2006 TOYOTA Prius Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
1437
Complaints Reported
Complaints by Component
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
842 complaints
The right or left headlight will rabdomly turn off, and tyrn back there 8s no ryme or readon to it,and while driving at night it is cery dangerous, aparebtly its not just this car, this is a common issue and it needs to be fixed
Aug 28, 2024
WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON SIDE STREET TRAFFIC AT MAXIMUM 40 MPH THE RIGHT HEADLIGHT TURNED OFF AND I WAS PULLED OVER FOR A TRAFFIC VIOLATION. THE HEADLIGHTS WERE BOTH WORKING WHEN I LEFT MY HOUSE 10 MINUTES EARLIER. THEY WERE BOTH WORKING WHEN I LEFT WORK LATER THAT DAY. THE LIGHTS HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM BEFORE ON AND OFF FREQUENTLY ON THE HIGHWAY AND SIDE STREETS, BUT EVERY TIME I CHECK AFTER PULLING OVER AND TURNING THE CAR BACK ON BOTH LIGHTS ARE WORKING.
Jan 29, 2020
THE RIGHT SIDE HEAD LIGHT ON MY 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS WILL TURN OFF ON ITS OWN. IT WILL WORK AGAIN IF I SHUT ALL THE LIGHTS OFF AND TURN IT ON AGAIN. IT DOESN'T SEEM TO HAPPEN WHILE THE CAR IS STATIONARY, BUT WILL TURN OFF SOON AFTER THE CAR STARTS MOVING. IT DOESN'T MATTER IF IT IS ON A BUMPY ROAD, MOVING SLOWLY, OR ON A HIGHWAY. IT WILL TURN OFF WITHIN SECONDS TO SEVERAL MINUTES. I TOOK IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP AROUND JULY 8TH, 2019 WHEN I FIRST NOTICED THE PROBLEM. THEY SAID THERE WAS NO SIGNS OF ANY DAMAGE AND SAID THERE WASN'T ANYTHING THAT NEEDED TO BE DONE. SINCE THEN I HAVE JUST BEEN SWITCHING THE LIGHTS OFF AND BACK ON WHEN IT HAPPENS. BUT THEN LAST NIGHT ON NOVEMBER 7, 2019 BOTH LIGHTS WENT OUT WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A PUBLIC ROAD. IT HAPPENED AS I ACCELERATED AFTER A FULL BREAK.THANKFULLY TURNING THE LIGHTS OFF AND ON AGAIN WORKED. THE RIGHT SIDE TURNED BACK OFF AGAIN THAT NIGHT, BUT BOTH DID NOT SHUT OFF AGAIN AFTER THE INCIDENT.
Nov 08, 2019
THE HID HEADLIGHTS ARE BOTH OUT, AFTER BEING ON MAYBE 5 MINUTES. FROM EVERYTHING I HAVE READ ONLINE AND FROM MY MECHANIC, THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH MY MODEL OF CAR, THAT HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR YEARS. THE BALLAST IS FAULTY, AND WOULD NEED TO BE TESTED PRIOR TO REPLACING A HID LIGHT. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR MONTHS, AND I SIMPLY DO NOT DRIVE AT NIGHT AS A RESULT. WITH THE TIME CHANGE, THIS IS TO DIFFICULT.
Nov 05, 2019
HEAD LIGHTS RANDOMLY GO OUT WITHOUT WARNING. TURN SWITCH OF THEN ON AND THEY GO BACK ON FOR AWHILE. SOMETIMES ONE HEADLIGHT. SOMETIMES OTHER OR BOTH. NOT SAFE WHEN DRIVING IN DARK AND LIGHTS DISAPPEAR IN MOUNTAINS ON VACATION AT NIGHT!!!
Oct 07, 2019
+ 837 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
70 complaints
MY PRIUS HAS ALWAYS HAD ISSUES WITH THE BRAKES MAKING A CLICKING SOUND WHEN STOPPED AT A LIGHT, ETC. I HAVE COMPLAINED FROM DAY ONE AND ALWAYS BEEN TOLD IT WAS NORMAL. BY 2008 THE BRAKES WERE NOT WORKING WELL AT TIMES AND THE PEDAL WOULD GO ALMOST TO THE FLOOR AT TIMES AND NOT AT OTHERS. THE DEALERSHIP CHECKED THIS AND TOLD ME THERE WERE NO PROBLEMS. IN FEB 2008 THE BRAKES COMPLETELY FAILED WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET AND THE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AND I HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN SAID THAT THERE WERE NO PROBLEMS AND THAT THE BRAKES WERE FINE. I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS INCIDENTS SINCE WITH THE PEDAL GOING ALMOST TO THE FLOOR AT TIMES AND NOT AT OTHERS. IF I HIT POTHOLES OR AM ON REALLY ROUGH STREETS THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT COMES ON AND I LOSE COMPLETE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE FOR A FEW SECONDS WITH THE INABILITY TO BRAKE. THE DEALERSHIP HAS REPEATABLE SAID THERE ARE NO ISSUES WHEN THEY CHECK THE CAR. THIS WEEK, ON MONDAY, THE BATTERY DIED AND I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR A REPLACEMENT. AS ALWAYS, I ASKED THEM TO CHECK THE BRAKES AND NOW THEY SAY THERE IS A MAJOR ISSUE WITH THE BRAKE ACTUATOR THAT COULD CAUSE INTERMITTENT LOSS OF BRAKING ABILITY AND THAT THE CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. SINCE THE CAR ISN'T UNDER WARRANTY NOW (BUT WAS WHEN THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED) THEY DON'T WANT TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR. THEY PUT ME IN A RENTAL CAR FOR THE PAST THREE DAYS SINCE THEY SAID MY CAR WASN'T SAFE TO DRIVE. TODAY THEY DECIDED THEY WEREN'T PAYING FOR THE REPAIR, AFTER TALKING WITH "CORPORATE", AND THAT THE CAR IS SAFE TO DRIVE WITHOUT THE REPAIR! WHEN I CHECK THE NHTSA SITE I SEE LOTS OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE 2006 PRIUS AND AM EVEN MORE CONCERNED THAN EVER. IF YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED A SIMILAR PROBLEM, PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO FILE A COMPLAINT TO FORCE AN INVESTIGATION OF YET A NEW ISSUE WITH TOYOTA AND SAFETY ISSUES! *TR
Feb 16, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT WAS ATTEMPTING A RIGHT TURN AT 25 MPH WHEN THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE WOULD NOT ENGAGE WHEN APPLIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES FOR THE FAILURE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 117,000. ..UPDATED 01/04/12 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE FAILURE HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES AND THE REPLICATION AT THE DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL. ON A RECENT RAINY DAY, THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED AT EACH BRAKE APPLICATION AND THE BRAKES WOULD NOT APPLY FOR 1-2 SECONDS. EFFECTIVELY, LEAVING THE VEHICLE WITH NO BRAKES. THE ABS RELATED BRAKE FAILURE WOULD ALSO OCCUR ON BUMPY ROADS AT LOW SPEEDS WITH DRY PAVEMENT. UPDATED 01/11/12
Dec 23, 2011
MOMENTARY LOSS OF BRAKING WHILE DRIVING OVER A BUMPY SURFACE, OVER SMALL POTHOLES, ROUGH PATCHES ETC., THE CAR LUNGES FORWARD AT THE SAME TIME MY TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT WILL FLASH ON AND OFF UNTIL THE ROAD SMOOTHS OUT.
Jul 14, 2011
EVER SINCE I GOT MY 2006 PRIUS, THE BRAKES HAVE BRIEFLY STOPPED WORKING WHEN I TRY TO STOP QUICKLY OR ON A HILL WHEN IT IS WET OR ICY OUTSIDE. ON FEBRUARY 24, IT WAS VERY ICY, AND THE CAR COMPLETELY LOCKED UP WHEN I WAS GOING DOWN A HILL. I WAS GOING VERY SLOWLY WHEN I STARTED GOING DOWNHILL, BUT NOTHING HAPPENED WHEN I TRIED TO STEER OR PUSH DOWN THE BRAKES AND I GOT IN AN ACCIDENT. I CONTACTED TOYOTA, BUT THEY ONLY TESTED IT WHEN IT WAS DRY OUTSIDE, AND I HAVE NEVER HAD ANY TROUBLE WHEN IT WAS DRY. THEY TOLD ME NOTHING WAS WRONG. SINCE THEN, I HAVE HAD INCREASED TROUBLE STOPPING AT STOPLIGHTS WHEN IT IS WET. THE WHOLE CAR SEEMS TO LOCK UP AND I SLIDE TOWARD THE LIGHT FOR A FEW SECONDS BEFORE THE BRAKES RE-ENGAGE. I AM TRADING THE CAR IN, AS I AM AFRAID FOR THE SAFETY OF MY CHILDREN IN THIS CAR.
Jun 28, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER WAS OPERATING THE VEHICLE APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH. AS SHE APPLIED THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP UNTIL CRASHING INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED, BUT NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF HAVING THE BODY DAMAGES REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90,000. UPDATED 07/26/11*LJ
Jun 14, 2011
+ 65 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
66 complaints
I was Driving down the main road at night time in my 2006 prius and the headlights both went out and all most caused a crash. I pulled over turned my car off then back on and the headlights came back on so i started driving home. After driving a couple blocks i was pulled over by the police because my drivers side headlight was off. Luckily he let me go with a warning, but i work at night and am losing money daily because of this problem. I sent toyota a email and no answer. There has been many electrical problems with this car and the speedometer still says i am deiving 34 to 35 mph while i am actually only going 30mph. I think that toyota should fully fix the problems in thos car. Its amazing there can be so much wrong with a vehicle and they not have to replace the vehicle with a vehicle that works or fix all the problems and give me a loaner vehicle. I will upload a picture of what the toyota dealership nearest to me wanted just to replace 1 bulb ans the balast wires going to the light for one loght they want $211.34 and that is just for the bulb and wire. For there time they said each bulb and wire would be around $500 worth of repair time to pay for them to put the new light and wire in so for one lightbulb with rhe wire would be about $800-$1000 for the dealership to replace the parts, so basically $2000 to replace both light bulbs and the wires and pay the toyota company to put them in. If you look at the estimate it is for 1 bulb and 1wire and that would be the price if i put them in and if i only wanted the parts. So $211.34 then i would have to double it because i would need 2 bulbs and 2 wires. Then i would have to add another $1000. That is $500 for labor for them to put the bulbs in per each bulb and wire and they said its not guaranteed it will fix the problem. So that is $422.68 for parts and they said somewere around $500 for them to install each bulb and wire and after it might not even fix the problem. So that is $2422.68 to maybe fix the problem.
Jun 19, 2023
KNOWN PROBLEM WITH COMBINATION METER - FOUND IT SEARCHING ONLINE ONCE I REALIZED THIS WAS THE PROBLEM. I BOUGHT MY CAR USED AND SINCE IT IS NO LONGER COVERED BY TOYOTA, IT DIDN'T COME UP IN SEARCH. HAVING ISSUES WITH THERE BEING NO DISPLAY ON THE DASH AND VEHICLE NOT SHUTTING OFF FOR THE ENTIRE TIME I HAVE HAD THE CAR. IT ONLY HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE FOR SURE! CAN'T SEE SPEED, GAS, GEARS...ANYTHING ABOUT CAR WHETHER CAR STATIONARY OR MOVING.
Jul 14, 2020
HEADLIGHTS CONSTANTLY GO OUT. RESEARCH ONLINE PROVES PRIUS VEHICLES WITH HID BULB SYSTEMS HAVE BALLAST ISSUES CAUSING CONSTANT BLOWING OF EITHER BULBS OR BALLAST FAILURE. NOT ONLY IS SAFETY CONSTANTLY COMPROMISED, BUT IT IS ILLEGAL WHEN A HEADLIGHT GOES OUT DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD.
Feb 06, 2020
SOMETIMES AS I DRIVE THE VEHICLE, AFTER A WHILE, EITHER ONE OF THE HEADLIGHTS TURNS OFF RANDOMLY. I DON'T ALWAYS NOTICE WHEN IT HAPPENS, OTHER THAN WHEN PULLING UP BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE AT A STOP LIGHT AND NOTICE THAT THERE IS ONLY 1 HEADLIGHT REFLECTION COMING FROM MY VEHICLE. THEY BOTH WORK NORMALLY IF I TURN THEM OFF AND ON AGAIN.
Jun 02, 2018
HEADLIGHT INTERMITTENTLY SHUTS OFF. IT WILL LATER COME BACK ON AGAIN. SAME WITH A TAIL-LIGHT. THERE ARE LOTS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PLEASE COME UP WITH A SOLUTION. IT SEEMS TO BE AN EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE FIX AT A DEALERSHIP DUE TO DEFECTIVE PARTS.
Feb 02, 2018
+ 61 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES
52 complaints
The actuator failed. The car is no longer safe to drive. This is a known issue. The company refused to fix the issue or recall the car. The warning lights and a loud beep are present if the vehicle is started.
Jul 27, 2024
my 2006 prius has 170000 miles, recently has abs brake actuator making sounds everytime when turn off.
Jun 03, 2023
Brake actuator is not working properly and will eventually get us in an accident. We bought the car brand new. There is a recall for this issue, but we were never notified by Toyota. After contacting Toyota, they claim we are out of the recall dates and will do nothing. I have requested a copy of the letter they should have sent you notifying us of this issue. They cannot provide one. I would like to be able to fix this car; I cannot afford another car or such an expensive repair caused by a defective Toyota part. Please, help us. Thank you.
Mar 11, 2023
Power braking goes out and ringing in car with brakes and abs light on. Have to press extra hard to brake car. Also anther time coming out of a parking lot in reverse and brakes just stopped car as if I had hit something but had not hit anything.
May 16, 2022
When I brake and also go over a bump my 2006 Prius lurches forward. The traction control light illuminates. The faulty traction control system sent me into a 1-2 second lurch forward with zero brakes. Then the brake engage then I can stop. I told the dealer about it and they told me there is reprogram fix for the ECM but only 2008 to 2009 which a 2nd generation as my car since 2nd generation is 2005 to 2009 but they said we can do it for my car. I am not sure how they decide what year it can be applied to within the same generation which has the same exact parts. I am sure many prius owners have the same issue, you can see it from the bumpers detached at one side on the front and maybe both side becuase this how it was when i got my car who ever owned must have went through braking issue and i am sure he was shocked sinc i have driven so many csrs and non of them have this issue.
Jan 19, 2022
+ 47 more complaints for this component
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
47 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WENT BLANK AND THE VEHICLE ERRONEOUSLY ACCELERATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Oct 04, 2012
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH AND TRYING TO PARK HER VEHICLE IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED FORWARD AND CRASHED INTO STEEL CABLES. THE VEHICLE THEN SHIFTED INTO REVERSE AND CRASHED INTO THE STEEL CABLES AGAIN. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED FROM THE CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AWAY FROM THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 99,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Dec 20, 2010
AS A FOLLOW UP TO ODI 10354506 - TOYOTA PULLED THE INFORMATION OFF THE EVENT DATA RECORDER AND IT INDICATED THAT THE THROTTLE AND THE BRAKE WERE BOTH ENGAGED AT THE SAME TIME. THAT IS TRUE, BUT MY FOOT WAS ONLY ON THE BRAKE. I ONLY USE MY RIGHT FOOT TO ACCELERATE AND TO BRAKE. AS SOON AS THE CAR STARTED ACCELERATING, I MOVED MY FOOT OVER TO SLAM ON THE BRAKES. IT MAKES SENSE THAT THE EVENT DATA RECORDER WOULD SHOW THE THROTTLE AND BRAKE ENGAGED AT THE SAME TIME, BUT MY FOOT WAS ONLY ON THE BRAKE. SOMETHING ELSE WAS ENGAGING THE THROTTLE, AND APPARENTLY TOYOTA HAS NO WAY TO FIGURE OUT WHAT THAT COULD BE. THE DEALER, WHILE SYMPATHETIC, HAD NO FIX THAT HE COULD APPLY. *TR
Sep 09, 2010
AFTER EXITING AN INTERSTATE, I WAS STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. I ACCELERATED WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN, TO APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH. AFTER ABOUT 200 FEET, AS I APPROACHED A MERGE POINT, I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE GAS, BUT THE CAR KEPT ACCELERATING. I IMMEDIATELY STEPPED ON THE BRAKE, AND THE CAR SLOWED. I REMOVED MY FOOT FROM THE BRAKE, AND FELT THE CAR CONTINUE TO ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN. I DIDN'T HAVE ANOTHER CAR IN FRONT OF ME, SO I STEPPED ON THE GAS PEDAL BRIEFLY, AND THEN ON THE BRAKE AGAIN, AND THEN IT SEEMED TO OPERATE NORMALLY AGAIN. REMEMBERING ABOUT THE FLOOR MAT RECALL, I IMMEDIATELY LOOKED DOWN TO CHECK TO SEE IF THE GAS PEDAL WAS CLEAR OF THE MAT. IT WAS. AFTER I HAD PARKED THE CAR, I NOTICED THAT THE MAT WAS STILL SECURED IN ITS PROPER PLACE. THERE WASN'T ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD HAVE INTERFERED WITH THE PEDAL. LATER THAT SAME DAY, I WAS DRIVING MY 13YR OLD DAUGHTER HOME FROM SCHOOL. I WAS STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN. I MADE A LEFT TURN ONTO A BUSY STREET DURING RUSH HOUR. AFTER ACCELERATING THROUGH THE TURN, I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE GAS BECAUSE THERE WERE CARS AHEAD OF ME STOPPED FOR ANOTHER LIGHT. THE CAR CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE, WHICH WAS STIFFER THAN USUAL, AND I COULD HEAR THE ENGINE CONTINUING TO REV IN THE BACKGROUND. THE CAR SLOWED. I HAD A LITTLE SPACE IN FRONT OF ME, SO I EASED UP OFF THE BRAKE, BUT THE CAR CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN. I PRESSED DOWN ON THE BRAKE AGAIN, ALL THE WHILE FEELING THE CONTINUED ACCELERATION, AND MOVED OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, WHERE I BRAKED UNTIL I CAME TO A STOP. THIS WAS A TWO LANE ROAD WITH NO SHOULDER, SO I JUST MOVED OVER AS FAR AS I COULD AND PUT MY HAZARDS ON. I WAS STILL PART WAY ON THE ROAD. I PUT THE CAR IN PARK, PUSHED THE ON/OFF IGNITION SWITCH, AND SHUT DOWN THE CAR. I SAT THERE FOR A FEW MINUTES, RE-STARTED THE CAR AND DROVE HOME WITHOUT FURTHER EVENT. *TR
Sep 08, 2010
I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AT A VERY LOW RATE OF SPEED (LESS THAN 5 MPH) AND THE CAR SUDDENLY SHOT FORWARD. I STOOD ON THE BRAKES AND THE CAR RESPONDED AS EXPECTED - IT STOPPED. I TURNED OFF THE POWER. ABOUT 10 MINUTES LATER, I TURNED THE CAR ON AND IT DROVE NORMALLY. THERE WAS NO FLOOR MAT - I HAD REMOVED IT MONTHS AGO. MY FOOT WAS ON THE ACCELERATOR, EASING INTO THE PARKING SPACE AND I DIDN'T FEEL THE ACCELERATOR MOVE AT ALL. IT WAS LIKE THE CAR ACCELERATED WITHOUT ANY INPUT FROM THE ACCELERATOR AT ALL. I'VE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE DEALER, BUT I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE IT NOW, AND I'M AFRAID TO TAKE MY CHILDREN ANYWHERE IN IT. *TR
Sep 08, 2010
+ 42 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
46 complaints
Randomly the instrument panel (dashboard) does not turn on with the vehicle.
Aug 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that the vehicle intermittently failed to shut-off as needed with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer on three separate occasions and the mechanic was able to either disconnect the battery or shut-off the vehicle as designed. The manufacturer had been notified of the failure and informed him that the vehicle was out of warranty and that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The contact filed a case with the manufacturer. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000. Consumer stated Toyota is refusing to responsibility even with extended warranty if problem occurred after 2012.
Jul 06, 2021
KNOWN PROBLEM WITH COMBINATION METER - FOUND IT SEARCHING ONLINE ONCE I REALIZED THIS WAS THE PROBLEM. I BOUGHT MY CAR USED AND SINCE IT IS NO LONGER COVERED BY TOYOTA, IT DIDN'T COME UP IN SEARCH. HAVING ISSUES WITH THERE BEING NO DISPLAY ON THE DASH AND VEHICLE NOT SHUTTING OFF FOR THE ENTIRE TIME I HAVE HAD THE CAR. IT ONLY HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE FOR SURE! CAN'T SEE SPEED, GAS, GEARS...ANYTHING ABOUT CAR WHETHER CAR STATIONARY OR MOVING.
Apr 15, 2019
TOYOTA REFUSES TO REPLACE THE COMBINATION METER IN MY VEHICLE ALTHOUGH IT ONLY HAS 110K MILES ON IT. THEY HAVE ACKNOWLEDGED MY VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED WITH THE BATCH OF MODELS THAT HAVE THIS KNOWN ISSUE UNDER 2004-2009 TOYOTA PRIUS COMBINATION METER WARRANTY EXTENSION ZTV, BUT WILL NOT COVER. THIS IS NOT RIGHT FOR A CONSUMER TO BE ON THE HOOK FOR TOYOTA'S QUALITY ISSUE. THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD BE UNDER A FORMAL RECALL.
Mar 08, 2019
MY HV BATTERY HAS A PROBLEM. THE RED TRIANGLE SHOWED WHEN THE CAR MILLAGE WAS ONLY 118000M. I CHECKED WITH SERVCO AND REPLACED ONE CELL OF THE HV BATTERY. HOWEVER, THE RED TRIANGLE SHOWED AGAIN, AND CODE READER FOUND ANOTHER DAMAGED CELL. THAT WOULD BE A POSSIBILITY THAT THE WHOLE HV BATTERY WAS DAMAGED.
Dec 07, 2018
+ 41 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
35 complaints
WHEN BRAKING QUICKLY USUALLY ON ROUGH SURFACES, WET ROADS, SLOPES BRAKES TEMPORARILY FAIL AS IF NO CONTROL OVER THE CAR GIVING ME AN ADRENALINE RUSH. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING LIKE THIS FOR 4 YEARS THINKING IS THE CHARACTERISTIC OF PRIUS. JUNE 30TH 2011, I STEERED INTO THE PARKING LOT AND WAS PARKING ON THE FIRST SPOT AT THE RIGHT IMMEDIATELY AFTER ENTRY TO PARKING LOT AT THE SPEED OF 5 MPH. APPROXIMATELY HALF WAY TO CURB I WITHDREW MY FOOT OFF THE GAS PEDAL AND PUT ON THE BRAKES SLOWLY. I WAS EXPECTING THE CAR TO HALT PRIOR TO THE CURB LINE AS USUAL. BUT IT DID NOT STOP ON THE CONTRARY IT ACCELERATED AND WENT OVER THE CURB AND RIGHT ON THE FENCE. THE FENCE WAS APPROXIMATELY 2 FEET FROM CURB; BEFORE IT WENT ON FENCE I LOOKED AT MY FEET AND MADE SURE IT WAS ON THE BRAKES AS COULD NOT BELIEVE WHAT WAS HAPPENING TO THE CAR AND YES I AM 100% SURE IT WAS ON BRAKES. I ALSO APPLIED PARKING BRAKES AND PUT CAR IN NEUTRAL AND SHUT OFF THE POWER, WHEN IT STOPPED OVER THE FENCE. I HAVE REPORTED THIS TO DEALER AS THE CAR HAD BEEN SERVICED 4 WEEKS PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT AT 32,431 MILES. THE DEALER DID HEALTH CHECK SCAN TWICE TAKING 6 HOURS FOR EACH SCAN. AFTER FIRST SCAN I WAS TOLD THE CAR HAD FRONT SPEED SENSORS CODES AND A LOW OR ABNORMAL HIGH BATTERY VOLTAGE. AND ADVISED TO DETECT SENSORS IN DETAILS AND REPLACE THEM AT NEXT APPOINTMENT. SECOND DAY AFTER THE MANAGER DID ANOTHER HEALTH CHECK FOR 6 HOURS, I DON'T KNOW WHY ANOTHER SCAN; AND REPORTED CODES FOR LOW BATTERY AND SPEED SENSORS AND ECU. NONE HAVE POTENTIAL TO CAUSE CUSTOMER CONCERN. THEY FINALLY BLAMED THE FLOOR MAT WHICH WAS DEFINITELY NOT THE PROBLEM. SURPRISINGLY WHEN I ASKED HOW DID THEY TAKE CARE OF THE CODES? IF SENSORS NEED TO BE REPLACED, THEY TOLD ME THE CODES ARE GONE NOW. THERE WERE NO DETAILS PROVIDED INSPITE OF ME ASKING SEVERAL TIMES WHY THE CAR MOVES AFTER APPLYING BRAKES. BEING A DOCTOR I AM CONCERNED WITH SAFETY AND PREVENTION MORE THAN ANYTHING. *TR
Jul 09, 2011
FOR THE SECOND TIME IN THE LAST SEVERAL MONTHS, THE BRAKING SYSTEM ON MY 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS COMPLETELY FAILED TO FUNCTION, DESPITE THE PEDAL BEING FULLY ENGAGED, AND I ROLLED INTO THE CAR AHEAD OF ME AT LOW SPEED. THE FIRST INCIDENT TOOK PLACE IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC ON THE FREEWAY, THE SECOND WHILE APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION, AGAIN, IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. ON BOTH OCCASIONS MY FRONT BUMPER WAS SERIOUSLY MANGLED - COSTING ME SEVERAL THOUSAND DOLLARS TO REPAIR AND INCREASING MY INSURANCE RATES CONSIDERABLY - WHILE THE OTHER VEHICLE SUFFERED LITTLE TO NO DAMAGE. MY NECK IS EXTREMELY STIFF AND I NO LONGER FEEL SAFE DRIVING MY CAR. *TR
Oct 19, 2010
IN NOVEMBER OF 2007, I WAS DRIVING MY WIFE'S 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS TO TAKE THE FAMILY TO LUNCH. I APPROACHED THE INTERSECTION, I WAS ON THE CEL PHONE, AND THE BRAKES FAILED TO WORK AND I CRASHED INTO A TRUCK WHO WAS OUT IN THE INTERSECTION, CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END OF THE PRIUS. MY WIFE HAD BEEN COMPLAINING FOR MONTHS THAT THE PRIUS HAD BRAKE FAILURE INCIDENTS ONCE A MONTH. I WOULD TEST DRIVE THE CAR, AND COULD NOT GET THE BRAKES TO FAIL. THAT IS UNTIL THE INCIDENT MENTIONED ABOVE HAPPENED. I IMMEDIATELY DROVE THE CAR TO THE TOYOTA DEALER. I INFORMED THEM THAT THE BRAKES FAILED. I INFORMED THEM THAT THEY WOULD NEED TO DRIVE THE CAR EVERY DAY FOR A MONTH BEFORE THEY COULD GET THE BRAKES TO FAIL. THEY KEPT THE CAR FOR A MONTH, BUT DID NOT TEST IT AS I RECOMMENDED......AND INFORMED ME THAT THEY COULD NOT SEE ANY PROBLEM, FORCING ME TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR THE DAMAGES TO THE CAR $1,566.57....AS WELL AS FOR THE $1,440.38 RENTAL CAR BILL. I IMMEDIATELY PICKED UP THE CAR AND DROVE IT TO ANOTHER MANUFACTURERS DEALERSHIP AND TRADED IT IN ON HONDA ACCORD. THERE WAS NO WAY I WAS GOING TO RISK MY FAMILIES LIVES, DRIVING THAT CAR ANOTHER DAY. STATE FARM CLAIM NUMBER #[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Sep 22, 2010
WHENEVER THE BRAKES ARE BEING APPLIED AT THE TIME I GO OVER RAILROAD TRACKS OR ROUGH ROAD SUCH AS POTHOLES, THE BRAKES FEELS LIKE THEY DISENGAGE FOR A SHORT TIME ON MY 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS (PURCHASED NEW IN 2006). SOMETIMES THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE LIGHT COMES ON MOMENTARILY BUT NOT ALWAYS. THIS HAS BEEN OCCURRING SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR IN 2006. I REPORTED IT TO MY TOYOTA CAR DEALER'S SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND WAS TOLD "THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES ARE SUPPOSED TO DO THAT." NOT IN ANY OF MY OTHER CARS THAT HAVE ANTI LOCK BRAKES. TOO BAD TOYOTA JUST CANT TELL THE TRUTH EVER. THIS IS ABNORMAL BRAKING BEHAVIOR. *TR
May 22, 2010
2006 TOYOTA PRIUS BRAKE FAILURE WHEN EXITING FREEWAY (101) ONTO OFF RAMP AT RENGSDORFF AVE., IN MOUNTAIN VIEW. ROADWAY WAS SLIGHTLY MOIST FROM LIGHT MORNING DRIZZLE AND ACCUMULATED OILS ON ROAD BUT OTHERWISE NOTHING UNUSUAL ABOUT ROAD CONDITIONS... EXITED FREEWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 30-35 MPH AND APPLIED BRAKES BUT BRAKES DID NOT ENGAGE AND CAR SKIDDED OFF THE OFF RAMP INTO A SWALE... CAR BECAME STUCK IN SWALE AND SUFFERED BODY DAMAGE TO LEFT SIDE OF CAR...A TOW TRUCK HAD TO BE CALLED TO DRAG IT OUT OF THE SWALE...THE BRAKE PROBLEM WAS REPORTED TO DEALER WHO DID NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM AND STONEWALLED ME...ALSO REPORTED BRAKE PROBLEM TO TOYOTA CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS (CARLOS A. GARCIA) IN TORRANCE, CA AND HE WOULD NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THE EXISTENCE OF A BRAKE PROBLEM IN THE 2006 PRIUS. TOTAL COST OF REPAIR, RENTAL CAR, TOWING , ETC. WAS APPROXIMATELY $5,400.00. *TR
May 11, 2010
+ 30 more complaints for this component
AIR BAGS
22 complaints
The contact owned a 2006 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while slowly driving into an intersection and turning left at less than 3 MPH, the owner of a Ford F-150 coming from the driver's side of the vehicle at 35 MPH crashed into their driver's side door. The crash caused the vehicle to slide to a complete stop. None of the air bags deployed. The driver of the Ford F-150 stated that the sun created a glare, preventing them from noticing the red light they had driven through. The contact's vehicle was towed and deemed totaled by their insurance. A police report was filed. The contact received a broken rib, rotator cuff, whiplash, and back injuries. Medical attention was needed. The dealer was not informed of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000
Oct 06, 2025
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE CONTACT REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000.
Dec 06, 2016
DURING THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE E SHAFT RECALL IN 2013 THE CLOCKSPRING WAS DAMAGED. AFTER A FEW MONTHS THE CERTAIN STEERING WHEEL BUTTONS (INFO, FRONT AND REAR DEFROSTER, AND THE RECIRCULATE AIR) WORKED INTERMITTENTLY AT FIRST. THEN, ABOUT A YEAR AFTER THE RECALL, THEY ONLY FUNCTIONED WHEN THE WHEEL WAS TURNED SIDEWAYS. NOW THEY DO NOT WORK AT ALL. I'M CONCERNED THE AIR BAG WILL BE AFFECTED BY THIS ERROR. *TR
Mar 03, 2015
TOYOTA PRIUS RECALL ON AIRBAGS EXPLODING WENT TO GET REPLACED AND TOYOTA MALL OF GA HAD NO REPLACEMENTS. UPDATED 8/17/2015*JS
Nov 25, 2014
I WAS REAR ENDED AT BY A CAR GOIN ALMOST FULL SPEED IN A SPEED LIMIT ZONE OF 45 AT A RED LIGHT, WHILE I WAS SLOWING DOWN. WHILE APPROACHING THE LINE OF CARS IN FRONT OF ME I STARTED SLOWING DOWN PUMPING MY BRAKES TO LET TO DRIVERS BEHIND KNOW I WAS SLOWING DOWN. I WAS THEN REAR ENDED AND SHOT INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME, LIFTING UP THE FRONT OF MY CAR AND SMASHING INTO ANOTHER VECHILE. MY FIREWALL WAS COMPLETELY BENT IN AS WELL AS HALF OF THE FRONT BUMPER AND FRAME TORN OFF. I HAD NO AIRBAGS DEPLOY ON EITHER THE PASSENGER OR DRIVER SIDE. IT MAKES ME CONCERNED THAT IF I WOULD HAVE BEEN STOPPED AT THE RED LIGHT, I COULD HAVE OBTAINED SEVERE INJURIES COMPARED TO THE WHIPLASH AND SHOULDER PAINS I CURRENTLY HAVE. *TR
Mar 16, 2014
+ 17 more complaints for this component
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
14 complaints
ABS ACTUATOR FAIL. BRAKE SYSTEM DOESN'T WORK PROPERLY AND WILL ENDANGER MY AND FAMILY SAFETY. THE CAR FAIL TO STOP. ABS AND VSC LIGHTS ARE ON. TOYOTA ISSUED THIS PROBLEM BEFORE WITH THE BREAK ACTUATOR WARRANTY EXTENSION GZ1 BUT WASN'T A OFFICIAL RECALL.
Jan 20, 2019
ENGINE NOISE IS EXCESSIVE IN LAST FEW MONTHS. TOOK TO DEALER WHO STATED NO DIAGNOSTIC CONCERNS FOUND. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON DASH WILL NOT GO OFF, AND SINCE VEHICLE WILL NOT PASS STATE MANDATED INSPECTION WITH INDICATOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED THE CAR IS CONSIDERED A SAFETY VIOLATION BY THE STATE AND NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. PLEASE HELP ME CORRECT THIS ISSUE.
Aug 31, 2018
ALMOST OVERNIGHT MY PRIUS DASHBOARD HAS DEVELOPED OILY PATCHES. IF YOU TOUCH IT YOUR FINGER STICKS, IF YOU WIPE IT THE CLOTH STICKS. THE DASH CANNOT BE CLEANED. I WORRY ABOUT THE OFF-GASSING AND ANY OTHER HEALTH THREAT FROM THE DASH MATERIAL DECOMPOSING, INCLUDING DECOMPOSITION INSIDE THE AC AND HEATING VENTS. I WORRY ABOUT THE DECOMPOSING DASH AFFECTING OTHER ELEMENTS OF THE CAR'S DASH, LIGHTING, COMPUTER ELECTRICAL, AND OTHER SYSTEMS. THE ONLY KNOWN CURE IS TO REPLACE THE DASHBOARD WHICH IS AN UNEXPECTED AND UNWELCOME FINANCIAL BURDEN.
Dec 02, 2017
THE TEMPERATURE WAS IN THE 50S HERE IN FL. MY PRIUS WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE OVERNIGHT. THE CAR STARTED BUT THE DASH WAS BLACK. THE ONLY INDICATOR ON THE DASH WAS FOR "AIRBAGS". I BACKED OUT AND DROVE WITH EXTREME TREPIDATION AND CAUTION TO MY CHILD'S SCHOOL. CRUISE CONTROL DID NOT WORK. ONLY TURN SIGNALS/FLASHERS WORKED. THE CENTER COMPUTER SCREEN WAS DIM, BRIGHTNESS CONTROL DID NOT AFFECT THAT OR THE BLACK DASH. I DROVE WITH NO INDICATION OF MY SPEED, FUEL AMOUNT, MILEAGE, OR SYSTEMS FAILURES/WARNINGS! I CALLED MY INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. HE SAID I WAS THE 4TH PERSON TO CALL HIM TODAY WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM: COMBINATION METER FAILURE! HE SAID A COLD SPELL TRIGGERS THE FAILURE. THEN I WAS NOT ABLE TO SHUT THE CAR OFF. HE TALKED ME THROUGH A WAY TO SHUT THE CAR OFF. WHEN I RETURNED TO THE CAR MY FOB WOULD NOT OPEN THE DOOR LOCKS. I HAD TO USE THE METAL KEY FROM THE FOB TO UNLOCK THE DRIVER'S DOOR. I PUT THE FOB BACK TOGETHER AND STARTED THE CAR. THE DASH WAS WORKING AGAIN, BUT VERY DIM AND HARD TO SEE. MY MECHANIC ADVISED ME THAT I COULD TRY TO RESET THE 12 VOLT BATTERY TO RESET THE FAILED METER, BUT THAT IN TRYING TO RESET THE BATTERY, I WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO GET INTO THE HATCH DURING A METER FAILURE. HE SAID THE COMBINATION METER WILL CONTINUE TO FAIL UNTIL IT IS REPAIRED. HE ADVISED ME THAT TOYOTA COVERED THIS REPAIR FOR 9 YEARS, BUT I AM IN THE YEAR 10 AND NOT COVERED. THIS IS NOT A SIMPLE WARRANTY ISSUE. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. THE CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE WITH NO INDICATION OF MY SPEED, FUEL AMOUNT, MILEAGE, OR SYSTEMS FAILURES/WARNINGS AND WITHOUT AN ABILITY TO SHUT THE CAR OFF! THIS IS A KNOWN, PREDICTABLE FAILURE THAT TOYOTA ACKNOWLEDGED WITH AN EXTENSION OF THE ORIGINAL WARRANTY. THE PROBLEM DOESN'T GO AWAY AFTER 9 YEARS. COMBINATION METER FAILURE RENDERS A CAR UNSAFE AND UNDRIVEABLE. TOYOTA NEEDS TO REPAIR COMBINATION METERS WHENEVER THEY FAIL.
Dec 09, 2016
MY 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS I JUST BOUGHT RECENTLY IS HAVING INTERMITTENT HEADLIGHT PROBLEMS WERE THE HEADLIGHTS FREQUENTLY TURN OFF WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. SO FAR TURNING THEM OFF ON AND ON AGAIN WORKS, BUT IT CAN BE A SAFETY HAZARD GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT THIS?
Nov 16, 2016
+ 9 more complaints for this component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
13 complaints
AFTER LONG DRIVE UP MOUNTAINS, VEHICLE LOST POWER WHEN GOING UPHILL, PRESSING ON THE GAS PEDAL RESULTED IN JERKY MOVEMENT OF A FEW FEET. VEHICLE STOPPED. CHECKED BATTERY AND IT WAS LOW BUT HAD TWO BLUE BARS. NO WARNING SIGNS WERE LIT ON THE DASHBOARD. MANAGED TO TURN VEHICLE AROUND AND IT COASTED DOWNHILL WITH NO SUBSEQUENT PROBLEMS. THE LOSS OF POWER OCCURRED ON A ROAD WITH A BLIND CURVE. TURNING BACK WAS A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. THERE WAS NO WARNING OF ANY PROBLEMS. DEALER WAS NOT HELPFUL IN SOLVING THIS POTENTIAL PROBLEM.
May 17, 2014
THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON WHENEVER OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE IS ABOVE 45F OR SO. TOOK IT TO TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID IT WAS A FAULTY COOLANT FLOW CONTROL VALVE THAT WAS RESULTING IN CODE P1121. THE DEALER SAID THIS WAS A SAFETY ISSUE SINCE COOLANT CAN LEAK OUT, AND RECOMMENDED IT BE FIXED ASAP AT A COST OF NEARLY $1000. THIS IS NOT AN UNCOMMON PROBLEM FOR PRIUS'S AND AN ONLINE SEARCH SHOWED THAT TOYOTA DID COVER THIS UNDER WARRANTY (EXTENSION) FOR SOME MODEL YEARS UP TO 35K MILES. I WROTE TO TOYOTA MOTOR SALES TO ASK IF THEY WOULD COVER OR ASSIST WITH THE REPAIR COST, AND IF THERE WAS A HIDDEN RECALL OR WARRANTY EXTENSION ON THIS ISSUE, AND THEY RESPONDED THAT I SHOULD JUST TRY TO NEGOTIATE A BETTER PRICE WITH THE DEALER. I THINK TOYOTA SHOULD COVER THIS, IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL. *TR
Mar 08, 2012
THE STANDARD ENGINE WATER PUMP WAS FOUND TO BE LEAKING AND HAD TO BE REPLACED ON 10/1/11 AT 32553 MI. THE ELECTRIC HYBRID WATER PUMP WAS REPLACED UNDER RECALL ON 04/02/11 AT 30222 MI. *TR
Oct 06, 2011
PRIUS UNDER ENGINE DUST COVER KEEPS TEARING AWAY FROM BOLTS ON BODY. PART REPLACED FOR THE 5TH TIME. CAR LOW TO GROUND. COMES IN CONTACT WITH PARKING BUMPERS, ETC. TOYOTA DENIES RESPONSIBILITY. A DESIGN FLAW WITH FRONT EDGE OF COVER EXPOSED TO LOW LYING OBJECTS CAUSING IT TO BE PUSHED BACK FROM ANCHOR BOLTS. CAN BE EASILY RESOLVED BY DESIGNING COVER TO FIT INSIDE LIP OF FRAME RATHER THAN OUTSIDE. *TR
Jun 23, 2011
1. NORMAL HIGHWAY DRIVING AFTER APPROXIMATELY TWO HOURS IN HOT WEATHER. 2. ENGINE STALLS (QUITS). ENGINE WILL NOT RESTART UNTIL AFTER 15 MINUTES "REST". HAS HAPPENED TWICE - ONLY ON LONG TRIP. 3. TWO DIFFERENT TOYOTA DEALERS WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. *TR
Sep 19, 2010
+ 8 more complaints for this component
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,EQUIPMENT
13 complaints
2006 TOYOTA PRIUS HID HEADLIGHTS STOPS WORKING (TURNS OFF) WILL DRIVING. STARTED OUT WITH THE RIGHT SIDE (PASSENGER SIDE). NOW BOTH SIDES OF THE CARS WILL TURN OFF RANDOMLY. PROBLEM IS AT NIGHT, YOU MUST TURN OFF & ON HEADLIGHT SWITCH FOR THE HID HEADLIGHTS TO COME BACK ON. THIS HAS BEEN AN ON GOING PROBLEM, HAVE REPLACED THE HID HEADLIGHTS BULBS TWICE AND THE ECU HEADLIGHT COMPUTER AND THE PROBLEM STILL PERSIST. *TR
Jul 23, 2010
MY HEADLIGHTS ARE INTERMITTENTLY FAILING ON MY 2006 PRIUS. THE DEALERSHIP HAS REPLACED BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT (AS A PAIR) HEADLIGHTS AT ~20,000 MILES AND AGAIN AT ~48,000 MILES. AND NOW AT 55,000 MILES, THEY ARE REPLACING ANOTHER FRONT HEADLIGHT HID BULB. THERE WERE TWO ADDITIONAL TIMES THAT I REQUESTED THE TOYOTA SERVICE DEPARTMENT CHECK THE LIGHTS AS I HAD BEEN TOLD BY A POLICE OFFICER THAT FRONT AND/OR BACK LIGHTS WERE OUT, BUT THE DEALERSHIP SAID ALL OF THE LIGHTS WERE FUNCTIONING. MY LIGHTS APPEAR TO WORK INTERMITTENTLY. I MAY HAVE BOTH HEADLIGHTS WORKING FOR A WEEK OR A MONTH OR MORE, THEN ONE OF BOTH MAY GO OUT, AND THEN ONE OR BOTH MAY START FUNCTIONING AGAIN. IT'S COMPLETELY VARIABLE. I NEVER KNOW IF ONE OF BOTH HEADLIGHTS WILL WORK AT ANY GIVEN TIME. IT'S FRUSTRATING AND SCARY- AS I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO TO FUNDAMENTALLY RESOLVE THE ISSUE AND ENSURE THAT I HAVE FUNCTIONING HEADLIGHTS! APPROXIMATE DATES: JAN 2008 - POLICE OFFICER TOLD ME A LIGHT WAS OUT, DEALER COULD NOT REPRODUCE APRIL 2008 - BOTH HEADLIGHTS REPLACED SEPTEMBER 2009- BOTH HEADLIGHTS REPLACED FEBRUARY 2009- POLICE OFFICER TOLD ME LIGHTS WERE OUT (1 FRONT, 1 BACK) MARCH 2010- HEADLIGHT REPLACED *DT
Mar 22, 2010
HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT ON #5 FWY IN TA HONE PASS ON 2/7/10. NOW HEADLIGHTS ARE INTERMITTENT. I PAID $837 TO DEALER ON 1/10/08 FOR REPLACEMENT OF HEADLAMPS. DEALER NOW WANTS $1024 TO REPLACE THEM AGAIN. *TR
Feb 15, 2010
I PURCHASED A NEW 2006 PRIUS IN JULY 2006. PRIOR TO THE WARRANTY EXPIRING (ABOUT 30,000 MILES), I NOTICED THAT ONE OR THE OTHER HEAD LIGHT WOULD TURN OFF. TURNING THE HEAD LIGHTS OFF AND ON AGAIN CAUSED THE LIGHT TO TURN ON AGAIN. I WAS DRIVING TO WORK AT NIGHT ON A VERY CURVY ROAD AND BOTH LIGHTS TURNED OFF AT THE SAME TIME. TURNING THE LIGHTS SWITCH OFF AND ON CAUSED THE LIGHTS TO COME ONE AGAIN. THE TOYOTA DEALER ADMITTED THAT THERE HAD BEEN A BATCH OF DEFECTIVE BULBS. I HAD THE LIGHTS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. AT 59,000 MILES THE SAME PROBLEM IS STARTING OVER. ONLY ONE LIGHT AT THE MOMENT, BUT I EXPECT THE OTHER ONE TO START DOING THE SAME THING. DRIVING WITH ONE HEAD LIGHT IS VERY DANGEROUS AS WELL AS SUBJECTING YOU TO AN EQUIPMENT VIOLATION TICKET. *TR
Nov 16, 2009
BOUGHT '06 PRIUS 6/06. HAD TO HAVE BOTH HEADLIGHTS (HID) REPLACED IN NOV. 07 AFTER 57K MILES DUE TO THEM INTERMITTENTLY "GOING OUT" WHICH GOT WORSE WITH TIME. CURRENTLY (APR. 2009) AM EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE REPLACEMENT BULBS. *TR
Apr 21, 2009
+ 8 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN
11 complaints
The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while she was sitting in the vehicle that was parked in the garage, the vehicle accelerated on its own and proceeded to move forward while the emergency brake was activated, and no warning light illuminated. The vehicle struck the contacts home going inside the home. The contact stated the vehicle was not on, but the vehicle started on its own once the vehicle was pulled from the inside of the home. The contact legs where stuck in between the front side door of the vehicle but did not seek any medical attention. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not towed. The dealer or the manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 168,000.
Oct 07, 2022
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE GEAR UNEXPECTEDLY SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE GEAR NEEDED TO BE HELD IN THE DRIVE POSITION IN ORDER TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 220,000.
Nov 05, 2018
FROM THE TIME I PURCHASED IT NEW IN 2006, WHILE IN PARK/STATIONARY, IT'S NORMAL FOR A PRIUS TO SHUT OFF THEIR GAS ENGINE WHILE IN IDLE.. HOWEVER, WHEN THE GAS ENGINE COMES BACK ON TO HELP CHARGE THE BATTERY WHILE IN IDLE, IT CAUSES THE CAR TO JERK FORWARD 1-2 INCHES. ONE TIME THIS BUMPED A PERSON CROSSING THE STREET THAT WALKED NEAR MY IDLING CAR. IT HAPPENS EVERY TIME. SO THE DATE BELOW SHOULD HAVE AN OPTION FOR EVERYDAY.
Aug 01, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT THE DEALER, IT WAS PLACED IN THE DRIVE POSITION AND INDEPENDENTLY MOVED TO THE NEUTRAL POSITION. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN THE REVERSE POSITION AND INDEPENDENTLY MOVED TO THE NEUTRAL POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 189,930.
Apr 08, 2016
POWER TRAIN OVER-ENGAGEMENT: WHEN ATTEMPTING TO SLOW ENOUGH TO MAKE A 90 DEGREE RIGHT TURN, AFTER LETTING OFF ACCELERATOR BEFORE APPLYING THE BRAKE, THE POWER TRAIN CONTINUED TO ENGAGE, EVEN DURING BRAKING, FOR A FEW SECONDS CAUSING EXTRA INERTIA ENTERING CORNER WITH DEFINITE LOSS OF TRACTION.* *THERE IS NO WARNING, VERY DISCONCERTING, CAUSING MILD TO SEVERE ANXIETY. * THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 50 TIMES IN LAST 7 YEARS OF OWNERSHIP. *HAPPENS IN MANY STOPPING CONDITIONS: SLOW, FAST (USUALLY UNDER 30MPH) *IRRESPECTIVE OF STRAIGHT OR CHANGING DIRECTION *IF OTHER VEHICLE HAD BEEN PRESENT, A COLLISION WOULD HAVE BEEN EMINENT. *IN ICY CONDITION VEHICLE COULD HAVE ENDED OFF ROAD.
May 23, 2015
+ 6 more complaints for this component
STEERING
10 complaints
LOSS OF VEHICLE STEERING CONTROL WHILE DRIVING. LUCKILY THE VEHICLE WAS JUST GOING DOWN THE DRIVEWAY AT LOW SPEED SO NO ONE WAS INJURED.*DT*JB
Dec 07, 2019
CLOCK SPRING FAILURE. CONTROLS ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE STEERING COLUMN ARE NOT WORKING. CONCERNED THAT THIS CLOCK SPRING FAILURE WILL ALSO CAUSE THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG TO FAIL TO DEPLOY IN A CRASH.
Dec 24, 2017
I WAS DRIVING ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAY 5 NORTH TO LOS ANGELES LATE EVENING AROUND 9:00PM. THE STEERING COLUMN BEGAN MAKING A GRINDING NOISE AND VIBRATING. EACH TIME I TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL EITHER TO THE LEFT OR TO THE RIGHT THE CAR MADE A VIBRATION AND GRINDING NOISE AND FELT STIFF. THE JARRING WAS FELT IN THE ACCELERATION PAD AND IN THE BRAKE PADS EACH TIME I EITHER ACCELERATED OR BRAKED. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER WHERE I SERVICE MY CAR ON JULY 5TH 2014. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT WAS ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE EXACT COMPLAINT I HAD. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT GAVE ME AN INVOICE INFORMING ME THAT THE CHARGES TO FIX THE STEERING COLUMN AND THE ELECTRIC MOTOR INSIDE WOULD COST ME OVER $2000.00. I CALLED TOYOTA ON 14TH JULY TO ASK IF THEY WOULD TAKE CARE OF THIS ISSUE. I WAS INFORMED BY TOYOTA ON JULY 18TH, THAT THEY WOULD NOT COVER THIS BECAUSE IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, AND THE CAR HAD 148,000 MILES, AND THE RECALL WORK HAD BEEN DONE IN 2012 ON THIS VEHICLE. AS A PEACE OFFERING THEY SAID THEY COULD GIVE ME 700$ TO FIX IT OR BUY A NEW VEHICLE. THE DEALER, WHERE I WENT TO GET THE PROBLEM RESOLVED, SAID THEY COULD NOT DO ANYTHING BECAUSE THIS WAS A DIFFERENT ISSUE FROM THE RECALL???? I NOW HAVE A VEHICLE THAT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE WHICH I AM BEING TOLD IS NOT COVERED BY THE COMPANY. I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF A STEERING COLUMN FAILING. I WAS NOT AWARE THAT MY VEHICLE EVEN HAD A RECALL. I HAD NO INTIMATION FROM ANYONE. AND NO I DID NOT REALIZE THAT IN LATE 2012 THE DEALER HAD DONE SOME WORK ON THE RECALL. WHAT IS THERE TO SHOW THAT THE WORK WAS DONE CORRECTLY AND THAT THIS IS A COMMON FAILURE PROBLEM IN ALL VEHICLES?? I HAVE HAD VEHICLES THAT I HAVE USED FOR OVER 200,000 MILES WITH NO MISHAPS INCLUDING A SAAB AND AN ACURA. *TR
Jul 26, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE APPROACHING AN EXIT FROM THE HIGHWAY AT 30 MPH THE STEERING WHEEL COULD NOT BE TURNED TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE ONLY OCCURRED FOR A BRIEF MOMENT. THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO FUNCTION NORMALLY WITHIN A FEW MINUTES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER A DIAGNOSTIC TEST THAT WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE A FAILURE CODE. THE DEALER ALSO TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE BUT THE FAILURE DID NOT RECUR. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
Jul 08, 2013
2006 TOYOTA PRIUS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO STEERING RECALL NOTICE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HE RECEIVED AN URGENT RECALL NOTICE IN THE MAIL. HOWEVER, WHEN SHE CALLED THE DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT, SHE WAS INFORMED THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE AND THEY WERE NOT SURE, WHEN IT WOULD ARRIVE.
Jan 23, 2013
+ 5 more complaints for this component
TIRES
10 complaints
I HAVE MILESTAR MS 932 SPORT TIRES 185/65R15 ON MY PRIUS TOYOTA06 VEHICLE I RECENTLY HAD ONE OF THESE TIRES SEPARATE ON ME ,THE( STEEL BELT). IT HAD A LARGE LUMP IN THE TREAD AREA WHICH MOST DEFINITELY WOULD HAVE EXPLODED IF I DIDNT STOP AND GET IT REPLACED. TWO MONTHS LATER I EXPERIENCED THE SAME THING WITH ANOTHER TIRE ONE THE SAME VEHICLE . ALL TIRES WERE PURCHASED FROM THE SAME COMPANY AT FIRST THOUGHT I SUSPECTED JUST A BAD TIRE BUT THIS HAPPENING TWICE TO ME SHOWS THAT IT MUST BE A GREATER DEFECT PROBLEM THE TIRES HAVE APPROXIMATELY 27000 ON THEM . THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO BE 60000 TIRES THESE ARE WELL CARED FOR TIRES AND HAVE NOT BEEN SUBJECTED TO ABUSE OR ANY REPAIRS. ID NUMBER ON THE FIRST TIRE THAT FAILED IS 04CH514A124
Sep 29, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS EQUIPPED WITH YOKOHAMA AVID TIRES, SIZE: 185/65R/15. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE TIRE BLEW DUE TO A ROAD HAZARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS ADVISED TO THE CONTACT THAT THE TIRE TREAD WAS CRACKED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000. *TR
May 13, 2013
I BOUGHT 4 NEW PIRELLI CINTURATO P5 TIRES FOR MY 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS IN JUNE OF 2009 FROM DISCOUNT TIRE. I WAS TOLD THAT THESE TIRES WOULD LAST FOR 85,000 MILES BEFORE HAVING TO REPLACE THEM. SINCE THEN I REGULARLY ROTATED AND BALANCED THEM. WHEN I WENT TO GET MY TIRES ROTATED AND BALANCED AGAIN 6/2009, I WAS TOLD THAT TWO OF THE TIRES ARE ALREADY WORN OUT AND I WOULD BE BETTER OFF TO GET TWO NEW TIRES TO KEEP ME SAFE WHILE DRIVING. I INFORMED THE SALES PERSONNEL THAT THESE TIRES ARE JUST 3 YEARS OLD AND WITH 40,400 MILES SINCE PURCHASED. HE MENTIONED TO ME THAT TIRES MANY A TIMES DO NOT GIVE THE MILEAGE THEY ARE RATED FOR. IN MY CASE, I GOT LESS THAN ONE-HALF THE RATED MILEAGE. WITH MY DRIVING PATTERN (13,000 MILES/YEAR), I WOULD HAVE EXPECTED THESE TIRES TO LAST FOR ABOUT SIX YEARS AS I TAKE GOOD CARE (ROTATING, BALANCING, AND ALIGNMENT) OF THEM. *TR
May 13, 2012
I WAS DRIVING TO A PLACE A SHORT DISTANCE FROM MY HOME WHEN I HEARD A NOISE AND THE CAR VEERED TO THE RIGHT. I PULLED OVER IMMEDIATELY AND GOT OUT OF THE CAR. THE TIRE ON THE RIGHT FRONT WAS BLOWN OUT AT THE SIDEWALL AND I SAW TWO HOLES AT THE INSIDE OF THE SIDEWALL ONE ABOVE THE OTHER. THE RIM WAS ALSO DESTROYED. *TR
Jun 05, 2010
LOW TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR GOES OFF EVERY CHANGE OF THE SEASON IN THE FALL WHEN HUMIDITY IS HIGH AND TEMPERATURE IS LOW. TOYOTA KNOWS ABOUT THIS AS IT IS ONE OF DEFAULT SELECTIONS IN THE ON-LINE REQUEST FOR SERVICE. *TR
Nov 11, 2008
+ 5 more complaints for this component
STRUCTURE
9 complaints
TRUNK LATCH TO OPEN TRUNK WHILE STATIONARY NOW SERIOUSLY REDUCED FUNCTION. RUBBER HAS MELTED. NOW THE TRUNK IS VERY DIFFICULT TO OPEN. SOMETIMES, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT IS COLD OUT, TRUNK CANNOT BE OPENED AT ALL.
Mar 29, 2016
I WAS UNABLE TO OPEN THE REAR HATCH BECAUSE THE RUBBER/PLASTIC COVERING HAD HARDENED TO THE POINT THAT I COULDN'T CAUSE IT TO MAKE CONTACT AND OPEN. SINCE THEN, I HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO OPEN THE HATCH WHEN THE WEATHER IS COLD AND HAVE BEEN ABLE TO OPEN IT WHEN THE WEATHER IS WARM. A DEALER IN TENNESSEE TOLD ME THAT IT WOULD COST $300 TO REPLACE THE WHOLE PART. I BELIEVE THAT THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO ACCESS THE SPARE TIRE, FIRST AID KIT, OR TO OPEN THE HATCH IN EMERGENCIES TO ALLOW PASSENGERS TO ESCAPE IF OTHER DOORS ARE INOPERABLE. *TR
Nov 19, 2014
RUBBER COVER TO THE REAR HATCH SWITCH (HANDLE) HAS DETERIORATED OVER TIME (CAR WAS 4 YEARS OLD WHEN THIS FIRST BECAME NOTICEABLE). IT IS NOW 8 YEARS OLD WITH 81,000 MILES AND THE DETERIORATION IS SO DRASTIC TO THE POINT WHERE IT IS OFTEN DIFFICULT TO OPEN THE REAR HATCH, OR VICE-VERSA SOMETIMES THE HATCH WILL NOT LATCH CLOSE. STICKY GOOEY TAR ALWAYS GETS ON THE FINGERS UPON EVERY ATTEMPT TO OPEN THE HATCH. NUMEROUS OTHER PEOPLE HAVE NOTED THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE ONLY HAND-WASHED THE CAR WITH PLAIN WATER, AND I LIVE IN A VERY MILD CLIMATE (SAN DIEGO). OBVIOUSLY THIS IS A DEFECTIVE BATCH OF RUBBER USED BY TOYOTA. THIS PRESENTS A SAFETY PROBLEM IN THAT IT COULD BE IMPOSSIBLE TO ACCESS THE SPARE TIRE AND TOOLS TO CHANGE A FLAT TIRE IN AN EMERGENCY. THERE IS AN INTERNAL MECHANICAL RELEASE SWITCH, BUT THIS COULD BE IMPOSSIBLE TO ACCESS IF THERE ARE LARGE ITEMS STORED IN THE TRUNK. *TR
Oct 10, 2014
I BEGIN TO NOTICE BLACK MARKS ON MY FINGERS. IT TOOK ME AWHILE TO LEARN THAT THE LATCH COVER WAS DISINTEGRATING. I ASKED OUR LOCAL MECHANIC TO LOOK INTO GETTING IT REPLACED. HE REPORTED BACK THAT HE CALLED TWO TOYOTA DEALERSHIPS. ONE DEALER WANTED $500 FOR THE DEFECTIVE PART AND ANOTHER DEALER SAID THE PART WAS BEING CHANGE TO PLASTIC BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM AND WANTED $230 FOR THE PART. SINCE THIS SEEMS TO BE A DEFECT IN THE MATERIAL USED, I BELIEVE TOYOTA SHOULD RECALL THE CAR AND PAY FOR THE REPLACEMENT. CAN YOU ASSIST WITH MY REQUEST? [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Aug 22, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WATER WAS LEAKING FROM THE CEILING AREA NEAR THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED FRO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000. .. UPDATED 02-07-13 *BF THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO DROP THE COMPLAINT. IT WAS ADVISED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WAS REPLACED PRIOR TO THE FAILURE AND WAS NOT INSTALLED CORRECTLY. UPDATED 02/13/2013 *JS
Dec 26, 2012
+ 4 more complaints for this component
ENGINE
8 complaints
The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while his wife was attempting to stop the engine and turn off the vehicle, the vehicle failed to turn off. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact's wife was able to drive safely to the residence. The contact disconnected the battery and conducted a personal diagnostic test and the vehicle was operable. The vehicle was not diagnosed by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 265,817.
Sep 07, 2022
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 64 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HARTFORD TOYOTA SUPERSTORE LOCATED AT (135 W SERVICE RD, HARTFORD, CT 06120) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BATTERY AND TWO IGNITION COILS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED WHILE THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT AND THE ESP FAULT WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO LYNCH TOYOTA LOCATED AT (179 TOLLAND TURNPIKE, MANCHESTER, CT 06042) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT INVERTER WATER PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 237,000.
Mar 10, 2020
POA93 CODE . CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHILE I WAS DRIVING
Oct 06, 2019
MY CAR OVERHEATED SUDDENLY, SHOWED MULTIPLE WARNING LIGHTS, AND WAS DIAGNOSED AS HAVING A FAILURE OF THE ELECTRIC WATER PUMP --SYMPTOMS EXACTLY IDENTICAL TO THOSE DESCRIBED IN !2V536000. MY CAR DID NOT STALL BUT HAD THE SECONDARY CONDITIONS SHOWN WHEN TOYOTA ENGINEERS TESTED THE LIKELY RESULTS OF FAILURE OF THE FAULTY COIL WIRE.
Aug 05, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE DRIVING, A WHISTLING NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE ENGINE. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE, ABS REQD, AIR BAG, AND BRAKE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 232,000.
May 03, 2019
+ 3 more complaints for this component
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
6 complaints
FOR APROXIMADAMENTELY TWO YEARS THE BRAKES AVE NOT BEEN WORKING PROPERLY AND WE TOOK IT TO GET EVALUATED AND WE WERE TOLD IT WAS THE BRAKE ACTUATOR. NOW I WAS TOLD THAT THIS IS A SECURITY PROBLEM TOYOTA DEALERSHIP SELLS THE PART FO A LITTLE OVER $1,700 I WAS ALSO TOLD IT SHOULD BE YOUR RESPONSIBILITY SINCE IT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED A RECALL BECAUSE OF THIS BEING A SECURITY PROBLEM. I RUN THE RICK TO RUN OUT OF BRAKES AT ANY MOMENT AND I CAN NOT DEIVE MY VEHICLE LIKE THIS.
Mar 16, 2017
2006 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHEN DRIVING OVER POTHOLE OR BUMPS, ANTILOCK BREAKS ARE TRIGGERED, AND BRAKES DO NOT WORK (TEMPORARILY). I HAVE LISTENED TO THE REPORTS ON THE 2010 PRIUS AND WOULD LIKE TO REPORT THAT THE EXACT ISSUE HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES IN MY 2ND GENERATION PRIUS. THIS ISSUE IS NOT ISOLATED TO THE 3RD GENERATION MODEL. *CN
Feb 06, 2010
THE CAR INDICATES A WHEEL SLIDE WARNING IN BEST OF CONDITIONS AT RANDOM TIMES. LOSS OF POWER TO CAR AND DIFFICULTY IN RETAINING CONTROL. *TR
Feb 04, 2010
2006 TOYOTA PRIUS VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL (VSC) ENGAGES WHEN STARTING ON WET PAVEMENT OR SAND/GRAVEL. THIS ABRUPTLY REDUCES POWER, WHICH IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION WHEN ENTERING TRAFFIC. THERE IS NO ABILITY FOR THE DRIVER TO DISABLE ITS OPERATION ON ACCELERATION. *TR
Jun 08, 2009
THE PRIUS STALLS WHEN STARTING FROM A STOP ON WET OR GRAVELLY SURFACES (ANY LOW TRACTION SURFACE). THIS IS ALMOST ROUTINE WHEN STARTING FORWARD WITH A TURN TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT. THE FORWARD MOTION TYPICALLY STOPS, AND THEN SURGES AND STOPS AND SURGES REPEATEDLY UNTIL A MOMENTUM BUILDS TO CONTINUE ROLLING FORWARD. THIS IS FRIGHTENING AND DANGEROUS, ESPECIALLY IF TURNING OUT INTO TRAFFIC. THE TOYOTA DEALER SAYS THIS IS THE ESC AND THE BEHAVIOR IS TO BE EXPECTED. *TR
Jun 08, 2008
+ 1 more complaint for this component
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
6 complaints
TWICE IN ONE WEEK, ON THE HIGHWAY, WITH ONE LED SEGMENT REMAINING ON THE FUEL GAUGE, THE CAR QUIT DEAD AND ROLLED OUT LUCKILY TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. OUT OF FUEL. LOW LEVEL LIGHT CAME ON EACH TIME. GENUINE HASSLES GETTING TO A GAS STATION ON FOOT ON THE INTERSTATE TO GET A CONTAINER OF GAS TO GET RUNNING AGAIN. TWO DIFFERENT TOYOTA SERVICE MANAGERS INSISTED NOTHING IS WRONG WITH THE MEASURING SYSTEM AND THAT ONE SHOULD NEVER TRUST A GAUGE OR ALLOW THE LEVEL TO GET NEAR ZERO. NOT EVEN ONE SEGMENT LOW! NEVER, IN ALL MY YEARS OF DRIVING HAVE I HAD A CAR RUN OUT OF GAS WITH FUEL INDICATED ON THE GAUGE. WE ADDITIONALLY OWN ANOTHER PRIUS (2005) WHICH CAN RUN SAFELY AND NOT QUIT SHORTLY AFTER THE LOW FUEL WARNING COMES ON OR ALL SEGMENTS VANISH. THIS IS UNSAFE AS ONE IS FORCED TO DO EMERGENCY EVASIVE ACTION TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, THEN RISK LIFE WALKING ON THE INTERSTATE. OUR SOLUTION THE LAST FEW YEAR IS NEVER DO WE LET FUEL LEVEL GET BELOW 2 LED SEGMENTS SINCE. *TR
Jun 26, 2010
2006 PRIUS GASOLINE TANKS HAS ERRATIC BEHAVIOR, BASED ON TEMPERATURE. FILL UP CAPACITY RANGES FROM 6 TO 10 GALLONS, ON A 10.9 GALLONS TANK. *TR
Feb 09, 2010
HARD TIME GETTING GAS IN THE VEHICLE. FOR EXAMPLE, I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP TO LET THE GAS GAUGE GET DOWN TO 1/4 TANK OR LESS AND FILL THE TANK SLOWLY AS THERE MAY BE AIR BEHIND THE BLADDER THAT IS IN THE GAS TANK ON THE PRIUS. ABOUT 2 MILES FROM THE GAS TANK THE "ADD FUEL" WARNING CAME ON IN THE VEHICLE. UPON PULLING INTO THE GAS STATION AND ADDING GAS INTO THE VEHICLE I WAS ONLY ABLE TO GET SLIGHTLY OVER 4 GALLONS INTO THE TANK. THE PRIUS HAD AN 11.9 GALLON GAS TANK. SO IF THE GAS WAS REALLY BELOW 1/4 TANK, WHY AM I ONLY GETTING 4 GALLONS IN THE TANK. EVEN IF THE 1/4 TANK MEANS THERE ARE 3 GALLONS LEFT IN THE TANK, THOSE 3 PLUS THE 4 THAT I GOT IN THE TANK STILL ONLY ADD UP TO 7 GALLONS. WHAT HAPPENED TO THE OTHER 4+ GALLONS THAT I SHOULD HAVE BEEN ABLE TO PUT IN THE TANK? THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME I PUT GAS IN THE VEHICLE. SO FAR THE DEALERSHIP HAS TOLD ME ITS BECAUSE ITS COLD OUTSIDE THAT THIS HAPPENS... WELL HOW DO THEY EXPLAIN IT IN SUMMER? IT WAS OVER 60 DEGREES WHEN I GOT GAS LAST THURSDAY. THE HAVE TOLD ME THAT I HAVE TO PUT THE GAS IN SLOWLY, AND THEY HAVE RE-SET THE GAS GAUGE. *TR
May 05, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, ALL OF THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND SHUT DOWN. ON JUNE 25, 2007, THE DEALER STATED THAT NO FAILURE COULD BE IDENTIFIED. ON SEPTEMBER 26, 2007, THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS A LOOSE WIRE. ON NOVEMBER 13, 2007, THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK AND PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,001 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 35,000. UPDATED 07/10/08.*LJ TOYOTA BOUGHT THE VEHICLE BACK FROM THE CONSUMER. UPDATED
Mar 07, 2008
ON SEPTEMBER 23, 2007, I WAS TRAVELING ON I-70 RETURNING FROM BLOOMINGTON INDIANA TO WEBSTER GROVES MISSOURI. AS I WAS DRIVING THE ADD FUEL LIGHT CAME ON. BASED ON MY PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE, I KNEW I HAD AT LEAST 40 MILES. ALL OF A SUDDEN, ALL OF THE WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON AND THE CAR LOST POWER. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO MANEUVER TO THE SHOULDER. I GOT THE CAR TO GO A LITTLE FURTHER BEFORE IT DIED ON THE RAMP OF THE NEXT EXIT. THE TOTAL MILES TRAVELED FROM THE TIME THE ADD FUEL LIGHT CAME ON UNTIL THE CAR COMPLETELY DIED WAS 18 MILES. I NOTIFIED TOYOTA AND THEIR RESPONSE WAS THAT I RAN OUT OF GAS. THEY TOLD ME I SHOULD HAVE 50 MILES OR SO FROM WHEN THE ADD FUEL LIGHT CAME ON BEFORE RUNNING OUT OF GAS. THEY COULD NOT EXPLAIN WHY I ONLY GOT 18 MILES. I TOLD THEM THAT I BELIEVE THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE FUEL SENSOR AND THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE SINCE MY CAR DIED WHILE TRAVELING ON AN INTERSTATE. TOYOTA SAID IT WAS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE SINCE THEY HAVE NOT HAD MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS. FOR WHAT IT IS WORTH, IT WAS A VERY HOT DAY AND I HAD BEEN TRAVELING ABOUT 3 HOURS OR SO. MY GUESS IS THAT THE FUEL SENSOR IS NOT ACCURATE UNDER THESE CONDITIONS. I ASKED TOYOTA WHY I ONLY GOT 18 MILES AFTER THE ADD FUEL LIGHT CAME ON. THE REPRESENTATIVE COULD OFFER NO EXPLANATION. AT NO TIME DID TOYOTA CHECK THE FUEL SENSOR. *TR
Nov 06, 2007
+ 1 more complaint for this component
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
5 complaints
SMELL OF FUEL AFTER GETTING OUT OF VEHICLE. ALSO SOMETIMES WITH AC OR WINDOWS OPEN. DEALER SAYS DETERIORATION OF CONNECTIONS IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT. COULD POSSIBLY BE FIRE AND INJURY IF THIS GOT WORSE. CONSIDER THIS FOR RECALL. OTHER TOYOTA MODELS PROBABLY WITH SIMILAR SYSTEMS ARE RECALLED. WHY NOT THIS MODEL?
Jan 26, 2018
WHEN FUELING MY CAR THE PUMP CUTS OFF NOT ALLOWING ME TO FILL THE VEHICLE. IF I AM DOWN TO ONE DOT THAT WILL REQUIRE ME TO FILL THE TANK THE PUMP CUTS OFF AFTER ONLY FILLING TO 5 OR 6 GALLONS, NOT ALLOWING ME TO FILL THE TANK AND GET FULL GAS MILEAGE BENEFITS FROM THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE TRIED VARIOUS METHODS AND DIFFERENT GAS FACILITIES AND THE RESULTS ARE THE SAME THE PUMP CUTS OFF WHILE FUELING THE CAR AND WILL NOT LET ME FILL THE TANK. I HAVE READ ONLINE THAT OTHER OWNERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AND WAS ADVISED BY A CAR MAINTENANCE CENTER TO CONTACT NHTSA TO FILE A REPORT. I HAVE TRIED CONTACTING MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND THEY HAVE NOT RETURNED MY CALL.
Nov 15, 2017
RAN OUT OF GAS WITH INDICATOR LIGHT READING APPROXIMATELY 1/4 TANK REMAINING
Aug 01, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF FUEL ALTHOUGH THE FUEL GAUGE INDICATED THAT 1/4 TANK OF FUEL WAS IN THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT A FAULTY FUEL BLADDER CAUSED A FALSE FUEL GAUGE READING. THE COMPUTER WAS RESET, BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Mar 02, 2015
THE PRIUS WAS BEING DRIVEN UP A HILL WHEN IT SUDDENLY STALLED AND THE GASOLINE ENGINE DIED. IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO SAFELY MOVE THE VEHICLE OUT OF TRAFFIC, SINCE THE ELECTRIC MODE WAS NOT CAPABLE OF MOVING THE VEHICLE FORWARD UP THE HILL. THE VEHICLE'S FUEL METER ON THE DASH DISPLAYED 3 BARS REMAINING (INDICATING THERE SHOULD HAVE BEEN OVER 1/4 TANK OF FUEL REMAINING). THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOYOTA DEALER, WHO SAID A SOFTWARE RELOAD AND CLEANING THE THROTTLE BOTTLE FIXED IT. A LITTLE OVER A WEEK LATER, THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN ON INTERSTATE, AND THE DRIVER WAS PASSING A SEMI-TRAILER. WHILE IN THE PASSING LANE, THE VEHICLE STALLED AGAIN, AND CAUSED GREAT DANGER AS IT HAD VERY LITTLE ELECTRIC POWER TO LIMP TO SAFETY. THE GAS ENGINE WOULD NOT RUN OR START AGAIN, WITH THE EXACT SAME SYMPTOMS AS BEFORE. AGAIN THE FUEL METER SHOWED 3 BARS REMAINING. HOWEVER, IT WAS FOUND THAT IT TOOK OVER 11 GALLONS OF GASOLINE TO THEN FILL THE TANK, AND THE TOTAL TANK CAPACITY IS IN THE 11 GALLON RANGE. A SEARCH OF THE INTERNET RESULTED IN OTHER SIMILAR COMPLAINTS, WITH ONE ENTRY CITING A TOYOTA TECHNICAL MANUAL THAT INCLUDED THE STATEMENT REGARDING THE FUEL GAUGE, "THE INCLINOMETER MUST BE RESET IF THE CUSTOMER COMPLAINS THAT THEY CAN ONLY PUMP A FEW GALLONS OF GAS INTO THEIR TANK OR THAT THEY RUN OUT OF GAS WITH THREE OR FOUR BARS LEFT ON THE FUEL METER." IT IS VERY CONCERNING & FRUSTRATING THAT TOYOTA APPARENTLY IS AWARE THAT THEIR VEHICLES CAN RUN OUT OF GAS UNEXPECTEDLY DUE TO A FAULTY FUEL GAUGE, AND IT CAN PLACE THE OPERATOR AND PASSENGERS IN GREAT DANGER. I HAVE CONTACTED THE TOYOTA DEALER ABOUT THE EXPENSIVE REPAIR BILL ($300) THAT DID NOTHING TO ADDRESS THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. THEY ARE WILLING TO LOOK AT THE CAR AGAIN, NOW THAT THEY UNDERSTAND IT IS LIKELY A BAD FUEL GAUGE SYSTEM, BUT THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION THAT TOYOTA HAS APPARENTLY KNOWN ABOUT. *TR
May 02, 2014
SEAT BELTS
5 complaints
THE SEAT BELTS IN THE BACK SEAT ARE TOTALLY INOPERABLE. THEY DO NOT RETRACT , SO IF YOU USE THEM THEY ARE EXPANDED TO THEIR LARGEST SIZE AND WILL NOT RETRACT. WE HAVE CHILDREN THAT HAVE CARSEATS AND WE ARE UNABLE TO USE THE BACK SEAT OF OUR VEHICLE
Dec 04, 2016
THE SEAT BELTS IN THE BACKSEAT ARE NOT FUNCTIONAL. THE DEALER IS TELLING US THAT IT WILL BE $650 TO MAKE THEM FUNCTIONAL AGAIN. I HAVE HAD MANY CARS , MAKES AND MODELS AND HAVE NEVER HAD ALL MY SEAT BELTS FAIL LIKE THIS. THEY DO NOT RETRACT ANYMORE. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD HAVE SOME RESPONSIBILITY IN FIXING THIS ISSUE,
Nov 16, 2016
OWNER ENTERED VEHICLE AND ATTEMPTED TO LATCH DRIVER SIDE SEATBELT. UPON PLACING TAB INTO BUCKLE, BUCKLE SHOT A SPRING INTO THE CAR AND WOULD NOT LATCH. THERE WERE NO OTHER INCIDENTS WITH THIS BELT PRIOR TO THIS DATE. THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED AND IS ORDERING A NEW SEATBELT LATCH FOR PURCHASE AND REPLACEMENT BY OWNER. *TR
Apr 09, 2012
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE SEAT BELT LATCH WOULD NOT CONNECT AND SECURE THE CONTACT IN THE VEHICLE. HE MADE NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS TO FASTEN THE SEAT BELT OVER THE COURSE OF TWO DAYS, BUT THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO FUNCTION PROPERLY. ALL OF THE OTHER SEAT BELTS IN THE VEHICLE ARE OPERATING NORMALLY. THE DEALER WILL DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE ON FEBRUARY 1, 2008. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,100 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 40,200.
Jan 30, 2008
THE "CENTER" SEAT BELT BUCKLE THAT THE LAP BELT WOULD BUCKLE INTO IS NOT INSTALLED IN THE PROPER LOCATION - IT IS INSTALLED ON THE ONE OF THE SIDE SEATS. WE TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER TWICE AND BOTH TIMES THEY TOLD US ALL THE 2006 PRIUS' WERE MANUFACTURED THAT WAY AND IT COULD NOT BE FIXED - THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE YOU CAN NOT USE THE SEAT BELTS PROPERLY. *JB
Feb 02, 2007
VISIBILITY
5 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE REAR WINDOW SHATTERED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 54,500.
Apr 13, 2012
WHEN CLOSING THE REAR HATCH ON MY 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS, THE INSIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR CAME CRASHING DOWN, TAKING A CHUNK OF THE WINDSHIELD WITH IT. MY CAR NOW IS MISSING A PIECE OF WINDSHIELD AND THE MIRROR. CONTACTED TOYOTA--THEY SAID SINCE THE CAR HAD TOO MANY MILES ON IT AND WAS OFF WARRANTY, THEY WOULDN'T FIX IT, ALTHOUGH THEY AGREED IT SHOULDN'T HAVE HAPPENED. TO ME, IT SEEMS TO BE A MANUFACTURING/MATERIALS DEFECT THAT TOYOTA IS NOT WILLING TO ADMIT. THE MILEAGE IS IRRELEVANT FOR THIS TYPE OF DEFECT--IT CAN HAPPEN AT ANY TIME. *TR
Dec 11, 2009
INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WITH HID HEAD LIGHTS. BOTH RIGHT AND LEFT HEAD LIGHTS HAVE GONE OUT INDIVIDUALLY (NOT AT THE SAME TIME) DURING OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE, AND THEN BY TURNING LIGHT SWITCH OFF AND THEN ON AGAIN THE HEAD LIGHTS WORK. ON A DIFFERENT TRIP, EITHER HEAD LIGHT MAY STOP WORKING AGAIN. THIS DOESN'T HAPPEN ON EVERY TRIP, AND IT SEEMS TO HAPPEN DURING OPERATION OF THE HEADLIGHTS (I.E., TURN THE LIGHTS "ON" AND BOTH HEAD LIGHTS WORK, AND THEN AFTER SOME PERIOD OF TIME ONE OF THE HEAD LIGHTS STOPS WORKING). THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES DURING THE LAST MONTH. *TR
Jan 08, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE AUTOMATIC WINDOW UP CONTROL ROLLED UP THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW AND WOULD NOT STOP UNTIL THE WINDOW WAS COMPLETELY UP. THE WINDOW WOULD CONTINUE TO CLOSE EVEN IF THERE WAS AN OBJECT IN ITS PATH. THIS FAILURE HAS OCCURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE CONTACT HAS NOT SPOKEN WITH TOYOTA. THE VIN AND ENGINE SIZE WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 49,922.
Nov 02, 2007
I HAVE PURCHASED A 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS AND BELIEVE IT HAS A SERIOUS WINDOW DESIGN PROBLEM. OTHER AUTOMOBILES AND TRUCKS I HAVE OWNED WITH ELECTRIC WINDOWS HAVE HAD AN AUTOMATIC DOWN FEATURE ON THE DRIVERS WINDOW. IE- ONCE DRIVER STARTED WINDOW DOWN HE COULD RELEASE PRESSURE ON SWITCH AND THE WINDOW WOULD CONTINUE ITS DOWN TRAVEL TO THE BOTTOM. ON MY NEW TOYOTA THE DRIVERS WINDOW WILL ALSO CONTINUE GOING UP TO THE FULL UP POSITION AFTER SWITCH IS RELEASED. I BROUGHT THIS UP TO THE TOYOTA SERVICE DEPT THINKING THE SWITCH WAS DEFECTIVE. I WAS TOLD IT WAS DESIGNED THIS WAY SO THE DRIVER COULD GET HIS HANDS BACK ON THE STEERING WHEEL RAPIDLY. THEY SAID IT PROBABLY HAD A STOP IF SOMETHING GOT STUCK IN THE WINDOW - LIKE A BABY'S HEAD. I HAVE TRIED TO HOLD MY WINDOW DOWN AFTER RELEASING THE SWITCH AND I CANNOT STOP ITS UPWARD TRAVEL. THE ONLY WAY TO STOP THE WINDOW IS TO FIND THE SWITCH AGAIN AND DEPRESS THE SWITCH TO THE LOWER WINDOW POSITION. I FEEL THE WINDOW HAS THE POTENTIAL TO KILL OR MAIM ANYONE THAT GETS CAUGHT BY THE WINDOW. I FEEL THIS IS AN URGENT THREAT. THANK YOU. *NM
Sep 12, 2006
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
5 complaints
2006 TOYOTA PRIUS LOSES ALL TRACTION WHEN ENCOUNTERING CONDITIONS WHERE ONLY ONE WHEEL LOSES TRACTION. THIS FAILURE OCCURS ON ROADS WITH SAND ON THEM. MOST COMMONLY IT OCCURS WHEN ATTEMPTING TO TURN RIGHT AT AN INTERSECTION, FROM THE RIGHT OR TURN LANE. WHEN TO ACCELERATOR IS PRESSED, THE CAR STARTS TO MOVE, USUALLY A LITTLE WAY INTO THE INTERSECTION, AND THEN STALLS BECAUSE THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL STARTS TO SLIP IN THE SAND ALONG THE CURB. THIS IS ESPECIALLY DANGEROUS WHEN EXECUTING A "RIGHT ON RED" TURN. THE CAR HAS MOVED PART WAY INTO THE INTERSECTION AND IS STALLED BY THE LACK OF ANY TRACTION. TOYOTA CALLS THIS "TRACTION CONTROL". I DON'T THINK THIS IS AN ACCURATE DESCRIPTION. IT'S REALLY COMPUTER CONTROLLED TRACTION LOSS. THE OCCURRENCE REPORTED IS ONLY THE LATEST. IT HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR ALMOST 4 YEARS. COMPLAINTS TO TOYOTA HAVE BEEN FRUITLESS, BECAUSE THEY SAY THE SYSTEM IS OPERATING WITHIN DESIGN LIMITS. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE SYSTEM WAS DESIGNED TO PREVENT OVER-REVVING OF ENGINE COMPONENTS AND STRESSING THEM. *TR
May 02, 2010
I HAVE NOTICED THAT WHILE DRIVING MY 2006 PRIUS, THAT WHILE TRAVELING OVER AN UNEVEN ROAD SURFACE OR POTHOLE, THERE ARE TIMES WHERE THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT WILL COME ON, ON THE DASH, WHILE SIMULTANEOUSLY, IT FEELS AS IF THE CAR IS UNCONTROLLABLE. ITS A SIMILAR FEELING AS DRIVING ON A SNOW COVERED SURFACE. NOT SURE IF ITS JUST A FLAW IN THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (MAY INCLUDE A BRAKING ISSUE AS WELL). I DID CONTACT MY LOCAL DEALER, WHO WAS NOT FAMILIAR WITH THIS ISSUE, YET IF YOU WERE TO DO A SEARCH ONLINE, YOU WILL SEE THAT OTHER PRIUS OWNERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS AS WELL. *TR
Feb 05, 2010
I OWN A 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS. I HAVE HAD 3 ACCIDENT CLAIMS SINCE I BOUGHT IT. ( AND NOT ONE CLAIM IN THE 12 YEARS I'VE BEEN WITH STATE FARM PRIOR TO THIS). ONE OF THE ACCIDENTS THE TRACTION CONTROL SLIPPED AND I PUT IT IN A DITCH. I'VE CONTACTED TOYOTA MULTIPLE TIMES REGARDING THE HEADLIGHTS JUST GOING OUT WHILE DRIVING. YOU HAVE TO STOP THE CAR AND TURN IT OFF AND ON AGAIN TO GET THE HEADLIGHTS TO WORK. NOW, AT 85,000 MILES I HAD NEW BRAKES PLACED. THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON THE MECHANIC HOOKED IT TO THE COMPUTER AND NOTHING KICKED OUT. HE RESET IT AND WARNED ME ABOUT IT. I CALLED THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY HAVE THE OVERRIDE TO TURN THE ABS BACK ON DUE A "SAFETY" MECHANISM INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLE THAT ONLY ALLOWS A DEALERSHIP TO FIX THE PROBLEM, BUT IT WAS "COMPLETELY SAFE TO DRIVE". SO, I DROVE IT THE NEXT DAY. A CAR PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF ME, I HIT THE BRAKES AND SPUN A 180 INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. LUCKILY, NOBODY WAS HURT! IT IS NOW SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY UNTIL I CAN GET AN APPOINTMENT AT THE DEALERSHIP TO TURN THE "SAFETY MECHANISM" BACK ON. PLEASE, PLEASE BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED GET TOYOTA TO BUY-BACK AND DESTROY THESE VEHICLES. THEY ARE A DEATH TRAP! *TR
Aug 21, 2009
THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM ON THE TOYOTA PRIUS (2006) IMPROPERLY ENGAGES WHEN THE DRIVER ATTEMPTS TO QUICKLY ACCELERATE AND THERE IS SOME SAND OR GRAVEL UNDER THE FRONT TIRES. THERE IS OFTEN AN ACCUMULATION OF SANDY MATERIAL AT MANY INTERSECTIONS, PARTICULARLY ON SIDE STREETS THAT ENTER A HIGHWAY SERVICE ROAD. AT THESE INTERSECTIONS, IT IS NECESSARY TO QUICKLY ACCELERATE TO ENTER THE ROADWAY AT THE SPEED OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC. WHEN THE TRACTION CONTROL ENGAGES DUE TO THE CONDITIONS MENTIONED ABOVE, THE TRACTION SYSTEM ATTEMPTS TO STOP THE WHEELS BRIEFLY IN ORDER TO BREAK THE TIRES FROM SLIPPAGE. HOWEVER, IN A HYBRID VEHICLE, THIS PULSING OF THE DRIVE SYSTEM ONLY ENCOURAGES FURTHER SLIPPAGE AND THE TRACTION SYSTEM CONTINUES TO INTERMITTENTLY ENGAGE WITHOUT ANY WAY TO OVERRIDE THE SYSTEM. THE DANGER IS THAT WHILE THIS IS HAPPENING THE VEHICLE HAS BEGUN TO ENTER THE ROADWAY INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC BUT IS FAILING TO ACCELERATE, CREATING AN EXTREMELY UNSAFE CONDITION WHERE A COLLISION IS POSSIBLE. I HAVE NOT PERSONALLY EXPERIENCED A COLLISION YET, BUT HAVE NEARLY BEEN INVOLVED IN ONE. *TR
Aug 08, 2009
TOYOTA PRIUS TRACTION CONTROL IN THE MODEL INCLUDING 2006 HAS A POTENTIALLY LIFE THREATENING DESIGN FLAW. IT SHUTS DOWN ALL POWER TO THE WHEELS WHEN IT DETECTS SLIPPAGE, ESPECIALLY IN FRESH SNOW. IF SOMEONE WERE COMING AT YOU ON A SNOW COVERED ROAD, YOU'RE AT RISK OF HAVING ABSOLUTELY NO CONTROL OVER THE CAR AND BEING PARALYZED IN THE MIDDLE OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC. A SITTING ON A SLIPPERY ROAD. NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS TO THE TOYOTA CORPORATE PROVED FUTILE. THEIR CORPORATE LINE WAS THAT THE SYSTEM WAS OPERATING THE WAY IT'S SUPPOSED TO, IT BECAME CLEAR THAT THEY WERE RESISTANT TO ACCEPTING THAT "OPERATING THE WAY IT WAS SUPPOSED TO" WAS THE PROBLEM. THE PRIUS HAS APPARENTLY BEEN REDESIGNED ON THE 2010 MODEL WITH A TRACTION CONTROL OVERRIDE SWITCH DUE TO NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS LIKE MINE AND FROM MECHANICS WHO I SPOKE WITH THAT WORK AT TOYOTA DEALERSHIPS. NONETHELESS, THERE IS NO WARNING GIVEN TO CONSUMERS WHO PURCHASE THIS CAR AND I HAVE SEEN REPORTS OF ACCIDENTS THAT RESULT OF TRACTION CONTROL SHUTTING DOWN ALL POWER AT THE PRECISE MOMENT WHEN YOU NEED THE ABILITY TO MOVE OUT OF THE WAY OF AN ONCOMING CAR TO AVOID A COLLISION. IT SEEMS THAT TOYOTA IS MORE CONCERNED ABOUT A COSTLY RECALL THAN ABOUT PASSENGER SAFETY. MY REPEATED ATTEMPTS TO GET THE CORPORATION TO RESPOND TO MY COMPLAINTS AND ACT RESPONSIBLY TO RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM HAVE PROVED FUTILE. AT LEAST IT SEEMS THEY HAVE FIXED THE PROBLEM, BUT WITH THE IMMORALITY AND UNWILLINGNESS TO ACT RESPONSIBLY THAT PLAGUES SO MANY CORPORATIONS AFRAID OF LOSING MONEY, THEY CONTINUE TO PUT LIVES AT RISK. *TR
Jun 05, 2009
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
5 complaints
WHEN DRIVING ON ROADS THAT ARE CURVED, WHEN CHANGING LANES, OR ON STREETS THAT ARE WET, THE CAR FEELS UNBALANCED, AND REQUIRES A QUICK STEERING ADJUSTMENT TO REGAIN NORMAL OPERATION. INCIDENTS LIKE THESE OCCUR TOO FREQUENTLY, AT LEAST THREE TIMES A WEEK, AND WHEN THEY OCCUR, THE VEHICLE'S RED SKID LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED (I SUPPOSE IT IS RELATED TO THIS MODEL'S ANTI-SKID AND/OR TRACTION CONTROL FEATURE THAT WAS NOT STANDARD EQUIPMENT). TRACTION CONTROL WAS AN OPTIONAL FEATURE THAT THE DEALERSHIPS OFFERED IN MORE EXPENSIVE PACKAGES OF THE 2006 PRIUS BUNDLED TOGETHER WITH OTHER ITEMS THAT WERE NOT RELATED TO DRIVING SAFETY, WHICH MADE THE PACKAGES UNNECESSARILY EXPENSIVE, AND WAS A FACTOR IN MY DECISION TO NOT OPT FOR THIS UPGRADE. HOWEVER, GIVEN THE FREQUENCY OF OCCURRENCE, I FELT THE NEED TO REPORT THIS IN CASE OTHER DRIVERS ARE EXPERIENCING SIMILAR ISSUES. THE DATE I HAVE SELECTED CORRESPONDS TO THE PURCHASE DATE OF THE VEHICLE, NOT TO ANY PARTICULAR INCIDENT OR ACCIDENT, AS THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM. FYI, TIRES, BRAKES, STEERING, AND ALIGNMENT HAVE ALL BEEN CHECKED AND MAINTAINED AS PER TOYOTA'S SUGGESTED GUIDELINES. *TR
Feb 15, 2010
WHENEVER I DRIVE OVER ROUGH SURFACES THE BRAKES WON'T ENGAGE FOR A FEW SECONDS. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS I ALMOST HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME OR I DROVE INTO AN INTERSECTION AND WAS ALMOST IN AN ACCIDENT. I ASKED A MECHANIC AT THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT IT AND HE SAID THAT IS JUST HOW THE CAR IS, SO NOTHING WAS DONE. IT HAS BEEN AN ON-GOING PROBLEM SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR IN 2006, SO THE APPROXIMATE INCIDENT DATE BELOW IS IRRELEVANT. *TR
Feb 05, 2010
I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE THE AGENCY AWARE OF MY EXPERIENCE WITH THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM ON MY 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS. I UNDERSTAND THAT IT IS BEING INVESTIGATED FOR THE 2010 MODEL BUT I HAVE VERY SIMILAR ISSUES WITH MY 2006. THIS IS AN ONGOING ISSUE AND OCCURS REGULARLY FROM TIME TO TIME (AND HAS SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NEW). WHEN PASSING OVER ROAD SURFACES THAT CAUSE THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM ON THE VEHICLE TO ACTIVATE (WET ROAD, GRAVEL, POT HOLE, SNOW, ETC.), BRAKING AND ACCELERATION CONTROL IS TEMPORARILY LOST. THIS LOSS OF CONTROL PERSISTS FOR 1-5 SECONDS WHEN BRAKING, AND INDEFINITELY WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE (I.E. WHEN ON SNOW). BRAKING DISTANCE IS CLEARLY INCREASED, AS THE VEHICLE DOES NOT APPLY THE BRAKES AT ALL. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL INCIDENTS WHERE I HAD MAINTAINED A SAFE FOLLOWING DISTANCE, BUT NEARLY RAN INTO CARS STOPPING IN FRONT OF ME (DUE TO MY VEHICLE NOT BRAKING APPROPRIATELY). MERGING IS ALSO AN ISSUE AT TIMES, AS IS ACCELERATING (INTO TRAFFIC OR OUT OF A HAZARDOUS SITUATION ON SNOWY/WET ROADS). I FEEL THAT THE BEST SOLUTION WOULD BE THE ABILITY TO DEACTIVATE THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM. UNFORTUNATELY TOYOTA IS NOT CURRENTLY OFFERING A WAY TO DO THIS. *TR
Feb 04, 2010
ABS OR TRACTION CONTROL ENGAGES UNNECESSARILY WHEN BRAKING ON UNEVEN ROAD SURFACES, POTHOLES, BUMP IN ROAD, OR ON WET SURFACES. *TR
Feb 04, 2010
THIS IS A COMPLAINT ABOUT THE BRAKES AND/OR TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM ON MY 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS. THIS IS AN ONGOING ISSUE AND HAS BEEN ONGOING AS LONG AS I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE. I AM THE FIRST OWNER. THE FAULT IS AS FOLLOWS: WHEN PASSING OVER ROAD SURFACES THAT CAUSE THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM ON THE VEHICLE TO ACTIVATE (GRAVEL, POT HOLE, SNOW, STANDING WATER, ETC.), BRAKING AND ACCELERATION CONTROL IS TEMPORARILY LOST. THIS LOSS OF CONTROL PERSISTS FOR 1-3 SECONDS. OF PARTICULAR CONCERN ARE INSTANCES IN WHICH A YIELDING SITUATION ACCOMPANYING A MERGING OR TURNING MANEUVER PRESENT THEMSELVES. IN THESE SITUATIONS, IF THE CAR PASSES OVER A ROAD SURFACE WHICH CAUSES AN ACTIVATION OF THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM, I AM UNABLE TO STOP THE CAR OR TO ACCELERATE OUT OF DANGER. I FEAR THAT I WILL FIND MYSELF IN THE SITUATION WHERE I AM TRYING TO SLOW DOWN TO YIELD TO A VEHICLE WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN ON A RED LIGHT AND WILL BE ABLE TO DO SO DUE TO THE LOSS OF BRAKING/ACCELERATION CONTROL ACCOMPANYING THE ACTIVATION OF THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM. IN SUCH A SITUATION, I WOULD BE UNABLE TO AVOID A HIGH-SPEED COLLISION ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. I HAVE LIVED WITH THIS DANGER FOR THE LAST 4+ YEARS, BUT IN THE LIGHT OF RECENT DEVELOPMENTS, I FEEL IT IS APPROPRIATE TO RAISE THIS ISSUE THROUGH THIS COMPLAINT SYSTEM. *TR
Feb 03, 2010
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
4 complaints
The following describes a near total failure of the brake system that accompanies and is triggered by routine aging of the battery. I believe this applies to multiple model years and editions of the Prius, based on reports by other owners on owners' discussion groups. I believe this should have the highest severity level. Here is what happens: An alarm is sounded, several warning lights ABS, VCS appear, and soon after that, the front brakes stop working. The rear brakes then prove ineffective and lock up. The happens with high frequency under any of the following conditions: (a) as the battery approaches 3yrs age, (b) it is excessively cold outside. (c) there is a higher than typical load on the 12V system from any of a variety of reasons. After installing a fresh new 12V battery, the above happens with much less frequency. There no warning on the dashboard to indicate that the condition of the 12V battery is not safe for operation of the vehicle. It seems clear that the route cause is that the brake control unit is configured within inadequate tolerance for the normal aging of the 12V battery, compounded by the absence of warning on the dash. This probably traces back to a poorly chosen LDO voltage regulator in the design of the brake control unit. Recommendation: Review the electrical designs for the brake control unit, all model years, replace as needed and update the dash board computer to provide warning when the battery condition is not sufficient for safe operation of the vehicle. I further recommend that this be done with all due haste, as the condition is quite dangerous. Qualifications: PhD Chemical Physics and Electrical Engineer
Jan 02, 2025
AS I WAS REVERSING AND MY FOOT WAS ON THE GAS PEDAL A LOUD BEEP CAME ON, ALL OF THE DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS LIT UP INCLUDING THE BRAKE LIGHT. I CHECKED TO SEE IF MY PARKING BRAKE WAS ON AND IT WAS NOT. I PUT THE CAR ON PARK AND TURNED THE CAR OFF AND ON. MY CAR WORKED I DROVE A FEW MINUTES AND AS I WAS APPROACHING THE FREEWAY I LUCKILY CAME TO A STOP ON A RED LIGHT. SUDDENLY THE SAME LOUD BEEP, WARNING LIGHTS, AND BREAK LIGHT CAME ON AND THIS TIME BECAUSE MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE PEDAL I FELT THE BRAKE EXTREMELY HARD/STIFF. BECAUSE I WAS AT A RED LIGHT I QUICKLY PUT MY CAR ON PARK TURNED THE CAR OFF AND THEN ON AGAIN AND MADE A RIGHT TURN TO AVOID GOING ON THE FREEWAY. I DECIDED TO CAREFULLY DRIVE TO A FAMILY MEMBER'S HOUSE CLOSE BY GOING NO MORE THAN 25 MPH WITH MY EMERGENCY LIGHTS ON I DID NOT WANT TO RISK MY BRAKES STIFFENING UP AND FAILING BUT I WAS IN A CONGESTED AREA WITH NO PARKING. I WAS FORTUNATE ENOUGH NOT TO GET ON THE FREEWAY AND I WAS FORTUNATE ENOUGH THAT THIS FAILURE HAPPENED ON OCCASIONS WHERE I WAS EITHER GOING VERY SLOW OR ALREADY STOPPED. I DON'T KNOW WHAT COULD HAPPEN IF I HAD TO COME TO A STOP AND COULD NOT BECAUSE MY BRAKES WERE STIFF. TOYOTA WILL NOT COVER THIS MANUFACTURERS ABS ACTUATOR DEFECT THAT THEY KNOW ABOUT BECAUSE THE DEADLINE WAS DEC. 2017. THIS IS DANGEROUS AND CAN LEAD TO ACCIDENTS AND EVEN DEATH.
Aug 07, 2018
I WAS DRIVING NORMALLY AND SUDDENLY A CONTINUOS BEEP WAS THERE,I TRIED TO STOP A NO BRAKES.I WAS ABLE TO STEER MY CAR TO A SAFE PLACE.THEN USED A TOLL SERVICE AND TOOK IT TO MY TOYOTA DEALER.IN A SHORT TIME THEY TOLD ME THEY TOLD ME THE COMPUTERIZED BRAKE SYSTEM WAS DEFECTIVE AND THE JOB WILL COST ME $2250.00 I CAN NOT AFFORD. I TOLLED THE CAR BACK TO MY HOUSE .LATER I FOUND THAT THERE HAD BEEN A RECALL FROM TOYOTA.I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED ALTHOUGH I TOOK MY CAR THERE FOR REGULAR CHECKUPS. NOTE: MY CAR WAS IN MOTION AND PREVIOUS TO INCIDENT I HAD DESCENDED A STEEP HILL. I CONSIDER MYSELF LUCKY ON THAT DATE,THREE MINUTES EARLIER I WOULD HAVE BEEN IN GREAT DISTRESS TRYING TO STOP MY TOYOTA PRIUS.
Jun 20, 2018
THE COMBINATION METER ON MY 2006 PRIUS HAS AN INTERMITTENT ELECTRICAL SHORT. THIS RESULTS IN THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS GOING OUT WHILE THE CAR IS MOVING. THIS PROBLEM WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM ON THE PRIUS CAN RESULT IN THE BRAKES ON THE CAR FAILING. IN ADDITION THE CAR OFTEN CONTINUES TO STAY ON AFTER WE TURN IT OFF. THIS IS ALSO A SAFETY HAZARD. TOYOTA HAS REFUSED OUR REQUEST TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE COMBINATION METER, EVEN THOUGH THIS IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM.
Dec 06, 2015
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
4 complaints
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS WHICH WAS PURCHASED IN SEPTEMBER 2006. HE STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF LESS THAN 40 MPH APPROACHING A STOP SIGN HE REMOVED HIS FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, INSTEAD OF SLOWING DOWN THE VEHICLE MAINTAINED THE SPEED IT WAS TRAVELING. HE THEN DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE BRAKES WOULD NOT RESPOND. THERE WAS NO RESISTANCE IN THE BRAKE PEDAL AND IT THEN IT EXTENDED TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE SPEED DECREASED SLOWLY AND HE CONTINUED TO PUSH THE BRAKE PEDAL INTO THE FLOORBOARD UNTIL THE VEHICLE EVENTUALLY CAME TO A STOP. THE DEALER ADVISED HIM THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE PEDAL OR THE BRAKES AND THAT HE SHOULD REMOVE THE FLOOR MATS FROM THE VEHICLE. THE FLOOR MATS WERE NOT CLOSE ENOUGH TO THE BRAKE OR ACCELERATOR PEDAL WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE TO THE VEHICLE. ON TWO ADDITIONAL OCCASIONS, THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE. HE ALSO RECEIVED A LETTER FROM TOYOTA IN REGARDS TO A RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V388000, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL ACCELERATOR PEDAL, HOWEVER, HE WAS NOT AWARE IF HIS VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL OR NOT. THE VIN WAS NOT ACCEPTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000.
Feb 19, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE DRIVING AT SLOW SPEEDS INCLUDING 10 MPH OVER POTHOLES AND MAKING A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN, THE BRAKES LOST TRACTION. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT RELATED TO THE FLOOR MATS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 50,000. UPDATED 04/01/10 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED IT FELT AS THOUGH THE VEHICLE WAS ACCELERATING WHEN MAKING A TURN AT A SLOW SPEED OR DRIVING OVER ROUGH PAVEMENT. UPDATED 06/28/10*JB
Feb 04, 2010
I CAME TO A STOP AND THE CAR ACTUALLY CAME TO A STOP AND THEN SUDDENLY STARTED CREEPING TOWARDS THE OTHER CAR. I THOUGHT I WAS ACCIDENTALLY PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL AS WELL BUT I WASN'T SO I STARTED PRESSING HARD ON THE BRAKE AND NOTHING! I STARTED PUMPING THE BRAKES AND THE CAR STOPPED. THEN I CONTINUED MY DRIVE AS USUAL WITHOUT IT HAPPENING AGAIN. NO LIGHTS CAME ON, NOTHING UNUSUAL. JUST WEIRD. CAR HAS ALMOST 36K MILES 06 MODEL. *JB
Oct 18, 2007
I'VE A 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS. TRAFFIC STOPPED FOR A RED LIGHT AND I WAS BEHIND A CEMENT TRUCK. I SLOWED TO A COMPLETE STOP ABOUT 5 FT. BEHIND THIS TRUCK. ALL OF SUDDEN I NOTICED MY CAR STARTED MOVING FORWARD WITH MY FOOT STILL ON THE BRAKE. I STOOD ON MY BRAKE AND COULDN'T STOP THE PRIUS. IT CONTACTED THE CEMENT TRUCK CAUSING A DENT ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE HOOD AND A CRACK WINDSHIELD. *NM THE CONSUMER STATED AS TRAFFIC BEGAN TO STOP FOR A RED LIGHT, HE BEGAN BRAKING FROM ABOUT 25 MPH WHICH SEEMED NORMAL. HE CONTINUED TO GRADUALLY SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN AT A DISTANCE OF ABOUT 5 TO 10 FEET, THE CONSUMER ESTIMATED HIS SPEED WAS ABOUT 3-5 MPH. THE BRAKES LOCKED UP AND FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE, CONSEQUENTLY THE CONSUMER REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE BRAKES FELT HARD, NOT SPONGY AND NOT PULSATING. THE VEHICLE LOST ALL BRAKING COMPLETELY. UPDATED 01/10/07.*JB
Dec 01, 2006
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
3 complaints
COMBINATION METER STOPPED WORKING IN COLD WEATHER. KNOW PROBLEM FOR TOYOTA AND A VERY DANGEROUS ONE. THEY DID ONE REPAIR AND WARRANTY EXTENSION BUT VEHICLES NOW HITTING HIGHER MILIAGE ARE HAVING ISSUES AND IT IS DOCUMENTED BY TOYOTA IN A WARRANTY BULLENTIN NO. POL12-05 FROM TOYOTA
Dec 19, 2017
COMBINATION METER FAILED LEAVING THE VEHICLE WITHOUT INSTRUMENT CLUSTER INFORMATION. THERE IS A MANUFACTURER WARRANTY EXTENSION WHICH DOES NOT COVER VEHICLES ON THE ROAD OVER 9 YEARS. THIS REPRESENTS A HAZARD TO THE PUBLIC WHICH HAS A DOCUMENTED SOLUTION AND REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS. *TR
Feb 18, 2015
APPROACHING STATE HWY. IN CRUISE, ASSUMED STOP AREA WOULD BE SLIPPERY AS IT SOMETIMES IS IN THE WINTER..TAPPED BRAKES TO DISABLE CRUISE, APPLIED BRAKES, KEPT RIGHT ON GOING & ENDED IN THE DITCH ACROSS THE HWY. WAS LUCKY THAT THERE WAS NO COLLISION.. CAN'T REMEMBER IF THE MOTOR WAS RACING AT THE TIME. *TR
Feb 23, 2010
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
3 complaints
MY CAR (06 TOYOTA PRIUS) HAD HIT A POTHOLE WHILE ON MY WAY TO CHURCH ON 11/16/17. THERE WAS A LOT OF TRAFFIC AND THOUGH I WAS FAR BEHIND THE PERSON IN FRONT OF ME, MY BRAKE DID NOT STOP AND MY CAR WENT UNDER THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. THE VEHICLE WAS GOING MAYBE 5-10 MPH AS WE INCHED UP TO THE LIGHT. LOTS OF TRAFFIC, I WAS DOUBLE AND TRIPLE CHECKING TO SEE MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND IT WAS BUT CAR WOULD NOT STOP, IN FACT IT FELT LIKE IT REVVED UP.IT WAS TERRIFYING AS I SAW MY CAR PLOW INTO ANOTHER WHEN THERE WAS NOTHING I COULD DO. I KNOW THE 2010 MODELS WERE RECALLED FOR THIS BUT IT HAPPENED TO ME ON MY 2006 PRIUS. NO RECALL BUT A WARRANT ENHANCEMENT NOTIFICATION WAS SENT TO MY RELATIVE WHO HAD A 2007 BUT I NEVER RECEIVED IT. IT IS ALL ABOUT THE BRAKES AND THE NOT STOPPING PROPERLY. TOYOTA ALSO DID A WEIRD BUY BACK THING AND WANTED MY CAR. I THINK IT IS BECAUSE THEY WANTED TO HIDE THE PROBLEM INSTEAD OF HAVING A RECALL. I HAVE NEVER HAD A COMPANY TRY TO BUY BACK MY CAR. TOYOTA IS AT FAULT AND I WANT TO MAKE SURE NO ONE ELSE IS KILLED OR HURT BY THIS. IT ALSO SHOWS UP IN THE TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN BUT AGAIN, NOT A RECALL BUT IT NEEDS TO BE RECALLED! MY CAR HAD ABOUT 65K ON IT.
Nov 21, 2017
WHILE DRIVING 20 M/H VEHICLE SUDDENLY ECCELERATED AND I HIT THE GUARD RAIL WHEN EXPERIENCING UNINTENDED ACCELERATITION
Dec 12, 2015
I NEEDED TO WAIT FOR A SERVICE PERSON TO ARRIVE AND OPEN THE DOOR TO THEIR BUSINESS. AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES, WHILE GEAR WAS SET IN PARK OUTSIDE A BUILDING WITH THE MOTOR RUNNING AND RADIO ON, THE CAR SUDDENLY JUMPED AHEAD BY SEVERAL INCHES. IT STOPPED JUST AS SUDDENLY. VERY SCARY. I HAVE LEFT THE CAR IN PARK WITH THE MOTOR RUNNING A FEW MORE TIMES TO SEE IF IT WOULD DO IT AGAIN. NO REPEAT INCIDENT SO FAR. IT MOVED A SHORT DISTANCE, BUT WOULD HAVE BEEN ENOUGH TO HIT A CURB, PERSON, OR CONTAINER WHO/THAT WAS NEAR THE CAR. *TR
Jul 05, 2012
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
3 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EXTERIOR TRUNK LATCH DETERIORATED, WHICH MADE THE HATCH UNABLE TO OPEN HALF OF THE TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE LATCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
Oct 11, 2016
THE REAR HATCHBACK LATCH OF MY 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS HAS DETERIORATED OVER TIME. IT STARTED BACK IN FEBRUARY 2012 WITH A DIFFICULTY OPENING THE HATCHBACK EVEN WITH CONSIDERABLE EFFORT. NOW, WHEN I TOUCH THE LATCH RELEASE IT IS GUMMY AND WILL NOT OPEN AT ALL ABOUT 90% OF THE TIME. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AS I CAN'T ACCESS ANY OF THE EQUIPMENT (SPARE TIRE, EMERGENCY TOOLS ETC) THAT ARE LOCATED UNDER THE FLOOR OF THE HATCH. I FOUND OUT THAT TO FIX IT WILL COST ME OVER $300. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE THAT A DOOR HANDLE SHOULD FAIL SO QUICKLY. THE REST OF THE CAR WORKS BEAUTIFULLY. I BELIEVE THERE IS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT IN THIS LATCH RELEASE AND IT SHOULD BE RECALLED. THERE IS NO WAY TO OPEN THE HATCH FROM THE INTERIOR AS AN ALTERNATIVE (UNLIKE A SIDE DOOR). *TR
Dec 11, 2013
LIFT GATE IS DEFECTIVE AND REPEATEDLY STOPS WHEN LIFTING AND/OR FALLS WHEN LIFTING. MULTIPLE INCIDENTS.. HAS BEEN REPORTED TO DEALER. TOYOTA REFUSES TO APPROVE REPAIR OF THE VEHICLE. *JB
Mar 07, 2007
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT
3 complaints
2006 TOYOTA PRIUS. LETTER FROM RE ONSTAR FMV DEFECT *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE SYSTEM LIGHT FAILED TO LIGHT, EXCEPT WHEN ONE WAS TALKING TO THE ONSTAR ADVISOR. THEN IT FLASHED GREEN ON AND OFF AS ADVERTISED. HOWEVER, WHEN THE SYSTEM WAS ON AND PRESUMABLY READY FOR USE, THE GREEN LIGHT DID NOT ILLUMINATE. SO FAR, THE CONSUMER WAS TO CONNECT TO THE ONSTAR ADVISOR WHEN THE LIGHT WAS OFF. THE CONSUMER RECEIVED SEVERAL ANSWER AS TO WHY THE SYSTEM WAS NOT WORKING AS ADVERTISED. THE CONSUMER STATED THE UNIT IS MALFUNCTIONING AND MAY NOT WORK IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION. *JB THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A CALL FROM ONSTAR STATING THE PROBLEM HE WAS HAVING, WAS DUE TO IMPROPER INSTALLATION, BECAUSE OF AN INTERNAL BATTERY THAT REQUIRED A CONNECTION BEFORE USE. THE PROBLEM HAS SINCE BEEN RESOLVED. UPDATED 10/19/11. *JB THE CONSUMER STATED THE ONSTAR DEVICE MALFUNCTIONED AGAIN. UPDATED 08/15/12.*JB UPDATED 09/06/12. *JB UPDATED 09/18/12 *JB UPDATED 02/11/13. *JB THE CONSUMER STATED A DEFECT MANIFESTED ITSELF BY A PARTIAL LOSS OF INFORMATION ON THE CENTER CONSOLE DISPLAY AND THERE WAS A COMPLETE LOSS OF THE DIGITAL INFORMATION DISPLAYED ABOVE THE DASHBOARD. THE INFORMATION INCLUDED THE SPEED, ETC. THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN DEFECT OCCURRED, THE POWER BUTTON BECAME INOPERATIVE, WHICH RESULTED IN THE INABILITY TO TURN THE VEHICLE POWER OFF OR REMOVE THE ELECTRONIC KEY. UPDATED 06/22/15.*JB UPDATED 07/08/15. *JB
Sep 23, 2011
I HAVE TWO SMART KEYS FOR 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS. ONE OF THEM LOSE SMART FUNCTION AND REMOTE FUNCTION. WHEN A BUTTON IS PRESSED, RED LIGHT IS NOT ON AT ALL. I HAVE TESTED FOB BATTERY AND IT IS OK. I BELIEVE THAT THE SMART KEY IS DEFECTIVE. *TR
May 16, 2011
2006 TOYOTA PRIUS HID HEADLIGHT(S) ARE UNEXPECTEDLY SHUTTING OFF WHILE DRIVING. LIGHTS COME BACK ON WHEN LIGHTS ARE TURNED OFF AND BACK ON OR IF CAR IS TURNED OFF AND BACK ON. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPORTED OVER 400 TIMES TO NHTSA ALREADY ACCORDING TO THE TOYOTA PRIUS CHAT FORUM. PROBLEM HAS BEEN OCCURRING FOR OVER A YEAR NOW. *TR
Nov 09, 2009
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC,TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
3 complaints
WHENEVER BRAKE IS BEING APPLIED AT THE TIME I GO OVER RAILROAD TRACKS OR ROUGH ROAD SUCH AS POTHOLES, THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE LIGHT COMES ON AND IT FEELS LIKE THE BRAKES DISENGAGE FOR A SHORT TIME ON MY 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS PURCHASED NEW IN 2006.. MY HUSBAND'S SUBURU FORESTER DOES NOT GIVE THIS UNSETTLING FEELING, AS IF LOSING CONTROL, WHEN IN ANTI-LOCK BRAKING MODE. THIS HAS BEEN OCCURRING SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR, ON AN OCCASIONAL BASIS. I REPORTED IT TO MY TOYOTA CAR DEALER'S SERVICE DEPARTMENT BEFORE MY WARRANTY WAS UP AND WAS TOLD "THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES ARE SUPPOSED TO DO THAT." I SUSPECT IT MAY BE RELATED TO THE REGENERATION OF THE ELECTRIC BATTERY WHILE BRAKING SINCE THIS IS A DIFFERENCE FROM OTHER VEHICLES. *TR
May 16, 2010
I HAVE A 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS. IF I HIT A POTHOLE WHILE I AM BRAKING, IT FEELS LIKE THE BRAKES SLIP FOR A SECOND AND I LOSE MY ABILITY TO BRAKE WHILE THE CAR LURCHES FORWARD. A SECOND LATER EVERYTHING IS BACK TO NORMAL. THE VSA LIGHT FLASHES CONCURRENTLY WITH THE INCIDENT. THE FIRST COUPLE OF TIMES IT HAPPENED, IT REALLY SCARED ME, AND I COULD HAVE EASILY BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. NOW I MAKE SURE TO LEAVE MORE THAN THE NORMAL SPACE BETWEEN ME AND THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME IN CASE THIS HAPPENS. I JUST ASSUMED THIS WAS SOMETHING THE CAR DID THAT I WOULD HAVE TO GET USED TO, BUT NOW THAT THE 2010 PRIUS RECALL HAS BEEN PUBLICIZED, THE ISSUE BEING DESCRIBED THERE SEEMS VERY SIMILAR TO THE PROBLEM MY CAR HAS ALWAYS HAD. *TR
Feb 15, 2010
OVER THE PAST 1 1/2 YEARS I'VE TAKEN MY PRIUS TO THE TOYOTA SERVICE WITH CONCERN OVER MY BRAKING SYSTEM THREE TIMES. TWICE THE HEAD OF SERVICE MECHANICS HAS DRIVEN WITH ME SEEING NOTHING UNUSUAL, THE THIRD TIME THE SERVICE MANAGER TOOK THE CAR OUT WITH ME. THEY ALL VOWED NOTHING WAS WRONG. THE REASON I'VE BEEN SO CONCERNED WAS DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE BRAKING SYSTEM DIDN'T RESPOND FAST ENOUGH AND MORE OFTEN THAN NOT, WITH WET PAVEMENT OR RAINING, PRESSING THE BRAKES WITH AUTHORITY, THE CAR WILL GO INTO A SLIGHT SKID WITH THE DASH SKID LIGHT COMING ON. THIS ENTIRE SENARIO HAS CAUSED ME TO BE OVERLY CAUTIOUS WHEN BRAKING ANYTIME AND IN ANY SITUATION. IF A QUICK ACTION IS NEEDED FOR SPEEDY BRAKING I QUESTION WHAT WOULD HAPPEN. IT APPEARS THE PEOPLE AT TOYOTA HAVE JUST TRIED TO APPEASE ME NOT BELIEVING NOR UNDERSTANDING WHAT'S BEEN IN ERROR. I DON'T FEEL SO INADEQUATE NOW THAT ALL THE CURRENT INFORMATION HAS COME TO LIGHT. WAS BEGINNING TO THINK I WAS THE COMPLAINER WITHOUT CAUSE. I LOVE MY CAR - BUT AM NOW EVEN MORE HESITANT ABOUT IT'S SAFETY. MUST ADMIT, I'M FAR MORE CAREFUL THAN EVER, BEING ON THE LOOKOUT FOR POSSIBLE BRAKING SITUATIONS IN ADVANCE. *CN
Feb 06, 2010
EQUIPMENT
3 complaints
RECEIVED NOTICE FROM MANUFACTURER THAT I SHOULD REMOVE THE DRIVER'S SIDE FLOORMAT FROM MY CAR AS IT MIGHT CAUSE THE ACCELERATOR TO STICK. SAID THEY WOULD SEND MORE INFORMATION LATER. I REMOVED IT PROMPTLY BUT AM CONCERNED ABOUT MY SAFETY BECAUSE OTHER TOYOTAS WERE ADVISED OF THE SAME THING BUT THEIR ACCELERATORS STUCK ANYWAY AND IT WASN'T DUE TO THE FLOORMAT. SPOKE WITH THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT THIS AND WAS ADVISED THAT MY "06 WAS NOT BEING RECALLED. SINCE TOYOTA HAS LIED AND EVADED ISSUES REPEATEDLY I DO NOT FEEL SAFE IN MY CAR. I AM A REALTOR AND CARRY CLIENTS IN MY VEHICLE WHICH CREATES ADDITIONAL LIABILITY FOR ME. I WOULD LIKE TO TRADE CARS BUT THE VALUE OF MY CAR IS LESS DUE TO TOYOTA'S PROBLEMS. *TR
Feb 24, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE ALL WEATHER FLOORMAT DISCONNECTED FROM THE HOOK, SLID FORWARD, AND STUCK TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT BECAME AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07E082000 (EQUIPMENT). THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE RECALL WAS ADDRESSED ON AN INDIVIDUAL VEHICLE BASIS AND DID NOT HAVE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION CONCERNING THE TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 15,300 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,005. UPDATED 3/4/08 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE MAT HAD BEEN RE-ATTACHED TO THE FLOOR HOOKS.
Dec 11, 2007
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE GPS NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM DOES NOT ACCEPT ADDRESSES RENDERING IT INOPERABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED. ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE WAS SEEN BY A DEALER, NO REPAIRS WERE MADE BECAUSE A REMEDY WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *AK
Mar 30, 2006
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
2 complaints
The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while getting into the vehicle, there was a loud buzzing sound coming from the brakes. The contact stated that the brake, anti-slip regulation, ABS, and vehicle stability control warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the brake was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with an accumulator failure. The part was replaced; however, the failure recurred consistently. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 243,000.
Apr 20, 2022
I OWN A SECOND GENERATIONPRIUS (2006), AND IT HAS THE SAME BRAKE SYMPTOMS THAT ARE BEING DESCRIBED BY THE OWNERS OF THE 3RD GENERATION MODEL. WHEN I APPLY THE BRAKES WHILE GOING OVER A ROUGH SURFACE, THE BRAKES DO NOT ENGAGE FOR A SECOND OR TWO. THIS HAS BEEN THE CASE SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR NEW, AND I THOUGHT IT WAS JUST A QUIRKY CHARACTERISTIC OF THE HYBRID, SO I HAVE LEARNED TO COMPENSATE BY GIVING MYSELF AN UNUSUALLY LARGE DISTANCE BETWEEN ME AND THE CAR AHEAD OF ME. THIS DOESN'T ALWAYS WORK, AS PEOPLE CUT IN FRONT OF ME WHEN THE GAP IS LARGE. I HAVE NOT BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT, BUT THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL NEAR-MISSES WITH ME ALMOST REAR-ENDING THE PERSON IN FRONT OF ME DUE TO THIS BRAKE PROBLEM. I HOPE THE NHTSA IS LOOKING AT ALL MODELS OF THE PRIUS FOR THIS DEFECT. IN MY FORM BELOW, I CHECKED AIR AND HYDRAULIC BRAKES BECAUSE THERE IS NOT AN OPTION FOR ANTI-LOCK BRAKES ON THE DROP DOWN BOX. *CN
Feb 06, 2010
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaints
Headlights Malfunctioning. Red triangle light has been present since the week after purchase. 2006 Prius was inspected by Toyota and a private technician. Headlights and 2 Relay fuses have been replaced and is still malfunctioning. This is a safety risk having headlights not working properly can cause accidents on dark roads at night. This should not be at owners expense when it is clearly a manufacturing issue. This causes owners to be ticketed as it is deemed to be a road hazard and it can not pass inspection due to faulty headlights.
Apr 02, 2022
I OWN A 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NEW. IT HAS APPROXIMATELY 57,000 MILES. FOR THE PAST SIX MONTHS, THE FRONT HEADLIGHTS WILL RANDOMLY STOP WORKING - SOMETIMES THE DRIVER'S SIDE, SOMETIMES THE PASSENGER SIDE, SOMETIMES BOTH HEADLIGHTS. IF I TURN THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH OFF AND BACK ON THE LIGHTS WILL COME BACK ON. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT OVER 1,000 PRIUS OWNERS HAVE REPORTED THIS SAME PROBLEM TO NHTSA. PLEASE ADD MY REPORT TO THIS DATABASE. *LN
Jan 08, 2011
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEATS
2 complaints
Hi, After being parked for about 1.5 hrs my back seat on the drivers side caught on fire. I understand this is where a battery is and that newer cars of this brand have had recalls for this problem.
Jul 01, 2021
ON 05/22/2009, MY HUSBAND AND HIS [XXX] HAD A CAR ACCIDENT. MY HUSBAND'S CAR WAS HIT FROM BEHIND WHEN HE WAS DRIVING A TOYOTA PRIUS WITH HIS FRIEND SITTING IN THE FRONT PASSAGE SEAT. THE BACKS OF THE CHAIRS OF THE DRIVER SEAT AND FRONT PASSAGE SEAT WERE MOVE AND BROKEN.THE SEAT BACK SHAFT DAMAGE FAILURE. MY HUSBAND AND HIS FRIEND BOTH GOT HURT, AND MY HUSBAND WAS HOSPITALIZED FOR 6 DAYS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Aug 20, 2014
SUSPENSION
2 complaints
The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Prius. While receiving an oil change by an independent mechanic, the contact was informed that there was a large crack to the engine cradle located on the undercarriage. The contact was informed by the mechanic that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The contact notified the manufacturer of the failure and was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 159,000.
Jun 07, 2021
1. APRIL 1, 2006 I PURCHASED A NEW 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS 4 DOOR SEDAN. 2. THE TIRES SHOWED CUPPING AND FEATHERING AT 14, 000 MILES. 3. THE TIRES WERE NOT SAFE TO OPERATE BECAUSE OF THE CUPPING ON ONE SIDE OF THE CAR AT 46,500 MILES. THE PROBLEM BECAME APPARENT WITHIN 2,500 MILES ON THE NEW TIRES. THE TOE IN WAS CHANGED IMMEDIATELY. TOYOTA FACTORY STOPPED ALL MECHANICAL CORRECTION BY THE LOCAL DEALER. *TR
Oct 21, 2009
SEATS
2 complaints
THE TOYOTA PRIUS 2006 WAS HIT FROM BEHIND (REAR ENDED) ON 05/13/2021 AND DRIVER'S SEAT COLLAPSED BACKWARDS, CAUSING A HEAD INJURY. THIS WAS NOT EXPECTED AND IS NOT ACCEPTABLE BY ANY SAFETY STANDARD. FORTUNATELY THERE WERE NO OTHER OCCUPANTS IN THE VEHICLE. THIS WAS A CHAIN COLLISION AND THE PRIUS WAS STATIONARY WHEN IT WAS HIT IN A SECONDARY COLLISION AND STILL THIS HAPPENED, WHAT IF OUR CAR WAS HIT IN THE PRIMARY COLLISION OR WHAT IF THERE WAS A CHILD ON THE BACK SEAT?! THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY BEHIND WAS ALSO STATIONARY BEFORE IT EXPERIENCED THE FIRST ORDER COLLISION. THESE SEATS DESERVE A SAFETY RECALL. ONE CAN FIND MANY OTHER SEAT COLLAPSING EVENTS, EVEN WITH CHILDREN KILLED OR BRAIN DAMAGED ON BACK SEATS. PLACE OF THE ACCIDENT: THE CHESAPEAKE EXPRESSWAY (168). ACCIDENT REPORT ATTACHED.
May 14, 2021
IN 2006 WE BOUGHT A TOYOTA PRIUS CAR $ 28000.ON 05/22/2009, MY HUSBAND AND HIS FRIEND [XXX] HAD A CAR ACCIDENT. MY HUSBAND'S CAR WAS HIT FROM BEHIND WHEN HE WAS DRIVING A TOYOTA PRIUS WITH HIS FRIEND SITTING IN THE FRONT PASSAGE SEAT. THE BACKS OF THE CHAIRS OF THE DRIVER SEAT AND FRONT PASSAGE SEAT WERE MOVE AND BROKEN. MY HUSBAND AND HIS FRIEND BOTH GOT HURT, AND MY HUSBAND WAS HOSPITALIZED FOR 6 DAYS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Apr 18, 2014
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
2 complaints
ACCORDING TO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP WHERE I HAVE MY CAR MAINTAINED, MY 2006 PRIUS IS IN NEED OF A NEW MOTHERBOARD. APPARENTLY THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS PRIOR TO SO MANY MILES ON THE VEHICLE BUT I HAVE MISSED THIS DEADLINE AS MY CAR DID NOT SHOW THESE SYMPTOMS PRIOR TO THE CUTOFF.. MY PRIUS WHEN TURNED ON DOES NOT TURN ON THE DASH BOARD FEATURES SO I HAVE NO IDEA HOW FAST I AM DRIVING. ONCE I REACH MY DESTINATION I AM UNABLE TO TURN MY CAR OFF. THE POWER BUTTON DOES NOT RESPOND, USUALLY FOR SEVERAL HOURS. IN THESE CASES I USUALLY LEAVE MY CAR ON IN THE PARKING LOT WHERE I AM AND RETURN OVER THE NEXT SEVERAL HOURS TO CHECK ON IT. IT TENDS TO TURN OFF AFTER TAKING THE CAR FOR A LONG DRIVE SEVERAL HOURS LATER. THIS OCCURS ABOUT TWICE A MONTH NOW.
Mar 27, 2020
AFTERNOON 07/11/17 WHILE DRIVING DOWNHILL @ 50 MPH MY 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS TURNED OFF- NO STEERING, EXTERIOR LIGHTS, DASH/COMPUTER LIGHTS, RADIO- EXCEPT FOR FRONT INTERIOR DOME LIGHT. NO WARNING LIGHTS PRIOR TO OR AFTER CAR TURNED OFF. I WAS ABLE TO BRAKE (VERY STIFF BRAKES) & PULL OVER. REPLACED 2015 12V BATTERY HOPING FOR QUICK FIX. CAR STILL WOULD NOT TURN ON, COULD NOT BE TOWED ON FLAT BAD FOR FEAR OF DAMAGING TRANSMISSION. CAR WAS TOWED TO CLOSEST MECHANIC. ON 07/12/17 INDEPENDENT MECHANIC SAID BOTH COOLANT PUMPS FAILED AND THE LEAKING SHORTED A FUSE AND TURNED OFF THE CAR. EVERY TIME THEY ATTEMPTED TO REPLACE FUSE IT WOULD POP FUSE AGAIN. MECHANIC REPLACED WATER PUMP (INCLUDING COOLANT/ANTIFREEZE) & INVERTER ELECTRIC PUMP (INCLUDING INVERTER COOLER WATER) & CHANGED AUTO TRANSMISSION FLUID & FILTER ($1,115). EARLY MORNING 07/14/17 DASH DISPLAY WOULD NOT LIGHT UP WHEN CAR WAS TURNED ON- NO SPEEDOMETER, ODOMETER, GAS GAUGE, REVERSE CAMERA. (HAPPENED COUPLE OF TIMES IN PAST BUT COULD NOT DUPLICATE FOR DEALER.) WHILE DRIVING TO TOYOTA DEALER I NOTICED COMPUTER SCREEN STUCK @ 48 MPG & 61 MILES DRIVEN, BUT NEVER INCREASED MILES AS I DROVE 18 MILES OR UPDATED MPG CALCULATION. REFUSED TO TURN OFF CAR UNTIL SOMEONE FROM TOYOTA DEALER LOOKED @ DASH TO VERIFY CONDITION. TOYOTA DEALER SAYS COMBO METER (COMBINATION METER) FAILURE, WHICH IS NOT RECALL BUT "CAMPAIGN" THAT EXPIRED & REPAIR COSTS $1,111. MOTHERBOARD PART CAN TAKE UP TO 3 WEEKS BUT CAR CANNOT BE DRIVEN WHILE TOYOTA "BURNS" MY COMPUTER'S INFORMATION INTO NEW COMPUTER PART. TOYOTA DEALER PROVIDED LOANER CAR UNTIL REPAIR IS COMPLETED. ON 07/14/17 CALLED TOYOTA & FILED COMPLAINT ABOUT WATER PUMP & COMBO METER. TOYOTA SAYS HYBRID ELECTRIC WATER PUMP CAMPAIGN DID NOT AFFECT MY VIN, WHICH I DO NOT BELIEVE. TOYOTA SAYS COMBINATION METER CAMPAIGN EXPIRED FOR MY VIN. PENDING CALL BACK FROM TOYOTA AT THIS TIME.
Jun 14, 2017
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
2 complaints
I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY 95 SOUTH, ALMOST TO DELAWARE, AT NIGHT IN THE RAIN, AFTER 4 HOURS ON THE ROAD, EVERYTHING STOPPED WORKING. I COULDN'T ACCELERATE, I HAD NO BRAKES, AND EVENTUALLY EVEN MY LIGHTS WENT OUT. THE ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WAS OUT. I WAS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, AND DON'T EVEN KNOW HOW I GOT OFF THE HIGHWAY, AND TO A GAS STATION. THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER COULDN'T EVEN JUMP THE BATTERY ENOUGH TO GET THE CAR IN NEUTRAL, AND HAD A DIFFICULT TIME GETTING IT UP ON THE FLATBED TO TOW IT HOME. I COULDN'T EVEN LOCK THE DOORS. I HAD A NEW KEY MADE AT THE DEALERSHIP ON 10/17/19 AND I WAS USING THAT KEY FOR HOURS DRIVING TO CT AND A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER I WAS HALF WAY HOME WHEN EVERYTHING IN THE CAR STOPPED WORKING. I WAS TOWED TO MY HOME IN MD BECAUSE I NEEDED TO BE ABLE TO UNPACK MY CAR AND COMPUTER BEFORE TAKING IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. WHEN THE SECOND TOW CAME THE NEXT DAY, I HANDED HIM THE KEY BY THE FRONT DOOR, WHICH WAS MY OLD KEY, AND HE WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR IN NEUTRAL RIGHT AWAY, AND AT THE DEALERSHIP THE CAR WORKED JUST FINE. THE ONLY DIFFERENCE WAS THE NEW KEY. THE TECHNICIAN FOUND THAT "THE IMMOBILIZER ECU HAS AN INTERMITTENT OPEN CIRCUIT FAILURE, CAUSING THE KEY TO BE SEEN AS UNAUTHORIZED AND STALL THE ENGINE." FROM JIM COLEMAN TOYOTA. APPARENTLY THERE IS A PART OF THE COMPUTER SYSTEM THAT SHUTS OFF ALL SYSTEMS IF IT DETECTS AN "UNAUTHORIZED" KEY--I.E. IF IT BELIEVES THE CAR IS BEING STOLEN. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS PROGRAM IN THIS CAR. I HAD BEEN USING THAT NEW KEY FOR SEVERAL DAYS, AND HAD NO PROBLEM, BUT FOR IT TO DECIDE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY AFTER HOURS ON THE ROAD THAT THE KEY WAS A FAKE, I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED OR I COULD HAVE KILLED SOMEONE ELSE. I WOULD MUCH PREFER THAT MY CAR BE STOLLEN THAN THAT SOMEONE MIGHT GET KILLED BUT SHUTTING OFF EVERYTHING WHILE IT WAS ON THE ROAD.
Feb 13, 2020
THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY SHUTDOWN WHILE DRIVING. THERE WAS NO POWER AND THE BRAKES WERE BOGGY. THE RED TRIANGLE WARNING LIGHT CAME AS WELL AS THE ABS AND ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS. AFTER PULLING OVER THE CAR RESTARTED AND DROVE FINE BUT THE RED TRIANGLE REMAINED ON. THE NEXT DAY IT WAS WORKING FINE. TOYOTA WAS UNABLE TO FIND ANYTHING EXCEPT A LOW VOLTAGE WARNING. *TR
Jun 10, 2013
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY/WIPER
2 complaints
BOTH OF MY HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT AT THE SAME TIME THE OTHER DAY NOW THE FACT THAT BOTH OF THEM WENT OUT AT THE EXACT SAME TIME ALREADY TELLS ME THAT ITS NOT THE BULB,BALLEST OR ANYTHING OTHER THEN AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE BECAUSE EVERYONE IS HAVING THIS PROBLEM AND THEY HAVE CHANGED BOTH BALLASTS AND BULBS AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED OVER AND OVER AGAIN, PLEASE MAKE THIS A RECALL BECAUSE IT IS VERY UNSAFE
Sep 20, 2019
I BOUGHT MY 2006 PRIUS IN OCTOBER OF 2012 AND EVER SINCE BUYING IT I'VE NOTICED THAT THE HEADLIGHT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE GOES OUT BY ITSELF. I ACTUALLY WENT INTO THE DEALER WITHIN A WEEK AND TOLD THEM MY HEADLIGHT WAS OUT BUT WHEN I GOT THERE AND I TURNED THEM ON IT WAS WORKING. I WAS BAFFLED. THEY DIDN'T SAY A THING TO ME THAT THIS WAS A COMMONLY REPORTED PROBLEM THAT TOYOTA WASN'T GOING TO BE ADDRESSING. ANYWAY, I LEFT AND THE HEADLIGHT PROBLEM HAS BEEN HAPPENING EVER SINCE. I DECIDED TO JUST LIVE WITH IT BECAUSE WHEN I TURN THE LIGHTS OFF AND BACK ON, THE HEADLIGHT COMES BACK ON - AT LEAST FOR A WHILE. I'M VERY WORRIED THAT THE SAME THING MIGHT HAPPEN TO THE OTHER HEADLIGHT AT THE SAME TIME. I'VE READ ONLINE ABOUT THE COST OF REPLACING THE BULB ($330) WHICH IS RIDICULOUS SINCE THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A MFG FLAW THAT TOYOTA JUST DOESN'T WANT TO PAY FOR. PLEASE ISSUE A RECALL ON THIS BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED!! *TR
Nov 13, 2013
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
2 complaints
I HAD THIS CAR FOR 4 YEAR AND IT HAD BEEN MORE IN THE SHOP GETTING FIX AND ON THE ROAD, REPAIRS ARE VERY EXPENSIVE BUT ONE WANTS TO TAKE CARE OF THE ENVIRONMENT THAT I COULD SAY ALMOST GOT ME KILL I WAS DRIVING IN THE FREEWAY AT 60 WHEN THE CAR WITH NO WARNING STOP, THAT WAS REALLY SCARY, I GOT IT FIX I WOULD SAY A MONTH AFTER THE SAMETHING HAPPEN BUT THANK GOD THIS TIME I WAS IN A FREEWAY. ALTHOUGH MY 3 KIDS WERE WITH ME AND GOT REALLY SCARE.
Jan 22, 2019
DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY, THE SHIFT LEVER JUMPED FROM DRIVE TO NEUTRAL AT 65MPH. VERY DANGEROUS.
Jul 18, 2016
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
2 complaints
THE COMPUTERIZED THROTTLE CONTROL ON THE PRIUS CAN GET YOU INTO TROUBLE. A PRIUS WILL NOT REVERSE UP A STEEP DRIVEWAY. NO MATTER HOW FAR YOU DEPRESS THE ACCELERATOR, THE ENGINE WILL NOT GO ABOVE ABOUT 1000 RPM, AND THE CAR WILL NOT MOVE. NOW, IF BASED ON SOUND OF THE ENGINE, YOU PLACE THE TRANSMISSION IN FORWARD WITHOUT FIRST REMOVING FOOT FROM ACCELERATOR, THE CAR WILL ROCKET FORWARD (AND LIKELY CRASH). IT IS QUITE EASY TO DO THIS, AS THE ENGINE IS STUCK AT IDLE, THEN FURIOUSLY REVVING WITH NO CHANGE OF DRIVER INPUT. FATHER-IN-LAW, AND VARIOUS PEDESTRIANS, WERE MIRACULOUSLY UNINJURED, BUT A VERY NEAR THING INDEED.
Mar 16, 2017
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SELECTOR SHIFTED FROM DRIVE (D) INTO NEUTRAL (N). THIS COULD BE TEMPORARILY CORRECTED BY MANUALLY RE-SELECTING D, BUT IN ABOUT 3 SECONDS, IT SHIFTED BACK TO N. WE DROVE BY KEEPING ONE HAND ON THE LEVER TO KEEP IT IN D. AFTER WE STOPPED, THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED IN REVERSE (R) -- THE SELECTOR SHIFTED INTO N AFTER A COUPLE OF SECONDS. AGAIN, WE WERE ABLE TO MOVE THE VEHICLE BY MAINTAINING PRESSURE IN THE DIRECTION OF THE R SELECTION. I'VE FOUND SEVERAL REFERENCES TO THIS PROBLEM ON WEBSITES. IT APPEARS TO BE SOLVED BY INSTALLING A NEW SELECTOR ASSEMBLY. *TR
Feb 04, 2015
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
2 complaints
ON THE MORNING OF MAY,04,2015 UPON ENTERING THE CAR AND STARTING IT UP THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILS TO DISPLAY. NOT CERTAIN WHAT THE ISSUE WAS I PERFORMED VARIOUS CHECK INCLUDING THE THE ACCESSORY BATTERY AND ATTEMPTED MULTIPLE TIMES STARTING AND STOPPING THE CAR TO NO AVAIL. I LEFT THE CAR WHERE IT WAS AND A FEW HOURS LATER WHEN I RETURNED EVERYTHING WORKED FINE FOR A FEW MORE WEEKS THEN THE ISSUE OCCURRED AGAIN. HOWEVER, I HAVE NOTICED THAT THE ISSUE IS OCCURRING NOW MORE FREQUENTLY INCLUDING WHEN DRIVING (STOPPED THEN GO). FURTHERMORE, WHENEVER THIS ISSUE OCCURS IT BECOMES ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO POWER THE ENGINE OFF AND SINCE THEIR IS NO CLUSTER DISPLAY TO LET YOU KNOW VITAL SAFETY INFORMATION, INCLUDING SPEED, GAS, MILEAGE, GEAR (D-R-N) THIS CREATES AN UNSAFE AND HAZARDOUS CONDITION FOR OPERATORS OF THIS VEHICLE. TOYOTA MOTOR CORP. IS VERY MUCH AWARE OF THIS HAZARD WHICH RESULTS FROM A MANUFACTURE DEFECTIVE COMBINATION METER.
Aug 05, 2015
CAR'S ENGINE WOULD NOT SHUT OFF. ADDITIONALLY, THE DIGITAL DASHBOARD (WHICH SHOWS THE SPEEDOMETER, ODOMETER, GAS GAUGE, ETC.) WOULD NOT LIGHT UP. TOYOTA DEALER SAYS IT IS DUE TO A FAILED COMBINATION METER. THE PART IS ON NATIONAL BACKORDER. IT HAS BEEN MORE THAN TWO WEEKS AND MY CAR IS STILL AWAITING THE PART. *TR
Feb 05, 2013
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST ACCELERATION POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 118,000. *TR
Mar 12, 2014
WE OWN A 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CAR WAS PURCHASED NEW,HAS BEEN DEALER MAINTAINED AND IS OUR PRIMARY VEHICLE. ON JANUARY 26, 2010 AT 2:05 PM MY WIFE EXPERIENCE UNCONTROLLABLE ACCELERATION AND DESPITE ATTEMPTING THE STRATEGIES RECOMMENDED BY TOYOTA WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH CAUSING HER AND OTHERS INJURY. THE WEATHER WAS CLEAR, THE ROAD WAS DRY AND STRAIGHT AND MY WIFE WAS APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION WITH PLENTY OF UNOBSTUCTED VISIBILITY. WE HAD FOLLOWED THE INITIAL RECALL INSTRUCTIONS AND HAD BEEN IN CONTACT WITH THE LOCAL DEALER ABOUT ANY FOLLOW-UP INSTRUCTIONS PERTAINING TO OUR VEHICLE. AFTER THE ACCIDENT I CONTACT, IN PERSON, THE SERVICE MANAGER AT PERFORMANCE TOYOTA IN LINCOLN, NE. HE STATED OUR VEHICLE WAS NOT PART OF THE MOST RECENT RECALL INVOLVING FAULTY GAS PEDALS. I ADVISED HIM I UNDERSTOOD THAT HOWEVER MY WIFE EXPERIENCED UNCONTROLLED ACCELERATION AND DESPITE ATTEMPTING TO EMPLOY THE RECOMMENDED STRATEGIES WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH RESULTING TO INJURIES TO HER AND OTHERS. I ASKED THE SERVICE MANAGER HOW TO PROCEED AND HE ADVISED ME TO CALL THE "TOYOTA CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE LINE" AND SPEAK TO THEM. WHEN I STATED I HAD TRIED MANY TIMES AND WAS UNABLE TO REACH A PERSON HE INSISTED THAT WAS THE APPROPRIATE MANNER TO DEAL WITH THE SITUATION. I LEFT THE DEALERSHIP FEELING EXTREMELY FRUSTRATED DUE TO THE FACT THE RECORDED MESSAGE ON THE "TOYOTA CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE LINE" ADVISED IF YOU HAD EXPERIENCED AND ACCELERATOR/ACCELERATION PROBLEM CONTACT YOUR DEALER IMMEDIATELY. WE ARE AWARE THAT MANY TOYOTA OWNERS HAVE EXPERIENCE THIS ISSUE WITH THEIR VEHICLES AND IN MORE MODELS AND YEARS THAN ARE INVOLVED IN THE LATEST RECALL. IT IS NOT POSSIBLE FOR AN INDIVIDUAL MIDDLE CLASS CITIZEN TO CHALLENGE A MAJOR AUTOMAKER TO FIRST ADMIT AND THEN CORRECT A DEFECT IN AN AUTOMOBILE THEY PRODUCED AND SOLD . WE REQUEST YOU INVESTIGATE THIS INCIDENT IN ADDITION TO THE MANY MORE THAT HAVE BEEN REPORTED. WE WILL BE AVAILABLE AND COOPERATIVE IN ANY FACT FINDING YOU MAY WISH TO DO. *TR
Jan 30, 2010
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
2 complaints
I AM WRITING TO YOU ABOUT A PROBLEM WITH MY 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS. IN JULY 2008, THE DRIVER'S SIDE ELECTRONIC DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR FAILED AND WAS REPLACED BY MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER - I HAD EXTENDED WARRANTY SO IT WAS COVERED. NOW, THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR HAS ONCE AGAIN FAILED. I HAVE NOT CONTACTED MY TOYOTA DEALERSHIP BECAUSE IN 2008 IF I DIDN'T HAVE THE WARRANTY IT WAS GOING TO COST ME WELL OVER $1,000. THE FAILURE OF THIS ACTUATOR HAPPENING TWICE IS UNBELIEVABLE. I'VE NOTICED SIMILAR COMPLAINTS BY OTHER INDIVIDUALS. *TR
Mar 15, 2012
I AM WRITING TO YOU ABOUT AN UNRESOLVED PROBLEM WITH MY 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS. IN MAY 2008, THE DRIVER'S SIDE ELECTRONIC DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR FAILED AND WAS REPLACED BY MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER. NOW, THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR HAS ONCE AGAIN FAILED, ALONG WITH THE PASSENGER'S SIDE ACTUATOR. MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER INFORMED ME THAT THE ESTIMATED REPAIR COST WOULD TOTAL $1,300. I INDICATED THAT IN VIEW OF THE EXTREMELY HIGH REPAIR COST AND THE PRIOR REPLACEMENT OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE ACTUATOR, TOYOTA SHOULD ASSUME A SHARE OF THE REPAIR COST, AND THE DEALERSHIP SUBMITTED THE MATTER TO THEIR REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE. THE DEALERSHIP SUBSEQUENTLY INFORMED ME THAT THE REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE WAS OFFERING TO ASSUME $300 OF THE REPAIR COST AS A CUSTOMER GOODWILL GESTURE. I INDICATED THAT TOYOTA SHOULD ASSUME A GREATER PORTION OF THE OVERALL EXPENSE FOR THE CURRENT REPAIR, AND THE DEALERSHIP ONCE AGAIN AGREED TO CONVEY THAT POINT TO THE REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE. HOWEVER, THE DEALERSHIP SUBSEQUENTLY INFORMED ME THAT, RATHER THAN OFFERING ANY FURTHER ADJUSTMENT, THE REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE'S RESPONSE WAS TO WITHDRAW ITS PREVIOUS OFFER ALTOGETHER, LEAVING ME WITH THE ENTIRE FINANCIAL LIABILITY FOR THE REPAIR! I THEN CONTACTED THE NATIONAL TOYOTA CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE CENTER IN TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA, TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THE REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE'S SUMMARY RETRACTION OF THE ADJUSTMENT THAT IT HAD ALREADY OFFERED. A REPRESENTATIVE AT THE CENTER SUBSEQUENTLY INFORMED ME THAT HE CONCURRED WITH THE REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE'S ACTIONS AND WAS UNWILLING TO REVERSE THEM. AGAINST THE RECENT BACKDROP OF WIDESPREAD AND SERIOUS MECHANICAL PROBLEMS WITH ITS PRODUCTS, THE TOYOTA CORPORATION HAS PUBLICLY PLEDGED A RENEWED EMPHASIS ON QUALITY AND CUSTOMER SERVICE. HOWEVER, THE WAY IN WHICH IT HAS CHOSEN TO HANDLE MY COMPLAINT HAS LEFT ME FEELING BEWILDERED, DISRESPECTED, AND ABANDONED. ACCORDINGLY, I'M WRITING TO YOUR AGENCY TO ASCERTAIN WHAT OTHER REMEDIES MAY BE AVAILABLE TO ME. THANK YOU. *TR
May 02, 2010
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
2 complaints
I RECEIVED NOTIFICATION FROM TOYOTA SOME MONTHS AGO OF A FLOORMAT/ACCELERATOR PROBLEM INDICATING THEY WOULD CONTACT ME WHEN A SOLUTION WAS AVAILABLE. IT HAS NOW BEEN MONTHS WITH NO WORD. RECENTLY, I CONTACTED THEM ONLY TO GET A RESPONSE CONCERNING A 2010 PRIUS BRAKING PROBLEM. MY VEHICLE IS A 2006 PRIUS. *TR
Feb 22, 2010
WHILE DRIVING MY PRIUS I HAVE EXPERIENCED BRIEF MOMENTS OF UNEXPLAINED ACCELERATION. IT WAS STARTLING WHEN IT HAPPENED BUT WAS ALSO OVER QUICKLY. I BELIEVE IT HAS HAPPENED TWICE. ONCE WAS ABOUT ONE WEEK AFTER I HAD TAKEN THE CAR IN FOR MAINTENANCE. I CAN REMEMBER THINKING I MIGHT HAVE TO TAKE THE CAR IN AGAIN. IT FELT LIKE THE ACCELERATION WHEN USING CRUISE CONTROL, HOWEVER, I DON'T AND WASN'T USING CRUISE CONTROL. I HAVE ONLY THE FLOOR MATS THAT CAME WITH THE VEHICLE AND DO NOT BELIEVE THIS WAS CAUSED BY THE FLOOR MAT. *TR
Nov 19, 2009
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
2 complaints
2006 TOYOTA PRIUS. IF IT ENCOUNTERS BUMPY ROAD WHILE TURNING AND BRAKING, THEN STABILITY INDICATOR WILL LIGHT UP AND BRAKES WILL STOP WORKING FOR ABOUT A SECOND. IT FEELS LIKE THE CAR IS BEING DRIVEN ON ICE. IT CAN BE REPRODUCED AT WILL. JUST BUMPY ROAD SURFACE AND TURNING/BRAKING AT THE SAME TIME. DID NOT TAKE IT TO A DEALER TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT IT THOUGH. LEARNED TO LIVE WITH IT. *TR
Feb 04, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES AT SPEEDS OF LESS THAN 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE PERFORMED AS IF IT WERE TEMPORARILY LOSING BRAKING CONTROL. WITHIN MOMENTS, THE BRAKES WOULD RESET AND FUNCTION NORMALLY. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE LOSS OF CONTROL AND THE BRAKE PEDAL MALFUNCTION WAS CAUSED BY THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THE ABS SYSTEM WAS FUNCTIONING PROPERLY FOR HIS YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL VEHICLE. THE FAILURE WAS RECURRED FREQUENTLY. THERE WERE NO RELATED RECALLS OR REPAIRS MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 71,423.
Feb 04, 2010
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,EQUIPMENT
2 complaints
TOYOTA PRIUS 2006. I PRESSED ACCELERATOR ALL THE WAY DOWN TO ACCELERATE AND GOT STUCK THERE. I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE CAR WITH THE BRAKE. IT HAPPENS TWICE IN JULY 2009. ONCE I STOPPED THE CAR I CHECKED IF THE FLOOR MATS HAVE DONE SO. THE FLOOR MATS WERE NOT THE CAUSE. THE ACCELERATOR WAS STUCK ALL THE WAY DOWN EVEN WITH THE ENGINE OFF.... AND ONLY AFTER A MINUTE OR TWO OF THE CAR STOPPED AND ENGINE OFF DID CAME THE ACCELERATOR BACK. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEALERS AND THEY TOLD ME THAT IT WAS THE MAT. I TOLD THEM THAT WAS NOT THE CASE. THE DEALER PUT SOME GREASE IN THE ACCELERATOR AND DID A FEW MORE THINGS (CLEANING AROUND AND THE FUEL INJECTION I THINK). SINCE THEN I HAVE AVOIDED PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR ALL THE WAY DOWN EVEN WHEN I NEED THE POWER TO ACCELERATE AT THE ENTRANCE OF HIGHWAYS AND HAS NOT HAPPENED AGAIN. BUT THERE IS DEFINITELY SOMETHING WRONG WITH EITHER THE MECHANICS OF THE ACCELERATOR OR THE ELECTRONICS THAT SOMEHOW GETS THE ACCELERATOR STUCK WHEN YOU PRESS ALL THE WAY DOWN. THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN AND NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED. *TR
Nov 08, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE ON ITS OWNS AND THE SPEED INCREASED TO 90 MPH. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN, BUT FAILED TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SAFELY MANEUVER THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOULDER AND TURNED OFF THE IGNITION. UPON EXITING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE BRAKES WHERE SMOKING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY DETERMINED THAT THE FLOORMAT WAS PINNED DOWN TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WHEN HE APPLIED THE BRAKES. THE BRAKES WERE COMPLETELY DESTROYED AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT THE COST OF $1,600. THE CONTACT IS IN THE PROCESS OF NOTIFYING THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 76,000. UPDATED 04-14-09 *BF UPDATED 04/15/09.*JB
Feb 02, 2009
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY
2 complaints
MY 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS HAS A PROBLEM WITH HEADLIGHTS GOING OUT INTERMITTENTLY. TOYOTA SAYS THEY REPLACED LIGHTS AFTER WE INSISTED THERE WAS A PROBLEM. THEY NOTED PROBLEM WAS CAUSED BY A SHORT THAT THEY SAY NOTHING ABOUT FIXING. IT TOOK 2 VISITS TO GET PROBLEM RESOLVED DUE TO INTERMITTENT NATURE. I THINK THIS IS A DEFECT AND DANGEROUS. THEY NEED TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM. THERE ARE NUMEROUS POSTINGS ON WEB OF THIS AND ALL INDICATIONS ARE THAT LIGHTS AND CONTROL MODULES HAVE PROBLEMS. I AM WRITING TO NATIONAL CENTER FOR DISPUTE SETTLEMENT, BUT THINK ODI NEEDS TO STEP IN. THANKS. *TR
Aug 17, 2009
HID LIGHTS TURN OFF INDEPENDENT OF VIBRATION, HEAT, DURATION OF TIME ON. OCCASIONALLY BOTH TURN OFF AT THE SAME TIME. TURNING BRIGHTS HAS NO AFFECT. TURNING LIGHTS OFF AND THEN BACK ON FIXES THE PROBLEM. DEALERSHIP HAS REPLACED ENTIRE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY, COMPUTER, AND BULBS AND THEN BEGAN TO RE-OCCUR AFTER 10,000 MILES. *TR
Jan 21, 2009
VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE
2 complaints
TEMPERATURE-STRESS CRACKS IN WINDSHIELD OF 2006 PRIUS. SEEMS TO BE BROUGHT ON BY HEAT SNAP. *TR
Jun 13, 2008
ON OUR 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS, PURCHASED JUNE 27, 2006, NIGHT-TIME DRIVING VISION IS IMPAIRED BY THE REFLECTION OF THE DASHBOARD ONTO THE WINDSHIELD. THE IMAGE OF THE DASHBOARD INFORMATION LIGHTS IS STRONGLY REFLECTED RIGHT INTO THE CENTER OF THE DRIVER'S VISION NECESSITATING LOOKING UNDER, OVER, OR AROUND THE REFLECTIONS. POOOOOOR DASHBOARD DESIGN. VERY DISAPPOINTING AND SCARY.
Oct 17, 2006
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,WHEELS
1 complaint
The light up display for the odometer, fuel gauge, and speedometer does not always light up. When it is not lit, the cruise control and any warning and informative alarms/lights also do not work. This is a well-known issue among owners of these cars, related to the capacitors on the circuit board for the display being defective, and there is extensive documentation of it online. It may also have had a technical service bulletin released for the issue, but I'm not entirely sure. The light goes out intermittently and is not always consistently out. I did mention it to the service personnel when I took it in to get recalls repaired recently, and they didn't seem surprised or unaware of the issue. I did not ask them to diagnose or fix it, as I know I can get it done for a better deal elsewhere.
Dec 26, 2024
STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the steering wheel erroneously steered to the left direction on its own. The contact used force to maneuver the vehicle however the steering wheel independently veered again to the left, right, left, and then back to the right. The vehicle crashed into a curb, and violently accelerated across 2 lanes of oncoming traffic where a van crashed into the vehicle head-on. The air bags deployed upon impact. The contact sustained 11 fractured bones (L1 through L5 lower lumbar, pelvic, pelvis, 11th rib, and sacrum) and received medical attention via trauma center where she remained for over 2 weeks. The other driver of the van sustained unknown injuries but did not receive any known medical attention. A police report was not on file for the incident. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 77,000.
Jul 17, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ENGINE
1 complaint
One afternoon, in the Summer of 23, I entered my Toyota Prius to run some errands. Once I proceeded to power on the car, none of the dashboard lights illuminated. This included the gas gauge, speedometer & transmission indicator. Fortunately, I was only driving a few blocks down the road from my residence as I live in a small rural town with little congestion, little traffic and mostly two-lane roads. I can't imagine this occurring in a much larger metropolitan city. When I arrived at my destination, I discovered that my Prius wouldn't shut off. This dashboard malfunction was preventing the Toyota from powering off. I quickly completed my errands with my vehicle running during this entire ordeal. Finally, when I returned home, I frantically researched on YouTube regarding this issue and discovered many others who also were having these no-illuminating-dashboard problems. Some YouTubers offered workarounds but the solutions will be temporary as the problem will eventually worsen until the Prius owners have no working dashboard lights. From the way I understand it, this problem is nothing more than a small computer board that's behind the speedometer and this computer board has a small diode that tends to burn out on all kinds of Toyota Priuses when it reaches around 150,000 miles.
Apr 02, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
1 complaint
The ABS Sensor on the brakes failed while driving on the highway. This could have caused an accident. These modules should last the lifetime of the car.
Jan 14, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaint
The abs actuator is bad. Cant stop nor use the rechargeable braking. Very dangerous.
May 29, 2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
Discovered through failures repeated to dealers that certain items (Brakes, dashboard, et. al.) were recalled by Toyote. Never received recall notices. Contacted Toyota who demanded the vehicle be taken to dealer and now refuses to do anything. Have complete documentation to attach to this communication. Essentially: Dashboard failed, brakes failed when auto in operation. Likely there are UNKNOWN additional recalls, etc. of which we were not noticed
Aug 23, 2021
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost power and immediately regained power. Approximately 24 hours later the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the hybrid water pump was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in the NHTSA campaign number 12V536000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Hybrid Propulsion System). The contact indicated that the vehicle experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 167,000.
Jul 26, 2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
THE WATER PUMP WENT OUT CAUSING THE HYBRID BATTERY TO DIE. PRESSING THE BREAK IS SUPPOSED TO RECHARGE THE BATTERY BUT THE BATTERY IS NOW COMPLETELY GONE
Dec 03, 2019
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
I HAVE TWO CARS TOYOTA PRIUS. THE FIRST YEAR OF 2006. THE SECOND CAR OF 2010. THE SECOND COMPLAINT IS NO. BUT WITH THE FIRST CAR TOYOTA PRIUS 2006. MANY CLAIMS. IN THE FIRST CONTROL. WHEN TURNING THE CAR AT SPEED. THE CAR IS SET ASIDE. I REMIND THE REST OF THE CARS THAT I DRIVING THE CAR. SUCH CASES WERE NOT OBSERVED. THEY ARE PERFECTLY CONTROLLED IN THE CORNERS OF THE ROAD. SECONDLY, IN COLD WEATHER IN AUTUMN OR WINTER. CAR WINDOWS ARE VERY FOGGY. FROM 30 MINUTES TO AN HOUR. WHILE THE CAR IS WARM AND THE INTERIOR TOO. UNABLE TO ENTER THE CAR, CAN NOT SEE ANYTHING.
Dec 03, 2018
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
WHEN VEHICLE IS STARTED NO DASH LIGHTS FOR FUEL GAGE, SPEEDOMETER, ODOMETER INOPERABLE DUE TO FAULTY COMBINATION METER. NO RECALL JUST EXTENDED WARRANTY THAT TOYOTA WILL NOT REPLACE.
Oct 03, 2017
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
I BELIEVE ITS A GLITCH IN THE CAR'S COMPUTER. AT UNPREDICTABLE AND INTERMITTENT INTERVALS THE ELECTRONIC HEADS UP DISPLAY DOES NOT OPERATE. THIS LEAVES ME WITH NO SPEEDOMOETER, NO FUEL LEVEL INDICATOR, NO BRIGHT OR DIM INDICATOR FOR THE HEADLIGHTS, AND THE CRUISE CONTROL DOES NOT WORK. DURING THE INCIDENTS THE CAR ALSO MIGHT NOT RESPOND TO THE POWER OFF BUTTON, SO IT KEEPS RUNNING. THIS PROBLEM MIGHT LAST FOR A DAY OR TWO AND THEN IT STARTS TO WORK AGAIN.
Aug 26, 2017
STEERING,SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
BAUGHT THE CAR OFF A PRIVATE SALE. CAR IS A COMPLETE BAD CONDITION FRON THE SUSPENSION TONTHE MOTOR MAKES STRANGE NOISES AIR CONDITIONER WONT WORK TIRES FALL FROM ALLIGHMENTS SEAT BEATS ARE OFF BURNING A PIL CHANGE IN LESS THEN A WEEK.NO ACCIDENTS NO CHANGES AS IS AND HAVE BEEN USING IT FOR WORK.
Aug 18, 2017
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
I USED A UHUAL TOW DOLLY TO MOVE MY CAR ABOUT 30 MILES. WHEN I TURNED ON THE CAR TO REMOVE IT FROM THE DOLLY THE VSC, BRAKE & ABS LIGHTS WERE ON. I CONFIRMED THAT MY ABS DO NOT CURRENTLY WORK.
Aug 01, 2017
AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE SUDDENLY STOPPED IN FRONT OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO THE FLOORBOARD, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A ROAD SIGN. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE ENGINE FAILED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER AND AN INSURANCE LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 196,000.
Feb 01, 2017
AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
TRAVELLING 30-35 MPH. TRIED TO STOP-BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND CAR ACCELERATED. HIT A STEEL SIGN WHICH TOTALLED THE CAR. AIRBAGS FAILED TO ACTVATE EVEN THOUGH THE FORCE OF HITTING THE SIGN DROVE THE ENGINE BACK TO THE DASHBOARD.CITY STREET.
Feb 01, 2017
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
ENGINE FAILURE; DRIVING ON ROADWAYS, HIGHWAYS THE MAIN WARNING LIGHT ON DASH LIGHTS UP, FOLLOWED BY SUDDEN ENGINE FAILURE SECONDS OR MINUTES THERE AFTER. TOYOTA PROFESSIONALS HAVE FAILED TO PROPERLY DIAGNOSE THIS DANGER/MALFUNCTION, OR RECOMMEND A PROPER SOLUTION. I HAVE BEEN CAUGHT ON THE INTERSTATE IN VERY DANGEROUS AREAS WITH TOTAL ENGINE LOSS. THIS REPRESENTS A MAJOR MALFUNCTION AND COULD LEAD TO SERIOUS INJURY, ACCIDENTS AND DEATH NATIONWIDE. PLEASE ALERT OTHERS. *TR
Jan 26, 2017
STEERING,ENGINE,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE POWER STEERING SUDDENLY MALFUNCTIONED AND CAUSED THE STEERING WHEEL TO BECOME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING ECU WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, IT SUDDENLY STALLED AND WOULD NOT RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY WAS FAULTY. THE FAILURE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO INDICATED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONER BLOWER STOPPED OPERATING AND THE FRONT WINDSHIELD COULD NOT BE DEFROSTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,500. *DT*JB
Oct 21, 2016
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
2006 PRIUS MULTIFUNCTION DISPLAY DEFECTS, MANUFACTUER WANTS $8,000.00 TO REPAIR. THE MFD CONTROLS AC DISTRIBUTION. IT AFFECTS MY HEALTH. I HAVE A SKIN CONDITION, THAT REQUIRES COOLING OF MY LEGS. THE AIR WILL COME ON, BUT ONLY FROM DASH AREA, THERE IS NO OTHER CONTROL METHOD, BECAUSE TOUCH SCREEN DOES NOT WORK. ALSO WINDOW DEFROSTER IS INOPPERALBLE, FROM SCREEN. THERE IS A DEFROSTER BUTTON ON STEERING WHEEL, IT WORKS ONLY PART OF THE TIME. I HAVE HAD CAR INTO DEALERSHIP 3 SEPRATE TIMES (AT 2 DIFFERENT LOCATIONS) THEY CAN NOT FIND THE PROBLEM WITH STEERING WHEEL DEFROST BUTTOM. I WAS TOLD, THERE IS NO DIAGNOSTICS FOR THE ELECTRICAL ON THIS VEHICLE, THE OTHER DEALERSHIP, JUST SAID " THE TECH FOUND OUT DEFROSTER PROBLEM, IS SOMEWHERE UNDER HERE" AS HE REACHED UNDER THE DASH AREA. THE TOUCH DOESN'T WORK AT ANYTIME, PARKED OR GOING DOWN THE ROAD. $8,000.00 DOLLARS FOR THIS REPAIR IS WAY OUT OF MY REACH. FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND IT IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM, OR A BAD DESIGN. THE DEFROST COMTROL ON STEERING WHEEL WILL COME ON/OFF WHEN I HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD OR A ROUGH RAILROAD CROSSING. DRIVING WITHOUT PROPER DEFROSTING IS VERY DANGEROUS.
Jul 24, 2016
STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
TRUNK LATCH RUBBER MELTS WHEN THE WEATHER IS HOT. HAPPENS REPEATEDLY EVERY SUMMER, UNTIL THE TRUNK LATCH IS UNUSABLE. THE TRUNK WILL NOT OPEN.
Jun 03, 2016
STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
I WAS IN A 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS CAR ACCIDENT ON THE FREEWAY WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED JERKING (TO THE POINT OF NO CONTROL), THE BRAKES STOPPED WORKING AND THE CAR KEPT ACCELERATING. CAR LOST CONTROL.*DT*JB CAR WAS TOTALED, TWO WITNESSES AND A POLICE REPORT. I WAS SENT THE EMERGENCY ROOM. NO RESPONSIBILITY WAS ASSUMED BY TOYOTA, WHICH COMPLETED THEIR "INSPECTION" ON MARCH 9TH, 2012. THEN EIGHT MONTHS LATER ON NOVEMBER 14, 2012 THEY COME OUT WITH TWO RECALLS: A STEERING RECALL & AN ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM RECALL, PROBABLY AS PART OF WHAT THEY SAW HAPPENED TO ME. I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED AFTER ABOUT THESE RECALLS THAT MY CAR POTENTIALLY COULD'VE BEEN DEFECTIVE FROM AND PART OF.
May 05, 2016
STEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
WATER PUMP WAS REPLACED IN 2011 AND AGAIN 2015. MY CAR HAS 160,000 MILES AT THIS TIME IN NOV 2015.
Nov 18, 2015
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
MY WIFE [XXX] HAD A SERIOUS ACCIDENT IN THE PARKING LOT OF THE VICTORIAN ON MAIN ST IN SANTA MONICA ON WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 2. FROM STANDSTILL, HER 2006 PRIUS SUDDENLY ACCELERATED TO A VERY HIGH RATE ON ITS OWN AND THE CAR'S BRAKES WERE COMPLETELY NON-RESPONSIVE. IN THIS RELATIVELY CONFINED PARKING AREA, AFTER A FRIGHTENING PERIOD OF TRYING TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, SHE MADE A SPLIT-SECOND DECISION TO CRASH INTO A TREE AT A RELATIVELY HIGH SPEED IN ORDER TO AVOID STEERING THE CAR ONTO MAIN ST. AND CAUSING A MUCH MORE SERIOUS ACCIDENT THAT WOULD HAVE IMPACTED MANY PEOPLE, AUTOMOBILES AND PUBLIC AND PRIVATE PROPERTY AND POSSIBLY RESULTED IN MULTIPLE DEATHS AND MULTIPLE SERIOUS INJURIES. SHE SUSTAINED A BROKEN FOOT. HER PASSENGER SUSTAINED BRUISING. BOTH WERE TAKEN BY AMBULANCE TO ST. JOHN'S HOSPITAL. BOTH AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THE 2 OCCUPANTS WERE WEARING SEAT BELTS. AS A RESULT, AND ONLY BECAUSE OF [XXX] QUICK THINKING AND POTENTIALLY SACRIFICIAL ACTION, [XXX], HER PASSENGER AND MANY OTHER NON-SUSPECTING PEOPLE ARE ALIVE TODAY. IT IS APPARENTLY WELL-ESTABLISHED THAT THE PRIUS CAN ACCELERATE IN THIS MANNER. IN THIS CASE, THE CIRCUMSTANCES WOULD APPEAR TO BE STRAIGHT FORWARD: A CAR PARKED IN A PARKING LOT AND STARTED SUDDENLY ACCELERATES ON IT'S OWN AND REFUSES TO ALLOW THE DRIVER CONTROL. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Sep 21, 2015
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
PARKED CAR AT NIGHT IN COLORADO IN FEBRUARY, 2015. OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE WAS APPROX 25 DEGREES FARENHEIT. WE ATE DINNER AT A RESTAURANT, CAME OUT AND STARTED THE 2006 PRIUS. INSTRUMENT CLUSTER PANEL SHOWEING THE FUEL GAUGE, ODOMETER, SHIFT POSITION AND SPEEDOMETER FAILED TO COME ON. TURNED CAR OFF AND ON NUMEROUS TIMES - NO INSTRUMENT CLUSTER PANEL LIGHTS. THE FOLLOWING MORNING, THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER PANEL WORKED FINE. THIS HAS HAPPENED OCCASIONALLY SINCE THE FIRST INCIDENT IN FEBRUARY. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN; ONE IS UNABLE TO TELL WHICH GEAR THE VEHICLE IS IN, THE SPEED OF THE VEHICLE, OR HOW MUCH FUEL THE VEHICLE HAS. AFTER CONTACTING TOYOTA, THEY TOLD ME THE EXTENDED WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED IN DECEMBER 2014. AS A SAFETY DEFECT, TOYOTA SHOULD STILL BE COVERING A KNOWN PROBLEM.
May 09, 2015
POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,ENGINE
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH OVER A POTHOLE, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WENT AIRBORNE AND THE SEAT BELT DISENGAGED AND CAUSED THE CONTACT TO BE EJECTED FROM THE VEHICLE. ADDITIONALLY, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE AND THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A DITCH. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THE CONTACT SUSTAINED UNKNOWN INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 220,000. UPDATED 2/24/15*CN UPDATED 03/02/15*JB
Dec 30, 2014
AIR BAGS,WHEELS
1 complaint
WE WERE EXITING 66 AT EXIT 55 (FAIRFAX CO. PARKWAY) NORTHERN VA. WE WERE GOING 3 MPH, A HEAVY DELIVERY TRUCK HIT US GOING 40 MPH PUSHING US WITH CONSIDERABLE FORCE INTO THE VAN IN FRONT OF US. OUR AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, NONE OF THEM DEPLOYED. MY HUSBAND SUSTAINED HEAD INJURIES FROM HITTING THE STEERING WHEEL AND I WAS BOUNCED BACK AND FORTH A FEW TIMES INJURING MY HEAD, NECK AND BACK. MY DOCTORS THINK MY INJURIES WERE MADE WORSE BY THE FACT THAT THE AIRBAGS DID NOT PREVENT ME FROM BEING THROWN SO FAR FORWARD. WE CALLED TOYOTA AND THEY DID NOT WANT TO INVESTIGATE THE ISSUE. *TR
Oct 16, 2014
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
1 complaint
THIS COMPLAINT HAS NOT BEEN QC'D. THE CONTACT SUBMITTED AN EMAIL AND REQUESTED THAT THE OFFICIAL IVOQ BE WRITTEN VERBATIM TO THE EMAIL. KMJ I HAVE MULTIPLE SITUATIONS WITH MY TOYOTA PRIUS 2006 IN THE BEGINNING OF MAY 2014 I A LOUD BEEPING NOISE FILLED THE CAR. THE SYSTEM HAD MULTIPLE LIGHTS DISPLAYING SHOWING INCLUDING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE LIGHT ( WHILE I WAS DRIVING), ABS,VSC, A RED TRIANGLE WITH AN EXCLAMATION POINT IN THE MIDDLE, ETC. AS, THIS WAS HAPPENING CAR IMMEDIATELY STARTED SLOWING DOWN AND I WAS FORCED TO PULL IT TO THE SIDE OF THE STREET. THIS SAME THING HAPPENED TO ME THREE OTHER TIMES WHILE I WAS ON THE FREEWAY. ONE TIME I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AND MY CAR AGAIN STARTED DECELERATING WHILE I HAD MULTIPLE CARS AROUND ME ON THE FREEWAY. ALL OF THE LIGHTS WERE DISPLAYING, I PUT MY HAZARDS ON AND WAS FORCED TO MOVE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHILE I WAS ALMOST HIT BY THE CAR BEHIND ME BECAUSE MY CAR WAS RAPIDLY SLOWING DOWN. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE CENTER AND THEY DIDN'T KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. THEY DID A DIAGNOSTIC TEST, MULTIPLE TEST DRIVES, BUT AT THAT TIME THEY DIDN'T KNOW. SO THEY TOLD ME TO DRIVE THE CAR HOME AND COME BACK IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN. WITHIN THE WEEK I WAS EXITING OFF OF THE FREEWAY WITH MY CHILDREN WHEN I START HEARING THE LOUD BEEPING NOISE, ALL THE LAMP LIGHTS CAME ON, AND AS I AM WAITING IN LINE TO EXIT THE FREEWAY ONTO A BUSY STREET THE CAR STOPS. I PANICKED, PUT ON THE HAZARDS, THE CAR WOULDN'T ALLOW ME TO SHIFT IT INTO DRIVE IT HAD MOVED TO NEUTRAL ON ITS OWN. I TURNED OFF THE CAR, TURNED IT BACK ON AND WAS SLOWLY ABLE TO MOVE THE CAR. THIS TIME I TOOK PICTURES OF THE LAMP DISPLAY TO SHOW THE SERVICE MEMBERS AS WELL. MY CHILDREN, MYSELF, AND OTHER DRIVERS COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY HURT! THE TOYOTA SERVICE CENTER TOLD US WE HAVE A BAD COMPUTER, THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE ECU, AND THE CAR WENT INTO A FAIL SAFE MODE. *TR
Jun 12, 2014
STEERING,POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
I AM REQUESTING THAT NHTSA INVESTIGATE EXPANDING/ADDING-TO THE RECALL OF TOYOTA PRIUS COOLANT INVERTER PUMP FAILURES* TO INCLUDE COOLANT STORAGE PUMP FAILURES BLOWING A MAIN FUSE CAUSING DANGEROUS LOSS OF ALL POWER AND CONTROL. *TR ON MAY 31ST, 2014, WHILE TRAVELING AT ABOUT 60MPH, WITHOUT ANY WARNING, THE CAR INSTANTLY SHUT DOWN: NO DRIVE POWER, NO POWER STEERING, NO POWER BRAKES, NO FRONT PANEL DISPLAY. THIS WAS A DANGEROUS SITUATION. AFTER DIAGNOSIS, THE TOYOTA DEALER WITH ASSISTANCE FROM TOYOTA CORPORATE CONCLUDED THAT THE "COOLANT STORAGE PUMP" (NOT THE COOLANT INVERTER PUMP AS IN THE RECALL) WAS THE CAUSE OF THIS BLOWN "AM-2" 15-AMP FUSE WHICH SHUT DOWN THE HYBRID SYSTEM, POWER STEERING, BRAKES, ETC. THEY INDICATED THAT THE COOLANT STORAGE PUMP FAULT WAS A KNOWN CAUSE. THIS CAR IS WELL-MAINTAINED, DEALER MAINTAINED. IT HAD ALL THE RECENT RECALL UPDATES INSTALLED. IT WAS A MILD DAY ~75DEG. WE'D BEEN DRIVING ABOUT 10 MINS AFTER A 30 MINUTE STOP. VEHICLE LOAD WAS NOT A FACTOR -- TWO SLIM ADULTS, NO CARGO LOAD. NO ELECTRICAL CHARGING LOADS. I AM VERY CONCERNED WITH THE SAFETY IMPLICATIONS OF IMMEDIATELY LOSING ALL POWER, POWER BRAKES, POWER STEERING, WITHOUT WARNING, BECAUSE OF A SINGLE COOLANT PUMP FAULT. CAN YOU PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS. I HOPE THEY FIXED MY VEHICLE. AND I HOPE IF ANYONE ELSE HAS THIS PROBLEM ITS NOT DEADLY. THANK YOU, * RECALL OF INVERTER COOLANT PUMP 12V536000: "...OPEN FUSE, CREATING A STALL-LIKE CONDITION OF THE HYBRID SYSTEM WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN. THIS MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH." PS I FOUND ANOTHER COMPLAINT THAT MIGHT BE RELATED (..SHUT OFF IN TRAFFIC, SIMILAR VIN, NHTSA ID NUMBER: 10567158). THOUGH THIS COMPLAINT SEEMS TO BE FOCUSED ON THE COSTS REPLACING ADDITIONAL PUMPS.
Jun 03, 2014
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE DASHBOARD DISPLAYS SOME OF THE DASHBOARD ON THE FRONT WINDSHIELD, WHICH CAUSES YOU TO AVOID THAT AREA OF YOUR WINDSHIELD. THIS IS A DEFECT IN ALL 2006-2009 TOYOTA PRIUS CARS. WHAT HAPPENS IS THAT YOU START LOOKING AT THIS REFLECTION AND IT CREATES A SAFETY CONCERN. YOU ALSO DO NOT HAVE A CLEAR VIEW THROUGH THE REFLECTION. IT IS EXTREMELY DISTRACTING. WHEN YOU ARE ON A COUNTRY RODE LATE AT NIGHT, WHERE THERE MAY NOT BE ANY STREET LIGHTS, IT IS EVEN WORSE. THIS PROBLEM WAS FIXED IN THE 2010 MODELS AND BEYOND WITH A LONGER EDGE ON THE DASHBOARD AT THE TOP. I HAVE TALKED TO TOYOTA ABOUT THIS, BUT HAVE GOTTEN NOWHERE. I FEEL THIS IS A BIG SAFETY CONCERN THAT MUST BE ADDRESSED AND I AM TURNING TO YOU FOR HELP. I COULD HAVE GOTTEN LAWYERS INVOLVED IN A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT, BUT I WANTED TO TRY AND RESOLVE THIS PROFESSIONALLY. I AM NOT LOOKING TO GET RICH OR MAKE MONEY OFF THIS PROBLEM. I JUST WANT MY CAR AND EVERYONE ELSE'S PRIUS FIXED. THIS ISSUE HAS ALWAYS BEEN AROUND. I HAVE NOTICED IT MORE LATELY WITH CLOUD COVER AND DRIVING ON BACK COUNTRY ROADS AT NIGHT. IT IS SCARY. *TR
Mar 11, 2014
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
HEADLIGHT GOES OFF SPONTANEOUSLY WHILE DRIVING. I TURN OFF LIGHTS AND TURN THEM BACK ON AGAIN AND HEADLIGHT GOES BACK ON. I HAVE BEEN RESEARCHING THIS AND CANNOT BELIEVE THIS IS NOT CONSIDERED A DEFECT. THERE SHOULD BE A CLASS ACTION AGAINST THE US GOVERNMENT FOR NOT DOING ITS JOB. *TR
Aug 11, 2013
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,ENGINE
1 complaint
I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AND THE CAR ON THE RIGHT STARTED TO MOVE TO MY LANE WITHOUT TURNING ON TURN SIGNAL, HE PROBABLY DIDN'T NOTICE ME AS HE WAS MOVING ON ME, I STARTED TO BRAKE BUT BRAKE PEDAL STARTED TO WORK AT ONCE, IT STARTED TO WORK ONLY AFTER DELAY AND AFTER IT STARTED WORKING I LOST CONTROL OVER THE CAR, ABS SIGNAL TURNED ON AND I STARTED TO MOVE TO THE LEFT. I TRIED TO PREVENT IT BUT CAR WAS TOTALLY OUT OF CONTROL AND THIS CAUSED THE ACCIDENT. THE SAME HAPPENED TO MY WIFE IN FEBRUARY WHEN SHE WAS DRIVING MY CAR ON HIGHWAY. SHE JUST COULDN'T STOP EVEN THOUGH THE DISTANCE TO THE NEXT CAR WAS LONG ENOUGH. BRAKE PEDAL STARTED TO WORK WITH THE DELAY AND SHE BUMPED INTO THE NEXT CAR. *TR
Aug 08, 2013
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 complaint
THE COOLING SYSTEM IN MY CAR IS DEFECTIVE. THE WATER PUMP IS APPARENTLY LEAKING WHEN I HAVE COMMITTED NO PRECURSIVE ACTION TO CAUSE IT. THIS ISSUE IS RELATED TO THE SAME ISSUE IN MY OTHER SIMILAR TOYOTA PRIUSES, WHERE DEFECTIVE ELECTRIC WATER PUMPS UNEXPECTEDLY STOP WORKING. THE OTHER CARS ARE CONSEQUENTLY RECALLED AND I BELIEVE MINE SHOULD BE AS WELL. HTTP://NEWS.CONSUMERREPORTS.ORG/SAFETY/2012/11/TOYOTA-PRIUS-AND-OTHER-VEHICLES-RECALLED-DUE-TO-WATER-PUMP-AND-STEERING-ISSUES.HTML THANKS. *TR
May 13, 2013
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
WE HAVE HAD SEVERAL HEAD LIGHTS ON OUR PRUIS STOP WORKING. USUALLY YOU HAVE TO TURN THE LIGHTS ON AND OFF TO GET THEM TO GO BACK ON WHEN THEY TURN OFF ON THEIR OWN. WE HAVE REPLACED THE HEADLIGHTS APPROX. 4 TIMES OVER THE YEARS AND AGAIN WE ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. THEY ARE EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE HEADLIGHTS. *TR THE CONSUMER STATED SHE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS.
Mar 05, 2013
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
I FOUND THAT THERE IS MALFUNCTION ON THE BUTTONS ON STEERING WHEEL, ESPECIALLY INFO BUTTON AND BUTTONS FOR CLIMATE. I RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM ON INTERNET AND I FOUND THE PROBLEM IS CAUSED BY A BAD CLOCK SPRING. ALSO, I FOUND THE CLOCK SPRING IS RELATED WITH AIR BAG MODULE. THERE ARE A LOT OF OWNERS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM (SUCH AS PRIUSCHAT.COM). I THINK THAT IT COULD BE A RECALL ISSUE. AND I EXPERIENCED ANOTHER PROBLEM. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL OF MY CAR WAS REPAIRED BY THE RECALL SERVICE BEFORE. BUT WHEN I RELEASE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND TRY TO PUSH BRAKE PEDAL, THERE IS DIFFERENCE OF HEIGHT BETWEEN BOTH PEDALS. THE HEIGHT OF BRAKE PEDAL IS HIGHER THAN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, EVEN IF I RELEASED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. SO IT IS DANGEROUS TO OPERATE BOTH PEDALS. WHEN I TRIED TO PUSH THE BRAKE PEDAL AFTER I RELEASED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, MY RIGHT FEET WAS STUCK WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL. I THINK THE RECALL SERVICE FOR THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL OF MY CAR WAS NOT SUCCESSFUL. OR THERE IS ANOTHER PROBLEM ON THE BRAKE PEDAL OF PRIUS. *TR
Oct 15, 2012
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF A 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS. LAST WEEK, AT 86,000 MILES, WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY IN TRAFFIC, A LARGE RED TRIANGLE WARNING LIGHT SHOWED UP ON MY DASH WITH THE LOW TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT. I PULLED OFF THE ROAD TO CHECK THE MANUAL AND TURNED THE CAR OFF. WHEN I TURNED IT BACK ON MANY WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON AND I WAS UNABLE TO GET THE CAR OUT OF PARK. CALLED THE DEALER. THEY TOLD ME TO GET TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHICH I DID. AFTER 2 DAYS THEY DETERMINED THAT IT NEEDED A NEW HYBRID TRANSAXLE FOR $5,000+ PLUS MISCELLANEOUS OTHER REPAIRS TOTALING $7,723. TOYOTA SAYS THE TRANSAXLE IS COVERED UNDER THE POWERTRAIN WARRANTY (60,000 MILES) NOT THE HYBRID WARRANTY (100,000 MILES). THERE IS A TSB FOR THIS REPAIR, T-SB-0306-08 THAT STATES THAT IT IS COVERED UNDER THE CALIFORNIA EMISSION WARRANTY IN CERTAIN STATES, DEPENDING ON MODEL YEAR, UP TO 150,000 MILES. THERE SEEMS TO BE NEW INFORMATION THAT TRANSMISSION FLUID SHOULD BE FLUSHED AT 30,000 MILES. MY DEALER HAD ONLY SUGGESTED THIS 2 WEEKS PRIOR TO THE PROBLEM, WHEN I WAS IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE BEFORE A TRIP. I PLANNED ON DOING IT AT MY NEXT SERVICE. I HAVE A FEW QUESTIONS? IS THIS A COMMON ENOUGH PROBLEM THAT IT COULD BE A ?DEFECT?? I READ SOMEWHERE THAT IF 4% OF CARS HAVE THE PROBLEM THEN IT IS A DEFECT. IS THAT RIGHT? OVER WHAT TIME PERIOD IF SO? IF NOT, HOW DOES THAT GET DETERMINED? HOW CAN I FIND OUT HOW MANY TRANSAXLES HAVE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BEFORE 100,000 MILES ON 2004-2008 MODEL PRIUS?S? IS THIS REPAIR COVERED IN CARB STATES OR NOT? I BELIEVE THAT MARYLAND IS A CARB STATE NOW. WOULD THIS WARRANTY BE RETROACTIVE TO MY CAR? IS TOYOTA RESPONSIBLE FOR NOT SUGGESTING I GET THE TRANSMISSION FLUID FLUSHED PRIOR TO THIS? *TR
Jul 30, 2012
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
"!", ABS, AND VSC LIGHTS COME ON AND BRAKES STOP WORKING - WHILE DRIVING. MUST COAST TO SIDE OF ROAD, TURN OFF VEHICLE, AND RESTART. THEN BRAKES WORK FOR A WHILE UNTIL PROBLEM RECURS. REPLACED BRAKE STROKE SENSOR. FIXED PROBLEM FOR 17 MONTHS - 20,000 MILES. AGAIN, BRAKES FAIL WHILE DRIVING. GETTING CODE DTC 1247 - FAULT IN STROKE SENSOR. TOLD PART IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND MUST BE REPLACED AGAIN. VEHICLE SHOULDN'T HAVE A PART THAT FAILS EVERY 20,000 MILES RESULTING IN COMPLETE LOSS OF BRAKING WHILE DRIVING. *TR
Jan 25, 2012
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
COMBINATION METER FAILED, THERE WAS NO DASH DISPLAY, NO SPEED DISPLAY, AND VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHUT DOWN. FORTUNATELY WE WERE NOT OUT OF TOWN SO WE DROVE THE VEHICLE TO OUR REGULAR TOYOTA DEALER,OURISMAN FAIRFAX TOYOTA, FAIRFAX, VA, AND LEFT IT THERE. *TR
Nov 07, 2011
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED SHE STOPPED SUDDENLY AND A VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF HER VEHICLE CAUSING HER TO CRASH INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HER. THE SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN HER NOR DID THE AIR BAGS DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NECK AND BACK INJURIES. THERE WERE NO PASSENGER IN THE VEHICLE. THE FRONT AND REAR END HAD EXTENSIVE DAMAGE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS NOTIFIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,900. UPDATED 10/14/11 *BF UPDATED 11/07/11
Aug 23, 2011
STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
AFTER ONLY ABOUT 4 YEARS USE, THE RUBBER COVER ON THE HATCH RELEASE HANDLE (THE EXTERIOR HANDLE OF THE REAR HATCH) OF OUR 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS, MELTED INTO A STICKY TARRY BLACK RUBBERY GOOEY MESS. I CAN BEST DESCRIBE IT AS BEING A VISCOUS BLACK GLOB LIKE ROOFING TAR. TO OPEN THE HATCH, YOU HAVE TO TOUCH THIS BLACK GOO EACH TIME, WHICH MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO OPERATE THE HATCH RELEASE. WE BELIEVE THIS MELTING PROCESS STARTED AT ABOUT THE 2 YR. MARK. I THOUGHT THAT THIS MIGHT BE A SINGULAR ISSUE, BUT HAVE FOUND THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO SEVERAL CAR OWNERS, PARTICULARLY IN FLORIDA. WE ALSO LIVE IN FLORIDA. TOYOTA KNOWS ABOUT THIS, AND IS SELLING THE ENTIRE WIRING HARNESS FOR $96 PLUS REPAIR COSTS(200.00), AND HAS DONE NOTHING ABOUT RECALLING THIS. FROM A SAFETY PERSPECTIVE, THIS MEANS YOU CAN EXPERIENCE EXTREME DIFFICULTY OPENING THE REAR HATCH (A LIFE SAFETY ACCESS POINT), AND WILL GET STICKY BLACK TAR ON YOU FROM THE MELTED DOWN RUBBER COVER OF THE EXTERIOR HATCH RELEASE HANDLE. TO ME, THIS IS BOTH A SERIOUS LIFE SAFETY ISSUE AND A SERIOUS QUALITY DEFECT THAT TOYOTA IS OPTING TO IGNORE AND ONLY FIXING ON VEHICLES WITH EXTENDED WARRANTIES, SINCE THE FAILURE APPEARS TO OCCUR AT AROUND THE 3 YEAR MARK (IE AFTER 3 YEARS OF EXPOSURE TO THE BRIGHT SUN IN FLORIDA FOR EXAMPLE). I AM AWARE OF THE OUTSTANDING WORK DONE BY NHTSA ON OTHER SAFETY ISSUES, INCLUDING THE PROBLEM WITH RUSTY FRAMES ON 02 ISUZU AXIOMS, AND I FIND THIS PROBLEM TO BE SIMILAR IN NATURE, SO I AM ASKING FOR YOUR AGENCY TO TAKE A LOOK AT THESE INSTANCES AND ALSO TO INQUIRE FROM TOYOTA WHY THEY ARE NOT RECALLING THESE HANDLES THAT ARE MELTING IN THE SUN!!! IT'S OUTRAGEOUS. I THINK A DOOR HANDLE OR HATCH HANDLE SHOULD BE MADE TO LAST MORE THAN 3 YEARS. PLEASE REVIEW THESE FORUM COMMENTS OF OTHER INCIDENTS: *TR
Aug 13, 2011
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
IN ADDITION TO MY COMPLAINT, ODI ID #10400072, WHEN I TURN MY HEADLIGHTS ON, THE LIGHTING IN MY CONSOLE LOSES IT BRIGHTNESS--ALOT. DURING THE DAYTIME, IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO SEE THE ODOMETER/SPEEDOMETER AND ALL OTHER INFORMATION PROVIDED ON MY CONSOLE... THIS INCLUDES THE BUILT-IN GPS/INFO SCREEN. THIS IS DEFINITELY A DESIGN FLAW THAT TOYOTA CREATED AND APPROVED FOR SALE HERE IN THE U.S. I CANNOT UNDERSTAND WHY TOYOTA IS NOT HELD FULLY ACCOUNTABLE FOR THESE VERY SERIOUS FLAWS AND ARE REQUIRED TO CORRECT THESE VERY SERIOUS FLAWS AT NO COST THE THE INNOCENT CONSUMER THAT ARE VICTIMS FOR PURCHASING THESE VEHICLES FULLY TRUSTING THAT TOYOTA FULLY BACKED UP THEIR VEHICLES AND REPUTATION. WHAT WILL IT TAKE TO REQUIRE TOYOTA TO MAKE THE NECESSARY REPAIRS TO RECTIFY THESE VERY OBVIOUS FLAWS IN THEIR VEHICLES? A DEATH AS A RESULT OF AN INNOCENT DRIVER AND HIS FAMILY TRUSTING THE TOYOTA BRAND NAME? I SURE HOPE NOT.
Jul 29, 2011
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
2006 TOYOTA PRIUS. CONSUMER STATES UNINTENDED ACCELERATION *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS ON CRUISE CONTROL, WHEN THE ENGINE SUDDENLY REVVED. HE NOTICED THE SPEED HAD INCREASED FROM 72 MPH TO 74 MPH. HE RELEASED THE CRUISE CONTROL AND THE ENGINE STOPPED REVVING. HE THEN SET THE CRUISE CONTROL AGAIN, AND IT HAPPENED AGAIN. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED HE NOTICED THE LCD SCREEN HAD FROZE AND IT WAS GIVING FALSE INFORMATION. THE CONSUMER HAS SINCE SOLD THE VEHICLE. *JB
Nov 03, 2010
WHEELS
1 complaint
FRONT WHEEL BEARING MAKING HUGE NOISE WHEN STEERING WHEEL. *TR
Aug 16, 2010
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
1 complaint
WHEN I GO OVER A BUMP OR UNEVEN SURFACE OR GRATE OR SLIPPERY SURFACE WHILE BRAKING IN MY 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS, THE ABS (ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM) AND/OR VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL/TRACTION CONTROL ACTIVATES. THE PROBLEM IS THAT WHEN THESE SYSTEMS DO SO, IT FEELS LIKE I LOSE ALL BRAKING POWER AND IT SEEMS AS THOUGH THE CAR ACCELERATES. IT IS MOST APPARENT WHEN IT IS WET OUT, BUT I'VE HAD THIS HAPPEN EVEN IN DRY CONDITIONS. TOYOTA DEALERSHIP SAYS THAT THIS IS NORMAL OPERATION FOR THE ABS, BUT THEY SEEM TO BE CORRECTING THIS SAME PROBLEM FOR 2010 PRIUSES THROUGH A SOFTWARE CHANGE--BUT NOT ANY OTHER YEAR MODELS. *TR
May 25, 2010
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,TIRES
1 complaint
2006 PRIUS HID LEFT HEADLIGHT GOES OFF , YOU NEED TO TURN THEM COMPLETELY OFF AND ON AGAIN TO SEE IF IT WILL COME ON . IT MIGHT STAY ON OR MIGHT GO OFF AGAIN . I HAVE BEEN STOPPED TWICE AND GIVING A WARNING . I LIVE IN THE WHITE MTNS OF NH AND CAN'T AFFORD TO BE WITHOUT BOTH LIGHTS WORKING BECAUSE OF MOOSE AND OTHER WILD ANIMALS DASHING INTO THE ROAD . PLEASE HELP ME DEAL WITH [XXX] TOYOTA . MY DEALER IRWIN TOYOTA IS A ONLY INTERESTED IN SELLING CARS NOT CUSTOMER HAPPINESS . [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
May 15, 2010
STEERING,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
DRIVING IN GOOD WEATHER ON A LOCAL ROAD AND CAR SKID LIGHT WENT ON AND WHEELS LOCKED TO THE RIGHT. STEERING WAS NOT RESPONSIVE. THE LACK OF STEERING CAUSED THE ACCIDENT. HOWEVER, THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.
May 03, 2010
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
1996 TOYOTA PRIUS - (3) THINGS I HAVE NOTICED WHEN OPERATING CAR. (1) WHEN BRAKING AND GOING OVER ROUGH PAVEMENT, CAR WILL BEHAVE AS THOUGH IT IS HYDROPLANEING - THE BRAKES NOT SLOWING THE CAR FOR A BRIEF PERIOD UNTIL CAR SETTLES DOWN. THIS CAN HAPPEN WHEN GOING AS SLOW AS 5 MPH. THE FASTER ONE IS GOING WHEN HITTING THE ROUGH PAVEMENT, THE FARTHER THE CAR WILL TRAVEL BEFORE BRAKING SENSATION RE-APPEARS. I BELIEVE THIS OCCURS EVERYTIME I TRAVEL ROUGH PAVEMENT (LA CITY STREETS, NOT BACK COUNTRY OR 4 WHEELING). NOTE THAT WARNING LIGHT ON DASHBOARD DOES LIGHT SUGGESTING LOSS OF CONTROL. I CALLED DEALER SERVICE CENTER AND DESCRIBED PROBLEM, THEY ASSURED ME THAT NO SAFETY WARNINGS OR RECALLS HAD BEEN MADE. 2) WHEN TURNING OFF CRUISE CONTROL, CAR WILL ACCELERATE SLIGHTLY FOR APPROXIMATELY 1-2 SECONDS. THIS IS MOST NOTICEABLE WHEN TRYING TO EXIT CARPOOL LANE IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AND SPACING IS LIMITED. AGAIN CALLED DEALERSHIP AND ASSURED NO SAFETY NOTICES OR RECALLS. I NOW COVER BRAKE WHEN TURNING OFF SPEED CONTROL. 3) CAR JUST EATS UP HID HEADLIGHT (9 IN 80K MILES + 2 ORIGINAL INSTALLED) AND TAILLIGHT BULBS (11 + 2 ORIGINALLY INSTALLED). AGAIN NO SAFETY NOTICES OR RECALLS. I REPLACE THEM AS I NOTICE THEM. I HAVE NEVER HAD BOTH HEADLIGHTS GO OUT AT ONCE AS DESCRIBED ON YOUR WEBSITE. NOTE THAT OTHER THAN THE ABOVE ISSUES/CONCERNS, THIS CAR HAS BEEN A GREAT CAR WITH NO SERVICE EXCEPT FOR GAS, OIL CHANGES, AND REPLACE THE BULBS WHEN THEY GO OUT. *TR
Mar 18, 2010
PARKING BRAKE,SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
1 complaint
INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) TO:[email protected] FROM:[XXX] SUBJECT:2006 PRIUS BRAKES COMMENTS: I HAVE A 2006 PRIUS AND HAVE HAD INTERMITTENT BRAKE PROBLEMS(I BOUGHT THE CAR NEW FROM THE TOYOTA DEALER IN 2007). THE BRAKES DO NOT ALWAYS ENGAGE IMMEDIATELY WHEN PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. IT FEELS AS IF THE BRAKES ARE SLIPPING BEFORE ACTUALLY STOPPING THE CAR. IN LIGHT OF THE RECENT TOYOTA BRAKE RECALLS, I NOW HAVE CONCERNS THAT MY CAR MAY ALSO HAVE BRAKES THAT MAY FAIL. [XXX] *TR
Mar 02, 2010
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 complaint
I AM A RURAL MAIL CARRIER WITH WELL OVER 350,000 MILES DRIVEN ON MY ROUTE WITHOUT INCIDENT. I DRIVE IN ALL ROAD CONDITIONS ON GRAVEL AND PAVED ROADS. I WAS DRIVING MY 2006 PRIUS ON A WET BUT NOT MUDDY GRAVEL ROAD AT ABOUT 38 MPH. THE BACK END BEGAN TO SLIDE A LITTLE. I LET UP ON THE GAS WITH NO RESPONSE. I PRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL WITH NO RESPONSE. I WENT INTO A DEEP DITCH FILLED WITH 3 FT TALL GRASS. I STEERED TO DRIVE THE CENTER OF THE DITCH AND CONTINUED WITH THE BRAKE FULLY DEPRESSED FOR ABOUT 15-20 FT, RIPPING THE TALL GRASS OUT BY THE ROOT AS I WENT. THE CAR TRAVELED OVER A DRIVEWAY APPROACH, STILL AT 35 MPH, STRIKING THE APPROACH WITH THE LEFT FRONT CORNER WITH ENOUGH FORCE TO BEND THE FRAME AND DO OTHER SERIOUS DAMAGE, BUT WITH NO AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. I CONTINUED OVER THE APPROACH AND DOWN THE DITCH, STILL AT 35 MPH, FOR ANOTHER 30 OR MORE FEET. I WAS PRESSING AND HOLDING THE BRAKE AND LIFTING THE GAS PEDAL WITH MY TOE. THE GAS PEDAL WAS NOT STUCK AND THE ENGINE'S RPMS WERE LOW. ONLY WHEN I PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL DID IT SLOW TO STOP. IT TOOK SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO GET THE CAR OUT OF THIS DITCH AS THE TRACTION CONTROL KEPT LURCHING AND STALLING. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR OUT AND HOME WITHOUT INCIDENT. IT HAD TO BE TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP FOR OVER $4000 IN REPAIRS. THIS WAS IN MID-2008 AND I DON'T KNOW IF ANY CORRECTIONS MADE OR WERE EVEN KNOWN AT THAT TIME. THIS WAS AN ABSOLUTELY TERRIFYING SITUATION. THE CAR DID NOT RESPOND TO ANY ACTION I TOOK. I HAD NO CONTROL WHAT SO EVER. THE CAR IS NO LONGER DRIVEN.. *TR
Feb 25, 2010
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
ACCIDENT OCCURRED IN 2007. I WAS DRIVING IN MODERATE TRAFFIC ON A TWO LANE ROAD. A CAR, TWO CARS AHEAD OF ME, SLAMMED ON THEIR BRAKES, AND FORCED EVERYONE ELSE TO QUICKLY BRAKE. I ALSO SLAMMED ON MY BRAKES, TO AVOID A COLLISION. MY BRAKES FAILED TO RESPOND IN TIME, AND RESULTED IN MY REAR ENDING AN SUV IN FRONT OF ME. THE ACCIDENT CAUSED SEVERAL THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS WORTH OF DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END OF THE CAR. NO AIR BAGS WERE DEPLOYED. *TR
Feb 21, 2010
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
1 complaint
1) STEERING WHEEL/SHAFT APPEARS TO BE IMPROPERLY SUPPORTED; FEELS LOOSE WHEN TURNING LOCK TO LOCK SINCE NEW. HAVE BROUGHT TO THE ATTENTION OF FOUR (4) TOYOTA DEALERS WHEN SERVICE PERFORMED (HAVE TAKEN TO TOYOTA FOR ALL SERVICE WORK SINCE NEW), ALL HAVE ADVISED THAT THERE IS "NOTHING WRONG" WITH THE VEHICLE. IT IS THE ONLY VEHICLE WE HAVE EVER OWNED THAT HAS THIS SENSE OF DISCONNECT AND POTENTIAL FOR A MUCH MORE SERIOUS ISSUE WERE THERE EVER A STEERING FAILURE. 2) OVER ROUGH ROADS (WHEN VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN IN SEATTLE AND BELLEVUE, WA) WHEN STOPPING, THE ABS SYSTEM SEEMS TO ACTIVATE PREMATURELY AND INCREASE STOPPING DISTANCES. WE HAVE OTHER VEHICLES WITH ABS BRAKES WHICH DO NOT ACTIVATE SO READILY AND STOP SO SLOWLY. AS IT RELATES TO INCIDENT DATE(S): SINCE NEW, VEHICLE PURCHASED NOVEMBER 2005. *TR
Feb 18, 2010
STEERING,SUSPENSION
1 complaint
I WAS DRIVING AT ABOUT 65 M/HR ON I-95 AND NOTICED MY CAR VEERING FIRST TO THE LEFT THEN TO THE RIGHT. I WAS PUZZLED BY THIS AND LOOKED OVER TO NOTICE THAT TREES WERE NOT MOVING, I.E., IT DID NOT FEEL WINDY OUTSIDE. THIS WAS A VERY PECULIAR INCIDENT THAT HAS HAPPENED TO MY CAR ABOUT 3-4 TIMES IN THE PAST 3 YEARS. I LATER HEARD ON THE NEWS THE RECALL OF COROLLAS FOR THE SAME TYPE OF ISSUE. THEY ACTUALLY SHOWED A TEST MODEL SIMULATION AND IT LOOKED EXACTLY LIKE WHAT I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING. I DON'T KNOW IF THIS IS MY IMAGINATION BUT IT CERTAINLY DID NOT FEEL THAT WAY WHEN THE INCIDENT OCCURRED. *TR
Feb 17, 2010
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
1 complaint
MY 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS LOSES BRAKING WHEN TRYING TO BRAKE ON UNEVEN SURFACES. THE DASH WILL LIGHT UP THE ICON WHICH DISPLAYS UNEVEN GROUND AND WHEN I APPLY BRAKES THERE IS A MOMENTARILY LAPSE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL DOES NOT RESPOND. ALSO MY LEFT HEADLIGHT AND LEFT TAILLIGHT GO ON AND OFF PERIODICALLY. *TR
Feb 16, 2010
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
2006 PRIUS WAS ARRIVING AT WORK AND PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE. MY FOOT WAS REMOVED FROM GAS, BUT ACCELERATOR STUCK OPEN. THE CAR BOUNCED OVER THE CONCRETE CURB, OVER A SNOW BANK AND OVER A SECOND CURB INTO THE UNIVERSITY DRIVEWAY. CAR SUSTAINED $3800+ IN BODY DAMAGE AND ANOTHER $370 IN SERVICE REPAIRS FOR BRAKES, TIRES, SUSPENSION AND DASH WARNING SYSTEMS THAT ERUPTED. VEHICLE WAS RECENTLY REPAIRED. LOCAL DEALER WOULD NOT ACCEPT ANY RESPONSIBILITY OR ACKNOWLEDGE ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR. FINAL REPAIR INVOICE STATES THE VEHICLE FLOOR-MATS, ABS AND PEDAL STROKE SENSORS WERE ALL WORKING PROPERLY. CLAIM WAS MADE TO OUR INSURANCE COMPANY [ERIE INSURANCE]. *TR
Feb 16, 2010
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
I DRIVE A 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS. I HAVE EXPERIENCED ODD SKID-LIKE BEHAVIOR WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES ON BUMPY ROADS OR LOOSE GRAVEL. MOST NOTABLY THIS HAPPENS AT LOW AND DECELERATING VELOCITIES (MAYBE 15 MPH?) WHEN THE VEHICLE ENCOUNTERS BROKEN PAVEMENT OR LOOSE GRAVEL. IT IS OFTEN ASSOCIATED WITH THE PRIUS' 'SLIPPERY SURFACE' ICON ON THE DASH BEING LIT. WHEN THIS OCCURS IT FEELS LIKE THE BRAKES DO NOT FUNCTION FOR A BRIEF PERIOD. I HAVE NOT HAD AN ACCIDENT AS A RESULT, BUT THE EXPERIENCE HAS OCCURRED AT LEAST 4 TIMES OVER THE FOUR MONTHS I'VE OWNED IT. ALSO, THE FRONT HID HEADLAMPS FLICKER ON AND OFF PERIODICALLY MAKING IT DANGEROUS TO DRIVE AT NIGHT. I WILL REPORT THESE PROBLEMS TO TOYOTA AND BASED ON THE HIGH VOLUME OF IDENTICAL COMPLAINTS I BELIEVE THEY SHOULD COVER THE COST OF FIXING THESE PROBLEMS. *TR
Feb 15, 2010
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH THE VEHICLE LOST COMPLETE POWER, SHUT OFF AND SHE HAD NO CONTROL OVER THE VEHICLE; HOWEVER, SHE WAS ABLE TO RESTART IT WITHIN FIVE MINUTES. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW BATTERY WHICH SHE PURCHASED AND INSTALLED. TWO WEEKS LATER, THE FAILURE OCCURRED AGAIN. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A SECOND DEALER WHO PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTICS TEST WHICH A CODE PRODUCED CITED THAT A BRAKE PROBLEM OCCURRED. SHE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND A REPRESENTATIVE STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOTIFY HER. ON 3 OCCASIONS, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE LIGHTS WOULD FLASH ON AND OFF THEN THE HORN WOULD HONK FOR ABOUT A MINUTE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED TO-DATE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 57,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 55,000.
Feb 09, 2010
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
1 complaint
WHEN I DRIVE OVER POT HOLES OR UNEVEN SURFACES AND APPLY MY BRAKES, THEY DISENGAGE FOR A SECOND OR TWO BEFORE RE-ENGAGING, CAUSING MY VEHICLE TO SURGE FORWARD MOMENTARILY. THIS HAS HAPPENED SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR NEW, AND OCCURS AT ALL SPEEDS. I ASKED THE TOYOTA SERVICE DEPARTMENT TO FIX IT, BUT THEY SAID THEY COULDN'T RECREATE THE PROBLEM, SO HAD NO WAY OF FIXING IT (EVEN THOUGH I EXPLAINED IN DETAIL WHAT WAS HAPPENING). AGAIN, THIS PROBLEM HAPPENS ON A DAILY BASIS, AND WAS REPORTED TO TOYOTA.
Feb 08, 2010
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
I HAVE A 2006 PRIUS. WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS, I EXPERIENCE A TOTAL LOSS OF POWER FOR 1 OR THREE SECONDS -GENERALLY. A YELLOW LIGHT ALSO COMES ON THE DASH BOARD. IT OFTEN HAPPENS DAILY. I HAVE ONLY HAD ONE OR TWO EXPERIENCES WHEN THE POWER DIDN'T RETURN SO QUICKLY AND THEN I WAS AFRAID BECAUSE I HAD NO BRAKES AND WAS JUST SKIDDING. I BELIEVE THAT I HAVE SEEN THIS PROBLEM DISCUSSED BY OTHER PRIUS OWNERS OF CHAT SITES. IT CAN OCCUR AT ANY MILEAGE SPEED BUT I WAS ONLY ABLE TO PUT A MILEAGE NUMBER IN THE BOX CAN IT BE FIXED? *TR
Feb 05, 2010
STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC,TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
1 complaint
MY 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS HAS SEVERAL ISSUES WITH ACCELERATION, BRAKING, TURNING CAR OFF AND ON ALARM GOES OFF CONSTANTLY AND TERRIBLE GAS MILEAGE AROUND 30 MILES PER GALLON. *TR
Feb 05, 2010
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC,TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
1 complaint
1. BRAKES ON MY 2006 PRIUS MOMENTARILY FAILED TO RESPOND, AFTER A 1 - 2 SEC DELAY THEY ACTIVATED. AT SAME TIME,THE TRACTION LIGHT FLASHES, BUT THE CAR IS NOT LOSING TRACTION. THIS HAPPENED 4 X, ONE ALMOST RESULTED IN A CRASH. IT IS MORE LIKELY TO HAPPEN WHEN BRAKING WHILE GOING OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD. THERE HAVE BEEN OTHER TIMES WHEN THE TRACTION LIGHT FLASHES ON UNEXPECTEDLY, BUT EFFECT ON BRAKES IS UNKNOWN: NOT BRAKING THEN. 3 DIFFERENT TOYOTA DEALERS TOLD ME THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. AT ONE DEALER, I WENT FOR A TEST DRIVE WITH A MECHANIC. DURING THE TEST DRIVE, I WAS ABLE TO MAKE THE TRACTION LIGHT GO ON WHEN THERE WAS NO LOSS OF TRACTION. THE INVOICE STATED "TEST DROVE AND CHECKED OPERATIONS. AT THIS TIME COULD NOT DUPLICATE CUSTOMER'S CONCERNS." I WROTE ON THE INVOICE "I WAS ABLE TO MAKE THE TRACTION LIGHT GO ON WHEN THERE WAS NO LOSS OF TRACTION. I AM NOT SATISFIED THAT THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN FOUND AND REPAIRED." & ON THE SIGNATURE LINE "NOT SATISFIED, (SIGNATURE)" I WANTED THEM TO CHANGE THE COMPUTER, BUT THEY SAID IF THEY COULDN'T DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, THEY COULDN'T CHANGE THE COMPUTER. I INSISTED THAT THEY REPLACE ONE COMPONENT, AND IF THE PROBLEM DIDN'T REOCCUR, I'D KNOW THEY FOUND THE SOLUTION. THEY BLED THE BRAKES, WHICH WAS UNLIKELY TO BE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. WHEN I WENT TO PICK UP MY INVOICE UP 2ND TIME, THE COPY ON WHICH I HAD WRITTEN MY COMMENTS WAS RETURNED TO ME, AND A FRESHLY PRINTED COPY- WITHOUT MY COMMENTS - WAS GIVEN TO ME & KEPT FOR THEIR RECORDS. 2. SAME CAR: HEADLIGHT GO OUT AT UNEXPECTED TIMES. 2 TOYOTA DEALERS TOLD ME THAT THE BULB WOULD COST $300, AND INSTALLATION WOULD BE WELL OVER $100 BECAUSE THEY "HAD TO TAKE OFF THE BUMPER TO CHANGE THE BULB!" I REPLACED THE BULB MYSELF (WITHOUT TAKING OFF THE BUMPER) BUT NOW, 9 MONTHS LATER, IT IS STARTING TO GO AGAIN. TOYOTA SENT A LETTER SAYING IT WAS HOW HID BULBS BURNED OUT & NOT A PBLM W/ CONTROLLER. IF TRUE, HOW IS IT THAT NEW BULB IS ALSO BURNING OUT? *TR
Feb 05, 2010
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
1 complaint
I CURRENTLY DRIVE A 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS AND HAVE HAD NUMEROUS INSTANCES OF BRAKE SLIPPAGE WHEN GOING OVER A BUMP/POTHOLE DURING DECELERATION OR ACCELERATION. UPON FURTHER RESEARCH AT PRIUSCHAT.COM, AN ONLINE COMMUNITY OF PRIUS OWNERS, COMMUNITY MEMBERS ADVISED THAT THIS WAS "BY DESIGN" SINCE THE VEHICLE'S COMPUTER THOUGHT THAT LOSS OF TRACTION WHEN GOING OVER AN OBSTACLE WAS CONSIDERED AS A STABILITY ISSUE HENCE DIS-ENGAGING THE BRAKES (ABS). I HAVE HAD SEVERAL FENDER BENDERS WITHOUT THE AIR-BAG DEPLOYING THOUGH. *TR
Feb 04, 2010
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
1 complaint
IN 10/06, I HAD AN INCIDENT WHERE THE BRAKES AND STEERING OF MY 2006 PRIUS CEASED TO FUNCTION BRIEFLY, AS I TRIED TO BRAKE AT AN INTERSECTION. I TOOK THE CAR IN TO MY TOYOTA DEALER SHORTLY AFTER -- THEY CHECKED IT BUT FOUND NOTHING WRONG, SO NOTHING WAS DONE. THE DAY IN QUESTION WAS DRIZZLY AND THE ROADS WET. IT WAS DAYTIME, AND I WAS DRIVING WITH MY CHILDREN IN BOSTON, APPROACHING THE FOREST HILLS INTERSECTION. THERE WERE TROLLEY TRACKS IN THE ROAD (SINCE REMOVED), WHICH I TRY TO AVOID, SINCE I KNOW THEY CAN BE SLIPPERY. AS I APPROACHED THE INTERSECTION, GOING ABOUT 20 MPH, I PUT MY FOOT TO THE BRAKE. AT THAT POINT, IT SEEMED TO ME THAT BOTH THE BRAKES AND THE STEERING CEASED TO FUNCTION OR FROZE UP, SO THAT I COULDN'T STOP THE CAR OR KEEP IT GOING STRAIGHT. THUS THE CAR KEPT GOING, VEERING TO THE RIGHT, WITH ONE WHEEL BANGING INTO AND UP ONTO A CURB, BEFORE THE CAR STOPPED. THE WHOLE THING TOOK ONLY A FEW SECONDS. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND SAT THERE IN DISBELIEF, SINCE I'D EXPERIENCED NOTHING LIKE THIS IN 30 YEARS OF DRIVING. FORTUNATELY, THERE WERE NO OTHER CARS CLOSE BY, SO I DIDN'T CAUSE AN ACCIDENT, AND I HAD BEEN GOING SLOW ENOUGH SO THAT NEITHER I NOR MY TWO BOYS WERE HURT. I HAVE COME TO KNOW THE CAR BETTER, AND HAVE LEARNED THAT OFTEN WHEN THE ROAD IS SLIPPERY OR ROUGH, YELLOW WARNING LIGHTS WILL FLASH, AND THE BRAKES WILL SEEM BRIEFLY LESS CRISP. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE WET CONDITIONS AND THE TROLLEY TRACKS ON THE DAY OF THE INCIDENT CONTRIBUTED TO WHAT HAPPENED. HOWEVER, I WANT TO EMPHASIZE THE QUALITATIVE DIFFERENCE OF THE 2006 INCIDENT. I'M NOT A CAR EXPERT, BUT IT FELT TO ME LIKE THE CAR'S ELECTRONIC SYSTEM HAD SEIZED UP, NOT LIKE THERE WAS SOME MECHANICAL PROBLEM. IT FELT AS THOUGH THERE WAS A BRIEF BUT COMPLETE SEVERING OF THE CONNECTION BETWEEN MY ACTIONS WITH MY FEET AND HANDS AND HOW THE CAR BEHAVED. IT WAS VERY FRIGHTENING. *TR
Feb 04, 2010
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
1 complaint
I AM AN OWNER OF A 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS. I DON'T HAVE A SPECIFIC DATE SINCE THIS TYPE OF FAILURE HAS OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES. I CONSTRUED THIS TO BE A PART OF THE PRIUS AND DID NOT THINK OF LODGING A COMPLAINT. BUT BASED ON TODAY'S (2/3/10) REPORT ON PRIUS' BRAKE ISSUES FROM JAPAN, I FEEL COMPELLED TO POINT OUT THAT: THERE HAS BEEN A TYPICALLY RECURRING PROBLEM OF THE TIRES SKIDDING AS THE BRAKES LOOSE THEIR GRIP WHEN I HAVE HIT THE BRAKE AS I AM CROSSING A POTHOLE OR A ROAD EXPANSION JOINT OR MINOR BUMP (NOT SPEED BUMPS) OR JUST A WET SPOT. THIS CONDITION HAS BEEN NOTED REGARDLESS OF THE CONDITION OF THE TIRES - MEANING EVEN ON BRAND NEW TIRES. THE VSC LIGHTS COMES ON WHEN THE CAR GLIDES/SKIDS OVER AND MOVES PAST THE POINT WHERE I HAD WANTED TO SLOW DOWN. I AM NOT SURE OF THE TYPE OF BRAKE IN THIS VEHICLE SO I WILL BE CHECKING OFF ALL 3 KINDS. *TR
Feb 03, 2010
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS. THERE WAS PRESSURE APPLIED TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, FOLLOWED BY AN UNINTENDED INCREASE IN ACCELERATION. THE DRIVER APPLIED PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SLOW DOWN. THE GEAR SHIFT FAILED TO OPERATE IN THE "NEUTRAL" POSITION. IN ADDITION, THE ENTIRE GEAR INDICATORS ILLUMINATED AT THE SAME TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN INTO A BARRIER OF DIRT AS A RESULT OF THE VEHICLE COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE FAILURES OCCURRED ON FOUR SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED FOR THE MALFUNCTIONS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 41,404.
Feb 03, 2010
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
STARTING UP MY TOYOTA PRIUS COMING OUT OF A CAR WASH THE ENGINE STUCK WITH HIGH REVS. I CONFIRMED IT WAS NOT THE CAR MAT BECAUSE I HAD BEEN IN THE CAR WASH AND THAT WAS MY THOUGHT. COULD NOT GET THE ENGINE TO STOP OVER REVVING (WAS CONSISTENTLY HIGH). NEVER WENT INTO HIGH SPEED. WAS ABLE TO CONTROL IT BY PUTTING IT IN LOW GEAR AND NEUTRAL AT THE INTERSECTIONS. IN LESS THAN 1 MILE I TURNED OFF THE CAR AND DID NOT HAVE ANY FOLLOW-ON PROBLEMS. NOT THE CAR MATS. *TR
Feb 03, 2010
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,INTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
FOR A 2006 PRIUS. TWICE THIS EVENING MY HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT ON THEIR OWN. I WAS DRIVING TO A STORE ABOUT A MILE AND A HALF AWAY, WHEN A HALF MILE FROM MY HOUSE ALL LIGHTS, INCLUDING HEADLIGHTS, WENT OUT. THEY DID NOT COME ON UNTIL I MANUALLY TURNED THEM "OFF" AND THEN ON AGAIN. ON THE WAY HOME FROM THE STORE, THEY WENT OUT AGAIN. *TR
Dec 03, 2009
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHEN THE ROADWAYS WERE SLIPPER THE VEHICLE WOULD LOSE TRACTION, AND THE ENGINE WOULD STALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, AND A TECHNICIAN STATED THAT ONLY THE 2010 MODELS HAD A SWITCH THAT WOULD DISENGAGE FOR THE TRACTION CONTROL. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 60,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 1,000. UPDATED 12/17/09. *LJ UPDATED 12/21/09
Nov 20, 2009
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
PASSENGER SIDE HID HEADLIGHT GOES OUT EVERY 3-4 MONTHS. AT FIRST IT IS INTERMITTENT, AND DIFFICULT TO SAY WHEN FAILURE OCCURS. OVER TIME THE PERIOD FOR FAILURE GETS SHORTER. DEALER SAYS IT IS MY PROBLEM. COST OF CONTINUAL REPAIR IS OVER $300. PER LIGHT. ALSO, FUEL GAUGE SAY ADD FUEL WHEN TANK PARTIALLY EMPTY. *TR
Mar 22, 2009
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
HID HEADLIGHTS ON 2006 PRIUS KEEP FAILING. FIRST FAILURE AT ABOUT 14K MILES; TWO FAILURES BETWEEN 20K AND 30K MILES. TOTAL OF FIVE HID FAILURES: 2 FOR PASSENGER SIDE LIGHT; 3 FOR DRIVER'S SIDE LIGHT. FAILURES ARE INTERMITTENT, OFTEN WHILE DRIVING. HITTING HID LAMP LIGHTLY OFTEN RESTORES LIGHT. INITIALLY BULBS WERE REPLACES (TWICE). SUBSEQUENTLY, THE ENTIRE UNIT (INCLUDING COMPUTER BOARD) WERE REPLACED. BULBS SHOULD LAST LIFE OF CAR-- NEITHER ORIGINAL HID LIGHT LASTED THE FIRST YEAR. *TR
Oct 07, 2008
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
1 complaint
NO INCIDENT TO REPORT: JUST BEING PRECAUTIONARY: HTTP://WWW.CONSUMERAFFAIRS.COM/NEWS04/2007/09/PRIUS_ACCELERATE. HTML *TR
Sep 18, 2007
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE ON GOING PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE STALLING. ALSO, THE GAS AND MILEAGE GAUGE WERE UNRELIABLE. THE LAST STALLING FAILURE OCCURRED ON THE FREEWAY WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH WHICH WAS THE THIRD INCIDENT. THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT THE GAS AND MILEAGE GAUGE WERE UNRELIABLE BECAUSE OF THE WAY IT WAS MANUFACTURED. THE PROBLEMS PERSIST.
Oct 10, 2006
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
A GASOLINE AND OR OIL SMELL IN THE CAR THAT PERMEATES EVERYTHING IN THE CAR. MY CLOTHES, COMPUTER BAG, PAPERS, JUST EVERYTHING THAT COMES IN CONTACT WITH THE INSIDE OF THE CAR. I ALSO GET SICK FROM THE ODOR IE HEADACHES, NAUSEA, BLURRED VISION, DIZZINESS. I ALSO HAVE A BURNING TASTE IN MY MOUTH, THROAT AND EYES. I HAVE BEEN TO THE DOCTORS AND THEY THERE IS NO OTHER REASON FOR ME TO BE FEELING THE WAY I DO AND THAT IT IS THE ENVIRONMENT OF MY CAR THAT IS PRODUCING THIS VERY SERIOUS IRRITANT . THE DEALER SERVICE CENTER SAID IT IS FROM THE BROKEN BEARING THAT WAS REPLACED, BROKEN AND NOT MY FAULT. THIS MUST ALSO BE A RECALL PROBLEM BECAUSE THEY SAID IT HAPPENS ALOT. *NM
Sep 10, 2006
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 2006 TOYOTA Prius have?
The 2006 TOYOTA Prius currently has 1437 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 2006 TOYOTA Prius?
The most common problems reported for the 2006 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 2006 TOYOTA Prius problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 2006 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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