2008 Toyota Prius Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 390about this part
- Share
- 26%of 1,497 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 34,500miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 390 complaints about the brakes of the 2008 Toyota Prius, 26% of the 1,497 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 34,500 miles. 63 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My brake, ABS, vsc, and (!) lights are on. The brakes work at roughly 10% stopping power. Makes an awful buzzing noise when the brakes are applied and the warning chime is on constantly the high pitch ring is unbearable. I called my local Toyota service dealer and was told the champagne ended nov 30th 2017.”
NHTSA complaint #11325200, filed 2020-05, 220,000 miles“For the third time I have had to replace my brake light switch, this is a safety issue as it affect how the brake lights work. The break light switch, when malfunctioning prevent or inhibits the vehicle from starting properly. If the switch fails while driving, it can cause problem with the battery regeneration, this is in addition to causing a driving hazard while driving.”
NHTSA complaint #11222270, filed 2019-06, 100,000 miles“My VIN number says its a 2008, it is a 2011, Prius my brake booster pump went out and locked my breaks. I ended up on side walk. Called dealer said it was dangerous to drive. It appears that there is a recall/class action. Costing me $1400.00 for a new system. It was in motion.”
NHTSA complaint #11413048, filed 2021-04, 100,300 miles“After 2nd day owning the brake light came on and 3 other lights vsc, circle with exclamation, check engine, and one more I believe. Went to Toyota to find out the brake actuator is out and they would charge me 2 thousand dollars. There should be warranty on this malfunction. When driving we were luckily in a parking lot.”
NHTSA complaint #11128015, filed 2018-09, 103,000 miles“My Prius made a sound like a turkey call/barking sound, my brake light, ABS light, vsc light and exclamation light all came on at the same time. Took veh to Toyota dealership and was advised it was the brake actuator that needed to be replaced. Was advised it was very dangerous to drive any further with this issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11097737, filed 2018-05, 173,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10214323Mar 17, 2022TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions
- 10210375Mar 9, 2022TSB: This Service Bulletin includes procedures to replace damaged or loose front carpet floor retainer(s) without replacing the carpet assembly. Follow the Repair Procedure in…
- 10190453Mar 12, 2021TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
- 10187241Dec 14, 2020TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
- 10186195Dec 14, 2020TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
- 10142888Jun 20, 2018Warranty Policy Bulletin: Toyota has received some reports where various brake system related warning lamps illuminate due to internal malfunctions of the Brake Actuator Assembly.
- 10142504Apr 18, 2017TSB: REVISION NOTICE: April 18, 2017 Rev1: G458The Parts Information and Required Tools and Equipment sections have been updated. Some 2004 ? 2009 model year Prius and 2006 ?…
- 10111629Aug 23, 2016Warranty Policy Bulletin (POL16-03): Toyota has received some reports where various brake system related warning lamps illuminate due to internal malfunctions of the Brake…
- 10134407Apr 19, 2016Warranty Policy Bulletin (POL16-03): Toyota has received some reports where various brake system related warning lamps illuminate due to internal malfunctions of the Brake…
- 10134405Apr 19, 2016Dealer email: In these vehicles, Toyota has received some reports where various brake system related warning lamps illuminate due to internal malfunctions of the Brake Actuator…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 13% |
| 2024 | 2 | 7% |
| 2023 | 2 | 10% |
| 2022 | 5 | 21% |
| 2021 | 1 | 17% |
| 2020 | 4 | 29% |
| 2019 | 11 | 37% |
| 2018 | 4 | 11% |
| 2017 | 14 | 15% |
| 2016 | 20 | 13% |
| 2015 | 93 | 56% |
| 2014 | 103 | 49% |
| 2013 | 242 | 58% |
| 2012 | 200 | 47% |
| 2011 | 278 | 53% |
| 2010 | 1,945 | 69% |
| 2009 | 199 | 40% |
| 2008 | 390 | 26% |
| 2007 | 331 | 17% |
| 2006 | 210 | 15% |
| 2005 | 282 | 27% |
| 2004 | 76 | 12% |
| 2003 | 16 | 16% |
| 2002 | 20 | 12% |
| 2001 | 16 | 10% |
Other parts of the 2008 Toyota Prius
579 complaintsElectrical system
235 complaintsVehicle speed control
156 complaintsOther or unknown
92 complaintsBody and structure
68 complaintsFuel system
55 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
54 complaintsEngine
49 complaintsElectronic stability control
43 complaintsAir bags
41 complaintsSteering
18 complaintsEngine cooling
16 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Toyota Prius
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology