2010 Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid problems
The Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid (often abbreviated as the Prius PHV and known as the Prius Prime in North America, South Korea, and New Zealand) is a plug-in hybrid liftback manufactured by Toyota. The first-generation model was produced from 2012 to 2016. The second-generation model has been produced since 2016. Production of the third-generation model began in 2023.
The Prius Plug-in Hybrid was the second most sold plug-in electric car in 2012, and became third-best all-time in December 2014. As sales declined after the end of its production, the Prius PHV fell to fifth place in the global ranking by November 2015, after being surpassed by both the Tesla Model S and the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. As of December 2017, sales were led by North America with 66,800 units, followed by Japan with 48,800, and the European market with 13,100 units. The U.S. was the leading country market with 65,703 units sold by 2017. As of December 2019, cumulative global sales of both Prius plug-in generations totaled 209,000 units.
Concept and demonstration models
The Prius Plug-In Hybrid Concept was exhibited at the September 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, the October 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, and the December 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show. The vehicle was based on the third-generation Toyota Prius (model XW30) but outfitted with 5.2 kWh lithium-ion batteries. The selected battery capacity is the minimum required for a vehicle to be eligible for the U.S. federal tax credit of US$2,500, which under the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 is applicable to the first 200,000 plug-ins sold by an automaker.
After displaying the concept version in these three shows, a global demonstration program involving 600 pre-production test cars began in late 2009 and took place in Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Japan, New Zealand and the United States. The demonstration vehicles were made available for lease to fleet and government customers, of which, 230 were delivered in Japan beginning in late December 2009, 125 in the U.S. by early 2010, and 200 in Europe in spring 2010. All program vehicles were equipped with data tracking devices to allow Toyota to monitor the car's usage for further development of the plug-in hybrid system.
The pre-production Prius Plug-in used three different batteries: two added batteries to provide all-electric drive and the standard hybrid battery which engages when the first two are depleted, allowing the car to operate like a regular hybrid Prius. According to Toyota, when the vehicle started, it operates in all-electric mode, drawing electrical power directly from the first battery pack. When the first battery was depleted, it disconnected from the circuit and the second pack engaged. When the second pack was depleted, it disconnected from the circuit and the vehicle defaulted to conventional hybrid mode, using the main battery as the sole electrical power source. Pack one and pack two would not reengage with the circuit until the vehicle was plugged in and charged.
According to Toyota, the demonstrator was rated at 1.76 L/100 km (134 mpg‑US; 161 mpg‑imp) on the Japanese JC08 cycle with a combined efficiency based on 43.6% of driving in EV mode, and CO2 emissions of 41 g/km. Fuel efficiency operating as a gasoline-electric hybrid, like the regular Prius, is 3.3 L/100 km (72 mpg‑US; 86 mpg‑imp) with CO2 emissions of 76 g/km.
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Common 2010 Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid problems
Based on complaints from owners of the Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid 2010, several common problems have been reported:
- Excessive Oil Consumption: Owners have reported that the 2010 Prius Plug-in Hybrid can burn through engine oil rapidly, sometimes as much as a quart per 1,000 miles. This issue can be addressed by replacing the timing cover gaskets to mitigate the oil consumption problem.
- Faulty Multi-Function Display: Models from 2001 to 2016 have experienced issues with the multi-function display becoming unresponsive or failing altogether. This problem is often caused by poorly soldered internal connections within the display's circuit board. Repairing this issue may involve specialized repair shops that can address the internal connections.
- Engine Issues: Various engine-related problems have been reported, including stalling, hesitation, blown head gasket, overheating, and engine failure. Owners of the 2010 Prius Plug-in Hybrid should be vigilant about monitoring these engine-related issues to prevent potential breakdowns or severe damage.
- Faulty Headlights: Particularly with the 2008 model, owners have complained about headlights going out while driving, posing a significant safety hazard during night driving. Temporary fixes like turning the headlights off and on may not resolve the issue, and some owners have had to replace the entire headlight assembly to address this problem.
- Interior Issues: Prius owners have also reported interior issues with the 2010 model, indicating potential problems beyond the mechanical components. These interior issues could range from electrical malfunctions to comfort-related concerns that may impact the overall driving experience.
These common problems with the Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid 2010 highlight the importance of regular maintenance and prompt attention to any emerging issues to ensure the longevity and reliability of the vehicle.
What is the problem with 2010 Prius hybrid?
Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.
How long does a battery last on a 2010 Prius hybrid?
8 to 10 years
How long do Toyota Prius batteries last? The general estimation is that it will run effectively for 8 to 10 years or anywhere between 100,000 and 150,000 miles, but there are factors that will help determine which end of the spectrum your battery life falls on.
Is 2010 good year for Prius?
If getting the most mileage out of each tank of gas is high on your list, the 2010 Prius is a stellar choice. With EPA-estimated city/highway fuel economy ratings of 51/48 mpg, your fill-ups will be few and far between no matter the road you take.
How long does a 2010 Prius engine last?
With regular maintenance, a Toyota Prius owner can expect to get between 200,000 and 250,000 miles out of their Prius, with some owners topping the 300,000-mile mark and going strong. As the first mass-produced hybrid vehicle, the Prius has an established history of reliable service for more than two decades.
What is the problem with 2010 Prius hybrid?
Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.
How long does a battery last on a 2010 Prius hybrid?
8 to 10 years
How long do Toyota Prius batteries last? The general estimation is that it will run effectively for 8 to 10 years or anywhere between 100,000 and 150,000 miles, but there are factors that will help determine which end of the spectrum your battery life falls on.
Is 2010 good year for Prius?
If getting the most mileage out of each tank of gas is high on your list, the 2010 Prius is a stellar choice. With EPA-estimated city/highway fuel economy ratings of 51/48 mpg, your fill-ups will be few and far between no matter the road you take.
Can a 2010 Prius run without hybrid battery?
In the case of a dead Prius battery, your vehicle could still run off gasoline, but it would be weak and not very smooth driving. (Note: You should only use this option to get to a safe location or a service station.
2010 Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2010 Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
2010 Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2010 Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid.
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
- Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Toyota Prius, 2010 and 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid, and 2011-2012 Lexus CT200h vehicles. A weld in the curtain shield air bag inflator may crack causing one or both portions of the inflator to eject into the passenger cabin.
- Consequence: If either portion of the curtain shield air bag inflator ejects into the passenger cabin, there is an increased risk of injury to vehicle occupants.
- Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will install retention brackets to the curtain shield air bags, free of charge. The recall began on October 17, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota Customer Service Department at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is Toyota G0U, and Lexus GLJ.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2010 Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid problems:
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