2013 Toyota Prius Driver assistance Problems

Year/Make/Model: 2013 Toyota Prius • Component: Brake Booster Assembly with Master Cylinder (Part #47070-47060) Description of the Defect: After approximately 30–40 minutes of driving, my dashboard illuminates with the Brake, ABS, and VSC warning lights simultaneously. The brake pedal becomes inconsistent and requires significantly more effort to stop the vehicle. This is a known internal fluid leak within the brake booster assembly that causes the accumulator pump to run continuously and ultimately reduces braking performance — a direct safety hazard. Why This Requires Federal Attention: This is not an isolated incident. Hundreds of 2013 Prius owners have reported identical symptoms, with associated diagnostic trouble codes C1391, C1252, C1256, and C1253. Toyota acknowledged this defect by issuing Technical Service Bulletin TSB-0089-20 and a Customer Support Program (ZJB) providing limited extended warranty coverage. However, that program was not well publicized . I was never informed as a vehicle owner . And it has now expired, leaving thousands of owners with a dangerous defect and repair bills costing thousands . A safety defect of this magnitude — one that can result in sudden, significant loss of braking ability — should not have an expiration date on its remedy. Toyota has not issued a mandatory recall, and owners continue to unknowingly drive vehicles with compromised brake systems. Requested Action: I respectfully urge NHTSA to: 1.Open a formal investigation into this defect across all affected 2013–2015 Toyota Prius model years 2.Require Toyota to issue a mandatory safety recall 3.Compel Toyota to cover repair costs for all affected owners regardless of mileage or age of vehicle

NHTSA ID

11736173

Incident

Mar 16, 2026

The brake actuator/ABS hydraulic system on my 2013 Toyota Prius failed. The component is available for inspection upon request, as it was replaced by a Toyota dealership. Prior to failure, the vehicle intermittently displayed ABS, Traction Control, and VSC warning lights while driving, which would sometimes clear on their own but eventually became persistent. This condition reduced or disabled ABS, traction control, and vehicle stability functions, increasing the risk of loss of control or reduced braking effectiveness, particularly in emergency braking or low-traction conditions. The problem was reproduced and confirmed by a Toyota dealer, who diagnosed the failure using diagnostic code C1391 indicating internal brake actuator malfunction. The vehicle was inspected by the manufacturer’s authorized dealer, who replaced the brake actuator assembly after three days of repair at a cost of approximately $3,000. Warning lamps were present for months prior to the final repair and gradually progressed from intermittent to constant, indicating a worsening failure of a known issue affecting this generation of Prius vehicles.

NHTSA ID

11711995

Incident

Jan 10, 2026

On [XXX], we were driving from Coalinga, CA to Phoenix, AZ for Thanksgiving. As we began to descend into Los Angeles on [XXX], three warning indicators suddenly went on: the ABS warning light, the traction control light and the brake warning light. The brakes still worked but the brake assist was weakened. We pulled over as soon as possible at the nearest AutoZone. The employee performed a standard handheld OBD-II scan of the vehicle and did not detect any issues. We continued on our way through Los Angeles and to San Bernadino where we were spending the night. At one point the indicator lights went off for a few minutes but then came back on. We spent the night in San Bernadino, and the next day (11/26/2025), we took the car into the San Bernadino Toyota Dealership as we felt it was unsafe to keep driving. The dealer conducted a thorough full brake and hybrid system diagnostic and confirmed that the failure was inside the brake booster system. The repair estimate states: "Brake booster assembly with master cylinder and brake booster pump assembly have an internal leak." Thus, Toyota's own technician identified an internal hydraulic leak within the booster system, affecting the booster assembly, master cylinder, and booster pump assembly. The total repair estimate is $3,959.99. This is a major safety defect affecting sealed hydraulic components that are not part of routine wear-and-tear. There were 4 people in the car. Fortunately, the brake failure did not result in an accident, but it could have if we had kept driving on to our destination. We contacted the Toyota Brand Engagement Center to ask for Goodwill Assistance, but they were unable to help us. In addition to the repair costs, we have incurred rental car costs. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11703465

Incident

Nov 25, 2025

Entering the highway the car suddenly learched and stopped excelerating, creating an unsafe situation, and went into a slow mode. It limped along. Caused cars issue around having to slow merge and driving only 10-15 miles per hour. The dealer could find no codes and said it could be an air bubble in fluid line??? No warning lights.

NHTSA ID

11690445

Incident

Sep 19, 2025

The ABS system and the brake actuator began to fail, which triggered multiple warning lights. The Toyota dealership service department confirmed that the Anti-lock brake system and the actuator needed to be replaced, a $3800 value.

NHTSA ID

11679966

Incident

Jul 30, 2025

Vehicle warning lights for brakes, ABS and traction control all on while driving. Per mechanic, known problem on Prius and repair cost is $3-$5K. Covered by a prior customer support program but has expired. I have two Prius’s with the identical problem - bill will be up to $10K. Error code C1391

NHTSA ID

11660976

Incident

May 1, 2025

Vehicle warning lights for brakes, ABS and traction control all on while driving. Per mechanic, known problem on Prius and repair cost is $3-$5K. Covered by a prior customer support program but has expired. I have two Prius’s with the identical problem - bill will be up to $10K Error codes C1391, C1214

NHTSA ID

11660975

Incident

May 9, 2025

The brake booster assembly (part number 47070-47060) on my 2013 Toyota Prius has failed. This component is critical to the proper functioning of the braking system. It is currently still installed in the vehicle and available for inspection upon request. As a result of the failure, the ABS warning light, traction control light, and brake warning light are all illuminated on the dashboard. The braking performance has noticeably declined — the pedal feels inconsistent and at times unresponsive. This has created a significant safety risk while driving, especially during sudden stops or in wet conditions, as it compromises the vehicle's ability to brake efficiently and predictably. The issue has been confirmed by a Toyota dealer (or independent mechanic if that’s the case — feel free to change this line accordingly). The dealer diagnosed the issue as a failure of the brake booster assembly, which aligns with known failures reported by many other 3rd-generation Prius owners. The vehicle has not been involved in an accident, and has not been inspected by the police or insurance representatives. Toyota previously issued a Customer Support Program (CSP ZJB or ZG1) covering this part, but it has since expired. I only recently began experiencing symptoms and was unaware of the CSP until after contacting Toyota. Prior to the warning lights, I experienced intermittent symptoms such as a soft or delayed brake pedal, and an unusual sound from the brake system when the vehicle was turned off. The warning lights first appeared around [insert approximate mileage or date here], and have remained illuminated since then. Given the safety-critical nature of this component and the known defect history, I am requesting assistance from Toyota in the form of goodwill coverage or reimbursement, and would like this issue escalated for further review.

NHTSA ID

11653660

Incident

Apr 4, 2025

My car is at 89K total miles and last week I had three warning lights pop up on my dash (Traction control, brake, ABS) which indicates something wrong with the automatic break system. My car is under 100K miles and I purchased it used in 2016, under ten years ago, and this problem is way too early to happen in my make an model. I got a code read on the issue (C1391) which indicates that my ABS Actuator is leaking/broken, a major safety issue as it happened as I was driving. Again, this should not be typical as I only drive a few miles per day on average.

NHTSA ID

11637655

Incident

Jan 17, 2025

Took car in for repair because all the warning lights are on. The repair shop quoted $1200 for Anti lock braking actuator system which is defective. This is a huge safety issue and a costly repair from Toyota.

NHTSA ID

11621379

Incident

Oct 22, 2024

Took vehicle for state inspection on 2/13/2024, failed inspection because of brake warning lights. Slip indicator, Electronically controlled brake warning light, Brake warning light, Anti-lock brake system, and Low tire pressure lights are all on. I have looked into it, and it seems the brake actuator/booster used to be under warranty, however since this is a 2013 in 2024 with almost 210k miles on it, it no longer qualifies for the original recall.

NHTSA ID

11583435

Incident

Feb 13, 2024

The 2013 pruis has developed the notorious brake booster fault triggering the brake light abs light and traction control light to stay illuminated. Toyota has many complaints about this brake booster issue and needs to recall and fix this issue as they have done on other Toyotas. This is leaving owners with a $2500 repair or having to take a big risk driving these cars with a big prevalent brake issue that Toyota needs to be held accountable for.

NHTSA ID

11581667

Incident

Apr 8, 2024

ABS , brake. Anti lock lights

NHTSA ID

11567935

Incident

Jan 20, 2024

THIS VEHICLE NEEDS TO TAKE OFF FROM THE CONSUMERS DUE DOESN'T DRIVES PROPERLY HAS REAR MAJOR DAMAGE ALSO LEFT SIDE REAR DOOR THEY DIDN'T DID GOOD JOB ALSO THE HYBRID BATTERY SHOWS AT THE DASHBOARD IN N OUT ENGINE CHECK LIGHT. THE REAR FRAME BOUNCE BY THE SIDE IT'S UNSAFE. CAR TIME DEALERSHIP AT ONTARIO, CA DON'T CARE BE CAREFUL ALSO SOLD ME WITH STOLEN CA LICENSE PLATES THIS DEALERSHIP, IT'S SCAM. I DIDN'T KNOW LIKE TO SCAM CONSUMERS SINCE [XXX] GOT IT AND RETURN IT DUE REFUSE TO FIX IT RIGHT AND; THE BANK CANCEL THE TRANSACTION GLOBAL LENDING SERVICES BY ROSE BROWN GENERAL MANAGER EXT 51033 AT THE TELEPHONE THE BANK 877-538-2071 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11565590

Incident

Dec 11, 2023

vehicle brakes fails to stop and needs to push hard on brake paddle to stop the vehicle. traction control light, ABS, and Brake lights come on. took to autonation Toyota irvine in dec. 2020 reporting the issue but the tech clear the codes and told me that nothing is wrong. the same light came back on and took to 3rd party shop and was informed code C1391,C1345 & C1368 reporting issue of a failed booster and booster pump. customer support program ZJD. I've been in contact with toyota brand engagement to report the issue and regarding automation Toyota Irvine clearing the codes after I took my vehicle to the shop for repairs. but dealer is not repairing the vehicle and the vehicle has been in the dealer shop since jan 10, 2021. REPORTING A ISSUE WITH BRAKE FAILURE ON MY 2013 TOYTOA PRIUS.

NHTSA ID

11448614

Incident

Dec 27, 2021

MY 2013 Prius' hybrid system failed as I was entering a very busy state highway (where several fatalities have been recorded) exit when a tractor trailer truck unexpectedly bore down on me. My engine reduced to half speed and there was no breakdown lane to pull over to. The dashboard lights lit up and indicated a hybrid system failure, but I could not get to safety for another 2-3 miles. This is an NHTSA recall (20V-369) that was eligible for repair under an expanded warranty, but ONLY AFTER the vehicle has experienced the shutdown. The IPM (Intelligent Power Module/hybrid) system breakdown was confirmed by Toyota dealership's diagnostics, but the warranty period was not told to me and the charges amounted to almost $3000. My research and doggedness discovered that the costs would be covered in toto. But more importantly, I am among numerous Prius owners who experienced this problem and more could occur, risking injury if not death.

NHTSA ID

11443257

Incident

Dec 6, 2021

MY 2013 PRIUS IS HAVING ISSUES WITH THE INTERFACE AND IT HAS BEEN RECALLED AND I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO FROM HERE.

NHTSA ID

11388159

Incident

Dec 20, 2020

THE CAR GAVE A TRIANGLE OF DEATH AND LOOKED IT UP IF ANY RECALLS HAD BEEN MADE THAT COULD POSSIBLE CAUSE THIS ISSUE AND THERE WAS 1 THAT CALLED FOR AN UPDATE TO THE SYSTEM WHICH I HAD DONE AND THEY HAD TOLD ME IF IT DIDN'T TAKE THEY WOULD HAVE TO DO THE INVERTOR WHICH WAS APART OF THE RECALL. A WEEK AFTER THE SYSTEM UPDATE THE SAME ISSUE AROSE AND THEY REFUSED TO REPLACE THE INVERTOR WHICH DRAINED THE HYBRID BATTERY AND RUINED IT ALSO . THIS EFFECTS THE DRIVING ABILITY AND CAUSES THE CAR TO SHUT DOWN THE LIGHTS TO NOT WORK . IT CAN STALE AT ANY GIVEN TIME AND WILL NOT HAVE POWER TO CONTINUE

NHTSA ID

11352789

Incident

Aug 1, 2020

MY CAR HAS STOPPED RUNNING WITH ALL WARNING LIGHTS AND HYBRID SYSTEM FAILURE WARNING THREE TIMES NOW. FIRST TIME I WAS DRIVING WHEN LIGHTS CAME ON BUT GOT TO PARKING LOT WHERE IT DIED. I WAS ABLE TO RESTART CAR AFTER A COUPLE OF HOURS, STILL ALL WARNING LIGHTS AND HYBRID WARNING SHOWING BUT WAS ABLE TO GET IT TO DEALERSHIP. SECOND TIME I WAS DRIVING ON SMALL ROAD AND WAS ABLE TO GET CAR TO SIDE OF ROAD. AGAIN IT STARTED AFTER A COUPLE HOURS WITH ALL WARNINGS LIT AND I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE TO DEALERSHIP WERE IT ALSO DIED AGAIN BUT THEY STARTED IT LATER BY RESETTING CODES. THIRD TIME IT STOPPED IN DRIVEWAY AND I WAS UNABLE TO START IT. HAD IT TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. FIRST TIME. 12V BATTERY WAS REPLACED AND SOFTWARE UPDATE PERFORMED. SECOND TWO TIMES IRA TOYOTA DEALERSHIP HAS SENT ME BACK OUT ON THE ROAD TO WAIT AND SEE IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN.

NHTSA ID

11310325

Incident

Feb 8, 2020

Mileage

127,000 mi

ATTEMPTING TO TRAVEL IN MY 2013 PRIUS FIVE DURING XMAS WAS DRIVING AND APPROACHING A RED AND WHILE TRYING TO STOP PEDAL WENT DIRECTLY TO FLOOR AND SKID LIGHT WENT ON AND BARELY AVOIDED WHAT SHOULD BE AN EASY STOP!! WEATHER CLEAR FELT A DRAG AND NO COASTING ABILITY... CAR HAS 21,000 MILES AND IS IN PERFECT APPEARANCE BUT FAR FROM IN PEAK CONDITION AS THIS CAR FROM BRAND NEW HAD ISSUES I GOT TIRED WAITING FOR TOYOTA TO FIX. CRUISE CONTROL, BRAKES, BLUETOOTH, ENGINE WRAPPING SOUNDS ON STARTUP, I AM TOLD THE BRAKE ISSUE SINCE NEW IS NOW A 3,000+ REPAIR AND SINCE IT SHOWED NO CODE AT DEALER I WOULD HAVE TO PAY! MERRY XMAS TOYOTA! WHAT IS NHTSA WAITING FOR??? I AM SHOCKED AT BOTH FOR INACTION SO I WILL MAKE SOME CALL TO MY ELECTED OFFICIALS THIS HAS TO BE FIXED. TOYOTA IS BECOMING GM WHO WOULD HAVE FIGURED?? MY OTHER PRIUS ISSUES MATTER LESS WHEN BRAKES DON'T STOP YOU REASONABLY AND THE REPAIR IS OVER 3,000 ON A CAR WITH 21,000 WELL CARED FOR MILES...

NHTSA ID

11296756

Incident

Dec 23, 2019

Mileage

21,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE DRIVER PRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE BUT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED FORWARD AND CRASHED INTO A SECOND VEHICLE. DURING THE CRASH THE DRIVER SUSTAINED MULTIPLE CONTUSIONS TO THE BODY INCLUDING THE CHEST AREA WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL TREATMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED AWAY. A POLICE REPORT #159681-2019 WAS TAKEN AT THE SCENE. THE LOCAL DEALER TOYOTA OF RICHARDSON (1221 N. CENTRAL EXPY. RICHARDSON TX.) THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

NHTSA ID

11243249

Incident

Aug 7, 2019

Mileage

120,000 mi

I RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICE AND TO PREVENT AN ACCIDENT, I HAVE NOT BEEN DRIVING MY CAR. MY NEAREST DEALSHIP, WHOM I HAVE UTILIZED OFTEN, NOW ARE DISCRIMINATING BY STATING FALSE PERSONAL STATEMENTS AGAINST ME. THIS MAY BE GENDER, AGE OR RACIST BASED. SO I NEED SUPPORT TO HAVE MY CAR TOWED & HAVE HAMER TOYOTA FAIRLY & PROFESSIONALLY COMPLETE THE SAFETY RECALL REPAIRS. I HAVE BEEN AT THE DEALSHIP AND ON THE PHONE WITH ALL LEVELS OF EMPLOYEES WHO HAVE BELITTLED, MADE FALSE STATEMENTS AND/ OR JUST PLAIN INHUMANE WITH NO REMEDY FOR MY 2013 TOYOTA PRIUS.

NHTSA ID

11231657

Incident

Nov 26, 2018

Mileage

40,000 mi

2013 PRIUS, MILEAGE 29,409. CAR IN MOTION DRIVING ON CITY STREETS. WHILE BREAKING ON UNEVEN ROADS/POTHOLES, THE CAR SKIDS AND FRONT WHEELS LOCK UP AND TRACTION CONTROL/BREAK ASSIST LIGHT APPEARS ON THE DASHBOARD. WHEN THIS OCCURS THE CAR IS DANGEROUSLY SLOW TO BREAK AND TAKES FAR TOO LONG TO STOP. THIS HAPPENS ALMOST DAILY ON MY COMMUTE TO WORK IN BOTH DRY AND WET CONDITIONS. THIS SEEMS TO BE AN ISSUE WITH THE BREAKING/STABILITY SYSTEM.

NHTSA ID

11197067

Incident

Apr 17, 2019

Mileage

29,380 mi

CAR STALLS OUT AND WON'T ACCELERATE

NHTSA ID

11160621

Incident

Dec 3, 2018

Mileage

58,150 mi

I NOTICED WHEN I WAS DRIVING ON A DRY CLEAR DAY TRACTION CONTROL/BRAKE LIGHT/ABS ILLUMINATED MY BRAKES BECAME EXTREMELY HARD TO PRESS AND COME TO A STOP ALSO MY CRUISE CONTROL WILL NOT ENGAGE. THE LIGHTS ON THE DASH WOULD GO OFF AND THE CAR WOULD DRIVE NORMAL FOR A FEW DAYS. IT REPEATED THIS SCENARIO A FEW TIMES BEFORE THE TRACTION CONTROL/BRAKE LIGHT/ABS LIGHTS STAYED ON PERMANENTLY AS WELL AS THE CRUISE CONTROL WILL NOT ENGAGE.

NHTSA ID

11156466

Incident

Jun 15, 2018

Mileage

100,000 mi