Automatic Emergency Braking problems of the 2013 Toyota Prius

16 problems related to automatic emergency braking have been reported for the 2013 Toyota Prius. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2013 Toyota Prius based on all problems reported for the 2013 Prius.

1 Automatic Emergency Braking problem

Failure Date: 01/19/2026

The brake actuator and compressor is having repeated problems and causing the brakes to lock up completely while driving both in city and on the highway. Abs/parking/normal brakes the lights on the dash all start flashing and beeping. Abs / emergency brake / exclamation warning / sliding / lights all on it also caused the speedometer to stop working and most of the lights of the computer part of my dash to not display information problem code 1391 confirmed by mechanic this is a danger to me and other drivers and Toyota needs to take responsibility for these repairs because it can cost us our lives.

2 Automatic Emergency Braking problem

Failure Date: 01/14/2026

Upon a hard (but not emergency) brake, my abs and brake warning lights came on and my car began whirring once every few seconds. I immediately took the car to the Toyota dealership, who informed me that my master brake cylinder and booster had to be replaced, and that issues with the booster were something they had seen frequently in this generation of Priuses. I paid $5095 for repairs and inspection, but I had no other choice, as my brakes could have gone out at any moment whilst I was on the road and caused a very serious accident.

3 Automatic Emergency Braking problem

Failure Date: 01/10/2026

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.

4 Automatic Emergency Braking problem

Failure Date: 11/25/2025

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 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).

5 Automatic Emergency Braking problem

Failure Date: 11/12/2025

Brake actuator failure requires actuator and master cylinder replacement. All dash lights came on while driving. The vehicle was diagnosed at brian easler Toyota in hendersonville north carolina. The brakes are still operational temporarily but spongy and expected to fail so the car is not drivable. I expect to have the actuator and master cylinder replaced in then next few weeks at a cost of $5600. I see there were previous recalls on the braking system that have now expired.

6 Automatic Emergency Braking problem

Failure Date: 10/31/2025

The brakes suddenly failed in our 2013 Prius v while she was driving with our two young children. It was extremely scary, and very dangerous. Toyota has known about the braking system issues for years but refused to offer a recall to avoid costs. This needs to be immediately addressed.

7 Automatic Emergency Braking problem

Failure Date: 07/30/2025

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.

8 Automatic Emergency Braking problem

Failure Date: 05/09/2025

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.

9 Automatic Emergency Braking problem

Failure Date: 05/01/2025

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.

10 Automatic Emergency Braking problem

Failure Date: 04/04/2025

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.

11 Automatic Emergency Braking problem

Failure Date: 01/17/2025

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.

12 Automatic Emergency Braking problem

Failure Date: 10/22/2024

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.

13 Automatic Emergency Braking problem

Failure Date: 01/05/2024

There was a driver side collision and the airbags did not deploy. Brakes do not slowly apply they slam down causing vehicle to slide/skid in emergency braking, abs does not function properly. The dealership recently did an appraisal (4/2/25) on the vehicle that states “lost communication with side airbag sensor lh, side airbag sensor lh initialization incomplete, front speed sensor rh & lh circuit, and d- door motor ecu communication stop”. Insurance company inspected vehicle after crash, and there was a police report filed. There were no warning indicators prior to incident or after.

14 Automatic Emergency Braking problem

Failure Date: 07/03/2023

Have an issue with the Prius having the error code c1391. The dealership refuses to fix the issue since it's unsafe to drive with the brake failing. Need to replace the brake power booster and abs pump/ motor; the total cost to get all this is quoted by the dealer as $3300.

15 Automatic Emergency Braking problem

Failure Date: 12/27/2021

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.

16 Automatic Emergency Braking problem

Failure Date: 12/20/2020

My 2013 Prius is having issues with the interface and it has been recalled and I don't know what to do from here.


Other Forward Collision Avoidance related problems of the 2013 Toyota Prius

Automatic Emergency Braking problems
16
Adaptive Cruise Control problems
1

Prius Service Bulletins
Prius Safety Recalls
Prius Defect Investigations