Brake Light Switch Problems of Toyota Prius

For the third time I have had to replace my brake light switch, this is a safety issue as it affect how the brake lights work. The break light switch, when malfunctioning prevent or inhibits the vehicle from starting properly. If the switch fails while driving, it can cause problem with the battery regeneration, this is in addition to causing a driving hazard while driving.

See all problems of the 2008 Toyota Prius 🔎.

In order to start, the brakes must be depressed. The electrical switch that detects the brake pedal being depressed also controls the brake light indicators. This switch has started to fail, operating intermittently. The symptoms are inability to start the vehicle to "ready" mode for driving and the brake lights not operating which is extremely unsafe. Once the car has started to "ready" and can drive, the brake lights may or may not operate during driving.

See all problems of the 2007 Toyota Prius 🔎.

The brake lights on my 2010 Toyota Prius do not illuminate under light braking. There is a very discernible "gap" after depressing the brake pedal before the brake lights illuminate. Under light braking, the brake lights will not warn the driver of the car behind me that I am actually braking. This results in people tailgating me, and sometimes sounding their horn signal at me, while I am slowing down. Once the pedal is depressed far enough -- under moderate to severe braking -- the brake lights will eventually illuminate. This has been confirmed by several CO-workers and friends who also own this model of Prius. All of our cars have the same issue with the brake light switch.

See all problems of the 2010 Toyota Prius 🔎.

About 40% of the time, my Toyota Prius doesn't want to stop or slow down when the brakes are applied. Under these conditions, I have to apply the brakes hard and then the car will slow down. It feels like the car wants to "run away" when the brakes are applied. It exhibits this behavior in many circumstances: stopping at a stop light, slowing down on an expressway, or slowing down on a city street. Updated 11/23/09 the check engine light illuminated. The passenger front window switch wasn't opening or closing the window unless the master switch was used. The throttle body had to be cleaned. The fan belt and brake light switch were replaced. Updated 11/24/09 updated 01/06/10 updated 01/07/10.

See all problems of the 2004 Toyota Prius 🔎.

With light braking I can stop my 2004 Prius without ever illuminating the brake lights. This risks a rear end collision. The lights illuminate after the brake pedal has been depressed a little more than 1/2 inch. The service manager at my dealership claimed that there was no adjustment and would not take the car into the shop. An incident date, as required on this form, is not applicable. This is happening every time I brake.