2011 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 2011 Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid problems
Based on complaints from owners of the Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid 2011, several common problems have been reported:
- HV Battery Life and Replacement Concerns:
- Owners have expressed worries about the age of the car and the potential need to replace the hybrid battery around the 10-year mark. Original batteries in older models raise questions about their remaining lifespan and the cost of replacement.
- High Mileage and Longevity of the Vehicle:
- With the Prius reaching around 200,000 miles, concerns arise regarding the longevity of the vehicle. Owners question if the Prius tends to last well beyond this mileage or if it is approaching the upper limit of its life cycle. Additionally, there are inquiries about the repair costs associated with the Prius as it ages.
- Center Multi-Function Display Issues:
- The center multi-function display in the Prius may fail due to poorly soldered internal connections. This can lead to the display not working, requiring specialized repair services to address the issue.
- Fuel Gauge Inaccuracy:
- Another reported problem is the fuel gauge inaccurately reading fuel levels. This issue can be concerning as it may lead to running out of fuel unexpectedly, necessitating a recalibration by a dealer to rectify the inaccurate readings.
- EGR Valve and Carbon Build-Up:
- The EGR valve in the Prius can become clogged with carbon, leading to issues such as a check engine light with a specific code. Cleaning the valve and associated components may resolve the problem, but replacement might be necessary if cleaning is ineffective.
- Water Pump Concerns:
- The water pump in the Prius, located at the front of the engine, can present unique symptoms different from conventional water pump issues. Failure to address water pump problems promptly, indicated by a check engine light, can result in severe engine damage, emphasizing the importance of timely replacement.
- Plate Light Bulb Socket Melting:
- Owners have reported issues with plate light bulbs heating up the socket, causing melting and subsequent bulb burnout. Replacing these bulbs with LED alternatives can prevent socket damage and ensure proper lighting functionality.
These common problems with the Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid 2011 highlight various areas of concern for owners, ranging from battery life and mileage to specific component failures that may require attention to maintain the vehicle's performance and safety standards.
How long does a 2011 Prius hybrid battery last?
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.
Was 2011 a good year for Prius?
In sum, we think the 2011 Prius deserves to keep its status as the best all-around hybrid. With strong fuel economy, hatchback utility, a reasonable price and a feature list that can range from economy to luxury, the Prius earns its painted bulls-eye.
How long does Prius plug in hybrid battery last?
8-10 years
The average battery life of a Toyota Prius is 8-10 years or around 150,000 miles. Regarding battery life, the Prius is one of the most reliable cars on the road. The hybrid battery is designed to maintain its charge over the car's life and should last as long as the car itself.
Are there any recalls on a 2011 Prius?
Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Toyota Prius and 2012-2014 Toyota Prius V vehicles. 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.
How long does a 2011 Prius hybrid battery last?
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 2011 Toyota Prius hybrid a good car?
In sum, we think the 2011 Prius deserves to keep its status as the best all-around hybrid. With strong fuel economy, hatchback utility, a reasonable price and a feature list that can range from economy to luxury, the Prius earns its painted bulls-eye.
How long does Prius PHEV battery last?
8-10 years
The average battery life of a Toyota Prius is 8-10 years or around 150,000 miles. Regarding battery life, the Prius is one of the most reliable cars on the road. The hybrid battery is designed to maintain its charge over the car's life and should last as long as the car itself.
What is wrong with 2012 Prius plug in hybrid?
Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.
2011 Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2011 Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2011 Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid problems:
Advice on buying 2011 Prius | PriusChat
This 2011 model has a tendency to have a severe head gasket failure at high mileage (over 200k miles). When this failure happens, you'll need to ...
Is the 2010/2013 Prius really that bad? : r/prius
Dec 23, 2022 ... Should I let these known problems deter us from buying if the km's are low enough? ... the thermostat, and the spark plugs ... Known problem on some ...
Common Problems on Gen 3 at High Mileage | PriusChat
I would also add ... Toyota Recall J0V: Hybrid System May Shutdown And Cause Stall — 2011 Prius | CarComplaints.com ... for Prius, hybrid, and ...
2010 Prius. Really that bad? : r/prius
Jul 3, 2022 ... ... hybrid would and thus, the engine dies before the transmission will. ... issues on the 2010-2011 prius. IIRC, there ... failure, then hybrid battery ...
How often do I need to charge the battery on a Prius if I mostly drive ...
Dec 13, 2015 ... Is the most common problem with the Toyota Prius really with batteries & headlights? ... How often should I service my 1.5 Prius 2011 model hybrid ...
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