2011 Toyota Prius problems
Owners have filed 664 complaints about the 2011 Toyota Prius with NHTSA. Service brakes account for 39.3% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of electrical system at 10.2%.
Complaints664
Crashes56
Fires10
Injuries28
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Service brakes 39.3% · 261
Electrical system 10.2% · 68
Exterior lighting 7.2% · 48
Air bags 6.9% · 46
Engine 6.9% · 46
Unknown or other 4.2% · 28
Vehicle speed control 4.2% · 28
Power train 2.7% · 18
Severity
Of those complaints, 56 describe a crash, 10 describe a fire and 28 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 17 model years of the Toyota Prius in this data, 2011 sits 7th by complaint volume. 2010 draws the most.
Filing volume has held steady, 96 in the last three years against 111 in the three before.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 75,000 miles.
In owners' own words
Brake System Warning light ABS warning light Slip indicator light 6/3/2022, while driving on the highway the above warning lights illuminated. I depressed the brakes but failed to engage. I was able to slow down by shifting the gear into âBâ. Eventually the brakes engaged and I brought the car to a stop. Toyota created customer support program ZJB but the warranty covered a period until August 2021. Service brakes
The brakes total disengage when applied on bumpy roads then work again after getting to a smooth surface. I reported this to the service manager at the new car owner meeting at Toyota and was told that I just have to get use to antilock brakes. I haven't gotten into an accident yet but I had several close calls almost hitting cars in front of me on bumpy roads. Has there been a recall for this problem? Service brakes · reported at 300 miles
The Prius brakes do not work well under certain conditions. When I slow down the vehicle and am over uneven pavement or a pothole, the car feels like it lurches forward for a split second. My reaction is one of panic and to press harder on the brakes. My wife and I have experienced this four times since we have owned the vehicle. We feel very unsure of the brakes and worry for bicyclists or pedestrians. Service brakes · reported at 41,500 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…