NHTSA Complaint #11631144 — 2010 TOYOTA PRIUS

Please read the attached file "prius complaint signed" for a full description. I am the owner of a 2010 Toyota Prius, 2ZR-FXE. The warning light came up on my dashboard of my vehicle, so I took my 2010 prius to AutoZone, to get a free diagnostic. The diagnostic indicated the problem code of “C1256” “Accumulator Low Pressure” for the “Anti-Lock Brake System.” See Ex. A (AutoZone Diagnostic). It is available for inspection. According to the safety recall number “D0H”, 2010 prius model “2ZR-FXE” has a “Brake Booster Pump Assembly which can develop a crack inside the accumulator housing. If this occurs nitrogen gas could leak into the brake fluid and gradually cause a loss of power assist. Under certain circumstances, THIS COULD AFFECT STOPPING DISTANCE AND INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.” (Emphasis added). I have noticed that when I brake hard, IT TAKES LONGER TO COME TO A STOP, WHICH THREATENS NOT ONLY MY LIFE, BUT THE LIVES OF MY WIFE AND TWO [XXX] DAUGHTERS WHO ALSO RIDE IN THIS VEHICLE. According to the safety recall, “Toyota dealers will perform an inspection and, if necessary, replace the Brake Booster Pump Assembly at NO CHARGE to the vehicle owner . . .” See id. The safety recall does not explicitly permit dealers or servicers to charge for an inspection with regards to this defect, according to the information provided me. The estimate, provided by DARCARS recommending replacement of the “BRAKE BOOSTER WITH MASTER CYLINDER WITH PUMP[,]” confirms that the issue appears to be that which is covered by the safety recall. Ex. F.; see also Exhibit B Safety Recall (The vehicle has a “BRAKE BOOSTER PUMP ASSEMBLY WHICH CAN DEVELOP A CRACK INSIDE THE ACCUMULATOR HOUSING . . .”). See also Exhibit E Error Code from DARCARS (“C1256 Accumulator Low Pressure”). Nevertheless, DARCARS refused to waive the diagnostic fee of $150 and would not repair the vehicle unless I paid them “$5,150.” See Exhibit F. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)