2010 Toyota Prius Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

Incident: July 31, 2026 · Filed: October 6, 2026

The low-beam headlight bulbs on my 2010 Toyota Prius keep burning out, about every [6 months or less]. Since I have owned the vehicle I have replaced them too many times to count, on both sides, but twice as often on the drivers side. The most recent failure was on XXX, my driver low beam failed while I was driving at night on a county highway in heavy rain. Visibility was already poor, and I was stopped by law enforcement because of the burned-out headlight. I was given a warning to get it fxed. Warnings from the police has happened twice in the last couple years. This is a known problem on 2010-2011 Prius models. Toyota acknowledged it in a technical service bulletin and addressed it under Customer Support Program ZHB, a warranty enhancement that replaced the headlamp bulbs and wiring harness. That program has expired, but the problem continues on my vehicle. I have been using factory-type / standard replacement bulbs, so I do not believe the bulbs themselves are the cause. The repeated failures point to a voltage or wiring problem in the headlamp circuit. The safety concern is that a low-beam bulb can fail without warning while driving at night. In winter in [XXX], with early darkness, snow, and temperatures below zero, losing a headlight reduces visibility and makes it harder for other drivers to see the vehicle. I am also physically small (5'1") and have limited hand strength, so replacing these bulbs repeatedly is difficult, particularly in frigid [XXX] weather. I plan to ask Toyota to perform the harness and bulb repair as a goodwill gesture and want to reference this report. I am filing this report so the problem is documented. There have been no crashes or injuries. Vehicle: 2010 Toyota Prius, approximately 170000 miles. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Incident: August 20, 2026 · Filed: September 13, 2026

Subject: Vehicle Safety Defect Complaint / Request for Investigation Review Vehicle: 2010 Toyota Prius VIN: [XXX] Component: Electronic Brake Booster / Pressure Accumulator Assembly Dear Administrator, I am writing to formally report a critical safety defect in my 2010 Toyota Prius regarding the electronic brake booster and accumulator pump assembly. This component exhibits classic failure symptoms—specifically a distinct puffing, ticking, and pressure-loss noise directly from the brake pedal mechanism—which points to internal nitrogen or hydraulic pressure leakage. This component was previously the subject of Toyota’s Customer Support Program / Safety Recall (Campaign ZJB / D0H) due to fatigue cracking in the internal accumulator bladder. However, Toyota's arbitrary cutoff timelines have left me completely unprotected, even though the underlying engineering defect remains identical and poses an active, catastrophic threat to public safety. The real-world implications of this failure are severe: •Daily Risk to Life: I am a self-employed small-business owner who relies on this vehicle daily to travel between clients across the greater [XXX] area. Because of this failing component, I experience profound fear every single time I drive that I will completely lose my brakes in heavy traffic. •Financial Barrier to Remedy: Authorized Toyota dealerships have quoted me several thousand dollars for the repair. Due to a 40% drop in my business income amid the soaring cost of living in [XXX], I cannot afford this repair, nor can I afford a rental car or alternative transportation. My car is my literal lifeline, forcing me to drive a vehicle with a compromised, safety-critical braking system. •Unfair Expiration of Safety Remedies: My vehicle was serviced by authorized Toyota dealerships twice during the active primary campaign window (on XXX at 36,675 miles, on 08/30/2019 at 41,238 miles), where recall status checks were routinely requested INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Incident: August 16, 2026 · Filed: August 27, 2026

Component failed: Brake actuator and accumulator on a 2010 Toyota Prius. It is available for inspection upon request. Safety: ABS, traction, and brake lights turned on suddenly in the middle of rush-hour traffic, followed by a spongey, hard-to-press pedal. Braking distance and efficiency was greatly impacted, and driving to a safe turn-out was extremely dangerous as I feared the brakes would give out entirely at any moment. The problem has been reproduced and confirmed by a dealership. UNKNOWN. Requested an inspection by the manufacturer but their "Customer Support Program" for the brake actuator and accumulator expired 10 years after the car's production date. After speaking to both the dealership and corporate, they have informed me that there is nothing else they can do in regards to reimbursement or satisfying the complaint. The only symptom of the problem prior to failure was a periodic hissing noise coming from the brakes. When the car was brought in for the catalytic converter in late 2025, the dealership failed to diagnose any issue with the brake booster system at that time.

Incident: March 14, 2020 · Filed: August 25, 2026

To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally complain about the way Toyota has handled the problems with my 2010 Toyota Prius and my repeated requests for assistance. I have been a loyal Toyota customer and have purchased two new Toyota vehicles because I trusted Toyota's quality and expected good customer service. Unfortunately, after years of contacting Toyota, I have repeatedly been given the runaround without receiving a meaningful resolution. I am now facing a serious and expensive brake system problem. The vehicle requires replacement of the brake booster with master cylinder and the brake booster vacuum pump, with an estimated repair cost of approximately $4,000. This is a major safety-related repair, and I believe Toyota should properly investigate the issue and consider warranty coverage or financial assistance. I am also experiencing a serious problem with the paint, which is melting/deteriorating. I have contacted Toyota about these issues before, but the company has not provided the assistance I expected. It is extremely disappointing that after purchasing two new Toyota vehicles, this is the type of customer service I have received. I should not have to repeatedly contact Toyota or file complaints before my concerns are taken seriously. I am requesting that Toyota review my vehicle's history, my previous complaints, the brake system failure, and the paint problem and provide a fair resolution, including consideration of reimbursement or assistance with the approximately $4,000 brake repair. I hope Toyota will take this matter seriously and respond in writing. If Toyota is unwilling to resolve these issues, I will consider escalating my complaint to the appropriate consumer-protection and regulatory agencies.

Incident: March 31, 2026 · Filed: July 28, 2026

This car was totaled due to the ABA brake failure in a parking lot. They are liars trying to cover it up. My name is [XXX] and I live in [XXX] at [XXX]. My 2010 Prius took off on it's own and my brakes failed when I turned into a parking lot and went over a bump. My car took off on it's own and when I went to brake, the brakes did not work. I contacted the Toyota Brand Engagement Center and they denied my claim like they do everyone else. Toyota is horrible. My number is [XXX] if you need additional info INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Incident: June 3, 2026 · Filed: June 4, 2026

ABS light came on 6 months ago as well as ((!)) light. As soon as those lights came on, the brakes had an increased stopping distance and it became harder to get the car to come to a complete stop. I have seen a few Prius owners in my area also having the same problem with their Prius. For my car, the ABS light would come on, then turn off for 300 or so miles, then turn back on and stay on for about 300 miles. That has lasted for 6 months. I had almost gotten in an accident yesterday after getting brake lines fixed for 4th time, and we determine the actuator and accumulator are both bad. I have also seen a lot of Prius owners with the same code. Where I am at, my shop is quoting me $2300 for the fix in total. That is absurd.

Incident: May 5, 2026 · Filed: May 5, 2026

The contact owns a 2010 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a strong and unusual odor was detected inside the vehicle with no warning lights illuminated. The contact further stated that the following day, upon entering the vehicle, both the contact and the contact’s spouse experienced headaches, nausea, and cognitive discomfort. Concerned about possible exposure to harmful fumes, the contact inspected the vehicle and determined that the vehicle’s battery appeared to be inoperable. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact expressed concern that the failure presents a serious safety hazard due to potential exposure to toxic fumes within the cabin. The contact noted that the situation could have been more severe if a child had been present in the vehicle at the time of the incident. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

Incident: April 20, 2026 · Filed: April 22, 2026

My 2010 Prius has experienced the following error codes: C12341 and C1391, prompting the dealer to recommend replacing the brake booster assembly and master cylinder for $3938.89. This is a known issue with this vehicle and a Customer Support Program (CSP) was issued back in 2018, stating that if this vehicle displayed these codes, the repairs would be at no charge to the customer. Toyota extended this coverage to 10 years from date of first use or 150,000 miles (whichever came first). I never receied the notice. The details of the CSP are below. (I found on the internet.) "Toyota has received reports indicating various brake system related warning lamps illuminate due to internal malfunctions. The Brake Booster and Brake Booster Pump are covered by Toyota’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 3 years or 36,000 miles (whichever occurs first). However, because we at Toyota care about each customer’s ownership experience, Toyota is now offering a voluntary Customer Support Program that applies to various brake system related warning lamps of covered vehicles as a result of internal malfunctions, regardless of whether the vehicle is out of warranty. The timing of any repair under this voluntary Customer Support Program is subject to parts availability. The Customer Support Program will be offered for all vehicles until November 30, 2019, regardless of mileage. In addition, the Customer Support Program will be available for 10 years from the date of first use, or 150,000 miles whichever occurs first." My vehicle has about 132,000 miles and just displayed theses codes. Since it is 16 years old, the CSP has expired. It being a known issue, and one related to such a safety concern, I emplore you to make this a formal recall rather than a mere suggestion of repair. Back in 2018, my vehicle was not displaying these codes so was ineligible for the repair. Upon further research I am finding hundreds of Prius owners with the same issue. Clearly this is a defect in manufacturing.

Incident: January 1, 2022 · Filed: March 29, 2026

There are issues with the brake. Many times the brake pedal goes down to the floor and it losses ability to stop. Apparently there is a common ABS actuator and Brake issues. Toyota will not address the issue

Incident: June 1, 2025 · Filed: March 12, 2026

i have have 2 problems, both was recalls, but this one they say expired in 2021 when i bought the car and toyota dealer didnt tell me had recall so i could fix it before it expired. there is a class action lawsuit in the brake booster, master cyclinder actuator abs pump fialing loosing brakes making grrr noises leaking all brake fluid out continously dangerous to drive can cause bad accident wreck since i drive down the hwy alot and this is the only car i have to drive, i also have dc inverter module /sensor that is killing off 3 batteries now that i installed in 3 months, and toyota dealers wont fix unless it shows error but its a recall so since problen should fix this recall but wont pay for it to fix it even though it a recall right now that is not expired. im upset 3 dealers wont do it unless then charge me to do it. when toyotal mfg take it to any dealer and they will fix free but no one will do it. toyota mfg needs to make these dealers fix these 2 recalls on this car that can kill me and my passengers and anyone on the road that i could hit by not haivng controll brakes or the hybrid system shuttong completely down and could even kill a pedestrian with these 2 recalls that dealers wont fix but mfg said they need to everyone with these cars i see are having these same problems. need make the toyota mfg and dealers fix these free of charge before more people get killed injuried or cause more accidents ,