Toyota Prius Recall R/2013/070: Braking Efficiency May Be Affected, Who Is Affected And What To Do

Urgent

How serious

2 Jul 2013

Launched

4,941

vehicles in the UK

R/2013/070

DVSA reference

Toyota recalled Prius vehicles built between 10 October 2008 and 7 October 2009. The subject vehicles are equipped with brake pressure accumulators consisting of a metal plunger containing brake fluid encased in a metal housing. The recall notice describes the fix as: that are likely to be affected to first check which type of brake booster is fitted and if the at risk type is fitted; replace the brake booster assembly with an improved one. You won't usually pay for it.¹

What’s Wrong

The subject vehicles are equipped with brake pressure accumulators consisting of a metal plunger containing brake fluid encased in a metal housing. The plunger is designed with metal pleated bellows to allow for motion. Nitrogen gas is sealed between the plunger and housing. It is possible that a fatigue crack could develop in the bellows due to vertical vibration of the plunger while driving. If this occurs nitrogen gas could leak into the brake fluid and gradually cause the brake pedal stroke to become longer resulting in decreased hydraulic pressure which could result in increased stopping distance.

DVSA's Original Wording

Concern: BRAKING EFFICIENCY MAY BE AFFECTED Defect: The subject vehicles are equipped with brake pressure accumulators consisting of a metal plunger containing brake fluid encased in a metal housing. The plunger is designed with metal pleated bellows to allow for motion. Nitrogen gas is sealed between the plunger and housing. It is possible that a fatigue crack could develop in the bellows due to vertical vibration of the plunger while driving. If this occurs nitrogen gas could leak into the brake fluid and gradually cause the brake pedal stroke to become longer resulting in decreased hydraulic pressure which could result in increased stopping distance. Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to first check which type of brake booster is fitted and if the at risk type is fitted; replace the brake booster assembly with an improved one.

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

The Risk

If the fault occurs, the recall notice says it could result in decreased hydraulic pressure which could result in increased stopping distance.

The Fix

The recall notice describes the fix as: that are likely to be affected to first check which type of brake booster is fitted and if the at risk type is fitted; replace the brake booster assembly with an improved one.

Are You Affected?

Prius built between 10 October 2008 and 7 October 2009 may be included. Toyota estimates 4,941 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with Toyota, because not every car in the date range may be included.

What To Do Now

1. Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with Toyota.
2. Book with any franchised Toyota dealer, quoting the DVSA reference R/2013/070. See how to get a Toyota recall fixed.
3. Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.

Related Recalls

This is one of 250 Toyota recalls in DVSA’s data. The Toyota recall launched before it was R/2013/048 on 17 Apr 2013, for passenger side airbag may fail to deploy correctly. The one launched after it was R/2013/089 on 7 Aug 2013, for braking efficiency may be affected. You can also see every Toyota recall, the Toyota Prius recall history, all recalls launched in 2013 and brake recalls across every make.

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Source: DVSA recall R/2013/070, launched 2 July 2013. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.