Vsa Warning Light On problems of the 2005 Toyota Prius

The automatic braking system (abs), vehicle stability control (vsc), brake light, and brake system warning lights (4) on the Prius all came on and vehicle became very unstable while out of town. The owner's manual indicated that the dealership should be contacted and car should be taken in immediately for service. Since no dealership was available at the immediate location, the car was driven home (60 miles) in very unstable conditions. Upon bringing it to the dealership I was told it was a miracle nothing bad had happened because the "computer skid assembly" needed to be replaced at a cost of $1570. 97 for just the part!!! I found it very interesting that the part was readily available as if I were replacing an oil or air filter. After confirming the cost with other dealerships, I consented to the work to be performed. Is this just another "built in obsolescence" feature? there appears to be nothing I could have done to properly maintain this new piece of technology and the sudden failure of the part posses a significant safety concern to consumers. In addition, how can any reasonable consumer be certain that this part failure was not input by the manufacturer into the car's control system. Makes me long for the days of manual vehicles and shade tree mechanics.

We have noticed repeatedly (a dozen or more times) over three years of owning this car and 100k miles, that as we brake going over a bumpy section of road, the braking system fails and the car actually accelerates for one or two seconds. This is especially alarming when we need to brake suddenly in a curve on a bumpy road as it seems we will lose control of the car. I always brake with my right foot and my right foot remains off the accelerator and on the brake throughout these episodes. Our car is equipped with the vehicle stability system and the passenger notices that the stability system warning light comes on during these episodes. It is not simply that the car coasts when the braking fails, the engine actually sounds like it is revving up and the car noticeably speeds up. Once the bumpy section has been passed, normal braking resumes. This has nothing to do with the floor mat. This situation should be reproducible thru testing.

Abs & stability control lights stay on. Dealer says that systems are faulty. Not a warranty repair!!??!!! n. B. : it would help consumers if your complaint-search function would allow simultaneous searches for model of multiple years; and, for keywords so that results would appear regardless of whether complainant has chosen a different--or, even, an incorrect--category of equipment.