Toyota Prius problems
The Toyota Prius (/ˈpriːəs/ PREE-əss) (Japanese: トヨタ・プリウス, Hepburn: Toyota Puriusu) is a compact/small family liftback (supermini/subcompact sedan until 2003) produced by Toyota. The Prius has a hybrid drivetrain, combined with an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. Initially offered as a four-door sedan, it has been produced only as a five-door liftback since 2003.
The Prius was developed by Toyota to be the "car for the 21st century"; it was the first mass-produced hybrid vehicle, first going on sale in Japan in 1997 at all four Toyota Japan dealership chains, and subsequently introduced worldwide in 2000.
In 2011, Toyota expanded the Prius family to include the Prius v, an MPV, and the Prius c, a subcompact hatchback. The production version of the Prius plug-in hybrid was released in 2012. The second generation of the plug-in variant, the Prius Prime, was released in the U.S. in November 2016. The Prius family totaled global cumulative sales of 6.1 million units in January 2017, representing 61% of the 10 million hybrids sold worldwide by Toyota since 1997. Toyota sells the Prius in over 90 markets, with Japan and the United States being its largest markets.
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Toyota Prius model years
Common Toyota Prius problems
The Toyota Prius is known for its reliability, but like any vehicle, it has its share of common problems. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues based on owner complaints:
- Excessive Engine Oil Consumption: Some units of the 2011 Toyota Prius have problems with excessive oil consumption, burning engine oil at roughly 1 quart per 1,000 miles.
- Engine Problems: The 2010 Toyota Prius has experienced a wide variety of engine-related issues, such as a blown head gasket, engine hesitation, engine failure, overheating, and stalling.
- Incorrect Reading on Fuel Gauge: This issue can usually be corrected via a recalibration procedure.
- Illuminated Check Engine Light due to Three-Way Coolant Control Valve Failure: This problem requires a valve replacement.
- Center Multi-Function Display Failure: This is the most common Toyota Prius problem reported by real owners, caused by poorly soldered connections on the display circuit board.
- Faulty Headlights: Many Prius owners, particularly with the 2008 model, have complained about their car’s headlights going out while driving, making it a severe safety hazard when night driving.
- Interior Accessory Issues: Prius owners have dealt with interior accessory issues, such as the dashboard display going out for no reason, leaving drivers unable to see their fuel gauge and speedometer.
- Acceleration Issues: Owners of 2004-2009 Prius models have experienced acceleration issues, where the sedan would randomly accelerate, which can be dangerous in heavy traffic.
- Transistor Failure: This issue can cause the vehicle to stall or not start at all.
- Parking Brake Issues: The parking brake cable may disengage from the lever, causing the vehicle to roll away.
- Buzzing Noise From LH Side Under Dash: This issue can be caused by a loose connection or a problem with the speaker system.
- TPMS Incorrectly Calibrated: This issue can cause the tire pressure monitoring system to display incorrect readings.
While these problems can be frustrating, it's important to note that the Toyota Prius is still considered a reliable vehicle. With proper handling and regular maintenance, the Toyota Prius can have a long service life.
Is the Toyota Prius a reliable car?
Are Toyota Priuses Generally Reliable? The Toyota Prius is well-known for being above average in reliability. According to withclutch.com, the Toyota Prius scores 87.05 in reliability, making it one of the best from the brand. It's higher than Toyota vehicles like the Corolla, Sequoia, and Avalon.
Does the Toyota Prius have problems?
With proper handling and regular maintenance, the Toyota Prius can have a long service life. The most commonly reported issues for different Toyota Prius model years include cracked windshields, excessive engine oil consumption, and engine issues.
What are the bad years for Prius?
The 2007, 2008, and 2010 year models are the least reliable, with each having a plethora of reports of headlights malfunctioning or blowing out and over-consumption of oil. These you should avoid at all costs. However, the 2005, 2006, 2009, 2011, 2012, and 2016 Toyota Prius year models aren't much better either.
What is the best year Prius to buy?
The 2012-2015 Prius models are often considered the sweet spot. These years strike a good balance between age, features, and price. Plus, they've got a solid track record for reliability. As for MPG, you're looking at some pretty good numbers.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Toyota Prius years
We have researched Toyota problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Toyota Prius cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Toyota Prius model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Toyota Prius model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Toyota Prius years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Toyota Prius car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Toyota Prius , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Service brakes problems
- Exterior lighting problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Electrical system problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Toyota Prius vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Prius model years
A total of 1013 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Prius model years
There were a total of 67 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Prius model years
There were a total of 540 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Prius model years
There were a total of 29 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 12294 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Toyota Prius . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Toyota Prius vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Toyota Prius 2010
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-09
- Date Complaint: 2024-11-11
- VIN: JTDKN3DU3A0
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Check Hybrid System warning lights came on and I lost all ability to drive vehicle and had to coast to the side of the road.
Toyota Prius 2010
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-29
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-29
- VIN: JTDKN3DU6A0
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: The contact owns a 2010 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal was stiff and required excessive force to depress. The contact stated that the ABS, Stabili-trac, and Parking Brake warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that a chime sounded and could not be turned off. The contact stated that the failure had been intermittent but was a recurring failure. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V235000 (Service Brakes). The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.
Toyota Prius 2010
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-21
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-26
- VIN: JTDKN3DU6A0
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: hope this message finds you well. I am reaching out regarding a potential recall issue with my 2010 Toyota Prius. The vehicle's VIN is [XXX] , and I am currently located in the Austin area. Recently, my vehicle has been experiencing problems related to the brake system, specifically the brake booster pump assembly. The diagnostic results returned codes C1241, C1391, and C2300, which point to issues such as abnormal leaks in the accumulator pressure and actuator system malfunctions. Given that this issue may fall under a recall or extended warranty for the brake booster pump assembly, I would appreciate it if you could confirm whether my vehicle qualifies for this service. If it does, I would like to schedule an appointment to bring my car into the nearest authorized service center to have the necessary parts replaced. Please let me know if any additional information is needed. I look forward to your response and would greatly appreciate your assistance in resolving this matter as soon as possible. Thank you for your time and support. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Toyota Prius 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-03
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-25
- VIN: JTDKN3DU4E0
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: I was driving on the highway during rush hour when a loud beeping noice began. My 15 year old cousin was in the passenger seat and began to check for the source of the beeping. I was driving 55mph on a busy highway with no safe shoulder stop. As I was preparing for the exit, the brakes suddenly became dysfunctional. The pedal was extremely hard to press down and I found myself unable to slow down the car in enough time to avoid hitting upcoming traffic. I found myself in an urgent, life threatening situation and needed to pull over into the emergency lane located before the exit. I could not just consider my safety, but that of other drivers and my 15 year old passenger. She is traumatized. I was able to get the car to stop with my entire weight on the pedal. Once stopped, I scrambled to find the reason for the sudden brake problem, checking if anything rolled under my foot, if the floor mat was loose, if the gear shift was wrong, even checked if I accidentally hit the emergency brake. Nothing was out of place. No new dash lights. I looked in the manual. I had no information. I went to jiffy lube and they performed a diagnostic test and informed me they are unable see all the codes with hybrids because Toyota’s computer can only see Just in August I went to Toyota for my oil change, nothing was said about the brakes needing to be fixed and how repairing them now would prevent the failure of the accumulator pump system. If I had known paying $400-$500 for the brakes then would prevent having to pay $3000 to replace a pump. I would have made that sacrifice and went outside of my budget. This is paramount information that should be disclosed to all Toyota customers that take their car in for care and pay. After further research, I STRONGLY BELIEVE TOYOTA EMPLOYEES PURPOSELY WITHHOLD INFORMATION FROM THEIR CUSTOMERS NOT INFORMING CONSUMERS ABOUT AVOIDING PUMP FAILURE AND THE NEED REPAIR THEIR BRAKES AND IS COMPLICIT IN ANY INCIDENT CAUSED BY PUMP FAILURE MAY CAUSE.
Toyota Prius 2011
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-25
- VIN: JTDKN3DU3B0
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: The low-beam headlamps on thousands of 2011 Toyota Priuses were burning out very prematurely (a matter of weeks, not months). Toyota Corporate said they created a customer support program to replace the headlight wiring harness free of charge, but this program ended in 2019. I believe that Toyota should be compelled to issue a recall to replace the wiring harnesses on all 2011 Toyota Priuses, because working headlights are a critical component of a safely traveling vehicle. The cost of replacing the wiring harness is more than $700, a real dent in a working family's budget. For now, we are replacing the burned-out bulbs. However, we believe a recall initiated by NHTSA is warranted in this case.
Toyota Prius 2010
- Date Of Incident: 2018-12-22
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-23
- VIN: JTDKN3DU2A0
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: Toyota failure to honor recall. See correspondence below for NHTSA ID and other detail. NTHSA Recall ID: 13V235000 Toyota Case#: [XXX] Very dissatisfied with Mr. Lxxxx's denial of our inclusion in the customer support program. He seemed to reach for every imaginable escape hatch to say "no". Claiming 2 notices were sent out (to the correct address) between December 2017 and March 2018, neither of which reached me, is dubious to say the least. The likelihood of our remaining a Toyota "family" with the eventual replacement of our 3 vehicles (including a previously unmentioned 2017 Rav4) has shrunk considerably. Shame on Toyota North America. ---------------------------------------------------------- (earlier Monday, October 21, 2024 at 11:31:54 PM EDT) Dear Mr. Oxxxxx: I’m writing to express my distress at being disqualified for this expensive safety recall about which I was never notified by mail and, despite receiving maintenance and inspections at the dealership in slim 2-year period between the mailer and the expiration, was not notified of the recall. The phone agent, Ms. Xxxxxx, was very courteous, opened the case, and informed me of the 2018 mailing about the recall, which I did not receive. I’m quite diligent about recall notices, we are a Toyota “family” with a Sienna in addition to the 2010 Prius, and records will show we’ve always attended to recalls for which we’ve been notified, going all the way back to our first purchase of a new Camry in 1997. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Toyota Prius 2012
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-23
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-23
- VIN: JTDZN3EU4C3
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: I write to add my voice to the litany of complaints in support of NHTSA investigation DP23005. While on an road trip recently the ABS, Traction Control, and Brake warning lights all came on. The brake felt squishy and didn't seem to be functioning as confidently as before. I altered my driving (giving plenty of distance, lowering my speed) so that in the event the brakes quit working I would have an exit strategy. I took it to my Independent Service Center as soon as possible who found the code C1391 and diagnosed the need to replace the master cylinder / booster assembly for several thousand dollars. Of course I must do this in order to remain safe but this is clearly a safety issue that could have been catastrophic. Meanwhile I am out of a car for several weeks until the part arrives and out of at least $2000 as quoted by my mechanic ($1640 for the part). The car only has 146,500 miles on it so otherwise would have plenty of life left in it. I'm filing this complaint to add my voice to the open petition and toward the NHTSA's investigation in strong support of holding Toyota responsible for PREVENTING injury and death through a proper recall, as well as against burdening the car owner with the costs of making up for Toyota's negligence on this issue. At the least they need to cover the cost of these necessary safety repairs when they are warned by the lights and reinstate their warranty extension for this issue
Toyota Prius 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-16
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-22
- VIN: JTDKN3DU9E0
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: Without warning, my brakes completely stopped working and I was fortunate enough to be somewhere I was able to pull over without being killed. Toyota is aware of this issue, but put a 10 year timeline on the complementary repair, which is totally unacceptable, as owners were not notified directly about this program, therefore how could we know it existed, was a problem, and to go get it fixed within their arbitrary deadline? I could have died losing brakes on the freeway, or even could have killed or injured others. This is a known, and severe safety hazard, and Toyota is not taking responsibility. It is unconscionable. Hoping for a class action lawsuit. It was a $5500 repair in California, which was almost the value of the car. Absolutely brutal and horrendous business practices from this company. Shame on them. I hope this agency NHTSA will add this report to the pile of others who have reported this, and actually take meaningful action for those of us who have been put at risk, and ripped off in the process.
Toyota Prius 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-22
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-22
- VIN: JTDKN3DU8D5
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: Took car in for repair because all the warning lights are on. The repair shop quoted $1200 for Anti lock braking actuator system which is defective. This is a huge safety issue and a costly repair from Toyota.
Toyota Prius 2011
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-19
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-21
- VIN: JTDKN3DU1B0
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while her husband was driving approximately 40-50 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the accelerator pedal failed to go back to the normal position and remained stuck. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact's husband depressed the brake pedal, and the engine revved significantly. The driver was able to pull to the side of the road. The driver turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle responded as needed. The dealer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.
Toyota Prius 2010
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-12
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-19
- VIN: JTDKN3DU4A5
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: In August of 2024, my 2010 Prius with less than 100,000 miles - all the brake warning lights on the dash suddenly came on - without any prior warning. The brakes felt a little "funny" at the time, so I took it to my mechanic immediately because my safety or the safety of other was at risk if the brakes completely failed. My mechanic informed me that there was a TSB for the brake booster with master cylinder and brake booster pumps that Toyota new about. I felt that it was imperative that this was repaired immediately. Apparently Toyota knew about this issue but did not notify me in any way at any time. I bought this Prius new and have had regular service check ups. I had to pay nearly $5,000.00 to have this repaired which I feel that Toyota should reimburse me, and any others who had this problem.
Toyota Prius 2009
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-18
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-18
- VIN: JTDKB20U993
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: Failed brake actuator. Toyota knows about the issue and refuses to honor any reasonable repair. Braking at any speed the car ferociously pulls to the left, throwing you into another lane or on coming traffic.
Toyota Prius 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-31
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-16
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JTDKARFU3K3
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: * I was pulling into a parking space at a slow speed. When I applied the brake the car accelerated causing the car to scrape the car next to the space. The car then stopped. * The acceleration was out of my control and the brakes did not stop it. Fortunately there was no person in front of me. * The Tow truck operator who came to get the car experienced the same issue when pulling into the bay at the dealer. I do not know about the manufacturer during their inspection as they did not provide me with that information. * Toyota had an inspection performed and that report was submitted to Toyota on August 20. We just received notification from Toyota that they found no problem with the car. * No warning lights noted.
Toyota Prius 2010
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-03
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-16
- VIN: JTDKN3DU9A0
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: ABS and brake lights lit at around 141000 miles code C1391 came up during diagnosis.
Toyota Prius 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-11
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-15
- VIN: JTDKN3DU0E1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: My 2014 prius experienced a failing brake booster actuator assembly. I was driving when suddenly my traction control light came on and my brake pedal turned mushy. I pulled over to a parking lot and put my vehicle in park. As soon as I did this, the ABS and parking brake light both turned on. I had the vehicle towed to the Toyota dealership. They diagnosed the problem as an internal leak in the brake booster actuator assembly. This is a common problem with these vehicles, but instead of Toyota issuing a recall, they only did an extended warranty coverage of which my prius didn't fit the parameters. Now I am stuck with a vehicle that is unsafe to drive and a repair estimate of $3,900 because of one of their parts failing. This should clearly have been made a recall with the volume of prius owners experiencing this problem. What a disappointment after having 3 Toyotas for many years.
Latest 5 recalls Toyota Prius
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 82 recalls for different components of the Toyota Prius.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Toyota Prius 2023
- Report Received Date: 2024-07-23
- Manufacturer: Gulf States Toyota, Inc.
- Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
- Summary: Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain Toyota 2023 GR Supra, 2024 4 Runner, Corolla, Grand Highlander, Grand Highlander Hybrid, Land Cruiser Hybrid, Tacoma, Tacoma Hybrid, 2023-2024 BZ4X, Corolla Cross Hybrid, GR Corolla, GR86, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius Prime, Sequoia Hybrid, Tundra, Tundra Hybrid, Venza Hybrid, 2023-2025 Crown, and 2025 Camry Hybrid vehicles equipped with GST accessories. The load carrying capacity modification label may display inaccurate added weight values. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
- Consequence: A vehicle with an incorrect maximum capacity weight value may be overloaded, which can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: GST will mail new labels to owners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2024. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 24R2.
- Model: Toyota Prius 2023
- Report Received Date: 2024-04-17
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:SWITCHES/KNOBS/BUTTONS
- Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Prius and Prius Prime vehicles. Water may enter the rear door switch and cause a short circuit, allowing an unlocked rear door to open unexpectedly.
- Consequence: A door that unexpectedly opens while the vehicle is moving or during a crash increases the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace both right and left rear door opener switches, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed August 9, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB06 and 24TA06.
- Model: Toyota Prius 2022
- Report Received Date: 2021-09-22
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM):SOFTWARE
- Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022 Prius and Prius Prime vehicles. The Engine Control Unit (ECU) software may falsely detect an error and shut down the hybrid system, causing a loss of drive power.
- Consequence: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will update the ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 21TB07/21TA07.
- Model: Toyota Prius 2015
- Report Received Date: 2020-06-24
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM: INVERTER
- Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Prius and 2014-2017 Prius V vehicles not included in recall 18V-684. Excessive voltage in the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) within the inverter may cause the hybrid system to shut down, causing the vehicle to stall while being driven.
- Consequence: An unexpected hybrid power system shut down may increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will perform a software update for the hybrid system. If the vehicle has experienced an inverter failure with certain hybrid system faults related to this condition, the inverter assembly will be repaired or replaced, prior to software update. All repairs will be performed free of charge. This recall began July 24, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TB10 / 20TA10.
- Model: Toyota Prius 2014
- Report Received Date: 2020-06-24
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM: INVERTER
- Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Prius and 2014-2017 Prius V vehicles not included in recall 18V-684. Excessive voltage in the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) within the inverter may cause the hybrid system to shut down, causing the vehicle to stall while being driven.
- Consequence: An unexpected hybrid power system shut down may increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will perform a software update for the hybrid system. If the vehicle has experienced an inverter failure with certain hybrid system faults related to this condition, the inverter assembly will be repaired or replaced, prior to software update. All repairs will be performed free of charge. This recall began July 24, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TB10 / 20TA10.
Latest negative Toyota Prius car reviews
Latest positive Toyota Prius car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2014
My A/C unit makes a loud buzzing noise when the temperature outside is over 85 degrees. It sounds like an electric transformer on a telegraph pole. I took it to the dealer and they replaced the A/C unit, but the next day the same thing happened. When I took it back, they said it was normal. Yesterday it was not normal, but today it is. I then took it to another Toyota dealer who also replaced the A/C unit under warranty. However, I was not satisfied with the dealer's service. When I went into arbitration, the arbitrator did not seem to understand that 3 A/C units actually equal 41% of the value of the Prius. I was also not happy with the turn-in process at the end of the lease, as they did not allow me to purchase the car at its book value of $14,500. Instead, they inflated the buyout price to $21,000. Overall, I found the people at the dealership to be unsatisfactory to deal with. Although the Prius was okay, I did not feel that it was worth the price. I ended up purchasing a Nissan Versa Note for half the price, which is a great value and an equal or better car than the Prius. I will not be dealing with Toyota again.
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Vehicle year: 2010
This car is amazing! It has the ability to carry a wheelchair, a 40-gallon hot water heater, or even a load from Ikea, and still beat everything on the interstate. The best part is that it gets near 50 mpg! When I needed to carry a wheelchair, this was the ONLY hybrid that hid the batteries instead of putting them in a box in the middle of the trunk. You can even cruise at 10-15 mph over the speed limit and not get a ticket (except for speed trap cameras...) because cops don't believe a Prius can speed. The only downside is the tire noise and wind noise, which can wear you down on an 800-mile trip, but it's not that big of a deal for around town and 120-mile trips. I went from filling up once a week to once a month - amazing value in a car! This will definitely replace the VW beetle as the go-to car for college students (fold down the rear seat and it becomes a struggle buggy).
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Vehicle year: 2011
I leased my Prius new in 2011 and I absolutely loved it! Of course, the gas mileage was great, but the overall design was also fantastic. The radio, interior, electronics, acceleration, and quality were all top-notch. The only minor issue I had, besides being run off the road on occasion, was with the seat covering. I couldn't understand why Toyota used a white crushed velour material to cover the interior. I think I stained it on day two! However, the car is a real feat of engineering. I put almost 50,000 miles on it without so much as a hiccup. Regular oil changes and routine maintenance were all it required. With the rear seats down, I found that the car could haul a great deal of things. I've had a hundred feet of 10' long conduit (protect the dashboard!) and several hundred pounds of raw materials and other construction equipment in it without a problem. It's also pretty comfortable on a long haul. Now that my lease is up, I'm definitely going to buy one!
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Vehicle year: 2015
The 2015 Prius III is an exceptional car. With its unbeatable fuel economy (I average 51 mpg), it is perfect for those who spend a lot of time on the road. The turbo-charged mode makes climbing even long hills easy, and the seats are more comfortable than earlier models. The controls are easily accessible, making for a smooth and enjoyable ride. I would recommend finding a good independent mechanic for routine maintenance, rather than going to the dealership. Additionally, replacing the tires that come with the car greatly improves handling on wet and snowy roads. The nav system has been a lifesaver for me, but it lags a bit and I've missed a few turns. The bluetooth sync is perfect for listening to audio books stored on my phone and the USB connection keeps me listening for hours. With the back seats folded down, the car can haul almost as much as a small SUV. Overall, I am confident in saying that the 2015 Prius III is an excellent car and I would highly recommend it to anyone in the market for a new vehicle.
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Vehicle year: 2006
Package #2. From January 19th, 2006 to January 7th, 2007, the car has covered 33,273 miles. During the first 15k miles, the car averaged 48 mpg (I haven't updated the spreadsheet). The best tank recorded was 712 miles, and only 2 tanks were under 40 mpg, at 34.4 and 38.8. On March 5th, I drove from St Louis to Pine Bluff, AR (pleading the 5th on speed). At 70 mph, the car gets around 45 mpg, while at 60 mph, it gets 50 mpg. The car gets less mpg in winter. At 20-40 mph, the car gets 70-100 mpg on the highway from Pine Bluff to Little Rock (the best was 93 mpg at 35 miles). The CPU mpg reset to 0 on its own a few times, once while I was looking at it. I ran out of gas 3 times, and with 6 blue bars, I barely made it 1.7 miles to the gas station. The most gas I've put in on a fill-up was 12.4 gallons. The car has electric A/C and engine heat. Please read the manual. Overall, I absolutely love it!
Are you having problems with your Toyota Prius?
Monserrate Abernathy 2025-08-16
Vehicle year: 2001
I've had a few issues with my car, particularly with the service departments after 100K. Unfortunately, I've received careless and incorrect diagnoses for the battery depletion while driving, which can be frustrating, especially in city traffic. Additionally, the mileage isn't great, with a maximum of 50 miles per gallon. It's worth noting that in the 70s, many smaller cars were getting over 40mpg, so it's important not to be taken in by the hype. My advice to young people would be to consider getting a smaller car.
Giles Welch 2025-08-13
Vehicle year: 2002
I purchased this car used and had a wonderful first year driving it. Although I was happy and proud to own it, I was disappointed to find that it only averaged 37 mpg, which was less than I had anticipated. Unfortunately, I encountered some issues with the car, including a check engine light that came on. After spending $1200 to replace the 12 volt battery and brakes, the light came on again just two weeks later. I contacted the dealer service and was initially informed that I needed a new main battery, which would cost $3600.00. However, after further investigation, it was discovered that the issue was with the transaxle, which would cost $4600.00 to replace. Although I was disheartened by the expensive repairs, I am confident in my decision to no longer own a Prius. Despite my negative experience, I appreciate the car's fuel efficiency and the technology behind it.
Dusty Macejkovic 2025-08-10
Vehicle year: 2001
Buying a new hybrid can be a good option, especially if the parts are under warranty. However, it's important to note that the HV battery (High Voltage battery) may need to be replaced after 8 years and around 150,000km, just after the warranty expires. While the Prius is a nice car to drive, there are other options like the Elantra which are more reliable and cost-effective to fix for the same year. It's worth reading reports about the 1st generation Prius, as the HV battery was of poor quality. If you're considering a Prius to save the planet, it's important to weigh the cost and consumables related to keeping it going, including maintenance and repairs, against the potential savings.
Franz Brown 2025-08-10
Vehicle year: 2010
If you're considering purchasing this Prius, I highly recommend getting the extended warranty. It has been a lifesaver for us. While we initially had a great experience with the car, after a couple of years, we started experiencing some issues. The cooling fan for the hybrid battery would make a puttering sound when we accelerated, and we had to have it replaced three times. We also had some oil burning issues that resulted in significant damage to the motor, which had to be rebuilt. Additionally, we had some electrical issues, including an inverter failure and a dead starter battery. While these issues were frustrating, we were grateful to have the extended warranty to cover the costs. It's worth noting that the hybrid battery may need to be replaced after 8-10 years, but it's covered under warranty for the first 8 years or 100k miles. Overall, I hope this information is helpful in making your decision, and please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions!I mentioned to a co-worker who also owns the same type of vehicle that I was experiencing issues with the hybrid battery. He shared that he had already replaced his battery for around 3K. He also mentioned that when the hybrid battery fails, the vehicle can start acting erratically and even accelerate on its own at times.
Maximilian Moen 2025-07-27
Vehicle year: 2010
Gasoline is an expense that affects all of us who drive, essentially a tax on our daily lives. I purchased my 2010 Prius with the goal of minimizing the cost of gasoline in my life, and because, at the time, I really liked the redesigned appearance. I opted for the Prius V/5/five for a couple of reasons: it has a sporty appearance with the 17