Traction Control complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 | 7% | 13,000 miles |
| 2019 | 1 | 3% | 0 miles |
| 2017 | 1 | 1% | 27,000 miles |
| 2016 | 3 | 2% | 31,000 miles |
| 2015 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2014 | 9 | 4% | 100,000 miles |
| 2013 | 7 | 2% | 60,000 miles |
| 2012 | 8 | 2% | 106,000 miles |
| 2011 | 18 | 3% | 77,000 miles |
| 2010 | 92 | 3% | 10,000 miles |
| 2009 | 27 | 5% | 16,000 miles |
| 2008 | 79 | 5% | 30,000 miles |
| 2007 | 70 | 3% | 41,000 miles |
| 2006 | 32 | 2% | 35,000 miles |
| 2005 | 38 | 4% | 67,000 miles |
| 2004 | 12 | 2% | 45,000 miles |
| 2003 | 2 | 2% | 115,000 miles |
| 2002 | 3 | 2% | 241,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (electronic stability control and traction control).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while the vehicle was on and running, the ABS and traction control warning lights illuminated, and the messages "Braking Power Low - Stop in a Safe Place", "See Owner's Manual", "Braking Power Low - Visit the Dealer", and "ABS Malfunction - See Dealer" were displayed. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal was firm. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and DTC: C14B6 was retrieved, indicating that the brake booster needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired; however, the code was cleared. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where the information from the dealer was relayed that the brake booster needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,028.
While driving the vehicle started to shake from underneath fiercely, I called my mother who came and picked up the car she turned around and went back to my residence, while attempting to park in the garage the car started to roll down the driveway and the brakes wouldn't work, the car landed on the street. City of lancaster ca
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 car brakes failed at low speeds (10-15 MPH) and bumped into the car in front in a stop-and-go traffic on the wet freeway after a recent rain. The brake pedal went all the way down to touch the floor, as if the brake pedal was disengaged from the braking system and the ABS light did not turn on at the time of braking. The car was driving in the straight line and immediately before this I was able to successfully brake the car on the very same trip. So the problem is intermittent. This is the second time with this car, as my spouse also experienced the similar brake failure at even lower speeds (<10 MPH) resulting in touching the car in front and minor scratch on the bumper. It was a dry day then and almost similar circumstances. Associated geico claim number is 0423477190101054. We opened a case with Toyota to check the data recorder. Associated Toyota case number is 181112370.
Attempting to travel in my 2013 Prius five during xmas was driving and approaching a red and while trying to stop pedal went directly to floor and skid light went on and barely avoided what should be an easy stop!! Weather clear felt a drag and no coasting ability... Car has 21,000 miles and is in perfect appearance but far from in peak condition as this car from brand new had issues I got tired waiting for Toyota to fix. Cruise control, brakes, Bluetooth, engine wrapping sounds on startup, I am told the brake issue since new is now a 3,000+ repair and since it showed no code at dealer I would have to pay! Merry xmas Toyota! What is NHTSA waiting for??? I am shocked at both for inaction so I will make some call to my elected officials this has to be fixed. Toyota is becoming GM who would have figured?? …
My car has stopped running with all warning lights and hybrid system failure warning three times now. First time I was driving when lights came on but got to parking lot where it died. I was able to restart car after a couple of hours, still all warning lights and hybrid warning showing but was able to get it to dealership. Second time I was driving on small road and was able to get car to side of road. Again it started after a couple hours with all warnings lit and I was able to drive to dealership were it also died again but they started it later by resetting codes. Third time it stopped in driveway and I was unable to start it. Had it towed to dealership. First time. 12v battery was replaced and software update performed. Second two times ira Toyota dealership has sent me back out on the road to wait and see if it happens again.
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the brakes while the brake pedal was depressed. The brakes, the traction control, and the ABS warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with brake booster and master cylinder assembly failure. The vehicle was not repaired for the most recent failure. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,019.
On July 28, 2017, I was driving along with my three children. I pulled into a driveway to park my vehicle behind a parked vehicle. There was approximately a 2 foot span between the back of the vehicle and the front of my 2012 Toyota Prius. To the right of the parked vehicle was a parked truck. Being that I was pulling into a space to park my vehicle, I was traveling extremely slowly. I began to press on my brake to park the vehicle and instantly knew there was a problem. Upon depressing the brake, several lights began to flash within the dash to include but not limited to the ABS, warning light, and the light with vehicle swerve lines. Other lights were also flashing, but I do not recall each one. The brake pad instantly went straight to the floor with no pressure. The vehicle would not stop and continued to travel forward with acceleration. …
Frequently asked questions
Which Toyota Prius years have traction control problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2010 (92), 2008 (79), 2007 (70), 2005 (38) and 2006 (32) model years. Traction Control complaints make up 3% of all complaints for the 2010.
Is there a recall for Toyota Prius traction control problems?
No. NHTSA lists no stability & traction control recall for any Toyota Prius model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Toyota Prius traction control problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 37,000 miles; 61% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic (asc) (4 mentions).
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.