and seeing that my brakes were failing I almost caused an accident that could have cost my life and my family's. I managed to get home safely and after scanning the system got the code C1391 - ABORMAL LEAK IN ACCUMULATOR. I did some research and this defect is so well known that Toyota launched a costumer program to replace the booster for free. I took it to a Toyota dealership and they wont't replace it though because the program expired a couple of months ago. This is an expensive and life-threatening part. The defect comes from the manufacturing facility, not from usage, so Toyota should be responsible for it.

NHTSA ID

11608949

Incident

Aug 10, 2024