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 1,486 of 1,497 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 1,190 of 1,497 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
587 complaint records1 crash report
"I HAD A HEADLIGHT FAILURE A FEW WEEKS AGO. IT CAME BACK ON AFTER A FEW DAYS. NOW THE OTHER ONE IS OUT! THIS IS DANGEROUS...."- 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 →
Brakes
399 complaint records1 fire report65 crash reports
"THE BRAKES ON MY 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS DISENGAGED FOR A SECOND OR TWO WHILE ATTEMPTING TO STOP ON A ROAD THAT WAS BUMPY *CN..."- 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 brakes parts in the directory →
Electrical system
236 complaint records2 fire reports8 crash reports
"The instrument cluster goes completely blank (no fuel gauge, no speedometer, no odometer) and the car cannot be shut down...."- 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 →
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... |
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 |
| 10V036000 | Equipment | 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. | 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 |
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. |
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-0055-24 Rev2 Jan 2026 | Unknown Or Other | Some 2005 – 2026 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. | |
| 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. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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. | |
| 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-0055-24 Rev1 Jul 2024 | Structure | Some 2005 – 2024 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. | |
| 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-0055-24 Jun 2024 | Structure | Some 2005 – 2024 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. | |
| 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 | Electrical System | 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. | |
| ZKG_Dealer_Lette Dec 2022 | Structure | DL: Toyota has received reports of paint peeling on certain vehicles with the original factory-applied Blizzard Pearl or Super White paint colors. | |
| Z2G_Dealer_Lette Dec 2022 | Structure | DL: Toyota has received reports of paint peeling on certain vehicles with the original factory-applied Blizzard Pearl or Super White paint colors. | |
| Z3G_Dealer_Lette Dec 2022 | Structure | DL: Toyota has received reports of paint peeling on certain vehicles with the original factory-applied Blizzard Pearl or Super White paint colors. | |
| T-SB-0094-21 Rev Nov 2022 | Air Bags | TSB: Some 2005 ? 2022 model year Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty smell is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. | |
| ZKG_Dealer_Lette Nov 2022 | Structure | DL: Toyota has received reports of paint peeling on certain vehicles with the original factory-applied Blizzard Pearl or Super White paint colors. | |
| Z2G_Dealer_Lette Nov 2022 | Structure | DL: Toyota has received reports of paint peeling on certain vehicles with the original factory-applied Blizzard Pearl or Super White paint colors. | |
| Z3G_Dealer_Lette Nov 2022 | Structure | DL: Toyota has received reports of paint peeling on certain vehicles with the original factory-applied Blizzard Pearl or Super White paint colors. | |
| Z3G_Paint_Repair Nov 2022 | Structure | CSP: Customer Support Program ZKG ? Paint Repair Process | |
| Z3G_Technical_In Nov 2022 | Structure | TI: TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS Customer Support Program ZKG Multiple Models and Model Years Vehicles Painted with Blizzard Pearl (070) or Super White (040) Paint Color Coverage for Peeling of Factory-Applied Paint | |
| CSPZTND Jun 2022 | Equipment | DL: ZTN Expired on June 1, 2022 | |
| ZTN Jun 2022 | Equipment | DL: ZTN Expired on June 1, 2022 | |
| 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. | |
| TSB009421Rev1 May 2022 | Equipment | TSB: Some 2005 ? 2022 model year Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty smell is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. | |
| TTT063620 Mar 2022 | 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-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 | Wheels | 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-SB-0094-21 Nov 2021 | Structure | TSB: Some 2005 ? 2022 model year Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty smell is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. | |
| 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-0040-08 Obs Mar 2021 | Equipment | OBSOLETE NOTICE March 08, 2021: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0044-16. | |
| 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-TT-0628-20 Oct 2020 | Engine And Engine Cooling | TT: HVAC drain tube is found to be blocked/clogged. | |
| 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 | Engine | 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-TT-0468-17 Rev Jul 2020 | Engine And Engine Cooling | TT: HVAC drain tube is found to be blocked/clogged. | |
| 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. |
Showing 60 of 182 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.
- Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
- 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.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 4 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 →