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: 2019
This is my third Prius and I must say, each successive car has gotten better. I have now had my 3rd Prius for 36 months and I still think it's an outstanding car.
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Vehicle year: 2019
I really like this car, but there are a couple of things that I didn't anticipate. Firstly, as someone who is 5'3'', I found it a bit challenging to bring down the hatchback from its high open position. If I shrink any further as I age, I might have to consider a different car. Secondly, the safety systems in the car that warn you when you are getting too close to objects can be a bit overwhelming when I drive in or back out of my narrow garage. It can be quite distracting, especially with the added noise of the backup warning, and having to keep an eye on the backup camera while also checking the sidewalk to avoid pedestrians. It would be great if there was a switch on the wheel to easily turn off and on the warning systems for the side walls. Also, I'm a bit confused about why the gear shift is in a different place in the car and why the forward and reverse are reversed compared to the normal shift gear. Nonetheless, I'm really happy with the fantastic gas mileage I'm getting in New York City!
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Vehicle year: 2007
I'm glad to hear that the hybrid works well for you! It sounds like the car has some great features, like the smooth driving experience and the convenient push-button start. The satellite radio also seems like a great addition for long drives. I agree that the camera on the back is a really useful feature for backing up safely. Overall, it sounds like you're really enjoying your car!
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Vehicle year: 2020
Congratulations on your 4th Prius! It's great to hear that the AWD is just as good as your previous ones, and with even more features like assist park, radar cruise, lane assist, usb stereo, auto high beam lights, warning lane change mirrors & 360 park signal, collision avoidance & more! It's impressive that you were able to get it for $26,500 with rebates and a 6 year 100,000 bumper to bumper warranty. You're also getting great gas mileage, consistently getting 51 on the highway and 55-58 in the city. The ride is super quiet and comfortable too. Enjoy your new car!
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Vehicle year: 2007
I can tell you really enjoy your car! It sounds like it has a lot of great features, like the back up video and all the compartments. And it's great that you can play your music through the radio. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Are you having problems with your Toyota Prius?
Jillian Fay 2025-04-19
Vehicle year: 2001
Although I have had some issues with this vehicle, I have taken the necessary steps to address them. Initially, there were some minor problems that were quite irritating, but after two years, a service technician was able to identify and resolve them. I was fortunate that the inverter was replaced under warranty at 92K miles, which would have cost me $7,000 if I had to pay for it myself. At 122K miles, I had to replace the main computer for $1,250, and it is currently in the shop for a trans axle and another inverter replacement. Although the total repair costs are $12,000, I am confident that the car will be back on the road soon. While I was advised to junk the car, I believe that it still has value and I am willing to invest in it. I understand that there may have been some underlying issues with the motor windings, but I trust that the technicians have done their best to address them. Overall, I still have faith in Toyota and their products.
Jamarcus Reichel 2025-04-15
Vehicle year: 2002
I purchased this car from a dealership and while they checked everything else, they unfortunately missed the hybrid battery. As a hybrid with two batteries, it can be concerning if not properly maintained. Unfortunately, on my second day of use, while driving home from work on the freeway, my car suddenly stopped accelerating and the main battery light came on. I had to pull over to the side of the road and restart the car three times, even though I only live 10 minutes away from work. I later found out that replacing an old hybrid battery can cost up to $3000 for parts and $2000 for labor. It's important to be aware of this issue. However, newer Prius models are much more reliable.
Kamryn Hayes 2025-04-15
Vehicle year: 2019
For the past 18 months, I have been using a 2018 Prius (version One) for my work, driving short urban pick-up & delivery journeys with 25-30 stops per day. I have found the reliability to be 100% over 34,000 miles, which is exactly what I expect from a Japanese-built Toyota. During the cooler months, I can get almost 50mpg on my daily route, but this drops a lot with a/c use in summer, to under 40mpg, which is a bit disappointing, given the EPA urban cycle rating is 50mpg. The drivetrain is impeccably smooth and responsive in its transitions between electric drive and the gasoline engine, although that engine is surprisingly coarse and thrashy when extended. The hatchback and rear seat areas are spacious and practical, with a useful power socket for passengers in the back. Despite a lot of hard plastics throughout the cabin, it's all nicely assembled and free of rattles. However, the all-black trim and carpet show every tiny little speck of dust, dirt, hair and fluff, which can be a bit of a nightmare to keep clean. A mid-beige color would have been much more practical. My main concern is that this car DOES NOT have a spare wheel. I have been very fortunate to have no punctures thus far, but I am worried about what will happen when that sidewall puncture comes along. Unfortunately, I have not been able to get anybody at the local dealership to explain this to me. The instruments and switchgear are not the best, considering Toyota has had almost 20 years, through various model cycles and updates, to make them more user-friendly and attractive. Who on earth wants a Casio watch-style speedometer or an LED fuel gauge? No thanks. And the HVAC controls are not the simple three-knob setup found in the Yaris and Corolla, but a combination of tiny push-buttons and three very awkward silver plastic rocker switches, which require taking your eyes off the road to make any adjustments. Both the Corolla and Camry Hybrids get this stuff right, so why can't we have conventional switchgear and analog gauges in the Prius?The standard, old-school cruise control is actually better than the radar-controlled adaptive version, which wastes fuel by speeding up and slowing down constantly, which can be infuriating. However, overall, it has been a superbly engineered, very smooth, quiet and comfortable car to drive, and ultra-reliable. If Toyota had the will, those few annoyances could very easily be fixed.
Ladarius Tromp 2025-04-13
Vehicle year: 2003
The Prius is a joy to drive, with impressive acceleration and a tight turning radius. It's also incredibly fuel-efficient, achieving around 50 MPG in real-world driving conditions. Even after driving for around 500 miles, I rarely need to fill up with more than 10 gallons of gas. While the narrow tires can cause some handling issues on grooved asphalt, the car still performs well on steep Colorado hills. I'm such a fan of the Prius that I've already put a deposit down for the upcoming hybrid-Highlander!
Jeffrey Volkman 2025-04-03
Vehicle year: 2005
I am the second owner of this car, which was previously owned by my sister and her husband. They purchased it new in 2005 and kept it until their divorce in 2013, when I took ownership. They didn't experience any major issues with the car, and I assume they kept up with regular maintenance. When I took over the car, it was already 8 years old and had over 110,000 miles on it, but it still ran great for the next 3 years with just regular oil changes and one brake job. Unfortunately, at 11 years and 151,000 miles, the hybrid battery died and the red warning light came on. I had to let the car sit for about 6 months until my husband returned from military service and replaced the battery with a refurbished one from Dorman, which had a better warranty than a new battery from Toyota. We planned to keep the car until the second hybrid battery died, assuming the car would last through, and probably longer than, the battery's warranty period of 3 years. However, within 18 months and barely 13 years and 161,000 miles, the red warning light came on again because the replacement auxiliary battery was already dying. Unfortunately, this happened while we were on vacation, and we had to spend $400 to replace the battery again, plus towing fees. It was frustrating that there was no emergency way to put the car in neutral, which made towing the Prius a hassle. Within 2 days of replacing the auxiliary battery, the front dash stopped working properly, with no speedometer, gas level, or odometer, and only partially functioning touchscreen and turn signals. I was worried about making the 800-mile trip home without a working odometer or gas gauge.The car turned on, and luckily I was only 10 miles away from the next town, so I made it to the dealership. Unfortunately, I needed a rare computer component to light up the dash, which took longer than expected to arrive. The installation process was also time-consuming and expensive, costing me over $600 in labor fees. When I received the car back, I noticed that all four air vents were broken, which was disappointing. I understand that after 13 years, plastic can become brittle, especially in the California and Arizona sun. If Toyota had offered to reduce the price of the vents or help cover the cost, I would have gladly ordered four more. Unfortunately, less than two months later, the red light of death came on again while I was driving to work. I was scared to turn off the car since it had caused major problems in the past. I called into work and drove to the dealership instead. The hybrid inverter/converter had failed, which is an extremely rare occurrence. The dealership estimated the cost to be $5800, with the part itself costing over $4500. I found a new part online for $3100 or a salvage part for $200. I decided to tow the car back to my house and install the salvage part myself. After this experience, I have decided to sell the car cheaply and will not be purchasing another hybrid. I do not trust hybrid electronics after the warranty expires, and the premium cost of a hybrid does not make up for the fuel savings over the short 8-10 year warranty period.I can understand your frustration with the car. It seems like it's difficult to predict when it might need repairs, and that can be costly. It's important to keep up with regular maintenance to try and prevent any unexpected issues. I hope you're able to find a vehicle that better suits your needs and preferences!