Brake Indicator Lights are On

Discussion in 'Prius v Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Hexanite, Feb 3, 2026 at 9:32 PM.

  1. Hexanite

    Hexanite Junior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 16, 2020
    5
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    Location:
    Raleigh
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    V
    Good evening, all

    I have a 2013 Prius V (pretty sure it is just the Base) with ~ 101,587 miles. I drove to the store and everything was fine. When I got in and started my 2013 Prius V, the brake indicators (Brake, ABS, (!), SS) on the dash were on. I did not notice until after I started driving, so I pulled into the gas station next door. I checked the book. I confirmed that the brake fluid level is between the min and max lines. The emergency brake is disengaged.

    Reluctantly, I drove home. It was only a few miles and I took all back roads.

    A couple things I noticed.

    I would push on the brake one time and it would be pretty soft. After releasing and pushing again, the brake was again solid. After driving for a few seconds, it would replicate. The first press of the brake was always softer than the 2nd/3rd/etc.

    Every 3 seconds, I heard a very faint "brrrrr" coming from the floor around my left foot/knee.

    Any idea what could be wrong? I am fairly handy (changed radiators, brakes, shocks). Is this something you think would be a straight forward fix?

    Thanks!!
     

    Attached Files:

    #1 Hexanite, Feb 3, 2026 at 9:32 PM
  2. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2008
    10,326
    6,460
    7
    Location:
    Texas Hill Country
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    Read codes with a hybrid capable scanner.

    A common failure is the Brake Booster (master cylinder/abs/skid control ecu) which runs about $2400 installed at the dealer.

    There was an extended warranty but it expired at 10 years or 150k miles, whichever occurs first.

    There are plenty of threads on the subject. It results in reduced braking and no regen.

    It is a complex job and requires Techstream bleeding and calibrations after the installation. Trained Toyota techs are paid five hours for the repair.

    Independent hybrid shops get a discount on parts and may do it for much less. However their are no rebuilt or aftermarket parts and used parts are often bad or improperly labeled.

    Codes first.
     

    Attached Files:

    #2 rjparker, Feb 3, 2026 at 11:49 PM
    Last edited: Feb 4, 2026 at 12:08 AM
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