Problems · by component

2010 Toyota Prius service brakes problems

593 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2010 Toyota Prius cite service brakes, 21% of all 2,823 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 1 recall on this component.

Complaints
593
21% of all complaints
Crashes
44
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
21
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the service brakes

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“Subject: Vehicle Safety Defect Complaint / Request for Investigation Review Vehicle: 2010 Toyota Prius VIN: [XXX] Component: Electronic Brake Booster / Pressure Accumulator Assembly Dear Administrator, I am writing to formally report a critical safety defect in my 2010 Toyota Prius regarding the electronic brake booster and accumulator pump assembly. This component exhibits classic failure symptoms—specifically a distinct puffing, ticking, and pressure-loss noise directly from the brake pedal mechanism—which points to internal nitrogen or hydraulic pressure leakage. This component was previously the subject of Toyota’s Customer Support Program / Safety Recall (Campaign ZJB / D0H) due to fatigue cracking in the internal accumulator bladder. However, Toyota's arbitrary cutoff timelines have left me completely unprotected, even though the underlying engineering defect remains identical and poses an active, catastrophic threat to public safety. The real-world implications of this failure are severe: •Daily Risk to Life: I am a self-employed small-business owner who relies on this vehicle daily to travel between clients across the greater [XXX] area. Because of this…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 13, 2026Service brakesODI 11763884
“Component failed: Brake actuator and accumulator on a 2010 Toyota Prius. It is available for inspection upon request. Safety: ABS, traction, and brake lights turned on suddenly in the middle of rush-hour traffic, followed by a spongey, hard-to-press pedal. Braking distance and efficiency was greatly impacted, and driving to a safe turn-out was extremely dangerous as I feared the brakes would give out entirely at any moment. The problem has been reproduced and confirmed by a dealership. UNKNOWN. Requested an inspection by the manufacturer but their "Customer Support Program" for the brake actuator and accumulator expired 10 years after the car's production date. After speaking to both the dealership and corporate, they have informed me that there is nothing else they can do in regards to reimbursement or satisfying the complaint. The only symptom of the problem prior to failure was a periodic hissing noise coming from the brakes. When the car was brought in for the catalytic converter in late 2025, the dealership failed to diagnose any issue with the brake booster system at that time.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 27, 2026Service brakesODI 11760155
“To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally complain about the way Toyota has handled the problems with my 2010 Toyota Prius and my repeated requests for assistance. I have been a loyal Toyota customer and have purchased two new Toyota vehicles because I trusted Toyota's quality and expected good customer service. Unfortunately, after years of contacting Toyota, I have repeatedly been given the runaround without receiving a meaningful resolution. I am now facing a serious and expensive brake system problem. The vehicle requires replacement of the brake booster with master cylinder and the brake booster vacuum pump, with an estimated repair cost of approximately $4,000. This is a major safety-related repair, and I believe Toyota should properly investigate the issue and consider warranty coverage or financial assistance. I am also experiencing a serious problem with the paint, which is melting/deteriorating. I have contacted Toyota about these issues before, but the company has not provided the assistance I expected. It is extremely disappointing that after purchasing two new Toyota vehicles, this is the type of customer service I have received. I should…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 25, 2026Structure, Service brakesODI 11759364
“ABS light came on 6 months ago as well as ((!)) light. As soon as those lights came on, the brakes had an increased stopping distance and it became harder to get the car to come to a complete stop. I have seen a few Prius owners in my area also having the same problem with their Prius. For my car, the ABS light would come on, then turn off for 300 or so miles, then turn back on and stay on for about 300 miles. That has lasted for 6 months. I had almost gotten in an accident yesterday after getting brake lines fixed for 4th time, and we determine the actuator and accumulator are both bad. I have also seen a lot of Prius owners with the same code. Where I am at, my shop is quoting me $2300 for the fix in total. That is absurd.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 4, 2026Service brakesODI 11742107
“My 2010 Prius has experienced the following error codes: C12341 and C1391, prompting the dealer to recommend replacing the brake booster assembly and master cylinder for $3938.89. This is a known issue with this vehicle and a Customer Support Program (CSP) was issued back in 2018, stating that if this vehicle displayed these codes, the repairs would be at no charge to the customer. Toyota extended this coverage to 10 years from date of first use or 150,000 miles (whichever came first). I never receied the notice. The details of the CSP are below. (I found on the internet.) "Toyota has received reports indicating various brake system related warning lamps illuminate due to internal malfunctions. The Brake Booster and Brake Booster Pump are covered by Toyota’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 3 years or 36,000 miles (whichever occurs first). However, because we at Toyota care about each customer’s ownership experience, Toyota is now offering a voluntary Customer Support Program that applies to various brake system related warning lamps of covered vehicles as a result of internal malfunctions, regardless of whether the vehicle is out of warranty. The timing of any…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 22, 2026Service brakesODI 11732957
“There are issues with the brake. Many times the brake pedal goes down to the floor and it losses ability to stop. Apparently there is a common ABS actuator and Brake issues. Toyota will not address the issue”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 29, 2026Service brakesODI 11727774

Showing 6 of 593 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 4, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

1 recall on this component

Service brakes

Free remedy

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2010 Prius vehicles manufactured March 31, 2009, through October 9, 2009; and model year 2010 Lexus HS250h vehicles manufactured June 19, 2009, through October 9, 2009. Nitrogen gas from a component of the brake booster pump assembly could leak into the brake fluid.

Service brakesReported Jun 5, 2013NHTSA 13V235000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 4, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.