2009 Toyota Prius Brakes Problems

Dashboard Warning Lights: ABS, VSC, Parking Brake Light, Triangle with Exclamation Point, Codes: C1256 & C1391, Intermittent Audible Cabin Buzzing indicating critical pressure loss on start-up for about 10 seconds...then stops, not loss so much as anti-braking quick bursts at about 5 mph of stopping v slowly and seamlessly coming to a stop. I contacted Toyota Corporate Case Management; they refused to escalate or remediate the issue due to vehicle mileage, despite being notified of the active brake pressure leak codes and the audible safety alarm.

NHTSA ID

11744740

Incident

Dec 10, 2025

I own 2 2009 Toyota Prius. Both cars less than 175,000 miles and both have failed ABS modules. The ABS module in this vehicle is also the power brake booster. This failure can cause braking issues such as loss of braking or sudden brake application. Only known fix is replacement of the ABS brake module which requires the Toyota Techstream service computer.

NHTSA ID

11736356

Incident

Apr 25, 2026

Brake actuator is broken. Toyota knew about this problem and they had a warranty for 10 years or 150k miles. Mine only has 80k miles. The repair is half of what the car is worth. I thought a Toyota with such low miles would be dependable. Toyota knew that people have died from this problem with their car. I need this car to get to work and get my kids to school. It’s older than 10 years so I am just screwed on something they knew was broken. Of course the sales person at the Toyota dealership did not tell us about it when he sold us the car

NHTSA ID

11733751

Incident

Mar 24, 2026

The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact stated that the ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the extended warranty had expired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the extended warranty had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 174,000.

NHTSA ID

11729947

Incident

Mar 26, 2026

Mileage

174,000 mi

The brake actuator is failing. It’s making unusual noises when stepping on the brakes. A new additional noise started in the last month which is the pump connected to the brake actuator. The technician told me the brakes are about to fail. Toyota used to cover this issue but stopped a few years ago. It’s a $3,000.00 job at the dealer.

NHTSA ID

11679902

Incident

Feb 1, 2025

The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, extra effort was needed to stop the vehicle while depressing the brake pedal. In addition, the contact stated that the instrument panel intermittently went blank and failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the ABS and the instrument cluster needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 157,000.

NHTSA ID

11642706

Incident

Jul 1, 2024

Mileage

157,000 mi

In the 2009 Toyota Series II vehicle there are two parts for the brake actuator pump assembly which has been cycling about every 20 seconds for the past six months or more. There is an intermittent tone when depressing the brake pedal before starting the car (engine off). The Brake dash warning light is on continuously. Occasional loss of brake power in reverse causing the driver to re-apply the brakes to stop unwanted motion of the vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11629033

Incident

Jul 1, 2024

My dashboard brake, tire pressure, vsc and AB’s light came on while driving

NHTSA ID

11622566

Incident

Oct 21, 2024

Failed brake actuator. Toyota knows about the issue and refuses to honor any reasonable repair. Braking at any speed the car ferociously pulls to the left, throwing you into another lane or on coming traffic.

NHTSA ID

11620717

Incident

Oct 18, 2024

The engine light went on while driving on the highway. We immediately pulled over and had the vehicle towed to the nearest dealership. The dealership informed us that both the Brake Actuator (Toyota part TO44500-47141) and water pump (Toyota par TOG9020-47031) had failed. The car was no longer save to drive.

NHTSA ID

11618991

Incident

Sep 21, 2024

Car Mechanics say I need a new ABS actuator/pump costing about $4,400 at dealership and over $2500 at garages. Most quoting about $3500.00. It is a known fact that this is common on Pruises, which I am now learning. I feel Toyota should be reimbursing their consumer for this unexpected charge. My car has only about 60000 miles on the car. RIght now I have to park the car until I come up with the money. So have no invoice to attach until I do the repair.

NHTSA ID

11610198

Incident

Aug 1, 2024

The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the contact depressed the brake pedal however, the brakes did not function as needed. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The dealer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure however, the contact was informed that the failure was like an unknown recall; however, the recall notification had expired. The contact was advised to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.

NHTSA ID

11586420

Incident

Apr 24, 2024

Mileage

116,000 mi

Losing all breaking from abs dealership says $3000 to replace abs brake actuator module. I have been hearing from other second generation owners this is a common problem and it vecomes unsafe when you lose brake functioning in traffic additionally it was an extended warranty twice with no milage limitations but wondering why itvwasntvrecalled. Now I fear driving because u safe yet I am unable to afford to make the repair because I am unable to worker as delivery driver is my employment to generate income needed for repair.

NHTSA ID

11575488

Incident

Jan 5, 2024

ABs Light came on high pitched sound and brakes suddenly stopped working while driving making very unsafe driving conditions. i recently purchased this car as my second, 2nd generation prius but the abs recall was evidently not performed when it was recalled and extended. this puts me upside down in a loan because i have found the repairs will be $1000-$2000 and now I can not afford to drive it. the car is at my home and available for inspection upon request. i felt very unsafe last night and the abs light recently came on and was intermittently making the high pitch sound which was continuous last evening when i was driving when the brakes stopped functioning

NHTSA ID

11568173

Incident

Jan 26, 2024

The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65–70 MPH, the ABS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the brake pump actuator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 236,425.

NHTSA ID

11544705

Incident

Sep 14, 2023

Mileage

236,425 mi

The hybrid water pump failed/ aka the inverter coolant pump. This was recalled years ago and has failed again. The previous owner of my car replaced it in 2013, so Toyota is refusing to replace it again, despite the fact that the part is faulty and has compromised the safety of my vehicle. This issue was diagnosed by a mechanic yesterday, error code P0A93. The master warning light, check engine light, brake light came on. The AC stopped working. The brakes nearly gave out on me driving on a bridge in New York City. This part was recalled. Toyota refuses to honor the recall a second time. They clearly did not properly engineer this part! It failed again! They should be responsible for fixing this issue.

NHTSA ID

11538564

Incident

Aug 14, 2023

All dashboard lights up. The brake fluid is full and the pads are in proper shape. When braking the car slips a few feets and I was about to make accedents several times with my school children.

NHTSA ID

11521687

Incident

May 1, 2023

UNKNOWN

NHTSA ID

11501357

Incident

Jan 4, 2023

The brake actuator is failing. This has been causing not only lower mpg, but uneven braking and sometime failed braking for the past several months. I have contacted Toyota and they said that the voluntary recall expired. I explained to them that the car was serviced at Toyota and was never given notice and that this is a danger to myself and my children. There are not only of hundred of documented incidents regarding the brake actuator failing, but there is also a new class action lawsuit against Toyota for the same issue with the newer generation Priuses.

NHTSA ID

11486487

Incident

Sep 26, 2022

Brakes or not working fully brake peddle is hard to press 2009 toyota prius YouTube says it is the brake actuator

NHTSA ID

11466997

Incident

Apr 13, 2022

I was exiting the highway and had no brakes, the pedal felt hard but wouldn’t slow the vehicle at all. In a panic I attempted to pump the brakes and by the grace of God was able to finally stop before plunging into something. The lights came on on the dash with a triangle and exclamation mark and a horrible continuous beeping noise started. I looked up the problem and found out this is a known problem with the Prius and there was even an extended warranty that ended in 2017 for the cause of the problem which is the brake actuator. Toyota quotes the repair at 2500-3000. So if it goes out after 2017 the cost is on you. This repair is necessary due to the huge safety concern!! Lives at risk because Toyota refuses to accept responsibility.

NHTSA ID

11433088

Incident

Oct 9, 2020

The brake actuator is failing in my 2009 Prius Touring. This is confirmed by the dealership. Brakes work intermittently when reversing and are slowly becoming non-responsive during normal driving. This creates an unsafe situation for me and my son as drivers, as well as others on the road. The brake light and ABS light is on in the car. Toyota needs to cover this repair regardless of the year of the vehicle. Service code given by the dealership is C1391.

NHTSA ID

11430948

Incident

Jun 1, 2021

I went to park in a parallel space when all of a sudden my ABS, (!), VSC light come on with the loss of brake power and a loud beeping noise. With this sudden loss of brakes in the middle of driving, I could have harmed myself and others in any cars around me because I also lost steering capability. This is a problem that there was an extended warranty for, but there should be a recall. My car is a 2009 and was only covered before the pandemic and now it is 2021 and I have no recourse, but to try and fork over $3500.00 for which I don't have. I am a second owner and this is a very common problem amongst Prius owners. I didn't have any other symptoms that I could point out prior to this situation. I have had my hybrid battery, engine, ecu and most recently a stolen catalytic converter replaced. This ABS actuator problem needs to be addressed for another 5 years with a free repair. I would hate to have hit some other car and had my car smash into a wall, another car, pedestrian, pole or any other object based on it's ability not to stop.

NHTSA ID

11428897

Incident

Aug 6, 2021

I PURCHASED A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS WITH 109,000 MILES, I HAVE ONLY BEEN DRIVING IT TWO MONTHS AND THE BRAKE ACTUATOR IS GOING BAD! TOYOTA HAD A RECALL AND PROVIDED A FREE OF CHARGE FIX BUT ONLY UP UNTIL 2017 I BELIEVE. THEY SHOULD PAY FOR ANY FAULTY ACTUATORS UNDER 150,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THAT IS THE MILEAGE THEY WARRANTY THEIR HYBRID BATTERIES FOR. DRIVING MY VEHICLE I COULD STOP AND ALMOST GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF THIS FAILING SYSTEM! I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. I WAS DRIVING IN THE CITY AND LOST ALL POWER IN MY BRAKES.

NHTSA ID

11403429

Incident

Mar 16, 2021

Mileage

112,000 mi

MY 2009 PRIUS WITH 96425 MILES AS OF 10/29/20 HAS THE COMMON PROBLEM KNOWN AS FAILURE OF THE BRAKE ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY. I HAVE THE BRAKE, ABS, AND VSC WARNING LIGHTS INDICATING FAILURE OF THE BRAKE ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY. MY MILEAGE IS REDUCED BY 25%, AND THE BRAKE ROTORS ARE VERY HOT AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE. TOYOTA ISSUED A ZG1 WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM TO COVER THE COST FOR REPLACEMENT OF FAULTY BRAKE ACTUATOR ASSEMBLIES, BUT MY VEHICLE IS BEYOND THE LIMITS OF THE ZG1 PROGRAM. SINCE THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM, IT IS MY OPINION THAT TOYOTA IS RESPONSIBLE TO CORRECT THE SITUATION. TOYOTA WILL NOT ASSIST ME IN RESOLVING THIS DANGEROUS SITUATION, AND THIS IS WHY I AM BRINGING THIS MATTER TO YOUR ATTENTION. IT IS AN EXPENSIVE REPAIR, THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKE ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY, AND POTENTIALLY COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS (EVEN FATAL) SITUATIONS.

NHTSA ID

11374529

Incident

May 19, 2020

Mileage

93,836 mi