Diagsheet

2015 Toyota Prius · symptom sheet

Brakes grind, pulse or wear early

  • 91owner reports
  • 95,000median miles
  • $3,000median quote
  • 11involved a crash

Newest report Aug 31, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026

91 of the 164 complaints on this car describe brake wear, which makes it the most reported problem on the 2015 Prius.

Tick what matches of 91 reports

6
3
8
3
58
8

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the booster (52 reports), the ABS module (47 reports), the master cylinder (12 reports) and the pads and rotors (3 reports).

Recalls and investigations

No recall on the brakes covers the 2015 model year as of Sep 9, 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based on the petitioner's direct experience and assessment that ODI closed DP19-004 because its prompting petition was withdrawn by that petitioner.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

24 of the 91 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $2,700 to $3,631.

$2,700$3,000$3,631
$0k$2k$4k$6k$8k

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 41,000 and 150,000 miles, from the 45 reports that gave a mileage.

215
416
117
118
619
320
221
422
523
324
3625
2426

What owners wrote

“Code C1391 200k miles All the warning signs for brake booster issue came up. The cost is too high and I just missed the Customer Support Program timelines because the code came up late. This needs to be a RECALL, based on how many people experience this issue consistently.”

Filed May 26, 2026 · 200,000 miles

“Brake Booster and ABS, Brake Master Cylinder went out in car without any lights or warning while driving the vehicle at a moderate speed on Freeway. I was able to avoid an accident and take the car to a repair shop in which at 119K miles and just at 10.5 yrs old the entire brake system had to be replaced/repaired.”

Filed Mar 20, 2026 · 119,000 miles

“TOYOTA PRIUS ABS BRAKE PUMP ACTUATOR BOOSTER FAILING Making hissing noises and warning icon at only 10 years 9 month, 85,000 miles. Toyota extended warranty is NOT covering.”

Filed Mar 13, 2026 · 85,000 miles

“Got the warning code for C1391 for the brake booster. It failed at 140k miles but because it failed past the 10 year mark did not qualify for the Toyota extended warranty program. I don't think the warranty program is good enough and should be addressed as a recall. I had sudden total brake failure on the highway which could have been extremely deadly.”

Filed Sep 22, 2025 · 140,000 miles

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 11 of 91 reports involved a crash and 6 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.