Brake Antilock Wheel Speed Sensor Problems of Toyota Prius

Driving on a rainy day, abs and vsc lights on dash came on. My car violently fishtailed almost 180 degrees, back and forth 6 times on a curve getting off a freeway (about 45 mph) nearly crashed. I proceeded very slowly to side street. Car shimmied to right making a left turn. Felt like I was driving on ice. Called a tow truck. Dealership found rodent damage to wires to wheel speed sensor. I discovered manufacturers using soy oil on wiring. $1300 repair.

See all problems of the 2007 Toyota Prius 🔎.

When braking quickly usually on rough surfaces, wet roads, slopes brakes temporarily fail as if no control over the car giving me an adrenaline rush. I have been driving like this for 4 years thinking is the characteristic of Prius. June 30th 2011, I steered into the parking lot and was parking on the first spot at the right immediately after entry to parking lot at the speed of 5 mph. Approximately half way to curb I withdrew my foot off the gas pedal and put on the brakes slowly. I was expecting the car to halt prior to the curb line as usual. But it did not stop on the contrary it accelerated and went over the curb and right on the fence. The fence was approximately 2 feet from curb; before it went on fence I looked at my feet and made sure it was on the brakes as could not believe what was happening to the car and yes I am 100% sure it was on brakes. I also applied parking brakes and put car in neutral and shut off the power, when it stopped over the fence. I have reported this to dealer as the car had been serviced 4 weeks prior to this incident at 32,431 miles. The dealer did health check scan twice taking 6 hours for each scan. After first scan I was told the car had front speed sensors codes and a low or abnormal high battery voltage. And advised to detect sensors in details and replace them at next appointment. Second day after the manager did another health check for 6 hours, I don’t know why another scan; and reported codes for low battery and speed sensors and ecu. None have potential to cause customer concern. They finally blamed the floor mat which was definitely not the problem. Surprisingly when I asked how did they take care of the codes? if sensors need to be replaced, they told me the codes are gone now. There were no details provided inspite of me asking several times why the car moves after applying brakes. Being a doctor I am concerned with safety and prevention more than anything.

See all problems of the 2006 Toyota Prius 🔎.

While I was driving down the street, suddenly an abs warning light and a beeping sound engaged. To investigate the abrupt occurrence I attempted to pull over. However as I applied my brakes they wouldn't work. My brakes completely failed. I'm extremely fortunate that I was afforded the distance to allow my car to slow down on its own. To make a complete stop I applied my parking bake. I was lucky to avoid crashing into the car just feet in front of mine. I can only imagine the devastation if this was to happen on a busy intersection or a freeway off ramp. Thankfully, there are no injuries to report. My car is currently at a dealer/service center. They said the brake actuator and speed sensor needs to be replaced. I've opened a case with Toyota to investigate the failure.

See all problems of the 2005 Toyota Prius 🔎.