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2009 Toyota Prius Brakes Problems

172 owner-reported brakes complaints from NHTSA data

172
Complaints
20
Crashes
Jan 2020Dec 2019
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Owner Complaints (172)

criticalSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Aug 2025

Your brake system is making unusual noises, and a technician has indicated the brake actuator and pump are failing. This is a safety-critical issue that needs immediate attention, as Toyota no longer covers this repair under warranty. The repair typically costs around $3,000 at a Toyota dealer and will likely involve replacing the brake actuator and pump assembly.

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NHTSA #: 11679902
criticalSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Oct 2024

Your car's brake actuator has failed, causing the brakes to pull strongly to the left whenever you brake at any speed. This can throw your car into another lane or toward oncoming traffic, creating a serious safety hazard. The manufacturer is aware of this issue but has refused to cover repair costs. Fixing this will likely require replacement of the brake actuator and possible brake system realignment.

NHTSA #: 11620717
criticalSERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Filed: Oct 2024

Your check engine light came on while you were driving on the highway, forcing you to pull over and have the car towed to a dealership. The dealership found that both your brake actuator and water pump had failed, making the vehicle unsafe to drive. Repairs will likely involve replacing both the brake actuator and water pump components.

NHTSA #: 11618991
criticalSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: May 2024

While driving your 2009 Prius, several warning lights came on and your brakes didn't respond properly when you pressed the pedal. You were able to drive the car home, but the dealer couldn't diagnose or repair the issue. Toyota mentioned it might be related to a recall, but said the recall notification had expired and couldn't help you.

NHTSA #: 11586420
criticalSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Mar 2024

Your car's anti-lock braking system (ABS) has failed, causing a complete loss of braking power — a serious safety issue in traffic. The dealership quoted $3,000 to replace the ABS brake actuator module, and you've heard this is common among other second-generation Prius owners. This repair involves replacing the ABS actuator module, which controls your anti-lock braking system.

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NHTSA #: 11575488
criticalSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Jan 2024

Your ABS warning light came on and you heard a high-pitched sound while driving. Your brakes suddenly stopped working, creating a dangerous situation. The car apparently never received a recalled ABS repair that should have been done. You'll likely need ABS system repairs or replacement, which could cost $1,000-$2,000.

NHTSA #: 11568173
highSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Feb 2025

You're experiencing harder-than-normal braking that requires extra pedal pressure to stop your car. At the same time, your instrument panel (dashboard display) is intermittently going blank and not responding. A mechanic diagnosed that your ABS system and instrument cluster need replacement to fix both issues.

NHTSA #: 11642706
highSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Oct 2024

While driving, your dashboard warning lights came on simultaneously — specifically the brake, tire pressure, vehicle stability control (VSC), and anti-lock braking system (ABS) lights. This combination of warnings suggests a potential issue with your braking system or related sensors that should be diagnosed by a mechanic. You'll likely need diagnostic testing to identify whether the problem is with the actual brakes, wheel speed sensors, or the ABS module.

NHTSA #: 11622566
highSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Aug 2024

Your car's ABS (anti-lock brake) system is failing and needs a new actuator/pump unit. Mechanics are quoting between $2,500 and $4,400 for this repair, which is a common issue on Prius models. You're unable to drive the car safely until this is fixed. The repair will involve replacing the ABS actuator/pump assembly, which controls how your brakes respond in emergency situations.

NHTSA #: 11610198
highSERVICE BRAKES, AIR
Filed: Sep 2023

While driving at 65-70 mph, your ABS warning light came on. The dealer diagnosed that your brake pump actuator needed to be replaced. This is the component that controls your anti-lock braking system. Replacing the brake pump actuator is typically required to restore normal ABS function.

NHTSA #: 11544705
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Jan 2023

UNKNOWN

NHTSA #: 11501357
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Sep 2022

The brake actuator is failing. This has been causing not only lower mpg, but uneven braking and sometime failed braking for the past several months. I have contacted Toyota and they said that the voluntary recall expired. I explained to them that the car was serviced at Toyota and was never given notice and that this is a danger to myself and my children. There are not only of hundred of documented incidents regarding the brake actuator failing, but there is also a new class action lawsuit against Toyota for the same issue with the newer generation Priuses.

NHTSA #: 11486487
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Jun 2022

Brakes or not working fully brake peddle is hard to press 2009 toyota prius YouTube says it is the brake actuator

NHTSA #: 11466997
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Sep 2021

I was exiting the highway and had no brakes, the pedal felt hard but wouldn’t slow the vehicle at all. In a panic I attempted to pump the brakes and by the grace of God was able to finally stop before plunging into something. The lights came on on the dash with a triangle and exclamation mark and a horrible continuous beeping noise started. I looked up the problem and found out this is a known problem with the Prius and there was even an extended warranty that ended in 2017 for the cause of the problem which is the brake actuator. Toyota quotes the repair at 2500-3000. So if it goes out after 2017 the cost is on you. This repair is necessary due to the huge safety concern!! Lives at risk because Toyota refuses to accept responsibility.

NHTSA #: 11433088
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Aug 2021

The brake actuator is failing in my 2009 Prius Touring. This is confirmed by the dealership. Brakes work intermittently when reversing and are slowly becoming non-responsive during normal driving. This creates an unsafe situation for me and my son as drivers, as well as others on the road. The brake light and ABS light is on in the car. Toyota needs to cover this repair regardless of the year of the vehicle. Service code given by the dealership is C1391.

NHTSA #: 11430948
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Mar 2021

I PURCHASED A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS WITH 109,000 MILES, I HAVE ONLY BEEN DRIVING IT TWO MONTHS AND THE BRAKE ACTUATOR IS GOING BAD! TOYOTA HAD A RECALL AND PROVIDED A FREE OF CHARGE FIX BUT ONLY UP UNTIL 2017 I BELIEVE. THEY SHOULD PAY FOR ANY FAULTY ACTUATORS UNDER 150,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THAT IS THE MILEAGE THEY WARRANTY THEIR HYBRID BATTERIES FOR. DRIVING MY VEHICLE I COULD STOP AND ALMOST GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF THIS FAILING SYSTEM! I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. I WAS DRIVING IN THE CITY AND LOST ALL POWER IN MY BRAKES.

NHTSA #: 11403429
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Nov 2020

MY 2009 PRIUS WITH 96425 MILES AS OF 10/29/20 HAS THE COMMON PROBLEM KNOWN AS FAILURE OF THE BRAKE ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY. I HAVE THE BRAKE, ABS, AND VSC WARNING LIGHTS INDICATING FAILURE OF THE BRAKE ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY. MY MILEAGE IS REDUCED BY 25%, AND THE BRAKE ROTORS ARE VERY HOT AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE. TOYOTA ISSUED A ZG1 WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM TO COVER THE COST FOR REPLACEMENT OF FAULTY BRAKE ACTUATOR ASSEMBLIES, BUT MY VEHICLE IS BEYOND THE LIMITS OF THE ZG1 PROGRAM. SINCE THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM, IT IS MY OPINION THAT TOYOTA IS RESPONSIBLE TO CORRECT THE SITUATION. TOYOTA WILL NOT ASSIST ME IN RESOLVING THIS DANGEROUS SITUATION, AND THIS IS WHY I AM BRINGING THIS MATTER TO YOUR ATTENTION. IT IS AN EXPENSIVE REPAIR, THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKE ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY, AND POTENTIALLY COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS (EVEN FATAL) SITUATIONS.

NHTSA #: 11374529
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Jul 2020

I WAS DRIVING WHEN THE ABS, BRAKE SYSTEM, AND PARKING BRAKE LIGHT TURNED ON. THE BRAKES BECAME VERY MUSHY, I WAS TRYING TO STOP, AND I COULD HEAR THE BRAKE ACTUATOR MOTOR BUZZING AND MAKING A GROANING NOISE.

NHTSA #: 11341287
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
CrashFiled: Jan 2020

BRAKE ACTUATOR MALFUNCTIONED AND CAUSED ME TO HIT A PARKED CAR IN MY DRIVEWAY (BACKING UP). EVEN THOUGH I HAVE LESS THAN 130K MILES ON MY VEHICLE, IT IS A YEAR AFTER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYING THE $3K REPAIR. THE NEGLIGENCE BY TOYOTA IN HANDLING THIS RECALL IS TERRIBLE AND LIFE THREATENING. THERE SHOULD BE A CLASS ACTION SUIT AGAINST TOYOTA FOR THE HUNDREDS OF INJURIES AND DAMAGES BY THEIR NEGLIGENCE.

NHTSA #: 11296679
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Dec 2019

MY CAR'S BRAKE ACTUATOR FAILED WHILE I WAS ON HIGHWAY. GLADLY NOTHING DANGEROUS HAPPENED BUT I AM CONCERNED OTHERS WILL FACE THE SIMILAR SITUATION WITH WORST SCENARIO. TOYOTA TOLD ME THE WARRANTY EXPIRED AND QUOTED ME $2600. PLEASE ASK TOYOTA TO EXTEND THE WARRANTY.

NHTSA #: 11292275
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Dec 2019

BRAKE WARNING LIGHT WENT ON THE DASH. BROUGHT THE CAR IN AND DEALERSHIP SAID IT WAS A BAD BRAKE ACTUATOR. SAID IT WOULD COST ALMOST $3000 TO REPAIR AND SAID THAT THERE WAS A EXTENDED WARRANTY ON THE PART THAT EXPIRED. IF NOTHING SCREAMS OF A RECALL AS A PROBLEM WITH BRAKES, I DON' KNOW WHAT WOULD.

NHTSA #: 11291021
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Nov 2019

FAILING BRAKE ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY THAT TOYOTA KNEW WAS DEFECTIVE. THEY EXTENDED WARRANTY THROUGH 2017, BUT THE ISSUE HAPPENS AROUND 200,000 MILES. NOW THAT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED TOYOTA IS CHARGING $2300 TO REPLACE THIS KNOWN AND DEFECTIVE PART.

NHTSA #: 11283023
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Nov 2019

BRAKE PRESSURE LOSS AND CONSTANT NOISE FROM THE BRAKE ACTUATOR, READ CODES C1256 AND C1391

NHTSA #: 11282542
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Nov 2019

I JUST FOUND OUT YESTERDAY AFTER A VISIT TO A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP SERVICE CENTER THAT THE ABS BRAKE ACTUATOR ON MY 2009 PRIUS HAS FAILED AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. I WAS QUOTED AT $1750 FOR THE PART AND $605 FOR THE LABOR, PRE-TAX. I DID SOME ADDITIONAL RESEARCH ON THIS ISSUE AND FOUND THAT THERE WAS A WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM ' ZG1 SPECIFICALLY FOR THIS PART AND ISSUE. (HTTPS://TOYOTATALK.COM/WP-CONTENT/UPLOADS/2018/09/T-CP-ZG1-A110-D-1.PDF) IN LATE 2018 I FIRST REPORTED CLICKING AND KNOCKING IN MY BRAKES, AND LAST TIME I WENT FOR SERVICE (BEFORE TODAY) I REPORTED IT TO THE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE. THE PROGRAM WAS FOR 10 YEARS AFTER THE DATE OF ORIGINAL SALE, WHICH ENDED IN APRIL 2019. BECAUSE THE BAD PART LASTED 6 MONTHS LONGER I DON'T FEEL THAT IT IS RIGHT FOR ME TO HAVE TO PAY FOR THE FAULTY WORKMANSHIP IN THE VEHICLE FROM THE FACTORY WHEN IT FIRST DROVE OFF THE LOT. THE ISSUE THAT I REPORTED BACK THEN ARE THE PRELIMINARY SIGNS OF THE ACTUATOR GOING BAD (HTTPS://PRIUSCHAT.COM/THREADS/BRAKE-ACTUATOR-WARRANTY-EXTENSION-FROM-TOYOTA.168243/) HAD THIS ISSUE BEEN CAUGHT I WOULD HAVE BEEN IN THE WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT WINDOW AND WOULD NOT BE IN THE HOLE I AM NOW WHERE I AM SITTING AT HAVING TO SPEND HALF THE VALUE OF MY CAR TO FIX IT. MY ISSUE IS THAT I DO NOT FEEL THAT IT IS RIGHT FOR ME TO BE ON THE HOOK FOR THIS PART SINCE TOYOTA HAS ITSELF CONFIRMED THE PART WAS FAULTY WHEN IT WAS PUT ON MY VEHICLE AND WAS HONORING REPLACEMENTS. IT SEEMS A LITTLE UNFAIR THAT TOYOTA WOULDN'T ACKNOWLEDGE THAT MY PART IS FAULTY AND REPLACE IT AS SOON AS IT CAME TO LIGHT. WHAT CAN I DO TO GET SOME RELIEF FOR THIS MATTER BECAUSE I NEED MY CAR TO BE FUNCTIONAL TO GET TO WORK AND PAY MY BILLS!

NHTSA #: 11278523
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Aug 2019

ABS ACTUATOR. THE DIAPHRAGM IN THE BRAKE ACCUMULATOR FAILS. THIS IS A KNOWN RECALL. HOWEVER MINE IS BEYOND THEIR EXTENDED WARRANTY ON THE RECALL OF BOTH PAST TEN YEARS AND PAST 175000. DEALER ESTIMATE WAS $2500 TO REPAIR. THIS IS AN ESSENTIAL SAFETY RECALL DUE TO THE FACT THAT WHEN IT COMPLETELY FAILS THE VEHICLE LOSES POWERED BRAKING LEAVING ONLY EMERGENCY BRAKES AND ENGINE BRAKING MODE WHICH ARE INADEQUATE AND NOT DESIGNED TO STOP THE VEHICLE BY THEMSELVES. THIS SHOULD BE A LIFETIME WARRANTY RECALL NOT AN EXTENDED WARRANTY RECALL.

NHTSA #: 11251892
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Aug 2019

ABS PUMP WENT BAD. ALSO WHEN BRAKING HARD, THE CAR WILL LET GO OF THE BRAKES. TURNING ON THE CAR AND IMMEDIATELY REVERSING THE CAR BRAKES WILL NOT WORK UNTIL AFTER EVERYTHING IS LOADED IN THE CAR. MAKING BACKING UP DANGEROUS.

NHTSA #: 11246567
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Aug 2019

SOMETIMES THE BRAKES DON'T WORK. IT HAPPENED TO ME AS I WAS EXITING A PARKING SPOT , I'VE PUT THE GEAR IN REVERSE WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE BUT THA CAR KEPT MOVING AND THE BRAKE PEDAL FELT HARD.

NHTSA #: 11241384
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Jul 2019

MY ABS, TRACTION CONTROL, AND MASTER BRAKE LIGHT CAME UP ON THE DASH. THE PROBLEM IS A FAILING BRAKE ACTUATOR, WHICH IS A KNOWN ISSUE BY TOYOTA. SPOKE TO TOYOTA A DWAS TOLD THAT I AM OUT OF THEIR TEN YEAR EXTENDED WARRENTY FOR THIS ISSUE AND IT WOULD BE A ROUGHLY $2700 REPAIR. WHY THIS BRAKE ACTUATOR WAS NEVER PLACED AS A RECALL IS BEYOND ME AS A COMPLETE FAILURE IS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. TOYOTA REFUSES TO BUDGE ON THEIR "EXTENDED" WARRENTY FOR A KNOWN DEFECTIVE PART, THAT WOULD CAUSE A SERIOUS HAZARD IF IT FAILED WHILE DRIVING.

NHTSA #: 11235181
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Jul 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL SEIZED WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED AND ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT MANAGED TO PUMP THE BRAKE PEDAL THREE TIMES AND THE VEHICLE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE ASSEMBLY FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TOYOTA OF BRAINTREE (210 UNION ST, BRAINTREE, MA 02184, (781) 848-9300). A SECOND DIAGNOSTIC TEST WAS CONDUCTED, WHICH RENDERED THE SAME OUTCOME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 84,500.

NHTSA #: 11230808
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Jun 2019

ZG1 KNOWN ISSUE WITH BRAKE ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY. WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM ZG1 WAS ISSUED TO COVER 2ND GEN PRIUS' FOR 10 YEARS. AT 10 YEAR 3 MONTHS AND 143K MILES HAD UNIT FAIL, LEAVING DRIVING WITH ONLY FUNCTIONING REAR BRAKES. THIS LARGE OF A SAFETY ISSUE SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL. HOW TOYOTA WAS ABLE TO AVOID A RECALL WITH THIS LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION IS CONCERNING, I WAS AWAY FROM HOME WHEN I GOT INTO MY CAR AND ALL OF THE BRAKE RELATED WARNING LIGHTS TURNED ON AND A WARNING BEEP TURNED AND REMAINED ON. ONLY REAR BRAKES FUNCTION. TOYOTA CASE NUMBER 1906130936

NHTSA #: 11219770
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Apr 2019

BRAKE WARNING LIGHT BROKEN BRAKE ACTUATOR SYSTEM TOYOTA DEALER REFUSING TO FIX THIS SAFETY HAZARD UNDER THE WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT NOTIFICATION ZG1

NHTSA #: 11203006
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Mar 2019

BRAKE ACTUATOR NOT WORKING PROPERLY WHEN I USE THE DIAGNOSTIC SETTINGS IT WORKS BUT THEN AFTER A WHILE IT STOPS WORKING AGAIN. WAS GOING 50 ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN BRAKES STOPPED WORKING ALMOST WRECKED. BRAKE LIGHT (!) LIGHT ABS LIGHT AND VSC LIGHT ARE ALL ON.

NHTSA #: 11192429
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Jan 2019

THE ABS AND OTHER BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS GO ON RANDOMLY AND THE BRAKES BECOME STIFF. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID IT IS DUE TO THE BRAKE ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY. THE ABS ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY PART WAS PART OF AN EXTENDED TOYOTA WARRANTY UNDER NOTIFICATION ZG1. HOWEVER MY VEHICLE JUST MISSED THE DEADLINE FOR THE WARRANTY BY THREE MONTHS. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE FOR TOYOTA AS THEY KNOW THIS PART HAS A HIGH FAILURE RATE. WARRANTY SHOULD BE EXTENDED IN ORDER TO COVER REPAIRS. FILED A CASE WITH TOYOTA, CASE # 1901312287.

NHTSA #: 11173346
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Mar 2018

FOUR LIGHTS CAME ON: EMERGENCY BRAKE, ABS, VSC, EXCLAMATION POINT AN ALARM WILL SOUND AND THE BRAKES WILL GO OUT WHILE DRIVING IN NEIGHBORHOODS AND ON THE HIGHWAY. ABS ALSO TURNS ON WHEN CAR IS OFF.

NHTSA #: 11079000
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Feb 2018

WHEN BRAKING HARD, THE BRAKES LOSE ALL PRESSURE, GO STRAIGHT TO THE FLOOR AND WARNING LIGHTS COME ON. AS SOON AS BRAKES ARE RELEASED THE LIGHTS GO OFF AND BRAKES AGAIN HAVE PRESSURE AGAIN. TOYOTA EXTENDED THE WARRANTY ON THIS PART, BUT IT IS WAS EXPIRED BEFORE PROBLEMS AROSE.

NHTSA #: 11074324
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Feb 2018

PRIUS DASHBOARD LIGHTS UP WITH BRAKE LIGHT, ABS AND VSC LIGHT. RAN DIAGNOSTIC CODES AND TOOK TO DEALERSHIP- SAID VEHICLE WAS PART OF BRAKE ACTUATOR MANUFACTURER MALFUNCTION. DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT RESOLVE ISSUE DESPITE ACKNOWLEDGING THAT IT WAS A MANUFACTURE DEFECT. CONCERNED FOR MY SAFETY BECAUSE BRAKES ARE NOT WORKING WELL. CALLED CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY WONT DO ANYTHING.

NHTSA #: 11073634
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Oct 2017

TOYOTA KNOWS THERE IS A SYSTEMIC ISSUE WITH THE BREAK ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY IN 2004-2009 MODEL YEAR PRIUS VEHICLES, AND HAVE ISSUED A "WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM - ZG1" TO EXTEND THE WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR REPAIRS RELATED TO THIS PART. MY CAR IS CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING A MALFUNCTION IN THIS PART, BUT TOYOTA IS UNWILLING TO HONOR THE WARRANTY BECAUSE THERE ARE NO WARNING LIGHTS APPEARING ON THE DASH. THE BREAKS FEEL LIKE THEY WILL FAIL AT ANY MOMENT, POSING A CLEAR SAFTETY CONCERN. I WAS LITERALLY TOLD THAT MY WIFE IS TO DRIVE OFF THE LOT, WITH FAILING BREAKS, HOPING THEY FAIL EVEN FURTHER SO THAT WARNING LIGHTS APPEAR, BUT NOT SO MUCH THAT THEY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.

NHTSA #: 11032172
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
CrashFiled: Apr 2015

I WAS DRIVING 10-15 MPH IN THE MIDDLE OF MY SMALL TOWN, COMING UP A SLIGHT HILL ON A STREET THAT LEVELED OUT SHORTLY BEFORE THE SITE OF THE ACCIDENT. AS I DROVE UP ONTO THE LEVEL PART OF THE STREET, I SAW THAT THERE WAS A LONG LINE OF CARS STOPPED AHEAD OF ME, WAITING FOR A TRAFFIC LIGHT TO CHANGE. I WAS ABOUT 2-3 CAR LENGTHS FROM THE LAST CAR IN THE LANE OF TRAFFIC, WHEN THE LAST CAR IN THE LINE OF CARS AHEAD OF ME BRAKED VERY SUDDENLY, AND AS I WAS COMING UP TO THAT CAR, I ALSO STEPPED HARD ON MY BRAKES - AND - MY BRAKES COMPLETELY FAILED! I WILL HAVE NIGHTMARES FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE OF THOSE NEXT FEW MOMENTS OF PRESSING ON THE BRAKE AND SEEING MY CAR IGNORE ME AND CONTINUE FORWARD, RIGHT INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. AND, I FELT THAT MY CAR ACCELERATED, AS THE BRAKES FAILED, WHICH MADE THE SITUATION EVEN WORSE. MY CAR HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME (CAR #2) WHICH HIT CAR #3, WHICH HIT CAR #4. MY CAR WAS DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS, THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME WAS BADLY DAMAGED AND HAD TO BE LOADED ONTO A FLATBED TRUCK OF THE COLLISION COMPANY. CARS #3 AND #4 COULD BE DRIVEN AWAY; CAR #3 HAD SOME DAMAGE TO THE FRONT AND BACK OF THE CAR, WHILE CAR #4 HAD SOME SCRATCHES ON THE REAR BUMPER. I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF ANY SAFETY RECALL FOR THE BRAKES OF THIS CAR, BUT I WAS OFTEN ALARMED WHEN THE BRAKES SEEMED TO SLIP OR NOT WORK FOR A FEW SECONDS EACH TIME THAT I DROVE OVER A SMALL BUMP, POTHOLE, MANHOLE COVER, ETC. DURING THE SIX YEARS THAT I OWNED AND DROVE THIS CAR. THERE ARE MANY OTHER PRIUS DRIVERS THAT HAVE WRITTEN TO THE EDMUND.COM AND OTHER WEBSITES TO TELL OF THEIR SIMILAR ACCIDENTS OR NEAR ACCIDENTS. PLEASE WARN THE PUBLIC AND PARTICULARLY PRIUS OWNERS OF THIS DANGER. THESE CARS ARE NOT SAFE! *TR

NHTSA #: 10713482
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Dec 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND FAILED TO RESPOND. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKE, THE VSC, AND THE ABS WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,500.

NHTSA #: 10668988
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Jun 2014

COMING OUT OF THE GROCERY STORE I STARTED MY 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS AND I NOTICE THAT IT LOST BRAKING POWER AND THE ABS,VSC,(!),AND EMERGENCY BRAKE LIGHTS STAY ON. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND THERE IS A RECALL FOR 2009 PRIUS CONCERNING THIS PROBLEM, BUT ONLY ON VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN 3/2009-10/2009 MINE WAS MANUFACTURE ON 10/2008. I THINK THE RECALL SHOULD BE ON ALL 2009 MODELS REGARDLESS OF MANUFACTURING DATE. THERE ARE MANY OWNERS ONLINE COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS ISSUE. MY WIFE AND CHILDREN WHERE SCARED, AND I COULD OF EASILY HURT SOMEONE WALKING IN FRONT OF MY CAR AT THE GROCERY'S STORE PARKING LOT. I CAN'T DRIVE THIS CAR ANYMORE PLEASE EXTEND THE RECALL TO ALL 2009 MODELS REGARDLESS OF MANUFACTURING DATE. THANK YOU. *JS

NHTSA #: 10598341
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
CrashFiled: Jun 2013

SINCE I PURCHASED THE PRIUS IN EARLY 2012 WITH LESS THAN 60,000 MILES, I ALWAYS NOTICED THAT WHEN BRAKING OVER ROUGH SURFACES, THE ABS WOULD KICK IN AND WOULD DELAY THE BRAKING BY AT LEAST 1/2 SECOND PER ABS/STABILITY CONTROL EVENT. WHILE I HAD NEVER HAD AN INCIDENT INITIALLY, THERE WERE MANY CLOSE CALLS. AFTER TALKING WITH THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP, THEY SAID IT WAS PERFORMING AS EXPECTED AND THAT I WAS NOT USED TO THE CAR'S HANDLING CHARACTERISTICS. HOWEVER, ON 6/4/2013, THE BRAKING SYSTEM PERFORMED ITS USUAL DELAY AND DID NOT ALLOW ME TO STOP IN TIME, THEREBY REAR-ENDING ANOTHER PERSON IN A CONSTRUCTION ZONE OVER A ROUGH ROADWAY. THIS NEEDS TO BE SOMETHING THAT NHTSA LOOKS INTO FOR A RECALL SITUATION. THERE ARE TOO MANY COMPLAINTS ALREADY FOR THEM JUST TO IGNORE THIS WHEN THERE ALREADY HAS BEEN A RECALL OF THE 2010 PRIUS FOR THE SAME ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA #: 10515195
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Feb 2013

I PURCHASED MY 2009 PRIUS 3 YEARS 4 MONTHS AGO. I NOTICED A STRANGE NEW SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE. IT WAS A RATTLING NOISE EVERY 15 SECONDS OR SO LASTING APPROXIMATELY 3-4 SECONDS THEN STARTING OVER 15 SECONDS LATER CONSTANTLY REPEATING THIS CYCLE. IT CONTINUED WHEN THE CAR WAS OFF OR ON. I BROUGHT IT IN TO MY TOYOTA DEALERSHIP. THEY CALLED ME THE NEXT DAY WITH VERY UNSETTLING NEWS SAYING IT WAS THE "BRAKE ACCUMULATOR" AS IT WAS LOSING BRAKE PRESSURE AND THE NOISE WAS IT TRYING TO BUILD THE BRAKE PRESSURE BACK UP BUT IT WASN'T HOLDING. HE SAID IT WOULD COST $2,700 TO REPAIR. MY SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE SAID THIS IS A PART THAT SHOULD NOT FAIL AND HAS NEVER BEEN REPLACED BEFORE AT THIS DEALERSHIP. IT WAS A FIRST FOR THEM. I WAS VERY UPSET AS THIS SHOULDN'T BE HAPPENING IN A 3.5 YEAR OLD CAR WITH ONLY 66,500 MILES ON IT THAT HAS BEEN IMPECCABLY MAINTAINED. THE MORE RESEARCH I DID, I SAW THIS WAS OCCURRING QUITE OFTEN IN CAMRY HYBRIDS ALONG WITH THE PRIUS. THIS IS A PART THAT SHOULD NOT BE FAILING AT ALL ESPECIALLY IN NEWER CARS. IF THIS PART IS NOT REPLACED IT CAN LEAD TO CATASTROPHIC BREAK FAILURE. THIS SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED AND ADDED TO TOYOTA PRIUS'S NEVER ENDING RECALL LIST! THIS IS THE LAST TOYOTA I WILL OWN. *TR

NHTSA #: 10499501
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Feb 2013

2009 TOYOTA PRIUS. CONSUMER WRITE REGARDS TO VEHICLE BRAKE PROBLEMS. CONSUMER ALSO SENT REVISED TOYOTA DOCUMENT. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE SAME BRAKING PROBLEM EXISTED FOR MODELS BEFORE AND AFTER THE 2010 MODELS. HOWEVER, ONLY THE 2010 MODELS WERE RECALLED.

NHTSA #: 10498801
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
CrashFiled: Jun 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE EXITING A PARKING SPACE, THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED AND THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND. THE VEHICLE INSTEAD ACCELERATED WHILE THE CONTACT HAD THE BRAKE DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A TRUCK. THE CONTACT DID NOT SUSTAIN INJURIES. THE PASSENGER DID SUSTAIN SOME MINOR CUTS AND A MINOR HIT TO THE HEAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE POLICE DEPARTMENT WAS PRESENT AND A POLICE REPORT WAS AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V388000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: ACCELERATOR PEDAL). THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNDER 15,000.

NHTSA #: 10463300
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
CrashFiled: Apr 2012

I WAS APPROXIMATELY 8 OR 9 CAR LENGTHS FROM A VEHICLE THAT SLAMMED ON HER BRAKES BEFORE HITTING THE CAR IN FRONT OF HER, SO I STOOD UP ON MY BRAKES AT ABOUT 30 -35 MPH. THE CARS BRAKES DID NOT GRAB FOR ABOUT A SECOND, THEN STARTED TO GRAB RIGHT BEFORE IMPACTING THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. *JS

NHTSA #: 10455338
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Dec 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO BRAKE, THE TRACTION WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE BRAKE FAILED TO RESPOND WITH A REDUCTION IN ENGINE POWER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE ONLY LASTED FOR A MOMENT BEFORE RETURNING TO NORMAL FUNCTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA #: 10439054
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Nov 2011

ONE WEEK AFTER BEING AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR ITS ROUTINE OIL/VEHICLE CHECK-UP (55,000-60,000), MY RED BRAKE LIGHT, THE YELLOW WARNING SIGN AND THE ABS LIGHTS COME UP ON MY DASHBOARD. TOWED IT BACK TO DEALERSHIP SINCE THE BRAKES DIDN'T WORK. THEY FOUND I NEEDED TO CHANGE MY BRAKE ACTUATOR AND THE SOLENOID THAT IS STUCK. ACCORDING TO WHAT I'VE READ, THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN PERIOD PARAGRAPH BUT IF IT DOES IT WOULD BE ON A MUCH OLDER VEHICLE WITH A LOT MORE MILES WITH A STOP AND GO HISTORY. ACCORDING TO THE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE AT THE DEALERSHIP THIS IS A MALFUNCTION OF THE PART. WHEN I CALLED TOYOTA THEY GAVE ME THE GO AROUND ABOUT BEING OUT OF WARRANTY. I NEED HELP. ALSO THERE IS A REFLECTIVE LINE OF LIGHT THAT SHINES ON THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE WINDOW FROM MY DASHBOARD. *TR

NHTSA #: 10435339
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: May 2011

MY 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS BRAKES ARE FAULTY. THE BRAKES DO NOT RESPOND PROPERLY, ESPECIALLY ON SLIPPERY ROADS AND ON A DECLINE. I TOOK THE CAR INTO THE DEALER IN 10/2010 AND THEY DIDN'T FIND ANYTHING. I CHANGED ALL 4 TIRES ON THE CAR IN 2/2011 AND STILL EXPERIENCED THE PROBLEM. I TOOK THE CAR INTO THE DEALER ON 5/24/11 AND AGAIN THEY DID NOT FIND ANYTHING. THEY MENTIONED "ABS SYSTEM" AND IMPLIED THAT I WAS EXPERIENCING THE ABS SYSTEM KICKING IN. THE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT, AND THUS DIFFICULT TO IDENTIFY. BUT, I DO NOTICE THE PROBLEM MORE FREQUENTLY WHEN IT RAINS. *TR

NHTSA #: 10403643
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Dec 2010

BRAKING ABILITY DECREASES TEMPORARILY WHAT APPEARS TO BE A SECOND OR SO WHILE DRIVING WHEN APPLYING BRAKES AND GOING OVER A BUMP OR SMALL POTHOLE. DECREASED BRAKING ABILITY WHILE GOING OVER BUMPS/POTHOLES APPEARS TO OCCUR EVERY TIME. THE LAST TIME OF OCCURRENCE IT APPEARED THAT THE CAR MAY HAVE ACCELERATED MOMENTARILY WHEN INITIALLY BRAKING AND GOING OVER A VERY SHALLOW SMALL POTHOLE.

NHTSA #: 10368951
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Aug 2010

2009 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHEN BRAKING THE BRAKES WOULD DISENGAGE TEMPORARILY CAUSING THE CAR TO GO FASTER. I HAVE COME REAL CLOSE TO REAR ENDING THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME DURING ADVERSE ROAD CONDITIONS. I HAVE DRIVEN FOR 35 YEARS IN SNOW AND SLICK CONDITIONS AND I KNOW WHEN A CAR ISN'T BRAKING RIGHT. I ALWAYS MAINTAIN A SAVE DISTANCE AND THIS IS THE ONLY CAR THAT HAS DONE THIS. THIS SCARIER PART IS THAT THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME WHEN BRAKING IF THE ROAD IS AT ALL SLICK. I TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL DEALER TO GET IT CHECKED. AFTER TREATING ME LIKE A TOTAL MORON ACCUSING ME OF NOT KNOWING HOW TO DRIVE THEY SAID THEY DID DO A THOROUGH RUN THROUGH AND DIDN'T FIND ANY PROBLEMS. *TR

NHTSA #: 10352292
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Jul 2010

2009 TOYOTA PRIUS. CONSUMER STATES PROBLEM WITH BRAKING SYSTEM *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN HE APPLIED THE BRAKES TO STOP, HE REALIZED THEY DID NOT ENGAGE AND NEITHER DID THE ABS. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED AT THE SAME SLOW SPEED FINALLY COMING TO STOP ONLY AFTER A TRUCK SHEARED OFF THE FRONT LICENSE PLATE ON THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO OTHER DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. *JB

NHTSA #: 10341211
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: May 2010

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL BUT WHEN THE VEHICLE WENT OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD, IT DID NOT SLOW DOWN. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY MORE PRESSURE TO THE BRAKES TO SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP BUT THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED AGAIN AFTER THE CONTACT PICKED UP THE VEHICLE FROM THE DEALERSHIP. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 11,400. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 11,634.

NHTSA #: 10332633
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: May 2010

INCONSISTENT BRAKE FEEL ON ROUGH OR WET SURFACES. THOUGH BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED, BRAKES DON'T FEEL LIKE THEY ARE ENGAGING PROPERLY, IT FEELS LIKE A VIOLENT SHUDDER. RECENTLY, ON WET PAVEMENT I NARROWLY AVOIDED HITTING THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME WHEN I HAD TO STOP SUDDENLY AND THE BRAKES TOOK MUCH TOO LONG TO STOP THE VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA #: 10331892
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
Filed: May 2010

GOING OVER POT HOLES IT FEELS LIKE THE BRAKES SKIP. IT OCCURS ALMOST EVERY TIME I GO OVER A HOLE OF SOME SORT AND APPLY THE BRAKE. I ASKED TOYOTA TO DOUBLE CHECK THAT THE ABS BRAKES WERE WORKING CORRECTLY. TOYOTA SAYS ITS NORMAL AND THAT THE ABS SYSTEM WORKS BY MOMENTARILY INTERRUPTING THE BRAKING FORCE TO PREVENT A SKIT AND THE RESULTING LOSS OF CONTROL. *TR

NHTSA #: 10331814
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: May 2010

2009 PRIUS MODEL1220 A 2 EXPERIENCES WHERE CAR SEEMED TO "SURGE" WHEN BRAKES APPLIED IN TRAFFIC. ONLY LASTED SECONDS BUT DISCONCERTING. ABS DID ENGAGE INITIALLY (FELT PULSING). TOOK CAR TO DEALERSHIP 5/17 AFTER FIRST EPISODE. NOTHING FOUND WRONG; TECH COULD NOT DUPLICATE PROBLEM. HAD SECOND EXPERIENCE 5/21. *TR

NHTSA #: 10331697
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: May 2010

WHEN BRAKING ON A BUMPY SURFACE, THE CAR BRAKES SEEM TO DISENGAGE FOR A SECOND AND THE CAR SHOOTS FORWARD. THE LAST TIME THIS HAPPENED I WAS GOING DOWN A HILL AT AN INTERSECTION AND THE CAR WENT AROUND THE CORNER MUCH FASTER THAN I WOULD HAVE LIKED. *TR

NHTSA #: 10331156
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
Filed: May 2010

TOYOTA 2009 PRIUS LOSES BRAKES TEMPORARILY WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS IN THE ROAD. *TR

NHTSA #: 10331093
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
Filed: May 2010

I OWN AND DRIVE A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS, AND I HAVE NOTICED A LAPSE IN BRAKING WHILE BRAKING ON ROUGH ROADS. THIS GOES BACK TO DEC. 2009, SHORTLY AFTER I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. ON MY CURRENT COMMUTE, I'M NOTICING THIS LAPSE IN BRAKING ALMOST DAILY. *TR

NHTSA #: 10331105
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: May 2010

2009 PRIUS, ON THREE OCCASIONS I EXPERIENCED A SLIGHT HESITATION IN THE BRAKING OF THIS CAR. I EMAILED TOYOTA ABOUT THE PROBLEM ON 2/15/2010, AND BIB NOT RECEIVE A ANSWER UNTIL 5/10/2010. I MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP BEFORE I RECEIVED THEIR ANSWER ON 5/10. THE LOCAL DEALER SAID THEY DID NOT FIND A PROBLEM OR ANY BRAKE ERROR ON THE COMPUTER. WHY SHOULD IT TAKE SO LONG TO ANSWER MY EMAIL AND I STILL HAVE NO SOLUTION TO MY BRAKING TROUBLES. *TR

NHTSA #: 10330650
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Apr 2010

I DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL SUDDENLY GOING ABOUT 35 MPH TO AVOID A CAR STOPPED IN FRONT OF ME. THE BRAKE DIDN'T "CATCH" IMMEDIATELY, DELAYING STOPPING TIME AND FORCING ME TO SWERVE OFF THE ROAD TO AVOID A COLLISION. THE BRAKE PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED BEFORE, APPROX. ONCE A WEEK. THE DEALER TOLD ME ITS DUE TO THE TRANSITION BETWEEN BATTERY AND GAS ENGINE AND THERE'S NO REMEDY. *TR

NHTSA #: 10328307
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
CrashFiled: Apr 2010

I WAS MOVING TOWARD A STOP SIGN AND SLOWING AS USUAL. THE ROAD IS LEVEL AND IT WAS DRY. SUDDENLY THERE SEEMED TO BE NO BRAKING AND THE NEXT THING I KNEW I HAD BEEN HIT BY A TRUCK TRAVELING AT RIGHT ANGLES FROM MY LEFT. I APPARENTLY WENT THROUGH THE STOP SIGN. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO A STOP SAFELY AT THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO CHECK ON THE TRUCK WHICH HAD SWERVED INTO A FENCE. THE DRIVER OF THE TRUCK WAS CUT BY GLASS. MY CAR HAD THE BUMPER AND GRILL TORN OFF AND UNIBODY BENT. THIS WAS A BRAKE FAILURE. UNLIKE SOME REPORTS, THE ROAD WAS NOT ROUGH. THIS WAS A LOW SPEED FAILURE. ANOTHER FEW FEET AND MY DRIVER'S DOOR WOULD HAVE BEEN HIT AND I COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED. *TR

NHTSA #: 10326543
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
CrashFiled: Apr 2010

S10 APPROPRIATE HANDLING RE TOYOTA BRAKE PROBLEM FM OWNER OF A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS. *KB FOUR DAYS AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE CONSUMERS WIFE WAS HEADING DOWN A GENTLE INCLINE TOWARD A TRAFFIC LIGHT AT AN INTERSECTION SHORTLY AFTER A LIGHT SNOWFALL, THE STREET WAS WET, BUT THERE WAS NO ICE ON THE ROAD. AS SHE BRAKED TO SLOW DOWN, SHE NOTICED THERE WAS NO DECELERATION AND CONTINUED TO PRESS DOWN ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TO NO AVAIL. TO AVOID CRASHING INTO OTHER CARS, SHE VEERED SHARPLY TO THE RIGHT INTO A CURB AND CAME TO A STOP. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE WHEEL, AXLE AND UNDERCARRIAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND AFTER THE INSPECTION, THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER IMPLIED THE CONSUMERS WIFE MUST HAVE APPLIED THE BRAKES INCORRECTLY AND WAS NOT ACCUSTOMED TO ABS. A FEW MONTHS LATER ON ANOTHER WET RAINY DAY, THERE WAS A SIMILAR INCIDENT OF BRAKE FAILURE. *JB

NHTSA #: 10316460
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
CrashFiled: Apr 2010

ON 4/05/2010 AS I WAS DRIVING WEST ON GALBRAITH ROAD I WAS HEADED DOWNHILL TO A RED LIGHT AND APPLYING MY BRAKE TO SLOW DOWN FOR THE LIGHT. AS I WAS SLOWING THE ROAD BECAME EXTREMELY BUMPY AND MY BRAKES ALL OF A SUDDEN FELT LIKE I WAS SLIDING OR FLOATING EVEN THOUGH I HAD THE PEDAL DEPRESSED. WITH MY STOMACH IN MY THROAT I LIFTED MY FOOT OFF THE PEDAL AND REAPPLIED. IT THEN BEGAN TO SLOW AGAIN. I THOUGHT I WAS MISTAKEN. ON 4/12 AT 9:30 AM AS I WAS LEAVING MY HOUSE I WAS HEADED DOWN THE HILL. I WAS BRAKING TO MAINTAIN MY SPEED. I HIT SOME BUMPS IN THE ROAD AND ALL OF A SUDDEN IT FELT LIKE CAR WAS NOT SLOWING ALTHOUGH I HAD THE BRAKE DEPRESSED. WITH MY STOMACH IN MY THROAT, I REMOVED MY FOOT AND RE DEPRESSED THE BRAKE AND IT WAS FINE. I DECIDED I NEEDED TO CALL TOYOTA. HOWEVER WHEN I GOT TO THE BOTTOM OF MY CONDO COMPLEX AND WAS MAKING THE RIGHT TURN OUT I HAD MY FOOT ON MY BRAKE TO CONTROL MY TURN, THE SAME THING HAPPENED WHEN I HIT THE BUMP OUT OF HERE AND I OVER CORRECTED MY TURN WITH MY HEART IN MY THROAT AND I HIT A SMALL RETAINING WALL GASHING THE PASSENGER SIDE OF MY CAR AND RIPPING OPEN MY REAR TIRE. MY CAR IS CURRENTLY ON A TOYOTA LOT AWAITING MY INSURANCE ADJUSTER BEFORE TOYOTA WILL REPAIR OR INSPECT THE VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA #: 10325756
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Apr 2010

2009 TOYOTA PRIUS WITH 15000 MILES. WHEN I STEP ON THE BRAKE (GOING LESS THANK 30 MPH) THEY SLIP FOR NO REASON. IT WAS A NICE SUNNY DAY, TEMPS IN THE HIGH 70S. I WAS IN THE PROCESS OF MAKING A RIGHT TURN AND THE BRAKES SLIPPED FOR A FEW SECONDS. THE YELLOW LIGHT COMES ON THE DASH BOARD SHOWING TRACTION CONTROL COMING ON. THIS HAPPENED COMING DOWN A SMALL HILL TO A INTERSECTION , IT HAPPENS WITH OUT WARNING AND FOR NO REASON, THE BRAKES WERE JUST CHECKED AND I WAS TOLD THEY ARE OK FROM THE LOCAL DEALER. IT SEEMS TO BE HAPPENING MORE OFTEN. *TR

NHTSA #: 10324527
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Apr 2010

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH ACROSS THE RAILROAD TRACKS, THE BRAKES WOULD RELEASE MOMENTARILY BEFORE BEING REAPPLIED. THE CONTACT ALSO EXPERIENCED THE IDENTICAL FAILURE AFTER DRIVING OVER A POTHOLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ABOUT TWO HUNDRED TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE CONTACT HAD NOT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 33,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 10.

NHTSA #: 10323278
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
CrashFiled: Mar 2010

FAX ON BEHALF OF RE A SAFETY CONCERN RELATED TO THEIR 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS; RESPOND ATTN CAROLINE/NYC OFFICE. *TGW FOUR DAYS AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE CONSUMERS WIFE WAS HEADING DOWN A GENTLE INCLINE TOWARD A TRAFFIC LIGHT AT AN INTERSECTION SHORTLY AFTER A LIGHT SNOWFALL, THE STREET WAS WET, BUT THERE WAS NO ICE ON THE ROAD. AS SHE BRAKED TO SLOW DOWN, SHE NOTICED THERE WAS NO DECELERATION AND CONTINUED TO PRESS DOWN ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TO NO AVAIL. TO AVOID CRASHING INTO OTHER CARS, SHE VEERED SHARPLY TO THE RIGHT INTO A CURB AND CAME TO A STOP. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE WHEEL, AXLE AND UNDERCARRIAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND AFTER THE INSPECTION, THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER IMPLIED THE CONSUMERS WIFE MUST HAVE APPLIED THE BRAKES INCORRECTLY AND WAS NOT ACCUSTOMED TO ABS. A FEW MONTHS LATER ON ANOTHER WET RAINY DAY, THERE WAS A SIMILAR INCIDENT OF BRAKE FAILURE. *JB

NHTSA #: 10323153
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Mar 2010

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE DRIVING 2 MPH IN REVERSE, THE CONTACT SHIFTED THE VEHICLE INTO DRIVE AND NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS STILL REVERSING. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN SHIFTED BACK INTO REVERSE AND THEN BACK INTO DRIVE BEFORE THE VEHICLE WOULD DRIVE FORWARD. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. HE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHEN PRESSING THE START BUTTON THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE BRAKE LIGHT ALSO ILLUMINATES ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL EVEN THOUGH THE BRAKES ARE NOT ENGAGED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 10000.

NHTSA #: 10319889
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Mar 2010

WE RENTED A 2009 PRIUS WHEN WE WERE IN LAS VEGAS. WE ALMOST GOT INTO A COLLISION IN THE PARKING LOT OF A CASINO WHEN SOMEONE PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF ME ALL OF A SUDDEN. I PRESSED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AS HARD AS A COULD AND THE CAR DID NOT WANT TO STOP. I T WAS IF THE PEDAL WAS PUSHING ON AIR. IT DID NOT GO DOWN AS EXPECTED AND THE CAR BARELY CAME TO A STOP. THIS HAPPENED WELL BEFORE ALL THE RECALLS WITH GAS PEDALS STICKING AND SUCH. I THINK THAT THE SUDDEN APPLICATION OF THE BRAKE PEDAL MIGHT OF LOCKED UP THE CYLINDER. THE EFFECT WAS SIMILAR TO TRYING TO PUSH ON A SHOCK ABSORBER REALLY FAST. THEY LOCK UP AND DON'T MOVE VERY MUCH. I AM NO SMALL PERSON 6'-2" AND 285 LBS. AND I WAS STOMPING ON IT ! *TR

NHTSA #: 10318780
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
Filed: Mar 2010

I HAVE A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS AND THE BRAKES SPORADICALLY DON'T WORK/RESPOND WHEN I GOT UNEVEN ROAD, HIT A POT HOLE, OR CORNER. IT DOESN'T LAST LONG. *TR

NHTSA #: 10318883
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Filed: Mar 2010

I WAS DRIVING MY 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS, EXITING THE STATEN ISLAND EXPRESSWAY AND AS I APPROACHED THE INTERSECTION THE LIGHT BEGAN TO TURN YELLOW AND I TRIED TO STOP (THE ROAD SURFACE WAS UNEVEN). WHEN I PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD INTO THE INTERSECTION SO I HAD TO GO THOUGH THE RED LIGHT AND I WAS LUCKY THAT THE ONCOMING TRAFFIC HADN'T BEGUN TO MOVE YET. *TR

NHTSA #: 10318355
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Mar 2010

I HAVE A 2009 PRIUS. THE ISSUE THAT I EXPERIENCE WHICH IS GIVING ME CONCERN IS THAT WHEN I'M PRESSING ON THE BRAKE AND I PASS OVER A BUMP OR ROUGH TERRAIN OR SOMETHING, ALL OF A SUDDEN, I FEEL THE BRAKING TO STOP AND THE CAR SEEMINGLY ACCELERATE OR LURCH FORWARD AND THE SLIPPERY ROAD INDICATOR SIGNAL (SORRY I DON'T KNOW WHAT IT'S CALLED) WILL POP UP FOR A SECOND. *TR

NHTSA #: 10318408
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
Filed: Mar 2010

I HAVE A 2009 PRIUS THAT IS NOT A PART OF THE "BRAKING/TRACTION" RECALL, HOWEVER I'VE EXPERIENCED THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM FROM DAY ONE OF DRIVING THE VEHICLE. ON WET OR UNEVEN SURFACE THE TRACTION CONTROL KICKS IN AND CAR SEEMS TO LOSE POWER IN THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR FOR A FEW SECONDS AND IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. IN OTHER WORDS, YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO EITHER BRAKE AND PREVENT A BAD SITUATION OR ACCELERATE YOUR WAY OUT, AND NEITHER ARE POSSIBLE FOR A FEW SECONDS. THIS HAPPENS NEARLY EVERY DAY ON THE 2009 PRIUS. LOOKING AT CONSUMER BLOGS, IT IS OBVIOUS THIS HAS BEEN A CONSISTENT PROBLEM WITH THE PRIUS, AND NOT JUST THE 2010 MODEL. *TR

NHTSA #: 10318474
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
Filed: Mar 2010

2009 TOYOTA PRIUS: WHEN DRIVING OVER POT-HOLES, BUMPS, OR UNEVEN PATCHES OF ROAD AT ALL DIFFERENT SPEEDS, THE CAR'S "TRACTION LIGHT" WILL FLASH AND THE CAR WILL MOMENTARILY SURGE FORWARD. IT SEEMS AT THIS TIME THAT THE BRAKES ALSO TEMPORARILY LOSE POWER. THIS HAPPENS SEVERAL TIMES A WEEK. THIS WORRIES ME AS I FEEL THIS COULD LEAD TO CAR ACCIDENTS OR PUT PEDESTRIANS IN DANGER. SPOKE WITH MANY OTHER PRIUS OWNERS AND THEY REPORT THE SAME PROBLEM. CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT THE CAR AND THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME THIS WAS A "NORMAL FUNCTION" OF THE ABS. I STILL FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT IS NOT BEING PROPERLY ADDRESSED. I'VE DRIVEN MANY OTHER CARS WITH ABS AND NONE OF THEM BEHAVED THIS ERRATICALLY. *TR

NHTSA #: 10316745
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Feb 2010

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS 2010 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH IN THE RAIN OR TURNING A CORNER THE TIRE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE BRAKES WOULD NOT ENGAGE. SHE WILL TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 250. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 900.

NHTSA #: 10314512
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
Filed: Feb 2010

I KEEP HEARING ABOUT PRIUS BRAKE PROBLEMS ON 2010 MODELS BUT MY 2009 HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. I READ THIS IN AN ARTICLE ONLINE AND REALIZED THAT MY 2009 MODEL HAS THE BRAKING PROBLEM AS THE 2010 MODEL. ARTICLE: "GOING DOWNHILL AND APPROACHING A STOP SIGN. MY FOOT IS STEADY ON THE BRAKE AND I AM GRADUALLY COMING TO A STOP. THEN, I INADVERTENTLY GO OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD AND THE PRIUS LUNGES FORWARD. I HAD TO IMMEDIATELY SLAM HARD ON THE BRAKES IN ORDER TO KEEP THE CAR FROM GOING INTO THE INTERSECTION. FORTUNATELY, THERE WAS NO CAR OR PERSON IN FRONT OF ME AS I WAS STOPPING." *TR

NHTSA #: 10314126
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Feb 2010

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS. HE STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS LESS THEN 5 MPH WHEN BRAKING AND GOING OVER A SLIGHT BUMP ON THE ROAD THE BRAKES DISENGAGED MOMENTARILY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED FREQUENTLY AND CONTINUED TO DO SO WHENEVER HE DROVE ON AN UNEVEN ROAD. THE DEALER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE TO THE VEHICLE. HE ALSO STATED THAT HE DOES OWN ANOTHER VEHICLE EXPERIENCING THE SAME BRAKE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 27000.

NHTSA #: 10313728
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
Filed: Feb 2010

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH TOWARD A STOP SIGN AND APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS SOON AS SHE REMOVED HER FOOT FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL. WHEN THE LIGHT WAS NOT ILLUMINATED, THE BRAKES FUNCTIONED NORMALLY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 33,000.

NHTSA #: 10313768
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,TIRES
Filed: Feb 2010

MULTIPLE ISSUES WITH 2009 PRIUS. FIRST: LOSS OF AIR PRESSURE IN FRONT LEFT TIRE FROM TIME I PICKED UP THE VEHICLE TO PRESENT. I CONTINUALLY NEED TO PUT AIR IN THE TIRE, USUALLY ON A WEEKLY/BI-WEEKLY BASIS. THE OTHER TIRES ARE FINE. SECOND: FOR THE SAME TIRE, THE TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT WOULD NOT BE TRIGGERED UNTIL ~23 POUNDS, SHOULD HAVE BEEN TRIGGERED IN SAME TIRE AT 33 LBS. THIRD: VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP WHEN APPLYING PRESSURE ON BRAKES AT SLOW SPEED. THIS HAS OCCURRED ABOUT 6 TIMES IN A 6 MONTH PERIOD. SIMULTANEOUSLY, THE VSC LIGHT WENT ON AND THE SLID INDICATOR WENT ON. THE TERRAIN WAS ON EITHER ASPHALT OR CONCRETE ROADS, SLIGHTLY DOWNHILL (CONCRETE) AND ONE STREET IS A BIT ROUGH (FILLED IN POT HOLES). ALSO, BOTH AREAS ARE WITHIN A QUARTER MILE OF EACH OTHER AND NEAR THE OCEAN. WITH EACH OCCURRENCE THE VSC WENT INTO EFFECT. ON 11/21/09 IT JOLTED HARD MUCH MORE THAN THE OTHER OCCASIONS; THIS DATE WAS THE INCIDENT ON THE BRIDGE WHEN THE CAR WAS GOING IN A SLIGHT DOWNWARD DIRECTION. I LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE FOR SEVERAL SECONDS AND WAS AFRAID THAT I WOULD HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME; I BEEPED MY HORN TO WARN THE DRIVER IN FRONT OF ME. MY VEHICLE DID STOP IN TIME BUT IT TOOK ALOT LONGER THAN IT SHOULD HAVE TAKEN. ON A LATER OCCASION, I WAS GOING ABOUT 5-10 MPH FASTER ON A NEARBY STREET AND ATTEMPTED TO STOP FOR A STOP SIGN AND IT DID THE SAME THING, HOWEVER THE VSC DID NOT JOLT BACK AS HARD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ANGLED DOWN AS MUCH AS THE 11/21/09 INCIDENT. ON 11/21/09 I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO CABE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND THEY LOOKED AT THE CAR BUT FOUND NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. I ALSO HAD THE CAR LOOKED AT BY TOYOTA CORP TODAY AND WAS TOLD THAT THE DRIVER FEELS THAT I FELT THE ABS BRAKES ONLY. THIS IS NOT THE CASE. WHEN I STEPPED ON THE BRAKES EACH OCCASION IT WAS AS THOUGH THERE WAS NOTHING THERE AND I HAD NO CONTROL IN STOPPING IT. THIS WAS ESPECIALLY TRUE WHEN THE VSC KICKED IN (THE JERKING). EACH TIME IT LASTED MANY, SEVERAL OR MORE SECONDS. *TR

NHTSA #: 10313838
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Feb 2010

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH ON AN UNEVEN ROAD. SUDDENLY, WHEN PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL THERE WAS A TEMPORARY DELAY OF BRAKING POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE IN NORMAL OPERATION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHENEVER ENCOUNTERING AN UNEVEN ROAD SURFACE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED FOR THE MALFUNCTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,000.

NHTSA #: 10313061
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Feb 2010

I HAVE HAD MORE THAN 10 OCCASIONS OF BRAKING PROBLEMS WITH MY 2009 PRIUS. MOST RECENTLY, IN JANUARY 2010, BUT ALSO PRIOR TO THAT. AFTER THE LAST PROBLEM, I CALLED THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP TO SEE IF A BRAKE RECALL EXISTED BUT WAS TOLD "NO" ONLY RECALL FOR FLOORMATS ON MY MODEL. THE ISSUE HAS OCCURRED ON PAVEMENT AND GRAVEL ROAD, IN SCHOOL ZONE, TRAVELING AT LESS THAN 20 MPH. WHEN SLOWLY PULLING UP TO STOP SIGN AND APPLYING EVEN BREAK PRESSURE THE CAR WILL SUDDENLY COME TO A JOLTING STOP BEFORE THE ANTICIPATED STOP. ALL THE KIDS IN THE CAR LOOK AT ME LIKE I'M CRAZY FOR MAKING THEIR HEADS SUDDENLY HIT THE BACK OF THE SEAT. FORTUNATELY, NO ONE HAS BEEN DRIVING CLOSELY BEHIND ME DURING THESE ABRUPT STOPS. I AM VERY FAMILIAR WITH THE FEEL OF THIS VEHICLE, AS THIS IS MY 3RD PRIUS AND I DRIVE MANY MILES. *TR

NHTSA #: 10312640
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
Filed: Feb 2010

BRAKING ISSUES WITH A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS MODEL. UNDER ROUGH ROAD CONDITION THE BRAKE SYSTEM DOES NOT SEEM TO ENGAGE IMMEDIATELY CAUSING A OVERRUN OF THE DISTANCE NEEDED FOR THE VEHICLE TO STOP. *TR

NHTSA #: 10312738
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
CrashFiled: Feb 2010

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION THE CONTACT TRIED TO APPLY THE BRAKES AND STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MILES PER HOUR WHEN THE BRAKES DID NOT ENGAGE. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HIM. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 7,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 21,000.

NHTSA #: 10311232
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Feb 2010

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH. WHENEVER ENCOUNTERING A BUMP OR POTHOLE IN THE ROAD THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO OPERATE UNCONTROLLABLY WITH AN ILLUMINATION OF THE WARNING LIGHT INDICATOR. ALSO, THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE MAKING A SHARP TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER REGARDING THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MALFUNCTION COULD CAUSE A POTENTIAL CRASH. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000. UPDATED 3/8/10 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE YELLOW BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE LOST TRACTION MOMENTARILY. UPDATED 05/11/10.*JB

NHTSA #: 10311454
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Feb 2010

THREE EVENTS DESCRIBE SAFETY INCIDENTS CONCERNING THE BRAKES IN MY 2009 PRIUS; 1) DESCENDING A RAMP ONTO ROCK CREEK PKWY AT CALVERT STREET, WASHINGTON, DC, WHERE ROAD FLATTENED OUT, CAR IN FRONT STOPPED ABRUPTLY ON A DRY SURFACE. I RESPONDED QUICKLY, APPLYING THE BRAKE WITH HARD, LASTING PRESSURE.THE CAR SLOWED BUT NOT TO MATCH THE PRESSURE ON THE BRAKES I WAS APPLYING--I HAD THE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR. THE CAR COASTED SMOOTHLY, SEEMINGLY SLOWLY TO A STOP, TERRIFYINGLY ABOUT 1 INCH FROM THE STOPPED CAR. THE BRAKES DID NOT GRIP SUFFICIENTLY BUT MIRACULOUSLY I AVOIDED A CRASH. 2) AT TIMES WHEN I GO OVER A BUMP IN MY PRIUS AND HIT THE BRAKES, THE CAR "KICKS" AND JUMPS TO THE RIGHT OR TO THE LEFT OR A BIT AHEAD. THIS IS NOT AN UNUSUAL OCCURRENCE AND HAPPENS MOSTLY ON DRY ROAD SURFACES 3) I WAS DESCENING A VERY SLIGHT INCLINE ON A CITY STREET--RENO ROAD. THE ROAD WAS PARTIALLY DAMP FROM A SHOWER AN HOUR OR TWO BEFORE, BUT NOT PUDDLE. I WAS GOING ABOUT 28 MPH. THE CAR AHEAD STOPPED ABRUPTLY BECAUSE THE TRAFFIC LIGHT AT TILDEN TURNED YELLOW. I HIT THE BRAKES AND THE REAR OF THE CAR BUCKED A BIT AND THEN SLID INTO THE LEFT LANE. LUCKILY THERE WAS NO ONE IN THAT LANE AND I WAS ABLE TO REGAIN MY POSITION IN THE LANE IN WHICH I'D BEEN TRAVELING. 15 SECONDS EARLIER AND I WOULD HAVE HIT SOMEONE IN THE LEFT LANE. NB--ON THIS FORM I AM NOT SURE I CHOSE THE RIGHT TYPE OF BRAKES. I HAVE REGULAR PRIUS 2009 BRAKES IN MY CAR AND I DO NOT KNOW IF THEY ARE KNOWN AS HYDRAULIC BRAKES. *TR

NHTSA #: 10311467
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Feb 2010

2009 PRIUS (NOT 2010). WHEN APPLYING BRAKES ON BUMPY SURFACE, BRAKES WILL MOMENTARILY STOP WORKING. OCCURS ALL THE TIME. *TR

NHTSA #: 10310758
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
Filed: Feb 2010

2009 TOYOTA PRIUS MY 2009 EXHIBITS SIMILAR BRAKING ISSUES TO THOSE BEING RECALLED ON THE 2010. AT LEAST WEAKLY DURING SLOW BRAKING OVER A BUMP, POTHOLE, OR DAMP SURFACE, THE "SLIP" INDICATOR COMES ON AND THE CAR LURCHES FORWARD FOR APPROXIMATELY ONE SECOND. *TR

NHTSA #: 10310619
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
CrashFiled: Feb 2010

WE BOUGHT A 2009 PRIUS ON 2/14/09. ON 2/18/09 WHILE DRIVING 25MPH ON A LOCAL ROAD DURING LIGHT SNOWFALL, THE BRAKES FAILED. TO AVOID HITTING THE CAR IN FRONT OF HER, MY WIFE STEERED INTO THE CURB SUSTAINING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE WHEEL, AXLE, AND UNDERCARRIAGE. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO OUR LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP. THEY FOUND NOTHING WRONG WITH THE BRAKING SYSTEM AND MAINTAINED THE ACCIDENT WAS HER FAULT. A FEW MONTHS LATER WE EXPERIENCED ANOTHER BRAKE FAILURE INCIDENT, THIS TIME WITHOUT ANY ACCIDENT AS WE WERE TRAVELING AT A SLOW SPEED AND WERE ABLE TO DECELERATE BY TURNING UP AN EMPTY INCLINE. AGAIN THE DEALERSHIP MAINTAINS THERE IS NO PROBLEM. SINCE THEY CAN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE BRAKES WHEN THEY TEST THEM, THEY SAY THERE IS NOTHING TO FIX. WE SPECULATE THAT THERE IS A COMPUTER SOFTWARE PROBLEM, BUT TOYOTA IS NOT YET ACKNOWLEDGING THAT THIS IS THE CASE FOR THE 2009 MODEL. *TR UPDATED 04/19/10

NHTSA #: 10310336
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Feb 2010

MOMENTARY BRAKE FAILURE WHEN DRIVING OVER POTHOLES. ALSO, BRAKES ARE "GRABBY" AT VERY LOW SPEEDS. BOTH CONDITIONS HAVE EXISTED FOR SEVERAL MONTHS. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEMS. *TR

NHTSA #: 10310209
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
Filed: Feb 2010

I LIVE ON A DIRT ROAD 2 MILES LONG WITH 1 MILE UPHILL. I BOUGHT MY NEW 2009 PRIUS ON MARCH 10TH 2009 AND ON MARCH 12TH COULD NOT DRIVE OUT. GOING UP THE HILL WHEN EVER THE DRIVE WHEEL SLIPPED THE TRACTION CONTROL WOULD BRAKE THE WHEEL UNTIL, WITH MANY BRIEF BRAKING, THE PRIUS CAME TO A STOP. I WAS UNABLE TO GO FORWARD AND HAD TO BACK DOWN THE HILL TILL I COULD FIND A PLACE TO TURN AROUND. THIS CREATED A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. I HAD THE CAR TOWED OUT AND TOYOTA CHECKED IT AND SAID ALL SYSTEMS WERE WORKING PROPERLY. I ASKED FOR AN OFF SWITCH AND THEY SAID IMPOSSIBLE. WHEN I CAME HOME THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN AND WAS TOWED OUT AND AGAIN TOYOTA REFUSED TO DEAL WITH IT. I WENT TO ARBITRATION AND PRESENTED MY INFORMATION ALONG WITH ARTICLES I FOUND ON THE CONSUMER AFFAIRS WEBSITE ABOUT THIS SAME PROBLEM AFFECTING PEOPLE ALL OVER THE NATION, SOME WITH BAD RESULTS, ESPECIALLY ON ICE, STRANDING THEM, IN INTERSECTIONS. TOYOTA SAID THIS WAS NOT COVERED IN THE WARRANTY SO ALL MY INFORMATION AND MY CASE WERE TOTALLY DISREGARDED. THIS IS THE SAME THING THAT HAS HAPPENED TO OTHERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. TOYOTA REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM OR ADD AN OFF SWITCH. I ALSO CALLED THE MANUFACTURES OF ALL OTHER HYBRID OR ELECTRIC CARS WITH TRACTION CONTROL AND THEY EITHER HAVE AN OFF SWITCH OR OFFER ONE JUST FOR THIS REASON. I WAS LUCKY THAT MY ROAD ASSOCIATION SPENT $16,000 ON THE ROAD SHORTLY AFTER THIS HAPPENED BUT AS THE ROAD IS DETERIORATING AND THERE WONT BE ENOUGH MONEY FOR SEVERAL YEARS I MAY BE STUCK AGAIN IN THE FUTURE. EVERY OTHER CAR CAN GET UP THE ROAD, EVEN AT ITS WORST, INCLUDING A 2003 PRIUS WITHOUT TRACTION CONTROL. THIS HAPPENED AGAIN ON ANOTHER DIRT ROAD BUT I WAS ABLE TO GET OUT THRU THE USE OF ROPES AND ROCKS AND A SHOVEL. IS THERE ANYTHING YOU CAN DO TO HELP AS I DON'T WANT TO HIRE AN ATTORNEY TO FOLLOW THROUGH . THANK YOU *TR

NHTSA #: 10310211
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
CrashFiled: Feb 2010

THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES AND I FOLLOWED SUITE. HOWEVER, AS HAD HAPPENED IN MANY OCCASIONS BEFORE THE BRAKES WERE DELAYED FOR A SECOND OR TWO AND THE LIGHT SHOWING THAT THE CARE IS SLIPPING CAME ON. AS USUAL IT FELT AS IF I WAS SLIDING ON ICE ALTHOUGH THERE WAS NONE. I DON'T KNOW IF I COULD HAVE STOPPED IN TIME BUT THE DELAY WAS DEFINITELY A FACTOR. *TR

NHTSA #: 10310228
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Feb 2010

WHILE DRIVING ON A WET CITY ROAD, THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME STOPPED ABRUPTLY. WHEN I APPLIED MY BRAKES, MY CAR WAS OVER RAILROAD TRACKS. INITIALLY THE BRAKES DIDN'T RESPOND AND MY CAR DIDN'T SLOW DOWN. I DIDN'T HEAR ANTI-LOCK OR OTHER BRAKE NOISES. AFTER A 2-3 SECOND DELAY, THE BRAKES BEGAN TO WORK NORMALLY. HAD THE BRAKES DELAYED MUCH LONGER, I MAY HAVE COLLIDED WITH CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I HAVE ABOUT 6,000 MILES ON THE CAR, AND THIS IS THE ONLY INCIDENT WHEN THE BRAKES DIDN'T RESPOND AS EXPECTED. *TR

NHTSA #: 10308922
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Feb 2010

2009 TOYOTA PRIUS, BRAKES DO NOT HOLD ON UNEVEN PAVEMENT OR ICY ROADS. YOU LOSE CONTACT WITH THE ROAD WHICH IS VERY DANGEROUS. THE FIRST TIME I NOTICED THE ICY ROAD PROBLEM WAS NOVEMBER 2008, AND THE UNEVEN LANE/WASHBOARD ROAD PROBLEM WAS IN THE SUMMER OF 2009. IT WAS MENTIONED TO THE DEALERSHIP BUT SINCE THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. *TR

NHTSA #: 10310015
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Feb 2010

WHEN DRIVING MY 2009 PRIUS IN EITHER WET OR SNOWY CONDITIONS, I'VE NOTICED THAT THE CAR "SKIPS"/DOESN'T HOLD THE BRAKING WHEN I APPLY MY FOOT STEADILY TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. I'VE NOTICED THIS IN WET CONDITIONS FROM THE TIME OF PURCHASE, IN JUNE 2009, AND AGAIN MORE RECENTLY IN SNOW. I'VE WOUND UP NOT DRIVING THE PRIUS WHEN THE ROADS ARE EITHER WET OR SNOWY NOW, BUT OBVIOUSLY HAVE BEEN CAUGHT IN THESE CONDITIONS WHEN RAIN OR SNOW STARTED WHILE I WAS ON THE ROAD. IT IS NOT A SAFE FEELING TO FEEL THE CAR SLIPPING. *TR

NHTSA #: 10308454
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Feb 2010

I BOUGHT MY 2009 PRIUS IN APRIL 2009. I HAVE BEEN HAVING THE SAME BRAKE SLIPPING PROBLEM THAT THE 2010'S ARE BEING RECALLED FOR. I HAVE HAD MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP THREE TIMES TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM ADDRESSED. EACH TIME IT WAS NO FAULT FOUND AND "GOSH THESE BRAKES ARE COMPLICATED AND YOU WOULD HAVE AN IDIOT LIGHT GO OFF IF THERE WAS A PROBLEM". I AM FEELING VERY UNSAFE WITH THIS VEHICLE AND WANT TO KNOW WHEN MY SOFTWARE WILL BE UPDATED. *TR

NHTSA #: 10308465
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
Filed: Feb 2010

ON A DAILY BASIS, MY 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS LOSES CONTROL, SKIDS, (THE TRACTION LIGHT GOES ON), FISHTAILS AND HAS BRAKE FAILURES ON ICE AND SNOW. WHEN I HIT POTHOLES OR BIG BUMPS, THE CAR ACCELERATES AND I HAVE TO QUICKLY BRAKE. THE NORTHBROOK TOYOTA SERVICE MANAGER DROVE IT TODAY. THE CAR LOST CONTROL, SKIDDED, THE TRACTION LIGHT WENT ON, IT FISHTAILED, AND THE BRAKES FAILED ON THE ICE AND SNOW. HIS COMMENT WAS "THAT'S THE WAY THE CAR IS. IT DOESN'T DRIVE WELL ON ICE AND SNOW". WE COULDN'T FIND A GOOD POTHOLE FOR THE CAR TO DEMONSTRATE THE ACCELERATION TODAY. I WAS TOLD BY AN AUTOMECHANIC THAT WORKS ON OUR OTHER CARS THAT THE 2009 AND 2010 PRIUS HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THEIR BRAKES. PRESENTLY THERE IS NO RECALL FOR THE 2009 PRIUS. I AM AFRAID I AM GOING TO KILL SOMEONE AT AN INTERSECTION WHEN I CAN'T STOP. YESTERDAY I HAD 2 CATHOLIC NUNS IN THE CAR AND THE CAR FAILED TO TURN LEFT AT AN INTERSECTION, ALMOST FISHTAILING INTO AN EMBANKMENT BEFORE IT RIGHTED ITSELF. A LEXUS SUV BEHIND ME ALMOST HIT ME WHILE TRYING TO AVOID ME. I AM HOPING THAT NO LIVES WILL BE LOST, OR SEVERE INJURIES OCCUR, BEFORE THESE PROBLEMS ARE ACKNOWLEDGED BY TOYOTA AND FIXED. *TR

NHTSA #: 10308573
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
Filed: Feb 2010

2009 TOYOTA PRIUS VEHICLE SLID INTO INTERSECTION, NO COLLISION OCCURRED. APPROX 3 FT PAST STOP POINT. DURING MODERATE TO HARD BRAKING, IF A WHEEL HITS SAND OR A POTHOLE, THE "TRACTION CONTROL" SYSTEM ENGAGES, CAUSING THE BRAKES TO RELEASE FOR APPROX .25 TO .75 SECOND. IT IS VERY UNNERVING (TO SAY THE LEAST) TO BE OUT OF CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE. IT IS ALSO REPEATABLE WHEN ACCELERATING ON A SHORT ENTRANCE RAMP AROUND A CORNER. THIS RAMP IS VERY UNEVEN. THE TRACTION CONTROL ENGAGES AND THE CAR SEEMS TO STEER STRAIGHT, TOWARDS THE OUTSIDE OF THE CURVE. I SPOKE TO THE DEALER ABOUT THE ISSUE, AND WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE IS BEHAVING NORMALLY, AND THERE IS NO WAY FOR AN OPERATOR TO DISABLE THE TRACTION CONTROL. I THOUGHT I WOULD HAVE TO LIVE WITH THIS, AND ASSUMED IT WAS SOMETHING ABOUT THIS VEHICLE... BUT NOW WITH THE INVESTIGATION ON 2010 I AM WONDERING IF MY REPORT IS SIMILAR AND IF THE INVESTIGATION SHOULD BE EXPANDED TO INCLUDE 2009. *TR

NHTSA #: 10307797
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Feb 2010

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH OVER AN UNEVEN SURFACE AND TRYING TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND SEEMED TO HYDROPLANE FOR A SHORT TIME. THE FAILURE NEVER OCCURRED ON SMOOTH SURFACES. SHE CALLED THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE BRAKE SYSTEM WAS "TOO PERFECT" WHICH WAS WHY SHE EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE. SHE HAD NOT SPOKEN WITH THE MANUFACTURER TO-DATE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 10,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 10.

NHTSA #: 10307838
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Feb 2010

I HAVE A 2009 PRIUS, AND THE BRAKES SEEM TO DISENGAGE WHEN GOING OVER A BUMP OR POTHOLE. I NOTICE IT EVERYTIME, IN PARTICULAR WHEN EXITING THE FREEWAY, IF THERE ARE BUMPS ON THE OFF RAMP. *TR

NHTSA #: 10307845
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Feb 2010

WHEN I GO OVER A RAILROAD TRACK OR LARGE BUMPS THE BRAKING SYSTEM OF MY PRIUS STOPS OPERATING FOR A MOMENT. *TR

NHTSA #: 10307864
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
CrashFiled: Feb 2010

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH GOING DOWN HILL ON A WET ROAD THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD WHEN SHE ENGAGED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND CRASHED INTO A VEHICLE. THE BRAKES FULLY ENGAGED AFTER SHE CRASHED. THE FAILURE ONLY OCCURRED WHENEVER SHE DROVE OVER A POTHOLE. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO HAVE THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED 5 TO 6 TIMES. NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE TO DATE. A POLICE REPORT WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 15500.

NHTSA #: 10308011
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Feb 2010

2009 TOYOTA PRIUS WHILE DRIVING ON UNEVEN PAVEMENT OR ICY ROADS, WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL THE CAR SLIDES AND IT FEELS AS IF YOU ARE LOSING CONTROL OVER THE CAR. THIS HAPPENS ON ANY UNEVEN SURFACE LIKE SPEED BUMPS AND OR WASH BOARD ROADS, AND DURING THE WINTER MONTHS FOR ICY ROADS. I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT WITH TOYOTA IN COLORADO TO FIX SINCE IT IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY BUT THEY SAY NO RECALL HAS BEEN INITIATED ON THE 2009 MODEL. *TR

NHTSA #: 10308034
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Feb 2010

LAST MAY, I PURCHASED A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS. FOR SOME TIME NOW, I HAVE BEEN AWARE OF BRAKING ISSUES THAT SOUND EERILY SIMILAR TO WHAT IS BEING DESCRIBED WITH THE 2010 PRIUS RECALLS. I HAVE NOT REPORTED ANYTHING UNTIL NOW BECAUSE I WAS ABLE TO IDENTIFY WHEN THE PROBLEM OCCURRED, AND ADJUST MY DRIVING ACCORDINGLY. WHENEVER I HIT THE BRAKE PEDAL, WHILE SIMULTANEOUSLY GOING OVER ROUGH, BUMPY, OR POTHOLED AREAS OF ROAD...MY "SLIPPERY ROAD CONDITIONS" LIGHT FLASHES MOMENTARILY ON MY DASHBOARD. ADDITIONALLY, IT ALMOST FEELS AS THOUGH THE CAR ACCELERATES IN THAT SPLIT SECOND, BUT AS LONG AS I KEEP MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN ABLE TO STOP THE CAR. I MAKE SURE TO KEEP ADEQUATE SPACE BETWEEN MY CAR AND THE CARDS IN FRONT OF ME, BUT IF I EVER HAD TO STOP TOO QUICKLY ON ROAD CONDITIONS SUCH AS I HAVE DESCRIBED ABOVE I AM CERTAIN THAT I WOULD CRASH INTO THE OTHER CAR BEFORE MY BRAKES ACTUALLY TOOK OVER. I AM SIMPLY REPORTING THIS ISSUE BECAUSE I WONDER IF, DESPITE TOYOTA'S CLAIM THAT ONLY THE 2010 MODEL IS BEING AFFECTED, OTHER YEAR MODELS OF THE PRIUS ARE HAVING ISSUES AS WELL. I AM ENTERING AN APPROXIMATE INCIDENT DATE BELOW, HOWEVER, I REALLY CAN'T PICK JUST ONE. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON A MULTITUDE OF OCCASIONS SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR IN MAY OF 2009. *TR

NHTSA #: 10308110
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Feb 2010

TOYOTA 2009 PRIUS BRAKE PROBLEM 15 JAN. 2010 I TOOK MY 2009 PRIUS TO LAKELAND TOYOTA (MY DEALER), LAKELAND FLORIDA, USA 33880. THE BRAKES HAD GONE ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. THEY HAVE A MAINTENANCE RECORD OF THE EVENT. AT THE TIME THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY MECHANICAL PROBLEMS IN THE BRAKE. I WAS DRIVING ON A ROUGH ROAD ON A COLD DAY JUST PRIOR TO THE BRAKE FAILURE. PLEASE EXPAND THE PRIUS RECALL TO INCLUDE THE 2009 YEAR. *TR

NHTSA #: 10308124
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
Filed: Feb 2010

I OWN A 2009 PRIUS, PURCHASE DEC 2008. I HAVE EXPERIENCED SIMILAR BRAKE PROBLEMS AS 2010. WHEN I HIT A ROUGH OR BUMPY ROAD, THE BRAKES GET SQUISHY & LESS EFFECTIVE. I NOTE THE ANTI-SKID CAUTION FLASHES, BRAKES DO BECOME SLIGHTLY LESS EFFECTIVE. I AM AN ENGINEER. I REPORTED THIS TO TOYOTA 2/8/2010.

NHTSA #: 10307459
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Feb 2010

I AM AN OWNER OF A 2009 PRIUS. I HAVE EXPERIENCED FROM DAY ONE, AN ISSUE WHEN BRAKING OVER A BUMP OR POTHOLE IN THE ROAD. THE BRAKES DO NOT GRASP. A PICTURE OF A SWIRVING CAR APPEARS ON THE MONITOR OF THE CAR SHOWING OUT OF CONTROL VEHICLE. THIS APPEARS TO BE THE SAME PROBLEM AS THE 2010 RECALL. PLEASE RECALL ALL AFFECTED PRIUS' WHICH NOW INCLUDE 2009.

NHTSA #: 10307515
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Feb 2010

I WISH TO REPORT A BREAKING PROBLEM WITH MY 1999 TOYOTA PRIUS. THIS OCCURED IN ABOUT SEPT. 2009. I HAVE A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS THAT HAD ABOUT 18,000 MILES ON IT AT THE TIME OF THIS FAILURE. I HAD JUST PULLED OUT OF A GAS STATION (FOR GAS ONLY) WHEN I GOT A NUMBER OF WARNING LIGHTS ON THE DASH BOARD. (ABOUT 4 AS I RECALL) ALL THE WARNINGS WERE EITHER TIRE OF BREAK RELATED WARNINGS. I IMMEDIATELY NOTICED A BIG PROBLEM WITH THE BREAKS. ONLY MAXIMUM FOOT PRESURE WOULD ACTUATE THE BREAKS AND THEN THEY WOULD GRAB VERY HARD. FORTUNATELY, THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER WAS JUST AROUND THE CORNER, SO I CAREFULLY LIMPPED THE CAR IN. NO DAMAGE OR ACCIDENT WAS CAUSED BY THIS FAILURE. TOYOTA DID FIX THE PROBLEM THE NEXT DAY AND REPORTED THAT THE FRONT BREAKS HAD STOPPED WORKING AND ONLY THE REAR BEAKS WERE STOPPING THE CAR. IF I RECALL THE FIX CORRECTLY, THEY REPLACED SOME PART CALLED THE "BREAK ACTUATOR" SINCE THEN, NO PROBLEM HAS BEEN NOTED *CN

NHTSA #: 10307590
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
Filed: Feb 2010

I HAVE THE BRAKE PROBLEM BEING REPORTED FOR THE PRIUS, BUT MINE IS A 2009 MODEL. WHEN BRAKING ON ROUGH SURFACES, THE BRAKES QUIT FOR A MOMENT. SINCE I DON'T TAILGATE, I'VE NEVER FELT IN DANGER. BUT IT IS A SLIGHTLY OUT OF CONTROL FEELING. I'VE FILLED IN THE DATE BELOW AS MAY 2009, WHEN I PURCHASED (LEASED) THE CAR. BUT THE SITUATION HAS BEEN CONTINUOUS. *TW

NHTSA #: 10307206
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
Filed: Feb 2010

1. BRAKES FAIL TO WORK PROPERLY 2. OCCURS AT LEAST ONCE OR TWICE WEEKLY; CONSEQUENCES -- EMOTIONAL DURESS AND CONCERN; NO ACCIDENTS YET, THANK GOD. 3. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THIS YET. I WENT TO MY TOYOTA DEALER, TOYOTA CAVENDER IN SAN ANTONIO, TX 48 HRS AGO TO GET USUAL OIL CHANGE AND TO GET THE BRAKES CHECKED FOR THIS PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD BY THE SERVICE DEPT. THAT THEY WERE CLOSING IN AN HOUR AND THE TOYOTA PRIUS TECHNICIAN WAS NOT THERE. I HAD TO CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT WITH HIM -- EVEN THOUGH MY BRAKES HAD NEARLY FAILED TO STOP WHEN I PULLED INTO THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE AREA. *CN

NHTSA #: 10306867
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
Filed: Feb 2010

BRAKE FAILURE WHEN GOING OVER ROUGH PAVEMENT OR POTHOLE IN BOTH 2005 AND 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS. WE HAVE OWNED TWO PRIUS, A 2005 AND NOW A 2009, AND BOTH HAVE EXHIBITED THE BRAKING ANOMOLY THAT IS BEING DESCRIBED IN THE PRESS AS ONLY OCCURING WITH THE 2010 PRIUS. I EXPERIENCE THIS FAILURE FREQUENTLY. THE FAILURE OCCURS ONLY BRIEFLY -ABOUT ONE OR TWO SECONDS AND WE HAVE NEVER HAD AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF THIS. HOWEVER, IT IS DISCONCERTING AND IF THIS IS A MALFUNCTION, IT SHOULD BE TAKEN CARE OF FOR ALL PRIUS, NOT JUST 2010. *CN

NHTSA #: 10306991
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Feb 2010

I OWN A 2009 PRIUS AND I HAVE NOTICED NUMEROUS TIMES WHEN I AM DRIVING AT A SLOW RATE OF SPEED AND I HIT A BUMP, I LOSE CONTROL OF THE CAR FOR A SPLIT SECOND. IT SEEMS THE BRAKES LOSE TRACTION. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, I NOTICE A ORANGE LIGHT ON THE DASH LIGHTS UP FOR A SECOND. *CN

NHTSA #: 10307024
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Feb 2010

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH AND ENGAGING THE BRAKE PEDAL AND MAKING CONTACT WITH A POTHOLE THE VEHICLE WOULD ACCELERATE. THE DEALER HAS NOT DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE AND IT CONTINUES TO OCCUR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,000.

NHTSA #: 10306298
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Feb 2010

I OWN A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS AND I HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME ISSUE AS THE REPORTED 2010 BRAKES. WHEN I DRIVE OVER POT HOLES OR STREET COVERS, MY VEHICLE FEELS LIKE IT'S OUT OF CONTROL. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE BRAKING SYSTEM IN THE 2010 WITH THE 2009 MODELS? *TR

NHTSA #: 10306323
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
Filed: Feb 2010

I HAVE A 2009 PRIUS, PURCHASED IN MARCH 2009. SEVERAL TIMES MY BRAKES HAVE STOPPED WORKING ON ROUGH SURFACES AND THE SURGED FORWARD. EACH TIME I WAS ATTEMPTING TO STOP FOR A TRAFFIC LIGHT. I WOULD BRAKE, THE BRAKES WOULD WORK, AND THEN I WOULD HIT A ROUGH PATCH IN THE ROAD, THE BRAKES WOULD STOP WORKING, AND THE CAR WOULD SURGE FORWARD. THE MOST RECENT INCIDENT WAS IN JANUARY OF THIS YEAR. EACH TIME I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE CAR BY LETTING UP ON THE BRAKES AND THEN BRAKING AGAIN. LUCKILY I HAVE NEVER HAD A CAR IN FRONT OF ME WHEN THIS HAPPENED. ONE TIME THOUGH I ALMOST WENT INTO THE INTERSECTION BEFORE BEING ABLE TO STOP. *TR

NHTSA #: 10306387
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
Filed: Feb 2010

2009 TOYOTA PRIUS. STRANGE BEHAVIOR OF ANTILOCK BRAKES/TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM WHEN HITTING A SINGLE POTHOLE OR SMALL PATCH OF ICE ON OTHERWISE CLEAR ROAD SURFACE. VEHICLE SIGNIFICANTLY DAMPENS BRAKE RESPONSE AND DOES NOT RECOGNIZE THAT THE TIRES ARE NOW ON A GOOD CONTACT SURFACE AND CONTINUES TO BE IN TC MODE FOR EXCESSIVE TIME PERIOD. ONLY WAY TO ASSURE YOU WILL STOP WITHIN REASONABLE DISTANCE IS TO LIFT UP ON BRAKE PEDAL AND REDEPRESS (NOW OUT OF TC MODE CAR WILL STOP QUICKLY). THIS PROBLEM PRESENTS ITSELF REGULARLY WHEN ROAD CONDITIONS ARE RIGHT. THE PROBLEM IS THE MOST NOTICEABLE AT MODERATELY LOW SPEEDS I WOULD ESTIMATE 5-25 MPH BUT LIKELY OCCURS AT HIGHER SPEEDS WHICH IS LESS NOTICEABLE. IT SEEMS TO BE A FACTOR OF DISTANCE OR THE FACT THAT THE CAR DOES NOT REALIZE THE WHEEL IS GETTING TRACTION AGAIN. *TR

NHTSA #: 10306403
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC,TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
Filed: Feb 2010

2009 PRIUS DISPLAYS ERRATIC BRAKING BEHAVIOR WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED ON IRREGULAR SURFACES...RR TRACKS, GRAVEL ETC. *TR

NHTSA #: 10306496
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
Filed: Feb 2010

I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK IN MY 2009 PRIUS. WHEN COMING TO A TRAFFIC LIGHT (ICY CONDITIONS) I TOOK MY FOOT OFF OF THE ACCELERATOR, STARTED TO COAST AND THEN BEGAN TO BRAKE. I HAD TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE. THE CAR KEPT GOING AND I HEARD A THUMPING LIKE THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES WERE TRYING TO ENGAGE. I FINALLY HAD TO THROW THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL. *TR

NHTSA #: 10306540
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Feb 2010

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 TO 40 MPH, THE DRIVER ENCOUNTERED A BUMP WHENEVER SHE DROVE OVER A BUMP OR A POTHOLE. THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHENEVER ENCOUNTERING A BUMP OR POTHOLE IN THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE OCCURRENCE WAS NORMAL CONTRIBUTING TO THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 500. UPDATED 4/27/10 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE BRAKING, THERE WAS A MOMENTARY LAPSE IN THE BRAKES. UPDATED 05/17/10

NHTSA #: 10306558
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
Filed: Feb 2010

I HAVE A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE PROBLEM I DESCRIBE HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE I FIRST PURCHASED THE CAR, IT IS NOT A NEW PROBLEM. OCCASIONALLY, WHEN I STEP ON THE BRAKE TO SLOW DOWN WHEN APPROACHING A STOP SIGN, STOPPED CAR OR RED LIGHT, THE CAR DOES NOT STOP IMMEDIATELY IT SEEMS TO BE DELAYED IN IT'S RESPONSE AND THEN I HAVE TO STEP DOWN HARDER ON THE BREAK TO MAKE IT STOP AND THEN IT BECOMES A "HARD" STOP. THIS HAPPENS USUALLY AT SLOW SPEEDS. 20-55MPH. I'VE NOTICE THIS PROBLEM OCCURS MANY TIMES DURING THE WEEK, TODAY I ALREADY EXPERIENCED IT ONCE AND I AM BECOMING AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS CAR. I NEVER KNOW WHEN THE PROBLEM WILL OCCUR, THERE IS NO FOREWARNING. I HAVE BEEN CONCERNED FOR A LONG TIME AND FEAR THAT IT'S JUST A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THIS BREAKING PROBLEM RESULTS IN AN ACCIDENT. I TOOK MY CAR IN YESTERDAY TO MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER AND THEY SAID EVERYTHING CHECKED OUT FINE AND THEY COULD NOT FIND/RECREATE THE PROBLEM. I HAVE MENTIONED IT TO THEM IN THE PAST AND THEY TOLD ME IT WAS JUST A DIFFERENT FEEL BECAUSE OF THE BRAKE "VACUUM" DESIGN. *TR

NHTSA #: 10306537
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
Filed: Feb 2010

SNOW COVERED ROAD, WAS BRAKING FOR STOP SIGN, WENT OVER MANHOLE COVER, ABS (ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL) KICKED IN, LOST BRAKING FOR ABOUT THREE FEET. *TR

NHTSA #: 10306673
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
Filed: Feb 2010

EVERY DAY I ENCOUNTER A LARGE POT HOLE ON MY WAY TO WORK. IT IS ABOUT 20 FEET FROM A STOP SIGN, SO AT THIS POINT I AM ALREADY DRIVING SLOW AND BRAKING. HOWEVER, WHEN THE ONE WHEEL DIPS INTO THE HOLE, THE YELLOW TRACTION SYSTEM LIGHT COMES ON, AND I FEEL WHAT COULD BE A SLIGHT LOSS IN BRAKING, AS IF THE CAR IS COASTING FOR A SPLIT SECOND (VERSUS BRAKING/SLOWING) OR PERHAPS ACCELERATING FORWARD. THE CAR/SYSTEM RECOVERS AS SOON AS ALL WHEELS PASS THE POTHOLE. NOT HAVING HAD A TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM PRIOR TO THIS CAR, I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT WAS NORMAL SO I DIDN'T PURSUE IT, BUT I KNOW I DON'T LIKE HOW IT FEELS! THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING EVERY TIME I DRIVE OVER THAT POTHOLE SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR. LUCKILY THEY JUST PAVED THE HOLE LAST MONTH FINALLY. OTHERWISE I TRY TO AVOID ROUGH ROADS AS A MATTER OF COURSE. PERHAPS A RELATED PROBLEM IS WHEN TRYING TO GO UP AN ICY/SLUSHY SLOPE AND THE TRACTION CONTROL SHUTS OFF THE WHEELS TO KEEP THEM FROM SLIPPING/SPINNING. SINCE I LIVE ON A HILL, THIS MAKES WINTER ESPECIALLY STRESSFUL AND MAKES ME FEARFUL OF DRIVING TO FROM WORK AND ENCOUNTERING EVEN A SLIGHT INCLINE THAT IS NOT PLOWED OR SALTED --WHAT IF THE CAR STOPPED AND I GOT HIT? TOYOTA SAYS THIS IS "NORMAL" TO KEEP THE ELECTRIC ENGINE FROM BEING OVER STRESSED OR SOME SUCH THING. *TR

NHTSA #: 10306741
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Feb 2010

TOYOTA PRIUS II BRAKE ISSUES. I HAVE A 2009 PRIUS THAT EXHIBIT SIMILAR BRAKING PROBLEMS AS THE RECALLED 2010 PRIUS. WHEN I'M COMING TO A STOP AND HIT A BUMPY PATCH, THE BRAKES WILL RELEASE MOMENTARILY. THE RELEASE IS FOR A SECOND RESULTING IN THE CAR TRAVELING 3 FEET BEFORE I HAVE TO APPLY ADDITIONAL PRESSURE TO THE BRAKES. THIS COULD EASILY MEAN A FENDER BENDER IF I'M A BIT CLOSER TO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. IT IS ESPECIALLY AN ISSUE WHEN STOPPING DOWN HILL WHICH IS NOT UNCOMMON HERE IN SEATTLE. I BOUGHT MY CAR (BRAND NEW) IN SPRING OF 2009. I'VE ALWAYS NOTICED THE PROBLEM BUT THOUGHT IT WAS JUST THE NATURE OF THE HYBRID DRIVE. MY CONCERN IS THAT THIS MAY WORSEN WITH THE AGE OF THE CAR. PLEASE ADVISE. I WOULD HATE TO SEE THIS ISSUE DISREGARDED. *TR

NHTSA #: 10306793
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
Filed: Feb 2010

I HAVE A 2009 PRIUS. I'VE BEEN COMPLAINING TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY, SINCE I GOT IT ABOUT SIX MONTHS AGO, ABOUT ITS INSTABILITY WHEN I GO OVER SMALL BUMPS AND RUTS IN THE ROAD. THE CAR SEEMS TO SURGE AHEAD, SWERVE A BIT, AND LOSE CONTACT WITH THE GROUND. THE OTHER MAJOR PROBLEM IS THE CAR'S HORRIBLE TRACTION ON WET HIGHWAYS. IF I'M TRAVELING OVER 45 M.P.H., MY CAR BEGINS TO HYDROPLANE. THE EXPERIENCE IS UNNERVING. I'VE NEVER DRIVEN A CAR THAT FEELS SO UNSAFE AND THAT MAKES ME FEEL SUCH A LACK OF CONFIDENCE, AND I'VE BEEN DRIVING FOR 35 YEARS. PLUS, DURING THE LAST SNOWSTORM, WHEN I PUT MY PRIUS IN PARK ON A SLIGHT INCLINE ON THE ROAD IN FRONT OF MY HOME, THE CAR SLID ABOUT 20 FEET, IN PARK. I HAD TO PUT ON THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP. IT SLIDES ALL OVER THE ROAD, IN SNOW. I HATE THIS CAR AND WISH I'D NEVER BOUGHT IT. I BELIEVE THAT ITS MERITS WERE MISREPRESENTED. DESPITE THE CHOSEN DATE THAT YOU'VE REQUIRED ME TO ENTER, UNFORTUNATELY THESE PROBLEMS ARE ONGOING. *TR

NHTSA #: 10306820
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Feb 2010

ANY TIME THE "SLIPPERY CONDITION" LIGHT COMES ON (FOR INSTANCE, WHEN GOING OVER A POTHOLE OR A PATCH OF WATER ON THE ROAD), MY 2009 PRIUS JUMPS FORWARD. I TOLD THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT THIS IN THE FALL AND WAS TOLD THAT THE CAR WAS WORKING PROPERLY. NOW, IT APPEARS THAT THERE ARE OTHERS WITH 2010 PRIUSES WITH THE SAME PROBLEM, BUT MINE IS A 2009. I HAVE A YOUNG DAUGHTER AND I WON'T PUT HER IN THIS CAR ANYMORE BECAUSE IT'S WINTER NOW AND IT HAPPENS ON SLIPPERY ROADS NEARLY EVERY TIME I DRIVE. *TR

NHTSA #: 10305027
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Feb 2010

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IN SLIPPERY WEATHER, WHEN HE DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, HE DID NOT NOTICE AN IMMEDIATE RESPONSE IN THE BRAKING SYSTEM. IT SEEMED TO "LAG" SO HE WOULD CONTINUE PRESSING DOWN UNTIL IT KICKED IN. HE NOTICED THE ISSUE EVERYTIME IT WAS RAINING OR THERE WAS SLIPPERY WEATHER. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP BUT THE DEALER COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. HE HAD NOT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER TO-DATE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 11,248. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 50.

NHTSA #: 10305095
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Feb 2010

MY 2009 MODEL TOYOTA PRIUS IS HAVING SIMILAR BRAKING PROBLEMS BEING REPORTED ON 2010 MODEL PRIUS. CAR LOSES BRAKING POWER WHEN DRIVING OVER UNEVEN SURFACES. *TR

NHTSA #: 10305110
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
CrashFiled: Feb 2010

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH HE HAD TO BRAKE HARD AND FAST. THE VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN BUT CRASHED INTO A TRUCK. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. UPDATED 04/28/10.*JB THE CONSUMER STATED HE NEVER FELT THE ABS ACTIVATE. UPDATED 02/24/10.*JB UPDATED 3/8/10 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED HE DID NOT HEAR THE ANTI-LOCK SYSTEM SOUND OR FEEL THE USUAL BRAKE PEDAL VIBRATION. THE VEHICLE SLOWED INITIALLY, THEN DECELERATION BEGAN WITH NO LOCK UP OF TIRES AND NO APPARENT ANTI-LOCK SYSTEM ENGAGEMENT. THE ACCIDENT WAS DUE TO THE VEHICLES FAILURE TO STOP AS EXPECTED. UPDATED 05/11/10. *JB

NHTSA #: 10305112
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
Filed: Feb 2010

PRIUS BRAKING FAILURE. I HAVE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL INSTANCES (FOUR OR FIVE) OF A BRAKING FAILURE ON MY 2009, SECOND GENERATION TOYOTA PRIUS. IT HAS OCCURRED DURING RELATIVELY SLOW SPEED BRAKING, SUCH AS APPROACHING A STOP SIGN, COINCIDENT WITH HITTING A SEVERE BUMP, SUCH AS A POT HOLE OR CROSSING ROUGH RAILROAD TRACKS. THERE APPEARS TO BE A SURGE WHERE THE BRAKES ARE INEFFECTIVE FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME---LESS THAN A SECOND. I DESCRIBE IT AS A SURGE BUT IT MAY WELL BE JUST A TOTAL RELEASE OF THE BRAKES. IT SEEMS TO BE MOST SEVERE THE GREATER THE BUMP. I HAVE ONLY EXPERIENCED THIS AT SPEEDS LESS THAN 30 MPH OR SO. THERE HAS BEEN NO LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. NORMAL BRAKING RETURNS IMMEDIATELY. I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE SINCE NOVEMBER, 2008. THIS PROBLEM WAS REPORTED TO MY DEALER WHO SUGGESTED THAT IT WAS NORMAL ANTI-LOCK BRAKING ACTION AND EXPRESSED LITTLE INTEREST IN TRYING TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE. I'VE BEEN DRIVING FOR OVER 50 YEARS AND AT LEAST 10 YEARS WITH ANTI-LOCK BRAKES AND HAVE NEVER FELT THIS TYPE OF ACTION FROM ANY OTHER VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA #: 10305117
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
Filed: Feb 2010

I OWN A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS AND NOTICE A DELAY IN BRAKING SPECIALLY OVER BUMPY ROADS OR ICE, ALSO AT HIGHER SPEEDS. WHEN YOU APPLY THE BRAKE THE VSC LIGHT COMES ON IN THE DASHBOARD AND THE CAR TRAVELS FREELY FOR A COUPLE OF METERS SOMETIMES EVEN ACCELERATING A BIT BEFORE THE BRAKES ACTUALLY ENGAGE. THIS IS OBSERVED VERY OFTEN. *TR

NHTSA #: 10305173
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Feb 2010

TOYOTA PRIUS - ARE YOU GUYS PAYING ATTENTION TO THIS? *TR

NHTSA #: 10305230
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Feb 2010

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 50 MPH HE ATTEMPTED TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE BRAKES WERE TAKING LONGER THAN USUAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD BEFORE COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPRODUCED. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 9500.

NHTSA #: 10305201
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Feb 2010

2009 TOYOTA PRIUS ALSO SUFFERS FROM TEMPORARY LOSS OF BRAKING AFTER HITTING POTHOLES OR OTHER ROUGH ROAD SURFACE. THIS PROBLEM HAS EXISTED SINCE THE CAR WAS NEW. THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA #: 10305434
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Feb 2010

IN MAY 2009 I PURCHASED A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS MY PRIUS HAS HAD SIMILAR BRAKING PROBLEMS AS THOSE DESCRIBED AS AFFECTING THE 2010 PRIUS MODELS. IN AUGUST 2009 I BROUGHT MY PRIUS IN TO THE TOYOTA SERVICE DEPARTMENT BECAUSE I HAD EXPERIENCED A SIGNIFICANT LAG IN BRAKING (MORE THAN 1 SECOND) WHILE SLOWING TO A STOP. SINCE THEN I HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM ON SEVERAL OTHER OCCASIONS. UNLIKE THE FIRST TIME I EXPERIENCED THE PROBLEM, THE RECENT OCCURRENCES HAVE HAPPENED WHEN I WAS TRYING TO BRAKE AND HIT A SMALL POTHOLE AND WHEN BRAKING AND HIT A LANE DIVIDER. ALTHOUGH THE MEDIA REPORTS DO NOT INDICATE THAT THIS PROBLEM AFFECTS PRIUS MODELS OTHER THAN THE NEW 2010 MODELS SOLD PRIOR TO JANUARY 2010 I WOULD LIKE TOYOTA AND THE NHTSA TO BE AWARE OF THE FACT THAT MY 2009 PRIUS IS HAVING SIMILAR PROBLEMS. *TR

NHTSA #: 10305401
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Feb 2010

CONTINUAL PROBLEM WHENEVER WE TRY TO BRAKE, THE CAR WILL BEGIN TO ACCELERATE. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN APPARENT SINCE WE PURCHASED THE CAR AND EACH TIME WE MENTION IT AT THE SERVICING, WE ARE TOLD THE BRAKES ARE WORKING FINE. *TR

NHTSA #: 10305432
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
Filed: Feb 2010

ON MY 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS, I CONSISTENTLY EXPERIENCE BRAKING DIFFICULTIES ON ROUGH OR UNEVEN SURFACES. IF I AM PRESSING ON THE BRAKE AND PASS THRU A HOLE OR HUMP IN THE ROAD, THE CAR FLASHES THE STABILITY CONTROL WARNING LIGHTS AND I HAVE NO BRAKES WHAT-SO-EVER FOR WHAT FEELS LIKE A FEW SECONDS. IF I RELEASE THE BRAKE AND PRESS DOWN AGAIN, I THEN HAVE BRAKE CONTROL BACK. I REPORTED THIS TO MY DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES IN THE PAST YEAR AND CONTINUE TO RECEIVE THE SAME RESPONSE 'THAT IS THE WAY THE BRAKES ARE ON THE PRIUS.' *TR

NHTSA #: 10305456
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Feb 2010

I AM EXPERIENCING MOMENTARY LOSS OF BRAKING CAPABILITY WHILE DRIVING OVER AN UNEVEN ROAD SURFACE, POTHOLE OR BUMP. THIS HAPPENS FREQUENTLY IN MY CAR. SOMETIMES EVEN ON A STOP SIGN AND MAKING A RIGHT TURN INTO A STATE HIGH WAY IT FEELS LIKE JUMPING OFF WITH NO CONTROL OF THE CAR. *TR

NHTSA #: 10305564
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
Filed: Feb 2010

BRAKING OVER UNEVEN ROAD SURFACE SUCH AS MANHOLES, RAILROAD CROSSINGS AND BROKEN PAVEMENT, THE CAR'S RATE OF DECELERATION IS BRIEFLY HALTED (GIVING A SENSATION OF ACCELERATION). *TR

NHTSA #: 10305560
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
Filed: Feb 2010

I PURCHASED A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS FROM DUNNING TOYOTA IN ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN IN OCTOBER 2008. UNFORTUNATELY I, AS WELL, HAVE ABSOLUTELY EXPERIENCED SUDDEN BRAKE LOSS WHEN HITTING MY BRAKES "HARD AND SUDDENLY". IT FEELS LIKE YOU ARE SLIDING ON ICE AND THE VEHICLE IS "LOCKED" - YOU HAVE NO CONTROL. AS OTHERS HAVE STATED RECENTLY, THIS SUDDENLY LOCKED BRAKE LOSS OCCURS FOR APPROXIMATELY A SECOND TO SECOND AND A HALF. THIS HAS OCCURRED TO ME 4 OR 5 TIMES IN THE PAST YEAR. I DIDN'T THINK TOO MUCH ABOUT IT UNTIL THE NEWS REPORTS, AND MY WIFE INDICATED THAT IT TOO HAS OCCURRED TO HER 3 TIMES IN THE PAST YEAR. I NOTICED THAT WHEN IT DOES OCCUR THAT IF I TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE AND THEN SLOWLY DEPRESS DOWN I REGAIN MY BRAKES AGAIN. ALTHOUGH THE SERVICE HAS BEEN GOOD THROUGH THE DEALERSHIP, I HAD TO BE HONEST IN FILING THIS COMPLAINT FOR MYSELF AND THE PUBLICS SAFETY. *TR

NHTSA #: 10305566
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
Filed: Feb 2010

2009 TOYOTA PRIUS HIT POTHOLE AND CAR LURCHES FORWARD. BRAKE LIGHT COMES ON FOR A SECOND. *TR

NHTSA #: 10305567
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
Filed: Feb 2010

I DRIVE A LEASED 2009 PRIUS. THIS IS MY FAMILY'S FIRST HYBRID VEHICLE. ENROUTE HOME AFTER WORK EACH WEEKDAY (A DRIVE TOTALLING 5 MILES), I DRIVE DOWN A TYPICAL LOS ANGELES MAIN STREET, THAT HAS NUMEROUS POTHOLES. IF BRAKING WHEN RIDING OVER THE POTHOLES, THE CAR SURGES FORWARD FOR A SECOND, AND SEEMS UNCONTROLLABLE. BECAUSE IT HAS DONE THIS SINCE OUR LEASE OF THE PRIUS (WE GOT IT LAST MARCH, NEW), I ATTRIBUTED IT TO MY NEEDING TO GET USED TO THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A HYBRID AND THE 2008 CAMRY WE OWN, AND TRY TO REFRAIN FROM BRAKING OVER POTHOLES WHEN POSSIBLE. NOW THAT I KNOW THIS IS A DEFECT, I AM CONCERNED ABOUT CONTINUING TO DRIVE EITHER CAR WITH MY 3 YEAR OLD IN IT..... PLEASE EXPAND THE RESEARCH ON TOYOTA'S BRAKING SYSTEM FOR PRIUS BEYOND 2010 MODELS. *TR

NHTSA #: 10305581
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Feb 2010

THE BRAKING PROBLEM THAT HAS BEEN REPORTED IN THE 2010 PRIUS IS NOT LIMITED TO THAT MODEL YEAR. I HAVE A 2009 (2ND GENERATION) PRIUS AND I HAVE AT TIMES EXPERIENCED THE SAME SLIGHT BRAKING PROBLEM WHEN GOING OVER A BUMP OR A RAILROAD TRACK. *TR

NHTSA #: 10305595
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
CrashFiled: Feb 2010

ON THE MORNING OF JUNE 9, 2009 I WAS TRAVELING SOUTH ON I-93 NEAR THE TOWN OF MEDFORD, MA. I WAS ON MY WAY TO LOGAN AIRPORT TO RETURN THE 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS I HAD RENTED THAT PREVIOUS WEDNESDAY. IT WAS APPROXIMATELY 9:30 AM; THE FREEWAY WAS STILL BUMPER-TO-BUMPER WITH RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. I WAS IN THE LEFT-HAND LANE OF THE HIGHWAY AND TRAFFIC WAS STOP AND GO. A GAP OPENED UP IN TRAFFIC AND I ACCELERATED. THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME (APPROXIMATELY 60') SUDDENLY STOPPED. I SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES BUT MY CAR KEPT GOING. THERE WAS NOTHING I COULD DO AS MY CAR PLOWED INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME, AT THE SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH. THE IMPACT WAS SUFFICIENT TO DISLODGE MY FRONT LICENSE PLATE. THERE WAS NO APPARENT DAMAGE TO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME, HOWEVER THE TWO PASSENGERS WERE EXTREMELY SHAKEN UP. THERE WAS A MASSACHUSETTS STATE TROOPER ON THE SCENE WHO TOOK ALL THE INFORMATION BUT DID NOT FILE A REPORT. AS SOON AS I COULD, AT ABOUT 11:00 AM, I CALLED MY INSURANCE COMPANY, USAA TO REPORT THE ACCIDENT, AND I EXPLAINED ALL OF THE DETAILS TO THEM. *TR

NHTSA #: 10305545
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
Filed: Feb 2010

I PURCHASED A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS FROM MY LOCAL DEALER AND HAVE HAD THE BRAKES DO THE SAME SKIPPING AS THE 2010 MODEL. WHEN BROUGHT TO THE LOCAL DEALERS ATTENTION THEY STATED THAT IS THE WAY THE BRAKES WORK IN ANTI LOCK MODE. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES TO HER AND JUST RECENTLY TO ME AT NIGHT. SO FAR THERE HAS BEEN NO ACCIDENTS BUT I AM CONCERNED THAT IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME. THANK YOU. *TR

NHTSA #: 10305641
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Feb 2010

I OWN A 2009 PRIUS, PURCHASED APRIL 2009. I HAVE MORE THAN ONCE, IF BRAKING IN A SECTION OF BUMPY ROAD OR ON SLICK SURFACES (SUCH AS IN SNOW OR ICE), EXPERIENCED THE CAR JERKING FORWARD/ACCELERATING FOR A SPLIT SECOND. IT ALMOST SEEMS TO STUTTER AS IF THE ABS BRAKES ARE ENGAGING, BUT DOESN'T FEEL LIKE THEY ARE WORKING. I THOUGHT IT WAS MY INEXPERIENCE WITH THE BRAKING SYSTEM AND COMPUTER SOFTWARE IN THE PRIUS, BUT I AM REALIZING NOW THAT IT COULD POSSIBLY BE A POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE FOR ME. *TR

NHTSA #: 10305649
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
Filed: Feb 2010

MY 2009 PRIUS, WHICH I LEASED IN NOVEMBER OF 2008, HAS HAD BRAKE PROBLEMS SINCE THE DAY I DROVE IT HOME. OCCASIONALLY THE BRAKE WILL CATCH (WHEN APPLIED), THEN RELEASE, THEN CATCH AGAIN. I'VE REPORTED IT TO TOYOTA 3 TIMES AND TOLD EACH TIME BY THE SERVICE DEPT THAT THEY CAN'T FIND ANYTHING. IT HAPPENED AS RECENTLY AS 3 WEEKS AGO, WHILE TRAVELING 70 MPH ON A HIGHWAY IN ARIZONA IN 22 DEGREE WEATHER. IT WAS A LITTLE SCARY TO SAY THE LEAST. I CAN'T GET TOYOTA TO RESPOND TO MY INQUIRY - AND HAVEN'T DRIVEN THE CAR SINCE. *TR

NHTSA #: 10305656
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Feb 2010

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHENEVER THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ENGAGED WHILE DECREASING THE SPEED DRIVEN, THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD AND ACCELERATED. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT WHEN THE ELECTRICAL ENGINE SWITCHED TO THE GASOLINE ENGINE IT WAS NORMAL FOR THE VEHICLE TO LUNGE FORWARD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MALFUNCTION OCCURS FREQUENTLY WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ENGAGED. THE DEALER HAS NOT DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,500.

NHTSA #: 10305702
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
Filed: Feb 2010

WHEN BRAKING ON ROUGH ROAD, LIKE WHEN YOU HIT A SMALL POTHOLE, OUR 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS HANDLES IMPROPERLY. THE "SLIP INDICATOR" LIGHT FLASHES. IT BRIEFLY FEELS LIKE THERE IS A LOSS OF CONTROL. *TR

NHTSA #: 10305768
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
Filed: Feb 2010

I OWN A 2009 PRIUS AND ANYTIME THAT I APPLY THE BRAKES AND HIT A POTHOLE OR ANY RAISED OBJECT ON THE ROADWAY THE VEHICLE SKIDS OR ACCELERATES FORWARD. THE PRIUS WAS PURCHASED IN FEBRUARY OF 2009. THIS FAILURE OCCURS EVERYTIME I HIT A POTHOLE, MANHOLE COVER OR ANY RAISED OBJECT IN THE ROAD WHILE BRAKING. WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURS THE YELLOW SKID WARNING LIGHT IN THE DASHBOARD ILLUMINATES. I HAVE NO CONTROL OVER THE AUTOMOBILE WHILE THIS FAILURE IS OCCURRING. *TR

NHTSA #: 10305789
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
Filed: Feb 2010

I BOUGHT A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS IN MARCH 2009. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHILE BRAKING OVER ROUGH ROADWAYS, THE BRAKES HAVE SEEMED TO SKIP (AND THE ABS DASHBOARD LIGHT COMES ON). MY WIFE HAS ALSO EXPERIENCED THE SAME ISSUE SEVERAL TIMES. WHILE WE INITIALLY THOUGHT IT WAS DUE TO THE ROAD CONDITIONS, AFTER THE ANNOUNCEMENTS REGARDING THE BRAKE ISSUE WITH THE 2010 MODEL, I HAD TO REPORT THAT THIS ISSUE IS ALSO PRESENT IN MY 2009 MODEL. *TR

NHTSA #: 10305754
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
Filed: Feb 2010

THE BRAKES ON MY 2009 PRIUS ARE DANGEROUS. WHEN I GO OVER A BUMP OR ROUGH PART IN THE ROAD, I CAN FEEL THE PEDAL ROLL UNDER MY FOOT AND IT FEELS LIKE I MOMENTARILY LOSE CONTROL OF THE BRAKES. *TR

NHTSA #: 10305721
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
Filed: Feb 2010

MY 2009 PRIUS CONSISTENTLY EXPERIENCES LOCKING BRAKES WHEN SMALL BUMPS ARE HIT. I CAN RECREATE THIS ISSUE CONSISTENTLY ON SPECIFIC ROADS. *TR

NHTSA #: 10305831
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC,TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
CrashFiled: Feb 2010

APPLYING LIGHT TO MODERATE PRESSURE ON THE BRAKING PEDAL OF MY 2009 PRIUS WHILE SIMULTANEOUSLY GOING OVER A POTHOLE AT LOW TO MODERATE SPEED (SUCH AS IN TRAFFIC) CAUSES THE BRAKING SYSTEM TO RELEASE AND THE CAR WILL FAIL TO STOP. REMOVING PRESSURE FROM THE PEDAL AND REAPPLYING PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL USUALLY REGAINS BRAKING FUNCTION BUT CAUSES A FEW SECONDS OF LOST BRAKING. THIS IS EASILY REPEATABLE AND FREQUENTLY OCCURS IN THE SAME SPOTS ON A DAILY COMMUTE FOR THE PAST YEAR I HAVE OWNED THIS CAR. ON TWO OCCASIONS SOON AFTER PURCHASING THE CAR IN OCTOBER 2008 I WAS STILL UNFAMILIAR WITH THIS BRAKING "QUIRK" AND REAR ENDED TWO SEPARATE CARS ON DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. THERE WAS MINOR DAMAGE TO BOTH BUMPERS OF THE VEHICLES. BOTH OCCASIONS WERE IN HEAVY TRAFFIC TRAVELING UNDER 10 MILES PER HOUR, ATTEMPTING TO BRAKE WITH UNWITTINGLY HITTING A POTHOLE AT THE SAME MOMENT.*TR

NHTSA #: 10305835
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Feb 2010

THE PROBLEM IS THAT OUR 2009 PRIUS AT TIMES SEEMS TO ACCELERATE MOMENTARILY WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED. MY WIFE AND I DROVE THIS CAR FOR ELEVEN MONTHS AND DIDN'T REALIZE WE HAD A PROBLEM UNTIL I HAD TO DRIVE THE CAR DURING THE START OF THE SNOW STORM WITH 2" OF SNOW. I WAS GOING DOWN A HILL THAT I HAVE DRIVEN ON IN DIFFERENT CARS A NUMBER OF TIMES IN THE SNOW. WITH THE PRIUS, EVERYTIME I APPLIED BRAKES TO KEEP THE CAR AT SLOW SPEED , IT SEEMED TO ACCELERATE A BIT BEFORE THE BRAKES WOULD WORK, THEREBY CAUSING THE REAR OF THE CAR TO SLIDE SIDEWAYS. THE LOSS OF CONTROL WAS OF GREAT CONCERN TO ME (I HAD MY WIFE AND GRANDDAUGHTER IN THE CAR). SO I INCHED DOWN THE HILL. A CONSIDERABLE NUMBER OF CARS BACKED UP BEHIND OUR CAR. SINCE THEN I HAVE NOTICED THE MOMENTARY ACCELERATION BEFORE BREAKING ON A NUMBER OF OCCASIONS IN DRY WEATHER AS WELL.. TODAY, I TOOK THE CAR INTO NEWARK TOYOTA WORLD IN DELAWARE AND EXPLAINED THE PROBLEM TO THEM, INCLUDING THE SERVICE MANAGER. THEY DROVE THE CAR AND SAID THEY RAN THE DIAGNOSTICS BUT COULDN'T FIND THE PROBLEM. I AM SORRY BUT, TO ME, THAT'S NOT SATISFACTORY BECAUSE NEITHER MY WIFE NOR I TRUST THIS CAR IN INCLEMENT WEATHER. SOMEONE SHOULD LOOK INTO THIS PROBLEM BEFORE SOMETHING SERIOUS HAPPENS. *JB

NHTSA #: 10306085
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Feb 2010

2009 PRIUS - I'VE HAD WHAT FELT LIKE THE CAR WAS RECOVERING FROM A SKID BUT THERE WAS NO SKID. DURING THIS TIME I SOMETIMES SEE THE SKID WARNING LIGHT ON AND HEAR ONE WHEEL SPINNING FAST. IT OCCURS VERY RARELY BUT WHEN IT DOES OCCUR THE ROAD IS WET OR BUMPY. AN EASY WAY TO SEE THIS PROBLEM IS TO DRIVE DOWN THE FDR NORTH OF THE TRIBORO BRIDGE. IF YOU WANT A TEST TRACK OF BUMPS THIS IS IT. IT HAS OCCURRED RANDOMLY SINCE I GOT THE CAR. A FRIEND WITH A 2004 PRIUS REPORTS THE SAME PROBLEM. I GUESS WE JUST THOUGHT IT WAS SOMETHING THE PRIUS DID. I HAVEN'T THOUGHT OF IT AS A SAFETY PROBLEM. *JB *TR

NHTSA #: 10306116
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Feb 2010

I OWN A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS AND AM EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH BRAKING THAT THE 2010 PRIUS' ARE HAVING. WHEN BRAKING ON AN UNEVEN OR BUMPY SURFACE, IT SEEMS LIKE THERE IS A MOMENTARY PAUSE OR HESITATION. *JB

NHTSA #: 10306107
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Feb 2010

MY 2009 PRUIS HAD A BRAKING PROBLEM I TOOK IT BACK TO DEALER I TOLD THEM I THOUGHT IT WAS A SOFTWARE PROBLEM AND IT CAUSED MY CAR TO SPIN OUT ON A WET ROAD IT IS FIXED NOW AND HAS NOT DONE IT AGAIN. *JB

NHTSA #: 10306101
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Feb 2010

I HAVE READ ABOUT THE BRAKE ISSUES WITH THE GEN 3 2010 TOYOTA PRIUS. MY GEN 2 2009 PRIUS HAS THE EXACT SAME ISSUES WITH BRAKES RELEASING AFTER DRIVING OVER A POTHOLE. I CAN DEMONSTRATE THIS ISSUE TO ANYONE AT WILL ANY DAY OF THE WEEK. IT IS QUITE EASY TO REPRODUCE. THERE IS A POTHOLE NEAR MY WORK THAT I DRIVE OVER OFTEN AND THERE IS A TRAFFIC LIGHT SHORTLY AFTER THE POTHOLE. IF THE LIGHT CHANGES AND THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME BRAKES FOR THE LIGHT, I HAVE COME VERY CLOSE TO CRASHING INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME SEVERAL TIMES. I HAVE LEARNED TO LEAVE AN EXTRA AMOUNT OF SPACE BETWEEN ME AND THE CAR IN FRONT TO ALLOW FOR THIS SITUATION. BUT THAT ONLY WORKS FOR POTHOLES THAT I KNOW ARE THERE. A NEW OR UNKNOWN POTHOLE IS STILL A DANGER. THIS REALLY NEEDS TO BE FIXED AS I SAID, I CAN DEMONSTRATE THIS ISSUE AT WILL TO ANYONE WHO DOESN'T BELIEVE IT. *JB

NHTSA #: 10306159
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Feb 2010

2009 TOYOTA PRIUS - DELAYED BRAKING HAS BEEN EXPERIENCED SEVERAL TIMES. SEEMS TO BE RELATED TO HARD BRAKING. IT ONLY LAST ABOUT A SECOND BUT IS VERY UNLIKE ANY OTHER CAR I HAVE DRIVEN. I HAD PASSED IT OFF AS JUST SOMETHING WEIRD BUT THEN I HEARD OTHERS DESCRIBE IT ON THE TV AND I SAID THAT HAPPENED TO ME TOO!" AS A SAFETY ENGINEER IN THE AEROSPACE INDUSTRY, IT DOES SEEM TO BE RELATED TO THE DELAY FROM SWITCHING FROM REGULAR BRAKING TO HYDRAULIC BRAKING...SOMETIMES IT SEEMS TO SWITCH IN A WEIRD WAY. *JB

NHTSA #: 10306177
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Filed: Feb 2010

WHILE CROSSING A SMALL BRIDGE OVER AN EXPRESSWAY, APPLYING BRAKES AT THE POINT OF BUMPY TRANSITION CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO LURCH FORWARD FOR APPROXIMATELY ONE SECOND. THIS CAUSED A SUDDEN PANIC, BUT NO OTHER EFFECTS. THIS IS THE SECOND OCCURRENCE AT THE EXACT SAME BRIDGE TRANSITION AND BUMP OVER THE COURSE OF 8 MONTHS. THERE ARE NO RECOGNIZABLE SIDE EFFECTS. THIS HAS NOT BEEN REPORTED TO THE DEALER, NOR TO THE COMPANY. *TR

NHTSA #: 10304383
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
Filed: Feb 2010

AT ALL SPEEDS BELOW 15MPH, THE PRIUS' ELECTRICAL BRAKING SYSTEM "PULSES" THE BRAKES RESULTING IN A DECELERATION THAT IS NOT SMOOTH. THE EFFECT IS SIMILAR TO THAT YOU MIGHT EXPECT AS THE TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFTS. BUT...THE TRANSMISSION EFFECT CAN BE ELIMINATED SINCE THE BRAKE PULSING EFFECT REMAINS AFTER THE VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSION WAS PLACED IN NEUTRAL AND THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE LOCAL ALBUQUERQUE PRIUS DEALERSHIP INDICATED THIS PULSING IS "NORMAL" FOR THE PRIUS. ON SLIPPERY PAVEMENT, THIS EFFECT COULD BE DEADLY. THE BRAKING SHOULD BE SMOOTH THROUGHOUT THE BRAKING CYCLE. IT IS NOT. DISREGARD DATE - THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA #: 10304480
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Feb 2010

DRIVING CAR ON LOS ANGELES FREEWAY DURING A GENTLE RAIN. I WAS GOING SLOW AND A CAR CUT IN FRONT OF ME AND WHEN I WENT TO BRAKE, THE CAR BEGAN TO ACCELERATE. TOOK CAR TO HAMER TOYOTA IN MISSION HILLS AND THEY TESTED THE CAR AND SAID THE BRAKES WERE FINE. TODAY'S HEADLINES THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON THAT IS EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM MAKES ME ALL THE MORE CONCERNED. *TR

NHTSA #: 10304694
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Feb 2010

I HAVE A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS, AND THE BRAKES DO NOT ALWAYS ENGAGE. THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL INSTANCES WHERE I FELT THAT THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP, ONE TIME I EVEN ENGAGED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP IT FROM GOING INTO MY GARAGE WALL. I HAVE HAD IT INTO MY DEALER ABOUT 4 TIMES, AND EACH TIME THEY HAVEN'T FOUND ANY PROBLEM AND THAT "IT IS JUST THE WAY THE CAR WORKS" .*TR

NHTSA #: 10304690
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
Filed: Feb 2010

2009 PRIUS BRAKE FAILURE IN LESS THAN 1" SNOW COVERED ROAD. CAR SLID TO STOP WITH NO BRAKE CONTROL. PEDESTRIAN IN ROAD UNINJURED BECAUSE THEY MOVED OUT OF CAR PATH!! SECOND TIME NO BRAKE CONTROL IN SNOW. CAR HAD BEEN RECENTLY INSPECTED WITH NO BRAKE FINDINGS. WILL NO LONGER DRIVE CAR IN SNOW UNTIL REMEDIED. *TR

NHTSA #: 10304721
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
CrashFiled: Feb 2010

BRIGHAM PHYSICIAN KILLED IN CAR CRASH TOP INTERNIST WAS LOVED BY PATIENTS, HOSPITAL'S STAFF SHE WAS A MOTHER, WIFE, DOCTOR, AND SUPERVISOR. GLOBE STAFF / APRIL 23, 2009 EMAIL| PRINT| SINGLE PAGE| YAHOO! BUZZ| SHARETHISTEXT SIZE ' + THE POPULAR MEDICAL DIRECTOR OF A MAJOR PHYSICIANS' GROUP AT BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL DIED TUESDAY AFTER SHE WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD-ON CAR CRASH NEAR HER HOME IN NEEDHAM. POLICE AND RELATIVES SAID IT APPEARED THAT AN INTERNIST WHO FOR THE PAST 27 YEARS SERVED AS MEDICAL DIRECTOR OF BRIGHAM INTERNAL MEDICINE ASSOCIATES, CROSSED INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC SHORTLY BEFORE 6 P.M. AS SHE WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK IN HER 2007 TOYOTA PRIUS ON GREENDALE AVENUE. THE 60-YEAR-OLD RELATIVELY SMALL HYBRID CAR COLLIDED WITH A TOYOTA SEQUOIA. THE WOMAN WHO WAS DRIVING THE SPORT UTILITY VEHICLE AND HER TWO PASSENGERS SUFFERED INJURIES THAT WERE NOT LIFE-THREATENING, POLICE SAID. THEIR NAMES WERE NOT RELEASED. INVESTIGATORS SAID IT DOES NOT APPEAR THAT SPEED OR ALCOHOL PLAYED A ROLE IN THE CRASH, BUT POLICE SAID THEY ARE INVESTIGATING WHETHER SHE WAS USING HER BLACKBERRY AT THE TIME. THE SPEED LIMIT ON THE ROAD IS 40 MILES PER HOUR. THEY ALSO SAID IT DOES NOT APPEAR THAT SHE WAS WEARING A SEAT BELT. THE THREE IN THE SEQUOIA WERE WEARING SEAT BELTS. *TR

NHTSA #: 10304779
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Feb 2010

ACCELERATION OF 2009 PRIUS WHEN BRAKING AND HIT A POTHOLE. *TR

NHTSA #: 10304939
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
Filed: Feb 2010

I HAVE A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS HYBRID . OCCASIONALLY WHEN I STEP ON THE BRAKE THE CAR DOES NOT STOP IMMEDIATELY EVEN AT SLOW SPEEDS WHEN BRAKING. I NOW HIT THE BRAKES ABOUT 10 FEET BEFORE A STOP SIGN OR LIGHT, SO I WONT GO INTO THE ONCOMING LANE. I HAVE NOT TAKEN IT IN TO GET LOOKED AT YET. *TR

NHTSA #: 10304961
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
Filed: Feb 2010

WAITING FOR MY HUSBAND AT HIS MOTHER'S ASSISTED LIVING RESIDENCE, I PUT MY 2009 PRIUS IN PARK MODE. DECIDING TO RETURN TO THE BLDG ENTRANCE, I PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE (OUT OF PARKING MODE) AND LET IT GO AT ITS OWN SPEED. MY FOOT NEVER TOUCHED THE ACCELERATOR. I WAS ABOUT TO TURN THE WHEEL TO REENTER THE ENTRANCE AREA, WHEN THE CAR STARTED TO ACCELERATE. I QUICKLY PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE BUT THE BRAKES DIDN'T WORK. I THEN SAW A WOMAN IN THE REAR VIEW MIRROR, ABOUT A FOOT FROM ME STANDING ON THE CURB IN FRONT OF THE BLDG'S GLASS FAADE. I TURNED THE WHEEL JUST MISSING HER AS WELL AS THE BLDG. FRANTICALLY PRESSING THE BRAKES WHILE THE CAR CONTINUED ACCELERATING MORE, I ALMOST WENT ON TO A BUSY ST. ACROSS FROM A MALL. SOMEHOW I SAVED MYSELF & OTHERS BY TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RT, REENTERING THE PROPERTY VIA A CURB CUT FOR WHEELCHAIRS, ETC. I MISSED HITTING A POLE BUT RAN OVER 2 TREES, WHICH THE CAR SEVERED & WHICH ABRUPTLY STOPPED THE CAR, JUST BEFORE HITTING A BRICK WALL. THIS ALL HAPPENED AT NIGHT, IN THE DARK, IN REVERSE.THE POLICEMAN & THE TOW TRUCK OPERATOR WERE INCREDULOUS HOW THE CAR GOT INTO THAT SPACE. IT WAS TOWED TO A NEARBY TOYOTA DEALER, WHERE THE BRAKES WERE PRONOUNCED "PERFECT". SO MY HUSBAND INSISTED I BE CHECKED OUT. WHILE RELATING THE INCIDENT TO THE DOCTOR, THE DR. GOOGLED "PRIUS BRAKE/ACCELERATION PROBLEMS" & FOUND MANY & PRINTED 1 OF A 2009 PRIUS WHERE THE DRIVER ENCOUNTERED 3 SUCH OCCURRENCES "DUE TO A COMBINATION OF MYSTERIOUS ACCELERATION AND LOSS OF BRAKES". THE DR. WAS CERTAIN I WAS THE 'VICTIM", BUT SUGGESTED I HAVE AN MRI "TO BE SURE"--WHICH I DID & I'M FINE. THAT I WAS IN CONTROL IN A TOTALLY UNCONTROLLABLE SITUATION AT NIGHT WITH A CAR IN REVERSE, WHERE I ALMOST KILLED SOMEONE & POSSIBLY KILLED OR HURT OTHERS, INCLUDING MYSELF, AND DONE CONSIDERABLE DAMAGE ALONG THE WAY IS A MIRACLE AND THE CULPRIT, I'M CONVINCED, IS/WAS A "GLITCH" IN THE CAR'S COMPUTER. *TR

NHTSA #: 10304951
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
Filed: Feb 2010

MY COMPANY PROVIDES FOR ME A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS AND IT HAS BEEN MY PRIMARY VEHICLE FOR THE PAST 36,000 MILES. I'VE NOTICED BRAKING ISSUES EVER SINCE I GOT IT BRAND NEW AT THE DEALERSHIP. THE BRAKES NORMALLY WORK EXCEPTIONALLY WELL. THIS CAR STOPS EXTREMELY WELL UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS. HOWEVER, IF WHILE BRAKING, I HIT ANY TYPE OF BUMP OR HOLE OR ANY RUMBLE STRIPS OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT, THE CAR FEELS LIKE THE BRAKES JUST GO AWAY. SOMETIMES IT EVEN FEELS LIKE THE CAR BEGINS TO ACCELERATE FOR A BRIEF MOMENT! AGAIN, THIS ONLY HAPPENS IF I HIT A POTHOLE, BUMP, ETC. IT HAPPENS ENOUGH THAT I'VE THOUGHT OF SETTING UP AN EXPERIMENT OF RUNNING OVER A WHOLE ROW OF RUMBLE STRIPS JUST TO SEE IF THE CAR WOULD STOP AT ALL. IT'S ALMOST LIKE THE CAR WON'T BEGIN TO STOP UNTIL IT'S ON SMOOTH PAVEMENT AGAIN AFTER THE BUMPY PART. IT'S UNFORTUNATE BECAUSE UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS THE PRIUS HAS EXCELLENT STOPPING POWER, IN MY OPINION. ANYWAY, THAT'S ABOUT IT. I CAN'T EXPLAIN IT MUCH BETTER THAN THAT. *TR

NHTSA #: 10304943
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
CrashFiled: Dec 2009

ON DEC 11, 2009, I WAS DRIVING DOWN A STREET IN CAMBRIDGE, MA (I HAD A COWORKER IN THE CAR) AND WE WERE IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC AT A STOP LIGHT. THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME CRAWLED UP TO APPROACH THE LIGHT AFTER SEVERAL CARS HAD GONE THROUGH-THEN STOPPED @ THE RED LIGHT. I PROCEEDED TO DO THE SAME. WHEN I APPLIED MY BRAKES TO STOP THERE WAS NO RESPONSE, SO I PRESSED DOWN HARDER-STILL NO RESPONSE. I THEN BEGAN TO PUMP MY BRAKES TO AVOID THE ACCIDENT BUT THERE WAS STILL NO RESPONSE FROM THE BRAKING SYSTEM. IF THE BRAKING SYSTEM HAD NOT FAILED I WOULD HAVE MORE THAN ENOUGH RESPONSE TIME AND DISTANCE TO STOP BUT MY CAR KEPT @ A STEADY SPEED AND ENDED UP REAR ENDING THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. NO ONE WAS INJURED BUT THERE WAS MINOR DAMAGE TO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME AND $1800 DAMAGE TO MY CAR. I'VE HAD OTHER INSTANCE WHERE I'VE HIT POTHOLES IN THE PAST WHILE SLOWING DOWN- AND THE BRAKE SYSTEM WOULD STOP MOMENTARILY FROM WORKING. I WORK IN THE BOSTON AREA- WHERE I'M CONSTANTLY IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. I'VE EXPERIENCED 2 PREVIOUS TIMES SLIGHT BRAKE DELAY-WHICH I'VE COMPENSATED FOR AND GIVE MYSELF MORE ROOM BETWEEN MY CAR AND THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. IN ADDITION THERE WAS ONE INSTANCE 4MONTHS AGO WHERE I WAS COMING TO A STOP- AND I HEARD ONE OF THE MOTORS (I'M ASSUMING THE ELECTRIC B/C IT CHARGES AS YOU STOP) REV UP AND MY CAR JILTED FORWARD- AS IF I HAD STEPPED ON THE GAS BUT I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE THE WHOLE TIME. THAT WAS THE ONLY INSTANCE OF THAT. I'VE HAD MY CAR SINCE APRIL 2009 AND WHEN THE TWO INSTANCES OF BRAKE DELAY OCCURRED, I HAD THE TOYOTA SERVICE CENTER CHECK MY BRAKES AND THEY CAME BACK STATING THEY WERE FINE. AFTER THE ACCIDENT I DID REPORT THE FAILURE TO TOYOTA AND HAVE YET TO HEAR FROM THEM ABOUT IT. I WOULD LIKE TO NOTE THAT THERE ARE SEVERAL SITES ONLINE WITH CUSTOMERS COMPLAINING ABOUT BRAKE FAILING/DELAYING AT SPEEDS LESS THAN 20MPH. *TR

NHTSA #: 10297496
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
Filed: Jun 2009

HI THERE, I RENTED A NEW 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS. A COUPLE OF DAYS AGO AS I WAS DRIVING IN ONE OF THE INSIDE STREETS IN A NEIGHBORHOOD, I GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT EVEN THOUGH I WAS DRIVING WITH A LOW SPEED OF 15-20 MPH I REAR ENDED A CAR THAT SLAMMED ON THEIR BRAKES ALL OF A SUDDEN. I SLAMMED HARD ON MY BRAKES AND IT SKIDDED A LITTLE AND HIT THE VAN REAR END BUMPER AHEAD OF ME. THE ACCIDENT DID A QUITE A BIT OF DAMAGE TO MY RENTAL PRIUS. THE FRONT BUMPER OF THE CAR IS COMPLETELY DESTROYED AND WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED. I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO HERTZ AND THEY SWAPPED THE CAR; I TOLD HERTZ TO CHECK THE BRAKES THOROUGHLY; BECAUSE THERE IS A DEFINITELY A PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES AT LOW SPEED. PLEASE HELP. EVEN THOUGH MY INSURANCE COMPANY WILL TAKE CARE OF THE DAMAGE; I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THE OTHER PEOPLE IN THE SAME SITUATION OF LOW SPEED AND BRAKES DO NOT WORK. *TR

NHTSA #: 10274129
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Filed: Jun 2009

I AM WRITING TO LET YOU KNOW OF A PROBLEM I AM EXPERIENCING WITH A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS THAT I PURCHASED NEW JUST ONE WEEK AGO AND WHICH STILL HAS LESS THAN 500 MILES ON IT. A COUPLE OF DAYS AGO I WAS APPROACHING A STOP AT AN INTERSECTION, IN TOWN WHERE MY SPEED HAD BEEN ONLY ABOUT 15 MPH. WHILE MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE, JUST PRIOR TO A FULL STOP, THE CAR ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. I KEPT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, PRESSING HARD, AND THE BRAKE EVENTUALLY OVERRODE THE ACCELERATOR AND STOPPED. LOOKING AT THE DASH I SAW THAT THE ABS BRAKE LIGHT FLASHED ON BRIEFLY. IT WAS A SUNNY DAY, NO RAIN, NO SLICK SURFACE. NO ONE WAS IN FRONT OF ME, SO NO DAMAGE TO ME OR ANYONE ELSE. ANOTHER INCIDENT HAPPENED THIS MORNING IN MY GARAGE. I GOT INTO THE PRIUS, FOOT ON THE BRAKE, PUSHED THE POWER BUTTON, AND THEN A MOMENT LATER, STILL IN PARK, I FELT A SURGE. THE CAR DID NOT LUNGE FORWARD, BUT I STRONGLY FELT THE REVVING AND SURGE OF POWER, AND THE CAR LIFTED FROM THE POWER. THESE INCIDENTS CAUSED ME TO SEARCH THE WEB FOR SIMILAR EXPERIENCE OF OTHERS, AND I HAVE FOUND MANY, SOME WITH SEVERE CONSEQUENCES. I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO ADD THAT IN HINDSIGHT I REALIZE THAT TWO OTHER THINGS I HAVE NOTICED ABOUT THE BRAKES MIGHT BE IMPORTANT TO RELATE. I SOMETIMES HEAR A SLIGHT GRINDING DISK SOUND WHEN I BRAKE, AND I HAVE ON A FEW OCCASIONS NOTICED THAT THE BRAKES ARE SKIPPING AND THE ABS ENGAGING, AS IF I WERE ON A SLIPPERY OR GRAVELED SURFACE. YET THAT WAS NEVER THE CASE; THE ROAD CONDITIONS WERE DRY AND TAR WAS IN GOOD CONDITION. I KNOW THIS BECAUSE I LOOKED BACK EACH TIME TO SEE WHAT MIGHT HAVE CAUSED THE BRAKES TO ACT STRANGELY. THERE WAS NO APPARENT CAUSE. IN RETROSPECT, AFTER HAVING EXPERIENCED THE ACCELERATION AT THE STOP SIGN, I REALIZE THAT THESE OTHER ODD BRAKING ISSUES MIGHT BE SYMPTOMS OF THE BIGGER BRAKING ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA #: 10273020
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
CrashFiled: Mar 2009

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH INTO A PARKING SPACE, THE BRAKES DID NOT WORK WHEN THE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS, THE VEHICLE STRUCK A GARAGE DOOR AND THE CONTACT REAR-ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE DUE TO THE BRAKE FAILURE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE DEALER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. CURRENTLY, THE VEHICLE IS IN THE REPAIR SHOP FOR THE BODY DAMAGE, NOT FOR THE BRAKES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 1,200.

NHTSA #: 10263612
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
CrashFiled: Feb 2009

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH ON A LIGHTLY SNOW COVERED ROAD SURFACE, THE BRAKES DID NOT RESPOND WHEN THE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SLOW DOWN. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT CRASHED ONTO THE CURB IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER WAS UNINJURED, BUT THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED SEVERE DAMAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION, BUT THEY COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE IS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 480. FOUR DAYS AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE CONSUMERS WAS HEADING DOWN A GENTLE INCLINE TOWARD A TRAFFIC LIGHT AT AN INTERSECTION SHORTLY AFTER A LIGHT SNOWFALL, THE STREET WAS WET, BUT THERE WAS NO ICE ON THE ROAD. AS SHE BRAKED TO SLOW DOWN, SHE NOTICED THERE WAS NO DECELERATION AND CONTINUED TO PRESS DOWN ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TO NO AVAIL. TO AVOID CRASHING INTO OTHER CARS, SHE VEERED SHARPLY TO THE RIGHT INTO A CURB AND CAME TO A STOP. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE WHEEL, AXLE AND UNDERCARRIAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND AFTER THE INSPECTION, THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER IMPLIED THE SHE MUST HAVE APPLIED THE BRAKES INCORRECTLY AND WAS NOT ACCUSTOMED TO ABS. A FEW MONTHS LATER ON ANOTHER WET RAINY DAY, THERE WAS A SIMILAR INCIDENT OF BRAKE FAILURE. UPDATED 04/15/10.*JB

NHTSA #: 10259676

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