Diagsheet

2014 Toyota Prius · symptom sheet

Brake warning light stays on

  • 41owner reports
  • 120,000median miles
  • $3,100median quote
  • 0involved a crash

Newest report Sep 4, 2026 · checked Sep 19, 2026

41 of the 95 reports of brake wear on the 2014 Prius describe brake light on.

Part of Brakes grind, pulse or wear early (95 reports) · also: ABS light on

Tick what matches of 41 reports

4
1
33
8

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the master cylinder (8 reports).

Recalls and investigations

No recall on the brakes covers the 2014 model year as of Sep 19, 2026.

NHTSA investigations into the brakes on the Prius

DP23-005opened Nov 22, 2023
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · model years 2010 to 2015

Brake actuator valve wear. Open.

NHTSA summary
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. This petition is based on the petitioner's direct experience and assessment that ODI closed DP19-004 because its prompting petition was withdrawn by that petitioner. ODI will review the work conducted during DP19-004 and a review of any additional related complaints and crashes via a new defect petition The petition and related materials can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under the following ODI number:11553736.
DP19-004opened Sep 30, 2019
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · model years 2010 to 2015

Brake actuator valve wear. Closed jan 21, 2021.

NHTSA summary
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). In support of his request, the petitioner identified 117 NHTSA complaints allegedly related to the subject CSP condition, including 60 reporting crashes. On September 30, 2019, ODI opened Defect Petition DP19-004 to evaluate the petitioner?s request for an investigation. In August 2020, the petitioner notified the Agency that he was withdrawing his petition. Because the petitioner has withdrawn the petition, we are denying the petition as moot and no further analysis of this petition is necessary.NHTSA is authorized to issue an order requiring notification and remedy of a defect if the Agency?s investigation shows a defect in the design, construction, or performance of a motor vehicle that presents an unreasonable risk to safety. 49 U.S.C. ?? 30102(a)(9), 30118. Because the petitioner has with withdrawn the petition, the petition is denied as moot. This action does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency notes that it is not required to receive a defect petition prior to opening a defect investigation and will take further action if warranted by future circumstances.
PE10-006opened Feb 3, 2010
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · model years 2010

Braking performance, hybrid vehicle. Closed jul 12, 2010.

NHTSA summary
The subject vehicles are the first model year of a new design generation of the Prius model line.The vehicles are powered by a hybrid drive system that uses both a regenerative braking system, which converts vehicle momentum into electrical energy to be stored in onboard batteries, and a hydraulic brake system more typical of the brake system used on non-hybrid vehicles.As is the case for other similarly designed hybrid vehicles the interaction and management of the two braking systems during ABS braking is complex and requires a sophisticated control system.In a February 9, 2010 Defect Information Report, Toyota advised the agency of its plans to conduct a safety recall to address inconsistent brake feel and increased stopping distances that may occur during braking events requiring ABS operation, such as would occur when braking on rough or low friction road surfaces.Toyota will reprogram the ABS control unit with improved software that addresses this condition.Based on Toyota's action the investigation is closed. ODI will continue to monitor the subject vehicles' performance and will take further action as future circumstances dictate.

What owners paid

9 of the 41 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $3,000 to $3,900.

$3,000$3,100$3,900
$0k$2k$4k$6k$8k

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 92,802 and 150,000 miles, from the 19 reports that gave a mileage.

120
121
122
123
1124
1325
1326

What owners wrote

“The traction control, abs, and emergency brake light came on. We checked and the code produced was C1391. There’s a humming noise every 10 or so seconds when idle. The humming noise is also present when braking. We did some research and this appears to be an issue with Toyota Prius. We called the dealership and were informed that this was not a known issue. Thank you.”

Filed Jul 2, 2026

“ABS, traction control, brake system, and brake lights turned on while driving. Took the car to the mechanic and pulled the code C1391. It seems from other complaints to NHTSA that it is a common issue and quite dangerous, meaning the brake system is failing.”

Filed Jun 1, 2026

“ABS, brake, and traction warning lights came on. Loss of power brakes/limited manual brake. Extended warranty/customer service outreach did not apply. Car is at 120,000 miles and almost 12 years.”

Filed May 28, 2026 · 120,000 miles

“The slip notification, abs, and brake lights turned on while driving on the highway. The brakes then became very stiff and the vehicle did not brake as fast or as well as it normally does without the lights.”

Filed Feb 3, 2026

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 0 of 41 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.

File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation.