2004 TOYOTA Prius Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
610
Complaints Reported
Complaints by Component
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
156 complaints
MY LEFT HEADLIGHT GOES OFF BUT IF I TURN THE HEADLIGHTS BACK OFF AND BACK ON IT COMES BACK ON. THE HEADLIGHT IS NOT BURNED OUT. THIS HAPPENS WHILE ON THE FREEWAY IN THE DARK WHILE RAINING. THIS HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY AND NOT ALL THE TIME.
Nov 06, 2020
ABOUT 1.5 YEARS AGO DURING A VACATION. MY CAR DECIDED TO NOT SHUT OFF. I DROVE TO THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP THAT WAS ABOUT THE CLOSE. THEY ASSISTED AND SAID TO HOLD THE POWER BUTTON DOWN UNTIL IT SHUTS OFF THEN TURN IT BACK ON. THIS WAS A DEALERSHIP IN GEORGIA. THE MECHANIC HAD HEARD OF THE PROBLEM BEFORE. I RECENTLY HAD THE FRONT DASH LIGHT GO COMPLETELY OUT. I DID NOT HAVE AN INSTRUMENT PANEL AT ALL. THE WAS NOT A WAY TO SEE MPH, GAS GAUGE, WARNING LIGHTS, NOTHING. THE CENTER MONITOR STAYED ON. IT TOOK 2 DAYS BUT IT CAME BACK ON. A WEEK LATER IT HAPPENED AGAIN AND AGAIN CAME BACK ON. WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON AND I DROVE TO DEALERSHIP. IT WAS THE 2ND WATER PUMP GOING OUT. AS I WAS LEAVING MY DASH LIGHTS WENT OUT AGAIN. I TOOK IT BACK INTO THE PRIUS DEALERSHIP. THEY HAD PAPERWORK STATING THERE HAD BEEN ISSUES WITH THE METERED DASH BEFORE. IS THERE A RECALL ON IT OR NOT? I HAD TO HAVE A CAR AND WAS ALLOWED TO LEAVE WITH THE DASH NOT WORKING. I DROVE TO A GAS STATION. AFTER FILLING WITH GAS THE DASH LIGHTS CAME ON AGAIN. I HAD TO PAY FOR THE METERED DASH PART TO BE ORDERED UP FRONT BECAUSE THE MECHANIC SAID IT MAY COME BACK ON. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS AS IT IS AN ONGOING ISSUE. THE MECHANIC EVEN CALLED IT A SHORT. DUE TOT HE PAPERWORK THE DESK REPRESENTATIVE HAD, IT APPEARS THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL REPORTS BEFORE ON THE METERED DASH SHORTING. PLEASE HELP. I NEED THE CAR AND CANNOT AFFORD THESE RIDICULOUS PRICES FOR MANUFACTURER MISTAKES.
Oct 20, 2020
HEADLIGHT GO OUT DAILY AND HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT FROM WORK, THEY TURN BACK ON SWITCH ON AND OFF
Feb 17, 2020
OUR 2004 PRIUS HAS INTERMITTENT PROBLEMS WITH HEADLIGHTS AND TAIL LIGHTS FAILING. ONE OF BOTH HEADLIGHTS WILL ALL OF A SUDDEN GO OUT. TURNING THEM OFF AND ON USUALLY CAUSES THEM TO COME BACK ON. MY SON WAS DRIVING ON A CURVY, DARK FORESTED ROAD WHEN BOTH LIGHTS WENT OUT. COULD NOT SEE A THING. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION. WE HAVE ALSO REPLACED TAIL LIGHT BULBS. THEY WORK, THEN FAIL AGAIN QUICKLY.
Mar 31, 2018
THE PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT GOES OUT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE. IT BEGINS TO OPERATE AGAIN AFTER TURNING HEADLIGHTS OFF AND ON AGAIN. THIS HAPPENS MULTIPLE TIMES DURING VEHICLE OPERATION IN A SINGLE DRIVE. FOR EXAMPLE, THREE TIMES TODAY WITHIN 15 MINUTES. THE HEADLIGHT WAS REPLACED WITHIN THE LAST 6 MONTHS, BUT WE NOW BELIEVE IT IS A SYSTEMIC ISSUE, UNRELATED TO THE BULB ASSEMBLY, BECAUSE IT HAS OCCURRED WITH TWO BULBS IN A ROW. THIS OCCURRED BOTH WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AND WHEN STATIONARY (IDLING).
Jan 17, 2018
+ 151 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
111 complaints
The odometer on my 2004 Prius stops at 299,999. This is a known problem in the 04-05 models that was corrected in 2006. Leaves me unable to track miles for maintenance and other uses. This also has the problem with the entire digital dash going dark which means no speedometer or gas gauge. Making the vehicle almost unable to be driven safely at this point. I have reached out to Toyota and they verify that it was an issue with this year range but because I have owned it too long they don't do anything about it
Jul 21, 2025
During a hot period of summer, my drive selector decided to not stay in the drive position unless I held it there. I could make the initial selection of drive and then stop on the gas, but it would not stay unless I physically held the lever down in the drive position. I never had an issue with the reverse position; only drive. I could always get the car back into Park. This is an extremely unsafe driving condition because it happens without warning and the fix is not obvious. Once the driver is aware of the fix, it forces them into an unsafe driving condition: driving with one hand on the parking selector. Once cooler weather came, the issue went away. It didn't happen on all hot days and was intermittent. I replaced the drive selector in 2022 and have only had the issue come up one other time since replacing this part.
Nov 12, 2022
HEADLIGHTS OCCASIONALLY GO OUT AT RANDOM WHILE DRIVING. BEGAN WITH DRIVER SIDE, VERY INTERMITTENT, BECAME MORE FREQUENT, NOW ALSO INCLUDES PASSENGER SIDE. BOTH HAVE GONE OUT AT THE SAME TIME WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT TWICE. TURNING ALL LIGHTS OFF BRIEFLY AND BACK ON WILL RE-ILLUMINATE THE HEADLIGHTS. PROBLEM FIRST OCCURRED SEVERAL MONTHS AGO AND HAS GOTTEN PROGRESSIVELY MORE FREQUENT. NOW, ONCE LIGHT(S) GOES OUT DURING A DRIVE, IT WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO REPEATEDLY EVERY FEW MINUTES. VERY DANGEROUS.
Apr 13, 2020
COMBINATION METER IS BLACK 90% OF THE TIME. RESTARTING ENGINE OR DISCONNECTING BATTERY ONLY WORKS ON OCCASION. HAVE SAFETY CONCERNS.
Dec 17, 2019
TAKATA RECALL VEHICLE NEEDS TO HAVE BRAKE ACTUATOR. BG BRAKE FLUID SERVICE.
Feb 27, 2019
+ 106 more complaints for this component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
72 complaints
I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT ABOUT 63 MILES PER HOUR, I HAD BEEN DRIVING FOR ABOUT 20 MINUTES WHEN MY ENGINE CUT OUT, ALL THE LIGHTS ON MY DASH TURNED ON INCLUDING THE CHECK ENGINE AND RED TRIANGLE WARNING LIGHT. I DRIFTED TO THE SHOULDER AND POWERED THE CAR OFF. I TRIED TO START IT 2 MORE TIMES, BOTH TIMES THE ENGINE DID NOT START AND THE RED TRIANGLE AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS CAME ON AGAIN. I WAITED LONGER AND TRIED TO POWER UP THE ENGINE AGAIN, IT STARTED WITH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP 3 DAYS LATER (THEY COULD NOT SEE ME SOONER), RAN THE CODES AND IT ONLY CAME UP WITH THE CODE POAOF, WHICH MEANS THAT THE ENGINE DID NOT START. THEY HAD NO EXPLANATION OF WHAT HAPPENED AND DID NOT SEEM TO SHARE MY CONCERN THAT THIS COULD HAPPEN AGAIN. THE DID RECALL WORK FOR ME AND SENT ME HOME. *TR
Mar 09, 2011
DRIVING HOME AT NIGHT ON THE 405 FREEWAY AT APPROX. 65MPH, SUDDENLY ALL THE DASH WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED, INCLUDING THE MIL SYMBOL, ALONG WITH A WARNING SYMBOL ON THE NAVIGATION SCREEN. I PULLED OFF THE FREEWAY AND PARKED AT THE CURB. AFTER CHECKING THE OWNERS MANUAL, I SLOWLY DROVE THE REST OF THE WAY HOME ON SURFACE STREETS. THE NEXT MORNING (MONDAY) I DROVE MY CAR TO MILLER TOYOTA IN CULVER CITY. THE PRIMARY DIAGNOSIS WAS FAILURE OF THE INVERTER COOLANT PUMP, WHICH WAS REPLACED UNDER THE TERMS OF MY TOYOTA PLATINUM EXTENDED WARRANTY. HOWEVER, UPON FURTHER RESEARCH, I DISCOVERED THAT TOYOTA HAD ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) COVERING THIS VERY PART, ON JANUARY 26, 2007, INDICATING THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF THIS FAILURE-PRONE PART, AND THAT AN "IMPROVED" REPLACEMENT ASSEMBLY WAS NOW AVAILABLE TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE. IN ADDITION, REPLACEMENT WOULD BE COVERED UNDER THEIR 5-YEAR/60,000 MILE TOYOTA POWERTRAIN WARRANTY. APPROXIMATELY ONE MONTH LATER, ON MAY 15, 2010, WHILE DRIVING MY FATHER'S 2004 PRIUS TO HAVE NEW TIRES INSTALLED, THE SAME SEQUENCE OF EVENTS OCCURRED. I IMMEDIATELY DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE NEAREST DEALER, SANTA MONICA TOYOTA, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH THE SAME FAILURE CODE, P0A93 (INVERTER COOLING SYSTEM PERFORMANCE). ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE HAD ONLY 34,242 MILES ON IT, IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE POWERTRAIN WARRANTY, AS THE TIME LIMIT OF 60 MONTHS HAD EXPIRED. NO AMOUNT OF DISCUSSION WITH THE DEALER OR TOYOTA'S CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE CENTER COULD CONVINCE THEM THAT THIS PART SHOULD BE CONSIDERED PART OF THE HYBRID SYSTEM, AND AS SUCH BE COVERED UNDER THEIR 7-YEAR/100,000 HYBRID WARRANTY (DESPITE IT BEING NAMED THE HYBRID INVERTER COOLANT PUMP). ON-LINE PRIUS-RELATED CHAT ROOMS ARE FULL OF IDENTICAL SITUATIONS INVOLVING THIS PART. CLEARLY, TOYOTA KNOWS THIS PART IS PRONE TO PREMATURE FAILURE, BUT CONTINUES TO TREAT IT AS A "SECRET WARRANTY" ITEM IN ORDER TO AVOID HAVING TO ISSUE A FORMAL RECALL. *TR
May 26, 2010
FAILURE OF INVERTER COOLANT PUMP OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING DURING NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. THIS IS APPARENTLY A COMMON PROBLEM OCCURRING AT MANY DIFFERENT MILEAGE INTERVALS FOR OTHER OWNERS. IMMEDIATE SIGNIFICANT LOSS OF POWER AND SEVERAL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. CRUISE CONTROL AND A/C WENT OFFLINE. REQUIRES REPLACEMENT WHICH IN THIS INSTANCE WAS $605.00. *TR
May 11, 2010
WE OWN A 2004 TOYOTA PRIUS. ON 02/18/2010 IT LOST POWER ON THE ROAD, MAJOR MALFUNCTION LIGHTS CAME ON, AMONG OTHERS, AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE TOYOTA DEALER IN CARLSBAD, CA. AFTER DIAGNOSING THE PROBLEM, THEY SAID THE COMPUTER HAD FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. WHEN THE COMPUTER WAS REPLACED IT STARTED TRANSMITTING NEW PROBLEM CODES, NAMELY, POA94, POA78, PO279, AND PO555, WHICH MEANT THAT THE TRANSAXLE HAD FAILED, AND COMPUTER CODES SHOW THAT THE INVERTER COULD FAIL ALSO. TOTAL REPAIR COST: $5,594.00 SO FAR. IF THE INVERTER FAILS, IT WOULD BE A TOTAL OF $9,843.00 TO REPAIR. I DON'T SEE WHO WOULD PAY THIS EXORBITANT AMOUNT, LET ALONE BEING ABLE TO AFFORD IT. THE SAME INCIDENT OCCURRED ON 09/15/2008. THE PRIUS HAD LOST POWER AND WE TOOK IT IN TO THE DEALER. THEY PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTICS TEST, TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE ON THE FREEWAY FOR 9 MILES, IT RAN O.K. AND NO COMPUTER TROUBLE CODES WERE FOUND AT THE TIME. THIS SOUNDS LIKE IT WAS A PRELUDE TO THE VEHICLE FAILURE WERE ARE EXPERIENCING TODAY, AND WE ARE SUSPECTING IT HAS TO DO WITH THE ELECTRONIC SYSTEM. AS IT STANDS NOW, THE PRIUS IS SITTING AT THE TOYOTA DEALER. THEY HAD REMOVED THE NEW COMPUTER IN LIGHT OF THE FACT THAT THE ENTIRE VEHICLE IS TOTALED. IN SHORT, THE PRIUS WAS FINE ONE DAY AND TOTALED THE NEXT. THEY TOLD ME THAT THIS DOESN'T HAPPEN VERY OFTEN. PLEASE LET US KNOW WHAT WE CAN DO TO RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM. THANK YOU. *TR
Mar 03, 2010
ON 23 JAN 2010, WHILE DRIVING I-85N IN THE SOUTH CAROLINA MOUNTAINS THE CAR STALLED AT 70MPH. AN AUDIBLE ALERT SOUNDED, THE CAR JERKED AND THREE WARNING LIGHTS WENT OFF. I COASTED THE CAR TO THE SHOULDER AND SHUT THE CAR DOWN. I RESTARTED THE CAR -- THE WARNING LIGHTS CLEARED -- AND CONTINUED DRIVING. ABOUT 30 MINUTES LATER, STILL IN THE MOUNTAINS, THE SAME THINGS OCCURRED (STALL WHILE DRIVING 70MPH ON THE INTERSTATE.) WHEN I RESTARTED THE CAR A YELLOW "!" WARNING REMAINED ON. I CONTINUED THE TRIP TO VIRGINIA WITH NO FURTHER PROBLEMS. THE WARNING LIGHT WENT OUT. ON 5 FEB 2010, WHILE DRIVING ON I-95S IN THE SOUTH CAROLINA MOUNTAINS THE CAR STALLED, WARNING LIGHTS AND AUDIBLE ALARM SOUNDED. UPON RESTART THE "!" STAYED ON. THIS HAPPENED TWO MORE TIMES; ONCE ON I-95 AND ONCE ON I-20. THE LAST TWO TIMES THE RED TRIANGLE WARNING LIGHT STAYED ON ALSO. ON 6 FEB 2010, I TOOK THE CAR TO TOYOTA CENTER IN COLUMBIA SC. THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME THE WATER PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED ($384) BECAUSE AIR GOT INTO THE SYSTEM. I ASKED IF THAT WAS WHY I COULD HEAR "SLOSHING" FROM THE ENGINE WHEN DRIVING; HE SAID YES. I EXPLAINED THAT I WAS CONFUSED SINCE THE COOLANT RECOVERY TANK NEVER WENT BELOW THE LOW LINE. HIS RESPONSE WAS THAT AIR IN THE SYSTEM WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM FOR THE PRIUS AND THAT I SHOULD KEEP THE COOLANT LEVEL HIGHER THAN MARKED. ALSO THAT DRIVING IN THE SOUTH CAROLINA MOUNTAINS -- BOTH THE HEAT OF THE ENGINE AND THE ANGLE OF ASCENT AND DESCENT -- IS PROBABLY WHAT TRIGGERED THE PROBLEM. PRIOR TO BOTH TRIPS, THE CAR WAS CHECKED BY A MECHANIC. FLUID LEVELS WERE CLEAR AND ADEQUATE. I AM NOW IN THE FLATLANDS OF TEXAS, AND I CAN ONCE AGAIN HEAR THE SLOSHING SOUND COMING FROM MY ENGINE. BEYOND THE EXPENSE I AM CONCERNED THAT THE ENGINE IS COMPLETELY STALLING. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR IN RUSH HOUR IN A CROWDED CITY I'M NOT SURE THE CAR WOULD BE SAFELY NAVIGABLE TO THE SHOULDER. *TR
Feb 27, 2010
+ 67 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
30 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES MALFUNCTIONED AND THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. NO ONE WAS INJURED DURING THE CRASH AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE INSPECTED FOR THE FAULTY BRAKES. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
Mar 21, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE AND THE ABS WARNING LIGHT BEGAN TO ILLUMINATE. THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOOR UPON APPLICATION. THE CONTACT PROCEEDED TO DRIVE, ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP UNLESS THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED REPEATEDLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THEY REPLACED THE ABS ACTUATOR. TWO WEEKS AFTER THE REPAIR WAS PERFORMED, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THE DEFECT COULD POSSIBLY BE RELATED TO THE SKID CONTROL UNIT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND RECOMMENDED THE VEHICLE BE TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Jul 25, 2011
WHILE DRIVIMG UNDER CRUISE CONTROL AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, A CONTINUOUS LOUD BEEP OCCURRED, ACCOMPANIED WITH THE FOLLOWING WARNINGS ON THE DASHBOARD: RED "BRAKE" WARNING AND YELLOW "((!))", "ABS" (ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM), AND "VSC" (VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL) WARNINGS. ATTEMPTING TO PULL OVER AND STOP, THE BRAKES HAD NO POWER ASSISTANCE BUT, FORTUNATELY, COULD BE OPERATED UNDER HEAVY FOOT PRESSURE. AFTER PULLING OVER AND STOPPING AND RESTARTING THE ENGINE, ALL THE WARNINGS AND THE BEEP WERE STILL THERE WHILE THE CAR WAS DRIVEN TO A SAFER LOCATION AT A GAS STATION. BRAKING WAS STILL ENTIRELY UNDER FOOT PRESSURE ONLY. AS THIS WAS IN CANADA, DRIVER TURNED OFF THE ENGINE WHILE TRYING TO DECIDE THE NEXT COURSE OF ACTION. AFTER A FEW MINUTES, THE ENGINE WAS AGAIN STARTED IN ORDER TO MOVE THE CAR SLIGHTLY IN THE PARKING LOT (TO GET AWAY FROM A PUDDLE) AND ALL SYSTEMS, INCLUDING BRAKE POWER ASSISTANCE, WERE NOW OPERATING NORMALLY WITH ALL THE WARNINGS OFF. THE PROBLEM HAS NOT RECURRED. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ABOUT TWO WEEKS LATER AND THE DIAGNOSTIC REPORT STATES, "COULD NOT DUPLICATE CUSTOMER'S COMPLAINT". THUS, NO REPAIR WAS DONE NOR FURTHER ACTION WAS TAKEN BY THE DEALER. *TT
Jun 20, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO STOP THE VEHICLE, THE BRAKES WOULD NOT ENGAGE AND THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A VEHICLE AHEAD OF HER. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED EXTENSIVE FRONT END DAMAGE BUT SHE WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO HER RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED AND SHE HAD NOT CONTACTED THE DEALER OR MANUFACTURER FOR REPAIRS. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 32,000.
Jun 16, 2010
I HAVE A 2004 TOYOTA PRIUS. I HAVE NOTICED THAT WHEN GOING OVER A BUMPY PATCH OF ROAD, IF I BRAKE, SOMETIMES THE BRAKE APPEARS TO NOT CATCH FOR A BRIEF TIME (1 SECOND OR SO). AT FIRST I THOUGHT IT WAS MY IMAGINATION, BUT OVER THE YEARS IT HAS HAPPENED OFTEN ENOUGH THAT I AM CONVINCED THE SENSATION IS REAL. I HAVE RECENTLY READ ABOUT OTHERS DESCRIBING THE SAME EXPERIENCE. I CANNOT GIVE AN APPROXIMATE DATE OR MILEAGE; THIS HAS HAPPENED REPEATEDLY OVER THE 6 YEARS I'VE OWNED THE CAR. CONSEQUENTLY, THE DATE AND MILEAGE I AM ENTERING IS THE MOST RECENT TIME WHEN I NOTICED IT. *TR
May 21, 2010
+ 25 more complaints for this component
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
25 complaints
WHILE DRIVING SLOWLY IN TRAFFIC, AFTER A PARTICULARLY ROUGH TRANSMISSION SHIFT, THE LARGE RED EXCLAMATION MARK WARNING INSIDE A TRIANGLE LIT UP ON THE DASHBOARD, ALONG WITH THE YELLOW "CHECK ENGINE" AND "VSC" (VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL) WARNINGS. THE CAR WAS PULLED OVER TO A SAFE LOCATION AND STOPPED. THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF AND ON A FEW TIMES AND THE WARNINGS CONTINUED. ON THE FOURTH OR FIFTH TURN-ON, THE PROBLEM CLEARED ITSELF AND HAS NOT RECURRED. THIS IS THE SECOND ELECTRONIC GLITCH THAT HAS OCCURRED ON THIS VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING. THE FIRST WAS REPORTED AS ODI ID NUMBER 10407518. BOTH TIMES, THE PROBLEMS, WHICH HAD DIFFERENT SYMPTOMS, CORRECTED THEMSELVES AFTER TURNING THE ENGINE OFF AND ON A FEW TIMES. SINCE THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM IN THE FIRST CASE, THE DEALER HAS NOT YET BEEN INFORMED IN THIS CASE. IT HAS BEEN EXCEEDINGLY FORTUNATE THAT BOTH OF THESE ELECTRONIC GLITCHES, NEITHER OF WHICH WERE RELATED TO FLOORMATS BY THE WAY, WERE NOT OF THE SUDDEN-UNWANTED-ACCELERATION VARIETY. THE RANDOMNESS OF BOTH THE TIMING AND THE SYMPTOMS OF THESE ELECTRONIC GLITCHES SUGGEST THAT SUDDEN UNWANTED ACCELERATION COULD EASILY HAVE BEEN THE RESULT. *TR
Oct 22, 2011
2004 TOYOTA PRIUS WITH UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED HE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION AFTER THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED SOMEONE ELSE DROVE HER VEHICLE AND HE EXPERIENCED SLUGGISH ACCELERATION OF THE VEHICLE. A MESSAGE FLASHED QUICKLY, BUT HE WAS UNABLE TO READ IT. *JB
Aug 10, 2010
WHILE HEADING UP MY DRIVEWAY IN MY 2004 PRIUS, THE CAR BEGAN TO ACCELERATE, I THREW IT INTO REVERSE AND TURNED BACK TOWARD MY GARAGE WHERE IT CRASHED THRU THE WALL. *TR
Jul 29, 2010
1) EVENTS LEADING TO FAILURE: POST-"90L CAMPAIGN" RECALL MAINTENANCE PERFORMED ON 2004 TOYOTA PRIUS, VEHICLE DRIVING AT ~15 MPH ON A FLAT CLEAR ROAD. 2) THE FAILURE: UNINTENDED ACCELERATION OBSERVED. ACCELERATED, WITHOUT ACCELERATOR DEPRESSED, TO ~27 MPH. BRAKES SUCCESSFULLY APPLIED. RELEASE OF BRAKE RESUMED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. "RODE THE BRAKE TO DELIVER VEHICLE TO SAFE PARKING LOCATION. CONSEQUENCE: UNINTENDED ACCELERATION CONTROLLABLE BY BRAKING. 3) NOTHING HAS YET BEEN DONE TO CORRECT FAILURE. VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DRIVEN OR MOVED SINCE FAILURE, SINCE DEEMED UNSAFE TO DRIVE BY OWNER PENDING ANY USEFUL RESPONSE TO NOTIFICATION OF THIS INCIDENT BY TOYOTA INC. (NO USEFUL RESPONSE AS OF YET.) THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE CONSUMERS CONCERN. UPDATED 08/30/10 UPDATE IVOQ 09/01/10*JB *TR
Jul 24, 2010
2004 TOYOTA PRIUS. CONSUMER STATES ACCELERATION PROBLEMS *TGW WHEN THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO STOP AT A RED LIGHT, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONSUMER SWERVED INTO THE NEXT LANE TO AVOID HITTING THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HER. THE MOTOR REVVED AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO FISHTAIL. THEN THE MOTOR RETURNED TO NORMAL AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED. THE CONSUMER CALLED THE DEALERSHIP TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT, BUT WAS TOLD THE VEHICLE WAS NOT A PART OF THE RECALL AND THE DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WOULD NOT BE COVERED BY TOYOTA. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. *JB
Jul 12, 2010
+ 20 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN
23 complaints
SHIFTER STICKING IN DRIVE POSITION AS OPPOSED TO RETURNING TO ITS HOME POSITION. WHEN THIS SHIFTER STICKS, THE PARK BUTTON BECOMES DISABLED AND VEHICLE REMAINS IN DRIVE EVEN THOUGH PARK BUTTON IS ENGAGED
Nov 01, 2018
VEHICLE SLIPS INTO NEUTRAL AND/OR WILL NOT REVERT BACK TO DRIVE OR REVERSE. THE PROBLEM IS MOST PREVALENT WHEN WEATHER GETS EXTREMELY HOT (99 DEGREES +). THE ONLY WAY I WAS ABLE TO GET MOVING WAS TO PHYSICALLY HOLD MY SHIFTER IN DRIVE POSITION; THE SECOND I LET IT GO, THE VEHICLE AUTOMATICALLY REVERTED BACK TO NEUTRAL. I HAD MY VEHICLE OVER TO A LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP ABOUT THIS ISSUE. THE TECHNICIAN AT THAT TIME DID ACKNOWLEDGE THIS WAS STRANGE AND WITNESSED THE PROBLEM ON SITE. AFTER DIAGNOSING THE VEHICLE, HE COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG; I WAS TOLD TO LEAVE THE CAR WITH THE DEALERSHIP FOR A FEW DAYS TO TRY TO REPLICATE THE PROBLEM; NO OTHER MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION WAS OFFERED. I FELT IT WOULD HAVE BEEN AN UNFAIR EXPENSE TO RENT A CAR FOR AN UNDETERMINED AMOUNT OF TIME WHILE TOYOTA DIAGNOSED MY VEHICLE FOR SEVERAL DAYS; THAT SAID, I DID NOT RETURN TO THE SAME DEALERSHIP FOR THIS SPECIFIC MATTER. GIVEN THAT THIS SEEMS TO OCCUR ONLY IN EXTREME HOT WEATHER, YOU WOULD HAVE TO REPLICATE THE SAME ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS TO DIAGNOSE IT. MOREOVER, GIVEN THE SPONTANEITY OF THIS ISSUE IT COULD TAKE A VERY LONG TIME TO DIAGNOSE IT. THIS IS TRULY A SAFETY CONCERN ESPECIALLY WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. I HAVE ATTACHED TWO YOUTUBE VIDEO LINKS THAT DEMONSTRATE THIS PROBLEM OTHER OWNERS ARE EXHIBITING WITH THIS SAME ISSUE THAT DEMONSTRATE THAT I'M NOT JUST AN ISOLATED CONSUMER WITH THIS ISSUE. HTTP://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=QFXEEUC761E HTTP://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=HWT-HVN5EH8. *TR
Jan 31, 2015
THE BASIC PROBLEM: THE GEAR SHIFT SELECTOR STICKS IN DRIVE OR "B" (ENGINE BRAKING MODE). IF THE DRIVER STOPS THE VEHICLE, WITH THE BRAKE DEPRESSED, AND THEN PRESSES THE PARK BUTTON TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK, THE VEHICLE REMAINS IN DRIVE MODE. THE VEHICLE WILL MOVE AS SOON AS THE DRIVER LIFTS THEIR FOOT FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL, EVEN THOUGH THE DRIVER BELIEVES THEY HAVE ENGAGED THE PARK MODE. THE DRIVER HAS TO PLACE THE NORMALLY SPRING-ACTIVATED GEARSHIFT LEVER INTO THE HOME POSITION BEFORE THE CAR WILL SHIFT INTO PARK. DANGER TO THE DRIVER AND OTHERS WHO DRIVE THE CAR. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS, AS THE DRIVER GETS VERY USED TO BEING ABLE TO PLACE THE CAR INTO PARK BY PRESSING THE PARK BUTTON. OTHERS WHO DRIVE THE CAR, LIKE PARKING ATTENDANTS OR FRIENDS, WILL NOT SUSPECT A PROBLEM. THE FAILURE OF THE PARK MECHANISM WHEN THIS HAPPENS IS GOING TO CAUSE ACCIDENTS. TOYOTA'S RESPONSE. THE TOYOTA DEALER'S TECHNICIAN SAYS IT IS A BROKEN SPRING IN THE GEARSHIFT MECHANISM, BUT WANTS ME TO PAY FOR IT. TOYOTA'S CUSTOMER CARE CENTER SAYS THEY WILL NOT FIX THIS DESIGN FLAW BECAUSE OF THE AGE AND MILEAGE OF THE VEHICLE, UNLESS I PAY FOR THE $565.00 GEARSHIFT MODULE. ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE NOW HAS OVER 165,000 MILES, THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, AND THE DESIGN SEEMS UNREASONABLY DANGEROUS. I HAVE SEEN OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM ON CHAT SITES, AND ANOTHER ON THIS SITE. *TR
Nov 17, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER COULD NOT BE SHIFTED INTO PARK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SHIFTER ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 150,000. *TR
Mar 07, 2013
CAR SHIFTS TO NEUTRAL UPON SHIFTING TO DRIVE OR REVERSE WHEN STARTING CAR (O MPH) CAR SHIFTS BACK TO NEUTRAL WHEN DRIVING (25 MPH) PROB. SEEMS RELATED TO COLD AMBIENT TEMPERATURE. *TR
Nov 26, 2012
+ 18 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
19 complaints
MY CAR HEAD LIGHTS ARE TURNING OFF, AT FIRST IT WAS ONE NOT TURNING ON AND THEN IT WAS THE OTHER ONE, NOW THEY TAKE TURNS. IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE WHICH ALMOST HAD MAKE ME CRASH MORE THAN 2 TIMES. TO THE POINT THAT I AM UNABLE TO USE THE CAR DURING THE NIGHT. THIS HAPPENS IF THE CAR IS PARKED OR RUNNING.
Sep 28, 2018
3 DAYS AFTER BUYING MY 04 PRIUS BOTH OF MY LOW BEAMS AND ONE OF MY HIGH BEAMS WENT OUT. A FEW MONTHS AFTER REPLACING THEM MY DRIVER SIDE LOW BEAM WENT OUT, THE HIGH BEAM WAS FINE. 2-3 MONTHS AFTER RE REPLACING THE DRIVER'S SIDE LOW BEAM THE PASSENGER SIDE LOW BEAM WENT OUT. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE MY HEADLIGHTS ABOUT 5 TIMES EACH (10 TIMES TOTAL DRIVER+PASSENGER SIDE) I HAD MY GROUND WIRES CHECKED, I CONSTANTLY CHECK MY FUSES, MECHANICS SAY NOTHING IS WRONG WITH MY LIGHTING, BUT HERE I AM WITH THIS REOCCURRING ISSUE. I HAVE BEEN USING THE SAME KIND OF BULBS BECAUSE I CAN'T IMAGINE SPENDING MORE MONEY ON A BULB TO HAVE IT BLOW OUT IN A COUPLE OF MONTHS (XTRAVISION 9003 12.8V,55/60W HALOGEN). APPARENTLY MY REVERSE LIGHTS AREN'T WORKING EITHER, AND ONE OF MY LICENSE PLATES LIGHTS IS OUT (I THINK THE PLATE LIGHT IS PROBABLY NOT CONNECTED TO THE OTHER LIGHTS GOING OUT) ZI DO THINK THE REVERSE LIGHTS ARE A RELATED PROBLEM THOUGH. MY LIGHTS GO OUT BOTH IN MOTION AND STATIONARY (I COULDN'T TELL YOU IF IT HAPPENS ON TURNS OR NOT, BUT IT CAN HAPPEN ON HIGHWAYS), SOMETIMES I CAN GET THEM TO COME BACK ON BY GIVING A LITTLE SMACK, BUT USUALLY A FEW DAYS AFTER THAT THEY OFFICIALLY BURN OUT. I'VE RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM ON PRIUS FORUMS AND APPARENTLY I AM NOT THE ONLY PRIUS OWNER EXPERIENCING THIS WITH THE SAME FREQUENCY, THERE ARE NO RECALLS FOR THIS ISSUE, YET SO MANY OF US ARE EXPERIENCING THIS, WHICH IS QUITE DETRIMENTAL TO OURS AND OTHERS SAFETY. SOMETIMES I CAN'T TELL MY LIGHTS HAVE GONE OUT TIL I GET PULLED OVER OR AM ABLE TO SEE MY HEADLIGHT REFLECTION ON ANOTHER VEHICLE, EVEN WORSE IS WHEN I'M WONDERING WHY I CAN'T SEE ANYTHING WHEN IT'S SO DARK OUT JUST TO FOUND OUT ONE OF MY HEADLIGHTS BLEW AGAIN. I STILL OWN THIS VEHICLE AND STILL TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHY THIS IS A CONTINUOUS PROBLEM.
Aug 16, 2018
THE RIGHT HEADLIGHT KEEPS GOING OUT AND AFTER WE TURN THE SWITCH BACK AND FORTH IT GOES BACK ON. THIS PAST WEEKEND IN A DRIVING RAIN STORM AT NIGHT, THE LIGHTS WENT COMPLETELY OUT ON A WINDY MOUNTAIN ROAD. I FLICKED THEM ON AND OFF SEVERAL TIMES AND THEY WOULD GO ON AND THEN GO OUT SHORTLY AFTERWARDS. NEITHER DIM OR BRIGHT WOULD WORK. I ENDED UP HAVING TO PULL THE BRIGHT SIGNAL ON THE COLUMN BACK MANUALLY AND HOLD IT WHILE DRIVING THE LAST 45 MINUTES TO HOME. IT WAS VERY DANGEROUS FOR ABOUT 20 MILES IN THE RAIN AT NIGHT THE LIGHTS GOING IN AND OUT ON CURVES OR AGAINST ON COMING TRAFFIC, A HEAD-ON COULD HAVE OCCURRED EASILY. *TR
Dec 04, 2014
I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN DECEMBER 2012. EVER SINCE I HAVE HAD THIS PRIUS, I HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE HEADLIGHT TURNING OFF RANDOMLY. WHENEVER I TURN THE CAR ON, BOTH HEADLIGHTS ARE ALWAYS ON, BUT WHILE DRIVING, THE DRIVERS SIDE HEADLIGHT TURNS OFF. I TOOK IT TO CARFIX IN GARNER, NC AND THEY THOUGHT THAT IT COULD BE THE HEADLIGHT, SO THEY RECOMMENDED CHANGING IT. I ENDED UP HAVING IT CHANGED BY A FAMILY FRIEND BECAUSE IT WAS CHEAPER TO DO IT THAT WAY. THE HEADLIGHT WAS STILL GIVING ME PROBLEMS AFTER BEING CHANGED, SO I TOOK IT TO THE LEITH TOYOTA DEALERSHIP IN RALEIGH, NC AND THEY SAID THAT THE HEADLIGHT THAT I PURCHASED FROM AUTOZONE WAS NOT THE CORRECT TYPE OF HEADLIGHT, SO THEY CHANGED IT AGAIN. EVEN AFTER THEY CHANGED IT, THE HEADLIGHT WAS STILL GOING ON AND OFF RANDOMLY. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP TODAY AND THEY SAID THAT IT SOUNDS LIKE SOME KIND OF WIRING ISSUE. I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH ON THE ISSUE AND HAVE SEEN RECALLS FOR 2005-2009 PRIUS' FOR THE SAME ISSUES, BUT SINCE MINE IS A 2004 IT DOES NOT FALL INTO THE RECALL CATEGORY. I BELIEVE THAT IT SHOULD BASED ON MY ISSUE COMPARED TO THAT AS WELL AS THE NUMBER OF OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET AND BLOGS THAT I HAVE FOUND. *TR
Apr 19, 2014
PASSENGER HEADLAMP GOES OUT WHILE CAR IS BEING DRIVEN. DRIVER SIDE HEADLAMP REMAINS ON (ILLUMINATED). TURNING HEADLAMP SWITCH OFF AND ON CAUSES PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE HEADLAMP TO ILLUMINATE. ON RE-ILLUMINATION, PASSENGER SIDE HEADLAMP SOMETIMES APPEARS NORMAL AND AT OTHER TIMES APPEARS TO BE DIMMER, MORE YELLOWISH. DEALER QUOTED REPLACEMENT HID BULB AND LABOR TO REPLACE WILL COST $225.00 TOTAL. *TR
Nov 27, 2013
+ 14 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES
18 complaints
Codes C1256 and C1391 ACC low pressure and abnormal leak of ACC press
Sep 24, 2025
ABS failure. Won't pressurize. Anti-lock brakes quit working.
Feb 17, 2022
Toyota has issued time-limited 'Warranty enhancement program ZG1' instead of working with the NHSTA to issue a comprehensive BRAKE ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY RECALL. ZG1 was explicitly in place only from April 2016 to Dec 2017, requiring dealer verification of an actual system failure prior to 31 Dec 2017. My failure occurred in 2021 and Toyota will not extend ZG1 for me (case 211015000390). Obviously the BRAKE ACTUATOR is a key safety component. Obviously this is a design flaw - brake systems MUST be designed to last the life of the vehicle. Obviously Toyota has had an excessive number of failures. Toyota is improperly using this 'warranty enhancement program ZG1' to avoid the NHSTA and to avoid responsibility for the poor BRAKE ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY design. Per their letter to owners, Toyota was NOT replacing the BRAKE ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY on a preventive basis prior to actual brake failure. Because of the importance and severity, Toyota should have replaced the BRAKE ACTUATORS via a recall. I would like Toyota to fix my faulty brakes at their expense.
Nov 27, 2021
BRAKE ACTUATOR WENT OUT AND DEALER SAID TOYOTA USED TO COVER IT, BUT NOT ANYMORE. I SEARCHED THE INTERNET AND DISCOVERED THIS [PART IS BAD IN MOST PRIUS VEHICLES AND TOYOTA EXTENDED THE COVERAGE ON THE 2010-2015 UNTIL AUGUST 31, 2021. UNFORTUNATELY MY CAR IS 2004 AND DOES NOT GET THE BENEFIT OF THE EXTENSION. THE COST TO REPAIR IS ALMOST $4,000. TOYOTA KNOWS OF THIS ISSUE AND SHOULD REPAIR MY CAR AS THEY ARE WITH THE OTHER YEARS 2010-2015. THIS IS A DRIVER SAFETY ISSUE.
May 12, 2021
WHEN STOPPING SUDDENLY SOMETIMES THE BRAKES ON MY 2004 PRIUS WOULD NOT RESPOND IMMEDIATELY AS THEY SHOULD. THEY WOULD RELEASE THE CALIPERS COMPLETELY AND THE ONLY WAY TO STOP WOULD BE TO LET OFF THE BRAKES AND PRESS THEM AGAIN. IT DOES NOT HAPPEN OFTEN BUT IT IS REGULAR ENOUGH THAT THIS HAS ALWAYS CONCERNED ME VERY MUCH. TODAY I WAS FOLLOWING A CAR WHO SLAMMED ON THEIR BRAKES VERY SUDDENLY AND THEREFOR I ALSO HAD TO SLAM ON MY BRAKES. THIS SAME ISSUE OCCURRED AND I DID NOT HAVE TIME TO RELEASE THE BRAKES AND PRESS THEM AGAIN CAUSING ME TO HIT THE BACK OF THE CAR THAT I WAS FOLLOWING. I MAINTAIN MY CARS VERY WELL AND THIS CAR WAS IN TOP CONDITION WITH BRAND NEW TIRES. THE BRAKES DO NOT EVEN ACTIVATE ENOUGH TO SQUEAL OR LEAVE ANY RUBBER BEHIND. THERE IS NO WAY THAT I COULD POSSIBLY HAVE STOPPED IN TIME. THIS IS NOT SAFE AND NEEDS TO BE RESOLVED FOR OTHER PEOPLE WHO HAVE THESE CARS.
Sep 25, 2019
+ 13 more complaints for this component
AIR BAGS
13 complaints
I RECEIVED A NOTICE FROM TK HOLDINGS STATING I SHOULD CONTACT A DEALER FOR REPAIRS IF MY CAR WAS UNDER RECALL. I WAS UNDER THE IMPRESSION THAT ALL AIR BAGS WERE AFFECTED. PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHEN I COULD EXPECT A NOTICE. MY 2004 PRIUS WAS MANUFACTURED IN JAPAN. VIN [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Mar 14, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE DRIVER WAS MAKING A RIGHT TURN AND AN ONCOMING VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE RESULTING FORCE CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SPIN AND CRASH INTO AN IDLE TRAIN. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 240,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Dec 04, 2015
I OWN A 2004 TOYOTA PRIUS WHICH I HAVE BEEN DRIVING FOR ABOUT COUPLE YEARS AND RECENTLY COUPLE DAYS AGO I HAD A MAJOR ACCIDENT (SEE ATTACHMENT FOR MORE DETAILS) WHICH DAMAGED MOST OF MY CAR. THE ACCIDENT WAS VERY SEVERE AND DURING WHICH NONE OF THE AIR BAGS ACTIVATED. THE AIR BAGS SHOULD HAVE BEEN ACTIVATED IN THIS TYPE OF ACCIDENT, RECENTLY MY CAR HAD BEEN TO A GENERAL INSPECTION AT A TOYOTA DEALER AND THERE WAS NO ISSUES RECORDED OF THIS SORT.
Nov 17, 2015
HEAD ON COLLISION INTO A HIGHWAY BARRIER. THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY.
Oct 08, 2015
I WAS IN AN AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT RECENTLY ON APRIL 11, 2014 INVOLVING A DEER AND UNFORTUNATELY FLIPPED AND TOTALED MY 2004 TOYOTA PRIUS. AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN A ROAD SHORTLY AFTER MIDNIGHT, A DEER JUMPED OUT IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AND INITIAL INSTINCT WAS TO HIT THE BRAKES AND SWERVE. WHEN I DID SO, THE TIRES CAUGHT LOOSE GRAVEL IN THE ROAD AND SENT MY VEHICLE SLIDING SIDEWAYS, MY INITIAL REACTION WAS TO REGAIN CONTROL SO I ATTEMPTED TO TURN THE WHEEL, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO HIT AN EMBANKMENT AND FLIP LANDING NOSE DOWN IN THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING 40-45 MPH AND THE FRONT END WAS RIPPED OFF OF THE VEHICLE AND THE SENSOR BARS FOR THE AIRBAGS WERE BROKEN AND THE SHOCK TRIGGER WAS ALSO SET OFF BUT THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE SEAT BELT WAS BUCKLED AND INTACT CAUSING A HARSH BURN AND GASH IN MY NECK AS WELL AS SEVERAL BRUISES TO PROVE AS SUCH. DURING THE ROLLOVER, THE TOP OF THE VEHICLE DID NOT HIT THE GROUND. IN THE PROCESS OF THE ACCIDENT, MY RIGHT HUMERUS RIGHT ABOVE THE ELBOW WAS COMPLETELY SHATTERED AND I HAD TO UNDERGO A FOUR HOUR SURGERY TO HAVE PLATES AND SCREWS PUT ON MY BONE AND 62 STAPLES TO HOLD TOGETHER THE LONG INCISION FROM THE OPERATION. NOW HAVING TO ENDURE PHYSICAL THERAPY 3 TIMES A WEEK FOR MONTHS AS I HAVE LOST MOST MOBILITY IN THAT ARM AND NERVE DAMAGE. *TR
May 05, 2014
+ 8 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
12 complaints
I WAS COMING OFF OF AN ONRAMP AND INTENDING TO TURN RIGHT AT THE LIGHT. I NEEDED TO GET INTO THE LEFT LANE AS I WAS TURNING LEFT AT THE NEXT BLOCK. I APPLIED THE BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN AND MAKE THE TURN AND NOTHING HAPPENED WHEN I PRESSED ON THE BRAKES. I ENDED UP GOING UP OVER THE CURB AND THE PLANTS STOPPED THE CAR. THE ENGINE WAS OFF WHEN I CAME TO A STOP, THOUGH I DIDN'T TURN IT OFF. IF THERE HADN'T BEEN A MERIDIAN IN BETWEEN THE CROSS TRAFFIC, I WOULD HAVE GONE INTO THE LANES AHEAD OF ME. VERY SCARY. I HAD MY CAR TOWED TO TOYOTA TO CHECK IT OUT FIRST, BUT THERE LOOKS TO BE THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS OF DAMAGE TO MY PRIUS. THE WHOLE LOWER FRONT IS SMASHED AND CRUNCHED, THE TWO LEFT SIDE TIRES ARE FLAT AND THE RIM IS PARTIALLY TORN OFF ON THE FRONT TIRE. *TR
Jan 02, 2011
WE OWN A 2004 TOYOTA PRIUS AND HAVE BEEN VERY PLEASED WITH IT UNTIL IT RECENTLY EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN BRAKE FAILURE. AFTER STOPPING AT A REST STOP AND PREPARING TO RETURN TO THE INTERSTATE, MY WIFE EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE AS SHE DROVE THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE FROM THE PARKING AREA. SHE THEN DROVE THE VEHICLE FORWARD TO GET IT OUT OF THE TRAFFIC LANE AND CONTINUED TO NOT HAVE BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AMARILLO, TX WHERE THE TOYOTA DEALER REPAIRED THE VEHICLE BY REPLACING THE STROKE SENSOR (SCANNED SYSTEM CODE C1247). *TR
Jul 02, 2010
WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREETS (LOW SPEED, UNDER 30 MPH), I ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE. AT FIRST THERE WAS NO RESPONSE FROM MY BRAKES, THEN THE ABS KICKED IN AND STOPPED MY VEHICLE. ROAD CONDITIONS WERE DRY AND THERE WAS NO APPARENT REASON THAT THE ABS SYSTEM SHOULD'VE KICKED IN. AT THAT TIME BOTH THE ABS WARNING LIGHT AND THE BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON AND REMAINED ON. WHILE SITTING AT THE STOP LIGHT I ATTEMPTED TO SHUT OFF MY VEHICLE AND RESTART IT. AFTER DOING THIS BOTH WARNING LIGHTS WERE STILL ON. I DROVE VERY SLOWLY TO A SAFE PLACE TO PULL MY CAR OFF THE ROAD. EACH TIME I ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE THE ABS SYSTEM ENGAGED RESULTING IN A JERKING BRAKING MOTION. AT THAT POINT I LOOKED AT MY CAR'S MANUAL AND FOLLOWED THE INSTRUCTIONS TO HAVE MY CAR TOWED TO THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP HOOKED MY CAR UP TO THE DIAGNOSIS MACHINE WHICH REBOOTED MY CAR'S COMPUTER. ONCE OFF THE DIAGNOSIS MACHINE, THEY WERE UNABLE TO RECREATE THE ERROR AND SENT ME HOME IN MY CAR. NO FURTHER SERVICE WAS DONE AND I WAS INSTRUCTED TO BRING IT BACK TO THE DEALER IF THE BRAKES FAILED AGAIN. *TR
May 24, 2010
2004 PRIUS ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHILE BRAKING, THERE WAS NO INITIAL RESPONSE TO THE APPLICATION OF THE BRAKE. I THOUGHT IT WAS BECAUSE I HAD NOT PRESSED THE PEDAL FIRMLY ENOUGH, BUT GIVEN THE PUBLICITY ABOUT BRAKING HESITATION, I WONDER IF THESE WERE VEHICLE PROBLEMS. *TR
Mar 10, 2010
THE BRAKES SUDDENLY SEIZE WHEN ATTEMPTING TO SLOW AT TIMES AFTER GOING THROUGH A PUDDLE OR WHEN THE ROAD IS WET FROM RAIN. THIS POSES A RISK AS I FEAR THAT IF ANOTHER CAR WERE CLOSE BEHIND I COULD GET REAR-ENDED AS THE CAR RAPIDLY SLOWS AS IF ONE WERE SLAMMING ON THE BRAKES. THE BRAKES "LET GO" AFTER TAKING MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THIS OCCURS UNPREDICTABLY, EXCEPT THAT IT HAPPENS ON WET ROADS. *TR
Feb 09, 2010
+ 7 more complaints for this component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
10 complaints
2004 TOYOTA PRIUS CUT OFF WHILE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS.*MR WHEN THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE STALLED ON THE HIGHWAY, ANOTHER MOTORIST REAR ENDED THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE. *JB
Oct 18, 2005
TOYOTA PRIUS OWNED BY OUR AGENCY HAS HAD THE ENGINE STALL PROBLEM 3 SEPARATE TIMES. *NM
Oct 14, 2005
DT: WHILE DRIVING AT A STEADY PACE, THE VEHICLE STALLED. *AK *JB
Jul 15, 2005
MY 2004 PRIUS "DIED" WITH LITTLE WARNING WHILE I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 40 MPH ON A BUSY STREET. I COASTED TO A STOP WITH CARS FLYING BY ME. VERY DANGEROUS. CAR WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHO EXPLAINED THERE WAS A SOFTWARE PROBLEM AND THEY REPROGRAMMED THE CAR'S COMPUTER. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS PROBLEM! I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS CAR.
Jun 28, 2005
MY 2004 PRIUS LOST POWER WHEN I WAS TRAVELING AT ABOUT 65-70 MILES PER HOUR ON 2/21/05. I HAD ELECTRIC POWER FOR A FEW MINUTES SO THAT I COULD PULL OFF AT AN EXIT. ALL THE WARNING/CAUTION LIGHTS CAME ON. THE KERN TOYOTA DEALERSHIP IN WINCHESTER VA HAD MY CAR TOWED IN. THEY KEPT THE CAR OVERNIGHT. THEY SAID THAT THEY REPROGRAMMED MY COMPUTER AND THE CAR WAS FINE. THEY OFFERED NO OTHER EXPLANATION OR POSSIBLE FUTURE CONCERNS. I REPORTED THIS TO TOYOTA MANAGEMENT THIS MORNING AND HAVE A CONFIRMATION # IF NEEDED. I JUST SAW THE ARTICLES WHERE THEY NOTED 33 OTHER INCIDENTS LIKE MINE.
Jun 07, 2005
+ 5 more complaints for this component
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
8 complaints
DRIVE MODE SHIFTER STICKS IN DRIVE OR REVERSE. IF THE VEHICLE IS STOPPED, WITH THE BRAKE DEPRESSED, AND YOU THEN PRESS THE PARK BUTTON TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK, THE VEHICLE REMAINS IN DRIVE OR REVERSE AND THE VEHICLE WILL MOVE AS SOON AS THE BRAKE PEDAL IS LIFTED, EVEN THOUGH THE DRIVER BELIEVES S/HE HAS ENGAGED THE PARK MODE. COMPLAINT SUBMITTED BY THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THIS REGULARLY-MAINTAINED VEHICLE.
Apr 22, 2013
THE BLACK PLASTIC MATERIAL INSIDE THE CAR IS GETTING WHITE SPLOTCHES ON IT. IF YOU EVEN PUT YOUR ARM AGAINST IT OR YOUR HAND LITTLE BLOTCHES APPEAR THAT DO NOT COME OFF. THIS IS OCCURRING ON THE DASH AND ON THE SIDES OF THE CAR. *NM
Oct 26, 2005
I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 45 MPH AND FELT THE POWER DIE AND SAW THE DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS COME ON. I HAD TO STOP AT A LIGHT AND THE CAR ACCELERATED BUT FELT LIKE IT WAS COASTING. I WAS VERY CLOSE TO HOME AND MADE IT ABOUT 500 FEET FROM MY DRIVEWAY WHEN THE CAR STOPPED. I COULD NOT TURN OFF THE ENGINE, THE LIGHTS NOR WOULD THE CAR GO INTO DRIVE OR REVERSE. SINCE I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD, AFTER ABOUT 15 MINUTES I PUT THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL AND ROLLED DOWN THE HILL CLOSER TO THE CURB. AFTER I GOT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, I ONCE AGAIN TRIED TO START THE CAR AND THIS TIME IT STARTED EASILY. IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO HAD NEVER HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM NOR DEALT WITH IT. THEY CALLED THE NEXT DAY TO SAY THE COMPUTER SAID IT NEEDED TO BE REPROGRAMED AND THAT THE CAR WAS FIXED. THEY HAD NO IDEA WHY THIS HAPPENED BUT NOW THAT THE PROGRAM WAS RESET, "IT SHOULD NOT HAPPEN AGAIN." I LOVE THIS CAR HOWEVER, I AM GETTING 40-42MPG WHERE OTHERS I HAVE SPOKEN WITH ARE INTO THE 50 MPG RANGE, AND NOW I AM CONCERNED ABOUT IT STALLING OUT. THE CAR HAS ABOUT 13,000 MILES.
Jul 15, 2005
POWER LOSS ON HIGHWAY, ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. PULLED OVER TO SIDE. RESTARTED BUT THE ENGINE LIGHT STAYTED ON
Jun 10, 2005
MY 2004 TOYOTA PRIUS LOST POWE, EVENTUALLY RUNNING ON BATTERY ALONE UNTIL POWER WAS COMPLETELY LOST. CONTACTED MY DEALER TRISTATE TOYOTA IN DUDLEY. BY CONTACTING TOYOTA ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE, I WAS TOWED TO DEALER. SERVICE MGR. IMMEDIATELY APPLIED THE REPROGRAMMING OF MY COMPUTER AS COVERED IN TSB ISSUED AROUND 10/04. CAR SEEMS TO BE BACK TO NORMAL, BUT THIS WAS VERY DISCONCERTING. REVIEWED THE SITUATION WITH SERVICE MGR. ON 5/31, POINTING OUT THAT THIS WAS A SERIOUS CONDITION WHICH SHOULD CALL FOR A RECALL AO ALL 2004 & EARLY 2005 MODELS. THANK GOD I WAS CLOSE TO MY DEALER RATHER THAN OUT IN THE BOONDOCKS SOMEWHERE. I HAVE AN UNEASINESS ABOUT THIS FIX. CAN TOYOTA ASSURE ME THAT IT WILL NOT REOCCUR. REMEMBER THIS TSB WAS ISSUED IN 10/2004 BUT I WAS NEVER WARNED TO RETURN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR CORRECTIVE STEPS TO BE TAKEN. ADDITIONAL COMPLAINT - FUEL GUAGE INACCURATE. WHEN WARNING BLINKER COMES ON I CAN ONLY ADD AT MOST 7.5 GALLONS, IN THE CAR WHOSE TANK CAPACITY IS 11.9 GALS. THEY TRIED A FIX ON THIS - BUT IT WAS COMPLETELY INNEFFECTIVE. OTHER THAN THESE TWO ITEMS I AM ELATED WITH THE CAR. I JUST HOPE THEY WILL DO THE RIGHT THING HERE.
Jun 02, 2005
+ 3 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
7 complaints
2004 TOYOTA PRIUS. CONSUMER STATES UNINTENDED ACCELERATION *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION HAPPENED THREE TIMES, OVER A SIX YEAR SPAN. HE MANAGED TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL, COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, AND TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF. ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, ALL WORKED FINE. THE CONSUMER STATED A FEW WEEKS AGO HIS VEHICLE WAS ABOUT TO REACH 300,000 MILES, AS HE REACHED FOR HIS CAMERA, HE REALIZED THE ODOMETER NEVER WENT PAST 299,999 MILES. HOWEVER, WITHIN FIVE MILES, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST POWER BRAKES, THE AIR CONDITION STOPPED WORKING, THE HYBRID DRIVE SHUT OFF AND THE FAN FOR THE HYBRID BATTERY CAME ON, AS WELL AS YELLOW AND RED LIGHTS APPEARED ON THE DASH. ALSO, TWO WARNING GRAPHICS APPEARED ON THE NAVIGATION SCREEN, ONE INDICATING TROUBLE. THE CONSUMER PULLED OVER, AND SHUT THE ENGINE OFF. HE THEN RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND EVERYTHING WENT BACK TO NORMAL. IT APPEARED THAT BY SHUTTING OFF THE ENGINE AND RESTARTING IT, CAUSED THE MAIN COMPUTER REBOOT. THE CONSUMER STATED IT CONTINUED SEVERAL MORE TIMES, UNTIL HE ARRIVED HOME. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THE VEHICLE WAS A LARGE COMPUTER, AND WHEN ONE COMPONENT STOPS WORKING, SUCH AS THE ODOMETER, OTHER COMPONENTS CEASE TOO. THE DEALER EXPLAINED AN ODOMETER LIMIT WAS PLACED ON THE VEHICLE BY THE FACTORY. *JB
Feb 14, 2012
WHEN AMBIENT TEMPERATURE IS COLD, SOMETIMES DASHBOARD LIGHTS AND SPEEDOMETER DO NOT COME ON WHEN THE CAR IS STARTED. CAR RUNS BUT WITH NO INSTRUMENT PANEL. SOMETIMES WHEN THE CAR IS IN THIS STATE THE CAR CANNOT BE TURNED OFF BY PRESSING THE START BUTTON. CAR CAN ONLY BE TURNED OFF BY PRESSING AND HOLDING THE START BUTTON DOWN FOR SEVERAL SECONDS, AND EVEN THIS DOES NOT ALWAYS WORK. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN GETTING WORSE OVER TIME. TOYOTA DEALERSHIP REFUSES TO INVESTIGATE THE PROBLEM, BUT IT IS DOCUMENTED IN THEIR WARRANTY REPAIR T-SB-0172-09 COMBINATION METER INTERMITTENT DISPLAY BULLETIN. INSTEAD, THE DEALERSHIP TRIES TO SELL US A NEW CAR! *TT
Jan 19, 2012
S10 APPROPRIATE HANDLING RE TOYOTA VEHICLES RECALL, OWNER OF A 2004 TOYOTA PRIUS EXPERIENCED SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED AS HE WAS DRIVING, HE APPROACHED A SLOWER MOVING VEHICLE, BUT WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE BRAKE, THE VEHICLE INSTEAD ACCELERATED. AS HE HIT THE BRAKE HARDER, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED EVEN MORE. THE CONSUMER HAD TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT BY CROSSING OVER THE DOUBLE YELLOW LINE INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THE CONSUMER MANAGED TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT AND QUICKLY MOVED BACK OVER TO THE CORRECT SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONSUMER STATED THE GAS PEDAL WAS NOT STUCK AS TOYOTA IS CLAIMING THERE IS A QUICK FIX AND PLACING THE BLAME ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT, THE CONSUMER STATED AS HE WAS WAITING IN A LINE, WITH HIS FOOT FIRMLY ON THE BRAKE, THE ENGINE SEEMED TO SUDDENLY REV UP AND THE VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD BUT DID NOT MOVE DUE TO HIS FOOT BEING FIRMLY ON THE BRAKE. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHEN HE HIT THE BRAKE THE RADIO AND AIR CONDITION WOULD COME ON. THE DEALER CLAIMED THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG AND THAT THE CONSUMER MUST HAVE HIT THE RADIO AND CLIMATE CONTROL BUTTONS ON THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THAT THE BRAKING SYSTEM INFLUENCES THE ELECTRONICS OR COMPUTER AND CAUSES THE ACCELERATION OF THE VEHICLE. *JB
Mar 26, 2010
DT: TOTAL BREAKDOWN OF CONSUMER'S WIFE 2004 PRIUS ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2005 IN SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA. THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST POWER WHILE MERGING INTO THE INTERSTATE. A LOSS OF GAS ENGINE POWER WITH FAILURE OF THE INTERNAL COMBUSTION/ENGINE TO START, RESULTED IN ONLY ELECTRIC MOTOR PROPULSION AND BREAKDOWN ON THE HIGHWAY AS THE BATTERY QUICKLY WENT TO SINGLE PINK BAR LEVEL WITHIN A 1/2 MILE. MULTIPLE MIL LAMPS LIT UP. BEGAN TO MERGE ONTO THE HIGHWAY FROM A STOP SPEED OF 30 OR 40 MPH AND SLOWLY ACCELERATED INTO HEAVY TRAFFIC. HAD TO PULL OFF TO THE BREAKDOWN LANE OF THE HIGHWAY WITH ALL OF ITS DEBRIS , ETC. THE DEALER COMPLETED THE REPAIRS AT SAN JOSE'S CAPITOL TOYOTA ON 9/2/05. THE DEALER FIXED THE CAR. BUT THE CONSUMER CONTACTED A TOYOTA PRIES ADVISOR WHO STATED IF THERE WAS A SERVICE BULLETIN FOR THIS CHARACTERISTIC THAT WOULD PREVENT THE ROADWAY FAILURE THEN WHY WAS IT NOT EXECUTED DURING PRIOR SERVICES ON 3/9/05, 5/26/05 AND 6/09/05. THIS INDICATED THAT THE CAR WAS RELIABLE AFTER THE REPAIRS. THE CONSUMER, AN ACCOMPLISHED ENGINEER, SAID TOYOTA KNEW ABOUT SOFTWARE BUGS. A SOFTWARE BUG DID NOT IMPAIR OPERATION UNTIL THE RIGHT COMBINATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS WAS REACHED. ALL PRIES HAD THIS POTENTIAL BUG THAT CONTAMINATED THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECHO). *AK *JB
Oct 20, 2005
DT: A. HOW LONG AND AT WHAT SPEED WAS THE CONSUMER DRIVING BEFORE THE VEHICLE LOST POWER? 4 MINUTES, 50 MPH. B. HAS THE CONSUMER ACCELERATED, DECELERATED OR DROVE AT A STEADY PACE WHEN THE VEHICLE LOST POWER? STEADY PACE. C. AFTER THE VEHICLE LOST POWER WAS THE DRIVER ABLE TO CONTINUE DRIVING THE VEHICLE? IF SO, HOW LONG AND AT WHAT SPEED. IT STALLED OUT. D. DID ANY WARNING LIGHTS APPEAR BEFORE AND/OR AFTER THE INCIDENT OCCURRED? IF SO, DESCRIBE THE LIGHTS THAT WERE LIT. AS IT HAPPENED A HAZARD ICON AND AN ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON. E. DID THE VEHICLE EVENTUALLY STALL AND COME TO A STOP? HOW LONG DID THIS OCCUR AFTER THE WARNING LIGHTS WERE LIT? YES, 30 SECONDS. F. WAS THE DRIVER ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE RIGHT AFTER IT STALLED? IF SO, HOW LONG DID IT TOOK, 3-4 TIMES OR 2-3 MINUTES)? TOOK A COUPLE OF TIMES, BUT IT STARTED WITHIN A MINUTES. G. WAS DRIVER ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AFTER LETTING IT SIT AWHILE? YES. H. WAS THE VEHICLE TOWED? NO. I. WHAT WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE? IT REQUIRED AN UPDATE OF A COMPUTER PROGRAM. J DID THE DEALER REPROGRAM THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU) OR ANY SOFTWARE? YES. K. VEHICLE HAD SPECIAL SERVICE CAMPAIGNS 40A OR 40D PERFORMED PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT? WHEN CONSUMER CALLED TOYOTA SHE WAS TOLD VEHICLE WAS UP TO DATE ON ALL SERVICES . L. HAD VEHICLE ANY PROBLEMS SINCE THE REPAIR? NO. CONSUMER HAD A PROBLEM SIX MONTHS AGO WHERE IT STALLED. . *AK
Jun 28, 2005
+ 2 more complaints for this component
STEERING
6 complaints
I WAS DRIVING APPROX. 15 MPH ON A STREET ON 5/14/20 AND WAS MAKING A SOFT TURN AND HEARD A 'CLICK' NOISE. IMMEDIATELY AFTER MY STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO SPIN FREELY WHILE TOTALLY DISENGAGED FROM THE FRONT WHEELS CAUSING TOTAL INABILITY TO CONTROL DIRECTION OF VEHICLE TRAVEL. THIS CAUSED A MINOR COLLISION WITH ROCK /DEBRIS WHICH CAUSED MINOR FRONT BUMPER DAMAGE. I THEN HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO NEAREST MECHANIC WHO DETERMINED THAT THE MAIN BOLT AT THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT AND STEERING RACK WAS DISCONNECTED. THE MECHANIC CHECKED THE SHAFT AND SPLINES FOR DAMAGE AND FOUND NONE, THEN PROCEEDED TO REATTACH BOLT. I WAS ALSO INFORMED BY THIS MECHANIC THAT TOYOTA HAD TWO RELATED RECALLS: ONE FOR THE STEERING SHAFT, AND ONE FOR THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT EXTENSION. BOTH OF THESE RECALLS HAD BEEN ADDRESSED AND REPLACEMENT PARTS INSTALLED FOR MY VEHICLE. THERE ARE TWO RELATED RECALLS: 06V188000 (STEERING SHAFT) AND 12V537000 (INTERMEDIATE STEERING EXTENSION SHAFT). *TR
May 19, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V537000 (STEERING) BY BALISE TOYOTA (1399 RIVERDALE ST, WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA 01089, (413) 306-3037), BUT THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AFTER THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 138,000.
Apr 23, 2019
FOR THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS THERE IS A CLUNKING SOUND FROM THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL FROM SIDE TO SIDE, EITHER STATIONARY OR WHEN MOVING.*DT*JB
Jun 04, 2018
MY DAUGHTER BORROWED MY PRIUS FOR A DRIVE FROM LAYTON, UTAH TO SEATTLE. WITHIN AN HOUR OF LEAVING MY HOME IN LAYTON, UTAH SHE CALLED CONCERNED ABOUT A VIBRATION IN THE FRONT END OF MY PRIUS AS SHE APPROACHED 80MPH. WHEN SHE RETURNED TO UTAH, I HAD THE TIRES CHECKED, REBALANCED, AND THE FRONT END REALIGNED. SOON AFTER THAT, MY HUSBAND AND I LEFT FOR THE TAHOE AREA. WE EXPERIENCED A VIBRATION WHENEVER WE EASED THE STEERING FROM EITHER A LEFT OR RIGHT PRESSURE TO NEUTRAL. THEN AT LOW SPEED GOING OVER A ROUGH ROAD WITH POTHOLES, IT SOUNDED AS IF THE STEERING COLUMN WAS GOING TO FALL APART. I HAVE A RECORDING OF THE RATTLING NOISE IT MADE. I RETURNED TO THE DEALERSHIP I PURCHASED MY PRIUS FROM. THEY FOUND THAT THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT WAS LOOSE AND RECOMMENDED REPLACING IT. PARTS #45260,45209, AND 45221 WERE REPLACED. THE VIBRATION AND RATTLING NOISE HAVE BEEN ELIMINATED. THE COST TO ME WAS $1003.84. ACCORDING TO MY VIN NUMBER, THERE HAS BEEN NO RECALL FOR THE PARTS USED TO ASSEMBLE MY PRIUS. I URGE YOU TO LOOK FURTHER INTO THE QUALITY OF THE PARTS USED TO ASSEMBLE THE STEERING MECHANISM IN MY PRIUS. *TR
Nov 23, 2014
LOST POWER STEERING CONTROL
Aug 16, 2014
+ 1 more complaint for this component
ENGINE
6 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE HYBRID SYSTEM, STABILITY CONTROL, CHECK ENGINE, AND SRS WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT TOYOTA MECHANIC WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW HYBRID COOLANT PUMP AND WATER PUMP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,772.
Apr 05, 2018
EVERY TIME I GET AN OIL CHANGE I MAKE SURE THAT THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF OIL GETS PUT IN THE ENGINE. I USUALLY GET AN OIL CHANGE EVERY 3000 MILES REGARDLESS OF WHAT THE OIL MANUFACTURERS RECOMMEND WHICH IS USUALLY 5-7 THOUSANDS MILES. FOR THE PAST YEAR I STARTED NOTICING (USUALLY BY THE OIL SERVICE TECH) THAT MORE AND MORE I'M RUNNING LOW ON OIL. IT STARTED OUT WITH A HALF TO ONE QUART OF OIL MISSING BETWEEN OIL CHANGES TO NOW 2-3 QUARTS MISSING BETWEEN OIL CHANGES. I UNDERSTAND THAT MY 2004 PRIUS IS APPROACHING 200K MILES BUT I HAVE ALWAYS TAKEN GREAT CARE OF MY CAR AND NOW ALL OF A SUDDEN I'M HAVING TO TOP OFF THE OIL EVERY WEEK. THERE'S ABSOLUTELY NO OIL LEAK AND I DON'T SEE ANY WHITE OR BLACK SMOKE FROM THE EXHAUST. I'M PRETTY DISAPPOINTED BECAUSE I HAVE JUST RECENTLY HAD TO REPLACE MY HYBRID BATTERY ($2800) AND IF THE ENGINE IS GOING TO NEED TO BE REPLACED AS WELL THAN I MIND AS WELL JUST JUNK IT AS IT WON'T BE WORTH IT AT THAT POINT.
Nov 23, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE GARAGE, THE ENGINE STARTED RUNNING. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO OPEN THE DOOR, THE ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,000. UPDATED 10/27/17*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONSUMER STATED APPARENTLY, THE VEHICLE WAS POWERED OFF INCORRECTLY. THE ENGINE WAS PERIODICALLY SWITCHING FROM GAS TO BATTERY. *JS
Aug 29, 2017
COOLANT CONTROL VALVE IS FAILING ON MANY PRIUS'S WHICH WERE MADE BETWEEN 2004 TO 2009
Dec 04, 2015
WARNING TRIANGLE AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS CAME ON WHILE TRAVELING. TOOK VEHICLE TO INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED HYBRID WATER PUMP MALFUNCTION; HE NOTED A RECALL, SO I TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER. DEALER CHARGES $130 TO PLUG INTO DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM, FINDS SAME PROBLEM; WANTS $750 TO REPLACE. PUMP WAS REPLACED @ 30,000 MILES AGO UNDER AON RECALL. MULTIPLE REPORTS ON WEB ABOUT THE SAME REPLACEMENT PART FAILING AFTER SHORT TIME.
Aug 19, 2015
+ 1 more complaint for this component
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,EQUIPMENT
5 complaints
I HAVE A 2004 TOYOTA PRIUS. SINCE 2004, MY HEADLIGHTS HAVE GONE OUT 5 TIMES. THE RIGHT HEADLIGHT HAS GONE OUT 3 TIMES AND THE LEFT 2 TIMES. THE LAST TIME I REPLACED THE RIGHT HEADLIGHT, IT DID NOT LAST 12 MONTHS. *TR
Feb 25, 2011
HEADLIGHT ON 2004 PRIES CONTROLLER BROKEN. MAY BE DUE TO OXIDE LEVELS IN CONTACTS. SMART KEY OXIDATION CAUSES POOR USE. ALARM GOES OFF INTERMITTENTLY. *TR
Oct 14, 2010
THIS IS AN UPDATE TO THE COMPLAINT I FILED ON 2008/10/14, ODI 10253642 ABOUT PRIUS HID HEADLIGHT FAILURE. SINCE THAT INCIDENT I HAVE HAD THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE BULBS REPLACED FOUR TIMES AND SWAPPED LEFT-FOR-RIGHT FOR DIAGNOSIS TWICE. EVEN WITH THOSE NEW BULBS, WHICH MY DUBLIN, CA, TOYOTA DEALER SWEARS ARE THE NEWER, "GOOD" BULBS, THE HEADLIGHTS ALWAYS HAVE FAILED AGAIN WITHIN ONE TO FOUR WEEKS. ACTUALLY, THOSE ARE THE INTERVALS AT WHICH I HAVE *NOTICED* THE FAILURES, BUT I'M SURE THE BULBS FAILED SOONER THAN THAT, BECAUSE SOMETIMES IT'S HARD TO TELL WHILE DRIVING, AND THE LIGHTS ALWAYS RELIGHT WHEN SWITCHED OFF AND ON. THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN EVEN MORE REPLACEMENTS AND FAILURES, BUT I HAVE DELAYED TAKING THE CAR IN FOR REPAIR UNTIL I COULD DRIVE INTO THE DEALERSHIP WHILE THE LIGHT WAS OUT, AS PROOF THAT IT HAS FAILED. IT'S OBVIOUS TO ME AND EVERY OTHER PRIUS OWNER THAT THE BULBS ARE EITHER NOT THE PROBLEM OR AT LEAST NOT THE ONLY PROBLEM--THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE UNDOUBTEDLY ALSO OR INSTEAD IS FAULTY. TOYOTA CORPORATE CONTINUES TO REFUSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE SEVERITY, PERSISTENCE, AND BREADTH OF THE PROBLEM. YESTERDAY THE DEALER REPEATED THE LEFT-FOR-RIGHT SWAP BECAUSE "TOYOTA CORPORATE DEMANDS THAT DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE." BUT THE DEALER ADMITTED THAT NO MORE INFORMATION WILL BE GAINED THAN WAS GAINED THE LAST TIME THEY SWAPPED LEFT FOR RIGHT, WHEN THE LIGHT WORKED THERE AT THE DEALER, BUT FAILED ON ME SUBSEQUENTLY (THE SAME-SIDE HEADLIGHT WITH THE SWAPPED BULB). THEY ARE SIMPLY AVOIDING THE EXPENSE AND LIABILITY OF REPLACING THE CONTROL COMPUTER. *TR
Feb 13, 2010
RIGHT FRONT HEADLAMP OPERATING INTERMITTENTLY. DEALER REPAIR QUOTE WAS OVER $500. ONLINE ADVICE SUGGESTED THAT TOYOTA SHOULD/WOULD REPAIR AT NO COST. INITIALLY DEALER SERVICE MANAGER WANTED OWNER TO PAY LABOR, OVER $300, AND DEALER WOULD SUPPLY PART. OWNER STATED THAT SINCE THIS WAS A SAFETY AND DEFECT MATTER, TOYOTA SHOULD PAY FULL COST. AFTER 24 HOURS, DEALER AGREED TO REPLACE HEADLAMP AT NO COST. BOTH HEADLAMPS WERE REPLACED AT NO COST TO OWNER. OWNER IS 30 YEAR CUSTOMER OF THIS DEALERSHIP. SERVICE MANAGER STATED THAT TOYOTA WILL PROBABLY POST A RECALL NOTICE ON THIS MATTER. *TR
Jul 18, 2009
DRIVER-SIDE HID HEADLAMP IN 2004 TOYOTA PRIUS WAS NOTICED TO BE VERY, VERY, DIM (EFFECTIVELY OFF) AROUND 2008/10/14. TURNING HEADLAMPS OFF AND ON RESTORED BRIGHTNESS. BUT THE PROBLEM RECURRED AT UNPREDICTABLE TIMES--FREQUENTLY ENOUGH TO BE A SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEM. FREQUENTLY THE DRIVER CAN'T TELL WHILE DRIVING, WHETHER ONE HEADLAMP IS OFF, AND OBVIOUSLY IT'S UNSAFE TO FIX IT BY TURNING IT OFF AND ON WHILE DRIVING. TOYOTA DEALER REPLACED DRIVER-SIDE HEADLAMP ON 2008/10/15, FOR $600! ON 12/15 THE DRIVER NOTICED THE SAME HEADLAMP AGAIN WAS MISBEHAVING IN EXACTLY THE SAME WAY, AND THE PROBLEM HAS RECURRED SINCE THEN AT APPARENTLY RANDOM TIMES. PRIUSCHAT.COM'S MANY POSTERS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM MAKE IT UNLIKELY THAT JUST THE BULB IS THE PROBLEM. PROBABLY THE BALLAST. BUT TOYOTA WON'T COMMENT. I DO STILL HAVE THE ORIGINAL BULB, AND THE BOX FROM THE NEW BULB. LISA AT TOYOTA CORPORATE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE CENTER REPLIED AROUND 2008/10/18 THAT TOYOTA WOULD REIMBURSE HALF OF THE $600. BUT AS OF 2009/1/3 NO REIMBURSEMENT HAS BEEN GOTTEN. I CALLED TOYOTA CORPORATE AGAIN ON 2008/12/16 AND DAMIAN SAID HE MUST FORWARD MY NEW COMPLAINT ABOUT THE REPEATED FAILURE TO LISA, AND THAT SHE WAS "REQUIRED" TO RESPOND IN ONE BUSINESS DAY. SHE HAS NOT RESPONDED AS OF 2009/1/3. THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT EXACTLY THIS PROBLEM ON PRIUSCHAT.COM AT HTTP://PRIUSCHAT.COM/FORUMS/CARE-MAINTENANCE-TROUBLESHOOTING/34584-HEADLIGHT-PROBLEM-26.HTML. *TR
Jan 02, 2009
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
4 complaints
TRACTION CONTROL DISABLES CAR WHEN SLIPPERY... ENGINE TOTALLY SHUTS OFF. CAN HAPPEN PASSING THROUGH AN INTERSECTION WHEN ICY/SNOWY, ETC. ALSO MAKES ASCENDING HILLS NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE. *TR
Jan 12, 2011
1. EVENTS LEADING TO FAILURE DRIVING IN 1 - 2 INCHES OF SNOW, I ATTEMPTED LEFT TURN, ENCOUNTERING A SOMEWHAT DEEPER (APPROXIMATELY 4-INCH, AND HEAVILY TRACKED FROM PREVIOUS VEHICLES) BERM OF SNOW AT THE ENTRANCE OF THE SIDE STREET ONTO WHICH I WAS TURNING. 2. THE FAILURE, HOW OFTEN IT OCCURS, ITS CONSEQUENCES THE TRACTION CONTROL SEIZED ALL MOTION OF FRONT (TRACTION) TIRES, THOUGH SNOW WAS NOT DEEP ENOUGH OTHERWISE TO PREVENT MOVEMENT. THIS LEFT ME IN THE PATH OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC APPROACHING DOWNHILL ON SLIPPERY ROAD. THE TRACTION CONTROL COMPLETELY DISABLED CAR, LEADING TO VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. ALSO, CONTINUED APPLICATION OF ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO GET THE CAR TO MOVE QUICKLY CREATED SMELL OF HOT TRANSMISSION. THERE IS NO QUESTION THAT, EVEN WITH THE OPEN DIFFERENTIAL, THE CAR WOULD HAVE PROGRESSED THROUGH THE SNOW BUT FOR THE TRACTION CONTROL. AND, OF COURSE, THERE IS NO QUESTION THAT THIS PROBLEM IS INHERENT TO THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM AND WOULD OCCUR WHENEVER CONDITIONS OCCUR THAT CROSS THE THRESHOLD OF SLIPPERINESS AND RESISTANCE I ENCOUNTERED. 3. THE DEFECT REMAINS UNCORRECTED. THE ESSENTIAL CORRECTION IS REDESIGN AND REPLACEMENT OF THE TRACTION AND/OR ADDING A DISABLING SWITCH. *TR
Dec 20, 2010
RETURNING FROM WORK APPROX 1700 DRIVING MY 2004 TOYOTA PRIUS IN THE GREATER WASHINGTON D.C. METRO AREA. IT WAS THE FIRST DAY OF FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OFFICE OPENINGS SINCE THE BLIZZARD OF 2010 HAD STARTED. MY RESIDENCE IS APPROXIMATELY 1.5 MILES FROM A MAJOR PRIMARY ROAD (VA HWY 7 IN LOUDOUN COUNTY). THE ROAD IS SECONDARY STATE ROAD VADOT OWNED AND MAINTAINED DIRT (PACKED GRAVEL) ROAD FOR APPROXIMATELY 1.25 MILES, PROCEEDING INTO OUR MY DEVELOPMENT THE ROAD IS PAVED ASPHALT FRO THE REMAINING .25 MILES. ON THE SECONDARY ROAD THE CONDITIONS OF THE ROAD WAS PACKED SNOW WITH SMALL RUNS OF LOOSE SNOW. THE ROAD IS VERY WINDING WITH SLIGHT INCLINES AND DECLINES THROUGHOUT. EVERY TIME MY CAR WOULD BREAK TRACTION I WOULD LOSE POWER LEAVING ME WITH NO CORRECTION CAPABILITY TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OVER THE VEHICLE. I ALMOST RAN INTO EMBANKMENTS AND OVER THE SOFT SHOULDER SEVERAL TIMES DESPITE SLOWING DOWN TO A CRAWL. ONCE ENTERING INTO THE NEIGHBORHOOD THE CAR SEEMED TO STABLE OUT UNTIL I BEGAN DRIVING ON AN UPHILL PORTION OF THE ROAD. THIS IS A STEPPER HILL THAN ON THE SECONDARY ROAD. WHEN MY TIRES BROKE TRACTION ALL POWER FROM THE CAR WAS LOST LEAVING ME IN AN UNCONTROLLED SITUATION OF SLIDING AROUND ON THE ROAD EVENTUALLY INTO THE SOFT SHOULDER OF A DOWNHILL CLIFF. I WAS ATTEMPTED TO START MOVING FORWARD GET MYSELF AWAY FROM THE SHOULDER AND THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE OR PUT ANY SORT OF POWER TO THE WHEELS. I WAS TERRIFIED AND STUCK. I MADE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS FINDING NEW LINES (PATHS) FINALLY REACHING THE TOP OF THE HILL (MY DRIVEWAY) DUE TO THE REMOVAL OF CAR POWER. THIS HAS CONTINUED TO HAPPEN UN SUSPECTING THROUGHOUT THE MONTH ON THE UNPAVED ROADS PLACING ME IN DANGER. I AM SCARED TO DRIVE IT IN ANY WINTER CONDITION. IT APPEARS THIS IS WELL DOCUMENTED ON CONSUMER AFFAIRS WEBSITE AND I HAVE NO WAY TO CORRECT THIS EXCEPT SELL MY CAR. *TR
Mar 02, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH ON A ROAD COVERED WITH THREE INCHES OF SNOW. THE VEHICLE BEGAN BEGAN TO SKID. THE SKID CONTROL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM ACTIVATED AND CAUSED THE ENGINE TO BECOME INOPERATIVE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED DURING ACTIVATION OF THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT WAS A MANUFACTURER DESIGN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000.
Feb 22, 2010
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
4 complaints
I WAS ENTERING A MAJOR HIGHWAY FROM A PARKING LOT WHEN THE ENGINE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AT FULL SPEED. VISIBILITY WAS GOOD. THERE WAS A SMALL POTHOLE SO I DID TOUCH THE ACCELERATOR. NEXT I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY & HIT BY A CAR GOING 65MPH. I DO NOT THINK I HIT THE ACCELERATOR RATHER THAN THE BRAKE ALTHOUGH THAT WAS THE ONLY EXPLANATION AT THE TIME. *TR
Mar 15, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE DRIVING IN CLEAR, NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS AT SPEEDS OF 50 MPH, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE INTO THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC. SHE THEN APPLIED THE BRAKE PEDAL, HOWEVER THE VEHICLE DID NOT DECREASE IN SPEED. THE BRAKES WOULD NOT ENGAGE AND THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE SPUN OUT OF CONTROL OR FISH TAILED. THE CONTACT COULD NOT MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A GUARD RAIL AND A NEARBY TREE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 100,000. UPDATED EVOQ. 05/27/10
Mar 09, 2010
TWICE MY TOYOTA PRIUS HAS "SURGED" UNEXPECTEDLY. I WAS COASTING INTO A PARKING SPACE BOTH TIMES, SO WAS ABLE TO STOMP ON THE BRAKE AND STOP THE CAR. WHEN THE FIRST RECALL WAS ISSUED I KNEW IT WASN'T THE FLOOR MAT. MINE WAS THE ORIGINAL ONE AND WAS FIRMLY ATTACHED. IT DID NOT MOVE AND "ENTRAP" THE PEDAL AND I DID NOT HAVE MY FOOT ON THE GAS WHEN THE SURGES HAPPENED. I DID NOT BOTHER TO REPORT IT AT THE TIME, AS I AM AN OLDER FEMALE AND HAVE BEEN TREATED LIKE AN IDIOT AT THE DEALERSHIP WHEN I SPOKE WITH THE SERVICE PEOPLE. THE CAR HAS BEEN FINE IN EVERY OTHER WAY. I BELIEVE THIS IS A THROTTLE OR COMPUTER/ELECTRONIC PROBLEM AND I BELIEVE THAT THEY KNOW IT. *TR
Feb 03, 2010
2ND OCCURRENCE OF TOYOTA PRIUS ACCELERATION. WHILE WIFE LEAVING DAUGHTERS SCHOOL, CAR ACCELERATED (PEDAL OFF THE ACCELERATOR!), SHE JAMMED ON BRAKES, BUT WAS CLOSE IN PROVOKING AN ACCIDENT ON MAIN STREET. THIS IS THE SECOND OCCURRENCE. FIRST TIME, SHE HIT A TAXI WHILE STOPPED IN A RED LIGHT. ACCIDENT WAS REPORTED BY POLICE (NO INJURIES). FIRST TIME TOOK CAR INTO THE DEALER (NO APPARENT PROBLEMS). PLANNING ON TAKING CAR AGAIN TO DEALER TOMORROW.!
Oct 18, 2007
EQUIPMENT
4 complaints
2004 TOYOTA PRIUS WITH NAVIGATION SYSTEM PROBLEMS CUSTOMER STATES THAT NOW THE AC AND DEFROSTER DOES NOT WORK AND THE DEALERSHIP FIXED IT THANK YOU TO THE DEALERSHIP NOTE**NAR**CC THE CONSUMER STATED FROM TIME TO TIME THE RADIO WOULD TURN OFF AND IT WOULD HAVE TO BE TURNED BACK ON MANUALLY. THEN THE DISPLAY BEGAN TO ACT ERRATICALLY . THE AUDIO OFF WOULD APPEAR ON THE SCREEN AND THE RADIO WAS STILL PLAYING . THE CLIMATE CONTROL BECAME UNRESPONSIVE AND THE SCREEN DISPLAYED CHECK THE CONNECTION OF THE AIR CONDITION . WHEN THE CONSUMER PRESSED ANY OF THE BUTTONS ON THE DISPLAY, THEY WOULD NOT FUNCTION OR WOULD TAKE SECONDS TO COME UP AND USUALLY ONLY THE PERFORMANCE SCREEN OR THE RADIO SCREEN WOULD SHOW UP. THE PROBLEM WITH THE AIR CONDITION AND DEFROSTER WERE RELATED TO THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED THERE WAS A FAULTY DESIGN WITH THE MODEL YEAR. *JB
Aug 03, 2007
STARTED MY 2004 TOYOTA PRIUS AND PLACED VEHICLE INTO REVERSE TO BACK OUT OF PARKING SPACE AT DAUGHTER'S SCHOOL. CAR DIED WHILE BACKING, BLOCKING TRAFFIC, AND WOULD NOT RESTART. ORANGE LIGHT GLOWED ON THE STARTER BUTTON. THIS IS 7:45PM. CALLED ORIGINAL DEALER IN WASHINGTON PA FOR ADVICE. NO HELP. LOOKED IN OWNER'S MANUAL FOR ADVICE. NO HELP. CALLED LOCAL DEALER IN CHARLOTTESVILLE VA. NO HELP. A MALE TEACHER OPENED THE HOOD AND FUSE COVER TO ENSURE THAT ALL FUSES WERE SNUG AND SECURE. NOTHING. AFTER ABOUT 30 MINUTES, THE CAR FINALLY RESET ITS SELF, THE STARTER BUTTON WENT GREEN AND WHEN TRIED THE CAR STARTED. TOLD THE LOCAL DEALER OF THIS INCIDENT AND THEY DENIED ANY KNOWLEDGE OF ANY TROUBLE LIKE THIS. COINSIDENTLY, MY GPS SYSTEM HAD FAILED JUST A COUPLE OF DAYS PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT. IT TOOK A MONTH TO GET IT REPLACED.
Jun 08, 2005
I WOULD LIKE TO REPORT A STALLING I EXPERIENCED WHILE DRIVING OUR TOYOTA PRIUS (2004) THE CAR STALLED A LITTLE AFTER I MERGED ONTO HIGHWAY 85 IN CUPERTINO. ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD CAME ON AND THE CAR WOULD NO LONGER ACCELERATE AS I TRIED TO DRIVE UP TO 65 MPH. IT APPEARED THAT THE GAS ENGINE QUIT AND IT WAS RUNNING ON ELECTRIC POWER. I WAS ABLE TO COAST ON TILL THE NEXT EXIT. AFTER GETTING OFF THE FREEWAY, I PULLED INTO THE NEAREST PARKING LOT WHERE I TURNED TO CAR OFF. I WAS ABLE TO RESTART IT AND IT DROVE FINE BUT ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS REMAINED ON. SO I IMMEDIATELY DROVE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP IN SUNNYVALE WHERE WE BOUGHT THE CAR WHERE IT WAS FIXED. I AM NOT SURE THAT TOYOTA DEALERS ARE KEEPING ACCURATE RECORDS OF THE PROBLEM. I READ AN ARTICLE IN THE MERCURY NEWS TODAY'S EDITION IN WHICH ADAM SIMMS, THE OPERATING PARTNER AT TOYOTA OF SUNNYVALE HAS CLAIMED THAT "NONE OF THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE BOUGHT A PRIUS AT HIS DEALERSHIP HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH STALLING". I KNOW THIS IS NOT TRUE BECAUSE I HAVE EXPERIENCED THE PROBLEM AND HAD IT FIXED AT HIS DEALERSHIP. I AM NOT SURE OF THE EXACT DATE THE INCIDENT OCCURED. I BELIEVE IT WAS SOMETIME DURING THE THE SECOND WEEK OF NOV.
Jun 02, 2005
COMPUTER SHUT DOWN IN THE TOYOTA PRIUS CAUSING CAR TO STOP IN A MATTER OF MINUTES ON TWO OCCATIONS.
Jun 02, 2005
VISIBILITY
3 complaints
THE MULTI FUNCTION DISPLAY REGISTERED THE ERROR CODE: CHECK CONNECTION OF AIR CONDITIONER. A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AT PAPPAS TOYOTA ON 12/2/11 SHOWED A DEFECTIVE MFD. A NEW REPLACEMENT WOULD COST $4300. A REFURBISHED ONE WAS TO BE LOCATED BUT A CALL WAS NOT RECEIVED AS TO THIS HAVING HAPPENED. TOYOTA WAS AWARE OF THIS POSSIBILITY AT LEAST BY 1/10/2005 WHEN A SERVICE BULLETIN WAS ISSUED. SINCE THE DEFECT IN THE PART WAS KNOWN TO TOYOTA AND INVOLVES A SAFETY ISSUE A REQUEST FOR WARRANTY REPLACEMENT WAS MADE. THIS REQUEST WAS DENIED. ON 12/23/11, AFTER HAVING BEEN TOLD A WEEK WOULD BE NEEDED TO FIND THE PART, I E-MAILED PAPPAS AND ASKED THAT ONE BE LOCATED. I MADE AN APPT. AT THAT TIME TO HAVE IT INSTALLED ON 1/3/12. I HAD NOT RECEIVED ANY INFORMATION BY 1/2/12 SO I CALLED AGAIN AND LEARNED THE PART WAS TO BE ORDERED ON 1/2/12 AS TOYOTA WAS CLOSED FOR THE HOLIDAY PERIOD. THE MFD ACTIVATES THE FRONT AND REAR DEFROSTERS. THIS IS CRITICAL AS THE INABILITY TO DO SO IS A SAFETY ISSUE IN MISSOURI WITH SNOW AND ICE BEING A POSSIBILITY. ON 1/4/12 A MESSAGE WAS RECEIVED FROM THE DEALERSHIP, THE ESSENCE OF WHICH WAS: THOSE DISPLAYS ARE ON BACK ORDER STATUS AT THIS TIME; THE MFD HOLDS THE MEMORY FOR THE MILEAGE ODOMETER SO WHEN IT IS ORDERED THE VEHICLE CAN NOT BE DRIVEN SO THAT THE ACTUAL ODOMETER MILEAGE REMAINS THE SAME; AND UNTIL I HEAR FROM YOU I HAVE PLACED YOUR ORDER ON HOLD; THERE ARE CURRENTLY TWO ORDERS AHEAD OF YOURS AND THEY WILL BE FILLED FIRST; THEY ARE NOT ABLE TO GIVE US A TIMETABLE WHEN THEY WILL BE RELEASED; AND ONCE THEY ARE AVAILABLE IT WILL TAKE APPROXIMATELY 7-10 BUSINESS DAYS TO RECEIVE. TOYOTA IS NOT MAKING THE NECESSARY PART AVAILABLE; EXPECTING THE CONSUMER TO BE DEPRIVED OF USE OF THE PRIUS FOR AN UNDETERMINED PERIOD OF TIME; AND OF BEARING THE COST OF THE DEFECTIVE PART. THE CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN RESOLVED. UPDATED IVOQ 03/09/12 *TR
Jan 05, 2012
2004 TOYOTA PRIUS COST $449 (INCLUDES LABOR) TO REPLACE PASSENGER SIDE HEAD LIGHT. *TR
Feb 05, 2010
WITH 34,000 MILES ON MY 2004 PRIUS, THE GLASS HAS DEVELOPED SEVERE PITTING, NOT ONLY ON THE WINDSHIELD, BUT ON THEIR SIDE WINDOWS AS WELL. WHEN THE SUN HITS THE WINDSHIELD VISIBILITY IS GREATLY REDUCED. *TR
Nov 26, 2007
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
3 complaints
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A CONCRETE DIVIDER ON THE HIGHWAY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE AFTER THE CRASH. THE DRIVER AND THE PASSENGERS SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THEIR BACK AND NECK AND WERE UNDER GOING THERAPY FOR THEIR INJURIES. THERE WAS NO POLICE REPORT FILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CRASH CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE FRONT BUMPER AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR WHICH WOULD NOT OPEN. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT AN INSPECTOR WOULD INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE INSPECTOR STATED THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE ABS BRAKES. THE CONTACT RECEIVED THE REPORT FROM THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY DID NOT INDICATE THAT THERE WAS A SAFETY FAILURE AND WERE UNABLE TO PROVIDE FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE BODY DAMAGE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE DID NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AFTER THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Feb 18, 2011
2004 TOYOTA PRIUS WITH BRAKE PROBLEMS. CONSUMER STATES THAT WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES THE VEHICLE SKIDS OUT OF CONTROL. *KB
Mar 04, 2010
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED UPON ENTERING A HIGHWAY AT 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED RAPIDLY. BRAKE PRESSURE WAS APPLIED, BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP ACCELERATING. EACH TIME BRAKE PRESSURE WAS APPLIED; THERE WAS A LOUD GRINDING NOISE. ALTHOUGH THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS NOT ENGAGED, THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS MANUALLY ACTIVATED IN AN ATTEMPT TO STOP THE ACCELERATION. WITH BRAKE PRESSURE APPLIED, THE CONTACT MANAGED TO EXIT THE FREEWAY USING THE EXIT RAMP. WHEN THE VEHICLE SLOWED, THE PARK BUTTON OPTION WAS PRESSED AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED. THERE WAS NO FURTHER ACCELERATION OR GRINDING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND IS AWAITING INSPECTION OF THE PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED, WHEN SHE APPLIED THE BRAKES, THE PEDAL BECAME SOFT AND WENT TO THE FLOOR. UPDATED
Mar 13, 2006
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
3 complaints
WHILE DRIVING PRIUS ON MAJOR HIGHWAY IN DFW METROPLEX DURING EVENING RUSH HOUR THE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON, THEN A COUPLE SECONDS LATER, ENTIRE DASH BOARD INFORMATION SCREEN AND ALL WARNING LIGHTS FLASHED. CAR ENGINE CONTINUED TO RUN, AND WOULD NOT TURN OFF, BUT NO POWER WAS AVAILABLE TO STEERING OR BRAKES. THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED AT THE APEX OF A BRIDGE. HOWEVER, WAS ABLE TO COAST THE CAR INTO THE MEDIAN BETWEEN THE MERGE RAMP OF THE MAJOR HIGHWAY AND THE INTERSTATE. VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION IF IT HAD OCCURRED BEFORE APEX OF THE BRIDGE. )CALLED THE DEALERSHIP, WHO IN TURN, CALLED A TOW TRUCK. HAD TO BASICALLY PLAY WITH POWER BUTTON, BRAKE, AND GEAR SHIFT TO GET IT INTO NEUTRAL SO THE CAR COULD BE LOADED ONTO THE TOW TRUCK. TOOK DEALER THREE DAYS TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. IT WAS BLAMED ON A SHORT IN AUXILIARY BATTERY. HOWEVER, IT SEEMED TO BE WORKING OKAY. THIS WAS THE THIRD TIME OCCURRENCE SUCH AS THIS HAPPENED TO THIS CAR, AS WELL AS A NON-FUNCTIONING DRIVER INFORMATION SCREEN, THAT IF THE CAR WAS HOT INSIDE THEN INFORMATION SCREEN WORKED, IF NO, THEN THE SCREEN STATED NO CONNECTION TO AIR CONDITIONING , WHICH OCCURRED SINCE FIRST TIME THE SHUT DOWN HAPPENED. THOUGHT THIS PROBLEM WAS SUPPOSED TO BE FIXED WITH THE SOFTWARE UPGRADE THAT THEY INSTALLED AFTER THE LAST OCCURRENCE. IT APPEARED THAT THIS DEFECT HAPPENED EVERY 18,000 MILES . NOW THERE IS 79,000 MILES ON THE CAR.*AK
May 08, 2007
2004 TOYOTA PRIUS HESITATES WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE. INSTRUMENTAL PANEL LIGHT AND SLIP INDICATOR CAME ON, THEN VEHICLE RESUMES FULL POWER. *KB ***NAR*** *JB
Aug 16, 2006
I HAVE HAD 3 'STALLS' OF MY 2004 PRIUS WHICH I DRIVE 150 MILES A DAY AND IT HAS 48K MILES ON IT. ALL OF THE ENGINE STALLS HAVE BEEN AT LOW SPEED (UNDER 20 MPH) AND HAVE BEEN PRECEEDED BY A RED WARNING TRIANGLE LIGHT AND THE SCREEN DISPLAYING SOMETHING LIKE 'CRITICAL PROBLEM'. ON ONE INCIDENT I WAS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AND MANAGED TO USE THE ELECTRIC MOTOR TO GET ME TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY BEFORE THE ENGINE/MOTOR STOPPED WITH NO POWER. WHEN I TURNED THE POWER ON/OFF SEVERAL TIMES THE ENGINE WOULD START BUT THERE WAS NO POWER. I DID NOTICE THAT ON ALL THREE STALLS MY GAS GAUGE WAS LOW (ONE OR TWO BARS) BUT I HAVE RUN THE CAR FOR THIRTY MILES AFTER THE LAST BAR STARTED TO FLASH SO IT'S HARD TO TELL IF THERE IS A CONNECTION. I DID REPORT THIS TO THE DEALER BUT THEY HAD NO INFORMATION ON IT AND THE CAR RESET EACH TIME AFTER A PERIOD OF TIME.
Jun 01, 2005
SEAT BELTS
3 complaints
1) THE VEHICLE IS A 2004 TOYOTA PRIUS, 3 1/2 YEARS OLD AND APPROX 76K MILES ON IT. IT HAS ONLY BEEN USED FOR CARRYING PASSENGERS. 2) BOTH REAR PASSENGER SEAT BELTS TORE WITHIN A WEEK OF EACH OTHER. THE RIGHT SIDE COMPLETELY AND THE LEFT SIDE IS APPROXIMATELY 90% TORN. THE ONLY PERSON TO USE THE REAR SEATS, ON A FAIRLY REGULAR BASIS, IS MY 14 YEAR OLD SON. TWO WEEKS AGO HE GOT INTO THE RIGHT SIDE AND NOTICED THAT THE BELT WAS COMPLETELY BROKEN. LAST WEEK HE GOT INTO THE LEFT SIDE AND MENTIONED THAT IT WAS ALSO TORN. AS IT IS RIGHT NOW, THE ONLY SEAT HE CAN NOW USE IS THE MIDDLE "LAP ONLY" BELT. IN LOOKING AT THE BELTS, IT APPEARS THAT THE TEAR IS AT THE PLACE WHERE THE BELT PASSES THROUGH THE PLASTIC SHROUD COVERING THE RETRACTING MECHANISM. 3) TALKED WITH THE TOYOTA SERVICE REP YESTERDAY. HE TOLD ME THAT HE HAD NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE IT BEFORE. BUT,SINCE IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY IT WOULD COST APPROX $550.00 USD TO FIX. *NM
Feb 21, 2007
THE CHILD WAS TRAPPED IN THE SEAT BELT. THE LATCH WOULD NOT RELEASE THE CHILD. THE BELT HAD TO BE CUT OFF. THE CHILD WAS TAKEN TO THE DOCTOR FOR AN EXAM. *NM
Oct 15, 2004
ON THE TOYOTA 2004 PRIUS THE LEFT REAR AND CENTER REAR SEAT BELT BUCKELS ARE INTERCHANGED. THE LEFT REAR BUCKEL IS POSITIONED IN A VERTICAL POSITION BETWEEN THE LEFT AND CENTER SEATS. THE CENTER REAR SEAT BELT BUCKEL (MARKED CENTER) IS ON A FABRIC STRAP THAT EMERGES BETWEEN THE LEFT REAR SEAT CUSHION AND THE LEFT REAR BACK CUSHION APPROXIMATELY TWO INCHES FROM THE RIGHT EDGE OF THE LEFTREAR SEAT CUSHION (IF YOU ARE NOT CAREFUL YOU WILL SIT ON IT WHEN YOU USE THE LEFT REAR SEAT). AS A RESULT IT IS DIFFICULT TO FASTEN THE SEAT BELTS SINCE THEY CROSS OVER AND INTERFERE WITH EACH OTHER. IT IS ALSO VERY DIFFICULT (COMPARED TO A NORMAL SEAT BELT) TO OPEN THEM DUE TO THE INTERFERENCE. I SUGGEST THAT IT WOULD BE EXTREMELY DIFFICULT FOR THE AVERAGE INDIVIDUAL TO OPEN THESE TWO SEAT BELTS IN AN EMERGECY SITUATION. AS A RESULT, I FEEL THAT THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ITEM THAT REQUIRES CORRECTION AT AN EARLY DATE. THE DEALER, BILL PAGE TOYOTA, STATED THAT ALL 2004 PRIUS THEY HAD RECEIVED WERE THE SAME CONFIGURATION AND THEY HAD NO MEANS TO CHANGE IT. THEY SUGGESTED CONTACTING TOYOTA. I HAVE FILED AN OFFICAL COMPLAINT WITH TOYOTA (#200312300834) AND THEY INDICATED THAT THERE WOULD BE NO FEEDBACK OR CORRECTION. NOTE: PRIUS NOT ON YOUR LIST. ENTERED RAV4 TO BE ANLE TO SUBMITTHIS COMPLAINT
Dec 30, 2003
TIRES
3 complaints
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE TIRES ARE SHOULDERING ON VEHICLE. THE EDGES OF THE TIRE ON THE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE ARE WEARING OUT. THE TIRES WERE REPLACED IN JANUARY 2005 BY TOYOTA. NOW ,IN DECEMBER 2005, THE PROBLEM RECURRED. HE SPOKE TO TOYOTA, AND THEY SAID THEY DID NOT WARRANTY TIRES, AND HE SHOULD BE IN CONTACT WITH GOODYEAR. HOWEVER, GOODYEAR CLAIMED THE PROBLEM WAS WITH THE ENGINEERING OF THE VEHICLE. *AK
Dec 01, 2005
WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR. SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE VIBRATED UNCONTROLLABLY. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND PULLED OVER. THE CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER'S REAR TIRE BLEW OUT. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB
Nov 23, 2004
AT 8000 MILES THE GOODYEAR INTEGRITY 185/65 R 15 TIRES HAVE NO TRACTION WHEN ROADS ARE WET OR SLIPPERY RESULTING IN WHEEL SPIN. *AK
May 09, 2004
VISIBILITY,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MULTI-DISPLAY MODULE FOR THE HEATER AND DEFROSTER UNITS FAILED, CAUSING THE WINDSHIELD DEFOGGER TO FAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THE MULTI-DISPLAY MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,000. UPDATED 1/30/13 *CN THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A MODULE MALFUNCTION WHICH WAS AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT AND GAVE THE CONSUMER AN ESTIMATE OF $700 TO REPLACE THE MODULE WITH A RECONDITIONED ONE. UPDATED 01/31/13 UPDATED 2/13/13 *CN UPDATED 02/14/13
Jan 10, 2013
THE MULTI-FUNCTION DISPLAY (MFD) FAILED. (CROSS REFERENCE NHSTA COMPLAINT #10173892). THIS IS A KNOWN DESIGN DEFECT (CROSS REFERENCE ANALYSIS ON WEB: HTTP://TECHNO-FANDOM.ORG/~HOBBIT/CARS/MFD/COMPARE.HTML AND HTTP://TECHNO-FANDOM.ORG/~HOBBIT/CARS/MFD/). TOYOTA ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (EITHER EL-002-04 OR EL-002-05 - CONFLICTING INFO ON THIS) ON JAN 10, 2005. WHEN THE MFD FAILS, ONE CANNOT CONTROL THE AMOUNT OF AIRFLOW TO THE WINDSHIELD (DEFROSTER). THIS PRESENTED ME WITH VISIBILITY PROBLEMS DURING THE MORNING COMMUTE. AS SUCH, I CONSIDER IT A SAFETY ISSUE. TOYOTA HAS BEEN AWARE OF THIS FOR 3 YEARS, GIVEN THE DATE OF THEIR TSB. THE ROOT CAUSE APPEARS TO BE AN UNDERSIZED SOLDER PAD ON ONE OF THE ELECTRONIC CARDS OF THE MFD. THIS RESULTS IN A CRACKING OF THE SOLDER JOINT. BECAUSE MY PROBLEM WAS INTERMITTENT, COMING AND GOING ON A FREQUENT BASIS, I PRESUME IT WAS A MICRO CRACK. THIS DOES NOT HELP WHEN THE WINDSHIELD IS FOGGING OVER. ALL OF THE VARIOUS ERROR MESSAGES THAT WERE DISPLAYED ON THE MFD WERE CONSISTENT WITH THE INFORMATION ON THE ABOVE REFERENCED WEB URL'S. THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE RELEASE F OF THE ELECTRONIC CARD ASSEMBLY AND WAS CORRECTED WITH RELEASE G. THERE ARE PICTORIAL COMPARISONS BETWEEN THE TWO RELEASES ON ONE OF THE WEB URL'S. GIVEN THAT THIS HAS AN IMPACT ON VISIBILITY DURING THE WINTER MONTHS, I AM SHOCKED THAT TOYOTA CHOSE TO SIT ON THIS PROBLEM. THE SUPPLIER OF THIS PART TO TOYOTA IS FUJITSU. *TR
Jan 24, 2008
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
2 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 20 MPH AND CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT DID NOT PROPERLY RESTRAIN, CAUSING HER CHEST TO BE THROWN INTO THE STEERING WHEEL. IN ADDITION, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE POLICE WERE CONTACTED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS RULED AS DESTROYED BY THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE INCIDENT WHO ASSIGNED HER A CASE MANAGER WHO WOULD RETURN HER CALL IN THE NEAR FUTURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 134,000.
May 31, 2012
WHILE TRAVELING 25 MPH CONSUMER'S VEHICLE PROCEEDED TO STRIKE ANOTHER VEHICLE . UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. ALSO, DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT TIGHTENED SO MUCH THAT CONSUMER COULD NOT BREATH. AFTER FINALLY RELEASING THE SEAT BELT CONSUMER COULD BREATH.*AK
Jan 03, 2005
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
2 complaints
THE SMART KEY ON MY 2004 TOYOTA PRIUS LOCKED THE DOORS ON ITS OWN, EVEN WHILE IN THE CAR. I UNLOCKED THE DOORS WITH THE SMART KEY, PLACED MY BABY IN HIS CARSEAT, BUCKLED HIM IN, PLACED HIS DIAPER BAG ON THE FLOOR IN THE BACKSEAT AS ALWAYS, WITH THE SMART KEY IN A POCKET OF THE DIAPER BAG, AND AS I WAS CLOSING THE BACK DOOR SO THAT I COULD GET IN THE DRIVER SEAT, ALL OF THE DOORS LOCKED ON THEIR OWN. THE SMART KEY WAS IN THE DIAPER BAG INSIDE THE CAR, AS WAS MY BABY, AND I COULD NOT GET INTO THE CAR. I HAD TO CALL MY WIFE AND HAVE HER BRING THE SECOND SMART KEY TO UNLOCK THE DOOR. LUCKILY MY BABY WAS NOT FREAKING OUT, AND IT WAS NOT A HOT DAY. IT WAS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND SCARY SITUATION. *TR
Jan 05, 2011
IN THE 2004 TOYOTA PRIUS THERE IS A BUTTON ON BOTH BACK SEATS BY THE HEADRESTS THAT UNLATCHES THE SEATBACK. MY FOUR YEAR OLD CAN EASILY PUSH DOWN THIS BUTTON WITH ONE FINGER, AND MY CONCERN IS THAT A CHILD (OR OTHERS) COULD UNLATCH THE SEAT WITHOUT THE DRIVER KNOWING. SHOULD THE CAR CRASH OR STOP SUDDENLY THE SEAT COULD COME DOWN, POSSIBLY WITH A PASSENGER IN IT. I TOLD THE CAR DEALER AND A TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE REP ABOUT MY CONCERN. I WAS TOLD THE BUTTON IS NOT DESIGNED THAT WAY, BUT WHEN I CONTACTED A SECOND DEALERSHIP THEIR 2004 PRIUS DID THE SAME AS THE CAR I TESTED. I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS DESIGNED SO THAT YOU HAD TO CONTINUE TO HOLD DOWN THE BUTTON IN ORDER TO PULL THE SEATBACK FORWARD. THIS IS NOT THE CASE IN REALITY. THE BUTTON NEEDS TO BE CHILDPROOFED EITHER BY MOVING IT SO IT IS NOT EASILY SEEN AND REACHED BY A CHILD, PROVIDING A COVER, OR ADDING A LIGHT ON THE DASH SO THE DRIVER IS AWARE OF THE SEAT BEING UNLATCHED. I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS ALSO DESIGNED SO THAT THE SEAT COULD NOT BE UNLATCHED WHILE THE CAR WAS IN MOTION. ALSO NOT TRUE. I WAS THE FIRST TO NOTICE THIS UNSAFE FEATURE, AND WE WERE IN MOTION WHEN I UNLATCHED MY SEAT.*AK
Feb 18, 2005
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaints
2004 PRIUS: AFTER DRIVING AT 10MPH ON GRAVEL ROAD WITH POTHOLES AND THEN TURNING ON TO SMOOTH PAVED ROAD ENGINE SPEED AND SPEEDOMETER STARTED TO VARY WILDLY WITH SPEEDOMETER GOING UP TO 45MPH DOWN AND BACK UP AGAIN FOR A 5 MINUTE PERIOD WHILE DRIVING ON THE PAVED ROAD AT ABOUT 30MPH. THIS CONTINUED BUT CAR ITSELF DID NOT ACCELERATE ABNORMALLY DESPITE CHANGE IN ENGINE SPEED AND WILD SPEEDOMETER. *TR
Feb 27, 2010
DT: TOTAL BREAKDOWN OF WIFE'S 2004 PRIUS ON SEPTEMBER 2 IN FINE WEATHER ONE IN SAN JOSE. THE VEHICLE DISPLAYED SUDDEN AND SIGNIFICANT LOSS OF POWER WHILE MERGING INTO THE INTERSTATE. LOSS OF GAS/ENGINE POWER WITH FAILURE OF THE INTERNAL COMBUSTION WITH ENGINE TO START, RESULTED IN ONLY ELECTRIC MOTOR PROPULSION AND BREAKDOWN ON THE HIGHWAY AS THE BATTERY QUICKLY WENT TO SINGLE PINK BAR LEVEL WITHIN A 1/2 MILES. MULTIPLE MIL LAMPS LIT UP AND STAYED ON. BEGAN TO MERGE ONTO THE HIGHWAY FROM A STOP SPEED OF 30 OR 40 MPH AND SLOWLY ACCELERATED INTO HEAVY TRAFFIC. SHE HAD TO PULL OFF TO THE (UGH) BREAKDOWN LANE OF THE HIGHWAY WITH ALL OF ITS DEBRIS, ETC. THE DEALER COMPLETED THE REPAIR, SAN JOSE INVOICE NUMBER TOCS190787 DTD 9/2/05 APPLIED EG047-04 ON CAR. THE DEALER REPAIRS SEEMED TO HAVE FIXED THE CAR. CONTACTED A TOYOTA PRIUS ADVISOR WITH THREE CONCERNS: IF THERE WAS A SERVICE BULLETIN FOR THIS CHARACTERISTIC THAT WOULD PREVENT THE ROADWAY FAILURE THEN WHY WAS IT NOT EXECUTED DURING PRIOR SERVICES 3-9-05, 5-26-05 & 6-09-05 AT THIS SAME DEALER. WHAT LED ONE TO BELIEVE THAT THE CAR WAS NOT RELIABLE AFTER THIS REPAIR. THE CONSUMER, AN ACCOMPLISHED ENGINEER, A KNEW ABOUT SOFTWARE BUGS. A SOFTWARE BUG DID NOT IMPAIR OPERATION UNTIL THE RIGHT COMBINATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS WAS REACHED. THE CONSUMER ASSUMED THAT ALL PRIUS HAD THIS POTENTIAL BUG THAT CONTAMINATED THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU). ECU. *AK
Sep 12, 2005
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT
2 complaints
REGARDING MY 2004 TOYOTA PRIUS: THE 'MULTI-INFORMATION DISPLAY, I.E., COMPUTER DISPLAY, DOES NOT FUNCTION FREQUENTLY, AT WHICH TIME A MESSAGE SAYING THE AIR CONDITIONER IS DISCONNECTED. SIMULTANEOUSLY, WHEN THIS MESSAGE APPEARS, THE RADIO INSTANTLY TURNS OFF. WHEN THIS OCCURS ACCESS TO THE COMPUTER IS IMPOSSIBLE, CONTROLS OF THE AIR CONDITIONER SYSTEM ARE UNAVAILABLE EXCEPT THROUGH THOSE ON THE STEERING WHEEL WHICH CONTINUE TO FUNCTION. THE COMPUTER FUNCTION LATER RANDOMLY IS RESTORED FOR BRIEF TO LONG PERIODS BUT REMAINS SUBJECT TO RANDOM FAILURE AGAIN. THIS FAILURE HAS EXISTED FOR YEARS. DEALERSHIPS REFUSED TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF THE EQUIPMENT. THIS DEFECT IS A MAJOR DISTRACTION TO SAFE OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE. FOR EXAMPLE, DURING COMPUTER SHUTDOWN PERIODS, IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO ALTER AIR CONDITIONER FAN SPEED DURING FREEZING AMBIENT WEATHER. *TR
Feb 24, 2010
MULTI-FUNCTION MONITOR DISPLAY INTERMITTENT BLANK OUT. NO DISPLAY FOR MULTI-FUNCTION DISPLAY UNIT. IT OCCURS VERY OFTEN SINCE JANUARY 2008. *TR
Feb 16, 2009
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
2 complaints
THE FUEL TANK CAN NOT BE FILLED UP WITHOUT SPILLING LARGE AMOUNT OF GAS, WHICH IS A GREAT FIRE HAZARD. IT SEEMS THAT THE FUEL TANK GETS TOO MUCH AIR INSIDE WHEN FILLING UP AND THE AIR PUSHES THE GAS GASHING OUT. *TR
Feb 15, 2010
DT:TWO WEEKS AGO, THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING HER 2004 TOYOTA PRIUS AT 50 MPH AND IT DIED. LUCKILY IT WAS NOT DURING RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC AND OCCURRED NEAR AN EXIT RAMP. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MANEUVER TO AN EXIT RAMP WHERE SHE COASTED DOWNHILL INTO AN OFF STREET. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER AND THEY HAVE HAD IT FOR 2 WEEKS NOW AND THEY STATED THE INVERTER THAT TIES THE HYBRID TO THE GAS SYSTEM WAS THE PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER FEEL THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW AND FEELS THAT SHE SHOULD HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED BY TOYOTA OF THIS PROBLEM. *JB *SB
Jun 07, 2005
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
2 complaints
1) AFTER BREAKING GENTLY TO A STOP, THE CAR SWITCHED TO BATTERY-MODE AND REPORTED ERRORS, INCLUDING "CHECK ENGINE" 2) THE CAR WOULD NOT SWITCH BACK TO THE GASOLINE ENGINE, AND COULD ONLY BE DRIVEN AT 40MPH ON BATTERY TO THE DEALER 3) THE DEALER REPORTED THAT THE ERROR CODES SUGGESTED THE ONBOARD COMPUTER HAD TO BE RESET, AND ONCE IT WAS RESET THE CAR WENT BACK TO NORMAL OPERATION
May 09, 2005
THE FUEL INDICATOR MALFUNCTIONS DURING THE WINTER MONTHS. IT STARTS TO SHOW EMPTY GAS TANK WHEN IT IS 1/2 FULL. THIS PROBLEM GOES AWAY WHEN TEMPORATURE RISES. TOYOTA IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND TELLS US THAT THIS IS PROBABLY DUE TO BAD GAS TANK DESIGN. THERE IS NO SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM FOR OVER ONE YEAR AND TOYOTA IS NOT WILLING TO FIX THIS ISSUE.*AK
Feb 08, 2005
STEERING,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving 51 MPH, the vehicle experienced phantom braking and a loss of power steering assist with the engine overheating message displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 154,079.
Jun 10, 2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle lost power steering functionality but the contact was able to safely pull off of the road. The contact stated that the check engine warning light and other unknown warning lights were illuminated before the vehicle stalled. Additionally, the instrument panel went black. The contact stated that she attempted to restart the vehicle but the vehicle would not restart. The contact had the vehicle towed to her residence and later towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed and it was determined that a wiring cable connector had melted onto the battery and affected the engine. Additionally, the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 83,200.
Apr 14, 2022
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
I need your help to get Toyota to fix 2 items: -ABS Accumulator: I understand Toyota at one time had a recall on the ‘ABS Accumulator’, that may have expired. At that time, I did not have any issue, nor was I aware of the recall. Now the ‘ABS Accumulator’ has gone out and is really hurting the braking. I had to get new brakes & they get locked because of the ABS malfunction. It is an expensive item – more than the cost of the car. I intend to keep the car for a long time, if Toyota can help me get the ABS Accumulator fixed? -MFD: The Multi-Functional Display (MFD) in the middle of the dashboard, has gone blank. It used to just partially blank out before, but now the whole screen is blank all the time, making it very hazardous to drive. Obviously, there is nothing I have done & it is a manufacturing defect, because it should last the life of the car. Please have Toyota fix the 2 problems (ABS & MFD). All requests to Toyota have gone unfulfilled. Your help is needed & will be greatly appreciated.
Apr 02, 2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
ALL THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER LIGHTS CONTINUE TO GO OUT ON MY 04 PRIUS. I DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH FUEL I HAVE THIS COULD BE A SAFETY ISSUE. I DON'T KNOW HOW FAST I'M GOING THIS COULD DEFINITELY BE A SAFETY ISSUE. AND ZERO WARNING LIGHTS COME ON THIS IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE. BY LOOKING ON THE INTERNET I CAN TELL THOUSANDS OF PRIUSES HAVE THIS EXACT SAME ISSUE WITH THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER GOING OUT. THIS SHOULD DEFINITELY BE A RECALL.
Nov 08, 2020
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
I AM THE OWNER OF A 2004 PRIUS. AFTER BUYING MY CAR USED 2 YEARS AGO I NOTICED THAT ONCE IN AWHILE THE DISPLAY, INCLUDING FUEL CONSUMPTION, SPEEDOMETER, ODOMETER, AND MORE, WOULD NOT LIGHT UP AND THAT THE CAR WOULD NOT TURN OFF EASILY SEVERAL TIMES I HAVE BEEN IN SITUATIONS WHERE I HAVE LITTLE GAS AN AM UNABLE TO SEE MY GAS GAUGE OR KNOW HOW FAT IAM GOING ON THE HIGHWAY. I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS WAS ONCE COVERED BY TOYOTA UNDER THE WARRANTY EXTENSION BUT IS NOT CONSIDERED A SAFETY CONCERN. THE WARRANTY EXTENSION IS EXPIRED. IN WHAT UNIVERSE ARE A FUNCTIONING FUEL GAUGE AND SPEEDOMETER NOT CONSIDERED A SAFETY CONCERN? I AM ALSO CONCERNED THAT THIS WILL DETERIORATE FURTHER AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.
Apr 22, 2019
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
(COMBINATION METER PROBLEM) WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT ON THE FREEWAY THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT PANEL (DASH BOARD) STARTED BLINKING ON AND OFF. FOR OUR SAFETY, WE DECIDED TO SLOW DOWN AND EXIT THE FREEWAY AND STOP IN A SAFE AREA. WE TURNED THE IGNITION OFF, THEN STARTED THE CAR, WITH NOTHING APPEARING ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL BESIDE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. WE LOST THE SPEEDOMETER, ALL GAUGES AND ALL THE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS WHICH NORMALLY HELPS TO GUIDE OUR DRIVING.WE HAD TO TAKE THE CAR TO THE TOYOTA DEALER THE FOLLOWING MORNING WHICH TOOK SEVEN DAYS TO REPLACE THE COMBO METER. I LATER FOUND OUT THAT THIS ISSUE IS NOT KNEW AND THERE WAS A LETTER ISSUED BY TOYOTA TITLED (2004 TO CERTAIN 2009 MODEL YEAR PRIUS VEHICLES COMBINATION METER WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT NOTICE). THE LETTER STATED THAT THEY HAD PROBLEMS WITH SOME OF THESE PRIUS YEAR MODELS AND THAT IF THE OWNER DID NOT EXPERIENCE THIS CONDITION TO FILE THE LETTER IN THEIR VEHICLE'S OWNER'S WARRANTY INFORMATION BOOKLET. HERE IS MY REQUEST: THIS SHOULD NOT BE A WARRANTY ISSUE BUT SHOULD HAVE BEEN A SAFETY RECALL AS DEPENDING OF THE NUMBER OF MILES THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN, THIS ISSUE SEEMS TO SOONER OR LATER OCCUR. I REPAIRED MY VEHICLE AND PAID FOR ALL THE REPAIRS, ALL I NEED NOW IS FOR THE NHTSA TO LOOK INTO THIS PROBLEM, INVESTIGATE IT AND HAVE TOYOTA SEND A RECALL LETTER RATHER THAN AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. THIS WAY I CAN RECEIVE A REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE REPAIRS. HERE IS A LINK TO THE LETTER AND ALL CONSUMERS COMPLAINTS: HTTPS://WWW.TOYOHEADQUARTERS.COM/THREADS/2004-2009-TOYOTA-PRIUS-COMBINATION-METER-WARRANTY-EXTENSION-ZTV.174/ I BELIEVE FOR THE SAFETY OF ALL PRIUS DRIVERS IN THE USA, THIS SHOULD BE CHANGED TO A RECALL SINCE MANY OF THESE MODEL AND YEAR PRIUS VEHICLES ARE STILL ON THE ROAD AND WILL REACH A CERTAIN MILEAGE TO MAKE TO COMBINATION METER FAIL.
Apr 01, 2019
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
ABS ACTUATOR FAILURES. EFFECTING THE BRAKING.
Jan 27, 2019
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
I WAS DRIVING MY 2004 TOYOTA PRIUS ON THE HIGHWAY THERE WERE 5 PASSENGERS IN THE CAR INCLUDING ME. SUDDENLY THERE WAS A LOUD ALARM IN THE CAR. IT WAS A LOUD BEEP. THE BREAKS COMPLETELY FAILED. WHEN I STEPPED ON THE BREAKS THEY DID NOT REACT. I WAS GOING 65 MILES AN HOUR ON THE HIGHWAY AND THANKFULLY WE WERE NOT GOING DOWN HILL. I USED THE ENGINE BRAKE AND PRESSED REALLY HARD ON THE BREAKS TO BRING THE CAR TO A STOP ON AN OFF-RAMP. SINCE I WEIGHT 300 POUNDS I COULD PUT ALL MY WEIGHT INTO THE BRAKES AND FINALLY BROUGHT IT TO A STOP. IF MY WIFE WAS DRIVING WE WOULD HAVE CRASHED. THE WHOLE EPISODE TOOK LIKE 3 MINUTES. IT WAS AGONIZING BECAUSE I THOUGHT WE WERE GOING TO CRASH AGAINST OTHER CARS BECAUSE I HAD NO WAY OF INFORMING THEM THAT I HAD NO BRAKES. THE IDEA OF GOING IN THE RAMP WAS TRYING TO MINIMIZE THE DAMAGE TO OTHER PEOPLE. THE ALARM CONTINUES WHEN I TURNED ON THE CAR. I TOOK THE THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THAT THE ACTUATOR WAS THE CULPRIT. THEY TOLD ME IT WAS A MATTER OF TIME. I WAS SITTING ON A FAULTY PART. THEY SAID IT WAS ON A WARRANTY AND NOT ON A RECALL SO THEY COULD HAVE ONLY FIXED IT IF IT FAILED AND I WAS TOO LATE FOR THE FIX. THE WARRANTY EXPIRED ON DECEMBER 31, 2017. IN OTHER WORDS, MY 147,700 MILES TOYOTA IS ESSENTIALLY TOTALED. THE FIX COST MORE THAN THE VALUE OF THE CAR. THEY TOLD ME TO DISABLE THE ABS AND I WOULD BE OK. A MAVIS BRAKE MECHANIC TELLS ME NOT RISK IT. I ALWAYS TOOK MY TOYOTA TO SERVICE AT TOYOTA DEALERSHIPS. THEY NEVER MENTIONED THE RECALL IN SPITE OF THE FACT THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT WAS ON. WHEN THEY PERFORMED THE OIL CHANGE THE LIGHT WOULD TURN OFF FOR SEVERAL WEEKS AND THEN TURN ON. I COULD HAVE KILLED MYSELF IN THE CAR. I FEEL LUCKY THAT NOTHING HAPPENED. I AM LOOKING FOR A MECHANIC TO FIX THE PROBLEM BUT IT IS HARD TO FIND INDEPENDENT HYBRID MECHANICS. TOYOTA WANTS TO CHARGE $2800
Aug 06, 2018
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
THIS OCCURRED TO ME YESTERDAY WHILE TRAVELING 60 MPH IN 94 F HEAT ON I-76 E JUST BEFORE THE 676 / 76 SPLIT. I WAS TRAVELING IN THE FAR LEFT LANE WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY LOST POWER. LOOKING AT THE DASH I NOTICED THE SHIFTER HAD MOVED ITSELF INTO N (NEUTRAL), IT WOULD NOT MOVE BACK INTO DRIVE. I APPLIED MY HAZARD LIGHTS AND BEGAN FORCED MY WAY RIGHTWARD ACROSS THREE LANES TO THE SHOULDER, SPEED RAPIDLY DECREASING AND SEEMINGLY MORE SLUGGISHLY THAN A NORMAL COAST. I THINK THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS AUTOMATICALLY BEING APPLIED OR I WAS FIGHTING A BRAKING SYSTEM. ONE LANE FROM THE SHOULDER, A UPS TRUCK WAS HEADED FOR ME FROM BEHIND. LUCKILY, HE WAS ABLE TO SWERVE INTO THE SHOULDER AND PASS ME THERE AS HE COULD NOT MOVE LEFT INTO OTHER TRAFFIC. WE ONLY NARROWLY AVOIDED A COLLISION WITH ME OR THE ELEVATED BARRIER ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I HAD ONLY 10 MPH LEFT AND NO ABILITY TO REDIRECT MY VEHICLE. ONCE ON THE SIDE OF THE EXPRESSWAY, I WAS ABLE TO GOOGLE THIS WELL-KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE VEHICLE. I LET THE VEHICLE COOL OFF, TURNED OFF THE AIR CONDITIONING, THOUGH DIDN'T WANT TO RISK TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF. I WAS CONCERNED I WOULD HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL NIGHTFALL TO GET BACK INTO TRAFFIC (STILL FLOWING AROUND 60 MPH AND A VERY NARROW SHOULDER) LUCKILY DURING A SMALL TRAFFIC BACKUP UP THE ROAD I WAS ABLE TO RE-ENTER TRAFFIC AT A MODEST SPEED. I CROSSED MY FINGERS AS THE REST OF MY COMMUTE (ANOTHER 2 MILES OR SO) WAS 95% HIGHWAY DRIVING. LUCKILY THE CAR HELD OUT FOR ME TO GET HOME.
Jul 12, 2018
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,WHEELS
1 complaint
CONTACTS STATED WATER PUMP AND ALTERNATOR STOPPED WORKING TWICE ON I'-5 TOWED TO TOYOTA TACOMA WHERE THEY FLUSHED FUEL BILLED $500 CAR BROKE DOWN ON WAY HOME TOWED BACK TO TOYOTA TOLD CHARGE WOULD BE 2500 TO FIX .. FLATBED DEDICATED CAR TO BRON'S AUTO HOSES AND COOLANT SYSTEM WAS MELTED PAYED $1500 TO REPLACE IN TIRE COOLANT SYSTEM AND STILL OWE 600 TO SYNCHRONY CAR CARE CARD NOW RETURNING HOME LAST WEEK TURNING AROUND TO BACK UP THERE WAS A LOUD CRUNCH STEERING BROKE STEERING WHEEL CRUNCHES WHEN TURNED WHEELS DO NOT TURN AT ALL MOVING DOWN THE ROAD CALLED TOYOTA THEY SAID THEY FIXED BOTH ON RECALL TO FIX IT MYSELF IT WASN'T THERE PROBLEM PARTS WORE OUT KICK ROCKS THE PARTS DIDN'T WEAR OUT THEY BROKE 5 MINUTES SOONER ID HAVE BEEN HEAD ON IN TRAFFIC ON HWY 405 INSTEAD OF BACKING UP ON THE CITY STREET. UNABLE TO STEER INTO OUR DRIVEWAY I'M ALREADY STUCK MAKING PAYMENTS ON COOLANT SYSTEM REPAIRS THAT WERE RECALL*DT *TP
May 27, 2018
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
MY PRIUS SUDDENLY HAD A 70 TO80% LOSS OF BRAKE POWER. MY PARKING BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON ALONG WITH THE ABS, VCS, THE RED TRIANGLE AND A LOAD BUZZER. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED AT HIGHWAY SPEED I COULD HAVE REAR-ENDED OR KILLED SOMEONE. AFTER TURNING MY CAR OFF AND LETTING IT SIT THE LIGHTS STAYED OFF. THIS CONCERNS ME BECAUSE IT COULD LEAD TO A FALSE SENSE THERE'S NOTHING WRONG. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALER AND THEY SEEMED TO KNOW RIGHT AWAY IT WAS THE ABS BRAKE ACTUATOR CODE C1256. I DID SOME DIGGING AND IT SEEMS THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM AND YET IT'S NOT A RECALL ISSUE. I WANT EVERYBODY TO KNOW THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. MY PRIUS WAS BOUGHT NEW BY MY SENIOR PARENTS, THEY KEPT IT GARAGED AND ONLY HAD 45000. MILES ON IT WHEN I BOUGHT IT FROM THERE ESTATE. AT THE TIME THE MALFUNCTION AC CURED IT STILL ONLY HAS 72456. MILES ON IT. FOR A PART TO MALFUNCTION WITH SUCH LITTLE MILES TO ME INDICATES A VERY SERIOUS DEFECT. IN MOTION GOING STRAIGHT DRIVING AT 25 MPH RESIDENTIAL STREET.
Mar 29, 2018
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
PLEASE ADD THIS INFORMATION TO CASE NO. 11065233. LEAKING FUEL LINE PART NO. 77251-47080 AND 23901-21081. THIS MAY HELP FUTURE OWNERS THAT COULD EXPERIENCE THE SAME FUEL LEAKS.
Jan 29, 2018
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
MY 2004 PRIUS'S CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TURNS ON RANDOMLY WND OFTEN AND I LOSE FULL POWER OF THE CAR. THE BATTERY IS FULLY CHARGED. THE CAR STOPPED 4 TIMES TODAY - LOST ALL POWER AND THE BRAKE WOULD NOT STOP THE CAR.
Sep 16, 2017
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA PRUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATED. THIS WAS A RECURRING FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 106,000.
Sep 04, 2015
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
SPEEDOMETER & OTHER CONTROL INFORMATION DISPLAY WENT BLANK. PULLED OVER TO SIDE OF ROAD BUT UNABLE TO TURN OFF ENGINE. CONTACTED TOYOTA & WAS TOLD PROBLEM IS KNOWN & WARRANTY EXTEND TO 9 YEARS & UNLIMITED MILES. HOWEVER, MY VEHICLE IS OLDER THAN NINE YEARS, SO I MUST PAY ESTIMATE $1400 TO FIX & CAR WILL BE UNAVAILABLE FOR ESTIMATE 2 WEEKS. THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE, PRIOR TO THIS KNOWN PROBLEM OCCURRING CAR WAS OPERATING PERFECTLY ( AVERAGING 50 MPG PER TANK OF GAS, DOCUMENTED). THIS APPEARS TO BE A SAFETY PROBLEM THAT WAS KNOWN BY THE MANUFACTURER, HOWEVER THEY SEEMS TO BE TRYING TO HIDE THIS BY MAKING THE STATISTICAL ESTIMATE THAT BY EXTENDING THE WARRANTY THE MAJORITY OF THESE CARS WOULD BE OFF THE ROAD AND THEIR LAWYERS & LEGAL INSURANCE WOULD COST LESS THAN THE FEW HUMANS KILLS AFTER THIS ARBITRARY 9 YEAR RISK PERIOD. I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED AS A RESULT OF THIS FAILURE! FORTUNATELY I WAS NOT, HOWEVER I AM LEFT WITH A VEHICLE THAT IS UNDRIVEABLE (WITH NO WARNING!) AND CAN ONLY BE REPAIRED BY TOYOTA AT A COST I AM NOT ABLE TO AFFORD!
Jul 09, 2015
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
2004 & 2010 TOYOTA PRIUS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO REAR VIEW VISIBILITY AND BRAKING ISSUES IN BOTH VEHICLES. *SMD
Sep 09, 2013
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
MY 2004 PRIUS HAS A TOUCH SCREEN DISPLAY THAT CONTROLS MANY FUNCTIONS INCLUDING CLIMATE CONTROLS. ON A RECENT MORNING I STARTED MY VEHICLE AND GOT AN ERROR MESSAGE SAYING "NO EXTERNAL CONNECTION TO AIR CONDITIONER" AT THE SAME TIME I COULD NOT ACCESS HEATER, DEFROST, NAVIGATION, HYBRID MONITOR OR HANDS FREE PHONE. FORTUNATELY, I HAD A RAG IN THE CAR AND COULD KEEP MY WINDOW CLEAN. AFTER 20 MINUTES OF DRIVING, THE RADIO CUT OUT AND THEN ALL CONTROLS CAME BACK. ANOTHER 10 MINUTES OF DRIVING AND THE CONTROLS CUT BACK OFF. THIS PROBLEM NOW OCCURS EACH TIME I DRIVE THE VEHICLE. WHEN I RESEARCHED THIS ISSUE ON THE INTERNET, I DISCOVERED THIS IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM WITH THE DISPLAYS ON THE 04 AND 05 PRIUS. TOYOTA ISSUED (TSB) EL002-05 DEALING WITH THIS ISSUE BUT OFFERED NO RECALL. THE PROBLEM LIES IN THE CIRCUIT BOARDS THAT WERE SUPPLIED TO TOYOTA MOTORS. I LIVE IN MAINE AND NOT HAVING ACCESS TO MY WINDOW DEFROSTER IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN. I HAVE TO KEEP A RAG IN THE CAR TO KEEP MY WINDOW CLEAN. TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE REFUSES TO FIX THIS BECAUSE I AM BEYOND THE 3 YR / 36000 MILE WARRANTY. THIS IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT THAT CAUSES LOSS OF VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING. ABSOLUTELY SHOULD BE A RECALL CAMPAIGN FOR VEHICLES MANUFACTURED WITH THIS DEFECT. *TR
Apr 03, 2013
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
WATER INTRUSION CAUSED CORROSION OF THE MAIN ENGINE WIRING HARNESS WHICH CAUSED A FAULT IN THE AUXILIARY 12V BATTERY AND HAS MADE THE VEHICLE UNDRIVEABLE. TOYOTA CANNOT DETERMINE THE SOURCE OR CAUSE OF THE WATER INTRUSION EVEN THOUGH I HAVE BROUGHT IN THE VEHICLE FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE SINCE I PURCHASED IT AND I HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT A PROBLEM WHICH IS RELATED TO THE AUXILIARY 12V BATTERY SEVERAL TIMES IN THE PAST. THIS SEEMS TO BE A FLAW IN THE 2004 PRIUS DESIGN. *TR
Oct 29, 2012
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE
1 complaint
MY 24 YR. OLD CHILD WAS DRIVING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY AT 5 MPH WHEN THE CAR STOPPED AND ALL WARNING LIGHTS INCLUDING BRAKES AND ENGINE AND TRIANGLE WENT ON. IT WOULD NOT RESTART. IT WOULD NOT TAKE A BATTERY JUMP. HAD IT TOWED TO TOYOTA SERVICE AND THEY DISCOVERED CODE P0335 PRESENT AND VERIFIED A FAULTY CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR, REPLACED IT, AND CLEANED THROTTLE BODY. THE CAR WORKS NOW. COST FOR DIAGNOSIS AND SERVICE WAS $367.07. THIS FAULTY PART WAS A PART OF A RECALL DATED IN 2006 FOR 2001 AND 2002 PRIUSES. WE WISH TO ADVISE THE AGENCY THAT WE BELIEVE THE YEAR 2004 AND PERHAPS OTHER YEARS OUGHT TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THE SAME RECALL AS THE 2001 AND 2002 PRIUS MODELS WITH RESPECT TO A FAULTY CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR. WE BELIEVE OUR CAR HAD A FAULTY SENSOR AND THAT WE SHOULD BE A PART OF THE EARLIER RECALL, AND ALSO OBTAIN A FULL REIMBURSEMENT FOR CHARGES. THIS SUDDEN STOPPING BY THE VEHICLE POSES A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION FOR ANY DRIVER. OUR CHILD WOULD HAVE BEEN ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY JUST A FEW MINUTES LATER AND COULD HAVE BEEN THE VICTIM OF A HORRENDOUS ACCIDENT. WE URGE YOUR AGENCY TO BE PROACTIVE IN INVESTIGATING THIS MATTER. THANK YOU. *TR
Oct 24, 2012
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
THE DRIVER'S SIDE HID HEADLIGHT, INTERMITTENTLY, UNPREDICTABLY AND INEXPLICABLY SHUTS OFF. IT WILL OCCASIONALLY RETURN TO SERVICE ON ITS OWN, BUT USUALLY REQUIRES A CYCLING OF THE LIGHT'S POWER SWITCH BEFORE FULL FUNCTION IS RESTORED. AFTER WHICH, THE LENGTH OF TIME BEFORE THE LIGHT SHUTS OFF AGAIN VARIES FROM A FEW SECONDS TO NOT AT ALL. AFTER RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE, IT SEEMS TO BE A RATHER SYSTEMIC PROBLEM WITH THE 2004-2009 PRIUS. OBVIOUSLY, THE SITUATION THIS CONDITION CREATES IS UNSAFE AT BEST, CAN PLACE ME PERSONALLY IN AN UNEXPECTED ILLEGAL POSITION - AND (SHOULD BOTH LIGHTS GO OUT TOGETHER, AS SOME HAVE REPORTED) COULD QUITE POSSIBLY BE LIFE THREATENING. FOR THE SAFETY OF THE DRIVING PUBLIC, I WOULD STRONGLY URGE NHTSA TO INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE. TOYOTA MUST TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR DESIGN FLAW, AND ENGINEER A RESOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM. *TT
Oct 27, 2011
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
2004 TOYOTA PRIUS. CONSUMER WRITES REGARDING RECALL ACCELERATOR PEDAL INTERFERENCE *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HE HAS RECEIVED TWO RECALL LETTERS. HE STATED HE IS PLEASED WITH HIS VEHICLE AND IS SKEPTICAL ABOUT LETTING THE DEALER WORK ON HIS VEHICLE. *JB THE CONSUMER STATED THE GAS GAUGE WAS INOPERATIVE, TO THE POINT WHERE GAS WOULD LEAK OUT AFTER FILLING THE TANK. THE DEALER INFORMED HIM, THEY SIMPLY DID NOT KNOW HOW TO FIX THE PROBLEM. UPDATED 12/01/11. *JB
Nov 17, 2010
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
2004 TOYOTA PRIUS. CONSUMER ASSERTS THAT VEHICLE ACCIDENT WAS CAUSED BY A COMPUTER MALFUNCTION *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT, ON ONE OCCASION, THE VEHICLE BOLTED AND JERKED SLIGHTLY AS SHE STOPPED THE VEHICLE. WHEN SHE ATTEMPTED TO TAKE OFF, THE VEHICLE RESPONDED SLUGGISHLY AND THEN ACCELERATED QUICKLY. THE DAY OF THE ACCIDENT, AS THE CONSUMER APPROACHED THE STOP SIGN, THE VEHICLE STARTED BUCKING AND JERKING VIOLENTLY. AFTER SHE PULLED OFF FROM THE STOP SIGN, SHE CRASHED INTO A LARGE SUV. THE CONSUMER STATED SHE SAW THE SUV PASS, SO SHE PURPOSELY WAITED SO SHE COULD MAKE A LEFT TURN, BUT ENDED CAUSING SEVERE DAMAGE TO HER VEHICLE. *JB
Oct 18, 2010
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
THE AUTOMOBILE WAS STOPPED AT A INTERSECTION AND THE PAVEMENT WAS WET FROM A LIGHT RAIN. I APPLIED NORMAL PRESSURE TO THE ACCELERATOR AND FELT THE CAR MOVE FORWARD AS EXPECTED. THEN THE PROBLEM OCCURS, I FELT THE TIRES SLIP DUE TO A LOST OF TRACTION WITH THE WET PAVEMENT. AT THAT POINT THE ANTI-SKID/TRACTION CONTROL ENGAGED AND STOPPED ALL POWER TO THE WHEELS. THIS LEFT ME PART WAY INTO THE INTERSECTION AND NO POWER TO THE WHEELS. PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR EVEN TO THE FLOOR RESULTED IN NO CHANGE, NO MOTOR OR ENGINE POWER. THIS HAS OCCURRED THREE TIME IN SIMILAR CONDITIONS, WITH MIXED RESULTS. TWICE THE PROBLEM COULD OF LEAD TO AN MAJOR ACCIDENT. IN SUMMARY THIS PROBLEM DISABLE THE DRIVE TRAIN IN A UNPREDICTABLE MANNER THAT TAKES THE DRIVER OUT OF THE PROCESS. *TR
Jul 20, 2010
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
2004 TOYOTA PRIUS ACCELERATES DUE TO GAS PEDAL GETTING STUCK IN THE FLOOR MAT. THIS MORNING I WAS DRIVING MY TOYOTA PRIUS 2004 THAT I BOUGHT FROM THE ORIGINAL OWNER WHO MENTIONED ALL RECALL ISSUES WERE ADDRESSED BY TOYOTA DEALERSHIP. HE MENTIONED THE DEALER SHAVED OFF THE GAS PEDAL TO MAKE IT SHORTER. BUT TODAY, WHILE ON I 495 GOING EASTWARDS JUST BEFORE ENTERING THE HOV LANE, I PRESSED THE GAS PEDAL ALL THE WAY DOWN TO OVER TAKE ANOTHER SLOW VEHICLE. THE CAR ENGINE KEPT RAISING NOISE, AND CAR STARTED TO ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN. I BRAKED, THE CAR SLOWED A BIT BUT ENGINE KEPT RUNNING FAST... I REALIZED THIS IS POTENTIALLY SAME ISSUE THAT PEOPLE REPORTED ON PRESS AND WITH LOT OF STRUGGLE TRYING TO BRAKE AND SLOW DOWN, REALIZED AND PUT THE CAR INTO N, NEUTRAL POSITION. I AM LUCKY TO KNOW THIS FROM MEDIA REPORTS, OTHERWISE I WOULD HAVE BEEN ANOTHER DEAD GUY ON A PRIUS! WHILE I WAS STILL ON HIGHWAY, NEEDING TO MAINTAIN SPEED I PUT THE CAR BACK ON DRIVE MODE, D AND THE PROBLEM CONTINUED. I REALIZED, I CAN LIFT THE GAS PEDAL WITH MY LEFT FOOT, AND SUCCEEDED IN UNTANGLING THE PEDAL FROM THE FLOOR MAT. AFTER I DID THAT IT WAS FINE. I ARRIVED AT WORK, BUT WITH EXTREME SHOCK AND DISAPPOINTMENT. I AM WONDERING HOW THIS PROBLEM CAN STILL REMAIN AFTER A RECALL REPAIR IS DONE ON THIS VEHICLE. THIS IS COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE AND MY LIFE WAS IN TOTAL RISK AND I SURVIVED TODAY PURELY BECAUSE OF MY TECHNICAL SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THIS CAR ISSUE. I AM AN ENGINEER IN PROFESSION, A MECHANICAL ENGINEER WITH A MASTERS DEGREE AND I UNDERSTOOD HOW TO REACT. IF IT WAS FOR MY OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS IN THIS SITUATION THE OUTCOME WOULD HAVE BEEN TOTALLY DIFFERENT. I AM VERY VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH TOYOTA CORPORATION AND ALSO WITH YOU, THE NHTSA FOR NOT MAKING SURE THAT ALL PRIUS OUT THERE ARE SAFETY COMPLIANT. THIS IS REALLY TERRIBLE ! ...BECAUSE ITS A KNOWN ISSUE, AND OLD ISSUE THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN CORRECTED. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Jul 13, 2010
PARKING BRAKE,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
MY 2004 TOYOTA PRIUS HAS LEFT ME STRANDED FOR 15 MINUTE PERIODS OF TIME WHILE PARKED ON MY STREET. ALL THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS COME ON AS WELL AS THE FOLLOWING RED WARNING "CAUTION - TRANSMISSION "P" LOCK MECHANISM IS ABNORMAL. PARK IN A FLAT PLACE AND APPLY BRAKE." I WAS PARKED ON A MILD INCLINE AND I ALWAYS USE MY PARKING BRAKE. THIS HOWEVER MAKES ME SUSPICIOUS OF WHETHER THE PARKING BRAKE IS HARDY ENOUGH TO WORK WHEN PARKED ON THE CROWN OF A STREET PARKING SPACE. I APPLIED AND RE-APPLIED MY PARKING BRAKE WITHOUT SUCCESS. I OPEN AND CLOSED THE HOOD WITHOUT SUCCESS. I OPEN AND CLOSED MY DOOR WITHOUT SUCCESS. I PLACED ALL MY PASSENGER SEAT ITEMS ON THE FLOOR WITHOUT SUCCESS. I HELD THE IGNITION BUTTON WITHOUT SUCCESS. I PLACED MY KEY FOB INTO THE IGNITION WITHOUT SUCCESS. AND WHEN TRYING TO REMOVE MY KEY FOB SO I COULD GO CALL A TOW TRUCK, THE ENTIRE DASHBOARD HOUSING FOR THE IGNITION KEY CAME LOOSE AND DIS-ARTICULATED IN MY HAND. I JUST CAREFULLY PUSHED THE PLASTIC HOUSING BACK INTO THE DASHBOARD.... HOWEVER, THAT WAS DEPRESSING TO SEE. FINALLY, AFTER ALL THE TINKERING FOR 15 MINUTES, MY CAR FINALLY TURNED OFF. I WAS THEN ABLE TO TURN IT BACK ON AND DRIVE AWAY WITHOUT A PROBLEM. IN RETROSPECT, THIS HAS HAPPENED ON AT LEAST 4 OCCASIONS SINCE DECEMBER 24, 2009 AND I JUST ASSUMED THAT DURING THE BOUT WITH MY INJURED LEG THAT I WAS NOT ADEQUATELY PLACING ENOUGH FORCE ON THE PARKING BRAKE..... BUT SHOULD THIS HAPPEN SO EASILY?? I HAVE SEEN MANY OTHER SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ONLINE. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THIS IS PART OF THE WHOLE SAFETY ISSUES WITH CARS NOT BEING ABLE TO STOP WHILE RUNNING. THANKS. *TR
May 31, 2010
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A VEHICLE AS SHE ATTEMPTED TO SLOW DOWN. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE CONTACT WAS INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 74,000.
Apr 16, 2010
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
1 complaint
I WAS TURNING MY 2004 PRIUS INTO A PARKING GARAGE AT BETWEEN 2-5 MILES AN HOUR, APPLIED THE BRAKES AS I WAS GOING IN OVER A SMALL LIP/BUMP IN THE PAVEMENT, AND THE CAR ACCELERATED ON IT'S OWN. I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO SWERVE AND REAPPLY THE BRAKES IN TIME TO AVOID HITTING AN ONCOMING EXITING CAR. IT WAS VERY SCARY AND I ALMOST HIT THE OTHER DRIVER. I HAVE NEVER HAD THIS HAPPEN BEFORE. THERE HAS BEEN A COUPLE SIMILAR INCIDENCES WHERE I WAS BRAKING WHILE COMING UP TO A STOP, HIT A BUMP OR POTHOLE IN THE ROAD AND THE BRAKES FELT LIKE THEY STOPPED WORKING FOR A SPLIT SECOND AND THEN SEEMED TO HAVE RESUMED. IT IS A STRANGE SENSATION WHEN YOU ARE EXPECTING A STOP. THE CAR HAS ALWAYS BEEN SERVICED AT A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP EVERY 5,000 MILES SINCE IT WAS NEW AND WILL BE DUE AGAIN IN ABOUT 2 WEEKS. *TR
Mar 16, 2010
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA PRIUS HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT, AND AN UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND ADVISED THE VEHICLE WAS SAFE TO DRIVE; UNLESS THE TEMPERATURE, BRAKE OR OIL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO LOSE POWER AND THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURES WERE RELATED TO THE INVERTER WATER PUMP AND THE SKID CONTROL ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU). THE INVERTER WATER PUMP WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED A SECOND TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THE MALFUNCTION. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 61,000.
Mar 11, 2010
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
MULTIFUNCTION TOUCH SCREEN DISPLAY (MFD) MALFUNCTION DISABLES THE WINDSHIELD DEFOGGER. ONE MUST WIPE THE WINDSHIELD BY HAND. IF THE WINDSHIELD FOGS WHILE DRIVING ON A NARROW AND WINDING ROAD OR BUSY HIGHWAY, THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS ARE AT HIGH RISK. THERE IS A WEBSITE THAT SHOWS WHAT THE PROBLEM IS AND HOW TO FIX IT (HTTP://TECHNO-FANDOM.ORG/~HOBBIT/CARS/MFD/). A MULTI-PIN CONNECTOR HAS A FAULTY PIN. THE SOLDERING CRACKS OVER TIME RESULTING IN A LOOSE CONNECTION. TOYOTA DOES NOT PROVIDE AN AFFORDABLE SOLUTION. THEY OFFER TO REMOVE THE TWO COMPUTER UNITS FROM BEHIND THE MFD AND REPLACE THEM FOR APPROXIMATELY $3,000, RATHER THAN SIMPLY RE-SOLDERING THE CONNECTOR PIN. I CANNOT AFFORD TO REPAIR THIS, AND TOYOTA HAS NOT OFFERED ANY VIABLE SOLUTIONS. THIS AFFECTS ALL EARLY TYPE 2 PRIUSES. *TR
Mar 04, 2010
PARKING BRAKE,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
REPEATED BRAKING AT SLOW SPEEDS RESULTED IN BOTH ABS AND BRAKE ON SIGNALS, OWNER'S MANUAL SAYS STOP DRIVING AND CONTACT DEALER IMMEDIATELY. DROVE SLOWLY TO DEALER WHO RAN DIAGNOSTICS.($98)TOLD TO REPLACE COMPUTER ($2000) NOT IN STOCK. TOLD OK TO DRIVE UNTIL REPLACEMENT. ADJUSTED SOMETHING. WARNING LIGHTS OPERATED AS EXPECTED. SITUATION RECURRED TWICE. OWNER'S MANUAL INDICATED KNOWLEDGE OF POSSIBLE FAILURE. ALSO "PARKING BRAKE ABNORMAL STATUS HAS APPEARED TWICE. NO EXPLANATION IN MANUAL *TW
Feb 07, 2010
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 40-45 MPH THE GASOLINE MOTOR WOULD FAIL, AND THEN CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO STALL WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TWICE. THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED FIRST, AND THEN THE FUEL SYSTEM WAS FLUSHED. THE SECOND REPAIR CORRECTED THE PROBLEM, BUT THE PROBLEM OF THE VEHICLE LOCKING IN PARK WAS NOT ADDRESSED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 32,100. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 31,999. UPDATED 01/12/10 *BF ALL OF THE ALARM LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD HAD ILLUMINATED WHEN ACCELERATING. WHEN THE CONSUMER STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND SWITCHED TO PARK, HE WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL. AFTER ABOUT 15 MINUTES, THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO SHIFT TO NEUTRAL. THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL DID NOT DISPLAY A CLEAR EXPLANATION THAT THE INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE WAS NOT STARTING AND THAT THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING ON THE BATTERY ONLY. UPDATED 01/15/10.*JB
Dec 07, 2009
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
ABOUT 40% OF THE TIME, MY TOYOTA PRIUS DOESN'T WANT TO STOP OR SLOW DOWN WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED. UNDER THESE CONDITIONS, I HAVE TO APPLY THE BRAKES HARD AND THEN THE CAR WILL SLOW DOWN. IT FEELS LIKE THE CAR WANTS TO "RUN AWAY" WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED. IT EXHIBITS THIS BEHAVIOR IN MANY CIRCUMSTANCES: STOPPING AT A STOP LIGHT, SLOWING DOWN ON AN EXPRESSWAY, OR SLOWING DOWN ON A CITY STREET. *TR UPDATED 11/23/09 *BF THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE PASSENGER FRONT WINDOW SWITCH WASN'T OPENING OR CLOSING THE WINDOW UNLESS THE MASTER SWITCH WAS USED. THE THROTTLE BODY HAD TO BE CLEANED. THE FAN BELT AND BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WERE REPLACED. UPDATED 11/24/09 UPDATED 01/06/10 *BF UPDATED 01/07/10.*JB
Nov 16, 2009
AIR BAGS,SEATS
1 complaint
DRIVER'S FRONT SEAT FRAME FAILED UPON REAR IMPACT. CAR WAS STOPPED, IMPACT WAS AT APPROXIMATELY 25MPH. THE SEAT BACK PORTION WAS TWISTED TOWARDS THE DRIVER'S DOOR WHILE THE SEAT BOTTOM PORTION REMAINED FACING FORWARD. NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. CAR WAS TOTALED. *TR
Jun 10, 2009
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
WHILE NORMAL CONDITIONS I HAVE EXPERIENCED A MAJOR BRAKE MALFUNCTION, BOTH THE ABS AND THE BRAKE LIGHTS COME ON. THE VEHICLE BARELY HAS BRAKES, THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES SINCE I HAVE BOUGHT THE VEHICLE 2 YEARS AGO. I HAVE TAKEN MY VEHICLE 6 TIMES TO HAVE TO IT FIXED, AND THEY HAVE NEVER BEEN ABLE TO FIX IT. BRAKES REPEATEDLY FAIL ON A REGULAR BASES. THEY HAVE REPLACED THE BRAKE ACCUMULATOR, BRAKE COMPUTER, RESET THE BRAKE PISTON CALPALTORS, AND THE RELAY THAT CONTROL THE BRAKES, AND THE 12 VOLT BATTERY. NONE OF THESE REPAIRS HAVE WORKED. BRAKES STILL FAIL REGULARLY. COMPLAINT LODGE WITH TOYOTA CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CENTER. *TR
Jan 15, 2009
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL
1 complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAS NO TRACTION WHILE DRIVING UPHILL AT ANY SPEED. THE VEHICLE WILL NOT MOVE OR GO FORWARD. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 65,300 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000. UPDATED 04/16/08. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN THE TRACTION CONTROL DETECTS NO TRACTION ON ANY DRIVE WHEEL, THE VEHICLE REFUSES TO GIVE POWER TO THE WHEELS. THE VEHICLE FREEZES.
Apr 02, 2008
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
2004 TOYOTA PRIUS HAVING PROBLEMS STARTING.**CC THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER SEVERAL TRIES, THE VEHICLE STARTED, HOWEVER WHEN HE SHIFTED INTO THE DRIVE, THE ENGINE RACED AND THE VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD RAPIDLY, EVEN THOUGH THE ACCELERATOR HAD NOT BEEN APPLIED. THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE BY USING THE BRAKES. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED FORWARD ABOUT 25 FEET AND CRASHED INTO A GARAGE. THE CONSUMER RECEIVED MINOR SCRATCHES TO HIS KNEE. THE CONSUMER ALSO NOTED THAT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *JB
Jan 26, 2007
STEERING,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
CONSUMER COMPLAINT CONCERNING 2004 PRIUS TRANSMISSION. *TS THE CONSUMER HAD PROBLEMS STARTING IN LOW GEAR ON A HILL. THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A NOTICE REGARDING THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT, HOWEVER WHEN HE ARRIVED AT THE DEALERSHIP, HE WAS TOLD THERE WERE NO PARTS AVAILABLE. THE DEALER EVENTUALLY REPLACED THE STEERING SHAFT. *JB
Sep 06, 2006
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
I TURNED LEFT INTO DRIVEWAY OF A HOME- DRIVEWAY HAS AN INCLINE. I TURNED OFF POWER AND TWO CHILDREN EXITED CAR. ONE PASSENGER RETURNED WITHIN FIVE MIN AND SAT IN FRONT. I PLACED FOOT ON BRAKE. BRAKE FELT "LOCKED" WITH NO GIVE. I PRESSED POWER BUTTON WITH FOOT ON BRAKE, AND PLACED GEAR IN REVERSE. I LET FOOT OFF BRAKE TO ROLL SLOWLY OUT OF DRIVEWAY. WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE TO SLOW EXIT, MY FOOT WENT ALL THE WAY TO FLOOR--NO POWER. I NOTICE GEAR WAS NEUTRAL. POWER WOULD NOT TURN OFF. CAR WAS ROLLING CLOSER TOWARD A BUSY FOUR LANE STREET. I NOTICED THE POWER BUTTON LIGHT COLOR WAS RED, AND THE FOLLOWING YELLOW WARNING INDICATORS WERE LIT: BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT, MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP, ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT, SLIP INDICATOR LIGHT. I DEPRESSED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP. I TOLD MY 14 Y/O PASSENGER TO EXIT THE CAR AND WHEN SHE DID THE MASTER WARNING LIGHT CAME ON WHILE THE ABOVE LIGHTS REMAINED LIT. THE BRAKE CONTINUED TO DEPRESS TO THE FLOOR. I AGAIN ATTEMPTED TO TURN OFF THE POWER WITHOUT SUCCESS. I EXITED THE VEHICLE WITH MY SMART ENTRY KEY IN HAND AND AS EXPECTED LOUD BUZZING NOISE CAME ON. I THEN CONTACTED TOYOTA ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE. THE REFERENCE NUMBER IS 269-568-6678. I CALLED BACK LATER TO CHANGE THE REFERENCE NUMBER TO 269-492-2066. I HAD ASKED FOR POLICE ASSISTANCE FOR TRAFFIC CONTROL, BUT THE POLICE DID NOT SHOW. ON 9/6 A.M., JIM AT METRO TOYOTA SERVICE, KALAMAZOO, MI CALLED & I DESCRIBED THE ABOVE TO HIM. AT 1530 ON 9/6/06, I DESCRIBED MY EXPERIENCE TO MARVIN AT TOYOTA CUSTOMER RELATION. THE CASE NUMBER HE PROVIDED WAS 200609051137. THIS IS THE SECOND LIKE INCIDENT WITH THIS VEHICLE. I DID NOT REPORT THE FIRST INCIDENT TO THE NHTSA WHICH OCCURRED A FEW MONTHS AFTER I TOOK POSSESSION OF THE THEN NEW 2004 TOYOTA PRIUS. NO REASON WAS FOUND FOR THE FIRST INCIDENT, BY THE SAME DEALERSHIP SERVICE. *NM THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. ALSO, WHEN THE CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES, THE PEDAL BECAME SOFT AND WENT DOWN TO THE FLOOR. UPDATED
Sep 05, 2006
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
I HAVE A 2004 TOYOTA PRIUS I PURCHASED USED LAST FEB (06). STARTING THE CAR DOES NOT IMMEDIATELY BRING UP THE DASH DISPLAY. IT REMAINS BLANK, HOWEVER I CAN SHIFT INTO GEAR. THE POWER STEERING IS OFF AS WELL. I RESTART AND RESTART AND EVENTUALLY THE DASH WILL POP ON. THE CAR IS DRIVABLE BUT ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS ARE NOT. NOT AT ONCE THOUGH. THE RED TRIANGLE WITH THE ! IN BETWEEN IS ALWAYS PRESENT BUT SOMETIMES IT IS JOINED BY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT OR THE ABS FAILURE LIGHT. THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP IS STILL TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT'S GOING ON. *JB
Aug 29, 2006
STRUCTURE
1 complaint
2004 TOYOTA PRIUS. FAILURE TO SEAL THE CABIN AND UNDER DASH AREAS FROM OPEN ACCESS ALLOWED SMALL RODENTS TO ENTER THE OUTSIDE AIR VENT LEADING TO THE CABIN AIR FILTER, CAUSED WIRING AND TUBING DAMAGES. *TS UPDATED 11/29/2005 -A FOUL ODOR COULD ALSO BE SMEELE INSIDE THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE RODENTS LIVING INSIDE THE VEHICLE. *NM
Nov 29, 2005
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
I WAS ACCELERATING INTO A YIELD SITUATION WHERE I HAD ROOM TO MERGE FROM AN OFFRAMP AND THE GAS MOTOR DIDN'T KICK IN. THE CHECK-ENGINE LIGHT FLASHED, THE CAR VIBRATED, AND IT MOVED ONLY AS IF THE ELECTRIC MOTOR WAS GOING FOR A FEW SECONDS AND THEN, AS I WAS FLOORING IT, THE CAR JARTED OUT INTO THE INTERSECTION WHERE NOW THERE WASN'T ROOM AND I BECAME INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT
Jul 20, 2005
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
DT: CONSUMER HAD 2 EPISODES OF ENGINE STALLING. THE 1ST TIME CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS PASSING ANOTHER VEHICLE WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE APPEARED IN THE LANE AND CONSUMER ACCELERATED QUICKLY AND CHANGED LANE. THE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON ALONG WITH A BEEPING NOISE, AND SUDDENLY LOST POWER. WAS RUNNING ONLY ON ELECTRIC POWER UNTIL WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE ENGINE DID NOT RESTART UNTIL TURNED OFF THE WHOLE SYSTEM AND THEN IT RESTARTED IT. CONTINUED TO HAVE WARNING LIGHTS FOR SEVERAL HOURS. CALLED TOYOTA HOT LINE, AND WAS INFORMED IT WAS SAFE TO DRIVE. THE FOLLOWING MONDAY TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, WHO PLACED IT ON A COMPUTER AND NOTED IT WAS NORMAL. THEY THOUGHT IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN THE VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL BECAUSE THAT LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED, AND EARLIER WHEN THAT HAPPENED DRIVER SWERVED INTO A LANE. THE 2ND EPISODE OCCURRED AS ACCELERATING TO GET ON A FREEWAY RAMP AND HAD SLOWED TO ENTER TRAFFIC, ANOTHER DRIVER ALLOWED CONSUMER'S VEHICLE TO ENTER AND DRIVER ACCELERATED GAIN AND THE ENGINE CUT OFF. WAS ABLE TO DRIVE ON BATTERY POWER ABOUT A MILE GOING 40 MPH TO THE NEXT EXIT. PULLED OFF, AND AGAIN TURNED SYSTEM OFF, AND AGAIN THE ENGINE RESTARTED. THIS TIME THE VEHICLE,S STABILITY LIGHT DID NOT ILLUMINATE. THE DISPLAY SCREEN HAD A BAR THAT SAID, PROBLEM. WHEN CAR WAS TAKEN TO DEALER NO LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. *AK
Jun 28, 2005
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
CONSUMER STATED WHILE TRAVELING 40 MPH ALL OF A SUDDEN , THE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD AND THEN EVERYTHING SHUT OFF. THE CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WAS A COMPUTER GLITCH REGARDING THE RELEASE OF GAS TO THE ENGINE. JUST BEFORE A LOSS OF POWER THE DVD NAVIGATION SYSTEM WENT COMPLETELY OUT ABOUT 2 MILES BEFORE EVERYTHING ELSE. *JB THE DVD NAVIGATION SYSTEM FAILED AS WELL. *SC
Jun 20, 2005
PARKING BRAKE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
THE CONSUMER STARTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WAS VERY DIFFICULT. AFTER DRIVING FOR TWO BLOCKS, THE DASH LIGHT HAD COME ON AND THE STEERING HAD BECOME EASIER. THE GENERAL WARNING SYMBOL HAD COME ON, WHICH MEANT THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE BRAKE LIGHT HAD BEEN CONTINUOUSLY ON. WHEN THE EMERGENCY BRAKES WERE APPLIED, THE VEHICLE DID NOT BEHAVE AS IF IT WERE ACTIVATED. THE IGNITION RELAY WAS REPLACED PER WARNING LIGHT. *AK *JB
Jun 20, 2005
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
2004 TOYOTA PRIUS SEDAN. STALLS OUT WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 35 MILES HOUR AND THE ELECTRIC RECHARABLE BATTERY DRAINS. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWO TIMES TO ME AND I HAVE TAKEN IT BACK TO TOYOTA DEAL FOR THIS. THE 1ST APPROXIMATELY JAN -FEB TIME FRAME. DEALER COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG. 2ND TIME APPROXIMATELY EARLY APRIL. DEALER SAID HAD TROUBLE CODE IN COMPUTER AND HAVE CORRECTED PROBLEM BUT LET THEM KNOW IF HAPPENS AGAIN OR ANY OTHER PROBLEM. ENGINE LOAD, AUTOMATIC GEAR SHIFTS HARD AND CAR ROLLS SLIGHTLY WHEN PUT INTO PARK.
Jun 10, 2005
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
DT: THE CONSUMER OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA PRIUS. HE SAYS THAT HE IS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE BECAUSE IT WILL SHUT OFF WHILE IN TRAFFIC. ALSO THE PARK MECHANISM WILL DISENGAGED AND THE LOCK BUTTON DOES NOT UNLOCK THE DOORS AS SPECIFIED IN THE OWNERS MANUAL. ALSO THE START BUTTON DOES NOT CONSISTENTLY START THE VEHICLE PROPERLY. *JB THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED: INOPERATIVE BRAKE LIGHT, THE FUEL DOOR SPRING WAS REPLACED, DOME LIGHT REMAINED ON, ENGINE WOULD DISENGAGE, LIGHTS WOULD REMAIN LIT AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE UNTIL THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED TO GET THE BRAKE LIGHT TO GO OUT, RATTLING AS IF IT WERE GOING TO STALL, THE ALARM SOUNDED ON ONE OCCASION WHEN THE DOOR WAS OPENED, FUEL DOOR SPRING MALFUNCTIONED AND FUEL DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN. THE TECHNICIANS WERE UNABLE TO VERIFY THE DOOR LOCK MALFUNCTION. THE CONSUMER WOULD LIKE THE VEHICLE REPLACED WITH A 2005 MODEL EQUIPPED AS DETAILED ON THE ORIGINAL INVOICE INCLUDING AFTERMARKET ITEMS PAID FOR. *SC
Jun 03, 2005
SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 complaint
DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA PRIUS. THIS VEHICLE WOULD STALL AT HIGH SPEEDS. HE WAS GOING 65-70 MPH AT TIME OF INCIDENT. THIS HAPPENED WITHOUT WARNING. IT EXACTLY WHAT THE REPORTS SAID HAPPENED TO HIM. HE CAN BE CONTACTED BY ODI FOR THIS IF NEEDED. ALSO, HAD PREMATURE WEAR ON TIRES. HAD THE FRONT AND REAR ENDS ALIGNED THREE TIMES SINCE HE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE.*AK
Jun 02, 2005
SUSPENSION,TIRES
1 complaint
1. THE TOYOTA PRIUS HAS AN ALIGNMENT DEFECT THAT WORE OUT MY TIRES PREMATURELY. . THE CAR RODE ON THE WALL AND INNER TREAD OF THE TIRE WEARING IT DOWN TO THE NYLON AND WIRE BEFORE IT POPPED 3. NEW TIRES WERE PUT ON THE CAR. *AK
Oct 05, 2004
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 2004 TOYOTA Prius have?
The 2004 TOYOTA Prius currently has 610 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.
What are the most common problems with 2004 TOYOTA Prius?
The most common problems reported for the 2004 TOYOTA Prius are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.
Where does this 2004 TOYOTA Prius problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 2004 TOYOTA Prius comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
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