2011 Toyota Prius
Common Problems
Ranked from 256 federal NHTSA complaints. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
20 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Brake actuator failure
76complaintsSafety riskBrakesThe brake actuator fails, causing the brakes to become unresponsive and the brake pedal to feel spongy.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 2
Brake booster failure
60complaintsSafety riskBrakesThe brake booster fails, causing the brakes to become unresponsive and the brake pedal to feel spongy.
$500–$1,300est. brake booster replacement · 2–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 3
Engine oil consumption and low pressure
30complaintsMedium severityEngineEngine consumes excessive oil, causing low oil pressure and requiring frequent oil changes.
$400–$4,500est. oil-consumption repair (rings/pcv) · 3–14 hrs laborGet local quotes - 4
ABS Actuator and Pump Failure
20complaintsSafety riskBrakesThe ABS actuator and pump fail, causing the anti-lock brakes to malfunction and the brake pedal to require excessive force.
- 5
Brake failure on rough road surfaces
20complaintsHigh severityBrakesThe car loses braking function or the braking force is delayed when driving over rough road surfaces.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 6
Brake pedal goes to floor during braking
20complaintsSafety riskBrakesThe brake pedal suddenly goes to the floor during braking, causing extended braking distance and potential loss of vehicle control.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 7
Brakes failing to engage properly
20complaintsHigh severityOtherBrakes fail to engage or disengage momentarily, causing unexpected vehicle movement, especially over bumps.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 8
Brakes fail on uneven surfaces
20complaintsMedium severityBrakesBrakes fail to engage properly on uneven or slippery surfaces, causing the vehicle to lurch forward.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 9
Brakes lurching forward over bumps
20complaintsHigh severityOtherBrakes cause the vehicle to lurch forward unexpectedly when braking over bumps or uneven terrain.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 10
Headlights failing frequently
20complaintsMedium severityOtherHeadlights fail to work intermittently, often requiring multiple replacements within a year.
$100–$900est. lighting assembly repair · 0.5–2 hrs laborGet local quotes - 11
ABS and Brake Warning Lights
17complaintsSafety riskBrakesThe ABS and brake warning lights come on, indicating a failure in the brake system.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 12
Brake system warning lights on
17complaintsMedium severityBrakesThe brake, traction control, and ABS warning lights come on, indicating potential brake system issues.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 13
Brake booster cycling and lights on and off
15complaintsSafety riskBrakesThe brake booster cycles on and off, causing brake lights to turn on and off randomly, and potentially leading to brake failure.
$500–$1,300est. brake booster replacement · 2–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 14
Airbag recall issues
10complaintsHigh severityOtherRecall for defective airbags has not been addressed in a timely manner, potentially causing safety hazards.
- 15
Service brake failure
10complaintsHigh severityBrakesService brakes can fail suddenly, causing the car to hydroplane forward and potentially leading to accidents.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 16
ABS and Traction Control Warning Lights
8complaintsMedium severityBrakesThe ABS and traction control warning lights come on, indicating potential issues with the braking and stability systems.
$100–$250est. professional diagnosis · 1–2 hrs laborGet local quotes - 17
Brake Pedal Spongy or Soft
8complaintsMedium severityBrakesThe brake pedal feels spongy or soft, indicating a potential issue with the braking system's hydraulic components.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 18
Brake Pedal Stiffness
7complaintsMedium severityBrakesThe brake pedal becomes stiff and difficult to depress, reducing braking effectiveness.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 19
Headlights failing or dimming
6complaintsMedium severityElectricalHeadlights frequently burn out or become too dim for safe use, especially at night.
$100–$900est. lighting assembly repair · 0.5–2 hrs laborGet local quotes - 20
Brake Actuator Noise
3complaintsLow severityBrakesThe brake actuator makes a continuous air pumping noise, causing concern for the driver.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.