Table 1 shows one common forward collision avoidance related problems of the 2014 Toyota Prius.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Automatic Emergency Braking problems |
The brake system malfunctioned suddenly. While driving and while stopped, the brake pedal became very hard and braking behavior became unpredictable. The vehicle sometimes brakes aggressively and other times requires excessive pedal force to stop. The abs and brake warning lights illuminated. The vehicle no longer provides normal braking assistance. This issue is related to a failure of the brake actuator / brake booster, which is a known issue affecting Toyota Prius models from 2010 to 2015. This defect creates a serious safety risk, as braking performance is inconsistent and may increase stopping distance or cause loss of control during emergency braking situations. The vehicle has not been repaired yet because the cost is very high and the manufacturer has declined assistance despite this being a known safety-related defect.
Failed brake booster and pump assembly, confirmed by Toyota service. Warning lights turned on all at once: aeb, skid control and brake light. Estimated cost to repair is $3,000.
I went to several mechanics and got the same issue confirmed. It is a booster brake system issue. I called consumer advocates and they said the notice went out in 2019 and since then expired. Therefore dealership is not going to repair the defect. I received no such notice. When I contended that this is a safety issue and should immediately be handled and my car has 80,000 miles on it and it has not even been 10 years they refused. From my research I see that it is a wide spread issue with the break booster and deffinately warrants a recall. I am disabled and have many medical issues I need money for and can not afford $3000 manufacturing fault defect is not my responsibility.
Four warning lights related to the braking system illuminate, followed by what seems to be the cessation of the abs. After 5 minutes of driving, the lights went off and abs returned, although brakes are shaky. The abs seems to be a known faulty park and is covered under warranty but only up to 150,000 miles. When taken to a dealer, the repair shop recommended I call corporate. Citing the arbitrary mileage limit, the Toyota mechanic seemed convinced the corporate office would cover the cost, saying he’s seen it done on a case by case basis. This coverage should be made unilaterally for all car owners with this defect, not simply those willing to fight for it. Class action lawsuits over what seems to be a similar issue have been privately settled.
Code c1391 - abnormal leak in accumulator. Accumulator for the brake pump is not holding pressure so the pump has to keep turning on to refill. Brake pump and abs unit have to be replaced. In emergency situations, a malfunctioning abs module leads to increased stopping distances and loss of steering control during hard braking. Lastly, tires can be worn more easily, which could lead to tire blowouts. This puts myself and others at risk for deadly consequences due to an increased chance for collision if I am unable to control or stop my car. This problem has been confirmed by Toyota and multiple years of Toyota vehicles have had their brake actuator assembly warranty enhanced. The warranty enhancement program has secondary coverage, which is applicable for 10 years from the first date of use, or 150,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Currently I meet the 10 year requirement but have 162,000 miles on my Prius, which is completely frustrating. Many have posted with the same problem of being just outside the warranty. The vehicle has been inspected at a Toyota dealership. A symptom was noticeable starting from over 1 ½ years ago when I was under 150,000 miles. The car produced clicking sounds when the brake pedal was held down at traffic lights. Once released, the clicking sound would stop. I spoke with a Toyota mechanic and he told me it was an issue with the brake pump and abs unit, but Toyota would not repair it until it completely failed. He also mentioned that there was coverage available for the abs unit once it failed as it was a common issue for the Toyota Prius. If Toyota warranty allowed for the brake pump and abs unit to be replaced when the symptoms appear instead of when it completely fails, I would have qualified with my mileage. Not only is the repair costly, but for those who cannot afford it and need to continue to use their car despite the brake pump and abs unit failure, risk their own and others safety when continuing to operate their vehicle.