Engine
1.5L 4-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 603 of 610 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 490 of 610 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Lighting
185 complaint records
"BOTH HEADLIGHTS TURN OFF AND ON INTERMITTENTLY WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS DRIVING IN THE DARK. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse lighting parts in the directory →
Electrical system
184 complaint records2 fire reports4 crash reports
"2004 PRIUS SLOWED, THEN STOPPED ON A HIGHWAY DUE TO A SOFTWARE PROBLEM. TOWED TO DEALER. DEALER CORRECTED THE NEXT DAY...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Engine & cooling
104 complaint records1 crash report
"2004 TOYOTA PRIUS. STALLED WHILE DRIVING AT ABOUT 40 MPH. ABLE TO RESTART CAR AFTER DRIVING WITH ELECTRIC MOTOR FOR A FEW BLOCKS...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| DP22005 opened Jan 2023 | closed Aug 2023 | Electrical System | Pedestrian alert sounds - led to recall 22V063000 NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. |
| DP13001 opened Feb 2013 | closed Apr 2020 | Steering | Intermediate Steering Shaft Separation The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a January 2013 defect petition requesting that it open an investigation on Model Year (MY) 2004-2009 Toyota Prius vehicles to address a possible manufacturing safety defect related to the steering column... |
| PE05029 opened May 2005 | closed Oct 2005 | Unknown Or Other | ENGINE STALLING ODI OPENED PE05-029 BASED ON 33 REPORTS OF ALLEGED GASOLINE ENGINE STALLING ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE GASOLINE/ ELECTRIC HYBRID VEHICLES THAT CAN BE OPERATED IN GASOLINE OR ELECTRIC MODES, OR A COMBINATION OF BOTH DEPENDING ON THE POWER... |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12V537000 | Steering | Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2009 Prius vehicles manufactured August 5, 2003, through March 30, 2009. | Normally free |
| 12V536000 | Hybrid Propulsion System | Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2009 Prius vehicles manufactured August 6, 2003, through March 30, 2009 and FCHV-adv vehicles manufactured December 12, 2008, through September 13, 2011. | Normally free |
| 09V388000 | Vehicle Speed Control | TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CAN GET STUCK IN THE WIDE OPEN POSITION DUE TO ITS BEING TRAPPED BY AN UNSECURED OR INCOMPATIBLE DRIVER'S FLOOR MAT. | Normally free |
| 06V188000 | Steering | THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT AND SLIDING YOKE IN THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING SYSTEM CAN CRACK WHEN LARGE FORCES ARE APPLIED AND THE CONNECTION MAY SEPARATE OR THE SLEEVE MAY FRACTURE. | Normally free |
| 06V096000 | Air Bags | ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, DUE TO IMPROPER ASSEMBLY OF THE AIR BAG INFLATOR, WHICH IS USED IN THE SIDE AIR BAG, THE CURTAIN SHIELD AIR BAG, AND THE KNEE AIR BAG ASSEMBLY, SOME INFLATORS WERE PRODUCED WITH AN INSUFFICIENT... | Normally free |
| 04V558000 | Exterior Lighting | 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. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021723 2021-11-24 | Electrical | 55,683 | Issue: This recall is for certain block heater kits installed on certain vehicles or sold as accessories at Toyota or Lexus dealerships. |
| 2012387 2012-11-14 | Powertrain | 8,740 | On certain vehicles, the electrical water pump assembly, used to circulate coolant through the hybrid components, may fail. |
| 2012388 2012-11-14 | Steering | 14,816 | On certain vehicles, the steering intermediate shaft splines may have been improperly hardened. If the steering wheel is held firmly on the steering lock while turning sharply at low speeds, the splines could deform and wear, causing a... |
| 2009290 2009-10-07 | Other | 437,445 | On certain vehicles, the accelerator pedal may become stuck in the wide open position due to an unsecured or incompatible driver's floor mat. |
| 2006129 2006-05-30 | Steering | 4,138 | On certain vehicles, the connection at the intermediate shaft or the intermediate extension shaft may become loose or the intermediate shaft sleeve may develop a crack under certain operating conditions. |
Show 1 more Canadian recalls
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004409 2004-11-23 | Electrical | 8,568 | On certain vehicles equipped with a light emitting diode (LED) stop lamp, there is a possibility that silicon oxide may be generated on the surface of the contact point inside the stop lamp switch. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| T-SB-0119-15 Rev2 Feb 2026 | Engine | OBSOLETE NOTICE February 13, 2026: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0009-26. | |
| T-SB-0009-26 Feb 2026 | Engine | This bulletin includes basic procedures for performing a rescue charge on Ni-MH high voltage (HV) batteries. This bulletin should be used in conjunction with the applicable model and model year Repair Manual while performing a rescue charge. | |
| T-SB-0035-24 Rev2 Dec 2024 | Structure | Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. | |
| T-SB-0038-24 Rev2 Dec 2024 | Structure | To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. | |
| T-SB-0039-24 Rev2 Dec 2024 | Structure | The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| T-SB-0061-23 Rev2 Dec 2024 | Structure | Toyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. | |
| T-SB-0062-23 Rev2 Dec 2024 | Structure | Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. | |
| T-SB-0035-24 Rev1 Jul 2024 | Structure | Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. | |
| T-SB-0038-24 Rev1 Jul 2024 | Structure | To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. | |
| T-SB-0039-24 Rev1 Jul 2024 | Structure | The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. | |
| T-SB-0061-23 Rev1 May 2024 | Structure | Toyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. | |
| T-SB-0062-23 Rev1 May 2024 | Structure | Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. | |
| T-SB-0035-24 Apr 2024 | Structure | Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. | |
| T-SB-0038-24 Apr 2024 | Structure | To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. | |
| T-SB-0039-24 Apr 2024 | Structure | The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. | |
| T-PANT-2024-004- Mar 2024 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This is to advise of various price adjustments that will affect Toyota Genuine Motor Oil and Long Life Coolant, effective March 1, 2024. These products are ordered through the Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) website. | |
| T-SB-0043-14 Jan 2024 | Equipment | OBSOLETE NOTICE January 22, 2024: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0057-18. | |
| TSB003220 Aug 2023 | Vehicle Speed Control | TSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1979 ? | |
| T-SB-0057-18 May 2023 | Equipment | TSB: The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased. | |
| T-SB-0119-15 Rev May 2022 | Equipment | TSB: This bulletin includes basic procedures for performing a rescue charge on Ni-MH high voltage (HV) batteries. This bulletin should be used in conjunction with the applicable model and model year Repair Manual while performing a rescue charge. | |
| TTT063620 Mar 2022 | Back Over Prevention | TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions | |
| T-SB-0014-22 Mar 2022 | Parking Brake | TSB: This Service Bulletin includes procedures to replace damaged or loose front carpet floor retainer(s) without replacing the carpet assembly. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to replace the loose or damaged carpet floor retainer(s). | |
| T-SB-0397-09 Obs Mar 2022 | Equipment | OBSOLETE NOTICE Month 09, 2022: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0014-22. | |
| Toyota PRO19-02 Jan 2022 | Tires | POL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Toyota. This information must be kept near the point of vehicle sale and be available to any customer that requests it. | |
| T-TT-0578-19 Rev Oct 2021 | Equipment | TT: Some customers may encounter Bluetooth® connectivity concerns such as: ?Difficulty to pair the phone. ?Intermittent Bluetooth® failure to connect to the vehicle when first turning on the vehicle. | |
| Toyota Safety Re Mar 2021 | Air Bags | Toyota Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements | |
| T-TT-0636-20 Rev Mar 2021 | Back Over Prevention | TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions. | |
| T-SB-0032-20 Rev Feb 2021 | Equipment | TSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1979 ? | |
| T-TT-0636-20 Dec 2020 | Service Brakes | TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions. | |
| T-SB-0062-20 Rev Oct 2020 | Equipment | TSB: Some 2004 ? 2020 model year Hybrid vehicles may exhibit an excessive buildup of dust, lint, or debris in the HV battery intake filter or cooling fan. The condition could reduce the efficiency of the HV battery cooling system. | |
| T-TT-0578-19 Rev Oct 2020 | Electrical System | TT: Some customers may encounter Bluetooth® connectivity concerns such as: ?Difficulty to pair the phone. ?Intermittent Bluetooth® failure to connect to the vehicle when first turning on the vehicle. | |
| T-SB-0098-13 Obs Aug 2020 | Electrical System | TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE August 11, 2020: This bulletin is no longer applicable and is now obsolete. | |
| T-SB-0153-13 Obs Aug 2020 | Equipment | TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE August 08, 2020: This bulletin is no longer applicable and is now obsolete. | |
| T-SB-0074-20 Aug 2020 | Electrical System | TSB: Some 2003 ? 2020 model year Prius, Prius C, Prius V; 2006 ? 2019 model year Highlander Hybrid Vehicle; 2007 ? 2020 Camry Hybrid Vehicle; 2013 ? 2020 model year Avalon Hybrid Vehicle; 2016 ? | |
| T-SB-0063-20 Jun 2020 | Wheels | TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. ST005-01, SU001-08, and T-SB-0391-08. The aforementioned bulletins are obsolete, and any printed versions should be discarded. | |
| T-SB-0391-08 Obs Jun 2020 | Suspension | TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE June 23, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0063-20. | |
| T-SB-0062-20 Jun 2020 | Electrical System | TSB: Some 2004 ? 2020 model year Hybrid vehicles may exhibit an excessive buildup of dust, lint, or debris in the HV battery intake filter or cooling fan. The condition could reduce the efficiency of the HV battery cooling system. | |
| T-SB-0119-15_Rev May 2020 | Electrical System | TT: This bulletin includes basic procedures for performing a rescue charge on Ni-MH high voltage (HV) batteries. This bulletin should be used in conjunction with the applicable model and model year Repair Manual while performing a rescue charge. | |
| T-SB-0304-17 Obs Apr 2020 | Equipment | TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE April 07, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0032-20. Replacement Certification Labels and VIN Plates | |
| T-SB-0032-20 Apr 2020 | Equipment | TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. PG021-88, PG015-89, PG0015-90, PG002-91, PG002-93, PG005-97, PG007-01, PG007-07, PG006-01, PG004-97, T-SB-0144-08, and T-SB-0304-17. | |
| T-SB-0142-13_Obs Feb 2020 | Equipment | OBSOLETE NOTICE February 12, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0010-20. | |
| T-SB-0008-20 Jan 2020 | Equipment | TSB: Vehicles may display evidence of a fluid leak or fluid seep from powertrain components. This bulletin explains how to determine the differences between a fluid leak versus a fluid seep. Cases that are determined to be a ?leak? | |
| T-SB-0153-13_Rev Nov 2019 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | TSB: REVISION NOTICE November 13, 2019 Rev2: ? The Warranty Information section has been updated. July 02, 2019 Rev1: ? The Applicable Warranty section has been updated. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded. Some 2004 ? | |
| T-TT-0578-19 Oct 2019 | Steering | TT: Some customers may encounter Bluetooth® connectivity concerns such as: ? Difficulty to pair the phone. ? Intermittent Bluetooth® failure to connect to the vehicle when first turning on the vehicle. ? | |
| T-SB-0153-13-Rev Jul 2019 | Equipment | TSB: REVISION NOTICE July 02, 2019 Rev1: ? The Applicable Warranty section has been updated. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded. Some 2004 ? | |
| T-SB-0134-16-Rev Jul 2019 | Electrical System | TSB: REVISION NOTICE July 01, 2019 Rev2: ? Applicability has been updated to 2019 ? 2020 model year Toyota vehicles. ? The Techstream Preparation and Process Overview sections have been updated. October 30, 2017 Rev1: ? | |
| T-TT-0414-16-Rev Feb 2019 | Equipment | TT: Some customers may encounter Bluetooth® connectivity concerns such as: ? Difficulty to pair the phone. ? Intermittent Bluetooth® failure to connect to the vehicle when first turning on the vehicle. ? | |
| T-TT-0414-16-Rev Sep 2018 | Equipment | TT: Some customers may encounter Bluetooth® connectivity concerns such as: ? Difficulty to pair the phone. ? Intermittent Bluetooth® failure to connect to the vehicle when first turning on the vehicle. ? | |
| PG004-97-Obsolet Aug 2018 | Equipment | Technical Service Bulletin: OBSOLETE NOTICE: July 31, 2018: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0304-17. | |
| PG006-01-Obsolet Aug 2018 | Equipment | Technical Service Bulletin: OBSOLETE NOTICE: July 31, 2018: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0304-17. | |
| T-SB-0304-17_Rev Jul 2018 | Equipment | TSB: REVISION NOTICE July 31, 2018 Rev2: ? The Supersession Notice has been updated. January 11, 2018 Rev1: ? The Supersession Notice has been updated. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded. | |
| T-SB-0057-18 Jul 2018 | Equipment | TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No. T-SB-0043-14. ? Applicability has been updated to include 2017 ? 2018 model year Toyota vehicles. Service Bulletin No. | |
| ZG1_Toyota POL16 Jun 2018 | Service Brakes | Warranty Policy Bulletin: Toyota has received some reports where various brake system related warning lamps illuminate due to internal malfunctions of the Brake Actuator Assembly. | |
| T-SB-0187-12_Rev Feb 2018 | Tires | TSB: REVISION NOTICE February 12, 2018 Rev2: ? Applicability has been updated to include 2015 ? 2018 model year vehicles. January 23, 2014 Rev1: ? Applicability has been updated to include 2013 ? 2014 model year vehicles. | |
| T-SB-0304-17_Rev Jan 2018 | Equipment | TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. PG021-88, PG015-89, PG0015-90, PG002-91, PG002-93, PG005-97, PG007-01, PG007-07, and T-SB-0144-08. Service Bulletin Nos. | |
| T-SB-0229-12_Rev Nov 2017 | Electrical System | TSB: REVISION NOTICE November 22, 2017 Rev1: ? Applicability has been updated to include 2014 ? 2018 model year vehicles. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded. | |
| T-SB-0144-08_Obs Nov 2017 | Equipment | TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE November 21, 2017: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0304-17. | |
| T-SB-0134-16_Rev Oct 2017 | Equipment | TSB: REVISION NOTICE October 30, 2017 Rev1: * Applicability has been updated to include 2018 model year vehicles. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes SB No. T-SB-0012-13. | |
| T-SB-0304-17 Oct 2017 | Structure | TSB: Vehicle replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) may be available from Toyota, provided the request meets one of the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin. | |
| T-SB-0218-17_Rev Jul 2017 | Equipment | TSB: REVISION NOTICE July 20, 2017 Rev1: Applicability has been updated to exclude 2007 ? 2017 model year Avanza vehicles. Some hazardous material treatment and handling regulations at the state and local level define the pre-disposal deployment of airbag and pre-tensioner... |
Showing 60 of 193 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Do a full walk-around with every light on.Condensation inside a lens, a dim side, or a flickering tail light match this vehicle's lighting cluster.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 6 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Toyota Prius →