Wirtz Law Blog

Brake Booster Pump Assembly Defects

Several model years and models of Toyota hybrid vehicles have brake defects that may impair your use, value, and safety.  In particular, the 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015 Toyota Prius and Prius PHV, and the 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015 Toyota Prius v, and the 2012, 2013, and 2014 Toyota Camry Hybrid, as well as the 2013-, 2014, and 2015 Toyota Avalon Hybrid may experience brake booster pump assembly problems that cause brake failures.  Drivers have reported that these hybrid cars lurch or surge forward when pressing the brake pedal when slowing down or stopping when travelling on rough surfaces.  Some drivers have reported that Toyota dealerships, which are Toyota’s authorized repair facilities, have been refusing to inspect and diagnose the problems under warranty because there was no recall for the problem. Even when the customer pays for the inspection, repairs aren’t being made without a sensor triggering a diagnostic trouble code.

Toyota’s History of Brake Problems

Toyota has a long history of dealing with brake issues in its hybrids.  In 2010, Toyota issued a recall for its 2010 Prius cars to repair defects in the brakes.  Toyota also issued a technical service bulletin (TSB-0174-12) in September 2012 about Prius vehicles that told dealers to replace the computer assembly containing the software that controlled the braking system.  According to the TSB, Toyota appears to be admitting that a defect exists in the brake monitoring logic, making it overly sensitive.  In February 2013, Toyota issued another recall for its hybrid cars that also appears to concern the brake booster pump assembly.  Again Toyota disclosed the defect that a fatigue crack could develop in the bellows due to the vertical vibration of the plunger while driving and 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, thereby affecting stopping distance and increase the risk of a crash.  Toyota also created a customer support program (ZJB) in 2018 covering 2010-2015 Prius and Prius PHV (Plug-In Hybrid) vehicles to replace brake booster and brake booster pumps.  In 2019, Toyota created a second customer support program (ZKK) for 2013-2015 Avalon Hybrids, practically identical to the brake booster and pump repairs in the ZJB program. Also in September 2019 Toyota issued TSB 0130-19 for 2012-2014 Camry Hybrids and 2013-2015 Avalon Hybrids again to address defects with the brake booster assemblies.

Is this Your Car?

If you have purchased or leased one of the following vehicles:

• 2010-2015 Toyota Prius
• 2010-2015 Toyota Prius PHV
• 2012-2015 Toyota Prius v
• 2012-2014 Toyota Camry Hybrid
• 2012-2014 Toyota Avalon

and have experienced brake problems, you may have a lemon under California’s Lemon law.   If you have brought your vehicle to the dealer at least two times, and the dealer has not been able to repair the problem, duplicate the problem, or you have been told there is nothing wrong with your Toyota, you may be entitled to a buyback or repurchase under the California Lemon Law.

For more information call the experienced trial attorneys at (858) 259-5009 for a free case evaluation.

Disclaimer.  The information provided in this post is for informational and educational purposes only regarding aspects of the California Lemon Law.  It is intended for California Consumers only.  This post is considered an advertisement by attorney Richard M. Wirtz and Wirtz Law APC. You should not rely on any of the information provided in this advertisement and no legal advice is given by the advertisement. No attorney client relationship is established by viewing this advertisement. A written signed engagement agreement between you and Wirtz Law APC is required to create an attorney client relationship. You should immediately consult an attorney who is experienced in California Lemon Law. Attorney Richard M. Wirtz is responsible for the content of this post.  Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.