2016 Toyota Prius service brakes problems
This is a safety-related system. If you notice symptoms, stop driving and have it inspected.
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 wa…”
NHTSA complaint · filed 06/29/2026
“Second time !!!! during ownership of car that brakes fail. Same problem as before Brake Actuator/Booster Failures: Multiple reports indicate issues with the ABS actuator or brake booster pump, leading to warning lights ("Braking power low", "ABS system malfunction").”
NHTSA complaint · filed 05/12/2026
“Car was driving fine one day and then while driving down the interstate I had the Pre collision system malfunction error, Brake light came on, Cruise will not operate, ABS light is on. After much research it seems Prius V has a common issue with brake booster faulting.”
NHTSA complaint · filed 04/29/2025
“We were driving in San Diego and had driven oven a bit pothole. About 50 miles after driving over the pothole, the brakes stopped working. We were pressing down hard on the brake, but the brake was soft and did not do its job. We almost rear ended the car in front of us. We brought the car right away to a close by auto shop and they said there were no leaks as the brake fluid was still close to the max and they did not find any indication of a brake fluid leak and sent us on our way. We are stil…”
NHTSA complaint · filed 06/05/2024
“While driving vehicle on the freeway it stated braking power low, stop in a safe place, antilock brake system malfunction, pre-collision system malfunction, lane departure alert malfunction. I was almost in a major scary accident.”
NHTSA complaint · filed 04/24/2024
“WHEN PUTTING THE CAR IN PARK AND THEN ENGAGING THE FOOT PARKING BRAKE ON A SLOPE, SUCH AS MY DRIVEWAY, AND THEN TURNING OFF THE CAR, THE CAR ROLLS BACK SIGNIFICANTLY. THEN, WHILE EXITING THE CAR, THE REAR BRAKES MAKE LOUD GRINDING AND CREAKY NOISES AS THE CAR SETTLES DOWNWARDS SLIGHTLY. THEN, WHEN ENTERING THE CAR, THE BRAKES MAKE THE SAME CREAKY AND GRINDING SOUNDS. WHEN HOLDING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO POWER ON THE CAR, THEN DISENGAGING THE FOOT PARKING BRAKE, THEN SHIFTING THE CAR FROM PARK TO …”
NHTSA complaint · filed 04/21/2021
“VEHICLE HAS CLICKING NOISE WHEN WE PUSH THE BREAK PADDLE. THIS IS THE SECOND VEHICLE THAT I GOT FROM TOYOTA WHICH HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. THE COMPANY KEPT THE FIRST VEHICLE AND THEN GIVE ME THIS ONE AFTER THE TRADE IN.”
NHTSA complaint · filed 12/18/2019
“WHEN I AM IN THE PROCESS OF BRAKING AND HIT A ROUGH SPOT IN THE ROAD SUCH AS A POTHOLE, I ESSENTIALLY LOSE CONTROL OF THE CAR FOR A SPLIT SECOND. IT FEELS JERKY LIKE IT LURCHES FORWARD OR SHAKES SIDE TO SIDE. ITS NOT VERY PRONOUNCED BUT ENOUGH TO MAKE ME FEEL UNSAFE. THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME I AM BRAKING AND RUN OVER POTHOLES, SO ITS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT THAT ONLY HAPPENED ON ONE DAY, AND IT DOESN'T MATTER HOW HARD I'M BRAKING OR HOW FAST I'M GOING UNLESS I'M BARELY MOVING (THEN IT DOESN'T…”
NHTSA complaint · filed 02/21/2019
Unverified owner reports from NHTSA's public complaint database.
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- How common are 2016 Toyota Prius service brakes problems?
- 23 owners reported service brakes issues to NHTSA for the 2016 Toyota Prius, 2 involving a crash. Counts scale with how many were sold.
- Is there a recall for 2016 Toyota Prius service brakes problems?
- No matching recall is on file. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest.