Resources for the Repair and Maintenance of your Toyota Prius
Toyota Prius Models:
Toyota Prius Problems
Check Engine Light With Code P1121
The Check Engine Light may illuminate with a fault code P1121 stored. It is commonly caused by a failed three way coolant control valve. Valve replacement is recommended if this occurs.
The Center Multi-Function Display May Fail
The center multi-function display may failure. This is commonly caused by poorly soldered internal connection. Our technicians tell us that these display panels can be successfully repaired or reconditioned by a shop specializing in such repairs.
Stalling or Loss of Power Due to Debris in Mass Air Flow Sensor
A no start or loss of power issue may develop if debris falls into the mass air flow sensor when changing or inspecting the air filter. Care should be taken when changing of replacing the air filter in order to avoid this issue.
Check Engine Light Due to Failed Power Inverter Coolant Pumpl
The power inverter coolant pump may fail resulting in illumination of the Check Engine Light associated with fault code P0A93 stored. Our technicians tell us the power inverter coolant pump should be replaced if this occurs. A revised pump is available for 2004-2006 models, Toyota service bulletin #EG001-07.
The Fuel Gauge May Read Incorrectly
The fuel gauge may read incorrectly. Our technicians tell us there is a recalibration procedure which should be performed to correct this issue.
Toyota Prius Recalls (Recent)
Certain Airbags May Not Deploy as Expected
RepairPal Expert Overview:
On 133 vehicles, certain airbag inflators were assembled with an insufficient amount of the heating agents necessary for proper airbag deployment. In the event of a crash, if the airbag does not deploy as expected, the risk of injury will increase. Dealers will replace only the suspect airbags to correct this concern. The Toyota recall number is 60B. The Lexus recall number is 6LB.
Learn more »Toyota Prius Recall 04V558000
Summary: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES MAY BE EQUIPPED WITH AN IMPROPERLY DESIGNED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. A SILICON OXIDE BUILD-UP OCCURS ON THE CONTACTS INSIDE THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH, WHICH CAN MAKE IT INOPERABLE.
Learn more »Toyota Prius Recall 06V266000
Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, DUE TO IMPROPER MOLDING OF THE RESIN BODY OF THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENOR INSTALLED ON THE ENGINE BLOCK, ENGINE OIL MAY PENETRATE THE SEAL AND ENTER THE SENSOR WIRING CONNECTOR. THE WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENTLY ATTACHED TO THE LOCKING TAB OF THE SENSOR WIRING CONNECTOR.
Learn more »Intermediate Steering Shaft May Crack
RepairPal Expert Overview:
The intermediate steering shaft and slip yoke may crack when large forces are applied and the connection may separate. This could result in a loss of steering control. Dealers will replace the intermediate steering shaft and inspect and replace the sliding yoke if needed. The recall began June 9, 2006. The Toyota recall number is 60C.
Learn more »Toyota Prius Recall 00V285000
Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. INSUFFICIENT ELECTRICAL CONTACT CAN OCCUR IN THE TORQUE SENSOR THAT CONTROLS THE POWER ASSIST OPERATION OF THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING GEAR BOX. THE TORQUE SENSOR COULD SEND IMPROPER ELECTRICAL SIGNALS.
Learn more »Toyota Prius Questions and Answers
The car battery (like the ones in all cars) keeps running down. I only drive my car once a week for 20 miles r/t. I have replaced it once to the tune of $300+. I only have 38000 miles on my car...
My Car makes a noise when i make a right turn only.
I was quoted $850 for the 60,000 mile service from my Toyota dealer (with no other known services/replacements being in the quote - i.e. they haven't found anything else wrong). The RepairPal ...
After spending $2000 to replace the air conditioning compressor and condenser on my Prius, the A/C stopped working again. The dealer now says there is a leak in the refrigerant line and wants $675...
looking to check my transmition flud.
Toyota Prius Reviews
Transmission Issues at 150K
Love the car but there are two problems. 1 the headlight bulbs need repalcing every 6 months. 2. the factory installed JBL E7022 radios are junk. I bought this car new. the sales person talked up the stereo / Nav unit. worked fine for over 2 years. now needs to be replaced at a cost of $1500+. talked to dealer, Toyota, and JBL no one wants to help, no one cares. The JBL E7022 is costly junk. and I will not be buying another.
Purchased my 2004 Prius used in 2006. Love it 90%. Great mileage - I can get up to 50mpg in summer and 35-40 in winter (Minnesota). Seating could be more comfy - a little stiff. Also, 2004 fog light lenses break easily and they are expensive to replace. We added an after market (installed by Toyota recommended service) heated seats and I LOVE that option. Surprisingly this car carries tons of stuff we haul around. Only car we've had that my husband says he'd buy again.
I love my Prius, But at 400 miles as I was driving home I began to hear a loud hissing sound coming from the back passenger side seat, where the vent is for the battery. It was not there for the first month and is loud after driving for a while. I took it to Desert Toyota to have it checked out and explained that is takes awhile for the noise to become loud. They never really checked it out and just told me it was normal, so why didn't it happen the first month I had it, and why is it loud enough to hear even when the radio is on. Not happy with the dealer, wish I could redo the survey!
I purchased my Prius in 2008 with just under 5,000 on it. It now has 62,400 on it, so I've put just about 11,000 miles a year on it.
I've had to replace one headlight, cost me over $300 to do it, excessive in my opinion. Why they designed it so that the bumper had to come off is beyond me, much less $180 just for the bulb.
Had to replace the axillary battery about two months ago for a little under $300.
Just had to have the car towed in yesterday, the Hybrid Inverter Water went causing 5 of the dashboard warning lights to light up, cost for that was $384, which compared to the headlight was not too bad. The extended warranty picked up all but $50 of that.
Had to have it jump started twice when it wouldn't start up, cause of it not starting is beyond me. Sitting in the garage for 2-3 days should not run down the axillary battery that fast. Once was at a rest stop when traveling my fault, I probably left on the lights when I took a nap.
I only have a little under 10,000 miles left on the warranty which will only cover the next year (due to take a 6,000 mile road trip in August. I'm worried about how much more will go wrong with it in the next 30 month until I finish paying for it.....I would really like to not replace it. I ran both of my Honda Accords to around 215,000 miles before they got traded in, I'd like to do the same for this one.
Only one annoying thing, like most, the back up beeping....it should be heard outside the car to warn people you are backing up, not inside....I already know what I'm doing.