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: 2004
I've driven 140K miles in five years, averaging 45+ mpg. The car's rock-solid reliability is its greatest feature - it still has the original brakes. I like the car so much that I just purchased a new 2009 model. While this car may not be everyone's cup of tea, it fits my lifestyle perfectly - there's plenty of room for my family of four, and the hatchback makes it useful for those occasional runs to Lowe's or Home Depot. It's a well-engineered vehicle that has retained its rock-solid feel over the many miles it has traveled.
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Vehicle year: 2004
Hey there! Do you happen to live in New Jersey? I do! Did you know that it's actually the most densely populated state in the US? Crazy, right? Unfortunately, we don't have a great mass transportation network, so most people rely on their cars to get around. This can lead to some pretty frustrating traffic jams, but I try to make the best of it in my 2004 Toyota Prius. I've found that I actually get better mileage when the speeds are slower, so at least I'm saving some money on gas! Plus, the Prius has surprisingly good pickup for highway merging thanks to its electric and combustion systems working together. And the best part? The air conditioning runs on the battery, which is charged by driving and braking. In the warm weather, I've consistently been getting 50 mpg! Thanks, Prius!
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Vehicle year: 2006
This has been a fantastic vehicle! It has already clocked 196,000 miles and is still going strong. Surprisingly, we have not had to replace the back rear brake pads yet. I drove this car until 2013 and then passed it on to my daughter, who now uses it as her primary vehicle. I would definitely consider buying another Prius as my future vehicle.
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Vehicle year: 2020
We've been driving the AWD-e for three months now and we're still really happy with it. It's such a relaxing car to drive in the city and super efficient on the highway. The size is perfect for getting around town and the parking assist is really fun to use. The rear cross traffic alert is also incredibly useful and the car is so quiet. While the MPG in town hasn't been fantastic during the winter, it's improved a lot now that the weather has warmed up a bit. Since purchasing the car, we've been averaging 49.6 mpg, and on a trip to PA we even got over 60 mpg on the highway. The driver assist radar cruise control makes stop/go highway traffic so much less tiring. Under normal conditions, the car is quiet enough, but it can get a little rough under harder acceleration (although we made sure to follow the break-in period directions). We chose this car over the quicker RAV 4 hybrid because the handling in the Prius is much better, especially on winding back roads. We didn't go for the Prius Prime because the battery takes up so much trunk space on what would otherwise be a great car. Similarly, we didn't choose the Honda Insight because the front passenger seat is so low that it's difficult to get out of and it's not height adjustable.
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Vehicle year: 2015
We now have two Prius (Prii) in the family. I'm glad to say that I like the 2015 even better than the 2010. The stereo system is fantastic! It's so easy to connect the bluetooth with my iPhone, which makes for excellent handsfree phone calls and music.
Are you having problems with your Toyota Prius?
Giovani Jacobs 2025-09-10
Vehicle year: 2006
Just to be clear, this car actually belongs to my parents. However, during my trips back to California, I have driven their Prius for thousands of miles. While it is undoubtedly functional, competent, and boasts incredible fuel economy, we have all found the seats to be relatively uncomfortable. They are small, stiff, and offer virtually no lumbar support. Despite being manual seats, they should have more adjustments. Additionally, I find the steering wheel placement to be uncomfortable, even though the driving position is fine in terms of front view. Furthermore, the ride is too stiff and jittery over rough pavement and too loose and wallow-y on curvy roads. If you prioritize comfort and performance, this car may not be the best fit for you.
Christop Metz 2025-09-06
Vehicle year: 2012
I have a little car that I affectionately call my 'road rat'. It's mainly used for commuting on the highway. I've had some concerns about the steering wheel not being straight while driving on a straight road. It tends to pull and requires me to hold pressure on the steering wheel to keep it going straight. Although Toyota says the car is fine, I don't agree. I don't want to have to exercise while driving. The left tire's edge has worn out due to this issue, and it took a while for both the front and rear tires to exhibit the same problem, even with tire rotations. The engine can be quite noisy when accelerating, which is a bit strange.
Alfred Towne 2025-08-29
Vehicle year: 2009
We chose the car primarily for its excellent fuel economy, and while it may not be the most stylish or comfortable ride, we were aware of that from our test drives. However, during a recent 400-mile trip, we did experience some handling issues, particularly in crosswinds, which required constant adjustments to the steering. Despite speaking with both our local Toyota Service department and corporate Customer Service, we were informed that the car was 'working as designed'. As a result, my wife is hesitant to use the Prius for long distance highway driving. We appreciate any advice or suggestions on how to improve the handling in these conditions.
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.