2010 Toyota Prius Brakes Problems
Brakes account for 1,922 complaints on the 2010 Toyota Prius, 70% of all 2,757 complaints filed for that year, the highest share of any Prius model year. NHTSA lists two related brake recalls, 13V235000 and 10V039000, and owners reported 122 crashes and 31 injuries tied to this area.
- Brakes complaints
- 1,922
- 70% of 2,757
- Crashes reported
- 122
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 31
- Median mileage
- 5,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 2
Typical brake symptoms owners report
- Owners describe momentary loss of brake pressure when the antilock brakes engage over bumps or potholes on slippery roads, with braking returning once the bumps stop or the pedal is pressed harder.
- Some drivers report the brake pedal feels soft or fails to bite, accompanied by the ABS, traction control, and brake warning lights turning on together.
- Several complaints describe the vehicle failing to stop or continuing to move despite firm or repeated brake pedal pressure, leading to collisions with parked cars, pedestrians, walls, or fences.
- A few owners noted a strange humming noise under the hood along with an illuminated ABS warning light after a brake-related incident.
- Some reports mention the brake booster master cylinder needing replacement after the pedal hesitated to respond at low speeds.
When 2010 Toyota Prius brake complaints were filed
First complaint Jan 1, 2010, latest Sep 13, 2026.
Brakes recalls for the 2010 Toyota Prius
- NHTSA 13V235000Jun 5, 2013Brakes87,060 vehicles
Service brakes
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2010 Prius vehicles manufactured March 31, 2009, through October 9, 2009; and model year 2010 Lexus HS250h vehicles manufactured June 19, 2009, through October 9, 2009. Nitrogen gas from a component of the brake booster pump assembly could leak into the brake fluid.
Risk: As nitrogen is released into the brake fluid, the brake pedal may have reduced hydraulic pressure. Under certain circumstances, this condition could affect stopping distance and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected brake booster pump assemblies. The recall began on August 7, 2013. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
- NHTSA 10V039000Feb 9, 2010Brakes148,549 vehicles
Service brakes, air:antilock:control unit/module
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2010 toyota prius and lexus hs250h passenger vehicles. Customers have experienced inconsistent brake feel after ABS actuation during slow and steady application of the brakes on rough or slick road surfaces. Stopping distances may be increased compared with a customer's expectation for a given pedal force.
Risk: Vehicle stopping distances may increase relative to a customer's expectation increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will rewrite the programming of the ABS control unit free of charge. The safety recall began on march 3, 2010, and is expected to be completed in late march 2010. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331 and lexus at 1-800-255-3987.
Brakes complaints by Prius model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- Are there brake recalls for the 2010 Toyota Prius?
- Yes. NHTSA lists two brake-related recalls for the 2010 Prius: campaign 13V235000, covering brake booster pump assemblies, and campaign 10V039000, covering ABS control unit reprogramming for inconsistent brake feel.
- How common are brake complaints for the 2010 Prius?
- Brakes make up 1,922 of the 2,757 total complaints filed for the 2010 Prius, or 70% of all complaints, the highest share among all Prius model years listed.
- At what mileage do brake problems typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this brake issue is 5,000 miles.
- Have brake problems led to crashes or injuries?
- NHTSA data tied to this brake complaint area for the 2010 Prius shows 122 crashes and 31 injuries, with no reported fires.