Toyota Prius 2010 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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Common Toyota Prius 2010 problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the 2010 Toyota Prius, several common problems have been identified:
- Excessive Oil Consumption: Many owners report that the 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine in the 2010 Prius consumes a significant amount of oil, with some needing to add a quart of oil per fill-up. This issue has led to engine rebuilds and replacements due to presumed piston ring problems.
- Burned-Out Headlight Bulbs: Owners frequently encounter issues with headlight bulbs burning out, which can be a safety concern, especially when driving at night. The only solution to this problem is to replace the bulbs, with some owners needing to do so annually.
- Loss of Brake Functioning: Some Prius owners experience erratic brake performance, particularly on bumpy surfaces, with reports of braking pressure failures, especially at low speeds. While this issue has been addressed through government recalls, it has been a significant concern for owners.
- Paint Job Quality: Certain Prius models, especially those in specific colors like "Blizzard Pearl" or "Super White," have faced complaints about paint quality issues. Peeling paint and clear coating degradation have been prevalent problems for some Prius owners.
- EGR Valve Problems: The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve in the Prius tends to get clogged with carbon buildup, leading to issues like check engine lights with specific error codes. Cleaning the EGR valve can sometimes resolve the problem, but in severe cases, replacement may be necessary.
These problems highlight some of the key issues that owners of the 2010 Toyota Prius have faced. Addressing these issues promptly and ensuring regular maintenance can help mitigate potential problems and prolong the lifespan of the vehicle.
What is the major problem with 2010 Toyota Prius?
Common problems found on the 2010 Prius are more serious than other years and include engine problems, headlight failures, and peeling paint. Engine problems, leading to excessive oil consumption, are the most common issues on the Prius, showing up at around 110,000 miles.
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 Toyota 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.
What is the recall on 2010 Prius engines?
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.
What is the major problem with 2010 Toyota Prius?
Common problems found on the 2010 Prius are more serious than other years and include engine problems, headlight failures, and peeling paint. Engine problems, leading to excessive oil consumption, are the most common issues on the Prius, showing up at around 110,000 miles.
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.
What is the common problem with Toyota Prius?
The most commonly reported issues for different Toyota Prius model years include cracked windshields, excessive engine oil consumption, and engine issues. Depending on the model year, the Toyota Prius can also develop problems with its headlights, interior accessories, fuel gauge, transistors, and parking brake.
How long will a 2010 Prius 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.
Toyota Prius 2010 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Toyota Prius problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Electric problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Toyota Prius 2010 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints Toyota Prius 2010
The NHTSA has received 2759 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Toyota Prius 2010. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Toyota Prius 2010 vehicles.
2024-11-11
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-09
- 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.
2024-10-29
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-29
- 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.
2024-10-26
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-21
- 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)
2024-10-23
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-12-22
- 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)
2024-10-19
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-12
- 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.
2024-10-16
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-03
- VIN: JTDKN3DU9A0
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: ABS and brake lights lit at around 141000 miles code C1391 came up during diagnosis.
2024-10-14
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-13
- VIN: JTDKN3DU9A0
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: Brakes started making a hissing sound a couple of weeks ago. Yesterday evening when I was driving on freeway , I got an assortment of lights on my dash while driving . ABS was instantly disabled and it was significantly harder to brake the car. BRAKE light on dashboard came on. Traction control light came on . It was very dangerous and it was mere luck that there was no car in the front - otherwise I could have crashed. Pulled over to the side on the freeway and then came in internal roads to my destination , keeping a lot of braking distance and at slow speed. Turns out this is the infamous brake booster leak that was so bad Toyota was forced to create an extended warranty program on Gen 3 to fix it. Brought it to dealer next day. Got an estimate for $4000 for "REPLACE BRAKE BOOSTER AND MASTER CYLINDER(DUE TO INTERNAL LEAK)"
2024-09-30
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-19
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JTDKN3DUXA0
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: The contact owns a 2010 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle lunged forward. On a most recent occasion, the contact was attempting to park the vehicle and after shifting into the park position, the vehicle lunged forward as the brake pedal was depressed causing a minor collision with a curb and another vehicle. The contact mentioned the brake pedal required excessive force in order to come to a stop and that there was an abnormal noise present. The contact was concerned that the failure would progress causing a severe accident. A police report was not filed and there were no injuries sustained. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ABS System failed and advised the vehicle be taken to a dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.
2024-09-30
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-30
- VIN: JTDKN3DU2A0
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: Heading westbound on I-70, taking Exit 29 off ramp from highway, I drove over uneven pavement. My traction control, ABS and brake lights illuminated, the brakes suddenly felt mushy. As I approached the stoplight at the end of the exit ramp, I questioned whether I would be able to stop. Scared me immensely. Luckily no cars were near me. I now do not have ABS, Traction Control, stability control OR regenerative braking.
2024-09-27
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-26
- VIN: JTDKN3DU9A0
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: Toyota refuses to cover a recall that I was never made aware of. My Prius need to have ABS Brake Accumulator and other components replaced. My VIN I was told had a recall but I was never made aware. I was told it may not be safe to drive my car. Toyota told me I would have to cover all cost for the repair and for my family that is just not possible. For the safety of my family, I am hoping NHTSA can help me in anyway.
2024-09-20
SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-20
- VIN: JTDKN3DUXA0
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 13V235000 Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected brake booster pump assemblies. The recall is expected to begin late July 2013. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota is no longer honoring this recall. They think it is acceptable for me to drive around with unsafe and defective brakes.
2024-09-11
SUSPENSION,WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-11
- VIN: JTDKN3DU3A0
- Components: SUSPENSION,WHEELS
- Summary: The rear axle beam broke off near the passenger side rear wheel. The wheel flops around and the vehicle is totally unsafe to drive.
2024-09-05
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-05
- VIN: JTDKN3DU3A0
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: In 2015 I purchased my Toyota Prius in VA. I now live in Indiana and had my car checked for a possible sensor issue because the traction, brake & abs light were coming on and off. The diagnostic showed a brake accumulator leak malfunction. I contacted Toyota dealership once I was told there was a recall. The dealership said that it was showing it was replaced in 2013 from the previous owner in VA. It was listed then as a recall. I contacted Toyota Corporate and they said that it went from a recall to customer support with a maximum of 150,000 miles. I did not have any more problems until just recent. My argument is once a recall it should still be repaired. The part appears to be the problem. It is a safety issue and I need Toyota to fix the problem. Thank you!
2024-08-23
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-22
- VIN: JTDKN3DUXA0
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: The car suddenly threw a C1391 code yesterday with no previous warning. The traction, parking brake, brake system, and ABS lights are all lit on the dashboard. As this vehicle is my daily commuting vehicle, I must have the costly repairs performed, which are estimated at roughly $2,400. I will ask to retain the parts for inspection. The brakes are softer, and the breaking distance required has increased by approximately fifteen feet.
2024-08-19
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-08
- VIN: JTDKN3DU3A0
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: The ABS Pump( Accumulator and booster) are regularly failing on all Toyota Prius( 2010-2015). When the ABS pump starts to fail, the warning lights for Traction control, Brake and ABS come on. These lights come on at all speeds and its very hard to bring the vehicle to a complete stop when this happens. The brakes completely stop working and the brakes become rock solid. The brakes become so hard that they can’t be possibly be depressed to stop in time. I nearly missed getting killed from this as I am out of country and Toyota is refusing to fix it since its not a recall and I am in Canada. Toyota is asking $3500 in parts and $1500 in labor to repair. I can not afford it and this issue is on all Prius from 2010-2015. This is a major safety hazard and can cause serious injury and damage. Toyota is refusing to repair it since they believe the cars are out of warranty. However Toyota has been notified about this safety hazard arising on all Prius(2010-2015) but decline to respond or take action. I urge NHTSA to take action and get this resolved as the ABS brakes failing on the Prius can be really dangerous and can cause life threatening accidents.
2024-08-14
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-07
- VIN: JTDKN3DU5A0
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: The contact owns a 2010 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. In addition, the contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with brake system failure. The contact was informed that the braking system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer for service. The contact was made aware of Customer Satisfaction Program: C1391. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with brake system failure. The contact was informed that the braking system needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under the Customer Satisfaction Program: C1391, because the mileage had been exceeded. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 166,000.
2024-07-27
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-02
- VIN: JTDKN3DU9A0
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: ABS Lights turned on and need replacement. This is my 3rd Prius that have the Issue.
2024-07-17
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-07
- VIN: JTDKN3DU0A5
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: The contact owns a 2010 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while at a complete stop and attempting to depress the accelerator pedal, there was an abnormal vibration coming from the brake pump. The contact also stated that when the vehicle was turned off, the vibration on the brake pump occurred, triggering the alarm on the vehicle at least one time per day, each day. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the failure was related with an unknown recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure; however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 196,000.
2024-06-28
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-26
- VIN: JTDKN3DU7A0
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Passenger side low beam headlamp has continued to need to be replaced. I was not made aware of a "customer service protection program" on this and when I contacted Toyota they said it was too late for the repair, electrical harness, to be covered by their extended warranty. I never received information regarding the extended warranty. They stated they sent it to the correct address. But just because you mail something doesn't always mean it is delivered to that address. Also, I had my car serviced many times at Toyota dealerships and they never informed me of this extended warranty. If I had been made aware of the extended warranty I would've had it repaired in a timely manner. I have spoken to two representatives of Toyota and they stated they could not help me. I'm wondering why this is not considered a recall issue as it does affect the safety of driving a vehicle and the lights stop working. This may not be the right place to ask this question but I'm hoping someone in your organization can help me.
2024-06-21
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-12
- VIN: JTDKN3DU8A0
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: The contact owns a 2010 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal would depress to the floorboard initially without warning. Over time, the brake pedal had become stiff upon depression with several warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where a code reader confirmed a defect with the braking system. The vehicle was then taken to another independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed with a defective brake booster. The mechanic then informed the contact of NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V235000 (Service Brakes) which was linked to the failure. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 153,000.
2024-06-20
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-22
- VIN: JTDKN3DU8A1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: Prius Gen III has a known defect with failing Brake booster parts. In Nov 2023, while driving my 2010 Prius (~160K miles), suddenly brake, ABS, Traction control, skid indicator lights popped up on the dashboard and I have lost the ability to brake effectively. There was a brake pressure loss and I had to slam hard the brakes to slow the car. The error code was 'C1391' and the mechanic diagnosed it as failure of Brake booster parts ABS Brake booster pump (accumulator) - part#47070 47060 and Brake master cylinder (actuator), part#47050-47140 and he replaced both these parts. Toyota is aware of these failures which are very frequent and hence they issued a brake booster “customer service program” ZJB - which extended the warranty for these parts. But many of us were not covered by this warranty either because of the time or mileage restrictions. This was a costly repair and we had to fix it out of pocket at the cost of ~$3000 as this is safety hazard without proper braking. To make matters worse, 3 months after the repair, the newly installed parts failed again and I had to go through the same repair. I called to Toyota to complain about this and they cannot do anything about it and advised me to report it to NHTSA.
2024-06-13
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-12
- VIN: JTDKN3DU5A0
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: The contact owns a 2010 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, with the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The contact stated that the brakes failed to adequately slow the vehicle. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the brake booster. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V235000 (Service Brakes) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 120,000.
2024-05-24
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-23
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JTDKN3DUXA0
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: My car accelerated significantly on its own while I was pulling into a parking stall in a private parking lot. It caused my vehicle to jump a curb and accelerate up a dirt divider and push over a bush that was planted in the dirt divider. Depressing my brakes did not Decelerate the car, so I pressed the Park button to eventually stop the vehicle. I’m not sure what speed it was traveling when it accelerated, but I could smell burning rubber at the end of the incident. I’m not sure when the smell first occurred.
2024-05-21
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-19
- VIN: JTDKN3DU8A1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: Brake booster assembly failure. Code C1391 - accumulator pressure leak. Toyota previously agreed to extend the warranty on this part on this year of Toyota Prius due to the known issue and the time limit for this repair was set to be in 2019. Toyota agreed to replace the unit only if it fails before that timeframe. My Toyota got recently affected by this issue resulting in over $3,000 estimate for a repair as Toyota no longer covers this repair for my vehicle. That’s a known issue with this part, Toyota knows it’s faulty and yet no recall has been issued. Now I have to pay for a repair out of pocket. I can’t drive the vehicle until it’s fixed. This should be handled as a recall with all faulty units being replaced regardless of millage. A few people opened lawsuits on this issue before and some got a settlement. I believe there is enough evidence that this should be classified as a recall and a free of charge repair should be provided to the owners. The brake booster unit has been buzzing a lot for quite a few months ( due to the pressure leak it had to work more than normal). Now it completely failed with the leak being so excessive that the brakes are very soft.
2024-05-10
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-29
- VIN: JTDKN3DU8A0
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: I had begun to notice a slight shimmy at highway speed for a few days, but it wasn't pronounced enough to cause concern, especially since the weather was very windy and already subjecting the car to heavy crosswinds. On Monday, [XXX], the shimmy became suddenly more pronounced, so I pulled off the highway ([XXX]) and parallel-parked on street in Cambridge, MA. While parking, I heard a loud creaking and grinding sound, and the car no longer responded to steering inputs. I exited the car and noticed the rear driver's side wheel protruding at a strange angle from the wheel well. I called AAA and the tow truck driver discovered that, behind the wheel, where the wheel meets the rear axle, the arm had rusted clean through. In other words, the wheel had completely fallen off, and was being held to the car only by the brake line. I was towed to a mechanic in Salem, MA. Both the Salem mechanic and the AAA tow truck driver said that they had never seen anything like this in all the years they'd been servicing cars. I told them that the car had never been in a flood or otherwise involved in the kind of extraordinary event that would cause more than typical rust exposure. Had the wheel come off at highway speed, I could have been seriously injured or killed. The issue did not seem to have been caused by driver/owner oversight or normal wear and tear. It seems highly unusual and potentially indicative of a defect or manufacturing error. I hope other 2010 Prius owners are aware of the vehicle's susceptibility to this issue. And I would like Toyota to take some responsibility for the high cost of repair. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Toyota Prius 2010 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 10 recalls for different components of the Toyota Prius 2010.
2018-10-04
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
- 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.
- Consequence: If the hybrid system shuts down unexpectedly, it can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the motor/generator control electronic control unit (ECU) and the hybrid control ECU as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 22, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is J0V. Note: The software updates in this recall are needed even if the vehicle had the software previously updated under recalls 14V-053 or 15V-449.
2016-06-30
- 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.
2016-06-02
- Manufacturer: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC
- Components: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
- Summary: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.
- Consequence: If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.
2014-11-19
- Manufacturer: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC
- Components: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
- Summary: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 Rav4 and 4Runner. The affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.
- Consequence: Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.
- Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge. The recall is expected to began in January 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.
2014-02-12
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM: INVERTER
- Summary: Toyota is recalling certain model year 2010 through 2014 Prius vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) inside the inverter module (a component of the hybrid system) contains transistors that may become damaged from high operating temperatures. If this occurs, various warning lamps will be illuminated on the instrument panel and the vehicle will have reduced power allowing it to only drive a short distance.
- Consequence: The vehicle may enter a fail-safe/limp-home mode that limits the drivability of the vehicle. The hybrid system could also shut down completely resulting in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Toyota will notify owners and dealers will update the software for both the motor/generator control electronic control unit (ECU) and the hybrid control ECU, free of charge. If an owner experiences a failure of the inverter before the vehicle receives updated software, the dealer will repair or replace the inverter assembly with a new one at no charge. The recall began on March 21, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
2013-06-05
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: Toyota is recalling certain model year 2010 Prius vehicles manufactured March 31, 2009, through October 9, 2009; and model year 2010 Lexus HS250h vehicles manufactured June 19, 2009, through October 9, 2009. Nitrogen gas from a component of the brake booster pump assembly could leak into the brake fluid.
- Consequence: As nitrogen is released into the brake fluid, the brake pedal may have reduced hydraulic pressure. Under certain circumstances, this condition could affect stopping distance and increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected brake booster pump assemblies. The recall began on August 7, 2013. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
2013-01-16
- Manufacturer: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
- Summary: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.
- Consequence: If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.
- Remedy: Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
2010-02-09
- Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
- Summary: TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 TOYOTA PRIUS AND LEXUS HS250H PASSENGER VEHICLES. CUSTOMERS HAVE EXPERIENCED INCONSISTENT BRAKE FEEL AFTER ABS ACTUATION DURING SLOW AND STEADY APPLICATION OF THE BRAKES ON ROUGH OR SLICK ROAD SURFACES. STOPPING DISTANCES MAY BE INCREASED COMPARED WITH A CUSTOMER'S EXPECTATION FOR A GIVEN PEDAL FORCE.
- Consequence: VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCES MAY INCREASE RELATIVE TO A CUSTOMER'S EXPECTATION INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REWRITE THE PROGRAMMING OF THE ABS CONTROL UNIT FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 3, 2010, AND IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN LATE MARCH 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331 AND LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.
2010-02-03
- Manufacturer: SOUTHEAST TOYOTA DISTRIBUTORS, LLC
- Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
- Summary: SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
- Consequence: A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.
2010-02-03
- Manufacturer: GULF STATES TOYOTA, INC.
- Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
- Summary: GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
- Consequence: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. DEALERS WILL ALSO CORRECT THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA AT 713-580-3300.
Negative Toyota Prius 2010 car reviews
Positive Toyota Prius 2010 car reviews
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Congratulations on your 2nd Prius! It's great to hear that your previous one lasted so long without any significant repairs. The 2010 model seems to be just as reliable. The car has many pros, such as great mileage, consistent performance, and the ability to carry lots of items. It's also impressive that you haven't had any major repair bills in 5 years, just regular maintenance. The car's front-wheel drive traction is also a plus. The only downside seems to be that it's not the fastest car, but it's still sufficient for interstate and on ramps.
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I purchased this car a year and a half ago with 88K miles and have since driven it up to 100K miles without any issues. It's a great car with excellent gas mileage, getting 45mpg in the summer and 38mpg in the winter. However, it's not a vehicle that you can easily fix yourself, which is a bit of a downside for me. The hood is extremely compact and there's no room to work. Additionally, the hybrid system is full of unique electrical parts and requires highly technical work, which can be somewhat dangerous. If I ever encounter any problems, I'll have to rely on the dealer, and I'm sure they'll charge me a lot. But for now, everything is running smoothly.
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This car is truly amazing for its reliability and fuel efficiency. Even at 149,000 miles, it remains just as reliable and fuel efficient as ever. Additionally, it's incredibly comfortable, spacious, and offers a variety of high-tech features. In fact, I would go so far as to say that it's the best car I've ever owned - and I've owned quite a few, including Volvo, Honda, Mazda, Opel, Audi, Ford, and Pontiac.
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I absolutely love my 2010 Prius III! From the moment I got it, I knew it was the perfect car for me. It has just as much headroom as my mini-van, if not more. I've taken it on long trips from Illinois to Florida and back, fully loaded, and still managed to get an impressive 48 mpg overall. Even when driving at 70 mph on the interstate, I was pleasantly surprised by the fuel efficiency. I am definitely planning on getting another Prius for my next car. Even with the rising gas prices, I don't feel as bothered as I used to because I know I'm getting over twice the mpg as my previous vehicles. It's like paying $2/gal instead of $4/gal!
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This is a great car! It has a large cargo capacity of 20 bags of mulch and has been totally reliable. Plus, it has not cost a penny more than maintenance for oil changes, tire rotations, and a set of new tires.
Additional sources
More sources of information about Toyota Prius 2010 problems:
2010 Prius. Really that bad? : r/prius
https://www.reddit.com/r/prius/comments/vqi07v/2010_prius_really_that_bad/
Jul 3, 2022 ... Prius C uses an updated 1NZ-FXE engine ... I have a 2010 with 140,000 miles, haven't had any problems ... known 2010 is the worst. Be ready for head ...
2010 Toyota Prius Review, Problems, Reliability, Value, Life ...
https://www.vehiclehistory.com/report/toyota/prius/2010
Jun 22, 2022 ... The 2010 Prius only lasts around 150,000 miles with a lot of engine problems. At $7,494 – 12,430, it's too much money when you may need to spend ...
Is the 2010/2013 Prius really that bad? : r/prius
https://www.reddit.com/r/prius/comments/zts7h8/is_the_20102013_prius_really_that_bad/
Dec 23, 2022 ... ... a Prius with a discharged 12v battery. 2013 developed 2 problems. The braking system failed. Known problem on some 2013 Prius. Got the ...
2010 Toyota Prius worth it? | PriusChat
https://priuschat.com/threads/2010-toyota-prius-worth-it.241967/
JC91006 Senior Member · 1. HV battery failure after 10 years old · 2. Head gasket failure at higher mileage · 3. Brake booster failure after 10 ...
2010 Toyota Prius Reliability - Consumer Reports
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/prius/2010/reliability/
Owner Reported Trouble Spots · Brakes · EV Battery · Paint And Trim · Electrical Accessories · Exhaust · In-car Electronics · Engine Major · Steering And ...
Other years of Toyota Prius
Are you having problems with your Toyota Prius 2010?
Adelbert Vandervort 2024-11-29
Well what can you say. The seats aren't comfortable, the ride is numb and disconnected from the road, wind/road noise is at a premium, and it's very jittery over any type of non-smooth pavement. However, going green is the way to go. We need more of these types of cars, only with better execution...
Raleigh Schoen 2024-07-23
It's common for people to say 'It's a Toyota' and keep driving, but it's important to keep up with regular maintenance. Unfortunately, some cars may have deferred maintenance that needs to be addressed. Additionally, the lack of a coolant temperature gauge can make it difficult to detect overheating until the red light comes on. It would be helpful to have an indication of the coolant temperature during normal driving conditions. The Prius I purchased had a blown head-gasket, which was a costly repair, along with broken wipers and a front suspension in need of replacement. It's possible that both user error and inherent design flaws contributed to these issues. This is why it's crucial to have a pre-purchase inspection. My mechanic was disappointed that I didn't bring it to him before buying it, but it's a lesson learned for next time.
Edgardo Renner 2024-05-20
The Prius is definitely a great car for getting from A to B. However, after driving it for 30,000 miles, I had to let it go due to several faults in the way it drives. Despite its unmatched efficiency of fuel and space, the auto on/off engine is choppy, the brake feel is uneven, the seats are rock hard, the steering is numb, the ride is harsh, there are a ton of rattles throughout the car, and the car feels like it weighs twice what it does. It was just a terrible driving experience. On the bright side, I never had any reliability issues and consistently got about 39 mpg. But in the end, life is too short to drive a car like this. That's why I decided to get rid of it.
Marcelo Ziemann 2024-02-16
I bought a used Prius for my daughter to use for college. Although I thought it would be a reliable car since it was a Toyota, it unfortunately kicked off a C1391 code. After doing some research, I found out that this is a common failure for this model and subsequent models through 2015. The brake repair costs $3500, which is quite expensive. However, I believe that Toyota service could have been better. I hope to find a better solution for my daughter's car needs in the future.