Diagsheet

2015 Toyota Prius · symptom sheet

Brake warning light stays on

  • 25owner reports
  • 150,000median miles
  • $3,000median quote
  • 2involved a crash

Newest report Aug 11, 2026 · checked Sep 19, 2026

25 of the 91 reports of brake wear on the 2015 Prius describe brake light on.

Part of Brakes grind, pulse or wear early (91 reports) · also: ABS light on

Tick what matches of 25 reports

1
19
1

What got replaced

Few of these reports name the part that was replaced.

Recalls and investigations

No recall on the brakes covers the 2015 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based on the petitioner's direct experience and assessment that ODI closed DP19-004 because its prompting petition was withdrawn by that petitioner.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 Because the petitioner has withdrawn the petition, we are denying the petition as moot and no further analysis of this petition is necessary.NHTSA is authorized to issue an order requiring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

5 of the 25 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $3,000 to $3,706.

$3,000$3,000$3,706
$0k$2k$4k$6k$8k

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 94,100 and 150,000 miles, from the 14 reports that gave a mileage.

220
123
224
825
1226

What owners wrote

“The brake booster suddenly fails at 54k mile. Brake responds slower and need to push the brake pedal all the way It seems a lot of 2010-2015 Prius are facing this problem ABS light, skid light, and brake light was on when it happened, first appeared on Feb 6, 2026 Have to replace brake boost for ~$1500”

Filed Feb 9, 2026

“While driving, my brakes became mushy and ineffective. Brake warning lights came on, also. It was very scary driving in rush hour traffic with little to no brakes. There was no reliability. Just keeping as much as possible space between cars, using Hazard lights &prayer.”

Filed Jan 12, 2026

“Brake booster failed. ABS lights on. Brake light on. Traction control light on. Was sitting at stop with foot gently on brake when lights turned on. Attempted to restart car to clear lights, lights would not turn off after normal restart x3. Brake no longer function correctly, and the factory installed ABS are no longer functioning. Braking distance greatly increased, and no longer as safe to operate.”

Filed Aug 4, 2025

“While driving my Prius on the highway, the ABS and traction control warning light suddenly came on. The brakes started feeling different right away, and it didn’t feel safe to drive. I took it to a Toyota dealership, and they found that the brake booster and pump had failed. I looked online and saw that many other Prius owners had the same issue, so it doesn’t seem like an isolated case.”

Filed Jul 30, 2025

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 2 of 25 reports involved a crash and 1 people were hurt. 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.