CARFOCALvehicle research
Research CarsCompareRankingsArticles
  1. Home›
  2. Manufacturers›
  3. Toyota›
  4. Prius›
  5. 2014›
  6. Complaints

2014 Toyota Prius Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 2026
Ryan Davis
2014 Toyota Prius Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary

The 2014 Toyota Prius has 249 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve service brakes and electrical system.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

7.9/ 10

Based on 249 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

SERVICE BRAKES

72 28.9%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

29 11.6%

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

21 8.4%

ENGINE

15 6%

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

14 5.6%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is SERVICE BRAKES, accounting for 28.9% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 34 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

Subscribe to Recall Alerts

Get notified when a new recall or important ownership update lands for the 2014 Toyota Prius.

Free alerts based on U.S. recall data. Unsubscribe anytime.

Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2014 Toyota Prius

The 2014 Toyota Prius has 249 owner complaints in this dataset. SERVICE BRAKES is the most common complaint category, representing about 29% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2014 Toyota Prius are SERVICE BRAKES (72), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (29), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (21).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 155 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2014 Toyota Prius?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2013 Prius complaints2015 Prius complaints2016 Prius complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 34 of 34 systems

SERVICE BRAKES

72 Reports29% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WE HAVE RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2014 TOYOTA PRISM THAT NOW HAS LESS THAN 4000 MILES ON THE ENGINE. IN A VERY SHORT PERIOD WE HAVE EXPERIENCED A MASS AMOUNTS OF DEFECTS WITH THE CAR. THE FIRST REPAIR WAS TOYOTA HAD TO REPLACE THE BATTERY FROM OUR HOME. THE SECOND WAS A RECALL DEALING WITH A NATIONAL RECALL WITH SOFTWARE UPDATES. ON JULY 16TH THE YELLOW LIGHT CAME ON AS SOON AS WE STARTED TO DRIVE THE CAR. IT WAS THE BRAKE INDICATOR AND THEY ASKED MY WIFE TO DRIVE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP 25 MILES AWAY? I CALLED INTO QUALITY IMPORTS TOYOTA IN FT. WALTON BCH , FLORIDA WHERE WE PURCHASED THE CAR AND VENTED MY FRUSTRATIONS. I WAS NOT SATISFIED WITH THEM ASKING US TO DRIVE THE CAR WITH A BRAKE LIGHT INDICATOR THAT JUST CAME ON. WE ARE FEARFUL OF THE NEXT FAILURE WITH THIS VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURE GAVE ME A CLAIM NUMBER 1407161970 TO START THE PROCESS OF THE COMPLAINT. I GOT A CALL FROM THE TOYOTA CASE MANAGER [XXX] WHO BASICALLY SAID WE HAVE TO FILL OUT A LOT OF FORMS FOR THE LEMON LAW AND ARBITRATION PROCESS. BASICALLY WE WERE ASKED TO DRIVE THE CAR UNTIL 30-40 DAYS LATER FOR THE PROCESS. I TOLD [XXX] WE DON'T FEEL SAFE IN THE CAR AND THAT THEY SHOULD LET US USE A LOANER. HE DENIED THE REQUEST?? REQUEST TO HAVE THIS INVESTIGATED. 'INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).' *TR

7/17/2014

I WAS PULLING INTO A CONVENIENCE STORE IN MY 2014 PRIUS. AS I WAS GLIDING IN, I DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE CAR KEPT GOING. I CONTINUED TO PRESS IT AND THE CAR STARTED TO ACCELERATE, I COULD FEEL THE SURGE OF POWER. I WAS COMPLETELY UNABLE TO STOP THE CAR AND RAN INTO PARKING POSTS AT THE FRONT OF THE STORE. ALL AIRBAGS WERE DEPLOYED. I GOT A CUT ON MY FOREHEAD, AN AMBULANCE CAME BUT I DECLINED AND MY HUSBAND DROVE ME TO THE ER LATER WHERE I RECEIVED TREATMENT. I WAS COMING HOME FROM THE GYM AT 9 AM I HAVE NEVER BEEN AT FAULT IN AN ACCIDENT BEFORE. I HAVE A WITNESS THAT SAID HE HEARD A CHIRPING SOUND COMING FROM THE BRAKES BEFORE I CRASHED. TOYOTA COMPLETELY DENIES THERE IS ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR, BUT GIVES NO EXPLANATION AS TO HOW THIS COULD HAVE OCCURRED. THEY WILL NOT HELP AT ALL. SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED. THIS NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED BY SOMEONE OTHER THAN TOYOTA. *TR

8/24/2014

70 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

29 Reports12% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I PURCHASED A 2014 TOYOTA PRIUS ON MAY 31, 2014. TODAY 6/18/14 I FOUND OUT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS MODEL VEHICLE. I CALLED TOYOTA AND I WAS INFORMED THE RECALL SERVICE HAD NOT BEEN PERFORMED. I CALLED A LOCAL DEALER (DIFFERENT FROM THE ONE WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE) AND THEY INFORMED ME THAT WHEN THEY PULLED THE VIN, IT SHOWED STOP SALE IN EFFECT. I DO NOT BLAME TOYOTA AS OBVIOUSLY IF ONE DEALER COULD SEE THE STOP SALE SO COULD THE OTHER. I THINK THAT THERE SHOULD BE STRICTER REGULATIONS ON DEALERSHIPS TO MAKE SURE THESE RECALLS ARE COMPLETED BEFORE THE SALE!! JUST LIKE THE GENTLEMAN THAT COMPLAINED EARLIER I ALSO PURCHASED A BRAND NEW DEFECTIVE VEHICLE, HOW CAN THIS HAPPEN SEVERAL MONTHS AFTER THE RECALL. !! NOW I HAVE TO TAKE THE TIME OFF TO TAKE IT IN TO HAVE THE RECALL FIXED. THIS IS A MAJOR INCONVENIENCE, LOSS OF USE OF VEHICLE AND LOSS OF TIME FROM WORK. I ALSO WANT TO KNOW HOW TO GET COMPENSATED FOR THE INCONVENIENCE AND TIME, PLUS THE FACT THEY SOLD AND I HAVE BEEN DRIVING AN UNSAFE VEHICLE. *TR

6/18/2014

POINT SOURCES OF LIGHT (I.E. BRAKE LIGHTS, HEADLIGHTS, TRAFFIC LIGHTS, ETC.) AT NIGHT TIME AND TO A LESS VISIBLE EXTENT IN THE DAY TIME ARE DUPLICATED OR TRIPLICATED AT DISTANCES THROUGH THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. AS THE LIGHT SOURCE IS CLOSER TO THE CAR, THE GHOSTING EFFECT DIMINISHES. THIS PROBLEM DOES NOT OCCUR WHEN LOOKING OUT THE SIDE WINDOWS OR REAR WINDSHIELD, BUT ONLY OCCURS THROUGH THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. THIS PRISM EFFECT INDUCES NAUSEA AND IS INCREDIBLY DISTRACTING WHILE DRIVING. *TR

7/1/2014

27 more complaints are available in this category.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

21 Reports8% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

2014 TOYOTA PRIUS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE SAFETY FEATURES. *SMD THE CONSUMER BELIEVED BACK-UP CAMERAS SHOULD COME STANDARD ON VEHICLE. HE ALSO BELIEVED AUTO BRAKING SHOULD BE A STANDARD FEATURE. *JB

5/13/2014

I FREQUENTLY GET A MUSTY SMELL OUT OF MY VENTS THAT I HAVE NOTICED FROM TIME OF TAKING OWNERSHIP. I WAS TOLD AT THAT TIME TOYOTA WAS AWARE OF IT AND THE SOLUTION WAS TO TAKE THE SYSTEM OUT OF RECIRCULATE A FEW MILES FROM HOME ALLOWING OUTSIDE FRESHER AIR IN TO REMOVE THE APPARENT MOISTURE BUILDUP. I TRIED TO LEAVE THE SYSTEM IN THE FRESH AIR MODE MOST OF THE TIME, BUT STILL EXPERIENCE THIS SMELL/ODOR. AT MY 10K SERVICE I BROUGHT THIS UP AGAIN AND WAS OFFERED A 'GOODWILL' SYSTEM CLEANING AND A CHARCOAL FILTER. THE MECHANIC PERFORMED THE PROCEDURE (ALTHOUGH I AM NOT SURE IF IT WAS FOR THE RECOMMENDED TIME FRAME, DASH-CAM INSIDE VEHICLE CAUGHT THE WHOLE 10K SERVICE) THE SMELL IS STILL THERE AND SOMETIMES EVEN OVERWHELMINGLY BAD.

5/22/2015

19 more complaints are available in this category.

ENGINE

15 Reports6% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS A SERIES OF YELLOW TRIANGLES SUDDENLY FLASHED ON THE DASHBOARD ALONG WITH SOME BEEPS. THE ENGINE THEN STALLED AND THE GAS PEDAL NO LONGER RESPONDED TO ANY INPUTS. DUE TO A COMBINATION OF SHEER LUCK AND DRIVER PRESENCE OF MIND THE CAR WAS STEERED TO THE SHOULDER OF THE HIGHWAY WHERE IT CAME TO A HALT. THE EXPERIENCE OF TRYING TO CONTROL A CAR WITH A STALLED ENGINE AND SAFELY STEER IT TO THE SHOULDER IN HEAVY TRAFFIC WAS TERRIFYING TO SAY THE LEAST. THE CAR WAS TAKEN STRAIGHT TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS LEFT FOR SERVICE. AFTER DIAGNOSIS A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER THE DEALER CALLED BACK AND SAID THAT THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE HAD FAILED WHICH IS WHY THE ENGINE HAD STALLED. THE CAR IS STILL WITH THE DEALER SINCE THE PART IS NOT AVAILABLE AND NEEDS TO BE SHIPPED FROM TOYOTA. THE DEALER CLAIMED THAT THIS WAS SUCH A RARE OCCURRENCE THAT THEY DID NOT HAVE THE PARTS AVAILABLE. THEY ALSO CLAIMED THAT THEY DID NOT KNOW ANYONE ELSE FOR WHOM THIS HAD HAPPENED. MAYBE SO BUT THIS WAS AN INCIDENT THAT COULD HAVE BEEN FATAL. THE FACT THAT NOBODY GOT KILLED IS JUST PLAIN LUCK. *JS

4/12/2014

WITHIN THE LAST SIX MONTHS, AND ABOUT FOUR TIMES, I HAD EXPERIENCED ROUGH/HIGH IDLING DURING HOT DAYS AND AFTER DRIVING OVER 80 MILES; USING AIR CONDITIONING. (I WORK OVER 70 MILES FROM HOME.) I DECIDED TO TAKE THE CAR TO THE TOYOTA OF REDLANDS DEALERSHIP ON AUGUST 4, 2015, BECAUSE THE CAR WAS DISPLAYING THE SAME CONDITIONS. WHILE ON THE WAY TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND ON THE FREEWAY, THE CAR BEGAN TO IDLE HEAVILY. I MERGED TO EXIT THE FREEWAY AND WHILE ON THE OFF RAMP, STOPPED, THE CAR COMPLETELY SHUT OFF. THE DISPLAY READ "CHECK HYBRID ENGINE. STOP PARK THE CAR SAFELY." I WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE TO MOVE FROM OFF-RAMP TRAFFIC AND PARK IT. THE MESSAGE ON DISPLAY WAS STILL THERE. I SHUT OFF THE CAR AND CALLED THE DEALERSHIP. THEY RECOMMENDED I HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO THEM. WHEN TOW TRUCK ARRIVED, I TURNED ON THE CAR TO POSITION IT FOR THE TOWING BED. THE MESSAGE NO LONGER DISPLAYED . THE CAR STAYED WITH DEALERSHIP ALL DAY ON AUGUST 5, 2015. ACCORDING TO THE DEALERSHIP, THE DISPLAY SHOWED NO MESSAGE AND THERE IS NO CODE TO INDICATE A MALFUNCTION OCCURRED. THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. I AM KEEPING THE VEHICLE AT THE DEALERSHIP ON AUGUST 6, 2015, FOR FURTHER EVALUATION. MY CONCERN IS TWO-FOLD: 1. MY SAFETY, 2. IF THE SYSTEM DISPLAYED A MESSAGE, WHY DOES THE SYSTEM NOT PRODUCE A CODE FOR THE TECHNICIANS AS A NON-HYBRID CAR WOULD? THIS ITSELF PRESENTS A SERIOUS ISSUE.

8/5/2015

13 more complaints are available in this category.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

14 Reports6% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHILE TRAVELING IN SLIPPERY CONDITIONS I ATTEMPTED TO NAVIGATE A RIGHT HAND TURN. THE CAR BEGAN TO SLIDE WHILE BRAKING INDICATING POSSIBLE SNOW BUILDUP IN FRONT OF TIRES. I ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE OUT OF THE SLIDE WHICH IS PROPER IN FRONT WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES. THE CARS DASH LIGHTS LITE UP AND THE SLIDE INDICATOR STARTED BEEPING. THE CAR BECAME COMPLETELY UNRESPONSIVE TO THE GAS PROVIDING NO POWER WHATSOEVER. THE CAR SLID OVER THE CURB AND CRASHED INTO A HIGHWAY SIGN AND FINALLY CAME TO REST. *TR

6/12/2014

I WAS PULLING INTO A CONVENIENCE STORE IN MY 2014 PRIUS. AS I WAS GLIDING IN, I DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE CAR KEPT GOING. I CONTINUED TO PRESS IT AND THE CAR STARTED TO ACCELERATE, I COULD FEEL THE SURGE OF POWER. I WAS COMPLETELY UNABLE TO STOP THE CAR AND RAN INTO PARKING POSTS AT THE FRONT OF THE STORE. ALL AIRBAGS WERE DEPLOYED. I GOT A CUT ON MY FOREHEAD, AN AMBULANCE CAME BUT I DECLINED AND MY HUSBAND DROVE ME TO THE ER LATER WHERE I RECEIVED TREATMENT. I WAS COMING HOME FROM THE GYM AT 9 AM I HAVE NEVER BEEN AT FAULT IN AN ACCIDENT BEFORE. I HAVE A WITNESS THAT SAID HE HEARD A CHIRPING SOUND COMING FROM THE BRAKES BEFORE I CRASHED. TOYOTA COMPLETELY DENIES THERE IS ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR, BUT GIVES NO EXPLANATION AS TO HOW THIS COULD HAVE OCCURRED. THEY WILL NOT HELP AT ALL. SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED. THIS NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED BY SOMEONE OTHER THAN TOYOTA. *TR

8/24/2014

12 more complaints are available in this category.

AIR BAGS

14 Reports6% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE IN THE PROCESS OF PARKING THE VEHICLE, THE BRAKES DISENGAGED AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED FORWARD UNEXPECTEDLY. THE CONTACT CRASHED THE VEHICLE INTO THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO REVERSE THE VEHICLE, THE BRAKES DISENGAGED AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED BACKWARDS. THE CONTACT CRASHED THE VEHICLE INTO THE VEHICLE BEHIND IT AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50.

9/9/2014

I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE BRAND NEW FROM A DEALERSHIP. WITHIN A FEW WEEKS, I NOTICED THAT WHEN MY HUSBAND SAT IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT (300LBS) THE NOTIFICATION LIGHT SAID "PASSENGER AIR BAG ON". WHEN MY STEPSON SAT IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT THE LIGHT SAID "PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF". I TOOK A PICTURE TO SHOW THE NOTIFICATION LIGHT AND THE SIZE OF MY 15 YR OLD STEPSON 5' 10" & 175LB-FULLY ADULT SIZE. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME THEY HAD "NEVER HEARD OF THE PROBLEM" AND SAID IT WAS JUST THAT THE PASSENGER AIRBAG NEEDED TO BE RECALIBRATED. AFTER DOING SOME SEARCHING, I REALIZED THAT THE 2012-2013 MODELS HAVE ALREADY BEEN RECALLED FOR THAT EXACT SAME REASON. I AM VERY CONCERNED THAT THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN FIXED WITH TOYOTA, AND THAT NEW CARS ARE BEING SOLD WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. NEEDLESS TO SAY, I AM NOT HAPPY WITH TOYOTA RIGHT NOW AND THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY PROBLEM. I ALSO HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT THE BACK SEAT BELTS NOT LATCHING PROPERLY WHEN A CAR SEAT IS BEING USED, BUT THAT'S ANOTHER STORY.... *TR

12/25/2014

12 more complaints are available in this category.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

9 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 TOYOTA PRIUS HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS, A PASSENGER PUT THEIR ARM OUT OF THE WINDOW AND IT ERRONEOUSLY CLOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 358.

1/10/2014

WINDSHIELDS ON PRIUS MODELS 2010 AND HIGHER ARE AFFECTED. WHILE MOST OBVIOUS AT NIGHT, EXTERNAL LIGHT SOURCES VIEWED THROUGH THE FRONT WINDSHIELD CAN BE MIRRORED IN TRIPLICATE VIA A "PRISM" OR "REFRACTION" EFFECT. INTERIOR OCCUPANTS WILL WITNESS LIGHT SOURCES BEING REPLICATED 3 TIMES. THE RESULTING EFFECT CAN CREATE NAUSEA OR DIZZINESS IN OCCUPANTS, AND IS EXPERIENCED WITH MAXIMUM EFFECT AT NIGHT DURING TRAFFIC WHEN THE ABILITY TO SAFELY NEGOTIATE ROADWAYS IS PARAMOUNT. *TR

2/13/2014

7 more complaints are available in this category.

STEERING

8 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY LOOSE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SWAY ABNORMALLY. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER WHEN MAKING A TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,100.

9/17/2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE DROVE OVER A POTHOLE, WHICH CAUSED THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE TO ELEVATE. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING AND BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,500. THE CONSUMER STATED HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, FOR ERRATIC STEERING WHEN GOING AROUND CURVES AT MODERATE SPEEDS. THE SAME MORNING, WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE WENT OVER A DIP IN THE PAVEMENT. THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WENT AIRBORNE AS IF, IT WAS ON A HYDRAULIC LIFT. THE CONSUMER HAD NO CONTROL OF THE STEERING OR BRAKING. WHAT SAVED HIM WAS THE LEFT REAR BRAKE AND THE TIRE JERKED ON THE PAVEMENT AND PULLED THE VEHICLE BACK STRAIGHT. HE EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE FOR A SECOND TIME. UPDATED 10/29/14 UPDATED 11/21/14*CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE DOESN'T OCCUR WITH MULTIPLE PEOPLE IN THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER REFUSED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE ALONE.*JS

9/24/2014

6 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

8 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TOYOTA'S ENTUNE NAVIGATION SYSTEM RANDOMLY FREEZES AND RESETS. WHEN THIS HAPPENS AT HIGH SPEEDS ON A HIGHWAY WHERE A PERSON IS DEPENDING ON THE SYSTEM TO GET SOMEWHERE, IT CAUSES A MASSIVE DISTRACTION AND A RISK TO LIFE AND LIMB. TOYOTA IS OFFERING NO RESOLUTION TO THIS ISSUE AND IT'S DEALERSHIPS ARE REFUSING TO EVEN REGISTER USER COMPLAINTS - "UNLESS THEY CAN REPLICATE THE ISSUE" WHICH IS RATHER DIFFICULT SINCE THE PROBLEM IS RANDOM AND THE DEALERSHIPS WILL NOT TAKE USER REPORTS OF THE ISSUE AS CREDIBLE. *JS

12/1/2014

WITHIN THE LAST SIX MONTHS, AND ABOUT FOUR TIMES, I HAD EXPERIENCED ROUGH/HIGH IDLING DURING HOT DAYS AND AFTER DRIVING OVER 80 MILES; USING AIR CONDITIONING. (I WORK OVER 70 MILES FROM HOME.) I DECIDED TO TAKE THE CAR TO THE TOYOTA OF REDLANDS DEALERSHIP ON AUGUST 4, 2015, BECAUSE THE CAR WAS DISPLAYING THE SAME CONDITIONS. WHILE ON THE WAY TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND ON THE FREEWAY, THE CAR BEGAN TO IDLE HEAVILY. I MERGED TO EXIT THE FREEWAY AND WHILE ON THE OFF RAMP, STOPPED, THE CAR COMPLETELY SHUT OFF. THE DISPLAY READ "CHECK HYBRID ENGINE. STOP PARK THE CAR SAFELY." I WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE TO MOVE FROM OFF-RAMP TRAFFIC AND PARK IT. THE MESSAGE ON DISPLAY WAS STILL THERE. I SHUT OFF THE CAR AND CALLED THE DEALERSHIP. THEY RECOMMENDED I HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO THEM. WHEN TOW TRUCK ARRIVED, I TURNED ON THE CAR TO POSITION IT FOR THE TOWING BED. THE MESSAGE NO LONGER DISPLAYED . THE CAR STAYED WITH DEALERSHIP ALL DAY ON AUGUST 5, 2015. ACCORDING TO THE DEALERSHIP, THE DISPLAY SHOWED NO MESSAGE AND THERE IS NO CODE TO INDICATE A MALFUNCTION OCCURRED. THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. I AM KEEPING THE VEHICLE AT THE DEALERSHIP ON AUGUST 6, 2015, FOR FURTHER EVALUATION. MY CONCERN IS TWO-FOLD: 1. MY SAFETY, 2. IF THE SYSTEM DISPLAYED A MESSAGE, WHY DOES THE SYSTEM NOT PRODUCE A CODE FOR THE TECHNICIANS AS A NON-HYBRID CAR WOULD? THIS ITSELF PRESENTS A SERIOUS ISSUE.

8/5/2015

6 more complaints are available in this category.

STRUCTURE:BODY

7 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

OTHER CAR DRIVER JUMP RED LIGHT AND T-ZONE HIT MY CAR FROM FRONT PASSENGER SIDE ,EVERYTHING FROM PASSENGER SIDE WAS BROKEN AND WHOLE INTERIOR WAS BROKEN TILL DRIVER SEAT. LATER ON THE CAR WAS DECLARED TOTAL LOSS. IN THIS BIG CRASH ALSO NONE OF THE AIR BAG WAS DEPLOYED TO SUPPORT DRIVER.......UPDATED 12/10/15 *BF *CN

8/20/2015

WHILE PARKED, THE STRUTS THAT HOLD OPEN THE REAR LIFT HATCH FAILED SUDDENLY, CAUSING THE HATCH TO FALL ON THE HEAD OF PERSON LOADING THE CAR. THE HATCH WAS CAUGHT BY A SECOND PERSON, PREVENTING SERIOUS INJURY. ON INSPECTION, THE STRUTS WERE LEAKING OIL.

6/3/2017

5 more complaints are available in this category.

POWER TRAIN

6 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD REVERSE WHEN SHIFTED TO DRIVE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 3,002.

5/20/2014

ACCELERATION DRIVING EAST ON US RTE. 50 AT ABOUT 60 MPH: VEHICLE ACCELERATED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. I NEARLY RAN INTO THE CAR AHEAD OF ME. THIS CAR IS EQUIPPED WITH RADAR ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, WHICH WAS ENGAGED AT THE TIME. I TURNED OFF THE CRUISE CONTROL IN TIME TO AVOID A COLLISION. UNINTENDED ACCELERATION HAS SPORADICALLY OCCURRED, BUT IT IS USUALLY FAIRLY MILD. THIS TIME IT WAS SO POWERFUL THAT IT FELT LIKE I HAD STOMPED ON THE ACCELERATOR; THE ENGINE ROARED AND THE CAR TOOK OFF AT FULL THROTTLE. THANKFULLY I WAS TRAVELING AT THE MAX DISTANCE OF THE CRUISE CONTROL. ACCELERATION WAS NOT CAUSED BY FLOOR MATS. I WATCHED WHILE THE DEALER SERVICE MANAGER CHECKED. DECELERATION DRIVING EAST ON I-70: THE CAR AHEAD OF ME SIGNALED TO EXIT THE INTERSTATE AND TURNED SMOOTHLY ONTO THE EXIT RAMP. AS SOON AS HE WAS OUT OF MY LANE MY CAR'S CRUISE CONTROL LOCKED ON TO THE THAT OF THE EXITING CAR AND VIGOROUSLY APPLIED THE BRAKES. STEPPING ON THE ACCELERATOR DID NO GOOD. *TR

9/15/2014

4 more complaints are available in this category.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

6 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE CAR BRAKES FAILED AT LOW SPEEDS (10-15 MPH) AND BUMPED INTO THE CAR IN FRONT IN A STOP-AND-GO TRAFFIC ON THE WET FREEWAY AFTER A RECENT RAIN. THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY DOWN TO TOUCH THE FLOOR, AS IF THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DISENGAGED FROM THE BRAKING SYSTEM AND THE ABS LIGHT DID NOT TURN ON AT THE TIME OF BRAKING. THE CAR WAS DRIVING IN THE STRAIGHT LINE AND IMMEDIATELY BEFORE THIS I WAS ABLE TO SUCCESSFULLY BRAKE THE CAR ON THE VERY SAME TRIP. SO THE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME WITH THIS CAR, AS MY SPOUSE ALSO EXPERIENCED THE SIMILAR BRAKE FAILURE AT EVEN LOWER SPEEDS (<10 MPH) RESULTING IN TOUCHING THE CAR IN FRONT AND MINOR SCRATCH ON THE BUMPER. IT WAS A DRY DAY THEN AND ALMOST SIMILAR CIRCUMSTANCES. ASSOCIATED GEICO CLAIM NUMBER IS 0423477190101054. WE OPENED A CASE WITH TOYOTA TO CHECK THE DATA RECORDER. ASSOCIATED TOYOTA CASE NUMBER IS 181112370.

11/13/2018

THE EDR REPORT CLEARLY SHOWED THAT THE BRAKE OIL PRESSURE CHANGES DID NOT CORRELATE WITH THE PROGRESSIVELY INCREASING VEHICLE DECELERATION. THE ISSUE IS OCCASIONAL, RARE AND CANNOT BE REPRODUCED EVERY SINGLE TIME. THIS LEADS TO DISPARITY IN ASSUMED BRAKING DISTANCE FROM ROUTINE EXPERIENCE BY DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND ACTUAL BRAKING DISTANCE AT THE TIME OF FAILED BRAKING WHICH SUPPOSEDLY MAY BE AS A RESULT OF INVERTER ISSUES THAT ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR EXCLUSIVELY REGENERATIVE BRAKING AT LOW (<50 MPH) SPEEDS.

1/31/2019

4 more complaints are available in this category.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

5 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I WAS IN A PARKING LOT AND PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE. THEN I HEARD A "BOOM" AND I THOUGHT THAT I BACKED INTO SOMETHING, SO I QUICKLY PUT THE CAR INTO DRIVE. I THEN FELT THE CAR EXCELERATING FAST AND I WAS PUSHING THE BRAKE AS HARD AS I COULD AND COULD NOT STOP THE CAR FROM MOVING FORWARD. THE CAR PROCEEDED TO EXCELLERATE AND WHEN OVER A CURB UP ONTO PAVEMENT AND THROUGH A METAL FENCE AND BENT A 5 INCH ROUND METAL FENCING DOWN TO THE GROUND AND THE CAR KEPT GOING ANOTHER 30 FEET TILL IT FINALLY STOPPED. YOU CAN SEE THE SKID MARKS IN THE THE PARKING LOT.

5/8/2015

WHILE I WAS DOING A SLOW TURN IN A DRIVEWAY, MY BRAKE FAILED AND THE CAR CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE IN A FORWARD MOTION. WHEN I SHIFTED INTO REVERSE, THE CAR REVVED AND ROARED ACCELERATING AT FULL TILT. IT RACED ACROSS A ROAD INTO ANOTHER DRIVEWAY ONLY STOPPING WHEN WEDGED BETWEEN A GARAGE DOOR AND A TREE. TOYOTA TOOK THE TOTALED CAR AND HAD IT INSPECTED BY ENGINEERING ASSOCIATES AND INSURANCE AUTO AUCTIONS. THEIR RESPONSE IS THAT "THERE WAS NO SERIOUS DEFECTS IDENTIFIED." OBVIOUSLY, THE MOMENTARY MECHANICAL OR ELECTRONIC FAILURE OF MY CAR COULD NEVER BE DETECTED, SO ACCORDING TO TOYOTA, THERE WAS NOTHING TO CAUSE THE FAILURE. I FEEL TOTALLY VICTIMIZED AND BELIEVE TOYOTA SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY AND COMPENSATE ME FOR THE LOSS OF MY CAR.

12/16/2016

3 more complaints are available in this category.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

5 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE HEADLIGHTS ON PRIUS ARE NOT BRIGHT ENOUGH TO SEE THE ROAD AHEAD OF THE CAR. THE ARE ON BUT SOMEWHAT DIM. OTHER DRIVERS CAN SEE THE LIGHTS, BUT THE LIGHTS ARE NOT BRIGHT ENOUGH TO ILLUMINATE THE ROAD IN FRONT OF THE CAR. THIS OCCURRED AFTER I TOOK THE CAR IN TO THE DEALER TO COMPLAIN ABOUT A SERIES OF ELECTRICAL RELATED PROBLEMS THAT ALL STARTED HAPPENING AT THE SAME TIME. THE DEALER REPLACED THE HEADLIGHTS AFTER THEY DETERMINED THE HEADLIGHTS HAD BURNED OUT. IMMEDIATELY, I NOTICED THAT DURING TIMES WHEN I WAS DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE NIGHT VISIBILITY WAS NOT WHAT IT HAD BEEN PRIOR TO PROBLEM FIRST OCCURRING. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER BU THEY SAY THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE HEADLIGHTS.

12/11/2017

THE LOW LIGHT BEAMS ON THE CAR BURNOUT EVERY FEW WEEKS. IT MAKES IT VERY DIFFICULT AND UNSAFE TO DRIVE AT NIGHT. I WILL BUY A NEW BULB AND INSTALL IT AND THEN IT BURNS OUT IN A FEW DAYS OR A WEEK OR TWO LATER. I HAVE TRIED VARIOUS BRANDS OF BULBS BUT I JUST DO NOT THINK IT IS A BULB ISSUE. I HAVE ALSO BROUGHT THE CAR TO A MECHANIC TO REPLACE THE BULBS BUT THE SAME ISSUE CONTINUES.

11/12/2018

3 more complaints are available in this category.

HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM

4 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I PURCHASED A 2014 TOYOTA PRIUS ON MAY 31, 2014. TODAY 6/18/14 I FOUND OUT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS MODEL VEHICLE. I CALLED TOYOTA AND I WAS INFORMED THE RECALL SERVICE HAD NOT BEEN PERFORMED. I CALLED A LOCAL DEALER (DIFFERENT FROM THE ONE WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE) AND THEY INFORMED ME THAT WHEN THEY PULLED THE VIN, IT SHOWED STOP SALE IN EFFECT. I DO NOT BLAME TOYOTA AS OBVIOUSLY IF ONE DEALER COULD SEE THE STOP SALE SO COULD THE OTHER. I THINK THAT THERE SHOULD BE STRICTER REGULATIONS ON DEALERSHIPS TO MAKE SURE THESE RECALLS ARE COMPLETED BEFORE THE SALE!! JUST LIKE THE GENTLEMAN THAT COMPLAINED EARLIER I ALSO PURCHASED A BRAND NEW DEFECTIVE VEHICLE, HOW CAN THIS HAPPEN SEVERAL MONTHS AFTER THE RECALL. !! NOW I HAVE TO TAKE THE TIME OFF TO TAKE IT IN TO HAVE THE RECALL FIXED. THIS IS A MAJOR INCONVENIENCE, LOSS OF USE OF VEHICLE AND LOSS OF TIME FROM WORK. I ALSO WANT TO KNOW HOW TO GET COMPENSATED FOR THE INCONVENIENCE AND TIME, PLUS THE FACT THEY SOLD AND I HAVE BEEN DRIVING AN UNSAFE VEHICLE. *TR

6/18/2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER WITH THE CHECK ENGINE AND HYBRID BATTERY WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LITHIA TOYOTA OF MEDFORD (1420 N RIVERSIDE AVE, MEDFORD, OR 97501) WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE HYBRID BATTERY INTAKE FAILED AND NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. TWO WEEKS LATER FAILURE AN ABNORMAL SOUND WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE BRAKES. THE VEHICLE THEN WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE SAME DEALER HOWEVER, A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WAS STILL PENDING. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: DP19004 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) 18V684000 (HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM) AS POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS TO THE FAILURES HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 112,971.

9/30/2020

2 more complaints are available in this category.

SEATS

4 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I FINALLY REALIZED THAT THE DRIVERS SIDE HEAD RESTRAINT ON THIS CAR IS CAUSING ME CHRONIC NECK AND HEAD PAIN. IT PUSHES MY HEAD FORWARD, WRECKING MY POSTURE. SITTING PARKED, WITH THE HEADREST REMOVED, THE SEAT IS COMFORTABLE AND ALL THE CONTROLS ARE WITHIN REACH OF MY HANDS AND FEET. I UNDERSTAND THAT YOUR NEW REGULATIONS CALL FOR A MINIMUM OF 2" FROM THE BACK OF THE HEAD TO THE HEAD RESTRAINT. I HAVE ZERO ROOM, AND MY HEAD IS PUSHED FORWARD. THERE REALLY NEEDS TO BE SOME ADJUSTMENT TO ACCOMMODATE PEOPLE WITH DIFFERENT BODY TYPES. I'M A MALE, 5' 9" AND ABOUT 160 LBS. *TR

9/17/2014

ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 12, 2018 I FOUNT THE CAR SEAT SEVERELY SMOLDERING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE CARE WAS FILLED WITH BROWN SMOKE AND TOXIC FUMES. THE SEAT WAS COMPLETELY BURNED AND MELTED AND TOXIC RESIDUE. FIRE DEPARTMENT PUT OUT FIRE WITH WATER. CAR SEAT HEATER APPARENTLY DID NOT TURN OFF AND SMOLDERED ALL NIGHT. TOYOTA GIVING ME THE RUN AROUND, DELAYING INVESTIGATION AT LEAST 5 WEEKS OR MORE. THE CAR WAS PARKED IN GARAGE, LAST DRIVEN BRIEF DISTANCE EVENING BEFORE. GARAGE NOW WITH TOXIC FUMES AND RESIDUE. CAR LIKELY TOTALED, AND TOYOTA TRYING TO GET OUT OF ANY ASSISTANCE/RESPONSIBILITY. THEY ARE ON PURPOSE BEING VERY DIFFICULT, AND FORCING ME TO COMPLY WITH THEIR AGENDA, OR LOSE OPTION FOR THEIR TAKING SOME RESPONSIBILITY.

1/19/2018

2 more complaints are available in this category.

STRUCTURE

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING MY 2014 TOYOTA PRIUS IN JUNE 2014, I STARTED NOTICING A MOLDY SMELL COMING FROM THE AIR CONDITIONER. THE HOTTER OUTSIDE IT GOT, THE WORSE THE SMELL INSIDE GOT. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER TO DISCUSS THE PROBLEM WITH THEM. THEY INFORMED ME THAT TOYOTA SAYS THIS IS AN "ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUE" AND CAN HAPPEN IN NEW CARS AND IS THEREFORE NOT WARRANTIED. THE SERVICE MANAGER INSTALLED A CHARCOAL AIR FILTER IN THE CABIN AIR FILTER AND SAID THAT IT WOULD HELP ELIMINATE THE ODOR. IT DID NOT. IN FACT, THE CHARCOAL AIR FILTER REDUCED THE AIR FLOW INTO THE CABIN WHICH CAUSED THE AC TO NOT COOL. I HAD THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT REPLACE THE CHARCOAL WITH AN ORIGINAL AIR FILTER IN SEPTEMBER AFTER COMPLAINING THAT THE AC WASN'T COOL. THE SMELL IN THE AC PERSISTS. IT'S NOT JUST A BIT WHEN THE CAR IS TURNED ON. NO MATTER WHAT SETTING I PUT THE AC ON, IT DOES NOT HELP (FRESH AIR OR RECIRC). WHEN IT RAINS OR WHEN IT IS REALLY HUMID OUTSIDE, THE CAR SMELLS LIKE A SWAMP (EVEN BEFORE IT IS TURNED ON). THERE IS ALSO HUMIDITY INSIDE THE CAR WHEN OPENING THE DOOR. I'VE ASKED MULTIPLE TIMES TO HAVE THE EVAPORATOR REPLACED BECAUSE I FEAR THAT IT IS NOT DRAINING AND CAUSING MOLD AND MILDEW TO FORM. BREATHING IN THE MOLD IS A SERIOUS HEALTH CONCERN AND TOYOTA WILL NOT AGREE TO ANY KIND OF FIX. I'M ALSO HAVING OTHER VARIOUS HVAC PROBLEMS SUCH AS CONTINUOUSLY FOGGING WINDOWS AND A DRAFT FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR. THE CAR DOES NOT HOLD HEAT AND IS VERY COLD DURING THE WINTER MONTHS. *TR

1/20/2015

MUSTY SMELL IN VEHICLE, SICK W/ RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS, INCLUDING DISTRESS AFTER USING AIR CONDITIONING OR HEATING SYSTEM OR DEFROSTERS. I BROUGHT MY CAR TO DEALER FOR 5000 MILE SERVICE AND MANAGER TOLD ME THE "THERE IS MOLD INSIDE THE AIR CONDITIONER AND HEATING AND ALL VENTED AIR SYSTEM. THIS IS THE WAY THE NEW DESIGN IS, THE AIR SYSTEM IS CLOSED OFF AND THE MOISTURE LAYS IN THERE GROWING MOLD." HE SAID "YOU HAVE TO OPEN THE WINDOWS, IF YOU ARE SENSITIVE, OR HAVE IT CLEANED EVERY WEEK TO KEEP THE SMELL OUT." HE SAID " THAT IS A CHARGE NOT COVERED BY YOUR LEASE, I'LL TAKE THE DASH OFF AND PUT A NEW FILTER AND FLUSH THE AIR HANDLING SYSTEM OUT FOR YOU, THIS TIME. IT USUALLY COST OVER $250.DOLLARS. YOU CAN DO IT YOURSELF BY SPRAYING A WHOLE CAN OF LYSOL BEHIND THE CABIN FILTER EVERY WEEK". MOLD IS KNOWN TO BE DEADLY AND THIS SHOULD NOT BE AN ALLOWED DESIGN. I HAVE SOUGHT MEDICAL ATTENTION FOR THIS PROBLEM AND NOW REFERRED TO A PULMONOLOGIST FOR SPECIAL TEST. I DEFINITELY WOULD NOT HAVE OBTAINED THIS CAR IF THE DEALER HAD DISCLOSED THIS KNOWN PROBLEM. BAD. *TR

1/26/2015

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

PRIUS WINDSHIELD IS PRONE TO CRACK WHEN TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY. I WAS TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY WHEN A TINY ROCK HIT THE LOWER RIGHT SIDE OF MY WINDSHIELD. THEN I COULD SEE THE TINY CRACK GETTING LONGER UNTIL IT NEARLY REACHED THE MIDDLE IN A MATTER OF TWO MINUTES. PRIUS OWNER SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PUT UP WITH THIS EXPENSIVE AND DANGEROUS DEFECT.

5/29/2018

I started noticing the ghosting or tripling of light issue in my windshield. I mostly noticed this during night times, I initially thought I was just tired and my eyes were tired, but I’ve been able to photograph it and verify my experience with other people. This effect is horrible for my eyesight and makes all lights at night so blurry I cannot drive safely.

12/16/2024

SEAT BELTS

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TRAVELING ON A HIGHWAY, CHANGED LANES TO AVOID IN ACCIDENT, CAR BEHIND ME CHANGED LANES TOO. CAR BEHIND FAILED TO SLOW DOWN AND SMASHED TRUNK AND PUSHED ME INTO A STEEL GUARD RAIL. SIDE, FRONT, AND KNEE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. SEAT BELT PRETENSIONERS DID NOT ENGAGE. NOR DID HEAD RESTRAINTS.

9/28/2020

The contact owns a 2014 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that the seat belts would not lock properly. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where it was diagnosed with needing the buckles replaced. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.

11/22/2021

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

Code C1391 - Abnormal Leak in Accumulator. Accumulator for the brake pump is not holding pressure so the pump has to keep turning on to refill. Brake pump and ABS unit have to be replaced. In emergency situations, a malfunctioning ABS module leads to increased stopping distances and loss of steering control during hard braking. Lastly, tires can be worn more easily, which could lead to tire blowouts. This puts myself and others at risk for deadly consequences due to an increased chance for collision if I am unable to control or stop my car. This problem has been confirmed by Toyota and multiple years of Toyota vehicles have had their brake actuator assembly warranty enhanced. The warranty enhancement program has secondary coverage, which is applicable for 10 years from the first date of use, or 150,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Currently I meet the 10 year requirement but have 162,000 miles on my prius, which is completely frustrating. Many have posted with the same problem of being just outside the warranty. The vehicle has been inspected at a Toyota dealership. A symptom was noticeable starting from over 1 ½ years ago when I was under 150,000 miles. The car produced clicking sounds when the brake pedal was held down at traffic lights. Once released, the clicking sound would stop. I spoke with a Toyota mechanic and he told me it was an issue with the brake pump and ABS unit, but Toyota would not repair it until it completely failed. He also mentioned that there was coverage available for the ABS unit once it failed as it was a common issue for the Toyota Prius. If Toyota warranty allowed for the brake pump and ABS unit to be replaced when the symptoms appear instead of when it completely fails, I would have qualified with my mileage. Not only is the repair costly, but for those who cannot afford it and need to continue to use their car despite the brake pump and ABS unit failure, risk their own and others safety when continuing to operate their vehicle.

3/10/2024

Failed Brake booster and pump assembly, confirmed by Toyota service. Warning lights turned on all at once: AEB, skid control and brake light. Estimated cost to repair is $3,000.

3/22/2025

HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM: INVERTER

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

2014 TOYOTA PRIUS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SOFTWARE RECALL NOTICE AND REQUESTS FINANCIAL COMPENSATION. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED TOYOTA AND THE DEALER KNOWINGLY SOLD HIM A DEFECTIVE VEHICLE, IN WHICH THEY WERE FULLY AWARE OF RECALL # 14V053000. *JB

4/28/2014

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD REVERSE WHEN SHIFTED TO DRIVE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 3,002.

5/20/2014

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IT WAS DIFFICULT TO VIEW ANY OF THE GAUGES ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE. ADJUSTING THE DIMMER SWITCH DID NOT REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER SEVERAL TIMES, BUT NO REMEDY WAS PROVIDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200.

8/29/2014

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TOYOTA'S ENTUNE NAVIGATION SYSTEM RANDOMLY FREEZES AND RESETS. WHEN THIS HAPPENS AT HIGH SPEEDS ON A HIGHWAY WHERE A PERSON IS DEPENDING ON THE SYSTEM TO GET SOMEWHERE, IT CAUSES A MASSIVE DISTRACTION AND A RISK TO LIFE AND LIMB. TOYOTA IS OFFERING NO RESOLUTION TO THIS ISSUE AND IT'S DEALERSHIPS ARE REFUSING TO EVEN REGISTER USER COMPLAINTS - "UNLESS THEY CAN REPLICATE THE ISSUE" WHICH IS RATHER DIFFICULT SINCE THE PROBLEM IS RANDOM AND THE DEALERSHIPS WILL NOT TAKE USER REPORTS OF THE ISSUE AS CREDIBLE. *TR

10/11/2014

TIRES

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

WE PURCHASED A NEW TOYOTA PRIUS THAT CAME WITH YOKOHAMA ALL SEASON RADIALS. BECAUSE THE TIRE LIGHT CAME ON, I CHECKED THE AIR PRESSURE IN THE TIRES AND SET THEM TO THE PSI AS RECOMMENDED AT ABOUT 1000 MILES. THERE WAS A MINOR IMBALANCE OF 3-4 PSI IN SOME TIRES, BUT NO SERIOUS UNDER INFLATION. WE NOTICED SOME MINOR ROAD NOISE AND VIBRATION. WE HAD A MECHANIC INSTALL MUD FLAPS AND INSPECT THE TIRES, WHEELS, AND BRAKES AT ABOUT 1500 MILES TO SEE IF THERE WAS A VISIBLE REASON FOR VIBRATION. THERE WAS NOTHING OBVIOUS. WE WERE CONCERNED ABOUT THE ROAD NOISE AND ABOUT 2000 MILES WE TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE TOYOTA DEALER WHO INSPECTED THE TIRES, CHECKED THE AIR PRESSURE, AND DECLARED THAT THEY DIDN'T SEE ANYTHING WRONG. AT ABOUT 3000 MILES DRIVING AT A SLOW SPEED (35 MPH OR LESS) IN A SCHOOL ZONE, WE HAD A COMPLETE BLOW OUT OF THE LEFT REAR TIRE. FORTUNATELY, THERE WAS A GRASSY SHOULDER AND NO TRAFFIC, SO WE HAD NO INJURIES OR OTHER DAMAGE. THE TREAD APPEARED TO SEPARATE AND THERE WAS A SIDEWALL TEAR STARTING AT THE TREAD. WE RETURNED TO THE TOYOTA DEALER AND ALSO SHOWED THE TIRE TO THREE DIFFERENT TIRE SHOPS (ALL THREE SELL YOKOHAMA TIRES). THE TOYOTA DEALER DID NOT OFFER AN OPINION OTHER THAN TIRE DEFECT - SO WE NEEDED TO DEAL WITH THE MANUFACTURER. TWO TIRE SHOPS THOUGHT IT WAS A DEFECT (EVEN THOUGH THEY SAID IT WAS A HASSLE TO GET A REPLACEMENT PAID FOR BY YOKOHAMA). ONE SHOP REPORTED IT WAS A DEFECT UNLESS THE TIRE WAS UNDER INFLATED, BUT THEY DIDN'T SEE ANY WEAR PATTERN THAT INDICATED UNDER INFLATION. BECAUSE OF THE BLOWOUT AND A SECOND SUSPICIOUS TIRE OF THE FOUR, WE REPLACED ALL FOUR WITH A DIFFERENT BRAND. AS FAR AS WE CAN TELL, THE YOKOHAMA TIRE(S) WERE DEFECTIVE AS NEW ON THE CAR. *TR

12/15/2014

WHEELS

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

WE PURCHASED A NEW TOYOTA PRIUS THAT CAME WITH YOKOHAMA ALL SEASON RADIALS. BECAUSE THE TIRE LIGHT CAME ON, I CHECKED THE AIR PRESSURE IN THE TIRES AND SET THEM TO THE PSI AS RECOMMENDED AT ABOUT 1000 MILES. THERE WAS A MINOR IMBALANCE OF 3-4 PSI IN SOME TIRES, BUT NO SERIOUS UNDER INFLATION. WE NOTICED SOME MINOR ROAD NOISE AND VIBRATION. WE HAD A MECHANIC INSTALL MUD FLAPS AND INSPECT THE TIRES, WHEELS, AND BRAKES AT ABOUT 1500 MILES TO SEE IF THERE WAS A VISIBLE REASON FOR VIBRATION. THERE WAS NOTHING OBVIOUS. WE WERE CONCERNED ABOUT THE ROAD NOISE AND ABOUT 2000 MILES WE TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE TOYOTA DEALER WHO INSPECTED THE TIRES, CHECKED THE AIR PRESSURE, AND DECLARED THAT THEY DIDN'T SEE ANYTHING WRONG. AT ABOUT 3000 MILES DRIVING AT A SLOW SPEED (35 MPH OR LESS) IN A SCHOOL ZONE, WE HAD A COMPLETE BLOW OUT OF THE LEFT REAR TIRE. FORTUNATELY, THERE WAS A GRASSY SHOULDER AND NO TRAFFIC, SO WE HAD NO INJURIES OR OTHER DAMAGE. THE TREAD APPEARED TO SEPARATE AND THERE WAS A SIDEWALL TEAR STARTING AT THE TREAD. WE RETURNED TO THE TOYOTA DEALER AND ALSO SHOWED THE TIRE TO THREE DIFFERENT TIRE SHOPS (ALL THREE SELL YOKOHAMA TIRES). THE TOYOTA DEALER DID NOT OFFER AN OPINION OTHER THAN TIRE DEFECT - SO WE NEEDED TO DEAL WITH THE MANUFACTURER. TWO TIRE SHOPS THOUGHT IT WAS A DEFECT (EVEN THOUGH THEY SAID IT WAS A HASSLE TO GET A REPLACEMENT PAID FOR BY YOKOHAMA). ONE SHOP REPORTED IT WAS A DEFECT UNLESS THE TIRE WAS UNDER INFLATED, BUT THEY DIDN'T SEE ANY WEAR PATTERN THAT INDICATED UNDER INFLATION. BECAUSE OF THE BLOWOUT AND A SECOND SUSPICIOUS TIRE OF THE FOUR, WE REPLACED ALL FOUR WITH A DIFFERENT BRAND. AS FAR AS WE CAN TELL, THE YOKOHAMA TIRE(S) WERE DEFECTIVE AS NEW ON THE CAR. *TR

12/15/2014

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

MUSTY SMELL IN VEHICLE, SICK W/ RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS, INCLUDING DISTRESS AFTER USING AIR CONDITIONING OR HEATING SYSTEM OR DEFROSTERS. I BROUGHT MY CAR TO DEALER FOR 5000 MILE SERVICE AND MANAGER TOLD ME THE "THERE IS MOLD INSIDE THE AIR CONDITIONER AND HEATING AND ALL VENTED AIR SYSTEM. THIS IS THE WAY THE NEW DESIGN IS, THE AIR SYSTEM IS CLOSED OFF AND THE MOISTURE LAYS IN THERE GROWING MOLD." HE SAID "YOU HAVE TO OPEN THE WINDOWS, IF YOU ARE SENSITIVE, OR HAVE IT CLEANED EVERY WEEK TO KEEP THE SMELL OUT." HE SAID " THAT IS A CHARGE NOT COVERED BY YOUR LEASE, I'LL TAKE THE DASH OFF AND PUT A NEW FILTER AND FLUSH THE AIR HANDLING SYSTEM OUT FOR YOU, THIS TIME. IT USUALLY COST OVER $250.DOLLARS. YOU CAN DO IT YOURSELF BY SPRAYING A WHOLE CAN OF LYSOL BEHIND THE CABIN FILTER EVERY WEEK". MOLD IS KNOWN TO BE DEADLY AND THIS SHOULD NOT BE AN ALLOWED DESIGN. I HAVE SOUGHT MEDICAL ATTENTION FOR THIS PROBLEM AND NOW REFERRED TO A PULMONOLOGIST FOR SPECIAL TEST. I DEFINITELY WOULD NOT HAVE OBTAINED THIS CAR IF THE DEALER HAD DISCLOSED THIS KNOWN PROBLEM. BAD. *TR

1/26/2015

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WIRE HARNESS WIRING WAS BEING DAMAGED BY ANIMALS BITING THE WIRING. THE VEHICLE WAS KEPT AT THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING FOR OVER A MONTH, BUT IT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED NO REMEDY. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,000.

9/16/2015

VISIBILITY

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SUN VISORS WERE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED BECAUSE THE MILEAGE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,000. UPDATED 09/22/16*LJ *CN

5/2/2016

TIRES:TREAD/BELT

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 TOYOTA PRIUS EQUIPPED WITH TOYO PROXES A20 (NA) TIRES, SIZE: P215/50/R17 (NA). WHILE THE TIRES WERE BEING REPAIRED AT GATEWAY TIRE (8115 MACON ROAD, CORDOVA, TN 38018; 901-624-0911), THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED OF A SLIGHT TEAR THAT CIRCLED THE INSIDE OF ALL FOUR TIRES, CAUSING THE TREAD TO SLIGHTLY SEPARATE. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT ALL FOUR TIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE TIRES WERE REPLACED. THE TIRE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES AND OFFERED TO PAY A PORTION OF THE REPLACEMENT COST. THE DOT NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE VEHICLE AND TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,694

9/6/2017

SUSPENSION

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

Lost steering on car while driving. Shop noted right control arm completely corroded through and broken axle. Entire undercarriage rusted and corroded. Available for inspection. Sudden loss of steering is a risk factor for serious injury or death. Problem has been looked at by two independent service centers who have agreed on problem. Has not been inspected by manufacturer, whom I have contacted over 8 times regarding this issue, or by any other party. There were no warning signs or symptoms prior to failure.

7/9/2022

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2014 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the brake master cylinder and the brake booster pump assembly had failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.

9/26/2024

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:ABS WARNING LIGHT

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

See Attached Letter

7/2/2025

TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2014 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that the ABS and the traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the brake master cylinder needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic and was diagnosed, and it was determined that the brake booster had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, one day later, both warning lights returned. The vehicle was returned to the mechanic and air was blown into the hydraulic valves and the other valves were cleaned; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

8/12/2025

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2014 Toyota Prius?

The most reported complaint category for the 2014 Toyota Prius is SERVICE BRAKES, with 72 owner reports. That is about 29% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER.

Are complaints about the 2014 Toyota Prius a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 155 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2014 Toyota Prius?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2014 Toyota Prius severe?

155 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Toyota Prius: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
249
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

We may earn a commission via links on this page.

In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

Start here

Buyer guideMaintenance guideRecall reportTuning guide

Get recall and ownership alerts for the 2014 Toyota Prius

Get our free model-year alerts and ownership updates.

Sign Up

We may earn a commission if you buy parts through our links. Learn more.

Carfocal

Automotive Research

Real data on vehicle reliability, safety, and ownership costs.

  • Used Car Research
  • Reliability Rankings
  • Buying Guides

  • Data Sources & Methodology
  • Editorial Standards
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Legal Disclosures
  • Terms of Service

© 2026 Carfocal · All Rights Reserved