2010 Toyota Prius Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 1,945about this part
- Share
- 69%of 2,823 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 5,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 1,945 complaints about the brakes of the 2010 Toyota Prius, 69% of the 2,823 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 5,000 miles. 123 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Hazard lights flashing when driving forward or reverse dependent on the speed of wheel rotation. I am told that my skid control ecu as well as the brake booster and pump are bad and need replacing. I keep reading about this issue, but Toyota says it is not a broad issue. It is not clear what systems have failed or what risk there is in driving.”
NHTSA complaint #11297406, filed 2020-01, 201,000 miles“Intermittently, several warning lights come on at once while driving: traction control, brake, and ABS lights. While on, braking is lessened, brakes feel spongy, and the battery generation indicator shows no energy being produced. I found several similar complaints online. For me, the problem has comes and goes, affecting about 50 percent of my driving time.”
NHTSA complaint #11154142, filed 2018-11, 193,000 miles“I am having an issue with my brake actuator/brake booster. This is a known issue and Toyota is refusing to help with the issue. The ABS, brake, and traction control light are on and regen braking is not working. They are supposed to cover this based on bulletin zjb but absolutely refuse any help.”
NHTSA complaint #11376852, filed 2020-11, 150,000 miles“My 2010 Toyota Prius slides while breaking when I drive over a bump or a whole the car slides while in motion on city streets or highways. These occurrences happen while driving straight or turning. This occurs all the time when the roads are dry and it is worst when it is wet outside, ice, rain sleet or snow.”
NHTSA complaint #11277196, filed 2019-10, 77,944 miles“While driving on highway at approximately 50mph, instrument cluster displayed brake, ABS, (!), and tcs. As I attempted to slow down, brakes lost effectiveness and became mushy. I had to press on brake pedal extra hard to slow the car down and bring to car to a stop. Pedal travel and force required was way more then normal.”
NHTSA complaint #11076791, filed 2018-03, 114,300 milesRelated recalls
- 13V235000Jun 5, 2013Toyota is recalling certain model year 2010 Prius vehicles manufactured March 31, 2009, through October 9, 2009; and model year 2010 Lexus HS250h vehicles…Covers: Toyota Prius 2010, Lexus HS 2010
- 10V039000Feb 9, 2010Toyota is recalling certain model year 2010 toyota prius and lexus hs250h passenger vehicles. Customers have experienced inconsistent brake feel after abs…Covers: Toyota Prius 2010, Lexus HS 2010
Related 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.
- 10164923Aug 28, 2019Warranty Enhancement Program: Toyota has received reports indicating various brake system related warning lamps illuminate due to internal malfunctions.
- 10164922Aug 28, 2019Dealer Package: Toyota has received reports about certain internal malfunctions of the brake booster assemblies in some of the subject vehicles. Although the brake booster and…
- 10158578Mar 7, 2019Customer Support Program Bulletin: Toyota has received reports indicating various brake system related warning lamps illuminate due to internal malfunctions.
- 10158577Mar 7, 2019Dealer Letter: March 7, 2019 ZJB Phase 2 Launch for Certain 2011 ? 2015 Model Year Prius Vehicles and Certain 2012 ? 2015 Model Year Prius PHV vehicles. Toyota has received…
- 10145759Sep 27, 2018Customer Support Program Bulletin: Toyota has received reports indicating various brake system related warning lamps illuminate due to internal malfunctions.
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 2010 Toyota Prius
287 complaintsElectrical system
192 complaintsExterior lighting
149 complaintsOther or unknown
148 complaintsEngine
140 complaintsAir bags
84 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
79 complaintsFuel system
71 complaintsElectronic stability control
58 complaintsBody and structure
35 complaintsEngine cooling
33 complaintsHybrid propulsion system
30 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2010 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