Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2014 Toyota Prius owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2014 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to slow down as intended with the brake pedal depressed. The ABS warning light was occasionally illuminated. The vehicle was pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway and restarted. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the brake master cylinder, brake booster, and brake lines needed to be replaced. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to an undisclosed recall; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 152,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to stop or decelerate as intended while the brake pedal was depressed. The ABS and service brake warning lights were illuminated. The contact added brake fluid; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was taken to a local Auto Zone, where it was scanned with an OBD2 scanner and DTC: C1391; was retrieved. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the failure was related to an unidentified Toyota Campaign; however, the warranty had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 92,802.
The contact owns a 2014 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that the ABS and the traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the brake master cylinder needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic and was diagnosed, and it was determined that the brake booster had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, one day later, both warning lights returned. The vehicle was returned to the mechanic and air was blown into the hydraulic valves and the other valves were cleaned; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to stop the vehicle, the brake pedal was stiff and would not depress easily, requiring exhaustive effort to depress and bring the vehicle to a complete stop. The brake, traction control, and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a brake booster and brake pump assembly failure. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 116,000. The VIN was not available.
The contact owns a 2014 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the brake master cylinder and the brake booster pump assembly had failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.
Was at Toyota dealership looking at 2023 Prius and 2023 Corolla Cross for daughter. I decided to leave and when I started backing up, my daughter noticed the Brake, ABS and Anti-Skid lights all came on at once. She asked if that was normal. It was not. A few minutes later, they stated flashing, then went out after I turned the car off. I live over an hour away and decided to drive it to Walmart, which is approximately 2 miles from the dealership and upon getting into the Walmart parking lot the lights started flashing again and upon applying the brakes, we heard a loud grinding sound. We didn't think we were going to be able to stop! I immediately parked it and called my husband to tell him our horror story and to come pick us up. Our prayers were answered when he came and we were able to drive it slowly to the dealer. It was a cold rainy night to be on the road with braking issues. …
The ABS and traction control system in my 2014 Toyota Prius 4 are not functioning. They ABS light an the traction control lights are both on. I work in the automotive industry and I used a code reader to pull the codes and got a C1391 which is a brake booster and brake booster pump. That means either the brake booster has failed or the master cylinder is leaking. I contacted Gosche Toyota in Hemet and after waiting for a service writer to contact me (which they never did) I called 5 times till I finally got someone on the phone. They were very familiar with the problem. The problem is so common that SOME vehicles have been recalled. But for others like mine only a "Customer Support Program" was made. That program covers repair "if the parts are available" only for 10 years or 150,000 miles whichever comes first. …
Brake Booster Assembly in my 2014 Toyota Prius began cycling more often than usual in December 2023. By March 2024 it began cycling approximately every 30 seconds. Randomly while stopped or parked, there would be four warning lights illuminated on the dash - SLIP indicator, both Brake System Warning Lights - the word "Brake" and the "((!))", and ABS Warning Light. By June 2024, I would also randomly lose stopping power & a great distance was necessary to stop the vehicle. I took the Prius into my local Toyota Service Center where it was recommended both the Brake Booster Pump and Brake Booster Actuator be replaced. When I brought up Toyota's Customer Support Program for which my Prius is eligible in terms of age, mileage, and symptoms, I was told a DTC is required to verify the issue. …
Yesterday, while driving on the interstate, all of the brake related warning lights on my dashboard lit up- ABS, traction control, brake, caution)- causing me concern, so I looked for the next exit. While exiting and slowing, I noticed my brakes felt different and were not as responsive as usual. I called my mechanic and cautiously headed to his shop a couple of miles away. Today, I met with him and found out that there is a leak in the brake booster line, but the extent of the problem is yet to be determined. I immediately did an internet search for my model year and found that there was a safety campaign on other Toyota hybrids for that year, so I called the Toyota customer service number. …
I was driving on the freeway, and a few lights(including ABS, brake lights) all came on and a beeping noise started, as i immediately lost complete control of my brakes! That God it was late, and no cars were in front of me. The car slowed down as I removed my foot of the gas right away. I tried to pull over as soon as I heard the lights, and that's when I realized my brakes were completely gone! I was able to stop after about two miles; car stop on its own as it slowed down. Apparently, this was a major known issue and had warranty up to 150k miles. At the time of the incident, my car had about 165k miles. I had the car for years, and no one at the dealer ever mentioned anything about this or even tried to make me aware of it! I called the Toyota dealer and corporate number several times and they declined providing me with any help at all! …
NHTSA investigations
Brake Actuator Valve Wear
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received a petition dated September 19, 2023 from the owner of a 2012 Toyota Prius V requesting that ODI reevaluate its decision to deny DP19-004. In the letter, the petitioner reported experiencing an unexpected and complete loss of brake power while driving, accompanied by multiple dashboard warning lights.
Brake Actuator Valve Wear
On September 19, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a defect petition from Mr. Roger Hogan requesting that the Agency investigate and recall certain Toyota Prius, Prius PHV, Camry Hybrid and Avalon Hybrid vehicles for a brake actuator valve wear condition covered under Toyota Customer Support Programs ZJB and ZKK (subject CSP?s).
Brake complaints in other Prius years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2014 Toyota Prius?
NHTSA has 102 complaints about the brakes of the 2014 Toyota Prius, 49% of the model year's 209 complaints. The component named most often is foundation components › master cylinder (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2014 Toyota Prius brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2014 Toyota Prius, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2014 Toyota Prius brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles, and 41% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 15 crashes, 0 fires and 7 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.