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

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    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!!
     

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

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    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
  3. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    If you don't have a suitable scan tool yet to find out the trouble codes, it is fastest to go ahead and get the codes this way:

    Blink (a/k/a Flash) Codes – How to. | PriusChat

    and post them here. That way, finding out what the trouble is doesn't have to wait while you shop for a scan tool, and you can take your time picking out a tool you can have for next time.
     
    #3 ChapmanF, Feb 4, 2026 at 9:25 AM
  4. Hexanite

    Hexanite Junior Member

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    Thank you both so much for your help.

    I do not recall (though I may have thought it was a scam/junk mail) ever receiving a letter from Toyota about this issue (as indicated in the pdf linked above).

    I am certain that I have mentioned a "puffing" noise and occasional "spongy-ness" when I depress the brake during services before the 10-year limit at my visits to the dealership (I only go to the Toyota Dealer for service). I was told that was "normal." So, I trust them. AND, Since it was never documented in my history (only available back to 2020?) they cannot do anything about it. I was under the impression that taking my car to the dealer for all services (I bought the car there, new) would help avoid missing things like this.

    I am in NC and called multiple Toyota Dealerships and Independent Shops that work on Hybrids.

    Quotes range from the "come in now and I'll give you a deal price" of $4,467.10 out the door to the "eh...that is going to run you around" $4800 price.

    Now I am stuck. It is a 2013 with 101,600 miles. Is it worth putting nearly $4500 into this car? I thought hybrid batteries last an average of 15 years. So, I could be out a hybrid battery soon.

    I feel like it is time to move on from this car and put the $4500 (and potentially $8K for a new hybrid battery) into a new car.

    Any advice on a path forward?

    Thanks!
     
    #4 Hexanite, Feb 4, 2026 at 2:32 PM
  5. BiomedO1

    BiomedO1 Senior Member

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    Lots of Prius enthusiast love the Prius V, so if it's in decent shape with all dealership records - I'm sure you could get $3K for it AS-IS on Facebook marketplace of Craig's list. It still runs, just not safe to drive.

    Good Luck.....
     
    #5 BiomedO1, Feb 4, 2026 at 2:42 PM
  6. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    "This issue" sounds singular, but the lights you have come on for around 200 reasons, which is a little too plural to try matching up to any Toyota letter yet. I would want to start by knowing what the trouble codes are.
     
    #6 ChapmanF, Feb 4, 2026 at 3:37 PM
    Brian1954 likes this.
  7. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    Your concern is the brake booster or sensors, not the hybrid battery. While Toyota replaced the Brake Booster and separate Pump, most owners are back running with just the Booster.

    The warranty program covered the brake booster and pump with the right codes in the above pdf. Yours probably never had codes. It is common for the brake booster to slowly degrade and remain safe for years UNTIL it codes.

    Everyone wants to do diy thinking it saves money. First you need a diagnosis. I would let a hybrid shop diagnose. THEN come back for cost saving advice if needed.

    Often calling for prices is the wrong thing to do. Shops hate people price shopping by phone. Visit a hybrid shop in person and ask for help.
     
    #7 rjparker, Feb 4, 2026 at 9:38 PM
    Last edited: Feb 4, 2026 at 9:59 PM
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