Key fobs pop out of slot.

Our 2007 Prius lost braking power (mushy ,weak ) last week, fortunately, while backing out of the driveway.

At some point my friend realized the fob slot would not lock on to fob and it kept popping out making the car un-startable.

I am told that for past few months, the fob unlocked door but would not start car unless inserted in slot.
Now, neither fob works, Fob batteries were replaced this winter.

Car has been towed to a competent mechanic, who has not been able to get car started.... I supposed it needs to go to a toyota trained mechanic, we just want to avoid high cost of dealership repairs.

oh and then brakes need fixing .

Ideas? Suggestions?

 

My good friend with the prius that used to be my prius is playing a gig now. so I will answer.
I don't believe the car was responsive in any way. A few months ago this prius would not get up and go, This mechanic found a blown fuse in the box that attaches to small battery in back. There was also an issue then of the fob NOT releasing from the fob plug receiver. Some how it was straightened out so my friend could use car for a few months. I was wondering how big a job it would be to replace the fob receiver unit, I imagine they won't be too hard to find used. Is it likely a mechanical/relay assembly that holds the fob in?

 

170k-ish
12v battery is not too old

Brakes seem to have suffered a sudden failure, my friend describes it as a master cylinder leak.

first step is to start it, so i help my friend find a fob rx. I was thinking that the mechanical slot that receives the fob has somehow failed.

In my searches , never found anyone report a failure of this part.... whatever, we have to start somewhere.
Thanks.
send suggestions / ideas