2019 Toyota Prius prime 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 2019 Toyota Prius prime problems
The Toyota Prius Prime 2019 has been recognized as a reliable vehicle by various sources. However, there have been two recalls related to this model year, which are important to address.
The first recall, announced on September 21, 2021, involves the hybrid propulsion system. 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. This issue can increase the risk of a crash and is related to the vehicle's hybrid system, which is not a primary factor in overall vehicle reliability. Toyota will update the ECU software free of charge to fix this issue.
The second recall, announced on July 23, 2019, affects the brake booster pump, which may fail and cause a deactivation of the Vehicle Stability Control system and a loss of braking assist. This issue is significant, as it increases the risk of a crash and affects the vehicle's braking system, which is crucial for safety. Toyota will inspect and, if necessary, replace the brake booster pump free of charge to address this issue.
While these recalls are concerning, it is important to note that the Toyota Prius Prime 2019 has generally been well-regarded for its reliability, with no major patterns of problems identified by sources such as NHTSA and Consumer Reports. However, as with any vehicle, it is always wise to have a professional mechanic conduct a pre-purchase inspection before signing the paperwork, especially if you are considering purchasing a used model.
Is 2019 a good year for a Prius?
Reliability 10/10 – There are no major problems reported on the 2019 Prius. In general, models from 2012–2022 are all considered to be extremely reliable small cars. Performance 5/10 – Performance is poor form the hybrid powertrain which is built to be extremely efficient rather than powerful.
What is the most common problem of Toyota Prius?
A list of some of the most common issues Prius owners have to deal with.
- Bluetooth Echos During Calls. ...
- Musty and Moldy A/C. ...
- Unintended Acceleration. ...
- Rodents Chew Soy-Coated Wires. ...
- Prius Headlight Problems. ...
- Prius Brake Defects. ...
- Toyota Excessive Oil Consumption.
What happens when Prius Prime runs out of battery?
Can Prius Prime run when the battery charge is empty? Even when the battery charge is empty, Prius Prime will continue operating in hybrid mode as long as there is enough fuel in the gas tank, so you don't have to worry about running out of the battery power while on a longer trip.
What is the best year of the Prius?
Looking for the best year Prius to buy used, huh? Great choice, Priuses are known for their reliability and fuel efficiency. The 2012-2015 Prius models are often considered the sweet spot.
What is the most common problem of Toyota Prius?
A list of some of the most common issues Prius owners have to deal with.
- Bluetooth Echos During Calls. ...
- Musty and Moldy A/C. ...
- Unintended Acceleration. ...
- Rodents Chew Soy-Coated Wires. ...
- Prius Headlight Problems. ...
- Prius Brake Defects. ...
- Toyota Excessive Oil Consumption.
How many miles will a 2019 Prius last?
A well-maintained 2019 Toyota Prius can last around 300,000 miles, which is longer than some other hybrid cars like the Ford Fusion Energi. Regular annual maintenance costs are lower than many other competitors, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $364 per year.
Is Toyota Prius Prime a safe car?
2024 Toyota Prius Prime Crash Test Results
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the 2024 Toyota Prius Prime the highest rating of Good in all four crash tests conducted. The Prius Prime also received the second-highest rating of Acceptable for how well its headlights illuminate the road.
Which year Toyota Prius is best?
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.
2019 Toyota Prius prime car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Toyota Prius prime problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Wheels problems
- Service brakes problems
- Steering problems
- Electronic stability control (esc) problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2019 Toyota Prius prime vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2019 Toyota Prius prime complaints
The NHTSA has received 7 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2019 Toyota Prius prime.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-03-29
- VIN: JTDKARFP9K3
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: I've have to take my 2019 Prius Prime (with 20,000 miles total) in twice for brake issues in 6 weeks. Each time the dealer had to deal with a rotor heat issue. The first service was on 3/29/2021, the initial reason for appt was hearing squealing from the front. Upon inspection dealer found major heat marks and deep scratches/grooves as well as the rear rotors had deep scratches as well . All 4 rotors were resurfaced and the brake pads were “scuffed” during the service. At that time all brakes were inspected with the front brakes having 9mm and rears having 8mm of pads. I started hearing grinding a grinding sound about 2 week later. I took my car in for service on 5/11/2021 where the dealer found a “rusty” color on the rotors as well as a cracked and chipped front brake pad. They started a TAS case after which they resurfaced the rotors again and replaced the front brake pads. I am concerned about this issue with my car only having 20,000 miles on it and the rotors being resurfaced twice in less than 2,000 miles between services. The rotors and pads are supposed to be designed to have a longer life than standard gas non-hybrid vehicles. Rotors are only able to be resurfaced a limited number of times, which can cause future repair costs to soar. I am in need of Toyota’s assistance in making any fixes so this does not continue to occur. As well as looking into if there is a larger brake issue within my vehicle.
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-07-24
- VIN: JTDKARFP9K3
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: PASSENGER SIDE BEHIND THE DRIVER'S SEAT'S TIRE BLEW OUT. STARTED TO DRIVE AND CAR WAS MOVING SLOWER AND EVENTUALLY HAD TO PULL OVER BECAUSE CAR FELT UNSTABLE. WAS NOT GIVEN AN ALARM THAT THE TIRE WAS BLOWN AND FLAT. WAS DRIVING LESS THAN 30MPH, IN A STRAIGHT, FLAT STREET.
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-09-26
- VIN: JTDKARFP4K3
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: 10/19-LEFT REAR TIRE KEPT LOOSING PRESSURE, I TOOK IT TO THE MECHANIC, THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING, I AGAIN TOOK IT AFTER 2 WEEKS, THEY CHANGED THE TIRE. MILES 7014. ON 9/26/20-MILES 16430, THE SAME TIRE LEFT PASSENGER BLEW OUT ON THE FREEWAY. NO INDICATOR OF TIRE PRESSURE BEING LOW CAME ON. THE TIRE WAS COMPLETELY BLOWN OUT. I LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR, THANKFULLY IT STOPPED ON LEFT SIDE. IT WAS VERY SCARY. NO WAS HURT, BUT I COULD HAVE DIED. I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 70MPH.
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-11-26
- VIN: JTDKARFP4K3
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: 2 TOYOTA COMPLAINTS: 1) MY 2019 PRIUS PRIME 11,597 MILES: ON HWY 85 SOUTH 11/27 10:30PM GOT FLAT TIRE & DROVE TO SIDE LANE ON HWY. CALLED TOYOTA TOW SERVICE @ 10:37PM WHICH IS IN GEORGIA NOT CALIF. TOW NOT SHOW UNTIL 1:16AM 11/27 AND TOWED CAR TO DEALER. IT TOOK 20 MIN. FOR CALL CENTER IN GEORGIA TO INITIATE TOW 2) THE PRIUS PRIME DOES NOT COME WITH A SPARE TIRE BUT HAS A TIRE PUNCTURE REPAIR KIT. MY TIRE BEYOND PUNCTURE REPAIR. A CAR WITH NO SPARE TIRE OF ANY KIND IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION FOR ANYONE. 2019 PRIUS PRIMES DON'T COME WITH SPARE TIRE. THIS HAZARD FEATURE NEEDS TO CHANGE. I HAVE EXPENDED WARRANTY AND SERVICE CONTRACT AND TIRE WAS NOT COVERED SO BESIDES THE UNSAFE CONDITION MY HUSBAND ENDURED WE ALSO GOT A BILL FOR $168.19 TO REPLACE AND INSTALL THE DAMAGED TIRE. I WILL WRITE TO TOYOTA ROADSIDE ASSIST. REGARDING GEORGIA CENTER DISPATCHING TOWS IN CALIF.? & TOYOTA TO COMPLAIN ABOUT NO SPARE TIRE AND A DESIGN INSTEAD OF LIFT BACK MAYBE SIDE OPENING LIKE JEEP SO SPARE TIRE CAN GO ON BACK LIKE JEEP SPARE. I HAVE READ ON YELP ABOUT OTHER TOYOTA OWNERS COMPLAINING ABOUT NO SPARE TIRE.
STEERING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-08-25
- VIN: JTDKARFP4K3
- Components: STEERING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
- Summary: WHEN I DRIVE THE VEHICLE ON THE FREEWAY, IT FEELS UNSTABLE. IT GOES LEFT AND RIGHT. THE VEHICLE IS BRAND NEW. WE JUST BOUGHT IT LAST WEEK. TIRE PRESSURE IS GOOD AND THE DEALERSHIP SAID THERE IS NO RECALL ON THE CAR.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-08-22
- VIN: JTDKARFP7K3
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TOYOTA PRIUS PRIME. WHILE CHARGING THE VEHICLE'S BATTERY, THE DOORS ABRUPTLY LOCKED ON THEIR OWN. THE CONTACT CALLED ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE TO HAVE THE DOORS UNLOCKED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,080. THE VIN WAS INVALID.
TIRES,WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-04-16
- VIN: JTDKARFP8J3
- Components: TIRES,WHEELS
- Summary: CAR HAD 27540 MILES ON FACTORY ORIGINAL TOYO NANOENERGY TIRES WHEN THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE BLEW OUT. I WAS 22 MILES INTO MY DRIVE HOME . NO TPS WARNING AND I HAD VISUALLY LOOKED AT MY TIRES BEFORE HEADING HOME. THE ENTIRE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE SIDEWALLS. THE SIDEWALLS STAYED WITH THE RIM AND I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY STOP THE CAR ON THE GRASS MEDIAN. THIS TYPE OF SIDEWALL BLOWOUT HAS NEVER HAPPENED IN ALL MY YEARS OF DRIVING. I WAS ON US-321 NORTH BOUND JUST AFTER THE HARDIN RD EXIT GOING 70 MPH AT TIME OF BLOWOUT. NOT IN A TURN BUT NEARLY STRAIGHT LINE DRIVING. WEATHER WAS MOSTLY SUNNY AND 65 DEGREES.
2019 Toyota Prius prime recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2019 Toyota Prius prime.
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
- Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2019 Lexus LS500, LC500, ES300h, UX250h, LS500h, Toyota Prius, RAV4 HV, 2019-2020 Toyota Prius Prime, and 2020 Corolla HV vehicles. The brake booster pump may fail causing a deactivation of the Vehicle Stability Control system and a loss of braking assist. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
- Consequence: Deactivation of the vehicle stability control system or a loss of braking assist increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the brake booster pump, free of charge. The recall began September 20, 2019. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 and Lexus owners may contact Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are K1L/K0L. Lexus' numbers for this recall are K2F/KLF.
Negative 2019 Toyota Prius prime car reviews
Positive 2019 Toyota Prius prime car reviews
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The 2018 Prius Prime is just like the 2017 model, except for a fun new feature - the infotainment screen plays a melody when you start the ignition! I owned a 2017 Prius Prime for over 20k miles and never had a single issue. When I decided to trade it in for a 2018 model, it was simply because I wanted a different color. The battery always charged to 100% at home and at public charging stations, and with a price of around $25k (after tax incentives and rebates), it's a great deal for a top-of-the-line Prius. In some regions, Toyota cash incentives can be as high as $5k on top of all tax incentives. If you're considering a Honda Clarity, be aware of potential charging problems - Toyota is definitely the way to go! So what are you waiting for? Get off the couch and go buy one already!
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It's always better to go with the 0% APR option rather than the Instant Rebate Offer from the dealership. If you choose the instant rebate, the dealership's sales and financing team may come up with an APR that results in you paying more interest than you anticipated, even if you have an excellent credit score between 800-830 out of 850. With the 0% APR option, try to bargain at least $2000 - $3000 below the sticker price
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I think the entry-level Plus trim is the best option. The CD player and overall sound system are surprisingly good for a basic car, well above average. The EV mode is silky smooth and peppy, especially when using Power mode (I don't bother with Eco mode as the car is always hyper eco). While the 4 cylinder engine may whine, it's not much different from most other cars or small SUVs. Like many, I drive 90% or more on pure electric, making this car incredibly low cost to operate. Repairs, especially when not using the engine much, will amount to very little over ten years, just like my 2007-2017 Prius II that I spent less than $1000 to maintain during that time (not including oil changes).
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If you're shopping for a plug-in hybrid car, the Prius Prime is the best.
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This is a fantastic vehicle that boasts impressive technology, efficiency, and quality. However, it's important for the driver to remain attentive while driving to ensure it stays on the road. The steering is quick and responsive, but lacks feedback to the steering wheel. It's crucial to avoid any distractions such as checking the nav display, radio, or dashboard displays, as this could lead to undetected lane violations or road edge approaches. I've found that pulling over to take actions such as selecting a nav setting, radio setting, or enjoying a cup of coffee or sandwich is the best course of action. That being said, I've driven the vehicle for 10K miles with no dents or dings, and only one minor rub caused by someone else in a parking lot. I've driven it in all weather conditions, across plains, in mountains, up long hills, down long hills, and more. It has the required power and braking, and boasts an impressive fuel efficiency of over 55 mpg. It also has ample space for luggage and other large items, and the clearance detectors make it easy to park in tight spaces. One minor criticism I have is that the doors require wide side clearance and can unexpectedly hit adjacent parked vehicles.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2019 Toyota Prius prime problems:
Any problems experienced with the 2019 Prius Prime? : r/PriusPrime
Dec 7, 2022 ... Brake booster and head gaskets were an issue with 3rd gen. Some Early years of the 4th gen and Prime had coolant loss from a leak into the ...
2019 Toyota Prius Prime Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2019 Toyota Prius Prime? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 ...
what do you NOT like about your Prius Prime? : r/PriusPrime
Sep 12, 2022 ... The car is very low. The door scrapes on curbs when trying to open the door. The infotainment system is shitty. The gps is useless. The fake ...
2019 Toyota Prius Review, Problems, Reliability, Value, Life ...
Sep 21, 2023 ... Common problems reported on the 2019 Toyota Prius include worn-out window regulators, issues with the auto-park system, and excessive noise from ...
2019 Toyota Prius Reliability - Consumer Reports
Owner Reported Trouble Spots · Brakes · Exhaust · Paint And Trim · Steering And Suspension · In-car Electronics · Body Hardware · EV Battery · Engine Cooling.
Other years of Toyota Prius prime
Are you having problems with your 2019 Toyota Prius prime?
Alex Mayer 2025-01-03
This car has the most road noise out of any car I've owned, and the low beam headlights are terrible. However, the lane departure warning is nice, and the seats are typically Toyota - very supportive and comfortable. The fit and finish are typical Toyota perfection. Overall, I believe this is the most reliable and affordable EV on the market, although it should be noted that it is not a luxury car.
Jamal Sanford 2024-11-27
I've owned this car for just under 6 months now and overall, I find it very comfortable with a smooth ride and good acceleration. However, there are a few oversights that can be frustrating. Firstly, there is no way to open the trunk from inside the car and the trunk itself is manual, heavy and very high. It would be great if there was an automatic trunk open feature like many other cars have. Secondly, the AC operation button to cool the car before you get in is not very practical. It only works from about 15 feet away and turns off when you open the car door, so there's not enough time for the car to cool down before you turn it off. Thirdly, the front window visors are short and cannot be extended when rotating the visor to the sides. This is a feature that I have seen in other American and Japanese cars and it would be great if it was included in this car too. Lastly, I was disappointed to find out that the system cannot connect to an iPad, even though the option is listed in the sources. It would be nice to access my audio books in this technologically advanced vehicle! Overall, these are minor inconveniences that I encounter almost daily. Despite these issues, I still enjoy driving this car.
Kareem Beatty 2024-11-18
My round trip commute is 80 miles and I have found the mpg to be great. However, I have had some trouble with the lack of CarPlay and navigation system, which can be frustrating. I have had to resort to using phone holders, even with an 11'' screen, which is not ideal. Unfortunately, there are no ETune apps available and it seems that they have been dropped. The car runs on ETune 2.0 and there are no plans for updates or to allow adding 3rd party apps such as Waze. Additionally, there are no plans to allow updates to ETune 3.0 or to retrofit the 2020 head unit to support CarPlay. Overall, I have some regrets about buying this car.
Omari Simonis 2024-10-29
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share my experience with my 2018 Toyota Prius that I purchased in February 2019. I've driven about 6 thousand miles so far, but unfortunately, I had an accident 4 weeks ago due to unintended acceleration. It was a scary experience, but thankfully no one was hurt. Since then, I've been trying to get in touch with Toyota to investigate the case, but they have been quite slow in responding. I'm still waiting to hear from them. I understand that these types of complaints can take some time to resolve, but I was surprised by how bureaucratic Toyota has been in dealing with the case. As you may know, Toyota sells 3 million vehicles in North America every year, so I had high hopes for their customer service. I'll be sure to keep you posted on any developments every week. Thanks for listening!
Hector Conroy 2024-09-19
Although this vehicle is great on gas, it is uncomfortable in every other aspect. The seat is particularly uncomfortable and can worsen back pain. Additionally, the low seat and large center console can cause leg discomfort. However, it is important to note that the car's discomfort is subjective and may vary from person to person.