2020 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 2020 Toyota Prius prime problems
Based on complaints from owners of the 2020 Toyota Prius Prime, several common problems have been reported:
- Infotainment System: Owners have expressed dissatisfaction with the infotainment system in the 2020 Prius Prime. Complaints include the lack of Android Auto connectivity, the need to physically connect the phone to the car via cable, and the overall performance of the system compared to other vehicles. Some have suggested that Toyota should improve the infotainment system to enhance user experience.
- Limited EV Battery Size: Another issue highlighted by owners is the desire for a larger EV battery in the Prius Prime. While the car is praised for its efficiency and all-electric driving capabilities, some owners feel that a larger battery would further enhance the driving range and overall performance of the vehicle. Despite this concern, many still appreciate the car for its eco-friendly features and driving experience.
- Climate Control Interface: The lack of physical controls for certain functions, such as turning on/off the climate control without using the touch screen, has been a point of contention for some Prius Prime owners. This design aspect can be inconvenient, especially when driving, as it requires taking attention away from the road to adjust climate settings. Owners have suggested the inclusion of more manual controls for improved usability.
These reported problems highlight some of the key issues that owners of the 2020 Toyota Prius Prime have faced. Addressing these concerns can contribute to enhancing the overall ownership experience and satisfaction with this hybrid vehicle.
What is the recall on the Prius Prime 2020?
NHTSA safety recall results (1)
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."
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 long does a Prius Prime last?
How long is Prius Prime's battery designed to last? The hybrid battery is covered for 10 years/150,000 miles, whichever comes first, and is transferable across ownership. Can Prius Prime charge itself? Prius Prime must be plugged in to fully recharge the battery.
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.
How much is the battery for the 2020 Prius Prime?
The average cost for a Toyota Prius Prime Hybrid High Voltage Battery Replacement is between $10,262 and $10,335. Labor costs are estimated between $282 and $355 while parts are typically priced around $9,980. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your unique location.
2020 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:
- Visibility/wiper problems
- Power train problems
- Electrical system problems
- Tires problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2020 Toyota Prius prime vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2020 Toyota Prius prime complaints
The NHTSA has received 14 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2020 Toyota Prius prime.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-26
- VIN: JTDKARFP0L3
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: I purchased Goodyear Assurance MaxLife 195/65 R 15 from Sam's Club in Kingston on August 2023. On [XXX] my tire blew out on the inner sidewall of my tire. When I spoke with an employee from the automotive department in Sam's Club about my tire, the person said " Let me guess, was it an Assurance MaxLife?" I said "yes, how did you know?" The employee said " this is like the 19th one with the same problem. I'm shocked their not a recall on them." So I paid for a new tire and the next day decide to check to if their was any recalls on the tires. I didn't find any. So I decided to make this report for others. Hope this help! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-07
- VIN: JTDKARFP0L3
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: The car had about 8000 miles on it. It was parked in Garage the night before. In the morning the outside temperature was 39F. During my 30 minutes driving, the front defrost was turned on. Afterwards it was parked on driveway and at that time the windshield was fine. 6 hours later, I noticed a spiderweb like crack under the camera section on the front windshield. The crack was about 11 inch long. It looks like the glass could not handle the temperature change.
VISIBILITY/WIPER,VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-08-10
- VIN: JTDKARFP5L3
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER,VISIBILITY
- Summary: The right side outside mirror glass detached and fell off while driving down the road. There was no noticeable defect on the vehicle prior to this and no known reason for this to happen. The vehicle was operating normally and was not involved in any sort of unusual maneuvering or crash. Upon taking it to the Toyota dealership it was found that glass did in fact detach on its own and needed to replace the entire mirror mechanism. This is obviously a safety concern for the driver due to a required mirror missing and also a safety hazard that could impact another motorist by this glass flying and hitting another car.
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-12-05
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JTDKARFP2I3
- Components: AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Prius Prime. The contact stated that while driving slowly into a parking space the vehicle suddenly experience unintended acceleration and accelerated forward before crashing into a building. During the crash, the front end of the vehicle was severely damaged but the air bags did not deploy. No injuries were reported. The vehicle was towed from the scene. No police report was filed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet notified. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 14,000. The contact stated that the car traveled approximately 29 feet when it accelerated forward. The car's front end was totaled.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-08-13
- VIN: Jtdkarfp6l3
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: I was driving yesterday on Freeway in the 2nd lane ,all of a sudden car went from drive to neutral,I didn't touch transmission gear lever and I put gas And it says it is on neutral N,I was in dangerous situation, the other cars were flying by,I put on hazard lights Slowly changed lanes because it was not on D drive mode,pulled it over to Shoulder applied brakes and shift to D Then proceeded back to freeway, I was very scare in this whole ordeal
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-01-21
- Crash: 1
- VIN: jtdkarfp8l3
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Prius Prime. The contact stated that while coasting her vehicle into a parking spot at 2 MPH, the vehicle independently accelerated forward with her foot lightly on the accelerator pedal. The vehicle jumped the curb and crashed into two vehicles. The contact was uncertain if any warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel during the failure. The air bag did not deploy upon impact. Police were called to the scene; however, since no injuries or property damage were reported, they informed that contact that they would not be needed. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic where it remained in their possession. A dealer was notified and offered no assistance. The manufacturer was also notified and informed her that she would receive a callback. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 6,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-02-18
- VIN: JTDKARFP4L3
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING TO WORK INTO THE GARAGE. THE ENTRANCE OF THE GARAGE HAS A MILD INCLINE WITH A NARROW ENTRANCE AND I NORMALLY WILL SLOW DOWN SO I CAN STEEL THE CAR SLOWLY. I WAS GOING AT ABOUT 10 TO 15 MILE SPEED AND FELT A STALL FIRST AND THEN THE CAR WENT INTO ACCELERATED MODE ON ITS OWN. I FELT THE CAR WAS SHIFT TO A DIFFERENT GEAR ON ITS OWN UP TO 80 TO 100 MILES. I AM LUCKY THERE IS A CEMENT POLE IN FRONT OF ME AND THE CAR WENT RIGHT INTO THE POLE SMASHING THE LEFT SIDE(DRIVER SIDE OF THE CAR ) I HAVE TO STEP ON THE BREAK TO STOP THE CAR. IT ALL HAPPENED VERY QUICKLY WITHIN FEW MINUTES. I WAS LUCKY THERE WAS NO ONE IN FRONT OF ME AND I WAS NOT HURT. I NEVER HAD ISSUE WITH TOYOTA CAR AND THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME. I ACTUALLY HAD CAR IN THE DAY BEFORE FOR 15,000 MILES MAINTENANCE
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-02-12
- VIN: JTDKARFPXL3
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: THE OUTER SIDE OF MY R FRONT PASSENGER TIRE BLEW OUT IN TWO PLACES,(NOT NEAR THE TREAD AREA) WHILE DRIVING ON A GOOD HIGHWAY ROAD SURFACE APPROX 50 MPH. 3400 MILES TOTAL ON THE ODOMETER. NO BUMP WHEN I HEARD THE TIRE POP.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-01-13
- VIN: JTDKARFP4L3
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE DISPLAY ON THE MEDIA-CONTROL UNIT WOULD SOMETIMES GO BLANK, IN PART OR ENTIRELY. THE TOUCHSCREEN ISSUES INTERFERED WITH DRIVERS' ABILITY TO USE HEAT, AIR CONDITIONING, DEFROST AND DEFOGGING SYSTEMS. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 30 TIMES DURING THE PAST YEAR. THE LAST INCIDENT OCCURRED ON 01/13/2021. THIS HAPPENS WHILE IN MOTION. IT ALSO HAPPENED ON MY 2017 PRIUS PRIME MANY TIMES. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPORTED TO TOYOTA BY MANY OWNERS. NO SOLUTION HAS BEEN FORTHCOMING. THIS IS THE SAME ISSUE THAT PROMPTED THE CURRENT TESLA RECALL. THE PRIUS CHAT ONLINE SITE MENTIONS THIS TYPE OF ISSUE MANT TIMES.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,BACK OVER PREVENTION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-11-25
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JTDKARFP9L3
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,BACK OVER PREVENTION
- Summary: I WAS GOING TO PARK MY CAR IN PARKING LOT OF MY APARTMENT. I PUSHED THE BAKER, THE CAR DIDN'T DECREASE THE SPEED OR STOP, BUT ACCELERATED. IT WAS JUST OUT OF CONTROL AND CRASHED TO THE WALL. THE SENSOR SYSTEM DIDN'T DO ANY JOB, NOT EVEN A WARNING.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-11-03
- VIN: JTDKARFPXL3
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: MICE CHEWED THROUGH WIRES AND AIR FILTER, CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE HYBRID SYSTEM. THE CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM WARNING SIGN CAME ON AND THE CAR RUNNING ROUGH. TOYOTA DEALER CHARGED $13066.81 FOR THE DAMAGE.
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-10-26
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JTDKARFP3L3
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 TOYOTA PRIUS PRIME. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE PURCHASED AND INSTALLED A DASHBOARD COVER IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING, THE DASHBOARD COVER SHIFTED AND BLOCKED THE SENSOR FOR THE BACK OVER PREVENTION CAMERA, ALLOWING THE DISPLAY SCREEN TO GO DARK, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO A PARKED VEHICLE AT APPROXIMATELY 2 MPH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SENSOR WAS USED TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN DAYTIME AND NIGHTTIME DRIVING AND WOULD DIM OR BRIGHTEN THE DISPLAY SCREEN AS NEEDED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THERE WAS NO INJURY SUSTAINED BY EITHER THE CONTACT OR THE OCCUPANT OF THE OTHER VEHICLE. ADDITIONALLY, THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT UNDISCLOSED SPEEDS, THE DISPLAY SCREEN INADVERTENTLY AND INTERMITTENTLY REBOOTED AND THE INFOTAINMENT SOFTWARE UPDATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON FIVE SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RADIO, GPS AND CLIMATE CONTROL FUNCTIONS BECAME INOPERABLE. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED OR INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000.
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-01-14
- VIN: JTDKARFP7L3
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS, FROST DEVELOPING ON THE INSIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD WHILE VEHICLE PARKED IN THE PARKING LOT AT WORK 2 TIMES(JAN 17TH AND THE 30TH AT HOME AND AT WORK IN THE MORNING AND AFTER WORK) AND ANOTHER TIME WHILE VEHICLE PARKED AT HOME IN THE DRIVEWAY. IT TAKES 20 OR MORE MINUTES TO DEFROST THE WINDSHIELD.THE WIPERS CAUSE VISIBILITY PROBLEMS DUE TO THE WATER AND SNOW TURNING TO ICE.
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-01-14
- VIN: JTDKARFP7L3
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: FROST DEVELOPING ON THE INSIDE OF WINDSHIELD ON MULTIPLE DAYS IN DIFFERENT LOCATIONS. AT HOME AND AT WORK DURING THE DAY TIME AND AT NIGHT. TAKES 20 MINUTES OR MORE TO DEFROST.
2020 Toyota Prius prime recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2020 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 2020 Toyota Prius prime car reviews
Positive 2020 Toyota Prius prime car reviews
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The 2020 version of the greatest hybrid ever built is even better! No need to worry about charging like you would with a Tesla. You can even take a road trip from New Jersey to Niagara Falls, Massachusetts, and Washington without needing a 2 to 3 hour break to charge. (Assuming others haven't beat you to the charger, of course!)
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Hi there! Have you considered the budget for installing a 240-volt charging station at home?
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The Prime is a great car and it drives really well. Take a closer look at the seats...the fabric may look like leather but it's actually fake, and the one we test drove had some unusual damage.
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Loaded with features and great quality, I bought the silver with cream color interior. Are you also looking for great MPG?
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At 63,000 miles, your 2020 Prius limited is still going strong, averaging around 55mpg even in hilly terrain with snow tires. You've done a great job with routine maintenance, including one transmission oil change and regular air filter changes to keep out the dust. Just be mindful of the low clearance when parking!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2020 Toyota Prius prime problems:
2020 Toyota Prius Prime Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2020 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 ...
2020 Toyota Prius Prime Reliability - Consumer Reports
What Owners Say · Display screen goes blank. "my display periodically goes blank. · External music device interface (e.g., smart phone, MP3 player). "Toyota app ...
Is there any downside to a Toyota Prius at any year ? : r/askcarguys
Oct 20, 2023 ... I have no issues passing cars in my 2017 Prius prime. ... Alright so I bought a 2020 Prius L Eco a ... You fix all the common problems and it's ...
2020 Toyota Prius Review, Problems, Reliability, Value, Life ...
Oct 24, 2023 ... Common problems found on the 2020 Toyota Prius include excessive brake wear, noise from the wheels, along with some delayed gear changes.
Other years of Toyota Prius prime
Are you having problems with your 2020 Toyota Prius prime?
Danny Torp 2024-08-19
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.
Chris Barrows 2024-07-25
The vehicle experiences a screen freeze and power loss after being parked, which requires opening and closing the driver's door multiple times to reset and regain power. Additionally, all defaults are changed after the power loss. Despite being disappointed and surprised by this issue, I am confident in the expertise of the Toyota dealer and trust that they will resolve the issue promptly.
Efrain Runte 2024-04-11
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.