2016 Toyota Prius Brakes Problems
NHTSA lists 20 brake complaints for the 2016 Toyota Prius, 13% of its 154 total complaints that year. A related recall (16V741000) covers a foot-operated parking brake cable that can disengage, with median mileage at failure of 8,400 miles among reports.
- Brakes complaints
- 20
- 13% of 154 complaints
- All complaints this year
- 154
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 2
- Median mileage
- 8,400 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical brake symptoms owners report
- Owners report the brakes momentarily feel like they release or lose pressure when a wheel crosses a pothole, dip, or road depression, sometimes right before a crash.
- Several drivers describe the pedal suddenly sinking further toward the floor while braking, accompanied by a jerk or brief stall-like sensation.
- Multiple complaints reference the parking brake recall (16V741000), including cases where the repair part was unavailable or the dealer delayed the fix for months.
- One driver reported the parking brake failing to hold the car on a driveway incline, causing it to roll and hit the street.
- Some owners describe a pulsating noise, a dashboard brake warning, and the ABS system engaging fully during routine stops on a downgrade.
- A few reports note the car sending power to the wheels while stationary in drive with the brake applied, especially facing uphill.
When 2016 Toyota Prius brake complaints were filed
First complaint Jun 30, 2016, latest Jun 29, 2026.
Brakes recalls for the 2016 Toyota Prius
- NHTSA 16V741000Oct 14, 2016Brakes91,585 vehicles
Parking brake
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Prius vehicles manufactured August 6, 2015, to October 3, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with a foot-operated parking brake system that has a parking brake cable that may disengage.
Risk: If the parking brake cable disengages from the mechanism and the transmission is left in a gear other than 'Park' while the ignition is on and the driver leaves the vehicle, the vehicle may roll unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will install a clip at the parking brake cable end to prevent the cable from disengaging, free of charge. The recall began November 10, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is G01.
Brakes complaints by Prius model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many brake complaints does NHTSA have for the 2016 Toyota Prius?
- NHTSA lists 20 brake complaints for the 2016 Prius, which is 13% of the 154 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a brake recall for the 2016 Toyota Prius?
- Yes. Recall 16V741000, reported October 14, 2016, covers a foot-operated parking brake cable that can disengage; Toyota's remedy is installing a clip at the cable end.
- At what mileage do brake problems typically show up on the 2016 Prius?
- The median mileage at failure among reported brake complaints is 8,400 miles.
- Did the 2016 Prius brake issues cause any crashes or injuries?
- NHTSA data tied to this brake complaint set shows 1 crash and 2 injuries, with no fires reported.
- Do I need to stop driving my 2016 Prius because of the parking brake recall?
- No. The recall record shows do_not_drive is false and park_outside is false, so no such restriction is listed.