2008 TOYOTA Prius Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
1492
Complaints Reported
Complaints by Component
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
481 complaints
On June 1st yesterday this issue happened again but it was the taillights. The uploaded document is from the most recent repair shop bill for the front headlight (under warranty since it stopped working so close to the previous repair) Intermittently without cause the front right head light goes out (seems like every 3-6 months). And every 12-18 months the tail lights go out (the brake lights still work). The mechanics can't tel if it's a circuit board issue (possible lack of cooling/fan), loos connections and or just poor design. No matter what it is dangerous as I I unexpectedly had to drive on hwys in the dark not knowing my lights all of a sudden aren't working. Thank you very much.
Jun 02, 2023
Headlights go out randomly. Have to turn them off and back on to resume normal operation.
Jun 03, 2022
I had purchased this 2008 Prius touring model used on 4/8/22. The first time I drove it at night I was on the freeway traveling at 55 mph and suddenly had almost no visibility due to loss of headlights. It was terrifying and pure luck that I made it off and home. The headlights turn off one at a time. I took the car to Atomic Auto in Portland, Oregon and they said the type of bulbs in the car often do this when they are failing and need to be replaced. This shop put new bulbs in yesterday, May 12th. It was raining heavily when I left the shop and I turned the headlights on. They failed again in the same way. I had no idea there was a problem like this with any car. I have searched online and now know that this has been a problem with Toyota Prius.
May 13, 2022
This model car is equipped with HID headlights. The car has had numerous problems with the bulb not lighting on one side. The light could be cycled off/on and this would allow the lamp to stay lit for an unpredictable amount of time. Sometimes this cycling would allow the lamp to stay on for an entire trip and sometimes the headlights would have to be cycled off/on again. Replaced the lamps today with brand new bulbs. Both lit during the initial testing. Later in the day the left lamp does not light even when cycled off then on. The headlights on this car are unreliable. The trouble in changing the lights would have been fixed with traditional halogen lights but now further troubleshooting is required or replacement of the igniter or bulbs. Headlights on cars in the 21st century should be completely reliable especially after replacing both lamps with brand new bulbs. This is a safety concern while driving at night.
Sep 10, 2021
RIGHT SIDE HEADLIGHT GOES OUT INTERMITTENTLY WITHOUT A TRACEABLE CAUSE. PEOPLE HAVE NOTICED THE LIGHT OUT WHILE AT MOTION ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET AT LOW SPEED, ON A HIGHWAY AT 50 MPH AND AT REST.
Mar 19, 2021
+ 476 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
116 complaints
WHENEVER I'M BRAKING THE VEHICLE AND IT GOES OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD THE ANTI SKID BRAKING SYSTEM ENGAGES AND BLINKS ON THE DASH AND THERE IS A BRIEF SEVERAL SECOND LOSS OF BRAKING AND I CAN FEEL THE BRAKES DISENGAGE. *TR
Feb 09, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT WAS BRAKING FROM 15 MPH AND ENTERING INTO A PARKING LOT BUT THE BRAKES DID NOT RESPOND. THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO APPLY PRESSURE TO THE BRAKES UNTIL THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED SCRATCHES DUE TO BEING IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO A BUILDING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING A DIAGNOSIS OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THEY WOULD SEND AN INSPECTOR TO INVESTIGATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.
Apr 05, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES AFTER DRIVING OVER A BUMP, THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD. THE ANTI-SKID LIGHT TURNED ON AND THEN OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 21,000.
Feb 09, 2011
WHAT HAPPENED ON 12/23/10 WAS THAT I WAS GOING TO TURN AROUND IN A SHORT DRIVEWAY, APPROXIMATELY 6 FT LONG, THAT WAS ON A STEEP INCLINE. AS I CAME UP TO THE DRIVEWAY, I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR TO MOVE IT OVER TO THE BRAKE. MY FOOT WAS COMPLETELY OFF THE ACCELERATOR AND, WHEN THE CAR HIT THE INCLINE, IT SPED UP REALLY FAST. I HAD TO JAM ON MY BRAKES TO KEEP FROM CRASHING INTO A GARAGE DOOR. MY MAIN COMPLAINT, THOUGH, IS THAT THERE IS SOME SORT OF OVERRIDE SYSTEM BUILT INTO THE 2008 PRIUS SO THAT, WHEN YOU DRIVE OVER CERTAIN POTHOLES OR BUMPS IN THE ROAD -- BUT NOT ALL OF THEM -- AND YOUR FOOT IS ON THE BRAKE TO SLOW THE CAR DOWN, THE CAR AUTOMATICALLY SPEEDS UP TO MOVE YOU OUT OF THE POTHOLE OR OVER THE BUMP. THIS OVERRIDES THE BRAKES SO THAT THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT YOU COULD RUN INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF YOU IF IT WAS STOPPED OR INTO SOMETHING BLOCKING THE ROAD OR A GARAGE DOOR. IT HAPPENS WHEN YOU ARE BRAKING TO SLOW THE CAR DOWN, WHETHER YOU ARE GOING DOWN A HILL, AROUND A CURVE OR COMING UP TO A RED LIGHT OR STOP SIGN. YOU HAVE YOUR FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND THE CAR SPEEDS UP MOMENTARILY. THERE IS A SQUARE METAL PLATE THAT IS SLIGHTLY LOWER THAN THE TARMAC IN THE ROAD ABOUT 1/2 MILE FROM MY HOUSE. THE ROAD IS A CANYON ROAD SO IT IS A HILLSIDE ROAD THAT IS VERY NARROW. EVERY MORNING WHEN I DRIVE TO WORK, I HAVE TO DRIVE OVER THAT PLATE AND, EVERY TIME I DO, MY CAR SPEEDS UP. THIS HAPPENS WITH OTHER 2008 PRIUSES THAT FRIENDS HAVE, IT'S NOT JUST MINE. IT IS VERY SCARY AND EVERYONE I KNOW WHO HAS A 2008 PRIUS KNOWS THAT IT IS A BAD DESIGN FLAW THAT COULD POSSIBLY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT OR INJURY. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE TO STOP THE OVERRIDE SYSTEM. IT'S VERY DANGEROUS.
Jan 28, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED OVER A ROAD BUMP, THE BRAKES WOULD FAIL MOMENTARILY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP BUT THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NEED TO BE DIAGNOSED BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD BE INSPECTED WITHIN SIXTY DAYS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 40,000.
Jan 19, 2011
+ 111 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES
96 complaints
The ABS brake booster/accumulator is going out and this has been a known issue with Toyota for years. Mine was purchased used a few years ago and had no issues until recently, as the pump is running more frequently.
Sep 26, 2025
ABS failed and mechanic tells me my actuator needs replacement which is a known issue with my generation of Prius.
Aug 17, 2025
Incident Summary: While relocating from northern to southern Alabama, I experienced a sudden and concerning failure in the vehicle’s braking system. While driving, multiple dashboard warning indicators were triggered simultaneously, including: •Brake warning light •ABS light •VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) light •Additional system fault alerts This happened unexpectedly and severely impacted my ability to drive the vehicle safely. Given the nature of these warnings and the critical systems they pertain to, I immediately took the vehicle to a certified Toyota dealership for diagnostics and repair. Following inspection, I was informed that the ABS actuator and related components had failed and would require replacement at an estimated cost of nearly $3,000. I was further advised that while this issue had been part of a previous recall or customer support program, that program is no longer active. Rationale for Cost Coverage Request: 1) Known Safety Issue: This ABS/VSC failure aligns with prior technical service bulletins and recall actions issued by Toyota for Prius models of this era. The abrupt system failure while driving raises significant safety concerns. 2) Purchased from Certified Dealership: The vehicle was purchased from an authorized Toyota dealership. I trusted that all known recall issues would have been properly addressed prior to sale. 3) Recall Program Timing & Fairness: The original recall or warranty enhancement was tied to a timeframe or mileage limit, but given that this issue has not been resolved and is now manifesting as a serious failure, I believe an exception should be made—especially since it was known to affect vehicles like mine. 4) Customer Loyalty and Safety Assurance: I have maintained this vehicle responsibly and expect Toyota, as a brand committed to quality and safety, to assist with this issue in good faith. Request: I respectfully request that Toyota cover the full cost of diagnosing and repairing the ABS system issue.
Jun 23, 2025
Brake actuator fails. Subject to prior recalls, but they're continuing to be an issue. This vehicle, and thousands of others like it, the electric brake actuator/pump starts running constantly then fails entirely. When that happens, as has to mine, the vehicle has NO power brakes, which can and does cause the vehicle to crash. The replacement part is over a thousand dollars. Toyota has engineered a failure mode that creates massive continuing profits.
Mar 13, 2025
The error lights related to the ABS, VSC braking system can suddenly come on, the antilock brakes stop working, and breaking power is greatly diminished. This occurs without warning and when it does, the brakes do not work safely and it is more difficult to bring the car to a stop. I have taken the car in to repair shops who have confirmed the issue. This malfunction produces error code C1256 and multiple mechanics have confirmed it is related to a faulty ABS Actuator Assembly and recommend immediate replacement of the unit. This is a common and known issue with these cars. I have been quoted a range of $2,100+tax to $2950+tax to perform the repair using a brand new part from Toyota.
Feb 26, 2025
+ 91 more complaints for this component
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
94 complaints
FOR THE PAST YEAR SINCE I'VE HAD THE VEHICLE THE CAR ACCELERATES INSTEAD OF SLOW DOWN IF I HIT A BUMP OR BEFORE I STEP ON THE BREAK IT SPEED UP AND SLIPS INSTEAD OF SLOW DOWN.
Feb 18, 2020
WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT APPROX. 50 MILES PER HOUR PRIUS LOST POWER AND APPEARED TO BE IN NEUTRAL. DID NOT LOSE HEADLIGHTS. I PULLED OVER AND SHUT DOWN AND RESTARTED WITHOUT INCIDENT BUY AM FEARFUL OF IT HAPPENING AGAIN IN TRAFFIC. *TR
Mar 02, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 3 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND SURGED FORWARD. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A ROCKED LANDSCAPING. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. UPDATED 8/31/2017*CN
Oct 29, 2014
I HAVE A TOYOTA PRIUS AND IT IS USED AS A TAXI IN SAN FRANCISCO. I HAD NOTICED A FEW TIMES THAT THE ENGINE REVS UP WHILE I WAS AT STOP AND THE BATTERY WAS FULLY CHARGED. IT WAS LIKE THE ENGINE PULSE. IDLE TO HIGH REV AND IDLE AGAIN FOR A FEW TIMES AND THAT HAPPENED FOR ABOUT 2 WEEKS WHILE ON THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE STARTED TO ACCELERATE BY ITSELF AT THE FIRST WEEK OF NOV 2013 AND HAPPEN AGAIN ON HIGHWAY 101 SOUTH IN MILL VALLEY CA AROUND 8 PM. I HAVE CALLED CITY TOYOTA AND EXPLAINED ABOUT IT BUT THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT JUST TOLD ME TO GET APPOINTMENT TO CHECK IT UP. AS I ASSUME MYSELF AS WELL EXPERIENCED DRIVER WITH 25 YEARS OF DRIVING MULTI TYPE OF VEHICLES, IT IS NOT DRIVER ERROR NOR THE PEDAL NOR THE FLOOR MATS. IT IS MECHANICAL OR ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. *TR
Nov 12, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE ENGINE RPMS INCREASED EXCESSIVELY AS THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKES FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A WALL. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL AS A PRECAUTION, BUT WAS NOT INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 54,000. UPDATED 11/14/13*CN
Oct 25, 2013
+ 89 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
77 complaints
In the cars digital instrument cluster have problem on the same model many of cars because I know many of friends that have same model car and I get problem so I go to the mechanic and the mechanic says it is a manufacturing problem on that same model have same problem I repair it twice and now it again appears it's also a safety concern because the problem is the light is completely go out completely blank so we are not able to see the vehicle speed vehicles fuel gas and vehicles other information that shows on digital cluster so if we drive in this condition we don't know how much speed is on my car right now
Oct 01, 2025
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2008 Toyota Prius. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a direct purchase from the previous owner on August 3, 2025. The contact made other reports with a personal lawyer, the State Attorney General's Office, and AZ.FraudReport Agency. The contact had not heard back from the other contact regarding the other reports made. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 50,000 miles, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was over 200,000.
Aug 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the instrument panel failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the instrument panel went blank. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent at first but had become a permanent failure. In addition, the front headlights and rear taillights failed to function as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving at various speeds, the front headlights failed to work as intended. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that the bulbs had melted into the wiring harness. The contact stopped driving the vehicle at night. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Jul 07, 2025
The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the instrument panel went blank. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent at first but had become a permanent failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was referred to the manufacturer for assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there were no recalls no warranty coverage on the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
Nov 21, 2024
The vehicle we own is no longer covered by an extended warranty offered to Toyota owners of 2004-2009 Prius. The warranty covered the replacement of the digital combination meter which, when failing, no longer displays anything on the dashboard. The situation is dangerous because you lose the ability to monitor fuel tank capacity, speed, warning lights, reverse lights and backup camera. To get around this malfunction requires that the back storage panels be removed and 12-volt battery be disconnected and reconnected. However, the fix is short term since the problem resets itself once the car is turned off. Even when the display is working, we have just discovered that the fuel gauge is inaccurate, causing a serious overflow of fuel due to the display showing 1 bar, when the tank was actually 50% full. Toyota, fully aware of this problem offered a "warranty enhancement" that offered replacement coverage up to September 30, 2013. It only covered customers whose care was demonstrating the problem, excluding any cars that were not showing signs of malfunction. We have a 2008 model, purchased from a Toyota dealership in 2011, that up until around 2-years ago showed no signs of malfunctioning. Therefore, the warranty did not apply. We now, however, are experiencing the malfunction on a daily basis and our vehicle is unsafe, and inconvenient to drive. I called Toyota regarding this and they will not offer any further coverage beyond the September 30, 2013 date. The repair for this malfunction is a minimum $1000, which rightfully should be covered by Toyota due to the potential safety issues surrounding this problem. We would like Toyota to acknowledge customers such as ourselves where the malfunction did not appear until later during our ownership of a 2008 Prius, and pay or reimburse for the repair.
Feb 17, 2023
+ 72 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
65 complaints
RIGHT HID HEADLIGHT KEEPS GOING OUT DURING SHORT OR LONG TRIPS. IT IT'S NOW OCTOBER 2019. THIS SAME LIGHT WAS REPLACED FOR SAME PROBLEM IN JULY 2018 AND I WAS TOLD BY MY MECHANIC THAT MY BALLAST AND ELECTRICAL CONNECTION IS FINE. IT SHOULD NOT BE BURNED OUT BY NOW. I ONLY USE THE LIGHTS AT NIGHT OR DURING RAIN. I HAVE READ ON SEVERAL ONLINE FORUMS WITH SIMILAR COMPLAINTS FROM PRIUS OWNERS. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE.
Oct 09, 2019
THE DIM HEADLIGHT ONLY, NOT THE BRIGHT, ONLY ON THE DRIVERS SIDE FRONT GOES OUT 4 OR 5 TIMES A YEAR. THE FRONT BRIGHTS ARE NOT AFFECTED AND HAVE NEVER GONE OUT NOR HAS THE DIM HEADLIGHT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT EVER GONE OUT. THE CAR IS DRIVEN DAILY USUALLY AND ON CITY STREETS ONLY.
Jul 09, 2019
HEADLIGHT WILL UNEXPECTEDLY TURN OFF, DESPITE WORKING BULB. THIS HAPPENS WITHOUT WARNING WHEN DRIVING. BOTH HEADLIGHTS WILL WORK FINE FOR A WHILE AND THEN ONE WILL TURN OFF, EVEN THOUGH THE HEADLIGHT BULBS ARE OK. WE BOUGHT THE CAR USED AROUND 2014 AND HAS HAPPENED ABOUT 4 TIMES A YEAR SINCE THEN. NO OTHER PROBLEMS WITH CAR.
Mar 07, 2018
THE HEADLIGHTS GO DIM AND /OR SHUT OFF AS I AM DRIVING. THIS PROBLEM USUALLY STARTS WITH THE RIGHT HEADLIGHT SHUTTING OFF AND SOMETIMES BOTH WILL GO DIM OR SHUT OFF COMPLETELY. BOTH LIGHTS WORK INITIALLY ON STARTUP AND SHINE BRIGHT AT FIRST BUT IMMEDIATELY DIM TO A LOWER LEVEL AND THEN AS I DRIVE THEY WILL DIM OR THE RIGHT LIGHT WILL TURN OFF OR SOMETIMES BOTH TURN OFF ALL TOGETHER. THEY WILL COME BACK ON IF I TURN OFF AND BACK ON THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH.
Dec 18, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE STATIONARY AND DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, ALL OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INDICATORS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. SOUTH DADE TOYOTA IN HOMESTEAD, FLORIDA WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT IT WAS A FACTORY DEFECT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
Dec 13, 2017
+ 60 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
58 complaints
JULY 16TH OUR SON WAS DRIVING HIS 2008 PRIUS WHEN THE BRAKES FAILED AND THERE WAS ACCELERATION WITH THE CAR. HE REARENDED AN SUV AT A STOP LIGHT. WE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP WHERE WE PURCHASED THE CAR. THEY WERE GOING TO CHECK IT OUT, BUT DUE TO THE FACT OF AN ACCIDENT, THEY HAD OUR SON CALL TOYOTA TO GIVE THEM A REPORT OF WHAT HAPPENED. TOYOTA SAID THEY WOULD SEND A REP. TO EXAMINE THE CAR, WHICH THEY WOULD NOT BE THERE FOR 2 WEEKS. WE WAITED AND THEY FINALLY ARRIVED AROUND AUGUST 4TH OR 5TH. THE DEALERSHIP CALLED AND SAID WE COULD COME AND GET THE CAR, WHICH I WAS CONCERNED NOT KNOWING IF THERE WAS DEFECT OR NOT. THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP TOLD US TOYOTA TAKES ALL RESPONSIBILITY OUT OF THEIR HANDS. I FELT THAT WAS RIDICULOUS SINCE THEY SELL TOYOTA VEHICLES. ON AUGUST 12TH OUR SON CALLED TOYOTA AND THEY SAID THAT THERE WOULD BE A LETTER COMING IN ABOUT 35 DAYS. WE ARE STILL WAITING AND FEEL THE DEALERSHIP AND TOYOTA HAS DONE NOTHING BUT PASS THE BUCK. WE ALSO PURCHASED ANOTHER PRIUS AT THE SAME TIME. BY THE WAY THEY BOTH TOLD MY SON IN THE BEGINNING THAT THERE HAD BEEN A RECALL. AFTER EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENED OUR SON REALIZED THAT THERE WERE SEVERAL OTHER INCIDENTS THAT TOOK PLACE WITH THE CAR AND THOUGHT IT WAS HIM, UNTIL THIS ACCIDENT HAPPENED. WE FEEL THAT THERE IS ALSO AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE WITH THIS CAR BECAUSE THERE HAS 2 NEW BATTERIES INSTALLED IN THE CAR SINCE PURCHASED IN 2008. WE JUST WANT ANSWERS!!!!! THERE WAS $1800 DOLLARS DAMAGE SUSTAINED WITH THIS ACCIDENT. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT NO ONE HERE WANTS TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY WITH SOME ANSWERS. *TR
Aug 31, 2010
I HAVE A 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS, AND REPEATEDLY EXPERIENCE THE "BRAKE DROP-OUT" PROBLEM THAT HAS BEEN DISCUSSED ON NUMEROUS PRIUS-RELATED WEBSITES. (SEE, FOR EXAMPLE, HTTP://PRIUSCHAT.COM/FORUMS/GEN-II-PRIUS-TECHNICAL-DISCUSSION/80218-TRACTION-CONTROL-DISABLING-BRAKES-OVER-BUMPS.HTML, OR HTTP://PRIUSCHAT.COM/FORUMS/PRIUS-HYBRID-NEWS/75647-TOYOTAS-NEXT-PAGE-RANKING-NIGHTMARE-PRIUS-BRAKES-4.HTML, AMONG OTHERS). I ALSO UNDERSTAND THAT THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN RAISED WITH NHTSA NUMEROUS TIMES. THE PROBLEM I EXPERIENCE IS THAT WHEN I DRIVE OVER A BUMP OR POTHOLE, PARTICULARLY AT A LOW SPEED, WHILE BRAKING, A WARNING LIGHT FLASHES ON AND THE CAR MOMENTARILY LURCHES FORWARD. SEVERAL TIMES I HAVE FELT CLOSE TO GETTING INTO AN ACCIDENT AS A RESULT. I UNDERSTAND FROM THE EXTENSIVE ONLINE DISCUSSIONS OF THIS PROBLEM THAT IT HAS TO DO WITH A TRANSITION FROM THE REGENERATIVE BRAKING SYSTEM TO THE TRADITIONAL FRICTION BRAKING SYSTEM, BUT THAT ONLY EXPLAINS THE PROBLEM, AND DOES NOT SOLVE IT. I UNDERSTAND THAT TOYOTA HAS ADDRESSED THIS PROBLEM IN THE GEN III PRIUS, BUT HAS DONE NOTHING ABOUT THE GEN II PRIUS. ALSO, THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE FLOOR MAT RECALL FOR THIS CAR. *TR
Jul 15, 2010
I AM EXPERIENCING A FEELING THAT THE BRAKES ON MY 2008 PRIUS SEEM TO DISENGAGE WHEN I GO OVER A BUMP AND SOMETIMES WHEN I AM BRAKING SOMEWHAT ABRUPTLY. THE UNCOMFORTABLE FEELING THAT THE CAR IS NOT GOING TO STOP AND ACTUALLY FEELS AS IF IT IS ACCELERATING ONLY LASTS MOMENTARILY- BUT IT IS A SCARY FEELING. THE CAR WAS CHECKED BY THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP FROM WHOM IT WAS PURCHASED. THEY ASSURED ME THAT IT WAS A COMMON OCCURRENCE WITH THE ABS SYSTEM FOUND IN THE MODEL. I AM HOWEVER, NOT AT ALL COMFORTABLE WITH THE INSECURE FEELING THAT THE CAR IS NOT GOING TO STOP. *TR
May 22, 2010
WHEN BRAKING ON SLIPPERY SURFACE-THE ABS KICKS IN- IT FEELS AS THOUGH THE BRAKES DISENGAGE AND THE CAR SPEEDS UP SLIGHTLY. *TR
May 16, 2010
I WAS DRIVING A RENTED TOYOTA PRIUS 2008 HYBRID ELECTRIC ON APRIL 8TH IN MISSISSAUGA ONTARIO AND MET WITH THREE VEHICLES COLLISION. ON A SOLID GREEN SIGNAL, A MIN VAN COMING FROM EAST, OPPOSITE DIRECTION CUT OFF THE ONCOMING TRAFFIC FROM WEST. FIRST CAR SLAMMED THE BRAKES AND DID NOT HIT THE WRONGFUL MINI VAN. SECOND CAR HIT THE FIRST CAR. I REAR ENDED SECOND CAR. I WAS IN SAFE DISTANCE AND APPLIED BRAKES. THIS CAR DID NOT STOP AND KEPT MOVING AND HIT THE SECOND CAR. IT WAS A RAINY DAY. NORMAL CARS WOULD STOP WITHOUT HITTING. NO ONE INJURED. I THINK TOYOTA HAS TO ADVICE ALL YEAR MODELS TO FIX THE BRAKE PROBLEMS. CONTACTED TOYOTA SCARBOROUGH. IT SAYS THIS CAR IS NOT IN RE-CALL LIST. HOW RECALLING LIST PREPARED, I DO NOT KNOW. AFTER INCIDENTS? I WILL NEVER DRIVE PRIUS AGAIN. *TR
May 06, 2010
+ 53 more complaints for this component
STRUCTURE
40 complaints
THE RUBBER TRUNK SWITCH COVER HAS DEGRADED, AND CONTINUES TO "MELT" OR "DISINTEGRATE" OVER TIME. ORIGINALLY THIS WAS A MERE IRRITATION, LEAVING STICKY BLACK RESIDUE ON MY FINGERS EVERY TIME I OPENED THE TRUNK. HOWEVER, NOW THE SWITCH FAILS TO OPERATE MOST OF THE TIME. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, SINCE I AM UNABLE TO OPEN THE TRUNK TO ACCESS THE SPARE TIRE, AS WELL AS OTHER SAFETY EQUIPMENT OR SUPPLIES.
Jan 19, 2019
THE HATCHBACK RUBBER DOOR HANDLE MELTED EVEN THOUGH MY CAR IS GARAGED AND NOT EXPOSED TO THE SUN'S HEAT. ALSO THE HATCHBACK LATCH WOULD NOT KEEP THE DOOR IN AN OPEN POSITION. IT DROPPED MULTIPLE TIMES HITTING MY HEAD WHILE GETTING THE GROCERIES. CAN'T REMEMBER HOW MANY TIMES IT HIT MY HEAD BUT DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE THAT TOYOTA SHOULD ADDRESS.
Feb 06, 2018
MY REAR HATCH DOOR LATCH COVER AND SWITCH ARE INOPERABLE AND THE RUBBER LATCH COVER IS GUMMY. HATCH WILL NO LONGER OPEN - THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE- HOW CAN I GET TO MY SPARE TIRE?
Jan 11, 2017
THE RUBBER ON THE REAR LIFTGATE HAS DETERIORATED. MY FINGERS GET COVERED IN A STICKY GOO EVERY TIME I OPEN IT.
Aug 26, 2016
THE REAR LATCH ASSEMBLY IS HELD IN PLACE BY PLASTIC BOLTS. OVER TIME, THE PLASTIC DISTINGRATES. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO OPEN THE REAR LATCH OF THE PARKED CAR, THE PLASTIC CRACKED AND THE ASSEMBLY CAME LOOSE.
Apr 04, 2016
+ 35 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN
39 complaints
In temperatures above 95 degrees the vehicle shifts into neutral while driving, and you need to physically hold the shift lever in Drive or Reverse to keep it out of neutral. It won't go into park at all unless you restart. This could cause a fatal accident while driving, particularly on the freeway. It has not yet been confirmed since it only happens at very high temperatures, which is rare where I live (Seattle). There has been quite a lot of discussion on Reddit and other internet sites about this problem with Priuses, particularly the 2008 model. I have an appointment with my mechanic to replace the shift lever assembly, which appears to be the most commonly referenced fix. There are no warning lights, other messages, or symptoms before or while this is happening. The problem resolves when the air temperature goes back down.
Jul 09, 2024
The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, she heard a beeping sound, and the instrument cluster flashed the parking brake and a triangle symbol with an exclamation point was illuminated. The contact stated that the "Failure with Transmission - Pull Over and Shift to Park(P)” message was displayed. The contact stated that the shift indicator on the instrument cluster showed that the vehicle was shifted into park(P). The contact stated that the vehicle made an abnormal grinding sound and started losing motive power. The contact stated that the engine was still running however, the vehicle lost power steering and braking functionality. The contact stated that when she depressed the accelerator pedal the vehicle failed to respond. The contact pulled off the roadway and turned off and restarted the vehicle and the vehicle regained normal functionality; however, after driving for ten miles, the failure recurred. The contact drove the vehicle back to the residence and turned off and restarted the vehicle several times. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Aug 23, 2023
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SLIPS INTO NEUTRAL UNEXPECTEDLY, AND WHEN IT DOES, OFTEN YOU CAN'T GET IT OUT OF NEUTRAL WITHOUT TURNING CAR OFF. THIS HAS AN ELECTRONIC SHIFT SELECTOR. THIS APPEARS TO BE A RAMPANT PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR. DO AN INTERNET SEARCH ON 2008 PRIUS SLIPS INTO NEUTRAL AND YOU WILL SEE MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING THIS ISSUE. VERY DANGEROUS WHEN THIS HAPPENS ON THE HIGHWAY.
Aug 27, 2020
ON THE MORNING OF 11/14/18, VEHICLE (W. 112,000 MILES ON IT) FAILED TO START OR MOVE IN OUR DRIVEWAY. 12/5/18 ADVISED BY CASEYS, THETOYOTA DEALERSHIP IN .WILLIAMSBSURG VA., THAT THE CVT HAD FAILED AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $6500 - HAPPENS OCCASIONALLY!. SUBSEQUENTLY SOLD VEHICLE TO DEALER EMPLOYEE FOR SCRAP. I NOTE THE NHTSA IS CONSIDERING A RECALL ON THE CVT'S INSTALLED IN THE TOYOTA COROLLAS. SEEMS OVERDUE. GLAD FOR MY FAMILY THIS DID NOT HAPPEN WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION.
Feb 06, 2019
THE CAR FROM A STOP, IF YOU STEP ON THE GAS WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN THE CAR HESITATES REALLY BAD AND COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. I'VE TAKEN IT IN WHEN THE CAR HAD LESS THAN 10K MILES. THEY COULD NOT REMAKE THE PROBLEM. THE CAR HESITATES STILL AND HAS NOT CHANGED, IT CURRENTLY HAS 117K MILES. I BELIEVE THERE IS A SOFTWARE PROBLEM.
Nov 28, 2018
+ 34 more complaints for this component
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
30 complaints
The dashboard of the car fades in and out randomly. Sometimes the dashboard doesn't come on at all. And when it does come on, it appears the mileage may have not increased even though the vehicle has been in use. This means that when the dashboard is off the driver is guessing at speed of the vehicle and at the fuel.
Jan 18, 2025
The combination meter is faulty and this makes the dash not show. You don’t know how fast you’re going, how much gas you have, it’s very unsafe and the warranty is supposed to be for 9 years but they will not allow that for everyone even if you have the same problem as someone who was allowed the warranty.
Jan 22, 2024
While driving, the gear lever doesn’t stay in drive or reverse and pops back into neutral. It’s not engaging in drive or reverse.
Aug 15, 2023
THERE IS A RAMPANT 'EPIDEMIC" WITH THE TOYOTA PRIUS OF STOLEN CATALYTIC CONVERTERS (CC) FOR ALL MODEL YEARS. THE CC (INCLUDING OXYGEN SENSOR) IS MADE OF PRECIOUS METALS THAT HAVE SKYROCKETED IN PRICE ON THE 'OPEN MARKET'. THE PRIUS CC CONTAINS 8% PRECIOUS METALS OF RHODIUM, PLATINUM, AND PALLADIUM. THIEVES CAN GET 'IN-AND-OUT' WITHIN A MATTER OF MINUTES (1-3) AND THEN RE-SELL THE CC ON THE OPEN MARKET. EXAMPLES OF HOW RAMPANT THIS IS: (1) AUGUST 2020, THE CHARLOTTE-MECKLENBURG COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORTED A 357% INCREASE IN STOLEN CCS; (2) YESTERDAY, WHEN FILING A POLICE REPORT WITH THE ATHENS-CLARK COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT ON MY 2008 PRIUS CC, DETECTIVE TOLD MY SON IT WAS THE FIFTH (5TH) REPORT OF A STOLEN CATALYTIC CONVERTER THAT DAY; (3) MY LOCAL REPAIR SHOP TOLD ME THEY HAVE INSTALLED AT LEAST 5 REPLACEMENT CCS IN THE LAST 2 WEEKS'FAR EXCEEDING ANYTHING TO-DATE. THE CC ON MY 2008 PRIUS WAS STOLEN ON WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10. (I ALSO HAVE A NEW 2021 PRIUS THAT I AM DEATHLY AFRAID TO DRIVE ANYWHERE FOR FEAR OF GETTING THE CC STOLEN.) THE COST OF REPLACEMENT FOR A STOLEN CC CAN RANGE FROM ABOUT $1,600 (AFTER MARKET) TO MORE THAN $5,000 (OEM-TOYOTA). MY 2008 PRIUS, IT HAS COST ME $1,704 FOR THE REPLACEMENT (AFTER MARKET) CATALYTIC CONVERTER. A COMPANY IN CALIFORNIA MAKES AN AFTER MARKET THEFT DETERRENT SYSTEM CALLED CAT SECURITY (WWW.GETCATSECURITY.COM). FOR MY 2008 PRIUS ITS $160; FOR THE 2021 PRIUS ITS $135. PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION (I.E., REPAIR SHOP OR TOYOTA DEALER) IS REQUIRED COSTING ANOTHER $150 - $300 DOLLARS. I HAVE CONTACTED TOYOTA USA AND FILED A COMPLAINT. THE ISSUE IS THEY RESPOND WITH 'AMNESIA', NOT ACKNOWLEDGING THAT THE PROBLEM EXISTS. I AM REQUESTING THE NHTSA TELL TOYOTA-USA TO ISSUE A RECALL TO ALL MODEL-YEAR PRIUS'S, IMMEDIATELY TO CORRECT AND SECURE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER SYSTEM FORM THEFT.
Feb 12, 2021
THE BACK LATCH OF MY 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS HAS DEGRADED AND NO LONGER FUNCTIONS. I AM UNABLE TO OPEN THE BACK HATCH DOOR. I AM CONCERNED THAT IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY I WILL NOT BE ABLE TO OPEN MY TRUNK AND HAVE ACCESS TO MY SPARE TIRE, TOOLS, FLARES , ETC. BECAUSE OF THIS MFG. QUALITY DEFECT, I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE TOYOTA PAY FOR THE EXPENSE OF THIS REPAIR. MY CAR IS UNSAFE AS IS.
Jul 07, 2020
+ 25 more complaints for this component
AIR BAGS
30 complaints
The contact owned a 2008 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while his mother was driving approximately 37 MPH, a second vehicle crashed into the rear passenger side causing the vehicle to go airborne and crash. During the crash, the front driver's side and front driver's side curtain air bags did not deploy. The driver's chest impacted the steering wheel causing her heart to sustain severe pressure and her ribs to collapse. Also, the front seat passenger was ejected from the vehicle through the windshield. Both occupants sustained fatal injuries due to the crash. The front passenger was not wearing a seat belt during the crash. A police report was taken at the scene. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to an impound lot. The vehicle was then towed by Toyota who confirmed there was an air bag failure. The vehicle was resold after being salvaged. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 6,500.
Jun 10, 2024
Air bags did not deploy Driver's side Seat belt adjustment did not go low enough Seat belt tightened so tight my pelvic bone could have broke and killed me The reflection of the dash lights on the windshield at night The battery replacement(s) being way too expensive and explosive Needs the blind spot mirrors The undercarriage needs to be more secure The cost of amount of public knowledge for muffler Needs lifted up a bit Easier ways to add covers to seats I guess the whole Navy missed coach buzzer a little more than we did lol Headlights t Center vents air flow Speedometer change delay by maybe .2 seconds Not enough charging ports Nor were they real None of my hands free electrical safety features worked properly Gas guzzler My boyfriend thinks I tried to kill him Backseat adult who doesn't listen really just didn't listen or care Driver remembers everything Braking should always be left up to the driver No too close warnings or nothing Security system failed when my car and tires were not left untouched Back hatch will still open if keys are locked in the car Other drivers hit me and ran Needs a more sturdy beam to use for the jack to jack up to change a tire
May 20, 2021
WENT OFF THE ROAD INTO A DITCH TO AVOID A DEER. DITCH WAS IM GUESSING ABOUT 4 FOOT DEEP . AIR BAGS DID NOT WORK. HIT MY HEAD AND HAVE A LARGE BRUISE ON MY CHEST .
Mar 26, 2019
STRUCK A CAR AT APPROX 50 MPH SPUN THEN CRASHED INTO A TREE DEAD CENTER OF CAR. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.
May 31, 2018
PASSENGER SIDE SEAT AIRBAG BAD
Mar 24, 2017
+ 25 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
21 complaints
I DRIVE A 2008 PRIUS. WHEN BRAKING AND DRIVING OVER A POT-HOLE, BUMP, OR OTHER ROAD WORK THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM ENGAGES, AND THE BRAKES RELEASE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME (>1 SECOND) CAUSING THE CAR TO COAST DURING THIS TIME. I DRIVE ON BUSY CITY STREETS AND ON HIGHWAYS WITH STOP AND GO TRAFFIC, AND THIS UNCONTROLLED BRAKE RELEASE REPRESENTS A SAFETY HAZARD. I HAVE DRIVEN VEHICLES WITH ANTI-LOCK BRAKES BEFORE, AND THIS KIND OF BRAKING RELEASE IS MUCH LONGER AND RESULTS IN A MUCH GREATER LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL THAN IN OTHER VEHICLES I HAVE DRIVEN. IN A SPECIFIC RECENT INCIDENT, I HIT A CAR IMMEDIATELY IN FRONT OF ME. IN THE INCIDENT, I WAS DRIVING OVER BUMPY PAVEMENT AND THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME STOPPED ABRUPTLY. AS I TRIED TO BRAKE SHARPLY TO AVOID HITTING THE CAR IN FRONT, THE BRAKING RELEASED BECAUSE THE ANTI LOCK BRAKES ENGAGED, AND INSTEAD OF STOPPING SAFELY, I HIT THE CAR. ALTHOUGH THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND DAMAGE WAS MINOR, THE INCIDENT (AND THE REGULARITY WITH WHICH THE BRAKES RELEASE UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS) SEEMS TO ME TO REPRESENT A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY PROBLEM FOR THE VEHICLE. *TR
Jun 21, 2010
ON MY 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS, WHEN I HIT A BUMP OR POTHOLE AT RELATIVELY LOW SPEED, THE CAR SOMETIMES GOES INTO "ANTI-SKID" MODE, LEADING TO A BRIEF (~1/2 SECOND), DISCONCERTING PERIOD OF LURCHING/ACCELERATION/LOSS OF BRAKING ABILITY BEFORE THE CAR RETURNS TO NORMAL. THIS PROBLEM IS USUALLY ACCOMPANIED BY THE LIGHTING OF THE YELLOW SKID ICON INDICATOR ON THE DASH. *TR
Jun 02, 2010
2008 PRIUS. OFTEN WHEN I GO OVER A BUMP THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM KICKS IN AND IT FEELS AS IF I HAVE LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR. I DON'T THINK I COULD STOP SUDDENLY. I HAVEN'T HAD AN ACCIDENT BUT I AM UNCOMFORTABLE DRIVING SOMETIMES EVEN IN GOOD WEATHER. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT WAS NO HELP. *TR
May 19, 2010
FREQUENTLY WHILE DRIVING ON DRY, CLEAR AND CLEAN ROADS, MY CAR BRAKING SYSTEM WILL SEEM TO FAIL AND FEEL LIKE THE CAR IS GOING INTO A SKID. THE ABS WARNING LIGHT COMES ON AS WELL - ALTHOUGH THERE IS NO REASON FOR BRAKE TROUBLE. SEEMS TO BE HAPPENING MORE AND MORE FREQUENTLY LATELY. *TR
May 17, 2010
I HAVE A 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS THAT EXPERIENCES THE SAME HESITANCY AND SHAKING WHILE BRAKING THAT THE 2010 RECALLED MODELS HAVE. I INITIALLY TOOK THE VEHICLE TO TOYOTA WITHIN THE FIRST YEAR OF OWNERSHIP AND THEY CLAIMED TO NOT BE ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THEY ALSO TOLD ME LAST WEEK AT THE DEALERSHIP THEY HAVE HAD OTHER 2008 OWNERS STATE THE SAME PROBLEM, BUT SINCE THE VEHICLES ARE NOT UNDER RECALL, THERE IS NO RECOURSE FOR THESE CARS. I HAVE NEVER HAD A CRASH DUE TO THE PROBLEM, BUT IT MAKES HANDLING A BIT DIFFICULT WHEN THE BRAKES SHAKE. I FEEL THE RECALL FIX SHOULD BE MADE AVAILABLE TO OTHER MODEL YEARS AS WELL. *TR
Mar 18, 2010
+ 16 more complaints for this component
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
19 complaints
THE FUEL GAUGE FOR MY 2008 TOYOTO PRIUS RECENTLY BECAME INACCURATE AND IT WAS DETERMINED DEFECTIVE ACCORDING TO THE TOYOTO DEALERSHIP, WHICH REQUIRED ME TO SPEND $1,115 TO HAVE IT AND ITS GAS TANK REPLACED. I WROTE TOYOTO ON JUNE 24, 2017 ASKING THAT THEY REIMBURSE ME FOR THE DEFECT. WHEN THEY FAILED TO RESPOND I CALLED TOYOTO CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE CENTER, WHO TOLD ME THAT THEY WOULD NOT REIMBURSE ME BECAUSE THE DEFECT WAS "OUT OF WARRANTY" AND THERE HAD BEEN "NO RECALLS." PLEASE INVESTIGATE AND ORDER TOYOTO TO CONDUCT A RECALL AND REIMBURSE ITS OWNERS. INACCURATE DEFECTIVE PRIUS FUEL GAUGES APPEARS TO BE A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM, WITH REPAIRPAL.COM REPORTING 119 COMPLAINTS. AND IN THE PAST THE NHTSA HAS DETERMINED THAT INACCURATE FUEL GAUGES IS A SAFETY ISSUE SINCE "IT MAY RESULT IN THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY RUNNING OUT OF FUEL AND STALLING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH."
Aug 08, 2017
INCORRECT FUEL GAUGE/RUBBER BLADDER CAUSED THE ENGINE TO SHUTDOWN WHILE TRAVELING DOWN THE INTERSTATE. GAUGE SHOWED 2 BARS 5 MINUTES BEFORE THE ENGINE SHUTDOWN. *TR
Apr 05, 2012
I NORMALLY GET ABOUT 450 MILES OUT OF ONE 11.9 GALLON TANK. RECENTLY, I DISCOVERED MY FUEL GAUGE LIGHT GOING OFF AT 300 MILES. WHEN I FILLED UP MY TANK IT ONLY TOOK 7 GALLONS, LEAVING 5 GALLONS THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN IN THE TANK. AFTER FILLING IT UP, FUEL GAUGE LIGHT WENT OFF JUST BELOW 300 MILES. WHEN I TOOK MY VEHICLE IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE I ASKED ABOUT IT THINKING THERE WAS SOMETHING WRONG WITH MY FUEL SENSOR. I WAS ADVISED BY THE CLERK THAT IT WAS THE BLADDER, AND TO JUST KEEP IT FULL-THATS ALL. HE GAVE OTHER ADVISE LIKE MAKE SURE THE TIRE PRESSURE ON MY TIRES WERE GOOD (THEY WERE ROTATED AND CHECKED A WEEK PRIOR TO THIS), AND TO CHECK MY AIR FILTER. NOW I AM CONFUSED, AND DO NOT KNOW HOW MUCH FUEL IS ACTUALLY IN MY TANK. I HAVE HAD MY VEHICLE FOR 3 1/2 YEARS AND NEVER HAD A PROBLEM TILL NOW. *TR
Dec 03, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT STATED THE FUEL SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED IMMEDIATELY BEFORE THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THE OWNER'S MANUAL INDICATED THAT WHEN THE FUEL SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED THE VEHICLE SHOULD HAVE HAD AT LEAST 3 GALLONS OF FUEL LEFT. A TOW TRUCK APPEARED ON THE SCENE TO DELIVER MORE FUEL TO THE CONTACT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 33,000.
May 06, 2011
2008 TOYOTA PRIUS: REFUELING STARTED TO BECOME A PROBLEM AT 35,000 MILES. TANK WOULD NOT REFILL COMPLETELY AND GAS IS "BURPED" OUT TANK. VERY FRUSTRATING REFUELING BECAUSE GAS HOSE CLICKS OFF REPEATEDLY EVEN THOUGH TANK IS NOT FULL. TYPICALLY TANK WILL TAKE AN ADDITIONAL 2 GALLONS OF FUEL AFTER THE FIRST TIME IT CLICKS "FULL". IT TAKES 5 MINUTES TO PUT IN LAST 2 GALLONS AND THEN FUEL BUBBLES UP AND POURS OUT OF TANK. I COULD SEE THE AIR BUBBLES WORKING THEIR WAY TO THE SURFACE AS THE GAS TANK BURPS OUT THE FUEL. THE BLADDER GAS TANK IS CLEARLY DEFECTIVE AND IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO KNOW WHEN TANK IS FULL. MICHAEL'S TOYOTA OF BELLEVUE, WASHINGTON HAS BEEN WORTHLESS - FIRST TELLING ME THEY AREN'T AWARE OF THIS ISSUE AND THEY HAD NO PROBLEM REFILLING THE CAR AND THE LAST TIME TELLING ME THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO AND I SHOULD CALL TOYOTA. GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE... THANKS HEAVENS THE CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY BECAUSE I HAVE NO INTEREST IN DOING FURTHER BUSINESS WITH THEM. TOYOTA SHOULD ACKNOWLEDGE THIS DEFECT AND REPLACE THE BLADDER GAS TANK WITH A REGULAR VERSION. *TR
Oct 12, 2010
+ 14 more complaints for this component
ENGINE
18 complaints
While driving the 2008 Prius with approximately 107,219 miles for approximately 15 miles, all the RED LIGHTS appeared on the dashboard. The air condition stopped working with only hot air blowing. I immediately took the 2008 Prius to the Toyota dealer. This is the following repairs as follows: "A CEL ON, MULTIPLE WARNINGS: CS20 INVERTOR WATER PUMP - 7521 CT $300.98 Labor 1 04000 - 32528 HV ELECTRIC WATER PU $169.35 Part 1 00272 - SLLC2 SUPER LONG LIFE COOL $ 23.43 MISC. CHARGES $ 53.32 TOTAL CHARGES $547.08
Jun 26, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND COMPLETELY TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WOULD THEN RESTART WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO RIGHT TOYOTA (7701 E FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT BLVD, SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85260, (480) 771-6449), BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Oct 02, 2018
CAR BURNS A QUART OF OIL EVERY 1000 MILES WHICH STARTED AT 150K. THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM THAT CANT BE FIXED.
May 07, 2018
THE CAR HAS AN 11.9 GALLON GAS TANK AND I CANT PUT IN MORE THEN 7 GALLONS OF GAS AT A TIME. WHEN PUMPING...IF THE PUMPS RUSHES THE GAS INTO THE TANK TOO QUICKLY...I CANT GET ANY GAS BECAUSE THE PUMP WILL TURN OFF AS IF THE TANK IS COMPLETELY FULL WHEN ITS EMPTY. I HAVE HAD SENSORS CHECKED AND ITS THE BLADDER OF THE GAS TANK.
May 07, 2018
OUR 2008 PRIUS EXPERIENCED ENGINE FAILURE WHILE DRIVING CA. 70 MPH ON A DAY WHEN THE TEMPERATURE WAS BETWEEN 90 AND 95 DEGREES. THIS APPEARS TO BE THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE INVERTER THAT HAS HAPPENED ON LATER MODELS, ESPECIALLY AS 'HIGH THERMAL STRESS' FEATURED IN REPORTS OF THOSE. TWO MECHANICS WERE UNABLE TO PULL A COMPUTER CODE ON IT AND SAID THEY COULDN'T OFFER AN OPINION UNLESS IT WAS REPLICATED. EACH MENTIONED THE INVERTER PROBLEM, BUT CLAIMED THAT IT COULD ONLY HAVE HAPPENED ON MODEL YEARS MORE RECENT THAN OURS. A TOYOTA COMPANY REP CLAIMED NEVER TO HAVE HEARD OF IT HAPPENING ON ANY CAR BEFORE 2010. I ASKED IF THERE WERE A DATABASE OF SUCH ISSUES SHE COULD CHECK TO SEE IF OTHER OWNERS HAD ANYTHING SIMILAR HAPPEN BEFORE 2010, BUT SHE DECLINED TO DO SO. I BELIEVE SHE CLAIMED THAT THE COMPANY MAINTAINED NO SUCH DATABASE. ALL I REMEMBER FOR SURE IS THAT SHE PROJECTED NO INCLINATION TO FOLLOW UP, APPEARING TO TREAT IT AS A ONE-OFF PROBLEM THAT DIDN'T MERIT FURTHER ATTENTION. THIS HAPPENED WHILE I WAS PASSING A TRUCK, WITH A CAR CLOSE BEHIND CLEARLY INTENDING TO PASS ME AFTER I HAD GOTTEN AROUND THE TRUCK. I SUDDENLY REALIZED THAT I HAD NO ACCELERATION AND THAT THE DASH LIGHTS HAD COME ON. I WAS LUCKILY ABLE TO STEER ACROSS THE DRIVING LANE TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER WITHOUT BEING HIT AS MY SPEED DROPPED. I TRIED STARTING THE CAR AGAIN; IT STARTED UP AS IF NOTHING HAD HAPPENED SO WE CONTINUED, CAREFULLY, ON OUR WAY. THAT SPECIFIC PROBLEM HAS NOT REOCCURRED, ALTHOUGH THERE WERE TWO INCIDENTS (ONE EARLIER THAT DAY AND ONE THE DAY BEFORE) WHEN PUSHING 'START' FAILED TO START THE ENGINE. DASH LIGHTS AND AIR CONDITIONER FAN CAME ON, BUT ENGINE DID NOT START UNTIL THE 'START' BUTTON HAD BEEN PUSHED TWICE MORE. IN BOTH OF THESE CASES THE TEMPERATURE WAS ALSO IN THE 90S.
May 01, 2018
+ 13 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
14 complaints
WHILE ENTERING A HIGHWAY ONRAMP IN MY COMPANY'S 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS, THE CAR SUDDENLY BEGAN ACCELERATING OUT OF CONTROL WITHOUT APPLICATION OF THE GAS PEDAL. I HAD TO PRESS HARD ON THE BRAKE JUST TO HOLD THE CAR AT 65 MPH. THE CAR WAS SURGING AND LUNGING FORWARD, AND I WORRIED I WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO FIND A PLACE TO PULL OVER BEFORE LOSING CONTROL COMPLETELY. FOR THE NEXT 5-10 MINUTES, AS I APPROACHED TRAFFIC IN FRONT OF ME, THE CAR CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE, EVEN THOUGH I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE THE ENTIRE TIME. AT ONE POINT I NOTICED THE CAR WAS REACHING SPEEDS IN EXCESS OF 95 MPH. A LOUD RATTLING NOISE ENSUED AND AN ELECTRICAL SMELL FILLED THE CAR. EVENTUALLY, THE BRAKE COMPLETELY FAILED TO HAVE ANY EFFECT, AND, BARRELING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 90 MPH, I PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL, BUT IT CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. AT THIS POINT I HAD MY RIGHT FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND DEPRESSED THE PARKING BREAK ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR WITH MY LEFT FOOT, THIS SLOWED THE CAR SLIGHTLY, BUT NOT ENOUGH TO REGAIN CONTROL. FINALLY, I TURNED THE CAR OFF COMPLETELY, AND WITH MY HAZARD LIGHTS ON, MANAGED TO PULL THE CAR AWAY FROM TRAFFIC AND OFF ON THE SHOULDER OF THE HIGHWAY, WHERE I COASTED FOR A LONG DISTANCE, SPEEDS DECREASING GRADUALLY UNTIL EVENTUALLY IT STOPPED. SMOKE AND A BURNING ELECTRICAL SMELL FILLED THE CAR. I FILED A POLICE REPORT WITH AN OFFICER WHO HAPPENED TO ALSO BE ON THE SHOULDER, GIVING SOMEONE A SPEEDING TICKET. MY COMPANY TOWED THE CAR TO A DEALERSHIP, AND AN INVESTIGATION IS SUPPOSEDLY UNDERWAY, THOUGH I'M NOT OPTIMISTIC ABOUT ANY SORT OF RESOLUTION BASED ON THE TESTIMONIES I HAVE READ FROM OTHERS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME THING. LUCKILY, IN MY CASE, THIS DIDN'T RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT, AND NOONE WAS KILLED. *TR
Sep 20, 2011
2008 TOYOTA PRIUS. CONSUMER STATES TWO PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE, THE ABS RELEASE MOMENTARILY CAUSES A BRIEF SURGE FORWARD ANY TIME THERE IS A SMALL BUMP IN THE ROAD WHEN BRAKING AND CONSUMER ALSO STATES HE NEARLY REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE AT A STOP LIGHT WHEN HE ALMOST COULDN'T STOP, EVEN BY PUTTING HIS ENTIRE WEIGHT ON THE VEHICLE. *TGW THE CONSUMER ALSO BELIEVED THE PEDALS WERE DESIGNED TOO CLOSE TOGETHER. *JB
Feb 15, 2011
2008 TOYOTA PRIUS, WHEN I HIT A BUMP OR POTHOLE AT RELATIVELY LOW SPEED, THE CAR SOMETIMES GOES INTO "ANTI-SKID" MODE, LEADING TO A BRIEF DISCONCERTING PERIOD OF LURCHING/ACCELERATION/LOSS OF BRAKING ABILITY BEFORE THE CAR RETURNS TO NORMAL. THIS PROBLEM IS USUALLY ACCOMPANIED BY THE YELLOW ANTI - SKID ICON INDICATOR ON THE DASH.
Dec 20, 2010
2008 TOYOTA PRIUS WITH UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. *KB AN INSPECTION WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. ACCORDING TO THE DEALER, THE FRONT AND REAR BRAKES WERE COMPLETELY WORN, THE ROTORS WERE ALSO WORN AND WERE IN NEED OF REPLACEMENT. THE BRAKE FLUID WAS WITHIN NORMAL LIMITS AND THERE WAS A FLUID LEAK FROM THE IMPACT DAMAGE. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS IN GOOD CONDITION AND MOVED FREELY WITH NO BINDING OR STICKING. THE DRIVERS SIDE FLOOR MAT WAS AN AFTERMARKET ALL WEATHER MAT, NOT PROPERLY SECURED. IT WAS POSITIONED FORWARD WHERE IT COULD INTERFERE WITH THE ACCELERATOR. ACCORDING TO THE LETTER THE BRAKES CAUGHT ON FIRE AND A MOTORIST EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. *JB UPDATED 12/30/10 *BF UPDATED 01/07/11
Aug 10, 2010
1. WHILE DRIVING AND BRAKING OVER POTHOLES OR ROUGH ROAD, THE CAR VEERS FORWARD EVEN THOUGH BRAKES ARE BEING APPLIED 2. HAPPENS EVER SINCE WE RECEIVED OUR 2008 PRIUS MAYBE ONCE A MONTH OR SO: RESULTS IN SCARY FEW MOMENTS, ALTHOUGH NO ACCIDENTS YET HAVE OCCURRED 3. DEALER CLAIMS CANNOT RE-CREATE THE ISSUE. *TR
May 31, 2010
+ 9 more complaints for this component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
11 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THOUSAND OAKS TOYOTA (2401 THOUSAND OAKS BLVD, THOUSAND OAKS, CA 91362) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH THE WATER PUMP NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED IN 2013 UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V536000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED YEARS LATER. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE WARRANTY FOR THE PART WAS ONLY GOOD FOR A YEAR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 150,000.
Mar 18, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE COOLANT CONTROL VALVE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
Jan 05, 2015
2008 TOYOTA PRIUS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE PARTS REPLACED IN VEHICLE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. AFTER DOING RESEARCH, IT APPEARED THE PROBLEM WAS WITH THE COOLANT CONTROL VALVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP, WHERE AN INSPECTION REVEALED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS DUE TO THE PREMATURE FAILURE OF THE COOLANT CONTROL VALVE.
Dec 27, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SMOKE EMITTED FROM UNDER THE HOOD WHILE DRIVING INTO A GARAGE AT 5 MPH. THE CONTACT OPENED THE HOOD AND NOTICED A FLAME. THE CONTACT THEN EXTINGUISHED THE FLAME. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO THE WIRING HARNESS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 17,000.
Apr 12, 2012
I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 60 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR STOPPED WORKING. THE POWER SLOWLY DRAINED OUT OF THE CAR AND I BARELY MADE IT OFF THE HIGHWAY. THIS HAS NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC'S SHOP WHERE AFTER MUCH INVESTIGATION THEY FOUND THAT A LEAF HAD GOTTEN PAST THE AIR FILTRATION SYSTEM AND WAS BLOCKING THE INTAKE SENSOR SYSTEM. WHEN ONE SENSOR IS BLOCKED THE WHOLE CAR SHUTS DOWN! THIS WAS SCARY AND DANGEROUS. I KNOW IT IS UNLIKELY TO HAPPEN AGAIN. *TR
May 12, 2011
+ 6 more complaints for this component
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
9 complaints
I cannot add gas more than 3 to 4 gallons in the gas tank when it is almost empty. Gas meter says full after 3 to 4 gallons in the tank. While driving, it can run out of gas at any time because meter is not correct While adding gas at the gas pump, it spills the gas back out of the fill pipe of the car. So spilled fuel can catch fire if it touches the hot surface. Its fuel vapor management system is dangerous and defective which could result in fire and it could make the gas to fall on person legs and feet. Its gas tank has rubber bladder that has shrink making the meter totally wrong. If you search on the internet tons of people has the same problem. There is no way to tell how much gas is in the tank, while the meter could say full.
May 24, 2021
FILLING TANK WITH AT LEAST 8 GALLONS, AFTER 100 MILES GAUGE DROPS 3 BARS FOR PAST THREE YEARS FIRST 100 MILES MAX TWO BARS WONDER IF DIAPHRAGM IS STUCK
Jan 11, 2021
FUEL CELL (RIGID GAS TANK HAS A BLADDER INSIDE). TOYOTA PUBLISHED TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN IN 2008, CONCERNING THE FAILURE OF GAS TANK. THE INNER BLADDER CAN DEFORM. THE 10 GALLON TANK NO LONGER ACCEPTS TOTAL VOLUME OF GAS. 05/2019, AND MY 08 PRIUS ACCEPTS ONLY 3.8 GALLONS OF GAS AT A FULL FILL-UP. GAUGE QUICKLY ADVANCES FROM FULL MARK TO SIX CELLS, THEN 3 AND AT 182 MILES BETWEEN FULL, THE WARNING EMPTY LAMP ENGAGES. TOYOTA AWARE OF THIS DEFECT OF GENERATION 2 (04-09 MODEL YEARS). TO SUCH EXTENT, THE COLLAPSIBLE BLADDER INSIDE THE TANK WAS ABANDONED FOR GENERATION 3 MODELS. THIS SOLID PROBLEM NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. GAS TANK DEFORMS.
Aug 11, 2019
THE FUEL GAUGE AND FUEL SENSOR DOESN'T WORK IN THE 2008 PRIUS TOURING THAT I JUST PURCHASED ON JULY 09, 2019. THE DEALERSHIP THAT I PURCHASED IT FROM DID NOT INFORM ME OF THIS ISSUE AT ALL. NOW I SEE THAT THIS EXACT ISSUE IS HAPPENING TO A LOT OF THESE PARTICULAR YEAR MODELS. THE RESET FOR THE FAULTY READINGS DOESN'T WORK EITHER... PLEASE DO A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE!!! I AM ON DISABILITY AND CAN NOT AFFORD TO PAY FOR THIS DEFECT!!! I'M AFRAID TO GO MORE THAN A FEW BLOCKS IN THIS CAR FOR FEAR OF RUNNING OUT OF GAS... I HAVE NO CLUE HOW MUCH GAS IS IN THIS THING AS IT SPITS A LOT OF WHAT I PUT IN, BACK OUT WHEN IT SUDDENLY OVERFLOWS GAS ALL OVER ME. ARE THERE OTHER OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO HELP US OWNERS???
Jul 15, 2019
WHEN THE VEHICLE STOPPED AT THE TRAFFIC LIGHT THEN IT TURNS GO, THE PRIUS DOESN'T SPEED UP EVEN WHEN YOU PRESS ON GAS PEDAL, IT HESITATES TO MOVE FOR AWHILE BEFORE IT PICKS UP THE SPEED WHICH IS A HAZARD.
Oct 10, 2018
+ 4 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
8 complaints
MY COOLANT INVERTER PUMP HAS BEEN RECALLED, AND REPAIRED BEFORE I BOUGHT THE CAR, AND THE SAME ISSUE IS HAPPENING AGAIN AFTER I BOUGHT THE CAR LESS THAN A YEAR AGO. TODAY, THE SAME CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, WENT TO ADVANCED AUTO PARTS AND GOT THE CODE P0A93 - COOLANT INVERTER PUMP FAILING.
Aug 04, 2020
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WENT BLACK. I COULD NOT SEE DRIVING SPEED OR REMAINING FUEL. I DROVE TO TOYOTA DEALER AND COULD NOT SHUT DOWN THE ENGINE UPON ARRIVAL NOR REMOVE MY KEY FROM THE KEY SLOT. THERE ARE NUMEROUS ONLINE COMPLAINTS ABOUT "PRIUS INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NOT WORKING". TOYOTA QUIETLY AGREED TO EXTEND WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR 9 YEARS FROM DATE OF FIRST USE OR UNTIL 2013. HTTPS://WWW.TOYOHEADQUARTERS.COM/THREADS/2004-2009-TOYOTA-PRIUS-COMBINATION-METER-WARRANTY-EXTENSION-ZTV.174/ I BELIEVE THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN A SAFETY RECALL AS IT IS UNSAFE TO OPERATE A MOTOR VEHICLE UNDER THESE CONDITIONS AND THE OPERATOR MIGHT NOT BE ABLE TO SHUT OFF THEIR VEHICLE OR REMOVE THE IGNITION KEY. THERE ARE ALMOST 700,000 AFFECTED VEHICLES IN THE CLASS. REPAIR COSTS $925 OR MORE FOR AFFECTED OWNERS. SEVERAL HAVE POSTED VIDEOS OF HOME REMEDIES INVOLVING DISCONNECTING THE BATTERY TERMINALS TO CAUSE A "RESET", WHICH MAY ENCOURAGE OTHER OWNERS TO CONTINUE TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE IN AN UNSAFE CONDITION WHERE FAILURE IS IMMINENT.
Feb 18, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL GAUGES DID NOT DISPLAY. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, AFTER TURNING OFF THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO OPERATE. THE FAILURES WERE NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND AN UNKNOWN DEALER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.
Jan 11, 2019
DEFECTIVE ENGINE REQUIRED REPLACEMENT PRIOR TO 139K MILES (DUE TO CYLINDER MALFUNCTION AND EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION), AT A COST OF $3700 FOR A USED ONE. THIS HAS ALSO DAMAGED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, QUOTED AT $900. AT 149K MILES, THE HYBRID BATTERY HAS FAILED AS WELL, WHICH HAS A QUOTED REPLACEMENT COST OF $2400. WHILE SLIGHTLY OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY, THE ENGINE AND HYBRID BATTERY ARE BOTH CORE COMPONENTS THAT ARE EXPECTED TO LAST SIGNIFICANTLY LONGER. IN CARB STATES, TOYOTA EVEN WARRANTS THE HYBRID BATTERY FOR 150K MILES. THE COST OF REPLACING THEM EXCEEDS THE KBB VALUE OF THE CAR, WHICH IS UNACCEPTABLE FOR A 10 YEAR OLD VEHICLE WITH AVERAGE MILEAGE THAT WAS PROPERLY MAINTAINED. I CONTACTED BOTH THE DEALERSHIP AND MANUFACTURER, AND NEITHER WILL ACCEPT ANY OWNERSHIP IN THE MATTER, OR PROVIDE ASSISTANCE ON REPAIR COSTS.
Sep 06, 2018
DRIVING ON SB HWY 35 AT 74MPH, MASTER WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND VEHICLE SHUT DOWN, NO ELECTRICAL OR ENGINE CONTROL. PULLED SAFELY TO SHOULDER OF ROAD. CAR WOULD NOT RESTART. GOT OUT OF CAR, LOCKED CAR, UNLOCKED CAR (TOYOTA TECHNICIAN INSTRUCTIONS), THEN CAR RESTARTED. GOT CAR OFF THE ROAD, CONTACTED STATE FARM FOR TOW TO AUTONATION TOYOTA SOUTH AUSTIN. TOYOTA TECHNICIAN REMOVED A THIRD PARTY TELEMATIC DEVICE (IN-DRIVE) FROM OBD PORT. VEHICLE DIAGNOSTIC SCAN SHOWED TWO COMMUNICATION ERRORS U0100 AND U0111. THIRD PARTY TELEMATIC DEVICE WAS NOT REINSTALLED. VEHICLE WAS TEST DRIVEN, HELD OVERNIGHT, TEST DRIVEN AGAIN AND THE ERRORS OR SHUTDOWN DID NOT REPEAT. TOYOTA SERVICE MANAGER SAID THEY HAVE SEEN THIRD PARTY DEVICES CONNECTED TO ODB PORT CAUSE ERRORS AND HAVE TO BE REMOVED OR REPLACED. WE HAVE THREE HYBRID VEHICLES IN OUR HOUSEHOLD EACH WITH A THIRD PARTY TELEMATIC DEVICE FROM IN-DRIVE. ALL THREE HAVE BEEN REMOVED AND RETURNED TO IN-DRIVE WITH SUPPLIED PACKAGING AND RETURN INSTRUCTIONS. *TR
Oct 22, 2014
+ 3 more complaints for this component
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
8 complaints
MY PRIUS RECALL THE ABS SYSTEM. BUT I AM NO RECEIVE ANY LETTER.TOYOTA DOES NOT SEND LETTER.
Mar 11, 2020
I PURCHASED MY 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS AS A CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED VEHICLE IN 2014. EVERY TIME THE CAR GOES OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD -- BE IT A MAN HOLD, RAILROAD TRACKS -- THE CAR TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT ILLUMINATES AND THE CAR LURCHES FORWARD FOR 1-2 SECONDS. THIS HAS HAPPENED COUNTLESS TIMES. IT IS A COMMONPLACE OCCURRENCE WHEN GOING OVER ANY KIND OF UNEVEN SURFACE ON THE ROAD. FROM WHAT I HAVE READ, THIS IS COMMON IN THE 2008 PRIUS AND I AM WONDERING WHY THIS HASN'T BEEN INVESTIGATED. ON JULY 12TH, I WAS DRIVING IN KY IN HEAVY RAIN, GOING ABOUT 50 MPH. THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON, I BEGAN TO HYDROPLANE, AND THE CAR ACCELERATED TO 60MPH AND I ALMOST DROVE OFF THE ROAD. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING FOR SIXTEEN YEARS AND HAVE NEVER HYDROPLANED. MY FEAR IS THE CAR DOING THE SAME THING IN RAIN THAT IT DOES ON UNEVEN SURFACES ON DRY ROAD -- LURCHING FORWARD SLIGHTLY WHICH IS NOT WHAT YOU WANT WHEN DRIVING IN THE RAIN.
Jul 29, 2015
I HAVE A 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS WITH VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL. WHEN THE CAR IS GOING UP OR DOWN A HILL THAT IS SLIPPERY, ICY OR SNOWY, THE VSC KICKS IN, AND ALL POWER IS SHUT OFF TO THE SPINNING WHEEL (S). THIS RENDERS THE CAR UNUSABLE UNDER THESE CONDITIONS. I HAVE BEEN IN TRAFFIC, AND BARELY ESCAPED RUNNING INTO THE CAR BEHIND ME. NO INJURIES WERE CAUSED, BUT THIS FEATURE IS POTENTIALLY VERY DANGEROUS AND EVEN FATAL. TOYOTA SHOULD BE PERSUADED TO OFFER OR INSTALL A WAY TO TEMPORARILY DISABLE THE VSC. *TR
Oct 24, 2010
I HAVE A 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS AND APPARENTLY I'M EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEMS AS THE 2010'S IN THE RECALL. AFTER READING THE DESCRIPTION FROM NEW RELEASES I REALIZE THAT I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING THE PROBLEM. THE EVENT IS REPRODUCIBLE AND OCCURS WHENEVER I'M BRAKING AND THE CAR HITS THE SLIGHTEST BUMP OR DIP IN THE ROAD. IF I DO NOT LET GO OF THE BRAKE JUST BEFORE THE BUMP/DIP/SMALL POTHOLE, THE BRAKE SEEMS TO DISENGAGE AND THE CAR FEELS AS IF ITS LURCHING FORWARD. THE ENGINE DOES NOT SEEM TO REV BUT THERE IS A DEFINITE FEELING OF ACCELERATION. I HAVE NOTICED THIS PRETTY MUCH SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR BUT DID NOT THINK ALL TO MUCH OF IT, I JUST ADJUSTED MY DRIVING HABITS AS BEST AS POSSIBLE. ( I THOUGHT PERHAPS THE ABS OR TRACTION CONTROL WAS JUST TOO SENSITIVE) I DRIVE THROUGH OUT THE DAY AND A ROAD I TRAVEL ON HAS GOTTEN PRETTY BEAT UP WITH ALL THE SNOW REMOVAL SO I HAVE TO BE VERY CAREFUL DRIVING ON THIS ROAD IF THERE IS ANY TRAFFIC, AS I MUST ANTICIPATE THE BUMPS/DIPS AND BRAKE ACCORDINGLY OTHERWISE THIS EVENT WILL OCCUR. AGAIN THE ISSUE IS REPRODUCIBLE THANKFULLY I HAVE NOT HAD AN ACCIDENT DUE TO THIS. *TR
Feb 09, 2010
OWN 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS. IN THE PAST FEW MONTHS HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE ANTI- LOCKING BRAKE SYSTEM. WHILE GOING OVER BUMPS OR POTHOLES FEELS THAT THE CAR HAS NO CONTROL ALMOST LIKE DRIVING ON ICE. THIS PROBLEM IS OCCURING MORE FREQUENTLY. ALSO, MAKING TURNS THE BRAKES SEEM TO GRAB AND THEN EVENTULALLY RELEASE. WHILE MAKING A TURN ON A OFF RAMP , THE ANTI-LOCKING BRAKE SYSTEM CONTINUALLY EMPLOYED MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO STEER THE CAR AROUND THE TURN.
Feb 08, 2010
+ 3 more complaints for this component
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
8 complaints
I HAVE REPORTED THIS ISSUE TO THIS WEBSITE IN THE PAST. THE TRACTION CONTROL DISABLES THE DRIVE WHEELS INCONSISTENTLY AND ARBITRARILY UNDER MANY CIRCUMSTANCES, OFTEN RESULTING IN A REAL SAFETY HAZARD. IT CAN HAPPEN WHEN STARTING FROM A STOP ON DRY OR WET PAVEMENT OR WHEN HITTING SMALL BUMPS/HOLES AT LOW SPEEDS (25-45 MPH). THIS IS EXTREMELY FRIGHTENING WHEN TRYING TO PULL INTO TRAFFIC FROM A STOP ON DRY PAVEMENT - POWER IS CUT, SLOWING ENTRY INTO MOVING TRAFFIC AND INCREASING ACCIDENT POTENTIAL. THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER TELLS US THAT NOTHING CAN BE DONE ABOUT IT. SURELY IT'S A SERIOUS ENOUGH HAZARD THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. *TR
Jan 12, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD PAUSE AND THE TIRES LOST TRACTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THE VEHICLE WAS PERFORMING NORMALLY AND COULD NOT BE REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 25,000.
May 03, 2012
2008 TOYOTA PRIUS. CONSUMER STATES PROBLEM WITH TRACTION CONTROL *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WAS DRIVING IN THE RAIN AT A SPEED OF 40 MPH WHEN SHE NOTICED THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT WAS FLICKERING ON AND OFF MORE THAN SHE PREVIOUSLY EXPERIENCED. SHE ALSO SMELLED AN ODOR SIMILAR TO SOMETHING BURNING. SHE OPENED THE WINDOWS TO LET IT CLEAR. HOWEVER, THE SMELL SEEMED TO LINGER IN THE VEHICLE FOR AT LEAST A MILE. AS SHE APPROACHED A TOWN, THE SPEED LIMIT WAS REDUCED FROM 45 MPH TO 25 MPH SO SHE SLOWED DOWN AND CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE THE FLICKERING OF THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHT WHILE DRIVING ON WET PAVEMENT. AS THE CONSUMER APPROACHED A CONTROLLED INTERSECTION AT A SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH AND WAS APPLYING THE BRAKES TO STOP FOR THE RED LIGHT, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHUT DOWN AS SHE WAS UNABLE TO STEER AND HAD NO BRAKES OR TRACTION. AS SHE WAS ABOUT TO HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HER, SHE SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES ONE LAST TIME AND WAS ABLE TO STOP AT THE LAST SECOND. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN SHE PROCEEDED TO DRIVE IN THE RAIN AT A MAXIMUM SPEED OF 40 MPH AND THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHT CAME ON ONLY ONE ADDITIONAL TIME UNTIL SHE REACHED HER DESTINATION 20 MINUTES LATER. *JB
Jun 24, 2010
WHEN I AM BRAKING AND GO OVER A BUMP IN MY 2008 PRIUS TOYOTA, IT FEELS LIKE THE BRAKES DISENGAGE FOR A SECOND AND THE CAR GOES FASTER. I NOTICED THIS MAINLY DURING WINTER DRIVING IN SNOW AND ICE. *TR
May 31, 2010
MY 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS LOSES BRAKING POWER EVERY TIME I BRAKE WHEN GOING OVER A BUMPY OR UNEVEN SURFACE AND IT TAKES 1/2 TO 1 SECOND BEFORE THEY RE-ENGAGE. TOOK CAR TO TOYOTA DEALER AND HAD SERVICE TECHNICIAN GO ON A TEST DRIVE WITH ME. WHEN THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN EXPERIENCED THIS LOSS IN BRAKES, HE EXPLAINED THAT THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM WAS DESIGNED TO RELEASE THE BRAKES ON THE TIRE (DURING BUMPY ROAD SURFACE) TO PREVENT LOCK-UP, BUT IF I KEPT MY FOOT ON THE PEDAL LONG ENOUGH THE BRAKES WOULD RE-ENGAGE. MY COMPLAINT IS THE LENGTH OF TIME IT TAKES FOR THE BRAKES TO RE-ENGAGE WAS TOO LONG AND MIGHT RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE TIME LAPSE WAS NORMAL/STANDARD FOR ABS AND PRIUS DRIVERS NEEDED TO ADJUST THEIR DRIVING HABITS TO ALLOW FOR IT. *TR
May 16, 2010
+ 3 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
7 complaints
I recently took my vehicle to the dealership because all the hazard lights on the dash came on. They diagnosed it as an issue with the inverter water pump and suggested that the engine was overheating, which was causing the hazard light to appear on the dashboard. So I had them replace that part and everything was fine. A week later, I went to drive to work and my entire dashboard was out. My radio, clock, blinkers, and brakes worked, but I could not see the speedometer, gas gauge, odometer or any other dashboard features. When I tried to restart the car, it wouldn't turn off. I tried several times and even got my husband to try. When we couldn't turn it off, I drove blindly straight to the dealership. They diagnosed the issue as being a problem with the combination meter. Recently, I found out that there was a Customer Support Program through Toyota that replaced the combination meter in my same car model. This service expired in 2017. I got the car in 2020-21. Thankfully I was home, and was able to follow my husband to the dealership. I'm not sure what I would've done if this happened while I was out. I am also have traction issues with the brakes. When I try to brake on a slope or incline, the glide hazard lights come on. It's happened several times when it's raining, but it's been happening more when it's not. I typically give enough space between myself and the car in front of me, but it's concerning that the brakes lock up when I'm on any type of sloped surface.
Jun 05, 2025
Brake actuator is going bad, they had a recall on it and are refusing to fix it. Brakes are a lot harder to press.
Aug 20, 2022
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT FAILED TO IMMEDIATELY STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKING DISTANCE WAS EXTENDED. AN AUDIBLE CHIME WAS HEARD WHILE THE ABS, VSC, BRAKES, AND BATTERY WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE ACTUATOR AND THE ABS BRAKE SENSORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER (UNKNOWN) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURE WAS NOT YET CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
Jan 28, 2020
THERE IS A VERY WILDLY KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE PRIUS 2004-2009 BREAK ACCENTUATOR ASSEMBLY. TOYOTA CREATED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THIS PART BECAUSE THEY KNOW IT IS EXTREMELY FAULTY, THE WARRANTY HAS BEEN EXTENDED THREE TIMES SINCE THE ORIGINAL IN 2004. THE LAST EXPIRATION DATE THEY SET WAS GOOD UNTIL JULY OF 2018. HOWEVER, SINCE THEN, THERE ARE TONS OF CARS, INCLUDING MINE, WHERE THE ASSEMBLY HAS GONE BAD, MEANING THAT THE BRAKES WILL CONTINUE TO HAVE A SLOW LEAK AND CAN FAIL AT ANY POINT CAUSING PHYSICAL HARM AND POSSIBLE DEATH TO THE DRIVER. TOYOTA IS VERY VERY AWARE OF THIS ISSUE, HOWEVER REFUSE TO DO A RECALL ON THE PART.. SINCE THEIR THIRD TIME EXTENDING THE WARRANTY, I CAN NO LONGER GET MY REPLACED, WHICH IS A $2,700 FIX, THAT IS A COST THAT IS WORTH MORE THAN THE CARS THEMSELVES. A RECALL NEEDS TO BE DONE ON THIS PART, IT IS EXTREMELY UNSAFE SINCE DRIVERS CAN LOSE THE ABILITY TO BRAKE THEIR CARS CAUSING HARM TO THEM, THOSE TRAVELING IN THE CAR, AS WELL AS EVERYONE AROUND THEM. I AM EIGHT AND A HALF MONTHS PREGNANT, AND WILL BE DRIVING WITH A NEWBORN AND UNABLE TO GET THIS PART FIXED, SO I CAN NO LONGER DRIVE MY VEHICLE BECAUSE TOYOTA WILL NOT REPLACE THE PART.. IT NEEDS TO BE PUT UNDER A RECALL STATUS IMMEDIATELY.
May 22, 2019
THERE IS A LEAK INSIDE THE 12V BATTERY COMPARTMENT THAT HOUSES THE BATTERY AND THE ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROLLER. THE CAR'S HATCH LEAKS WATER IN FROM RAIN AND CAR WASHES AND IT COLLECTS AROUND THE 12V BATTERY. IN THIS PRIUS, THIS AREA HAS THE BATTERY, ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROLLER, AND FURTHER BACK IS THE HV BATTERY. THERE SHOULD NOT BE ANY WATER THAT CAN LEAK INTO THIS AREA WITH THE ELECTRONICS. THERE ARE MANY GOOGLE THREADS REGARDING OWNERS EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM WITH WATER LEAKING INSIDE THE CAR'S BACK AREA. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BECAUSE THE BATTERY AND BRAKE BOOSTER IS IN THIS EXACT AREA WHERE IT CAN AFFECT THE SAFETY OF THE CAR WHEN DRIVEN. *TR
Mar 04, 2014
+ 2 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
7 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE REAR HATCH BUTTON MELTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SOUTH DADE TOYOTA (29330 S DIXIE HWY, HOMESTEAD, FL 33033, (786) 465-7908) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRE CONNECTIONS WERE DISCONNECTED. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE REAR HATCH BUTTON WAS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
Jul 12, 2018
REAR SWITCH THAT ALLOWS LIFT GATE TO BE OPEN, FAILS. RUBBER BREAKS DOWN AND BECOMES LIKE GLUE, MAKING IT HARD FOR INDIVIDUAL OPENING LIFT GATE TO REMOVE HAND AS NORMALLY EXPECTED, INDUCING STRAIN ON INDIVIDUAL BACK AND CREATING UNEXPECTED TWISTING MOTION CAUSING INJURY AND DAMAGING TRIM ON CAR. TOYOTA HAS ISSUED RECALL IN JAPAN BUT NOT US [HTTPS://TOYOTA.JP/RECALL/KAISYU/121107.HTML] [NOT SURE OF EXACT DATE, THIS IS SECOND REPORT TOYOTA CLAIM 1512-2317-10]
Dec 23, 2015
THE LATCH HANDLE ON THE HATCHBACK HAS DISINTEGRATED. THE HANDLE HAS BECOME GOOEY AND LEAVES A BLACK RESIDUE ON MY FINGERS EVERY TIME I OPEN THE HATCHBACK. BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM, THE HANDLE IS HARDER TO USE, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO OPEN THE TRUNK. REPLACEMENT PART NUMBER IS 84905-47010.
Sep 14, 2015
THE HATCHBACK LIFT HAS DETERIORATED AND NO LONGER WORKS. THE TOYOTA SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE QUOTED ME $570 TO REPLACE IT, STATING IT COULD POSE AN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SAFETY ISSUE. NO DAMAGE HAS OCCURRED AND SINCE IT IS KEYLESS ... HOW DOES THIS HAPPEN? THE CLEAR COAT HAS DEGRADED ONLY ON THE PIECE OF METAL THAT ENCLOSES THE HATCHBACK'S LIFT MECHANISM AND STARTED FLAKING ABOUT THE SAME TIME THAT I NOTICED IT WAS GETTING HARDER AND HARDER TO LIFT THE HATCHBACK. COULD THESE TWO FAILURES BE RELATED? WHEN THESE PROBLEMS STARTED SEVERAL MONTHS AGO IT DIDN'T OCCUR TO ME THAT THERE MIGHT BE A CONNECTION. THE SERVICE REP IGNORED MY QUESTION ABOUT A POSSIBLE RELATIONSHIP. *TR
Dec 09, 2014
REAR HATCH BUTTON RUBBER HAS MELTED. CAUSES ELECTRICAL HATCH OPENING MECHANISM TO FAIL COMPLETELY. RUBBER REMAINS STICKY IN HOT WEATHER, TRANSFERS TARRY RESIDUE TO FINGERS. IN COLD WEATHER BUTTON WILL NOT FUNCTION AT ALL. SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE REAR HATCH IS NOT ACCESSIBLE. CAN NOT ACCESS SPARE TIRE. THERE IS NO HATCH RELEASE AVAILABLE AT DRIVER'S SEAT IN FRONT. THERE IS NO MECHANICAL ONLY ALTERNATIVE. CHILD TRAPPED IN TRUNK WOULD HAVE NO WAY OUT. DESPITE NUMEROUS AND WELL DOCUMENTED CASES REPORTED ONLINE TOYOTA WILL NOT FIX PROBLEM VOLUNTARILY. *TR
Nov 12, 2014
+ 2 more complaints for this component
STEERING
6 complaints
- Steering column components are loose. They make the steering unpredictable. The vehicle moves dangerously from side to side when driving over 65 mph. "U-joint" inside the cabin is the component with play. - Previous recall "12V537000" could be related. My vehicle was not called during that campaign but meets the characteristics. - No dealer has confirmed. - No insurance has inspected. - No warning lamps on. Problem started appearing 2 years ago. Replaced all the steering components with OEM replacements but there is no replacement for steering column components to address the issue on my own.
Jun 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Prius. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V537000 (Steering) and the vehicle was repaired under recall. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the steering wheel started to shake with the traction control warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed and the contact was informed that the recall repair had failed. The contact made an appointment with the dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and suggested that the vehicle be diagnosed by an authorized Toyota dealer. The failure mileage was 119,000.
Jul 15, 2022
I WAS ALREADY DRIVING (HIGHWAY) FOR OVER 30 MINUTES THIS MORNING (24 SEPT 2018) AND EXITED TO THE CITY STREET. AFTER MAKING A RIGHT TURN (ABOUT A MINUTE AFTER THE TURN AND NOW ON A STRAIGHT ROAD) I MOMENTARILY LOST CONTROL OF STEERING - THE CAR JUST MOVED INTO THE OPPOSITE FLOW OF TRAFFIC AND I SLOWED DOWN AND TRY TO CONTROL IT AND I SWAYED BOTH WAYS BEFORE I WAS STABLE AGAIN. (LUCKILY THERE WERE ONLY A FEW CARS ON BOTH SIDES OF TRAFFIC) IT HAPPENED SO FAST (2-3 SECONDS MAX) AND WHILE A WARNING LIGHT CAME ON THE DASHBOARD AND AN AUDIBLE SOUND - I WAS NOT ABLE TO SEE WHAT IT WAS. I MANAGED TO DRIVE ONTO A VACANT PARKING LOT, OBSERVED THE STEERING AND WHEN I FELT I HAD CONTROL I DROVE ANOTHER 10 MINUTES TO WORK, THIS TIME HAD NO PROBLEMS NOR SIGNS OF A PROBLEM. IT WAS LIGHTLY RAINING AND ROAD WAS WET.*DT*JB
Sep 24, 2018
ON 10-28-15, I WAS DRIVING AT A VERY LOW SPEED IN A PARKING LOT. AS I ATTEMPTED TO TURN LEFT TO PARK, I HEARD A LOUD CRACK SOUND IN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY LOOSE AND KNOW LONGER COULD CONTROL THE MOTION OF THE WHEELS. I COULD MOVE FORWARD AND BACKWARDS BUT ALL STEERING CONTROL FAILED. THANK GOD I WAS IN A PARKING LOT! I IMMEDIATELY CALLED TOYOTA AND HAD THE CAR TOWED THERE. THEY COULD NOT PINPOINT THE CAUSE BUT SAID I NEEDED A RACK AND PINION STEERING WHEEL SHAFT REPLACEMENT, SPIRAL CABLE, AND STEERING SHAFT. REPAIR COST TOTAL IS $2298.77. MY CAR IS WELL MAINTAINED AND HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. I'M UP TO DATE ON RECALLS SO THIS WAS VERY UPSETTING TO ME.....UPDATED 12/30/15 *BF*DT *TP *JS
Nov 01, 2015
STEERING WHEEL SEEMED TO LOCK, CAUSING ME TO NEARLY LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. *TR
Jul 21, 2014
+ 1 more complaint for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
6 complaints
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER IN MY 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS COMPLETELY WENT DARK WHILE DRIVING FROM PHOENIX TO MY HOME IN TUCSON. I WAS TRAVELLING ON I-10 AT A SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 70MPH. TERRIBLY FRIGHTENING WHEN ALL GAUGES FAIL AT THE SAME INSTANT. THIS HAPPENED IN JAN 2021. SPEEDOMETER, FUEL GAUGE, HEADLIGHT INDICATORS, PRNDL, LCRUISE CONTROL, LIGHTS THAT INDICATE ENGINE EMERGENCIES DO NOT LIGHT. BACK-UP CAMERA DOES NOT WORK NOR DO THE BACK-UP LIGHTS. THESE ALL ARE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SAFETY ISSUES. HAVING RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM IT IS EVIDENT THAT TOYOTA KNEW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AS THEY HAVE RECALLED THOUSANDS OF PRIUS' FOR THIS ISSUE. THEY ISSUED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR THIS ISSUE BUT MINE EXPIRED BEFORE I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN FEBRUARY, 2020. I FIRMLY AM CONVINCED THAT TOYOTA SHOULD HONOR THE WARRANTY FOR THIS DANGEROUSLY COMMON FAILURE WHICH HAPPENS TO MANY DIFFERENT MODEL YEAR OF THE PRIUS. IT'S, IN FACT, IRRESPONSIBLE OF TOYOTA TO NOT REPAIR THESE VEHICLES AS THEY HAVE KNOWN HOW MASSIVELY PREVALENT THESE FAILURES ARE. THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERS IS CHARGING OVER $1000.00 TO FIX THE PROBLEM. I, FOR ONE, CANNOT AFFORD SUCH A COST FOR A MALFUNCTIONING, CRITICAL FOR SAFELY OPERATING THEIR PRODUCT, THAT SHOULD BE REMEDIED INTO PERPETUITY, SINCE THEY HAVE UNQUESTIONABLY BEEN FULLY AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND IT'S SEVERITY. I SHOULD NOT BE EXCLUDED FROM REPAIR SIMPLY BECAUSE THE FAILURE HAPPENED LATER IN THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE THAN OTHERS.
Mar 18, 2021
THE SPEEDOMETER DOES NOT DISPLAY WHEN TURNING ON THE CAR. I FIGURED OUT THAT BY UNPLUGGING THE BATTERY IN THE BACK IT WOULD SOMETIME BRING IT BACK ON. NOW IT ONLY COMES ON EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE, IT'S NO LONGER KEEPING TRACK OF MILES WHEN NOT ON, AS WELL AS THE FUEL GAUGE IS NOT KEEPING TRACK OF GAS AND HAVE RAN OUT TWICE BECAUSE IT STATED HALF FULL.
Jul 26, 2019
TOYOTA HAS ACKNOWLEDGE AN ISSUE WITH ITS COMBINATION METER IN THE 2004-2009 TOYOTA PRIUS BUT HAS NOT RECALLED THE ISSUE AND INSTEAD WANTS PAYMENT TO FIX THE PROBLEM. TOYOTA HAS DOCUMENTED THIS UNDER THE TOYOTA SERVICE BULLETIN T-SB-0172-09: "SOME 2004-2009 MODEL YEAR PRIUS VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE AN INTERMITTENT CONDITION WHERE THE COMBINATION METER DISPLAY WILL NOT ILLUMINATE IN COLD WEATHER CONDITIONS. AN UPDATED COMBINATION METER ECU IS NOW AVAILABLE TO CORRECT THIS CONDITION" TOYOTA OFFERED A 3 YEAR WARRENTY WINDOW FOR THIS BUT BEING OUTSIDE THIS THEY WANT ALMOST $1000 TO FIX THIS. THIS ISSUE STOPS THE SPEEDOMETER FOR ILLUMINATING WHICH CREATES A SAFETY HAZARD WHEN GAUGING THE CORRECT SPEED FOR THE ROAD AND CONDITIONS.
Jul 02, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH AND DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO INCREASE IN SPEED. ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 81,500.
Sep 23, 2016
I WAS DRIVING MY 2008 PRIUS ABOUT 20 TO 30 MPH DOWN A STRAIGHT ROAD, A SLIGHT DESCENDING GRADE AND COASTING, WHEN IT ACCELERATED WITH MY FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THIS HAPPENED FOR ABOUT 4-5 SECONDS AND A SPEED GAIN OF APPROXIMATELY 5-10 MPH. IT STARTLED ME, IF A CAR HAD BEEN IN FRONT OF ME, THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A SERIOUS PROBLEM. A LIGHT FLASHED ON THE DASH BUT IT HAPPENED SO FAST THAT I COULD NOT TELL WHICH LIGHT. I CALLED TOYOTA OF LONGVIEW AND WAS TOLD IF IT WAS NOT ACTING UP THEY COULD NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. WE HAD BAD WEATHER SO I PARKED THE CAR UNTIL WE COULD CARRY IT IN. FEB 9TH, 2011, WE HAD THE DEALER CHECK IT AND THEY FOUND NOTHING WRONG. I WOULD SELL IT BUT IT WHAT IF SOMEONE ELSE GOT IN AN ACCIDENT? SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE. *TR
Feb 11, 2011
+ 1 more complaint for this component
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES
6 complaints
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THE ABS, VSC, AND (!) LIGHTS CAME ON. THE BRAKE PEDAL BECAME HARD, AND I HAD TO PUSH INCREDIBLY HARD TO SLOW THE VEHICLE. AFTER HAVING THE CODES READ AND RESETTING THE ABS, VSC, (!) LIGHTS, THE BRAKES WORKED AGAIN UNTIL THE LIGHTS CAME ON AGAIN AFTER ABOUT 50 MILES. THE CODES HAVE READ "ACCUMULATOR PRESSURE FAULT".
Apr 24, 2019
ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2018. THE BRAKE LIGHT AND LIGHTS FOR ABS AND VSC CAME ON, I BROUGHT IT ON TO A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP SERVICE CENTER. HE IMMEDIATELY TOLD ME WITHOUT INSPECTING IT THAT IT WOULD BE A VERY COSTLY REPAIR. I RECEIVED A PHONE CALL AFTER THEY RAN DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND HE CONFIRMED IT WAS THE ABS ACTUATOR THAT NEEDED REPLACEMENTS AT A COST OF $2500. AND THEN TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS A WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT BUT THAT IT EXPIRED IN JUNE OF 2018. THE TECH ALSO TOLD ME THAT IT WAS NO HELP TO CALL TOYOTA TO REQUEST REPAIR BECAUSE THEY WOULD NOT BE WILLING TO DO IT. THERE SEEMS TO BE SO MANY TOYOTA PRIUS OWNERS WHO ARE STUCK BECAUSE TOYOTA IS UNWILLING TO REPAIR THE ISSUE WITH THE ACTUATOR AND SHOULD DO REGARDLESS OF THE LIMIT ON WARRANTY OR JUST LIFT THE LIMIT ON THE WARRANTY. MY VEHICLE ONLY HAS 100K AND I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO BE PAYING $2500 TO REPLACE A FAULTY PART ON THE CAR THAT TOYOTA IS FULLY AWARE OF.
Nov 03, 2018
DRIVING ON CITY STREET WHILE VERY RAINY OUTSIDE, DROVE THROUGH A PUDDLE AND FELT THE BRAKES LOOSEN, ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON AND WOULDN'T TURN OFF. ANTI-LOCK BREAKING SYSTEM WAS OFFLINE. TOOK TO TOYOTA DEALERSHIP, MECHANICS SAID THE ABS IS NOT COMMUNICATING WITH THE COMPUTER AND IT WOULD BE $2800.00 TO FIX. BREAKS FEEL LOOSE AND ARE NOT AS RESPONSIVE ANYMORE.
Sep 13, 2018
POWERED ON VEHICLE IN DRIVEWAY AND WHILE THE CAR WAS STILL IN PARK AND THE BRAKE PEDAL ENGAGED, THE CAR ROLLED OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY. I APPLIED ADDITIONAL PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE FROM ROLLING OUT. A WEEK LATER, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WARNING LIGHTS FOR ABS, VSC, BRAKE SYSTEM AND BRAKE ILLUMINATED DUE TO INTERNAL MALFUNCTIONS OF THE BRAKE ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY. TOYOTA STATED THE VEHICLE IS OUTSIDE OF THE EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR THIS KNOWN ISSUE.
May 11, 2018
IF I AM APPLYING THE BRAKES WHEN I HIT A POTHOLE OR BUMPS IN THE ROAD THE BRAKES BRIEFLY STOP WORKING AND DON'T RE ENGAGE FOR SEVERAL FEET. THUS, IF I AM DRIVING 30MPH, THE BRAKES WON'T RE ENGAGE FOR ABOUT 15 FEET. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER TWICE AND THEY CLAIMED THERE WAS NO PROBLEM. I CHECKED ONLINE AND FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS OF THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM BY OTHER 2008 PRIUS OWNERS. I BELIEVE IT IS A PROGRAMING PROBLEM WITH THE INTERPLAY OF THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM AND THE ABS SYSTEM. APPARENTLY THERE WAS A RECALL FOR A SIMILAR PROBLEM IN THE 2010 MODELS BUT NOT THE 2008 MODELS. I HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM THROUGHOUT THE LIFE OF THE CAR. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS PROBLEM
May 04, 2017
+ 1 more complaint for this component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
6 complaints
EVERY TIME I AM BRAKING AND GO OVER A BUMP IN MY 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM KICKS IN. WHEN IT DOES SO, IT FEELS LIKE THE BRAKES DISENGAGE FOR A SECOND AND THE CAR GOES FASTER, LIKE THE BRAKING SYSTEM IS FAILING BEFORE IT ENDS UP KICKING IN. MY TOYOTA DEALER TELLS ME THIS IS THE WAY IT IS SUPPOSED TO WORK BUT IT DOES NOT FEEL SAFE TO ME. IT HAS BEEN THIS WAY SINCE THE FIRST DAY I BOUGHT THE CAR BRAND NEW FROM THE DEALER. *TR
May 18, 2010
2008 TOYOTA PRIUS -ABS RELEASES BRAKES WHILE APPLYING BRAKES OVER BUMP OR BUMPY ROAD SURFACE CAUSING LONGER STOPPING DISTANCE. VEHICLE WILL STOP ACCELERATION IN TURN IF GOING OVER BUMP AS THUG STABILITY CONTROL IS ACTIVATING. *TR
May 15, 2010
MY 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS HAS THE SAME PROBLEM AS REPORTED IN THE 2010 RECALL. WHEN APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION (OR DOING ANYTHING), IF MY CAR HITS A BUMP OR POTHOLE, THE SKID CONTROL TAKES OVER AND I CAN NOT MANUALLY BRAKE. WHY IS THIS NOT BEING ADDRESSED? THE DATE IN QUESTION I WAS APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION AND HIT A POTHOLE AND EVEN THOUGH I WAS HITTING THE BRAKES, NOT UNTIL THE SKID CONTROL WAS FINISHED COULD THE BRAKES ACTUALLY FIRE, AND THAT DIDN'T HAPPEN UNTIL MY CAR WAS HALFWAY IN THE INTERSECTION! *TR
Feb 15, 2010
I HAVE A 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS. FROM DAY ONE, I HAVE HAD A PROBLEM WITH BRAKING OVER UNEVEN TERRAIN. WHEN THE VEHICLE GOES OVER THE UNEVEN TERRAIN, AND YOU ARE BRAKING, THE STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT GOES ON THE DASH AND THE BRAKES STOP WORKING UNTIL THE VEHICLE IS PAST THE UNEVEN ROAD. THIS ALSO HAPPENS ON ICY ROADS WHEN THE VEHICLE STARTS TO SLIP, THE BRAKES FAIL. I DID NOT THINK THERE WAS ANYTHING WRONG UNTIL I HEARD OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS. I AM TAKING THE VEHICLE IN TO THE DEALER THIS WEEK FOR IT'S SERVICE AND WILL BE REPORTING THE PROBLEM TO THEM AT THAT TIME. *TR
Feb 15, 2010
WHEN BRAKING, IF A POTHOLE OR BUMP IN THE ROAD IS HIT, THE CAR SEEMINGLY JERKS FORWARD/ACCELERATES FOR A SPLIT SECOND. *TR
Feb 04, 2010
+ 1 more complaint for this component
SEAT BELTS
5 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO USE THE SEAT BELT, IT FAILED TO RETRACT FROM THE SEAT AND COULD NOT BE ADJUSTED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT WAS TORN. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAT BELT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 143,000.
May 16, 2018
MY DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT STOPPED RESPONDING AROUND IN 2015. THE LATCH WORKED CORRECTLY HOWEVER THE SENSOR WOULD SHOW MY SEATBELT WAS NOT DONE. I HAD THIS REPAIRED AT MY EXPENSE IN EARLY 2017 DUE TO WORRY IF THERE WAS AN ACCIDENTAL I WOULD BE UNABLE TO PROVE I WAS WEARING A SEAT BELT.
Mar 17, 2018
DRIVER OF 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS WAS TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH WHEN DRIVER WAS STRUCK ON LEFT REAR QUARTER PANEL, HIT BLACK ICE AND STRUCK A CURB THEN A TREE. AIRBAG DEPLOYED AND DRIVER COLLIDED WITH AIRBAG AND THE DRIVER SEAT BELT DID NOT KEEP DRIVER IN PLACE AND DRIVER STRUCK THE TOP OF HIS HEAD ON THE TOP OF THE WINDSHIELD. *TR
Feb 14, 2014
PASSENGER SEAT BELT FAILS TO LATCH. THE PASSENGER SEAT HAS HAD LITTLE TO NO USE SO, OVERUSE IS NOT AN ISSUE. *TR
Dec 27, 2011
THE LEFT REAR AND REAR CENTER SEATBELT RECEPTACLES ARE INSTALLED ADJACENT TO ONE ANOTHER, BUT IN A REVERSE POSITION IN 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS VEHICLES. WHEN PASSENGERS ARE SEATED IN BOTH THE LEFT REAR AND CENTER POSITIONS, THEIR BELT/SHOULDER HARNESS STRAPS CROSS AT THE ADJACENT RECEPTACLES, CAUSING CHAFING. TOYOTA INFORMS ME THIS FEATURE IS BY DESIGN. I BELIEVE THIS IS A POTENTIAL POINT OF FAILURE OF THE SEAT BELTS, AND IS THEREFORE A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Apr 25, 2008
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY/WIPER
5 complaints
WHEN DRIVING HOME ON HIGHWAY JUST AFTER DARK, BOTH HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT SIMULTANEOUSLY WITHOUT DRIVER INTERACTION. HEADLIGHT SWITCH WAS STILL ON, UNTOUCHED. VISIBILITY OUTWARD AS WELL AS OTHER VEHICLES SEEING ME (BLACK PRIUS AT NIGHT WITHOUT LIGHTS) SEVERELY IMPAIRED, COULD EASILY HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. PULLED OVER AND TURNED HEADLIGHT SWITCH OFF, THEN BACK ON; LIGHTS CAME ON BRIGHT AND IMMEDIATELY DIMMED, APPARENTLY NORMAL. CHECKED ONLINE AND FOUND A NUMBER OF SIMILAR (ESCALATING) OCCURRENCES BY OTHERS, WITHOUT A RECALL YET BY TOYOTA. AFTER PULLING OVER AND STOPPING
Jan 09, 2016
THE DRIVER HEADLAMP TURNS OFF AFTER APPROX 5 MINUTES OF USE. CAN TURN LIGHTS OFF THEN ON AGAIN TO RESTART HEADLAMP. I FIRST TOOK TO DEALER AFTER PURCHASING USED BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM AND THEY DID NOT MENTION WHAT I HAVE RECENTLY LEARNED IS A KNOWN DEFECT. THIS HAS BEEN OCCURRING FOR THE LAST TWO YEARS. CHANGING BULB FIXES PROBLEM FOR A WHILE BUT PROBLEM RE-OCCURS. THIS ISSUE IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE, AND TOYOTA IS CHARGING EXORBITANT RATES TO REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE MY CAR AT NIGHT OR FOR LONG DISTANCES. THIS PROBLEM NEEDS A PERMANENT FIX! *TR
Jan 04, 2015
BOTH OF MY CARS HEADLIGHTS TURN OFF INTERMITTENTLY AND FOR NO REASON (THE BULBS AND BALLASTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED AND ARE IN WORKING ORDER). I WILL BE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT NIGHT (INTERSTATE 70MPH) AND OCCASIONALLY BOTH HEADLIGHTS WILL JUST TURN OFF. I HAVE ALMOST GOTTEN IN A WRECK MULTIPLE TIMES DUE TO THE FACT I'M DRIVING AT NIGHT AND OUT OF NOWHERE MY LIGHTS GO OUT. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE. WHEN LOOKING THIS UP ONLINE, I'M NOT THE ONLY PERSON WITH MY YEAR/MAKE/MODEL THAT IS HAVING THIS ISSUE. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING ON AND OFF SINCE MY VEHICLE WAS AT 75,000 MILES. LAST NIGHT SPECIFICALLY I ALMOST GOT IN A WRECK GOING 70MPH ON THE INTERSTATE BECAUSE OF IT. MANY TIMES I CAN TURN THE HEADLIGHTS OFF AND BACK ON AGAIN AND ONE OR BOTH WILL WORK AGAIN. *TR
Aug 18, 2014
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE HID HEADLIGHTS INTERMITTENTLY CUT OFF. THIS USUALLY HAPPENS ONE AT A TIME, AND MOSTLY ON THE PASSENGERS SIDE. I AM UNABLE TO TELL WHEN THEY GO OFF UNTIL EITHER I GET PULLED OVER AND WARNED WHICH HAS HAPPENED ONCE ALREADY OR I PULL UP AND SEE REFLECTION OFF BACK OF ANOTHER CAR. THE LIGHTS WILL WORK FOR SHORT PERIODS THEN OFF AGAIN THEN ON AGAIN. THIS APPEARS TO BE A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THIS MAKE/MODEL AND THE MANUFACTURER (TOYOTA) IS NOT TAKING RESPONSIBILITY AND CHARGING UPWARDS OF $600 FOR REPAIR. IN MY OPINION THIS IS A BIG SAFETY ISSUE WHICH I BELIEVE TOYOTA SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR AN OBVIOUS DEFECT. I HAVE ALSO READ THIS HAS OCCURRED TO MANY OWNERS OF THIS VEHICLE. AFTER A FURTHER LENGTHY RESEARCH MY UNDERSTANDING IS THERE IS ACTUALLY A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT FOR THIS, OF WHICH I WOULD RATHER SEE THE NHTSA TAKE ACTION AND HAVE TOYOTA MAKE GOOD ON THESE DEFECTS, AND RECALL TO RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM. THANK YOU *TR
Oct 27, 2012
MY HEADLIGHTS TURNED THEM SELF OFF ON ANY GIVEN TIME EITHER ONE ON A TIME OR BOTH AT THE SAME TIME SAME THING HAPPENS IF THE HIGHBEAMS ARE ON DAY OR NIGHT TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM TEMPORARILY YOU HAVE TO TURN THE LIGHTS ON AND OFF QUICKLY AND YOU HAVE NO GUARANTEE HOW LONG IT WILL STAY ON I SPOKE TO THE TOYOTA CORPORATION AND THEY WILL NOT HELP BECAUSE MY CAR HAS 90,000 MILES MY CAR IS 2008 TO FIX THIS PROBLEM THE DEALERSHIP IS CHARGING $1200 I HAVE EXTENDED WARRANTY ON THE CAR BUT ELECTRICAL IS NOT COVERED. *TR
Sep 17, 2012
TIRES
5 complaints
YOKAHAMA AVID TIRE(185-65-RL15, CCLY 84P 2013X3 ,84P 3613X1) ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE BLEW OUT ON AUG. 12, 2015 FORCING ME ONTO THE SHOULDER. IT WAS 4;00 PM AND THE ROAD WAS CROWDED. IF THE LEFT TIRE HAD BLOWN OUT THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A MAJOR ACCIDENT. I IMMEDIATELY REPLACED THE TIRE WITH ANOTHER BRAND. AND SINCE I HAVE NO STORAGE, THE TIRE DEALER DISPOSED OF THE TIRE. ON AUGUST 20, I HAD TO REPLACE THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE BECAUSE I NOTICED A QUARTER SIZED BUBBLE ON THE SIDEWALL. I HAVE A PHOTO OF THAT BUBBLE AND COPIES OF THE REPLACEMENT TIRE BILLS. ALL FOUR TIRES WERE INSTALLED 12/19/2013 AT THE AUTO DEALER. AT THAT TIME THE CAR HAD 32,228 MILES. WHEN THE FIRST TIRE BLEW THE SPEEDOMETER READ 38,992 MILES ( 6,644 MILES), THE SECOND TIRE WAS REPLACED AFTER BEING DRIVEN ANOTHER 50 MILES WITH A DIFFERENT BRAND AND ALSO DISPOSED OF. THE REMAINING YOKAHAMA TIRES WERE PLACED ON THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. I SPOKE WITH A YOKAHAMA REPRESENTATIVE WHO SAID I NEEDED THE TIRES TO PROCEED WITH AN INVESTIGATION. HE SAID THERE WAS NOTHING ELSE I COULD DO.. SINCE THIS TIRE DEFECT COULD HAVE HAD DISASTEROUS CONSEQUENCES. I WOULD LIKE AN INVESTIGATION AND INFORMATION REGARDING THE SAFETY OF YOKAHAMA TIRES. ANY ACTION YOU CAN TAKE ON BEHALF OF MYSELF AND OTHER MOTORISTS WOULD BE APPRECIATED.ANY FURTHER INFORMATION INCLUDING THE PHOTO AND RECEIPTS I WILL BE PLEASED TO SHARE WITH YOU AT YOUR REQUEST. LOOKING FORWARD TO YOUR RESPONSE.
Dec 03, 2015
2008 TOYOTA PRIUS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE TIRES. *SMD THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS, WHEN HAVING THE TIRES BALANCED AND ROTATED, THE TIRES WERE DEFECTIVE. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED, A BAD ALIGNMENT COULD HAVE CAUSED THE TIRES TO BECOME DEFECTIVE. *JB
Sep 03, 2014
I PURCHASED FOUR CONTINENTAL 185 65 R15 TIRES FOR 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS AND HAD THEM INSTALLED AT A NISSAN DEALERSHIP ON 10/24/2011WITH MILEAGE 92526 DUE TO CURB STRIKES, I INCURRED TWO ROAD HAZARD SIDEWALL CLAIMS WITHIN 2 DAYS OF INSTALL; ONE BULBOUS SECTION AND ONE FLAT. INSTALLATION OF WARRANTY REPLACEMENTS OCCURRED 11/08/11 AT MILEAGE 93335. ANOTHER CURB STRIKE SIDEWALL WARRANTY CLAIM FOR THIRD TIRE INSTALLED ON 2/28/12 AT MILEAGE 98658. FOURTH AND FINAL REPLACEMENT OF ORIGINALLY PURCHASED TIRES YET TO BE PROCESSED/INSTALLED FROM CURB STRIKE ROAD HAZARD ON 4/9/12 AT MILEAGE 100289. PRIOR TO PURCHASE OF CONTINENTAL TIRES, NO ROAD HAZARD HAS OCCURRED WITH THE VEHICLE ON TWO OTHER BRANDS OF TIRES. I HAD TO PURCHASE AN EXTRA OEM SPARE TIRE DUE TO THE LENGTH OF THE WARRANTY PROCESS AND THE NUMBER OF OCCURRENCES. THE LAST AND FINAL TIME, SINCE I HAD NOT YET REPLACED MY OEM SPARE AGAIN(IT HADN'T BEEN SIX WEEKS SINCE THE LAST REPLACEMENT) I PURCHASED A LESS-EXPENSIVE BRAND AND MODEL, AS EACH LOCAL CONTINENTAL DEALER IS UNABLE TO ORDER THIS MODEL OF TIRE FROM THEIR DISTRIBUTOR AND HAS TO CALL CONTINENTAL FOR REPLACEMENT DIRECTLY. THE SECOND OEM SPARE WAS UNFIT FOR DRIVING. *TR
Apr 11, 2012
I HAD A BLOWOUT ON I-75 IN LEXINGTON KY. WENT TO WALMART TO GET TIRES. WHEN I GOT TO CHARLOTTE NC I WENT TO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP TO HAVE MY REMAINING BACK TWO TIRES CHECKED. HE SAID THEY WERE DEFECTIVE. THE TIRES WERE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT ON MY 2008 PRIUS. THE TIRE INFORMATION IS 15" P185/65R15. *TR
Oct 01, 2010
I HAD A SUDDEN BLOW-OUT WHILE DRIVING MY 2008 PRIUS ON THE FREEWAY. ALL FOUR TIRES ARE GOODYEAR P185/65R15 AND CAME WITH THE VEHICLE. THE CAR MILEAGE IS ABOUT 19,900. WITHOUT ANY WARNING (LOW TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT, ETC.), THE LEFT REAR TIRE BLEW OUT DUE TO TREAD SEPARATION ALMOST CAUSING ME TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. I WENT TO THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP WHO DESCRIBED THE DAMAGE TO THE TIRE AS "TREAD SEPARATION" ON THEIR PAPERWORK. THEY REPLACED THE TIRE AS A "ONE TIME CUSTOMER COURTESY" BUT WOULD NOT ACKNOWLEDGE IT WAS DEFECTIVE. I AM NOW VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE REMAINING THREE TIRES ON THE CAR. *TR
May 09, 2009
STRUCTURE,EQUIPMENT
5 complaints
TOYOTA PRIUS (2008) HATCH RELEASE RUBBER COVER PIECE DETACHED AND TORE APART. NOTE THAT MY RX300 SELECTION OF MAKE/PART NUMBER IS BOGUS, AS I HAVE NO WAY OF KNOWING WHO MADE THIS RUBBER COMPONENT. *TR
Feb 06, 2014
THE PLASTIC PART ON THE REAR LATCH FOR THE TOYOTA PRIUS IS NOW LIKE GUM. AFTER INTERNET RESEARCH THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR ALL TOYOTA LATCHES AND IT COSTS ABOUT $280.00 TO FIX. I HAVE A 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS AND THIS IS A KNOWN DEFECTIVE PART AND SHOULD BE RECALLED AND THE CONSUMER SHOULD NOT BE CHARGED. *TR
May 27, 2013
TOYOTA 2008 PRIUS TRUNK HATCH RELEASE RUBBER PIECE MELTED. 2008 MODEL WAS ONLY 2.5 YEARS OLD WHEN THIS HAPPENED. DEALER SAYS $197.00 FOR THIS PART. *TR
Dec 05, 2011
WE BOUGHT OUR 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS IN NOV 2007. AFTER ABOUT 3 YEARS USE, THE RUBBER COVER ON THE HATCH RELEASE HANDLE (THE EXTERIOR HANDLE OF THE REAR HATCH) MELTED INTO A STICKY TARRY BLACK RUBBERY GOOEY MESS. 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, BUT HAS BEEN A SERIOUS ISSUE FOR THE PAST YEAR. WE CAN BARELY OPEN THE REAR HATCHBACK NOW. I HAVE SEEN ON THE INTERNET THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO SEVERAL CAR OWNERS, PARTICULARLY IN FLORIDA. WE LIVE IN VIRGINIA THOUGH. TOYOTA KNOWS ABOUT THIS, AND IS SELLING THE ENTIRE WIRING HARNESS FOR $96 PLUS REPAIR COSTS, AND HAS DONE NOTHING ABOUT RECALLING THIS. FROM A SAFETY PERSPECTIVE, WE EXPERIENCE EXTREME DIFFICULTY OPENING THE REAR HATCH (A LIFE SAFETY ACCESS POINT), AND WILL GET STICKY BLACK TAR ON OUR HANDS 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. I AM AWARE OF THE OUTSTANDING WORK DONE BY NHTSA ON OTHER SAFETY ISSUES, 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
Nov 26, 2011
THE PRIUS HAS A MARK ON DASH BY CENTER SCREEN AND IS POOR SIGN. *TR
Jan 11, 2009
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ENGINE
4 complaints
Hello. My 2008 Toyota Prius had a malfunction with the "combination meter" which caused the vehicle dashboard to turn off completely, and we could not turn off the engine at times when stopped and parked. The dealer fixed the problem at a cost of $1580, and both the dealer and Toyota corporate through their brand engagement advocate acknowledged a long term problem with the combination meter. They had extended the warranty coverage for owners for this specific problem for about 10 years but not for owners like me with a vehicle 15 years old. I believe Toyota should cover and reimburse owners for this problem, which is potentially dangerous, no matter the age of the vehicle, especially for long term, loyal owners. There are many of these vehicles still on the road. Thank you. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Jan 21, 2024
I HAVE THREE MAJOR PROBLEMS WITH MY 2008 PRIUS. #1 THE ENGINE INTERMITTENTLY, WILL NOT TURN OFF WHEN PARKING THE CAR. #2 THE DASH LIGHTS ALSO INTERMITTENTLY WILL NOT COME ON, AFFECTING MY ABILITY TO SEE HOW FAST I AM GOING ON THE HIGHWAY OR STREETS, IT ALSO PREVENTS ME FROM SEEING HOW MUCH GAS IS LEFT IN THE TANK. #3 THE OUTSIDE AIR AND AIR CONDITIONER, ALSO WILL NOT WORK, INTERMITTENTLY.
Jan 17, 2018
CLUSTER WENT BLANK AND VEHICLE WOULD NOT POWER OFF, KEY FOB STUCK IN IGNITION. TOYOTA SERVICE RECOMMENDED REPLACING COMBO METER BUT I AM ONE MONTH OUT OF WARRANTY. I WAS DRIVING TRIED TO PARK BUT CAR WOULD NOT TURN OFF, BUT WOULD COME TO A STOP IN THE PARKING LOT. *TR
Dec 27, 2016
EVERY FEW WEEKS (EVEN SEVERAL TIMES IN THE SAME WEEK), THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS ON THE CAR GO COMPLETELY DARK, WITHOUT WARNING (NO, THE DIMMER SWITCH IS NOT TURNED TO "LOW" OR "OFF"-- THAT IS THE FIRST THING WE TRIED). SIMULTANEOUSLY, OR SOMETIMES AT DIFFERENT TIMES, THE CAR REFUSES TO TURN OFF, EVEN WHEN THE "OFF" SWITCH IS PRESSED CONSTANTLY OR INTERMITTENTLY, FOR UP TO A HALF-HOUR. OBVIOUSLY, IT IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS TO LEAVE A CAR RUNNING, SO ONE CANNOT LEAVE THE CAR; WHEN DRIVING, THE LOSS OF ALL THE DASHBOARD INFORMATION IS TERRIFYING, ESPECIALLY AT NIGHT WHEN IT IS SO DISTRACTING AS TO BE POTENTIALLY CRASH-CAUSING. THE TOYOTA DEALER FIRST CLAIMED IT WAS THE 12-VOLT BATTERY, SO WE REPLACED IT. THIS DID NOT FIX IT. AT THE DEALER'S REQUEST, WE LEFT THE CAR WITH THEM FOR A LONG WEEKEND, AND THEY CLAIMED THAT SINCE THEY WEREN'T ABLE TO REENACT THE SITUATION, THEY COULD NOT HELP US. AFTER SOME BACK-AND-FORTH, THEY AGREED TO REPLACE A "COMBINATION METER," WHICH TOYOTA HAD APPARENTLY FOUND TROUBLESOME ENOUGH TO OFFER FREE "OUT-OF-WARRANTY" REPAIRS OF. HOWEVER, THE DEALER FIRST SAID TOYOTA WOULD NOT PAY FOR IT UNLESS THE DEALER WAS ABLE TO INDEPENDENTLY VERIFY THE TROUBLE, AND THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO RECREATE THE DISTRESSING SITUATION. AS IF WE WOULD LIE IN ORDER TO RECEIVE A NEW COMBINATION METER! WE JUST WANT TO CAR TO WORK AND BE SAFE. NOW WE ARE WAITING FIVE-PLUS DAYS FOR THE PART TO COME IN, AND NOT EVEN SURE IF IT WILL FIX OUR PROBLEM. THERE'S PLENTY OF DISCUSSION OF THIS EXACT SAME ISSUE ALL ACROSS THE INTERNET. WHY HAS THE COMPANY NOT FIGURED THIS OUT, AND TRAINED ITS MECHANICS ACCORDINGLY? *TR
Mar 31, 2014
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
4 complaints
The inverter water pump failed while I was driving 50mph, it caused the car to stop working and the brakes malfunctioned as well. When I tried to hit the brakes I had to hit them a lot harder and it still acted like it wasn’t going to stop. I was lucky enough that the light up ahead was still green and the cars in front of me started going forward.
Aug 20, 2022
I WAS IN AN AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT WHERE I REAR ENDED VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. I TRIED TO STOP BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP OR EVEN MAKE AN ATTEMPT TO SLOW DOWN. MY ANKLE SUFFERED A SEVERE TWIST FROM TRYING TO APPLY BRAKES. THERE WAS PLENTY OF ROOM TO STOP BUT THE BRAKES WOULD NOT REACT TO SLOW DOWN VEHICLE. THERE WAS A CAR COMING IN THE ONCOMING LANE SO I COULD NOT GO AROUND VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. MY VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION IN THE CITY AND I WAS GOING STRAIGHT. THE PAVEMENT WAS A LITTLE ROUGH AND MY ABS LIGHT WAS GOING OFF AND ALL I COULD DO WAS HIT VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME DUE TO BRAKES FAILING AND NOT SLOWING ME DOWN.
Feb 28, 2017
DRIVING 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS WITH 105K MILES ON THE FREEWAY. SUDDENLY, I SAW THE ABS,VCS AND BRAKE LIGHTS SHOWS UP ON THE DASHBOARD ALONG WITH A CONTINUOUS SCREECHING NOISE. I TRIED TO APPLY THE BRAKES BUT THE CAR DID NOT STOP, I APPLIED THE BRAKE EVEN HARDER, STILL THE CAR DID NOT STOP BUT CONTINUOUS TO MOVE FORWARD. IT WAS TRAFFIC TIME ON A MONDAY MORNING, SO I WAS GOING ON 15MPH. WHEN I FOUND THAT MY BRAKE DID NOT RESPOND, I IMMEDIATELY MOVED TO THE CURB AND CALLED AAA. DEALER DID CHECK MY VEHICLE AND SAID THERE IS BREAK ACTUATOR ISSUE AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACE WITH A PRICE TAG OF 3823 USD. SPOKE TO TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE, AND THE ASSOCIATE TOLD THAT THIS IS A WEAR AND TEAR ISSUE. HOW COME THE BRAKE ACTUATOR BECOME FAULTY ON A 6 YEAR OLD CAR, WHICH WAS ADVERTISED A SAFE CAR. NOTE: I HAD MY 100K SERVICE DONE AND I WAS TOLD EVERYTHING WAS NORMAL. *TR
Sep 16, 2014
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
Sep 04, 2014
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
4 complaints
MY WIFE AND I OWN 2 PRIUS 2ND GENERATION MODELS SINCE 2014. THE ISSUE IS WITH THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER RANDOMLY MALFUNCTIONING AND NOT DISPLAYING WHEN THE VEHICLE IS ON AND SOMETIMES NOT BEING ABLE TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF. IT HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING, STATIONARY, RAINING, JUST RANDOMLY. THIS HAS HAPPENED MORE THAN 10 TIMES ON MY CAR ALONE, AND MY WIFE CAN CONTESTS TO HERS AS WELL. WHAT WE BOTH ARE EXPERIENCING IS ONE OF MANY SITUATIONS. WHILE DRIVING THE DASH LIGHTS AND INTERIOR LIGHTS WILL JUST NOT WORK: I'M UNABLE TO SEE DRIVING SPEED, IF MY HEADLIGHTS ARE ON. EVEN WHILE STATIONARY WE EXPERIENCE THE SAME THING. THE MAIN REASONS FOR REPORTING THIS IS BECAUSE COINCIDENTALLY IT HAPPENS TO BOTH OF US AT RANDOM TIMES IN 2 DIFFERENT VEHICLES SAME MODEL AND YEAR. FROM MY OWN RESEARCH THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR A WHILE WITH OTHER OWNERS WITH THE SAME MODELS. I DON'T KNOW WHAT CONSTITUTES AS A SAFETY CONCERN FOR RECALLS, BUT I FEEL THIS IS ONE. I'M FORTUNATE TO NOT HAVE ANY ACCIDENTS SO FAR. BUT FOR OTHERS WHO ARE EXPERIENCING THIS CAN ACCIDENTALLY START SPEEDING, OR BECOME STARTLED BECAUSE OF THE SUDDEN LOSS OF DASH VISUALS, AND RESULT IN HARM OF OTHER'S OR PROPERTY. THIS JUST HAPPENED AGAIN TODAY AND I JUST HAD TO SAY SOMETHING SINCE THIS HAS BEEN A PERSISTENT ISSUE FOR MY WIFE AND I. THANKS FOR TAKING THE TIME TO READ THIS AND PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS.
Oct 23, 2019
MY WIFE AND I OWN 2 PRIUS 2ND GENERATION MODELS SINCE 2014. THE ISSUE IS WITH THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER RANDOMLY MALFUNCTIONING AND NOT DISPLAYING WHEN THE VEHICLE IS ON AND SOMETIMES NOT BEING ABLE TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF. IT HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING, STATIONARY, RAINING, JUST RANDOMLY. THIS HAS HAPPENED MORE THAN 10 TIMES ON MY CAR ALONE, AND MY WIFE CAN CONTESTS TO HERS AS WELL. WHAT WE BOTH ARE EXPERIENCING IS ONE OF MANY SITUATIONS. WHILE DRIVING THE DASH LIGHTS AND INTERIOR LIGHTS WILL JUST NOT WORK: I'M UNABLE TO SEE DRIVING SPEED, IF MY HEADLIGHTS ARE ON. EVEN WHILE STATIONARY WE EXPERIENCE THE SAME THING. THE MAIN REASONS FOR REPORTING THIS IS BECAUSE COINCIDENTALLY IT HAPPENS TO BOTH OF US AT RANDOM TIMES IN 2 DIFFERENT VEHICLES SAME MODEL AND YEAR. FROM MY OWN RESEARCH THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR A WHILE WITH OTHER OWNERS WITH THE SAME MODELS. I DON'T KNOW WHAT CONSTITUTES AS A SAFETY CONCERN FOR RECALLS, BUT I FEEL THIS IS ONE. I'M FORTUNATE TO NOT HAVE ANY ACCIDENTS SO FAR. BUT FOR OTHERS WHO ARE EXPERIENCING THIS CAN ACCIDENTALLY START SPEEDING, OR BECOME STARTLED BECAUSE OF THE SUDDEN LOSS OF DASH VISUALS, AND RESULT IN HARM OF OTHER'S OR PROPERTY. THIS JUST HAPPENED AGAIN TODAY AND I JUST HAD TO SAY SOMETHING SINCE THIS HAS BEEN A PERSISTENT ISSUE FOR MY WIFE AND I. THANKS FOR TAKING THE TIME TO READ THIS AND PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS.
Oct 23, 2019
THE 2008 PRIUS HAS A DIGITAL DISPLAY. SOMETIMES WHEN THE VEHICLE STARTS UP THERE IS NO INFORMATION DISPLAYED ON THE SCREEN. NOTHING SHOWS WHAT GEAR (REVERSE, NEUTRAL, FORWARD) IT IS IN. THERE IS NO SPEEDOMETER DISPLAY. NO ODOMETER DISPLAY. NO FUEL LEVEL DISPLAY. AT THE SAME TIME THAT THE DASH DOES NOT LIGHT UP, I HAVE NOTICED THERE IS NO BACKUP CAMERA OR BACKUP LIGHTS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN REVERSE. IN ADDITION TO THE ABOVE, THE START BUTTON WILL NOT FULLY SHUT DOWN THE CAR. IT WILL CYCLE BETWEEN ACCESSORY MODE AND FULL START WHEN THE BUTTON IS PRESSED. I HAVE NOTICED THAT WHEN THE PROBLEM IS HAPPENING THE VEHICLE IS ALSO NOT KEEPING TRACK OF THE MILES DRIVEN WHILE THE DASH IS NOT DISPLAYING - SO WHEN THE DASH DOES START WORKING AGAIN, THE ODOMETER IS NOT SHOWING TRUE MILEAGE. AFTER GETTING THE VEHICLE TO FINALLY SHUT DOWN, I HAVE SOMETIMES HAD THE ISSUE NOT PRESENT THE NEXT DAY AT STARTUP. OTHER TIMES IT WILL LAST THROUGH SEVERAL STARTS AND STOPS. I HAVE READ ONLINE THAT THIS PROBLEM IS CONSISTENT WITH A FAULTY COMBINATION METER. AND I FEEL IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE.
Oct 03, 2019
HEADLIGHT GOES ON, THEN GOES OFF. WON'T STAY ON. I WAS INFORMED THE OTHER ONE COULD GO OUT AT ANY TIME, SO I SHOULD REPLACE BOTH, AT GREAT EXPENSE. I WAS TOLD BY TOYOTA THAT THE HID HEADLIGHTS WERE COVERED UNDER THE REGULAR WARRANTY, BUT NOT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. BULBS (ESPECAILLY THOSE COSTING $300) SHOULD NOT BURN OUT OR RANDOMLY FLICKER ON A TWO YEAR OLD VEHICLE. TO PREVENT FUTURE/ADDITIONAL PROBLEMS, I HAD TO REPLACE BOTH HEADLIGHTS, INCLUDING THE ONE THAT WAS WORKING. THIS IS A DEFINITLELY SAFETY ISSUE...I CHECK BULBS REGULARLY, AND ALL ARE WORKING WHEN I TURN THE CAR ON. OBVIOUSLY, I CAN'T CHECK WHILE I'M IN MOTION - WHICH IS WHEN THEY FLASH OFF - AND WAS FORTUNATE THAT BOTH BULBS DIDN'T BURN OUT AT THE SAME TIME, WHICH COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A CRASH, INJURY OR ACCIDENT (OR WORSE) THAT I WOULD HAVE BEEN LIABLE FOR.
Nov 18, 2010
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
4 complaints
SOME MONTHS AGO THE DRIVER'S DOOR LOCK STOPPED WORKING. I ENDED UP USING THE KEY TO OPEN THE DOOR FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS, SINCE TOYOTA DEALER QUOTED ME $500 TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. AFTER A COUPLE OF MONTHS, I DECIDED TO PAY AND THE ISSUE WAS FIXED. TO MY SURPRISE, THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR LOCK IS GOING BAD NOW. WHEN I TRY TO UNLOCK IT FROM WITHIN THE CAR, USING THE "UNLOCK DOORS" BUTTON, IT WILL WORK EVERY 3RD TIME OR SO. CLEARLY A BIGGER ISSUE, NOT ISOLATED TO MY INDIVIDUAL VEHICLE. I ONLY HAVE 70000 MILES AND ALWAYS SERVICED MY VEHICLE AT THE TOYOTA DEALERS. I WOULD LIKE TOYOTA TO PAY TO FIX MY LOCK AND REIMBURSE ME FOR THE ACTUATOR I ALREADY PAID TO REPLACE. *JS
Sep 24, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WITH THE VEHICLE PARKED, THE INTERIOR DOORS LOCKED INDEPENDENTLY AND WOULD NOT UNLOCK WHEN USING THE ELECTRONIC KEY FOB. THE KEY-LESS IGNITION WAS OFF HOWEVER, THE AIR CONDITIONER AND RADIO WERE ACTIVATED DURING THE MALFUNCTION. THERE WAS AN OCCUPANT IN THE VEHICLE WHO WAS UNABLE TO ENGAGE THE POWER LOCK SWITCH. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE TO UNLOCK THE DOORS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER AND WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
Nov 19, 2012
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND THE REAR DRIVER'S DOOR COULD NOT BE OPENED FROM THE INTERIOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE CHILD SAFETY LOCK ON THE DOOR WAS ENGAGED. THE DEALER DISENGAGED THE CHILD SAFETY LOCK, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Jan 24, 2012
PRIUS TRUNK HANDLE MELTED. *TR
Aug 09, 2011
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
4 complaints
WHEN HITTING SMALL BUMPS TRAVELLING AT SPEEDS OF 25-50MPH (SUCH AS BUMPS BEFORE BRIDGES) THE ABS WILL ACTIVATE AND THE PEDALS GO LOOSE. IT SEEMS THE CAR CAN NOT BE CONTROLLED FOR ABOUT 3/4 OF A SECOND ONCE THIS OCCURS. LUCKILY I HAVE NEVER BEEN ROUNDING A TURN OR APPROACHING STOPPED TRAFFIC WHEN THIS OCCURS OR I WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO STOP. I HAD ONE CLOSE CALL WHERE THE BRAKES SEEMED TO LAG BEFORE KICKING IN, THEN JOLTING HARD AFTER THE DELAY CAUSING ME TO ALMOST LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.
Mar 24, 2010
2008 TOYOTA PRIUS - BRAKES SLIP WHEN TRYING TO STOP AT LOW SPEEDS, ESPECIALLY ON WET ROADS OR ON ROADS WITH BUMPS (INCLUDING MANHOLE COVERS). THIS HAS OCCURRED REPEATEDLY SINCE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER, ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS, SAID THAT THEY RAN DIAGNOSTICS AND FOUND NO ANOMALIES. I READ TODAY THAT THIS PROBLEM HAS ALSO BEEN REPORTED ON NEW (2009-2010) TOYOTA PRIUS MODELS, AND THAT THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT HAD ORDERED TOYOTA TO INVESTIGATE. HOWEVER THE ARTICLE SAID THAT TOYOTA WAS UNAWARE OF ANY PROBLEMS WITH OLDER VEHICLES. I AM FILING THIS COMPLAINT IN THE HOPE THAT TOYOTA WILL EXTEND ITS INVESTIGATION TO SERIES 2 PRIUS MODELS (2004-2008) AS WELL. *TR
Feb 03, 2010
DRIVING ON PCH IN CORONA DEL MAR, CA AT A SPEED OF APPROX. 25 MPH. TRYING TO BRAKE AT A PEDESTRIAN CROSSWALK WHERE A CAR WAS ALREADY STOPPED IN FRONT OF THE PRIUS. CAR DID NOT BRAKE, INSTEAD IT ACCELERATED AND THE CAR THAT WAS ALREADY STOPPED AT THE CROSSWALK WAS REARENDED. DRIVER OF PRIUS INJURED ANKLE. PRIUS IS TOTALED. POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. *TR
Sep 21, 2009
I DRIVE A 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS. AS I WAS DRIVING OUT OF THE GAS STATION AND STEPPED ON THE ACCELERATOR, THE CAR CONTINUED GOING FASTER. THE BRAKE DID NOT WORK, THE ONLY WAY THE CAR STOPPED WAS BY HITTING ANOTHER CAR. *TR SEE ALSO 10265332 *DSY.
Jun 07, 2009
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
3 complaints
About 3 years ago we started getting the red triangle of death with 2 amber lights on display the vsc and the round circle with the exclamation point in the center. This could happen in 500 miles or it could happen tomorrow. When this happens I loose all exceleration and air conditioning and a orange car emblem with an exclamation point in it on the display screen. Once safely off road press power button off and back on and everything is back to normal except red triangle and car on display screen car is then drivable again. Using a code reader to check codes no codes appear but still have red triangle. Leaving car set for a period of time and restarting car and red triangle is extinguished. Have to drive in right lane on freeway in case it wants to quit. The most recent time was last week had driven it about 80 miles with a stop about halfway for 1 hour and stopped for a movie came back got in car started it and within 1000 feet got the red triangle, was in left turning lane with red light, shut off and restarted and was able to drive again as in all other times, took it to a neighbor who had a code reader(about 9PM) and no codes found, he reset it and red triangle extinguished. This type of happening is very unnerving to say the least, dont know when or where it will lay down with us. Don't know if anyone else has had similar issues with their Prius ours has 213,000+ miles on it. Original hybrid battery it was checked in 2015 and some cells replaced by a shop certified to replace cells in this battery. Thank you.
Jul 23, 2024
I WAS DRIVING MY 2008 PRIUS ON HIGHWAY AND WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. IN 2 MINUTES ALL POWER GONE AND I HAVE HAD TO TOWED TO THE DEALER. THEY SAID, WATER PUMP FAILED AND BECAUSE OF THAT HYBRID INVERTER FRIED. CAR WAS OUT OF GUARANTY AND THERE WAS NO RECALL ABOUT WATER PUMP. I PAID NEARLY $5.000.00 FOR WATER PUMP AND HYBRID INVERTOR. I HAVE SEEN THERE IS A RECALL ABOUT WATER PUMP NOW. IS THERE ANY WAY I CAN GET MY MONEY BACK? *TR
Aug 14, 2014
MY CAR HAD HESITATION ISSUES SINCE SHORTLY AFTER I BOUGHT IT. IT WOULD BOG DOWN, AND ALMOST DIE IN TRAFFIC. I WOULD LOSE SPEED ON THE HWY/ROAD & NEARLY GET HIT. PREVIOUSLY, THE DEALER REPLACED THE GAS TANK BECAUSE ITS "BLADDER" WAS BAD @ 54,057 MILES ON 08/05/2011. THE FACTORY SPLIT THE COST ON THIS REPAIR (WHICH APPEARS TO OCCUR MORE THAN THEY ARE ADMITTING). THE PERFORMANCE IMPROVED FOR A LITTLE WHILE, BUT THERE HAS ALWAYS BEEN FUNNY NOISES COMING FROM MY VEHICLE AND THE CAR WOULD NOT POWER ON AT TIMES. OTHER TIMES, IT WOULD FREEZE OR POWER OFF. THE MAINTENANCE WARNING LIGHTS WOULD COME ON AND THEN TURN OFF. INFREQUENTLY, AIR WOULD COME THROUGH THE BACKSEAT VENTS LIKE IT IS SUPPOSED TO. FREQUENTLY, I WOULD SMELL UNUSUAL SMELLS AFTER STOPPING MY CAR. MY CAR ATE UP THE INSIDE OF A NEW SET OF TIRES VERY QUICKLY DESPITE BEING PROPERLY ALIGNED. THE HVAC BLOWER MOTOR WAS CUTTING ON AND OFF AT TIMES AND MAKING FUNNY NOISES. MANY TIMES WHEN IT WOULD CUT OFF, I COULD OPEN AND SLAM THE HOOD AND THE HVAC BLOWER MOTOR WOULD ENGAGE, AS IF THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN IT. WHEN THE HVAC BLOWER MOTOR QUIT ALTOGETHER, I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER SAID THAT THE MOWER HAD GONE OUT. THERE WAS AN ACTUAL PROBLEM WITH THE HV ELECTRIC WATER PUMP AS WELL AS A FACTORY RECALL. INTERESTINGLY, THE DEALER DISCOVERED TAT THE ENGINE MOTOR WATER PUMP WAS ALSO LEAKING. WHAT A COINCIDENCE! NOW THAT ALL OF THESE COMPONENTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED, MY CAR APPEARS TO WORK NORMAL AGAIN LIKE IT HAS NOT WORKED SINCE I FIRST BOUGHT THE CAR. *TR
Mar 12, 2013
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
3 complaints
I am currently having this issue with Combination Meter, which means the Prius dash board will not show any speed, fuel, P, R, D label and many more important information is not shown on display. I had complained to Toyota, CASE[XXX] on 19Dec2022, I have spoken to Danial N and manager Alex S from Toyota. They both have denied solving this issue from Toyota as the Warranty Extension ZTV has expired. Even I had provided them proof that Toyota knew about this problem, please see [XXX] from Toyota regarding this. My Prius has 258000 miles, and it is 2008, It is high mileage as per their documents this will accrue in high mileage Prius with cold weather. I live in NJ, and it is getting cold and my car as high miles. Toyota refuse to take care of the problem and I as a consumer will have to pay over $1200 to get it fix as this is only done at Toyota dealership. Currently I am thinking of getting it fix at Paul Miller Toyota of West Caldwell, 1155 Bloomfield Ave, West Caldwell, NJ 07006, 973-287-4050. What's sad is Toyota used to rank at the top of best customer service. I'm guessing most of the problems are just after the 9 years, calculated to guarantee fixing the problem to as few people as possible. THERE'S NO EXTENSION AND TOYOTA WON'T HELP. I TRIED AND WAS TOLD ALL DEALS EXPIRED AND TO HELP ONE WOULD MEAN THEY'D HAVE TO HELP ALL. WE'RE ON OUR OWN. Hoping that Toyota has released a solution to the dangerous and consumer related problem related to the failing Combination Meter. The previous ext. Warranty was only good for 9 years from date of first use which did not help many drivers. Super negligent and ripe situation for class action lawsuits not to mention many potentially fatal accidents on the roads. Toyota has denied fixing this problem even Toyota knows this is on going problem. As a government official please try to help me resolve this issue as this is a major concern for many millions of drivers which Toyota need to resolve this. Please INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Dec 20, 2022
DASHBOARD SPEEDOMETER, FUEL GAUGE, HEADLIGHT INDICATORS, TRANSMISSION STATUS, CRUISE CONTROL DO NOT SHOW, ARE NOT LIT UP. BACKUP CAMERA DOES NOT WORK NOR DO THE BACK-UP LIGHTS. THIS OCCURED AFTER THE AUXILIARY BATTERY WAS REPLACED AND THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS AND BACKUP CAMERA WILL OCCASSIONALLY SPONTANEOUSLY RETURN WHEN THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN DRIVEN FOR A WEEK OR LONGER BUT THEN WILL GO OUT NEXT TIME THE CAR IS TURNED OFF. THERE ARE PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR TURNING OFF CONSISTENTLY AND AT TIMES THE START BUTTON NEEDS TO BE MANUALLY DEPRESSED FOR 5+ SECONDS TO SHUT DOWN.
Mar 22, 2022
FOR SEVERAL YEARS OUR TOYOTA PRIUS HAS EXHIBITED THE FOLLOWING ISSUE: INTERMITTENTLY, AND WITHOUT WARNING, WHEN YOU START THE CAR THE DASHBOARD DOES NOT LIGHT. AS A CONSEQUENT, YOU CANNOT NOT SEE THE SPEED YOU'RE DRIVING AT, THE FUEL LEVEL OF THE CAR, ANY WARNINGS SUCH AS CHECK ENGINE, LOW TIRE PRESSURE ETC, AND YOU'RE NOT ABLE TO USE A NUMBER OF OTHER IMPORTANT FEATURES SUCH AS CRUISE CONTROL. IN ADDITION, YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO TURN OFF THE CAR WHEN YOU REACH YOUR DESTINATION. BECAUSE YOU CANNOT TURN OFF THE CAR, YOU CANNOT LOCK IT. UNDISCLOSED TO CUSTOMERS, THERE HAS BEEN FOR SEVERAL YEARS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY BEING OFFERED BY TOYOTA, TO THE DEALERSHIPS, TO FIX THIS PROBLEM (WARRANTY POLICY BULLETIN, POL 12-05). THIS INFORMATION IS PROVIDED ONLY TO DEALERSHIPS. AS I CUSTOMER, I NEVER RECEIVED INFORMATION ABOUT THIS EXTENDED WARRANTY. I ONLY FOUND OUT ABOUT IT VIA OTHER CUSTOMERS. OUR LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP (TOYOTA OF OLYMPIA) HAS REFUSED TO APPLY THE EXTENDED WARRANTY AND FIX THE PROBLEM. WE CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP SEVERAL YEARS AGO ABOUT THE ISSUE, WHICH THEY HAVE A RECORD OF. TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE ALSO REFUSES TO HELP US GET THIS ISSUE FIXED AND APPLY THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. THE CASE NUMBER WITH CUSTOMER SERVICE IS 1812072507. BOTH TOYOTA AND THE DEALERSHIP STATE THAT THE CUSTOMER MOST REPLICATE THIS INTERMITTENT ISSUE TO A DEALERSHIP MECHANIC BEFORE EITHER ENTITY WILL AUTHORIZE FIXING THE ISSUE. SEVERAL WEEKS OR MONTHS MAY GO BY BEFORE THE ISSUE APPEARS AND IT APPEARS ONLY FOR AN UNPREDICTABLE DURATION BEFORE "GOING AWAY", SO THIS IS AN IMPOSSIBLE BURDEN OF PROOF FOR THE CUSTOMER -- THE CUSTOMER HAS TO TAKE THE CAR TO A DEALERSHIP AT THE MOMENT THE INTERMITTENT ISSUE OCCURS, AND MUST ARRIVE AT THE DEALERSHIP AND GET THE MECHANIC TO IMMEDIATELY DROP THEIR OTHER WORK IN ORDER TO HOPEFULLY WITNESS THE ISSUE BEFORE IT "GOES AWAY".
Dec 08, 2018
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
3 complaints
The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that she was unable to start the vehicle. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the hybrid battery to be replaced due to faulty strips causing leaks. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 185,000.
May 02, 2022
THE ELECTRIC HYBRID PUMP FAILED ON 01/08/2013 AND WAS REPLACED BY THE TOYOTA DEALER WHICH WAS UNDER RECALL, AND LESS THAN 13 THOUSAND MILES AND 4 MONTHS LATER (05/13/14), THE SAME PART FAILED AGAIN AND THIS TIME I WAS CHARGED OVER $700 TO HAVE IT REPLACED AGAIN. *TR
Jan 18, 2015
2008 TOYOTA PRIUS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ALL THE DASH BOARD WARNING LIGHTS SET OFF AT THE SAME TIME DUE TO THE INVERTER PUMP FAILING. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN THE INCIDENT HAPPENED, THERE WAS A LOUD SOUND AND A SUDDEN DECREASE IN POWER. THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED THE INVERTER PUMP FAILING, WAS A COMMON ISSUE WITH HER MAKE AND MODEL VEHICLE. *JB
Jun 25, 2014
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
3 complaints
MY VEHICLE WAS SHOWING 4 BARS FOR HOW MUCH GAS WAS LEFT IN THE TANK. I DROVE TO FILL IT UP BUT DESPITE HOW MUCH I PUT IN THE FUEL GAUGE WON'T READ IT AND IS STUCK ON 4 BARS. WHEN DRIVING IT WON'T DECREASE EITHER I'VE DRIVEN OVER 70 MILES AND IT STILL WON'T ADJUST.
Feb 24, 2021
THE CRYPTOCURRENCY INDUSTRY HAS SPAWNED A FRENZY OF HYBRID BATTERY ENERGY THEFT. MY COMBINATION METER SPIKES AND REDUCES DOWN A DEFICIT IN FUEL, INSIGHT OF OTHER VEHICLES DRIVING CLOSE ENOUGH TO EXTRACT POWER FROM THE REAR BATTERY CELLS. EVERY TIME I RE-FUEL THE COMBINATION METER RE-CALIBRATES FHE FUEL AND ELECTRIC LEVEL. I LOSE 5 TO 20 PERCENT OF THAT LEVEL ONCE IT HAS CALIBRATES, EVERY TIME.
Aug 17, 2019
THIS IS A RIDICULOUSLY DANGEROUS CAR. THE PUSH BUTTON SYSTEM FOR STARTING IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS FOR KIDS. MY WIFE LOADS MY THREE YEAR OLD IN THE PRIUS WITH HER KEYS IN HER BAG. THE OLDER SON WHO IS FIVE LIKES CARS AND JUMPS IN THE DRIVERS SEAT AT THE BASE OF OUR DRIVEWAY ON THE HILL WHERE HE CAN START THE CAR SINCE SHE IS WITHIN 10-15 FEET OF THE CAR.
Jul 20, 2018
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES
3 complaints
MY 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS BRAKE SYSTEM IS VERY DANGAROUS ,ON THE HI WAY SPEED OF 55 I PUSH THE BRAKE SOFTLY ,OUT OF SADDEN CAR STARTED ACTING LIKE A WILD HORSE SLIPPING TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT AND I AM AN EXPERIENCED DRIVER ON ICE,I LIVED IN M ICHIGAN FOR A LONG TIME ,SO I SURVIVED , AND ALL DRIVERS AROUND ME STOPPED AND THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT, I AM AFRAID DRIVING THAT CAR,I HAVE CALLED TOYOTA DEALER, SEEMS LIKE USE TO BE A RECALL BUT THEY HAVE SOME HESITIONS TO ACCEPT THE FAULTY,DANGAROUS BRAKE SYSTEM,I AM GOING TO COMPLAIN TO THE CEO OF THE COMPANY.GOD HELP ME,I WAS LUCKY MY FAMILY AND I SURVIVED ,MY MESSAGE TO THE TOYOTA PRIUS OWNERS IS PLEASE DOUBLE CHECK YOUR VIN NUMBER AND RECALLS,AND INSIST TO FIX THIS COMMON DEFECT ON TOYOTA PRIUS ,BY THE DEALER WITH NO CHARGES.VERY VERY UNSFE BRAKE SYSTEM. AND MY INSTRUMENT LIGHTS ARE ON AND OFF I CAN NOT SEE THE SPEED AND THE ODOMETER AND THE GAS INDICATOR,I HEARD IT WAS A RECALL BUT THE DEALERSHIP DID NOT ACCEPT IT. IF I WANT TO FIX THESE FAULTY DEFECTIVE PARTS WOULD COST ME OVER 4000 DOLLARS,TOYOTA IS RESPONSIBLE,I BELEIVE SHOULD AND MUST FIX IT FOR FREE VALUNTARLY ,
Aug 04, 2020
MY CAR HAS BEEN HAVING THIS ISSUE WITH BRAKING AND DASHBOARD LIGHTS WITH 'BRAKES, ABS, VSC. HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER AND HAVE SPENT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS ALREADY. REPLACED THE BRAKE SYSTEM (PADS, DRUMS, ETC..), CATALYTIC CONVERTER, HYBRID BATTERY. EVERY TIME I DRIVE OUT OUT OF THE DEALER 'ALL IS GOOD' AS CODES WERE CLEARED BUT A FEW MONTHS AFTER, THE LIGHTS ARE ON AGAIN. THESE ISSUES HAVE CAUSE ARE CAUSING MY CAR TO BE ACTING UP WHILE DRIVING AND TRYING TO BREAK AT STOP SIGNS AND CROSSING LIGHTS BY DELAYING TO STOP ON TIME. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BY TOYOTA IN ASSISTING US WITH REPAIRS. UNLESS THEY'LL WAIT FOR A TRAGEDY BEFORE DOING SOMETHING ABOUT IT. HAVE CALLED THE DEALER AND THEY ALWAYS SAY 'IT COULD THIS' OR 'IT COULD BE THAT'. SO FAR THE REPAIRS THEY HAVE DONE IS SUPPOSED TO FIX THE CURRENT ISSUE WITH BREAKS, LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD BUT NOW ABS CAN BE RELATED TO THE ACTUATOR AND THAT WILL COST ME AROUND $3,000! WHICH I CANNOT AFFORD ANYMORE. MY CAR IS PAID FOR AND I'VE SPENT ALMOST $7,000 IN 'REPAIRS' AND OF COURSE ALL VEHICLE'S WARRANTEES HAD EXPIRED WHEN I TOOK IT IN. IN REVIEWING MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS, THIS SEEMS TO BE AN ISSUE WITH THESE ABS AND VSC PROBLEMS AND THERE SHOULD BE SOME TYPE OF RECALL TO FIX THEM, OTHERWISE AS CUSTOMERS WE'RE LOSING FAITH IN TOYOTA AND/OR THEIR DEALERS. I LOVE TOYOTA CARS BUT GOING THROUGH THESE EXPERIENCES WITH COSTLY REPAIRS MAY CHANGE MY MIND IN GOING WITH ANOTHER BRAND.
Sep 27, 2019
ON 20 MAY 2010 AT 11,966 MILES EVERY BRAKE/STABILITY WARNING LIGHT CAME ON (INCLUDING THE WARNING FOR THE PARKING/EMERGENCY BRAKE WHICH WAS NOT ENGAGED), REGENERATIVE BRAKING APPEARED TO HAVE FAILED, AND HYDRAULIC/FRICTION BRAKES BEHAVED AS IF ABS WAS ACTING AT A VERY SLOW PULSE RATE, APPROXIMATELY A 5-SECOND CYCLE. FOR ABOUT 2 SECONDS DURING THE "OFF" PORTION OF THIS CYCLE THE BRAKES WERE EFFECTIVELY INOPERATIVE, WITH THE PARKING/EMERGENCY BRAKE THE ONLY SOURCE OF BRAKING. THIS BEHAVIOR PERSISTED AFTER SHUTTING DOWN AND RESTARTING THE CAR. THE DEALER'S SERVICE DEPARTMENT REPORTED THAT THREE ERRORS HAD BEEN LOGGED: C1247 - STROKE SENSOR C1300 - ABS ECU MALFUNCTION C2318 - LOW VOLTAGE ERROR RESETTING THE COMPUTERS CLEARED THE WARNING INDICATIONS AND RESTORED NORMAL BRAKE SYSTEM BEHAVIOR. AT MY BEHEST, THE DEALER WORKED WITH TOYOTA ENGINEERING TO IDENTIFY WHY A LOW VOLTAGE WOULD CAUSE A COMPUTER FAILURE WHICH COULD CAUSE SUBSTANTIAL LOSS OF BRAKING ABILITY. THEY KEPT THE CAR FOR 8 DAYS BUT DID NOT APPEAR TO COMPLETE ANY SORT OF ROOT CAUSE ANALYSIS OF THE FAILURE. ON 17 DECEMBER 2012 AT 27,324 MILES THE BRAKES AGAIN FAILED WITH THE SAME SET OF WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THIS TIME, ABS DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE ACTIVE AT ALL. FOR THE FIRST 2-5 CM OF BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL, IN THE REGIME WHERE REGENERATIVE BRAKING WOULD BE ACTIVE, NO BRAKING IS EVIDENT. AS THE PEDAL IS FURTHER DEPRESSED, THE HYDRAULIC/FRICTION BRAKES ABRUPTLY ENGAGE. PRESSING HARDER DOES RESULT IN INCREASED BRAKING THOUGH BRAKING IS ROUGH. NO PULSATION AS MIGHT BE EXPECTED FROM ABS WAS NOTICED. NO ATTEMPT WAS MADE TO BRAKE HARD ENOUGH TO LOCK UP THE BRAKES. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER. *TR
Dec 18, 2012
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
3 complaints
VENTILATION CIRCUIT TO SELECT INSIDE TO OUTSIDE AIR HAS BEEN CYBER-TERRORISED SEVERAL TIMES. THE SYSTEM IS VITAL TO OPERATE SECURELY, AS A DISABLED CONSTITUENT, IN A GREAT METROPOLIS, THAT HAS SEWAGE AND GARBAGE VAPORS EVERYWHERE. THEY ACCESS THE FUNTION TO OPEN THE DAMPER TO LET OUTSIDE AIR IN SUDDENLY, EXPOSING MY RESPIRATORY SYSTEM TO INHALE WASTE. I HAVE RESPIIRATED. GARBAGE AIR POLLUTION, HERE IN NEW YORK SO MUCH, IT HAS ACTIVATED MY CHILDHOOD ASTHMA. PLEASE FIND A WAY TO SEAL THE ECU'S.
Aug 17, 2019
THE INSIDE TO OUTSIDE AIR VENT ACTUATORS ARE MOVING IN DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS, VENTING INTAKE MANIFOLD GASES INTO THE CABIN. SYNTHETIC OIL SMELL IN THE CABIN, VIA THE TWO FRONT VENTS.
May 15, 2019
THE RUBBER REAR HATCH DOOR RELEASE BUTTON ON MY 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS STARTED TO DEGRADE AND BECOME STICKY IN HOT SUMMER WEATHER. I ORIGINALLY THOUGHT THAT THE LATCH WAS STICKY AND GREASY BECAUSE DEALERSHIP SERVICE PEOPLE HAD OPENED THE CAR WITH GREASY HANDS, BUT THEN THE LATCH BUTTON COVER BECAME STIFF AND DIFFICULT TO PRESS A FEW MONTHS LATER, WHEN THE WEATHER TURNED COLD. THIS BECAME A REAL SAFETY HAZARD WHEN I LOADED THE CAR COMPLETELY FULL OF MY BELONGINGS ON A COLD NIGHT TO MOVE CROSS-COUNTRY THE NEXT MORNING, AND THE DOOR LATCH WAS SO STIFF AND BRITTLE FROM THE COLD THAT IT CRACKED AND BROKE, BUT THE HATCH WOULDN'T OPEN. MY CHAINS, SPARE TIRE, TOOLS, JUMPER CABLES, ETC. WERE ALL STUFFED BACK THERE, COMPLETELY UNREACHABLE FROM THE FRONT BECAUSE THE CAR WAS FULL (ONE OF THE ITEMS WAS A BED FRAME, WHICH PROBABLY COULD NOT BE REMOVED WITHOUT OPENING THE REAR HATCH). NEEDLESS TO SAY, I DIDN'T FEEL VERY COMFORTABLE STARTING A 2-DAY CROSS-COUNTRY DRIVE ON WINTER ROADS THE NEXT MORNING, WITHOUT ACCESS TO MY EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT. EVENTUALLY, THE LATCH BUTTON STARTED WORKING AGAIN, BUT IT REMAINS CRACKED, HARD IN THE COLD, AND GOOEY IN THE SUMMER. I AM HOPING TO REPLACE THIS PART AS SOON AS I AM ABLE TO SPEND THE $300'500 THAT THE DEALERSHIP CHARGES FOR THIS REPAIR. THIS LATCH BUTTON IS CLEARLY DEFECTIVE AND WAS TESTED FOR NEITHER COLD (<40F) NOR WARM (>80F) WEATHER.
Jun 02, 2016
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SERVICE BRAKES
3 complaints
FOR THE THIRD TIME I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE MY BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH, THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS IT AFFECT HOW THE BRAKE LIGHTS WORK. THE BREAK LIGHT SWITCH, WHEN MALFUNCTIONING PREVENT OR INHIBITS THE VEHICLE FROM STARTING PROPERLY. IF THE SWITCH FAILS WHILE DRIVING, IT CAN CAUSE PROBLEM WITH THE BATTERY REGENERATION, THIS IS IN ADDITION TO CAUSING A DRIVING HAZARD WHILE DRIVING.
Jun 24, 2019
COMBINATION METER IS DEFECTIVE, LIGHT PANEL, INCLUDING SPEEDOMETER & FUEL LEVELS GO DARK, UNABLE TO TELL SPEED OF VEHICLE OR REMAINING FUEL, MULTIPLE INCIDENTS, ALL BEGAN (THUS FAR) WHILE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY.
Jun 13, 2018
MY MOTHER HAS A 2008 PRIUS THAT HAS TWO SERIOUS ISSUES THAT TOYOTA HAS ACKNOWLEDGED AND EVEN OFFERED TO FIX UNDER WHAT THEY CALL A SUPPORT PROGRAM. SOUNDS GREAT RIGHT? HERE'S THE PROBLEM. 1. SHE NEVER RECEIVED A LETTER NOTIFYING HER OF THE PROBLEM AND THAT IT NEEDED TO BE FIXED (AND ONLY NOW THAT THE ISSUES HAVE BECOME HER ISSUES IS SHE AWARE THERE WAS A RECALL AND 2. TOYOTA SET A TIME FRAME TO FIX THESE ISSUES WHICH SHE IS NOW PAST. AGAIN, SOUNDS LIKE THEY TRIED TO DO THE RIGHT THING? THE FIRST ISSUE IS AN INTERNAL LEAK CAUSING HER BRAKE BOOSTER TO MALFUNCTION (WHICH IS A TOYOTA ISSUE, NOT AN AGE OR WEAR AND TEAR ISSUE) AND THE SECOND ISSUE IS THAT THERE ARE NO LIGHTS ON HER DASH BOARD(COMBINATION METER) WHICH MEANS THAT FOR A PRIUS, THERE IS NO WAY TO TELL YOUR SPEED OR GAS LEVELS. SO TAKE THAT IN. SHE HAS A CAR, THAT HAS TWO MAJOR ISSUES, ONE OF WHICH TOYOTA FIXED UP UNTIL DEC OF 2017 AND THE OTHER DEC OF 2016 AND ARE CAUSED BY FAULTY PARTS AND LABOR BY TOYOTA, AND THEY WILL NO LONGER FIX THESE. THE BREAK ISSUE COST $2400 AND THE DASH $800. FOR AN ISSUE THAT IS CAUSED BY TOYOTA NOT THE DRIVER OR WEAR AND TEAR AND IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. THIS IS THE KIND OF COMPANY TOYOTA REALLY IS. SEVERAL YEARS AGO MY MOM RECEIVED ABOUT 14 LETTERS STATING SHE NEEDED TO COME IN AND REPLACE HER FLOOR MATTS BECAUSE THEY WERE PART OF A RECALL. FLOOR MATS! SHE'S RECEIVED RECALL ISSUES ON HER DOOR LOCK AMONG OTHER THINGS THAT SHE PROMPTLY HAD FIXED. SHE TOOK HER CAR TO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP MANY TIMES AND NO ONE EVER MENTIONED THESE ISSUES OR "SUPPORT PROGRAMS". BUT BREAKS AND DASHBOARDS AREN'T AS IMPORTANT AS FLOOR MATS OR DOOR LOCKS. I WOULD LOVE FOR TOYOTA TO EXPLAIN TO ME AND EVERYONE ELSE, HOW SOMETHING THEY ACKNOWLEDGE IS A TOYOTA ISSUE, HAS AN EXPIRATION DATE TO GET FIXED BY THEM.
Mar 23, 2018
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
3 complaints
CAR STALLED COMPLETELY UNDER HIGH SPEED ACCELERATION ABOUT 70-75MPH MPH ON FREEWAY. LOST ALL POWER .
Oct 08, 2018
I HAVE HAD MY 2008 PRIUS SINCE IT WAS NEW AND I HAVE TAKEN METICULOUS CARE OF THE VEHICLE WITH DOCUMENTATION TO PROVE IT. THE VEHICLE IS BURNING OIL TO THE EXTENT THAT I HAVE TO PUT A QUART OF OIL IN EVERY 700 MILES. MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP CONFIRMED IT IS AN ISSUE WITH THE VEHICLE BUT TOYOTA USA SAID THEY WON'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT BECAUSE THERE "HAS NOT BEEN ENOUGH COMPLAINTS". HOWEVER, THE TOYOTA PRIUS CHAT WEBSITE HAS NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT OIL CONSUMPTION. TOYOTA DID AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR THE COROLLA AND CAMRY BUT REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING FOR THE PRIUS. NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS HAVE BEEN MADE WITH TOYOTA USA TO CORRECT THIS ISSUE BUT THEY REFUSE TO DO SO. THEY DID SAY THEY CORRECTED THE ISSUE IN THE NEWER MODELS . . .BUT YET DON'T WANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT IS IT AN ISSUE! SO, THEY CORRECTED AN ISSUE THAT THEY CURRENTLY DON'T ACKNOWLEDGE IS AN ISSUE!! SECOND TO THIS ISSUE IS THAT THE BACK WINDOW CAN ONLY BE CLOSED BY THE DRIVER'S WINDOW BUTTON AND WILL NOT CLOSE FOR THE PERSON SITTING AT THAT WINDOW IN THE BACK.
Aug 22, 2016
VEHICLE WAS OFF AND IN PARK. VEHICLE WAS STARTED AND SHIFTED INTO DRIVE. IN LESS THEN 1 SECOND, VEHICLE SLIPPED OUT OF DRIVE AND INTO NEUTRAL AS DESCRIBED IN THE TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ISSUED BY TOYOTA (T-SB-0142-11). PROBLEM AS REOCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES SINCE, INCLUDING WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS ABOVE 45 MPH.
Aug 14, 2015
VISIBILITY
3 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE REAR WINDOW SHATTERED WHILE THE REAR DEFROSTER WAS IN THE ON POSITION. THE REAR DEFROSTER INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACTED CALLED TOYOTA OF POWAY (13631 POWAY RD, POWAY, CA 92064) AND WAS ADVISED TO SCHEDULE A SERVICE APPOINTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 55,000.
Jan 10, 2018
GREEN GLARE ON WINDSHIELD EMANATING FROM SPEEDOMETER PROJECTOR OBSCURING VISIBILITY AT NIGHT. CAR TAKEN TO TOYOTA DEALER FOR INSPECTION. OUTCOME UNKNOWN. *TR
May 23, 2011
FAILURE OF CAR TO BRAKE WHEN DRIVING OVER ROUGH ROAD OR POT HOLES AND GLARE FROM SPEEDOMETER ACROSS FIELD OF VISION IN WINDSHIELD WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT. *TR
Feb 04, 2010
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
3 complaints
INVERTER WATER PUMP REPLACED AT 75000 MILES UNDER RECALL AND FAILURE. SAME PUMP FAILED AGAIN AT 146600 MILES. REPLACEMENT PUMP LASTED LESS MILES THAN ORIGINAL. PUMP DESIGN OR MANUFACTURE IS NOT ADEQUATE FOR SERVICE. DIAGNOSIS WAS PUMP SEIZED DURING EXPRESSWAY DRIVING (65 MPH). DID NOT CAUSE AN IMMEDIATE STOPPAGE BUT VSC WARNING CAUSED REDUCED CONTROLLABILITY.
Mar 20, 2017
SEVERE SAFETY CONCERNS WITH A 2008 PRIUS ARE THE FOLLOWING: THE ANSWERS AND SOLUTIONS TO THE FOLLOWING ARE NECESSARY BEFORE ANYONE COULD BE CONSIDERED SAFE DRIVING THIS 2008 PRIUS: 1.WHY DID OUR PRIUS HAVE A POWER FAILURE ON APRIL 13TH WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH ON A FLAT STRETCH OF HWY 101 GOING NORTH AT THE BLITHEDALE EXIT IN MILL VALLEY, CA? 2.WHY WHILE DRIVING UP DIVISIDERO AROUND 11:30 OR 12 NOON ON APRIL 25, 2010 DID THE CAR BEGIN BEEPING LOUDLY WHEN GOING UP THE HILL IN PACIFIC HEIGHTS? 3. WHY DID IT THEN START MAKING TWO DIFFERENT BEEPING SOUNDS? WE THEN PULLED OVER AND FOUND THAT THE TRANSMISSION INDICATED THAT IT HAD JUMPED INTO REVERSE EVEN THOUGH THE CAR WAS STILL GOING FORWARD. WE HAD NOT TOUCHED THE SHIFT LEVER, BOTH HANDS WERE ON THE WHEEL. IT JUMPED INTO REVERSE BY ITSELF. 4.WHY , AFTER WE THEN RETURNED THE SHIFT TO DRIVE, WERE WE ABLE TO GO FURTHER UP THE HILL AND THE LOUD BEEPING STARTED AGAIN WHILE THE TRANSMISSION WAS STILL IN DRIVE? WE STOPPED THE CAR AND KEPT A FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL UNTIL HELP ARRIVED. AAA CAME. AAA DROVE THE CAR WITHOUT BEEPING TO A MORE LEVEL PART OF THE STREET TO LOAD IT UPON A TRUCK AND CARRIED THE CAR TO THE SAN FRANCISCO GEARY TOYOTA SERVICE CENTER. THEY HAVE YET [5.20.10] TO ACCURATELY DIAGNOSE AND CORRECT THESE PROBLEMS SO IT IS SAFE TO DRIVE. *TR
May 20, 2010
2008 TOYOTA PRIUS. CONSUMER STATES FAULT IN VEHICLE *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HE BACKED OUT OF A PARKING SPACE, SHIFTED INTO DRIVE AND THE VEHICLE REFUSED TO RESPOND TO DRIVE AS HE PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR. IT SEEMED THE BRAKE WAS ON. A MASTER FAULT APPEARED ON THE SCREEN. IT SAID BATTERIES WILL NOT CHARGE IF LET IN THE NEUTRAL POSITION. AFTER SEVERAL TRIES, IT FINALLY RESPONDED. *JB
May 03, 2010
EQUIPMENT
3 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM CONTROL AND THE HEATING AND COOLING UNIT FAILED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM SHUT OFF CAUSING THE HEATING AND COOLING UNIT TO FAIL. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
Mar 24, 2015
2008 PRIUS HID HEADLIGHTS FAILING. STARTING AT AROUND 48,000 MILES. CAN'T THEY MAKE A HEADLIGHT FOR ABOUT $20 INSTEAD OF EVEN THE $150 THAT THEY WANT JUST FOR THE BULB. TOYOTA SHOULD AT LEAST OFFER FREE LABOR TO REPLACE THE BULB. CAN'T BELIEVE THEY CAN'T MAKE A CHEAPER BULB THAT SHOULD LAST ABOUT THE LIFETIME OF THE CAR. *TW
Jan 28, 2010
THIS PERTAINS TO ANY HYBRID VEHICLE. WHILE WALKING PAST ONE IN A MALL PARKING LOT, THE DRIVER STARTED TO BACK OUT. SINCE THE ENGINE DOES NOT ENGAGE AT THIS SPEED, THERE IS NO AUDIBLE WARNING TO PEDESTRIANS AND IF THE DRIVER IS NOT PAYING ENOUGH ATTENTION, THE PEDESTRIAN COULD BE INJURED. *TR
Apr 05, 2009
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
3 complaints
TRUNK HATCH RELEASE RUBBER PIECE STARTED GOING SOFT; IT IS NOW MELTED AND COMPLETELY DISINTEGRATED INTO THE LATCH LOCKING MECHANISM. *TR
Aug 24, 2014
IN EARLY 2010 (ESTIMATE), THE REAR DRIVER SIDE DOOR LOCK OF OUR 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS WOULD NOT UNLOCK WITH KEY FAUB OR DRIVER SIDE DOOR LOCK/UNLOCK BUTTON. I TOOK VEHICLE INTO POWAY TOYOTA (POWAY, CA) AND THEY STATED DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR FAILED, WHICH THEY REPLACED AT MY COST. BY THE SUMMER OF 2010 (ESTIMATE), THE OTHER THREE DOOR LOCKS HAVE FAILED. I MUST USE THE KEY TO OPEN THE FRONT DRIVER'S DOOR AND REACH OVER TO OPEN THE PASSENGER SIDE DOORS WHILE PASSENGERS WAIT OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. IT IS NOT SAFE FOR PASSENGERS TO WAIT TO ENTER VEHICLE. TO HAVE ALL FOUR DOOR LOCKS FAIL WITHIN THREE YEARS OF THE CAR CONSTRUCTION, INDICATES TO ME THERE COULD BE A DEFECT WITH THIS PART OF THE TOYOTA PRIUS. I REQUEST YOU INVESTIGATE THIS MATTER. *TR
Dec 17, 2011
REAR HATCHBACK LOCKING/UNLOCKING BUTTON GUMMY AND INABILITY TO UNLOCK TRUCK MANUALLY AND ELECTRICALLY. UNABLE TO ACCESS TRUNK WHERE EMERGENCY/SAFETY EQUIPMENT LOCATED. *TR
Nov 26, 2011
STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
3 complaints
THE LATCH HANDLE ON THE HATCHBACK HAS "MELTED" FOR LACK OF A BETTER WORD. THE HANDLE HAS BECOME GOOEY AND LEAVES A BLACK RESIDUE ON MY FINGERS EVERY TIME I OPEN THE HATCHBACK. BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM, THE HANDLE IS HARDER TO USE, MAKING IT MORE TRYING TO OPEN THE TRUNK. *TR
Jul 17, 2014
MY 2008 PRIUS TRUNK HANDLE HAS MELTED. IT IS NOW DIFFICULT TO OPEN, AND IS EXTREMELY MESSY. THIS STARTED IN MAY 2011, JUST OUTSIDE THE WARRANTY PERIOD OF THE CAR. *TR
Aug 21, 2011
RUBBER ON THE 2008 PRIUS IS MELTING AND DRIPPING. I'VE SEEN MANY COMPLAINTS ON LINE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Aug 14, 2011
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY
3 complaints
HID HEADLIGHT BULBS GO OUT AND COME BACK ON SOMETIMES BOTH AT THE SAME TIME. I AM TOLD BY MANY OTHER PRIUS OWNERS THAT THIS HAPPENS A LOT. *TR
Jul 06, 2011
ON 12/03/09 WE WERE TICKETED FOR A LEFT HEADLIGHT OUT ON OUR 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS. WE DIDN'T KNOW IT WAS OUT OR GOING OUT. IT LOOKED ON TO US. TWO MILES FROM HOME IT LOOKED AS BRIGHT AS EVER. THE NEXT MORNING, AS MUCH AS WE TRIED, THE GARAGE COULD NOT FIND A BULB OUT, GOING OUT, WEAK, ON OR OFF, NOTHING WAS WRONG! WE HAD A FUNERAL TO GO TO AND PAID THE FINE. TWO WEEKS LATER, A LETTER WAS MAILED FROM TOYOTA LISTING ISSUES REGARDING THESE HID LIGHTS STATING THAT THESE SUDDENLY GO OUT, AND ON AND OFF, AMONG OTHER THINGS, NEAR THE END OF THEIR LIFE. MY CAR IS A 2008. MY HUSBAND AND I CANNOT REPLACE THESE EXPENSIVE, EXOTIC HID BULBS BECAUSE ACCESS IS IN A VERY TIGHT PLACE AND THE BUMPER MUST BE REMOVED--SERIOUSLY!!!! EVEN IF WE COULD DO IT, THESE HID BULBS CANNOT BE PURCHASED IN A NORMAL AUTOMOTIVE STORE. ANYHOW, AGAIN ON 10/17/10 I WAS SEVERAL HOURS OUT OF TOWN, DRIVING HOME ON THE INTERSTATE, AT NIGHT, ON A WEEKEND, AND THE OTHER HEADLIGHT WENT OUT!!! I COULD NOT PUT IN A NEW BULB MYSELF. I HAD NO ONE TO CALL WITH THIS EXOTIC HID LIGHT AND CERTAINLY NO ONE THAT WOULD TAKE OFF A BUMPER ON THE INTERSTATE. SUDDEN, COMPLETE LIGHT OUTAGE AT NIGHT IS A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. ON TOP OF THIS, HID HEADLAMP PROBLEM, ANY LIGHT BULB NEEDS TO BE RELATIVELY EASY TO REPLACE. AT $150. PER BULB, VERY PRICEY LIGHT PLUS BUMPER REMOVAL LABOR EXPENSE AT 1 HOUR ($288), THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP SERVICE CLERK ACTUALLY SAID "YOU CHOSE THIS OPTION." HELP BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED ON ONE OF THESE DARK ROADS (CHANCES ARE THIS HAS OCCURRED WITH NO ONE ALIVE TO KNOW THIS WAS THE CAUSE)!!! *TR
Oct 25, 2010
WE HAVE 2008 PRIUS THAT FIRST BEGAN HAVING LEFT HEADLAMP GO OUT WHEN DRIVING, WE WOULD HAVE TO PULL OVER SAFE PLACE ALONG ROAD TURN MESS WITH TURNING HEADLIGHTS ON AND OFF... CREATED UNSAFE DRIVING REMAINDER OF TRIP, APROX 200 MILES NIGHT DRIVE TO GET HOME WITH ONE HEADLIGHT... NOT GOOD ON MONTANA ROADS WITH WILDLIFE PREVALENT ON ROADWAY... DEALER REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY... TWO WEEKS LATER SAME TROUBLE WITH RIGHT HEADLIGHT WHILE DRIVING HOME AT NIGHT FROM SPOKANE WA. TO BIGFORK, MT AGAIN DANGEROUS 5 HR DRIVE AT NIGHT ON FREEWAY WITH POOR VISIBILITY... THIS TIME DEALER SAID THEY NEEDED TO REPLACE BOTH THE RIGHT HEADLIGHT AND A COMPUTER SUB ASSY... HELP.. BOTH INSTANCES CAUSED UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITIONS, NIGHT WITH ONLY ONE HEADLIGHT WITH LOTS OF WILDLIFE CROSSING THE HWY... AND IT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW WE CAN NOT SIMPLY PULL INTO SERVICE STATION AND REPLACE THE HEADLIGHT, IT IS A DEALER ONLY ITEM THAT WE ARE TOLD INVOLVES REMOVING THE FRONT BUMPER TO REPLACE... *TR
Aug 31, 2009
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
3 complaints
I HAVE A 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS THAT WE PURCHASED NEW IN APRIL OF 08. ON MARCH 19TH I WAS DRIVING IN HEAVY STOP AND GO TRAFFIC ON A STREET WITH CONSTRUCTION PANELS ON PARTS OF SURFACE. I WAS LEAVING A CAR LENGTH IN FRONT OF ME. WHEN THE CAR AHEAD STOPPED, I APPLIED THE BRAKES AND NOTHING HAPPENED. THE CAR KEPT GOING AND CRASHED INTO THE REAR END OF THE CAR AHEAD. NO ONE HURT BUT DAMAGE TO BUMPER AND HOOD OF MY CAR. TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP NEXT MORNING. TOYOTA REP LOOKED OVER IT, RAN DIAGONSTIC CODES AND SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE CAR. I KNOW THE BRAKES FAILED. WE HAVE LOST CONFIDENCE IN THE CAR AND TOYOTA SERVICE.
Mar 26, 2010
WHEN MY 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS MOVES ON A BUMPY SURFACE AT LOW SPEED I FEEL A PAUSE IN THE BRAKING - SAME PROBLEM THAT IS BEING REPORTED ON THE 2010 MODELS. *CN
Feb 08, 2010
I NEVER OWNED A CAR WITH ANTI-LOCK BRAKES UNTIL I HAD MY PRIUS. I HAVE ALWAYS NOTICED THAT WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES, IF I GO OVER UNEVEN GROUND LIKE A POTHOLE, THE CAR LURCHES FORWARD A BIT FOR ABOUT A SECOND. I THOUGHT IT WAS BECAUSE OF THE UNIQUE BRAKING SYSTEM IN THE PRIUS, BUT AFTER SEEING ALL OF THESE REPORTS, I THOUGHT I SHOULD REPORT IT SINCE MY CAR IS OLDER THAN THE ONES MENTIONED IN THE NEWS REPORTS. *JB
Feb 04, 2010
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC,TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
3 complaints
I OWN A 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS AND I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING THE SAME BRAKING AS THE ISSUES AS THE RECENT 2010 RECALL SINCE I HAVE OWNED THE CAR BRAND NEW. WHEN COMING TO A STOP ON A SEMI ROUGH ROAD (ALL THE TIME) THE CARS BRAKES STUTTER AND THE ANTILOCK ENGAGES AND DIS-ENGAGES CREATING THE CAR TO NOT HAVE PROPER BRAKING CONTROL. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THE ISSUE. *TR
Feb 09, 2010
I HAVE READ NEWS REPORTS ABOUT THE 2010 PRIUS BRAKING ISSUES. AS AN OWNER OF A 2008 PRIUS, I HAVE EXPERIENCED NEAR IDENTICAL BEHAVIOR. WHEN BRAKING, IF THE CAR HITS A POTHOLE OR A BUMP, I MOMENTARILY (MAYBE 1/2 -1 SECOND OF TIME) LOSE ALL BRAKING POWER BEFORE BRAKING THEN RESUMES. AFTER THIS 'HICCUP' THE ABS/TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT BLINKS 3-4 TIMES. THE ISSUE HAS NEVER RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT, HOWEVER I HAVE CHANGED MY DRIVING HABITS TO ENSURE I HAVE EXTRA ROOM TO STOP AS THE ISSUE IS BOTH RECURRING AND QUITE FREQUENT (THERE IS ONE OFFRAMP ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK WITH A SMALL BUMP THAT CAUSES THIS ISSUE 35-50% OF THE TIME). I KNOW THAT THE CURRENT STORY IS THAT THE 2010 PRIUS HAS A 'REDESIGNED' BRAKING SYSTEM, SO PRIOR MODELS AND GENERATIONS ARE SUPPOSEDLY NOT AFFECTED BY THE PROBLEM THE NHTSA IS CURRENTLY INVESTIGATING. MY EXPERIENCE, HOWEVER, LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THE PROBLEM IS MORE WIDESPREAD AND DOES IN FACT IMPACT EARLIER GENERATION PRIUS CARS, POSSIBLY IN A PORTION OF THE BRAKING CONTROL SYSTEM COMMON TO BOTH THE OLDER AND NEWER PRIUS MODELS. *TR
Feb 04, 2010
I OWN A 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS AND FROM THE DAY I DROVE IT OFF THE LOT ITS HAD BRAKING PROBLEMS. I HAVE ALWAYS JUST ASSUMED THE CAR WAS USELESS IN BAD WEATHER BECAUSE THE SMALLEST AMOUNT OF RAIN OR SNOW SEEMED TO PREVENT ME FROM BRAKING. I WOULD BEGIN TO SLOW DOWN AND IF THE CAR NOTICED A TIRE SLIDE EVEN AN INCH IT WOULD SEEM TO ACTIVATE THE TRACTION CONTROL AND THE BREAK WOULD RELEASE. I THOUGHT THIS WAS SOME SORT OF HORRIBLY DESIGNED SAFETY DEVICE TO PREVENT HYDROPLANNING. BUT I'VE BEEN PAYING MORE ATTENTION TO WHEN MY BRAKES RELEASE AND IT'S ANYTIME I SLOW DOWN AND HIT A POT HOLE, OR SLOW DOWN FOR A DIP. THE MOMENT THE TIRES LOSE ANY CONTACT/FRICTION ON THE ROAD THE BRAKES STOP WORKING. SO FAR IT'S BEEN MOST DANGEROUS WHEN TURNING ONTO SIDE STREETS OR INTO PARKING LOTS WITH A BUMP OR DIP. IF A CAR IS COMING OUT OF THE SAME DRIVEWAY I'M SLOWING TO ENTER I HAVE TO "PUMP" MY BRAKES WHEN I TURN SO I DON'T HIT THE OTHER CAR. IT'S MUCH WORSE IN ANY SNOW/RAIN. IT'S ALMOST AS THOUGH WHEN I BEGIN TO SLIDE A LITTLE AND THE BRAKE RELEASES IT ACTUALLY ACCELERATES. THE BRAKES GIVE OUT ON A DAILY BASIS, THIS IS NOT RARE OR INSIGNIFICANT. THIS HAS GOT TO BE A MANUFACTURING ERROR WITH THE BRAKING SYSTEM IT'S JUST SO CONSISTENTLY FAULTY. *TR
Jan 26, 2010
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
2 complaints
My name is [XXX] ,i am filing this report on behalf of My daughter [XXX] the driver of the vehicle that involved with the unintended acceleration on the 2009 Toyota Prius .On a good clear morning on [XXX] . My daughter drove the 2009 Toyota Prius to work- when she enter to the parking lot at the speed round 5 mile/hour . Just when she was making a left turn on to the entrance gate with her left foot on the brake pedal . On a sudden the vehicle RPM unintended rev up too high and the vehicle had an unintended accelerating to move forward aggressively causing lose control of the steering . Also she could not brake even though her left foot was on the brake pedal and pressing hard to try to stop the vehicle . . This dangerous incident causing her Prius to bumped into the electrical gate panel control box . The accident caused some damages to her Prius and to the entrance gate control box though no body was hurt . But it got us through the terrible experience because it could kill some one for sure . My daughter been driving this commute car daily in the past 5 years and she has the skill of 20 year driving with good record . This Prius of her still have all OEM equipments with no add- on parts-,no modifying part on any systems what so ever- and NO extra floor mat cause we been warned before about the possible of unintended acceleration causing by aftermarket floor mat to any vehicles. . We feel unsafe after the mystery accelerating problem on Toyota Vehicle that could take people lives . So the mystery unintended accelerating on car is REAL . I am currently checked and find out her Prius has 2 incomplete recalls (un-notice to us ) but none of them related to the unintended acceleration problem . We would like the NHTSA to take this problem seriously to save people life . I will included photos of this incidents and willing to provide all information if needed to address this problem, again to save lives . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Jul 02, 2025
RUNNING ON A CITY STREET AT 20 MILES, GAS PEDAL WOULD NOT WORK, COULD NOT DECREASE OR INCREASE MILEAGE. BRAKE PEDAL WORKED BUT WENT ALL THE WAY DOWN AND FINALLY STOPPED WITH A JERK. A CONSTANT NOISE AND AND HAS A TOYOTA CONFIRMED BRAKE ACCTUATOR PROBLEM THAT TOYOTA REFUSES TO HELP SINCE EXTRA WARRANT EXPIRED IN 12/2017
Mar 04, 2018
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 complaints
The catalytic converter was stolen off of the car and yes it is available for inspection upon request. I’m not sure of the safety risk, we drove the car one time and the engine light came on. The problem has not been reported to a dealer or independent service center. Once the incident happened one of our neighbors called the police and they came but they didn’t know which apartment we were in and out neighbor told us that it was our catalytic converter and the police waited for a few minutes and then they left. Our neighbor told us when they heard our car starting.
May 11, 2022
There seems to be a problem with the float in the gas tank. Once car gets down to empty, the fuel tank will only allow you to pump in 5 to 6 gallons of gas into the tank. We searched online and apparently a lot of people are having this issue but may not have reported it to NHTSA. Thanks
May 18, 2021
STRUCTURE,WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaints
I WAS TRAVELING AT ABOUT 35-40 MPH ON A 4 LANE CITY ROAD & A TRUCK PULLED IN FRONT OF ME FROM A SHOPPING CENTER ON OPPOSITE SIDE OF ROAD FROM WHICH I WAS TRAVELING WITHOUT STOPPING IN CENTER MEDIAN CROSSOVER. I HIT BRAKES BUT I HAD NO TIME TO STOP. I'M NOT SURE THE BRAKES EVEN WORKED AS THERE WERE NO SKID MARKS FROM BRAKING. THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF MY CAR HIT HARD & ALSO DAMAGED DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL WELL, FENDER PANEL. MY AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY AND MY HEAD COLLIDED WITH THE STEERING WHEEL. IT RESULTED IN MY HAVING A CONCUSSION, WHIPLASH, A FRACTURE IN MY NECK, SHOULDER PAIN & NERVE ISSUES IN MY ARMS & HANDS, BACK & HIP PAIN. I KNOW IF THE AIRBAG HAD DEPLOYED I WOULDN'T HAVE SUFFERED ALL THE PHYSICAL ISSUES. THIS ALL HAPPENED JAN. 11 & I STILL HAVE PAIN. THE CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS.
Feb 06, 2021
MY 2008 PRIUS (67,500 MILES) REGULARLY SERVICED AT THE TOYOTA DEALER HAD A CATASTROPHIC BRAKE FAILURE WHILE I WAS GOING IN REVERSE DOWN MY DRIVE WAY . I HAVE DONE THE SAME MANEUVER EVERY DAY FOR MORE THAN 20 YEARS IN THIS DRIVEWAY AND NEVER HAD A PROBLEM. AS THE BRAKES FAILED I ATTEMPTED TO PUMP THE BRAKE PEDAL MORE TO NO AVAIL. THE CAR CROSSED THE STREET AND WENT IN THE NEIGHBOR YARD ACROSS FROM MY DRIVEWAY. THE CAR IS TOTALED AND I BELIEVE IT WAS A COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE THAT CAUSED THE ACCIDENT. I WOULD LIKE TOYOTA TO COMPENSATE ME FOR THE TOTAL LOSS OF MY CAR.
Mar 18, 2017
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaints
MY BRAKE, ABS, VSC, AND (!) LIGHTS ARE ON. THE BRAKES WORK AT ROUGHLY 10% STOPPING POWER. MAKES AN AWFUL BUZZING NOISE WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED AND THE WARNING CHIME IS ON CONSTANTLY THE HIGH PITCH RING IS UNBEARABLE. I CALLED MY LOCAL TOYOTA SERVICE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THE CHAMPAGNE ENDED NOV 30TH 2017. *TR
May 19, 2020
IT ACTUALLY HAPPENED TWO TIMES WITHIN A MONTH. IN ONE CASE, I WAS TURNING LEFT TO TAKE A RAMP WITH A VERY LOW SPEED AROUND 5 MPH. EVEN THOUGH SOME PARTS OF THE ROAD WAS ICY, BUT THE CAR DIDN'T SLIP. IT WAS EXACTLY A SEVERAL SUDDEN PUSHES, UNINTENDED ACCELERATION, WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE ONLY. I WAS SO SCARED BECAUSE I COULDN'T CONTROL THE CAR FOR FEW SECONDS, AND I THOUGHT I TOTALLY LOST THE CONTROL OF THE CAR. I TRIED TO STEER THE CAR SAFELY AND TURN ON MY EMERGENCY LIGHT. CHECKED THE BRAKE AGAIN, IT WAS WORKING AFTER THAT. THE SECOND TIME, HAPPENED TO ME WHEN I WAS COMING OUT OF SCHOOL PARKING AND DIDN'T HAVE ANY SPEED AT ALL. AGAIN AROUND 5 MPH. SCHOOL IS LOCATED IN RESIDENTIAL AREA. WHEN YOU GET OUT OF THE PARKING, YOU CAN ONLY TURN RIGHT, THEN THERE IS AN INTERSECTION WITH A STOP SIGN ALMOST 50 FEET AWAY. ON THE DAY OF INCIDENT, I TRIED TO STOP BEHIND THE STOP SIGN WITH NO SPEED AT ALL, BUT SUDDENLY THE CAR GOT THE SAME CONTINUOUS AND SUDDEN PUSHES. IT WAS ACCELERATED UNINTENDED. MY FOOT WAS COMPLETELY ON THE BRAKE, BUT I LOST THE CONTROL AGAIN, AND I WAS SO LUCKY THAT DAY THAT THERE WERE NO CARS AROUND THE INTERSECTION, I TRIED TO STEER THE CAR TO THE LEFT, TURNED ON MY EMERGENCY LIGHT, AND TRIED TO PUSH THE BRAKE AGAIN AND AGAIN. AFTER FEW SECONDS, I FOUND IT WORKING. I CALLED THE TOYOTA THE SAME DAY, AND THEY ARE IN THE PROCESS OF SCHEDULING ME FOR INSPECTION. AGAIN, EVEN THOUGH THE SURFACE WAS SLICK WITH ICE, BUT I DIDN'T HAVE SPEED, AND IT DIDN'T LOOK LIKE ABS IS WORKING. I EXACTLY KNOW HOW ABS WORKS, SPECIALLY WHEN IT IS SNOWY OR ICY. THIS IS VERY SCARY. PLEASE INVESTIGATE. THANKS. *TR
Mar 19, 2014
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaints
DRIVING THROUGH THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS, MY BRAKE ACTUATOR FAILED CAUSING THE FRONT CALIPER TO SEIZE. I WAS UNABLE TO BRAKE SAFELY. THE VEHICLE SWERVED DURING BRAKING AND FAILED TO RESPOND IN TIME TO PREVENT COLLISIONS. HAD I BEEN IN A HIGH-TRAFFIC AREA, INJURY OR FATALITY WOULD HAVE BEEN LIKELY. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND TOYOTA EXTENDED THE WARRANTY ON THIS PART. UNFORTUNATELY, THOUGH I AM STILL WITHIN THE MILEAGE LIMIT, THE WARRANTY PERIOD EXPIRED WEEKS BEFORE THE PROBLEM WAS DIAGNOSED. I STRESS THAT THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WHICH PRESENTS AN IMMINENT DANGER TO DRIVERS, PASSENGERS, AND THE PUBLIC AT LARGE.
Nov 22, 2019
ABS ACTUATOR, VCS FAILURE. UNSAFE BRAKING ISSUES. TOYOTA DEALER IS QUOTING $2500 TO FIX. FOUND THAT A WARRANT EXTENSION WAS ADDED BY TOYOTA AS THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE, ALTHOUGH TOYOTA CORP IS SAYING THAT THE WARRANTY EXTENSION EXPIRED JANUARY 1ST, 2018. A FRIEND WITH A 2006 PRIUS HAS THE SAME WARRANTY EXTENSION EXPIRATION (LETTER ATTACHED) AND WHERE MY CAR IS A 2008 MODEL, TOYOTA CORP ADVISES THAT THE EXTENSION EXPIRES AT THE SAME TIME AND THAT THERE IS NO OTHER OPTIONS, THAT THEY WILL NOT ASSIST WITH THIS SAFETY PROBLEM.
Feb 10, 2018
STEERING,SUSPENSION
2 complaints
THERE WAS A POPPING NOISE IN MY STEERING WHEEL AND THEN I HAD NO MOVEMENT IN MY TIRES. MY STEERING WHEEL JUST SPINS ROUND AND ROUND BUT MY TIRES WILL NOT MOVE I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET AND I HAD NO CONTROL OF MY CAR. SO I BELIEVE IT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE STEERING SHAFT OR SUSPENSION.*DT*JB
Mar 30, 2019
CPCS:I1410421A. 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS. CONSUMER STATED THE CAR WAS TAKEN IN FOR A WHEEL ALIGNMENT. APPARENTLY, TOYOTA HAS NOT ALLOWED ANY WAY TO ADJUST THE REAR TOE OR CAMBER ON THE PRIUS, WHICH CAN RESULT IN STEERING ISSUES AND PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH EXCESSIVE OR UNEVEN TIRE WEAR. *LN
Jan 31, 2014
SEATS
2 complaints
DURING THE ACCIDENT, THE BACK SEAT FELL DOWN. I AM ASSUMING IT HAPPENED DUE TO THE FORCE OF THE IMPACT BUT IT WAS TERRIFYING BECAUSE SOMETIMES WE HAVE OUR CHILDREN REAR FACING IN THAT VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS REAR-ENDED ON THE FREEWAY AND THE GLASS WAS BROKEN IN THE BACK FROM THE IMPACT.
Mar 11, 2019
2008 TOYOTA PRIUS, OPTION PACKAGE 6 MANUALLY ADJUSTABLE LEATHER BUCKET FRONT SEATS, 27,000. MILES. DRIVERS SEAT MANUAL RECLINE MECHANISM FAILS TO CONSISTENTLY POSITIVELY LOCK INTO POSITION AND REQUIRES DRIVER TO REACH AROUND AND PULL ON SEAT BACK TO POSITIVELY LOCK (CLICK) THE RECLINE MECHANISM IN POSITION. ST CHARLES TOYOTA (ILLINIOS) REFUSES TO REPAIR THE SEAT UNDER WARRANTY. THEY STATE, "THEY ALL DO THAT". IF A REAR END COLLISION WHERE TO OCCUR WHILE THE DRIVER SEAT IS NOT POSITIVELY LOCKED, INJURY TO REAR SEAT PASSENGERS (CHILDREN) WOULD LIKELY OCCUR DUE TO THE DRIVER SEAT BACK BEING THRUST INTO THEM BY THE ACCELERATION OF THE IMPACT. DRIVER WOULD LIKELY LOOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE SEAT BACK FAILING INTO THE REARWARD RECLINE POSITION.*TR
Nov 17, 2009
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE BRAKE, ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM, VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL, AND TRACTION CONTROL WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. ADDITIONALLY, THERE WAS A TRIANGLE SYMBOL FLASHING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AUTONATION TOYOTA LEESBURG (1 CARDINAL PARK DR SE, LEESBURG, VA 20175, 571-357-3965) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM ACTUATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 1809122780. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER A WARRANTY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 206,970.
Sep 13, 2018
A. DASH LIGHTS WOULD JUST DISAPPEAR (NO DISPLAY FOR SPEED OR GEAR) B. KEY "BOB" WOULDN'T RELEASE AND CAR WOULDN'T TURN OFF. - TWICE C. CAR WOULD "REV-UP" WHEN ENGINE COOL WHILE IN GEAR APPLYING BRAKES 1. TOOK TO DEALER TO RESOLVE - COULDN'T RECREATE THE PROBLEMS AND WAS TOLD TO KEEP THE KEY IN MY POCKET. 2. SECOND TIME WAS ABLE TO TAKE TO THE DEALER WHILE THE PROBLEM WAS HAPPENING. AFTER 30 MINUTES CAME BACK WITH THE SOLUTION OF NOT TO INSERT KEY BOB. THE LIGHTS AND THE "KEY BOB" PROBLEM HAPPEN TWICE. THE ENGINE "REV-UP" HAPPEN WHEN THE CAR WAS COLD AND I WOULD NEED TO MAKE SURE TO FIRMLY APPLY THE BRAKES. THE LAST TIME IT HAPPENED I WASN'T SO LUCKY - GOING AT A SPEED OF 40 I STARTED A TURN TO GO UNDER THE FREEWAY WHEN THE ENGINE "REV-UP" AND FORCED ME INTO A CONCRETE WALL... TOTALING THE CAR. *TR
Feb 23, 2010
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaints
THE VEHICLE COMBINATION METER SPORADICALLY WILL NOT TURN ON WHICH PREVENTS THE DISPLAY OF THE SPEED OF THE CAR. DURING THIS CONDITION, THE FUEL ECONOMY WILL NOT DISPLAY, THE CAR MAY NOT BE POWERED OFF BY NORMAL PROCEDURE, AND THE FUEL GAUGE, DRIVE TRAIN MODE INDICATOR, AND ODOMETER ARE NOT VISIBLE. THIS HAS OCCURRED FOR THE PAST 2 YEARS, PRIMARILY DURING COLD WEATHER, BUT ALSO DURING WARM WEATHER, AND I HAVE A VIDEO RECORDING OF THIS PROBLEM WHILE OPERATING THIS SPECIFIC VEHICLE DATED FEBRUARY 20 2017. TOYOTA WILL NOT HONOR THEIR OWN WARRANTY EXTENSION DESCRIBED IN THEIR DOCUMENT POL12-05, RELATED TO TSB T-SB-0172-09, STATING THAT THE DEALER MUST BE ABLE TO REPRODUCE THE ISSUE IN ORDER TO COVER THE REPLACEMENT. TOYOTA'S DOCUMENT POL12-05 SPECIFICALLY STATES "THIS CONDITION IS PRIMARILY FOUND IN COLD WEATHER CLIMATE CONDITIONS. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS BROUGHT TO YOUR DEALERSHIP IT MAY NO LONGER BE IN A CLIMATE WHICH ALLOWS DUPLICATION OF THE CONDITION. IF THIS OCCURS, PLEASE VERIFY WITH THE CUSTOMER THAT THE EXPERIENCED CONDITION IS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS WARRANTY EXTENSION AND PROCEED WITH REPLACEMENT OF THE COMBINATION METER." ON 5/12/2017, ANDREA N. (WOULD NOT PROVIDE LAST NAME) WITH TOYOTA CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE CENTER, ASSIGNED ME TOYOTA CASE # 1705121649 AND STATED THAT "THE DEALER MUST REPRODUCE THE ISSUE IN ORDER TO COVER REPLACEMENT UNDER WARRANTY" DESPITE THE TOYOTA LETTER EXPLICITLY ALLOWING FOR WARRANTY REPLACEMENT WHEN THE CONDITION CANNOT BE REPRODUCED BY THE DEALER.
May 12, 2017
S10 APPROPRIATE HANDLING - LETTER TO THE SECRETARY FROM MRS. JUDY HALEY GIZMO DISPUTING CLAIM BY TOYOTA THAT UNINTENDED ACCELERATION OF TOYOTA VEHICLES DUE TO FAULTY FLOOR MATS. *NJ THE CONSUMER DISPUTED TOYOTA'S CLAIM THAT THE MANY CASES OF UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WERE DUE TO FAULTY FLOOR MATS. THE CONSUMER STATED THE CRASH SHE HAD WAS NOT DUE TO FAULTY FLOOR MAT'S WHICH WERE LATCHED DOWN, BUT WAS DUE TO ACCELERATION/BRAKE PROBLEMS IN THE COMPUTER AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER STATED SHE BACKED THE VEHICLE OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, SHE EXITED THE GARAGE AND PRESSED THE BUTTON TO CLOSE THE GARAGE DOOR. AFTER CLOSING THE GARAGE DOOR, SHE SATED SHE WASN'T SURE IF SHE PLACED THE GEAR IN DRIVE OR NEUTRAL, BUT SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD GOING UP TO 15-20 MPH. WITHIN 5 SECONDS THE CONSUMER CRASHED INTO THE GARAGE DOOR, RAMMED INTO THE INSIDE KITCHEN WALL CAUSING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE. THE AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. THE CONSUMER SUFFERED INJURIES.
Dec 17, 2009
STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaints
I WAS TRAVELING NORTHBOUND ON THE SAW MILL RIVER PARKWAY. EXITED ON THE NORTHBOUND TACONIC STATE PARKWAY RAMP. AFTER CROSSING THE TACONIC STATE PARKWAT OVERPASS. MY 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS (WITHOUT ANY INPUT FROM MY PART) TURNED LEFT AND ACCELERATED ONTO THE GRASSY AREA. EVEN THOUGH MADE MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS AT CORRECTING MY DIRECTION BY TURNING THE CAR TO THE RIGHT AND TO STOP THE CAR, NEITHER THE STEERING INPUTS OR ENGAGING THE BRAKES HAD ANY EFFECT ON THE VEHICLE. AFTER TRAVELING ALMOST THE ENTIRE WIDTH OF THE GRASSY AREA, THE CAR WAS CAUGHT BY A BRANCH ON THE GROUND, JUST BEFORE THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE CAR WOULD HAVE SLAMMED INTO A TREE. I THEN PROCEEDED TO TURN THE CAR OFF. WHEN I TURN THE CAR BACK ON, EVERYTHING WAS BACK TO NORMAL. THERE WAS NO ERROR MESSAGE FROM THE ECU DURING OR AFTER THE INCIDENT.
Oct 14, 2015
2008 TOYOTA PRIUS. CONSUMER REQUESTING ALL RECALLS ASSOCIATED WITH VEHICLE. *TA THE CONSUMER REFERENCED RECALL # 09V388000. HE ALSO MENTIONED INFORMATION REGARDING A STEERING DEFECT. *JB
Feb 11, 2015
STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaints
THE BLACK RUBBER IS DISINTEGRATING AND FALLING OFF THE OUTSIDE TRUNK LATCH, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO OPEN THE HATCHBACK TO GET TO THE SPARE TIRE OR BATTERY. THIS IS ALSO HAPPENING TO MY NEIGHBOR, WHO PARKS RIGHT NEXT TO ME AND ALSO HAS A 2008 PRIUS.
Jul 28, 2015
THE BACK LATCH OF MY 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS HAS DEGRADED ("MELTED" ALMOST). IT NO LONGER FUNCTIONS PROPERLY, AND I AM UNABLE TO OPEN THE BACK HATCH DOOR EASILY. SOMETIMES IT REQUIRES CONSIDERABLE EFFORT AND PERSEVERANCE TO GET IT OPEN. I AM CONCERNED THAT IN THE CASE OF AN EMERGENCY, I WILL NOT BE ABLE TO GET THE DOOR OPEN. THIS IS A MAJOR CAUSE FOR CONCERN AND IT IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD. THE ITEM IN QUESTION IS A RUBBER PAD, ABOUT 1" X 3", LOCATED FACING DOWN ON A HORIZONTAL SURFACE OF THE TRUNK LID, JUST ABOVE THE LICENSE PLATE. IT COVERS A MOMENTARY CONTACT SWITCH. WHEN YOU DEPRESS THE SWITCH, THROUGH THIS RUBBERY PAD, THE COMPUTER CHECKS TO SEE IF THERE'S A KEY IN THE VICINITY. IF THERE IS, THE AUTOMATIC LATCH FOR THE TRUNK IS ACTIVATED AND THE TRUNK OPENS. THE RUBBER PAD DETERIORATION INTERFERES WITH THE FUNCTIONING OF THE LATCH AND TOYOTA REFUSES TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE PROACTIVELY IN SPITE OF NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS RELATED TO THE DEFECTIVE MATERIALS THEY HAVE USED. *JS
Jul 07, 2014
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
2 complaints
I WAS DRIVING 50MPH WHEN THE CAR LOST POWER.THE CAR SUDDENLY HAD NO POWER BRAKES, NO ABILITY TO EASILY STEER, NO ENGINE POWER AND MANY WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON INCLUDING AN WARNING THAT THE MAIN HYBRID BATTERY WAS NOT CHARGING. THE CAR WOULD NOT RESPOND TO ACCELERATION. THE CAR CAME TO A STOP. I HELD THE START BUTTON THE CAR SHUT OFF. THE CAR RESTARTED WITH NO PROBLEMS. ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS WERE OFF. I PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE AND STARTED TO ACCELERATE. ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS COME ON JUST AS BEFORE AND THE CAR SUFFERS THE SAME ISSUES AGAIN. I WENT THROUGH THE SAME PROCESS OF TURNING THE CAR OFF AND TURNING IT BACK ON. THE CAR STARTED UP AGAIN WITH NO PROBLEMS AGAIN, ALL THE LIGHTS WERE OFF. IT FAILED ON MORE TIME ON THE TRIP HOME. I WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE CAR AND PUT MY EMERGENCY LIGHTS ON. I NEVER DROVE OVER 25MPH ON THE TRIP BACK TO THE HOUSE. MY FAMILY TOOK THE CAR TO WILSON TOYOTA IN BELLINGHAM WA. THEY EXAMINED THE CAR AND SAID THE 12V BATTERY HAD FAILED. THEY TOLD MY FAMILY THAT THE MAIN 12V BATTERY RUNS ALL THE ELECTRICAL TO GET THE CAR STARTED AND RUNNING. WE TOLD THE DEALER THE CAR STILL HAD ELECTRICAL POWER. THEY STILL REPLACED THE 12V BATTERY. THE FOLLOWING DAY MY FAMILY WENT TO LOOK AT THE CAR AND A SERVICE PERSON AT THE DEALER, WHO SAID HE WAS NEW TO THIS LOCATION, SAID HE HAD NOTICED THAT THE 12V BATTERY HAD SEEMED TO BE REPLACED RECENTLY. THEY SAID THEY WOULD KEEP THE CAR TO KEEP LOOKING OVER ITS SYSTEMS. ON 4/16/2015 MY FAMILY CALLED TOYOTA TO DISCUSS OUR SAFETY CONCERNS WITH REGARD TO HOW THE CAR FAILED. WE EXPLAINED WE ALSO HAVE A 2007 PRIUS THAT HAD THE MAIN HYBRID BATTERY FAIL AND THAT ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS THAT CAME ON WERE SIMILAR IN BOTH CARS. THE DEALER HAS SAID THERE ARE NO CODES THAT SAID THE MAIN HYBRID BATTERY IS FAILING. I AM WORRIED THAT I OR MY FAMILY COULD BE SERIOUSLY INJURED IF THE CAR FAILED IN THIS MANNER AGAIN WHILE ON A BUSY HIGHWAY OR INTERSECTION. *TR
Apr 17, 2015
I REAR-ENDED THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME IN A VERY LOW SPEED ACCIDENT, LISTED ON MY TICKET AS 1+ MPH BY THE POLICE OFFICER WHO WITNESSED MY ACCIDENT WHILE AT THE SCENE ATTENDING TO AN ALREADY-OCCURRED ACCIDENT. WHEN I WAS 2-3 CAR LENGTHS BEHIND THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME, GOING APPROX. 5-10 MPH, I SAW THEIR BRAKE LIGHTS GO ON, AND I PUSHED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND NOTHING HAPPENED. I PUMPED THE BRAKES, AND NOTHING HAPPENED. WHEN I REALIZED THAT MY CAR'S MOMENTUM WAS NOT SLOWING IN THE SLIGHTEST, AND THAT I WAS GOING TO HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME, I TRIED TO MANEUVER INTO THE VACANT RIGHT LANE, BUT THE FAILURE OF THE CAR TO EVEN SLOW DOWN MADE ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE NOT POSSIBLE. WHEN I STRUCK THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME, THE BLOW WAS PRIMARILY WITH THE LEFT FRONT CORNER OF MY CAR CONTACTING THE CENTER OF THEIR BUMPER. MY CAR WAS TOTALED; THEIR CAR NEED A NEW REAR BUMPER BUT ONLY FOR COSMETIC PURPOSES. I WILL TESTIFY UNDER OATH IN A COURT OF LAW THAT THE BRAKES IN MY 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS FAILED, AND THAT IS WHY I HAD THIS WRECK. *TR
Oct 21, 2013
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
2 complaints
WE HAVE TWO PRIUS CARS WITH SAME ISSUE - WHEN MAKING A TURN FROM A STOP AND TRYING TO ACCELERATE QUICKLY THE CAR JERKS AND HESITATE AS THE ANTI SLIP SYSTEM LIGHT FLASHES AND ENGAGES. YOU CANNOT ACCELERATE QUICKLY INTO TRAFFIC FROM A DEAD STOP MAKING A TURN AS THE CAR REFUSES, JERKS AND ACTS LIKE IT WILL STALL. PAVEMENT IS DRY AND NO GRAVEL. HAPPENS EACH AND EVERY TIME SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR. EASY TO REPLICATE. COME TO A COMPLETE STOP, THEN TURN RIGHT WHILE PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR DOWN QUICKLY AND THE SLIP SYSTEM KICKS, CAR JERKS, HESITATES AND THEN VERY SLOWLY STARTS TO EVENTUALLY ACCELERATE. *TR
Dec 06, 2014
2008 TOYOTA PRIUS. ON JAN 29, 2010, I WAS SLOWLY PULLING INTO A PARKING STALL WHEN THE ACCELERATOR ENGAGED AND THE CAR SURGED FORWARD. I APPLIED THE BRAKES AND NOTHING HAPPENED. I LET OFF THE BRAKES AND SLAMMED THEM ON HARDER AND THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP. MY CAR HIT THE SIDE OF A AM/PM ARCO STATION BUILDING. I TURNED IT INTO MY INSURANCE AND PAID THE $500 DEDUCTIBLE. MY CAR WAS TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP AND THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG AT THAT TIME. THE CAR HAS NOT SURGED SINCE. *TR
Apr 14, 2010
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
2 complaints
WHEN MAKING A TURN FROM A STOP AND TRYING TO ACCELERATE QUICKLY THE CAR JERKS AND HESITATE AS THE ANTI SLIP SYSTEM LIGHT FLASHES AND ENGAGES. YOU CANNOT ACCELERATE QUICKLY INTO TRAFFIC FROM A DEAD STOP MAKING A TURN AS THE CAR REFUSES, JERKS AND ACTS LIKE IT WILL STALL. PAVEMENT IS DRY AND NO GRAVEL. HAPPENS EACH AND EVERY TIME SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR. EASY TO REPLICATE. COME TO A COMPLETE STOP, THEN TURN RIGHT WHILE PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR DOWN QUICKLY AND THE SLIP SYSTEM KICKS, CAR JERKS, HESITATES AND THEN VERY SLOWLY STARTS TO EVENTUALLY ACCELERATE. *TR
Dec 06, 2014
MY 2008 PRIUS WON'T STAY IN GEARS OCCASIONALLY GEAR JUMPED BACK FROM D TO N MODE. FORTUNATELY, IT DIDN'T HAPPEN WHEN I DROVE 70 MILES PER HOUR. I WENT TO TOYOTA CENTER AND THEY SAID I HAVE TO PAY FOR THE SHIFT LEVER. I DON'T KNOW WHY I SHOULD PAY FOR IT, IT IS A DEFECT OF THIS CAR, NOT BECAUSE HOW I DRIVE THIS CAR. PLUS, I DON'T HAVE THIS MONEY, SO I DIDN'T REPAIR FOR IT. I NEED TO REPORT THIS BEFORE SOMEONE GET KILLED. I THINK TOYOTA SHOULD RECALL 2008 PRIUS, TO MAKE SURE OUR (CUSTOMER) SAFETY. *TR
May 13, 2014
WHEELS
2 complaints
AS OF 11/2014 THERE HAS BEEN A TOTAL OF 3 WHEEL BEARING ISSUES WITH MY 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE FIRST OCCURRED IN 2012(RIGHT REAR) AND THE OTHER TWO OCCURRED IN 2014(BOTH FRONT). THIS IS A REAL SAFETY CONCERN, SINCE IT CAN CAUSE THE WHEEL TO SEIZE AND CAUSE A MAJOR ACCIDENT. THERE IS AN OBVIOUS DEFECT IN TOYOTA'S WHEEL BEARINGS FOR THREE TO FAIL ON ONE VEHICLE AND THE FIRST FAILING AT ONLY 70,000 MILES. TOYOTA HAS REFUSED TO PAY FOR THE $1700 IN REPAIRS. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL BECAUSE IF THE WHEEL SEIZES OR FALLS OFF THIS CAN CAUSE FATALITIES. TOYOTA SHOULD LOOK INTO WHY ONE OF THERE FACTORIES IS PRODUCING DEFECTIVE SUB-PAR WHEEL BEARINGS. *TR
Nov 11, 2014
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED IN RAINY WEATHER, THE VEHICLE HYDROPLANED AND CRASHED INTO A CURB. THE FRONT PASSENGER WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE POLICE ARRIVED TO ASSIST ON SCENE. A POLICE REPORT WAS AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DAMAGES WERE BEING REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED FOR THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 22,800.
Jun 18, 2010
STEERING,STRUCTURE
2 complaints
THIS IS A REPORT OF PRODUCT FAILURE AND SUBSEQUENT REFUSAL BY TOYOTA TO REPLACE FAILED PARTS POST 36 K MI. WARRANTY. THEY ARE A STEERING WHEEL COMPOUND DISINTERGRATION AND THE PREMATURE OXIDATION OF THE PLASTIC SPOILER PAINT ONLY W/O SIMILARLY OCCURING ON THE SHEETMETAL OF THE BODY.
Nov 04, 2014
VEHICLE IS EXTREMELY, ALMOST DANGEROUSLY, SENSITIVE TO CROSS WINDS AND WAKE TURBULENCE FROM LARGER VEHICLES, TRUCKS SPECIFICALLY. *TR
Nov 15, 2008
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 complaints
ON 09/01/10, WE TOOK OUR 2008 PRIUS IN BECAUSE THERE WERE TWO TIMES THE CAR DIDN'T STOP WHEN WE USED THE BRAKES. I TOLD THE SERVICE MANAGER, THE CAR WAS ACCELERATING ON ITS OWN. IT WAS SCARY AND I FEARED AN ACCIDENT. AFTER THEY WORKED ON THE CAR, I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS THE FLOOR MATS THAT INTERFERED WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. IT DIDN'T MAKE SENSE TO ME BECAUSE I HAD TO PUT MY FOOT UNDER THE PEDAL TO RAISE IT UP SINCE IT WAS STUCK. I WAS ANGRY THEY COMPLETELY IGNORED THE FACT THE CAR WAS ACCELERATING ON ITS OWN AND ACTED AS THOUGH THE PROBLEM WAS HANDLED. ON 03/31/12, W. MANCHESTER/HINDRY, BEFORE 2:00 P.M., IT HAD DRIZZLED, I STOPPED AT A LIGHT, DROVE AHEAD AND AT A FORK IN THE ROAD I TAPPED MY BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN ON A CURVE. INSTEAD, THE CAR KEPT ACCELERATING. I STEPPED ON THE BRAKES BUT THE CAR DID NOT RESPOND. THE CAR KEPT GAINING SPEED! I WAS AT LEAST 3 CAR LENGTHS BEHIND OTHER CAR, PLENTY OF TIME TO STOP BUT THE CAR ACCELERATED NO MATTER HOW HARD I STEPPED ON THE BRAKES. IT WAS TERRIFYING! I REALIZED I WAS GOING TO CRASH AND THERE WAS NOTHING I COULD DO TO PREVENT IT. I REAR ENDED THE MERCEDES, THE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. I HAD 2 BOXES OF BOOKS IN THE TRUNK THAT HIT THE BACK OF MY SEAT AND KNOCKED DOWN THE REAR SEATS FROM THE IMPACT. THE CAR WAS TOWED. DAMAGES: $5,988.79. MEDICAL: $25,000. NEXT MONTH, A CRACKED PUMP WAS DISCOVERED AT FIREWALL, DUE TO THE ACCIDENT. THE BLACK BOX SHOWED IMPACT WAS AT 35 MPH, (35-27) MPH, 0.02 SEC. INJURIES: CONCUSSION, WHIPLASH, BACK SPASMS, DOUBLE-CRUSH INJURY, PTSD, DEPRESSION, MIGRAINES. I COULDN'T DRIVE OR START PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR 4 MOS., UNTIL 07/27/12. MY THERAPIST WORKED ALOT TO RELAX MY MUSCLES, I HAD TRACTION, BOUGHT A TRACTION DEVICE $400. AND 6 MOS. OF CHIROPRACTIC FOR MUSCLE SPASMS. 12/08/12, I HAD A NERVE-TEST, IT WAS ABNORMAL FOR A DOUBLE-CRUSH INJURY. PRESCRIBED XANAX FOR PTSD, ANXIETY. *TR
May 01, 2014
ON 09/01/10, WE TOOK OUR 2008 PRIUS IN BECAUSE THERE WERE TWO TIMES THE CAR DIDN'T STOP WHEN WE USED THE BRAKES. I TOLD THE SERVICE MANAGER, THE CAR WAS ACCELERATING ON ITS OWN. IT WAS SCARY AND I FEARED AN ACCIDENT. AFTER THEY WORKED ON THE CAR, I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS THE FLOOR MATS THAT INTERFERED WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. IT DIDN'T MAKE SENSE TO ME BECAUSE I HAD TO PUT MY FOOT UNDER THE PEDAL TO RAISE IT UP SINCE IT WAS STUCK. I WAS ANGRY THEY COMPLETELY IGNORED THE FACT THE CAR WAS ACCELERATING ON ITS OWN AND ACTED AS THOUGH THE PROBLEM WAS HANDLED. ON 03/31/12, W. MANCHESTER/HINDRY, BEFORE 2:00 P.M., IT HAD DRIZZLED, I STOPPED AT A LIGHT, DROVE AHEAD AND AT A FORK IN THE ROAD I TAPPED MY BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN ON A CURVE. INSTEAD, THE CAR KEPT ACCELERATING. I STEPPED ON THE BRAKES BUT THE CAR DID NOT RESPOND. THE CAR KEPT GAINING SPEED! I WAS AT LEAST 3 CAR LENGTHS BEHIND OTHER CAR, PLENTY OF TIME TO STOP BUT THE CAR ACCELERATED NO MATTER HOW HARD I STEPPED ON THE BRAKES. IT WAS TERRIFYING! I REALIZED I WAS GOING TO CRASH AND THERE WAS NOTHING I COULD DO TO PREVENT IT. I REAR ENDED THE MERCEDES, THE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. I HAD 2 BOXES OF BOOKS IN THE TRUNK THAT HIT THE BACK OF MY SEAT AND KNOCKED DOWN THE REAR SEATS FROM THE IMPACT. THE CAR WAS TOWED. DAMAGES: $5,988.79. MEDICAL: $25,000. NEXT MONTH, A CRACKED PUMP WAS DISCOVERED AT FIREWALL, DUE TO THE ACCIDENT. THE BLACK BOX SHOWED IMPACT WAS AT 35 MPH, (35-27) MPH, 0.02 SEC. INJURIES: CONCUSSION, WHIPLASH, BACK SPASMS, DOUBLE-CRUSH INJURY, PTSD, DEPRESSION, MIGRAINES. I COULDN'T DRIVE OR START PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR 4 MOS., UNTIL 07/27/12. MY THERAPIST WORKED ALOT TO RELAX MY MUSCLES, I HAD TRACTION, BOUGHT A TRACTION DEVICE $400. AND 6 MOS. OF CHIROPRACTIC FOR MUSCLE SPASMS. 12/08/12, I HAD A NERVE-TEST, IT WAS ABNORMAL FOR A DOUBLE-CRUSH INJURY. PRESCRIBED XANAX FOR PTSD, ANXIETY. *TR
May 01, 2014
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
2 complaints
MY BROTHER WAS KILLED IN A CAR WRECK ON 1/14/2014 AS YOU CAN SEE FROM THE ARTICLE OF WHAT HAPPENED. NOT ONE AIRBAG WENT OFF DURING THIS WRECK. THERE IS VIDEO AND PICTURES OF THE SEVERITY OF THE WRECK. 54-YEAR-OLD [XXX] WAS KILLED IN A THREE-VEHICLE ACCIDENT ON I-75 TUESDAY MORNING, JANUARY 14, 2014. [XXX] I-75 ACCIDENT.ACCORDING TO GEORGIA STATE PATROL, TRAFFIC WAS STOPPED IN THE NORTHBOUND LANES OF I-75, NEAR EXIT 64, FOR AN EARLIER ACCIDENT. [XXX], OF ORLANDO, WAS EITHER SLOWING OR STOPPED IN HIS TOYOTA PRIUS IN THE INSIDE LANE WHEN A GMC ENVOY CRASHED INTO THE BACK OF [XXX] PRIUS, FORCING IT INTO A STOPPED SEMI-TRUCK IN THE MIDDLE LANE. TRAGICALLY, [XXX] PERISHED FROM HIS INJURIES. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Feb 10, 2014
S10 APPROPRIATE HANDLING- LETTER TO THE SECRETARY FROM RE EXPRESSING CONCERNS REGARDING TOYOTA SAFETY PROBLEMS *TGW NOTE: UNABLE TO VIEW FLASH DRIVE *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HE WAS SITTING AT A RED LIGHT WHEN A 1997 CHEVROLET TAHOE REAR ENDED HIM. THE CHEVROLET DESTROYED THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, SLAMMING THE RIGHT FRONT OF THE VEHICLE INTO THE SHOULDER CONCRETE WALL, PITCHING THE VEHICLE UP INTO THE AIR ON ITS RIGHT FRONT ROOF AND FENDER, SLIDING DOWN 10-15 FEET LANDING ON ITS RIGHT SIDE, COMING TO A STOP BETWEEN 70 TO 80 FEET FROM THE STOP LINE WHERE HE WAS HIT. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND THE SEAT BELT TENSIONER DID NOT KEEP HIS HEAD FROM THE HITTING THE ROOF. THE CONSUMER HAD A DEEP LACERATION ON THE TOP OF HIS HEAD, AND A HERINATED DISC IN HIS NECK. *JB
Jun 15, 2012
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,EQUIPMENT
2 complaints
2008 TOYOTA PRIUS. LEFT HEADLIGHT GOES OUT, TURN OFF THEN ON LITE COMES ON FOR A FEW MINUTES. NOW RIGHT HEADLIGHT IS GOING OUT, WITH BOTH LIGHTS GOING OFF @ NIGHT I HAVE A SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEM. THESE ARE THE HID HEADLIGHTS WHICH ARE VERY EXPENSIVE TO REPLACE,($300 TO $500). CHECKING ON LINE IT SEEMS THAT THIS IS BECOMING A MAJOR SAFETY PROBLEM.. *TR
Sep 29, 2010
I HAVE A 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE HID BULBS DID NOT LAST OVER A YEAR. *TW
Jan 28, 2010
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
2 complaints
I OWN A 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS AND HAVE EXPERIENCED BRAKING PROBLEMS SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. ANY TIME I GO OVER A BUMP/POTHOLE, WHILE TURNING, RESULTS IN A FLOATING SENSATION, SURGE FORWARD, AND MOMENTARY LOSS OF STEERING. I ALMOST HAD AN ACCIDENT 2 WEEKS AGO AT AN INTERSECTION WHEN THIS OCCURRED. SERVICED MY VEHICLE YESTERDAY AND THEY CLAIM THE SKID CONTROL SYSTEM IS WORKING AS IT WAS DESIGNED. THERE IS DEFINITELY A FATAL FLAW IN THIS SYSTEM AND LIKELY A CHIP ISSUE. TOYOTA IS NOT DOING ANYTHING. *TR
Sep 16, 2010
WE HAVE A 2008 PRIUS WHICH HAS A COUPLE OF DANGEROUS THINGS ABOUT IT WHICH THE DEALER SAYS IS 'THE WAY IT'S DESIGNED TO WORK'. 1.I BELIEVE THEY ARE RECALLING THE 2010 PRIUS FOR THIS PROBLEM, BUT THE 2008 HAS IT ALSO. THE CARS BRAKING SYSTEM COMPLETELY RELEASES ALL THE BRAKES, SO FAR I'VE JUST NOTICED IT IN THE REAR WHEELS, WHEN GOING AROUND A CURVE AND THE WHEEL HITS A BUMP AND LOOSES TRACTION. THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT GOES ON AND ALL THE BRAKES ARE GONE FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. IT FEELS AS IF THE CAR IS ALSO ACCELERATING DURING THIS PERIOD OF TIME, BUT THAT COULD JUST BE A RESULT OF LOOSING THE BRAKING SYSTEM. 2.THE ENGINE 'COMPLETELY SHUTS OFF' WHEN THE FRONT WHEELS SPIN. IN SNOW ON A GRADE WHICH CAN EASILY BE DRIVEN ON WITH A VEHICLES SLIPPING FROM TIME TO TIME, THE PRIUS MOTOR SHUTS DOWN WHEN A DRIVING WHEEL SPINS AND ALL FORWARD MOMENTUM IS LOST ' IE AFTER SPIN, NO ENGINE, POWER, SPIN, NO ENGINE SEVERAL TIMES THE CAR COMES TO A STOP IN THE ROAD. I ALSO CAN'T GET UP MY NEIGHBORS DRIVEWAY IF IT RAINS BECAUSE OF THIS. IF CROSSING A LANE OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC FROM A STOP SIGN AND THE WHEEL SPINS WE ARE IN 'MORTAL DANGER' OF BEING HIT. *TR
Feb 23, 2010
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaints
THROTTLE MALFUNCTION - 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS. DRIVING 50-55 M/H ON NORTH 280 NEAR MILLBRAE, CA IN HEAVY RAIN. VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL. ENGINE REVVED 3 TIMES IN SUCCESSION (SOUNDED LIKE: VROOM, VROOM, VROOM) WHILE ACCELERATING TO 65 M/H. ALL THIS TIME I WAS STEPPING ON THE BREAKS. ACCELERATION EVENTUALLY STOPPED WENT BACK TO NORMAL AFTER A FEW MINUTES. I DROVE THE CAR DIRECTLY TO THE NEAREST TOYOTA DEALERSHIP IN DALY CITY BUT WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NO PROBLEM WITH THE CAR. THIS MALFUNCTION ONLY OCCURRED ONCE. *TR
Mar 12, 2010
DRIVING HOME FROM CHURCH JULY 5, 2009 THE BEACH TRAFFIC WAS BUMPER TO BUMPER. STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. I WAS STOPPED BEHIND AN SUV. THE TRAFFIC STARTED TO MOVE AND MY PRIUS BOLTED FORWARD INTO THE SUV WHICH IN TURN PUSHED IT INTO ANOTHER SUV. MY CAR WAS TOTALED. THE ENGINE WAS PUSHED ALL THE WAY BACK INTO THE FRONT SEAT. THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN JUST A FENDER BENDER. NO ONE WAS INJURED. *TR
Mar 09, 2010
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaints
MY 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS GAS PEDAL STUCK AND PUSHED FORWARD AGAINST MY CONTROL, AND I SLAMMED MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND GAS PEDAL AT SAME TIME AND IT STOPPED. I AM REPORTINT THIS TO THE TOYOTA DEALER AT PRIORITY TOYOTA IN CHESAPEAKE VIRIGNIA RIGHT NOW AND THEY SAID BECAUSE THEY CAN NOT REPRODUCE THE INCIDENT THEY CAN'T DO ANYTHING, BUT FOR ME TO CALL TOYOTA 1-800-331-4331 AND REPORT IT, I DID, AND TALKED WITH A REPRESENTATIVE, AND HE SAID ALL HE CAN DO IS PUT IT IN THE CASE FILE, AND IF I WANTED TO I CAN REPORT IT TO NHTSA. I WILL NOT BECOME A DEATH STATISTIC TO PROVE THE PROBLEM OCCURRED. *TR
Feb 16, 2010
TOYOTA PRIUS, 2008, INVOLVED IN ACCIDENT , AUGUST 13, 2009 WHEN IT ACCELERATED RAPIDLY OUT OF CONTROL AFTER BEING AT A STOP SIGN FOR 4 MINUTES STOPPED IN A LINE OF TRAFFIC, HITTING CAR IN FRONT AND BEING VERY DIFFICULT TO BRING TO A STOP. WENT FROM 0 TO 45 MPH VERY QUICKLY AND HARD TO STOP .TOYOTA HAS NOT RESPONDED TO COMPLAINT OR MY INSISTENCE THAT IT BE FIXED. WAS DEEMED BY JUDGE WHO HEARD THE APPEAL OF TICKET TO BE A MECHANICAL FAILURE. FIRST ACCIDENT FOR ME IN 48.5 YEARS OF DRIVING. INITIALLY I THOUGHT IT WAS BRAKE FAILURE, BUT AFTER THE INFO CAME OUT, IT MATCHES EXACTLY THE ACCELERATOR STICKING THAT HAS BEEN DESCRIBED. FILED COMPLAINT WITH TOYOTA IN OCTOBER AND HAVE NOT HEARD BACK. HAVEN WAS THE CONTACT, CLAIM NUMBER AT TOYOTA IS #0910145720. ALSO NOTIFIED DEALER WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED AND HAVE NOT HEARD FROM THEM. WAS ASSURED I'D HEAR IN JANUARY AND GOT A LETTER INDICATING THAT I SHOULD TAKE THE FLOOR MAT OUT. IT HAPPENED AGAIN IN NOVEMBER OF 2009, ALTHOUGH I IMMEDIATELY RECOGNIZED IT AND GOT THE CAR STOPPED QUICKLY. I'M NOW AFRAID TO DRIVE IT BUT NEED MY CAR TO WORK. *TR
Feb 10, 2010
SUSPENSION
2 complaints
2008 TOYOTA PRIUS LEANS TO LEFT 3/4 ". IT IS VISIBLY NOTICEABLE AND SITS EVEN LOWER WITH DRIVER OCCUPANT. TOYOTA DEALER SAYS WITHIN SPECS AND IS SAFE. THEY WON'T REPLACE SPRINGS ON LEFT SIDE OR COILS. MANY OTHER PRIUS OWNERS HAVE SAME PROBLEMS. I HAVE EXTENDED WARRANTY WHICH WE PAID A LOT FOR AND THEY STILL WON'T FIX VEHICLE. THIS CAN'T BE SAFE CAN IT? *TR
Dec 29, 2009
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SATURN VUE. DURING ROUTINE SERVICE, A TECHNICIAN NOTICED THAT BOTH REAR TIRES EXHIBITED UNEVEN TIRE WEAR. THE REAR TIRES WERE REPLACED. HOWEVER HE SPECULATED THAT THE REAR SUSPENSION SYSTEM CAUSED THE TREAD TO ABNORMALLY WEAR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,325. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 15,400. UPDATED 3/8/10 *CN UPDATED 06/11/10. *JB
Nov 24, 2009
INTERIOR LIGHTING
2 complaints
DEAR NHTSA, I BOUGHT MY CAR JULY, 2008 AND I NOTICED RIGHT A WAY AT NIGHT MY CAR HAVE THIS VERY BRIGHT LIGHT FRONT OF MY WINDSHIELD. I FOUND OUT WHERE IT WAS COMING FROM AND IT WAS COMING FROM REFLECTION FROM THE ODOMETER. THIS LIGHT IS VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE I CAN'T SEE A '!@#$% THING NOTHING BUT BRIGHT GREEN LINE LIGHT. THIS LIGHT IS DESIGN FLAW & NEED TO BE CORRECTED A.S.A.P. TOYOTA IS DOING NOTHING BUT TELLING ME TO RESELL MY CAR BACK TO THEM FOR CHEAP. I LIKE MY CAR BUT THIS ISSUE. I LIKE MY CAR TO BE FIXED. PLEASE HELP ME... *TR
Nov 07, 2008
DEAR NHTSA, I OWN A 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS THAT I PURCHASED FROM CAPISTRANO TOYOTA DEALERSHIP IN ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA. THE DESIGN FLAW WITH THE VEHICLE THAT I AM ABOUT TO REPORT COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE DEATH OR BODILY INJURY IF IT'S NOT CORRECTED RIGHT THE WAY. THE ISSUE IS THAT IF YOU DRIVE THE CAR AT NIGHT AND THE INTERIOR DIMMER IS TURNED WAY UP, YOU COULD SEE A LINE OF BLUE LIGHT ABOUT 6 INCHES LONG RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WINDSHIELD, ON THE DRIVER SIDE. I BELIEVE THAT THE LIGHT THAT YOU SEE ON THE WINDSHIELD IS THE RESULT OF THE LIGHT REFLECTION FROM THE ODOMETER. THE LIGHT ON THE WINDSHIELD IS A DISTRACTION FOR DRIVERS. I GOT DISTRACTED BY LOOKING AT THIS LIGHT WHILE DRIVING, AND ALMOST GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT ON 03/15/08. IT TOOK ME A WHILE TO FIND OUT THAT THE LIGHT REFLECTION ON THE WINDSHIELD GOES AWAY IF THE DIMMER IS TURNED WAY DOWN. HOWEVER, THE GPS SCREEN TURNS DARK AND ALL INTERIOR LIGHTS GO DIM IF THE DIMMER IS TURNED WAY DOWN. I THINK THIS IS A MAJOR DESIGNFLAW WITH THE VEHICLE BECAUSE I LIKE MY GPS SCREEN AND ALL INTERIOR LIGHTS TO BE BRIGHT WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. I'VE REPORTED THE PROBLEM TO TOYOTA, BUT THEY TOLD ME THAT THERE'S NOTHING THAT THEY COULD DO AT THIS POINT BECAUSE THAT'S HOW IT IS DESIGNED. I HOPE THAT NHTSA COULD PERSUADE TOYOTA TO RECALL ALL PRIUSES AND CORRECT THE PROBLEM BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED OR HURT. YOUR HELP WITH THIS ISSUE IS GREATLY APPRECIATED. *TR
Apr 25, 2008
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaints
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE PLACING FUEL IN THE VEHICLE, IT WILL NOT FILL TO ITS FULL CAPACITY. THIS IS A CONTINUOUS FAILURE THAT OCCURS IN ALL WEATHER CONDITIONS AND TEMPERATURES. THERE IS A MALFUNCTION WITH THE FUEL GAUGE DEVICE. THE INACCURATE READINGS OF THE FUEL GAUGE CAUSES DISCOMFORT WHEN DRIVING. THE TOYOTA MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD ONLY CONSUME 6-7 GALLONS OF GASOLINE, EVEN THOUGH THE FUEL TANK CAPACITY WAS 11.9 GALLONS. THE MANUFACTURER IS AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT THE FUEL TANK CANNOT BE REPLACED IN THESE VEHICLES. THE TANK WOULD NEED TO BE REDESIGNED. THE CONTACT RECENTLY TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE BLADDER SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED FOR THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 9,000. UPDATED 07/07/08. *LJ UPDATED *JB
Jun 10, 2008
SUMMARY: PRIUS LOW FUEL WARNING LIGHT/BUZZER CAME ON, AND ONLY 5 MILES LATER CAR RAN OUT OF GAS, IN A BAD PLACE AT NIGHT ON HIGHWAY. THE MANUAL STATES THAT WHEN LOW LIGHT COMES ON YOU HAVE THREE GALLONS OR LESS. WITH THE PRIUS, EVEN TREATING THIS CONSERVATIVELY AS ONLY 1 1/2 GALLONS, THAT SHOULD STILL BE OVER 60 MILES. I HAD DRIVEN THE VEHICLE BETWEEN 30 AND 50 MILES WITH LOW LIGHT ON MULTIPLE TIMES PREVIOUSLY. THIS USUALLY WORKS OCCASIONALLY FAILS FUEL WARNING IS CLEARLY DANGEROUS. AND FROM INTERNET RESEARCHING, IT IS CLEARLY A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM, AND TOYOTA NOT ONLY IS COMPLETELY IGNORING IT, THEY DENIED TO ME HAVING RECEIVED ANY COMPLAINTS ON THIS (THERE ARE PREVIOUS COMPLAINTS ON THIS EVEN RIGHT ON THIS NHTSA WEBSITE). DRIVING FROM COLORADO TO KANSAS CITY ON I-70, A LITTLE AFTER PASSING THE SIGN THAT SAID "TOPEKA 27 MILES", JUST AFTER 10 AT NIGHT, THE LOW FUEL LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND WARNING SOUNDED. WE PLANNED TO STOP AT THE NEXT FUEL STOP, WHICH WE EXPECTED TO BE WITHIN 20 MILES AT THE MOST. ABOUT 5 MILES AFTER THE LIGHT ILLUMINATED, THE CAR SUDDENLY LOST POWER, THE GAS ENGINE CLEARLY HAD QUIT, THE RED TRIANGLE WARNING ILLUMINATED, ALONG WITH ANOTHER WARNING. AFTER THE INITIAL SCARE, I PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER, SLOWLY, UNDER BATTERY POWER, NOT KNOWING WHAT HAD HAPPENED. IN THE MANUAL WE FOUND THAT THE SECOND WARNING INDICATED "HYBRID SYSTEM MALFUNCTION", AND NOT TO ATTEMPT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. SOME 10-15 MINUTES LATER, AS WE WERE TRYING TO GET EMERGENCY HELP, THAT WARNING DISAPPEARED, AND A NEW MESSAGE CAME UP, "ADD FUEL". EVENTUALLY WE BORROWED GAS FROM A FAMILY THAT STOPPED TO HELP US IN THIS RURAL AREA, AND GOT HELP FROM A HIGHWAY PATROLMAN. TOYOTA CHECKED VEHICLE, DENIES PROBLEMS, DENIES RECEIVING COMPLAINTS, REFUSES TO SEND WARNINGS TO PRIUS OWNERS. NHTSA, THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, LIKE YOUR RECALL 00V384. *TR 6/19/08 ADD **CW THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THAT THE LOW FUEL WARNING LIGHT WAS DEFECTIVE.
Jun 05, 2008
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
Randomly my instrument panel goes blank while in motion and can only be retrieved by hard turning the car off when stopped, you loose your speedometer, lights, and all until reset. Other issue with speedometer readings that are consistently off between 5-15mph with no fix, resolutions or repairs.
Aug 31, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
Trunk lock will not unlock or allow opening, back latch malfunctions, when car battery dies or car looses power《• you cannot open the trunk and access emergency tools/equipment and battery to jump car. •》You have to access by climbing through the front of the car if you are able-bodied too. There is no opening handle from the inside of the trunk to be let out, scariest and one of the most important major safety concerns, theres no emergency exit from inside vehicle. Water/snow/ice also falls down into the vehicle when opening hatchback, it slides inward from hood of car or slides back from rear windshield and door, causes water to be pooled up in my battery compartment.
Aug 31, 2025
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH, the brakes failed when pressed causing the vehicle to crash into the rear end of a second vehicle. During the crash, the air bags did not deploy and the rear driver-side seat belt had sprung outward, although no rear seat passenger was present. The second vehicle's rear driver's side passenger was later treated for an undisclosed injury. A police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed away. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 240,000.
Feb 26, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the messages for the parking brake, tire pressure monitoring system, ABS, and VSC illuminated while driving. The vehicle was later driven to the local dealer who diagnosed that the brake actuator and brake pump were faulty and needed to be replaced. The failure was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was informed of the Manufacturer's Extended Warranty Coverage for the failure however, the warranty had expired. The failure mileage was 129,674.
Sep 27, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
1 complaint
The contact stated owns a 2008 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the ABS system locked up and the brake pedal was firm and difficult to depress, causing the contact to lose control of the vehicle. The contact activated the parking brakes to aid in stopping the vehicle. The vehicle stopped and was restarted and drove normal for several miles before the failure recurred. The vehicle was driven to the dealer and the contact was informed that the failure was a known issue. The contact was informed that since the part was defective the dealer would offer a discount towards the repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
Feb 09, 2022
SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaint
MY VIN NUMBER SAYS ITS A 2008, IT IS A 2011, PRIUS MY BRAKE BOOSTER PUMP WENT OUT AND LOCKED MY BREAKS. I ENDED UP ON SIDE WALK. CALLED DEALER SAID IT WAS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. IT APPEARS THAT THERE IS A RECALL/CLASS ACTION. COSTING ME $1400.00 FOR A NEW SYSTEM. IT WAS IN MOTION.
Apr 20, 2021
SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaint
HI I HAVE A 2004-2009 PRIUS THAT EXPERIENCED A BRAKE ACTUATOR FAILURE. COME TO FIND OUT THIS IS A RECALLED PART, I WOULD LOVE TO SPEAK TO SOMEONE ABOUT GETTING THIS REMEDIED AS IT IS A $3,000 FIX.
Mar 02, 2021
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
THE COOLING PUMP FOR THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM HAD CRACKED AND FLUID LEAKED OUT NO HEAT IN CAR AND RED TRIANGLE OF DEATH DISPLAY ON DASH LOCAL REPAIR SHOP INSTALLED NEW PUMP IT HAS BEEN REPLACED 2 TIMES. STILL LEAKS FROM HOUSING
Jan 11, 2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
1 complaint
THE DASH LIGHTS ON MY CAR WENT COMPLETELY BLANK AND THE CAR IS UNABLE TO SHUT OFF. TOYOTA HAS A SAFETY CAMPAIGN THAT ADDRESSES THIS ISSUE BUT IT IS ONLY GOOD FOR FIRST 9 YEARS OF THE CAR. MY CAR IS A 2008 MODEL AND I UNDERSTAND THIS PROBLEM AFFECTS ALL 2004-2009 MODELS. AS THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN WITH NOT BEING ABLE TO TURN OFF THE CAR PROPERLY, IT IS CAUSING LOTS OF ANXIETY NOT KNOWING IF MY CAR IS ACTUALLY TURNED OFF IN MY GARAGE. MY MOM DRIVES THE CAR AND SHE'S 78 YEARS OLD, SHE CANNOT TELL IF THE CAR IS OFF WHEN SHE EXITS THE CAR. THERE ARE OCCASIONS WHERE THE HYBRID CAR TURNS ON WHILE IT'S IN THE GARAGE BECAUSE MY MOM WAS NOT ABLE TO TURN THE CAR OFF. THIS SHOULD BE AN ISSUE WHERE TOYOTA ISSUES A RECALL FOR THE SAFETY OF EVERYONE THAT OWNS THESE CARS AND PARKS IN A GARAGE.
Sep 15, 2020
STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
1 complaint
MY 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS SHUT OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE ROAD I COULD'VE INVOLVED IN BIG ACCIDENT IF I WAS ON A HIGHWAY THE WAY IT SHUTDOWN WITHOUT ANY WARNING SIGN. IT JUST SUDDENLY STOPPED
Dec 15, 2019
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE OBSTRUCTION CONTROL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY AND CAUSED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO ENGAGE. THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF AND BACK ON IN ORDER FOR IT TO RESUME NORMAL OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SOUTH DADE TOYOTA (29330 S DIXIE HWY, HOMESTEAD, FL 33033, (786) 465-7908) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ACTUATOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000.
Nov 05, 2019
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS GO OUT, MEANING YOU CAN NO LONGER SEE THE MPH, THE FUEL, AND EVERYTHING IMPORTANT TO DRIVE WITH GAUGES. THIS CAN HAPPEN AT ANYTIME, DRIVING OR PARKED, ON ANY STREET IN ANY WEATHER. ALSO NOTE, YOU CAN NO LONGER SHUT THE CAR OFF, UNLESS YOU HOLD THE START BUTTON FOR 20 SECONDS. SOMETIMES THE CAR WILL STILL NOT SHUT OFF, IT'S ALSO SOMETIMES HARD TO TELL IF THE CAR IS OFF, BECAUSE THERE IS NO MORE DASH. THE ONLY WELL TO TELL IS TO SEE IF THE RADIO GOES ON. THERE ARE A FEW WAYS TO RESET THIS MAJOR MALFUNCTION, TO TRY AND GET THINGS WORKING AGAIN BY DISCONNECTING BATTERIES, BUT THIS IS A DANGEROUS PROBLEM, THAT COULD KILL SOMEONE WHILE DRIVING AND NEEDS ATTENTION AND RECALLED SOON AS POSSIBLE!
Nov 04, 2019
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
WAS PARKED IN LINE TO PICK UP CHILD FROM SCHOOL. TURNED CAR ON AND PUT IT ON DRIVE, MOVED SLOWLY WHEN PARKING BRAKE LIGHT, ABS WARNING LIGHT, TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT ALL CAME ON AND THEN MY BRAKES WENT LIMP. HAD TO PUSH ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AND STOPPING WAS STILL HARD TO DO. ALMOST HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME WHEN SUDDENLY ALL LIGHTS WENT OFF AND BRAKES JERKED TO A SUDDEN STOP. I'M TERRIFIED TO DRIVE MY CAR AT FASTER SPEED KNOWING MY BRAKES BASICALLY WENT OUT. PRETTY SURE IT'S FAILING BRAKE ACTUATOR AND TOYOTA KNOWS ABOUT THIS PROBABLY BUT DIDN'T DO A RECALL ONLY EXTENDED WARRANTIES... I DIDN'T OWN THE CAR WHEN THOSE WARRANTIES WE'RE GOING ON IN 2016. HEADLIGHTS ALSO WILL RANDOMLY TURN OFF AND I HAVE TO TURN THEM OFF AND BACK ON CONSTANTLY DRIVING AT NIGHT.
Sep 23, 2019
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
SECOND GENERATION TOYOTA PRIUS (MODEL YEARS 04-09, AN ESTIMATED 669,700 VEHICLES, TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 06 ~66,200 VEHICLES (AND LEXUS MODELS~196,000 VEHICLES) HAVE A KNOWN DEFECTIVE BRAKE POWER BOOSTER KNOWN AS BRAKE ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY. TOYOTA PUBLISHED TSB 0032-16. THE BRAKES FAIL. TOYOTA DENIED TO REMOVE THE KNOWN FAULTY PART IN 2016 BECAUSE THE PART HAD NOT ESTABLISHED SYMPTOMS YET AND VEHICLE WAS OVER 175,000 MILES. 5/24/2019 WHILE IN MOTION ON INTERSTATE 77, THE YELLOW ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM ABS, THE ELECTRONIC VARIABLE SPEED CONTROL VSC (TRACTION) , THE ELECTRONIC CONTROLLED BRAKE ALERT LAMPS ILLUMINATE. THE HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM FAILS BECAUSE THE POWER BRAKES DO NOT REGENERATE ELECTRICITY TO CHARGE THE HYBRID BATTERY FUEL CELLS. TURNING THE HYBRID VEHICLE INTO A PLAIN GAS POWERED VEHICLE WITH FAULTY BRAKES. THE POWER BRAKE SYSTEM CREATES A THUMPING VIBRATION SOUND DUE TO THE PRESSURE INSIDE THE ACTUATOR IS NOT RETAINING/HOLDING PRESSURE. I ASKED LOCAL O'REILY'S TO SCAN VEHICLE, READING CODES BRAKE ACTUATOR FAILURE. REPORTED TO TOYOTA DEALERSHIP 5/30/2019 WITH YELLOW WARNING LAMPS ENGAGED AND WITH KNOWLEDGE OF CODES. CHARGED $150.09 TO VERIFY CODES THAT I RETRIEVED IN 3 MINUTES AND ESTIMATE $2938.47 TO REPLACE KNOWN FAULTY PART. I CONTACTED TOYOTA NATIONAL -1906030924.TOYOTA NEEDS TO OWN THIS RECALL. RECALL THE FAULTY PART KNOWN TO FAIL IN 2016. TOYOTA AWARE OF PART FAILURE, TO SUCH EXTENT, TOYOTA DISCONTINUED THIS BRAKE ACTUATOR AND REDESIGNED FOR GENERATION 3 2010-. TOYOTA HAS UPDATED THE REPLACEMENT PART WITH NEW PART #S. HOW MANY VEHICLES ARE CURRENTLY ON HIGHWAYS WITH THIS KNOWN FAULTY SYSTEM, ENDANGERING ALL VEHICLES IN PROXIMITY? THIS IS A NATIONAL ISSUE. A SAFETY ISSUE. NEEDS IMMEDIATE ATTENTION, PLEASE. I PURCHASED NEW UPDATED PART, DROVE TO TAMPA, FLORIDA TO HAVE INSTALLED BY PROFESSIONAL INSTALLER.
Aug 11, 2019
SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
1 complaint
SON WAS DRIVING CAR ON CITY STREET GOING AROUND 35 MPH, THEN 20 BRAKES WENT OUT COMPLETELY UNTIL PARKED. STARTED WITH A LOUD BEEP NOISE, LIGHTS ON DASH THEN BRAKES NO LONGER WORKED. HE HAD TO PUSH AS HARD AS HE COULD TO TRY AND AT LEAST SLOW CAR DOWN NOT TO HIT CAR IN FRONT OF HIM, PULLED INTO BIKE LANE TO AVOID CRASH AS CAR WOULD NOT STOP. TURNED CAR OFF AND LEFT IN PARKING LOT. I WENT TO GET CAR TO DRIVE HOME AND THEN BRAKES WERE WORKING. HOWEVER SCARED TO LET HIM DRIVE IT IN CASE ISSUES HAPPEN S AGAIN. HAVE NOT TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP YET. THE OTHER ISSUE IS SINCE WE PURCHASE THE CAR BURNS OIL, CAR HAS AROUND 130K MILES AND BEFORE 3000 MILES UP HAVE LESS THEN QUART OF OIL AND NO.LWAKS IN DRIVE WAY THEREFORE FEEL IT MUST BE BURING OIL. ADD OUK AT EACH GASS FILL UP TO AVOID NO OIL.
Jul 19, 2019
SEAT BELTS,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
MY CAR HAS BEEN MAKING NOISES FOR A COUPLE YEARS NOW AND I RECENTLY FOUND OUT IT'S BEEN MY BRAKE ACTUATOR. DUE TO THE ACTUATOR NOT KEEPING COMPRESSION THE ABS BRAKE SYSTEM ISN'T WORKING PROPERLY AND MY CAR ROLLS RIGHT OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY INTO THE ROAD DIE TO POOR BRAKING SYSTEM. I'VE CALLED TOYOTA AND SPOKEN WITH THE DEALERSHIP THEY'RE AWARE OF THE SAFETY ISSUE BUT STATE MY CAR IS OUTSIDE OF THE WARRANTY PERIOD AND WANT $3400 FOR REPAIRS THAN MAY INCREASE ONCE WORK HAS BEGUN.
Mar 17, 2018
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
I WAS IN AN AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT IN FEB OF 2015 I HOT ANOTHER VEHICLE GOING APPROXIMATELY 15MPH NO AIR BAGS WERE DEPLOYED AND THE POLICE OFFICER AND BODY SHOP BOTH WERE SURPRISED NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. I'M CURIOUS IF THIS WAS DUE TO A FAULT YOU AIRBAG AND LUCKLY I WASN'T SERIOUSLY INJURED. MY DASH COMPUTER SENSOR WENT OUT IN 2015, CAUSING ME TO NOT BE ABLE TO READ AN ODOMETER, SPEEDOMETER, ETC. I HAD THIS PART REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE DUE TO THE SAFETY HAZARD IT POTENTIALLY COULD CAUSE I'D LIKE TO SEE A FORMAL RECALL FOR THIS PART. TOYOTA ACKNOWLEDGED THE SAFETY ERROR AND DID ISSUE A EXTENDED WARRANTY WHICH I WAS NOT COVERED BY. I REPLACED MY INVERTER A THIRD TIME IN 2017 DIE TO OVER HEATING. AFTER THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED I DID NOTICED DECEASED POWER WHICH GREATLY AFFECTED THE PERFORMANCE OF MY VEHICLE MAKING IT MORE SLUGGISH. DUE TO THE PERFORMANCE LOSS I'VE NOT BEEN ABLE TO USE THE CAR FOR NORMAL TRIPS THAT WERE TAKEN PREVIOUSLY DUE TO SAFETY CONCERNS.
Mar 17, 2018
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,ENGINE
1 complaint
TOYOTA PRIUS (2008) - FIRE AFTER MINOR ACCIDENT (BATTERY FIRE) AFTER A FAIRLY STANDARD REAR END COLLISION (25-30 MPH), MY TOYOTA PRIUS CAUGHT FIRE AND BURST INTO FLAMES. I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT ON A CITY STREET IN CHICAGO, IL WHEN THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED, MY VEHICLE WAS NOT IN MOTION. WITHIN MINUTES OF IMPACT (TO RIGHT REAR OF CAR), THE RESPONDING POLICE OFFICER SAW FIRE UNDER THE CAR (BEGAN IN REAR) AND THE FIRE DEPT WAS CALLED. THE FIRE TRAVELLED TO THE FRONT OF THE CAR AND THE CAR HAS BEEN DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. THE POLICE AND TOW COMPANY BELIEVE THIS WAS CAUSED BY THE PRIUS BATTERY AND THESE CARS ARE VERY UNSAFE TO BE ON THE ROAD WITH THIS CONDITION. THERE HAS BEEN NO RELATED RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE, BUT IT'S INCREDIBLY UNSAFE AND I'M VERY HAPPY I WAS NOT TRAVELING WITH MY CHILDREN AT TIME OF ACCIDENT. I APPRECIATE YOU TAKING TIME TO REVIEW THIS CASE AND TAKING STEPS TO ENSURE TOYOTA ADDRESSES THE ISSUES WITH THE PRIUS VEHICLES. I'VE ATTACHED THE POLICE REPORT AND PHOTOS OF THE CAR FIRE (I ALSO HAVE VIDEO OF THE FIRE, BUT THE FILE IS TOO LARGE TO ATTACH ON THIS SUBMISSION - AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST). NO MAJOR INJURIES - I EXPERIENCED SORENESS / HEADACHES FROM IMPACT/WHIPLASH AND SAW MY DOCTOR FOLLOWING ACCIDENT (NO MAJOR INJURY). PLEASE REVIEW AND LET ME KNOW IF I CAN PROVIDE ANYTHING ELSE / ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE! [XXX] ('PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).')*JB
Oct 27, 2017
VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
MY 2008 PRIUS HID HEADLIGHT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE GOES OFF INTERMITTENTLY AFTER FEW MINUTES OF DRIVING. SWITCHING THE HEADLIGHT COMPLETELY OFF AND THEN BACK ON BRINGS IT BACK SOMETIMES. READING FROM OTHER PRIUS OWNERS COMMENTS, THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE WITH SOME OF THE PRIUS MODELS. THIS IS DEFINITELY A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD, AND I WOULD LIKE TO ASK IF TOYOTA PROVIDES ANY SUGGESTED FIX TO THIS PROBLEM SINCE IT'S COMMON ON MULTIPLE VEHICLES OF THE SAME MODEL.
Jul 25, 2017
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
WHEN VEHICLE IS TURNED ON, INSTRUMENT CLUSTER ALSO KNOWN AS THE COMBINATION METER, FAIL TO TURN ON. THIS ISSUE IS VERY CONCERNING DUE TO THE OVERALL COMPUTER CONTROLLED FUNCTIONS OF THIS VEHICLE. THE SPEEDOMETER, TRIP METER, ODOMETER AND OTHER FUNCTIONS ARE NOT FUNCTIONING DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THE COMBINATION METER. FUNCTIONS THAT ARE CONSIDERED SAFETY ITEMS SUCH AS THE POWER BRAKES, POWER STEERING, ANTI LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM, SPEEDOMETER, LIGHTS, ETC. THERE IS AN ISSUED WARRANTY COVERING THE ISSUE UP TO A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF TIME HOWEVER SINCE IT IS NOT A WEAR AND TEAR ITEM IT SHOULD BE COVERED BY THE MANUFACTURER REGARDLESS. AFTER VEHICLE IS EVENTUALLY IGNITED, COMBINATION METER DOES NOT ILLUMINATE AND WHEN ATTEMPTING TO TURN OFF THE VEHICLE, IT FAILS TO DO SO WHICH ALSO INCLUDES NOT BEING ABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY. I WAS ADVISED BY A TOYOTA MECHANIC TO ACCESS THE SAFETY OVERRIDE BY HOLDING THE POWER BUTTON HOWEVER THAT PROCEDURE DOES NOT WORK ALL OF THE TIME. I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THIS ISSUE DUE TO MY SAFETY AND DRIVERS AROUND ME AND THEIR SAFETY AND HOPEFULLY THIS ISSUE CAN BE AVOIDED BEFORE A POSSIBLE A CATASTROPHIC ACCIDENT HAPPENS.
Apr 17, 2017
STRUCTURE,SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
I WAS IN A PARKING LOT AND TURNED MY CAR INTO A PARKING SPACE. AS I SLOWED MY CAR TO BRING IT TO A STOP, APPLYING THE BRAKE, THE CAR ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN AND CRASHED INTO A RAILING AT THE HEAD OF THE PARKING SPACE. ALTHOUGH I PUSHED THE BRAKE ALL THE WAY TO TO FLOOR, I COULD NOT STOP THE CAR. THE CAR HIT AT SUCH A SPEED THAT IT BROKE A SOLID WOOD RAILING AT THE FRONT OF THE PARKING SPACE. MY CAR WAS DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS BY MY INSURANCE COMPANY BECAUSE OF THE DAMAGE. IT SEEMED TO ME THE CAR ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN AND THE BRAKE WAS NONFUNCTIONAL. I COULD NOT STOP THE CAR. I HAD TWO RELATED INCIDENTS PRIOR TO THIS CRASH. THE FIRST, I REAR-ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKE TO STOP AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. AGAIN, THE CAR ACCELERATED AND THE BRAKE WOULD NOT STOP IT. EVEN WITH THE BRAKE FULLY PRESSED, THE CAR HIT THE OTHER VEHICLE, BOUNCED BACKWARD, CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE AND HIT THE CAR AGAIN BEFORE COMING TO A STOP. SECONDLY, ONE TIME I NOTICED WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKE TO MAKE A SHARP RIGHT TURN, THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD. THIS DID NOT RESULT IN A CRASH.
Sep 26, 2016
AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING WITH A PASSENGER IN THE FRONT, ON A TOWN STREET AND A VEHICLE PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF HER. THE IMPACT WAS ON HER FRONT BUMPER AND HOOD PUSHING THE SIDE QUARTER PANELS BACK. THE OTHER VEHICLE WAS AN OLDER PONTIAC GRAND PRIS, THEIR AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED ON THE TOYOTA PRIUS.WHY DID THE AIRBAGS NOT DEPLOY?
Sep 03, 2016
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
VEHICLE STARTS, RUNS FOR LIMITED TIME -2-3 MINS. SHUTS OFF VEHICLE STARTS NO ELECTRICAL VISIBILITY ON DASH.. BLANK. VEHICLE STARTS WITH ELECTRICAL VISIBILITY, RUNS FOR 3-5 MILES, LOOSES ELECTRICAL VISIBILITY. UPDATED 12/4/2017*CN VEHICLE STARTS WITH ELECTRICAL VISIBILITY RUNS FOR 3-4 MILES .VEHICLE STOPS, SHUTS OFF IN TRAFFIC. VEHICLE WILL NOT START. REQUIRES JUMP START,,. AND RUNS ENOUGH TO TAKE CAR TO DEALER. VEHICLE WILL NOT START, REQUIRES JUMP START AND WILL NOT HOLD CHARGE. REQUIRES TOWING TO DEALER. MA 10/8
Jul 20, 2015
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
1 complaint
THE CAR MOVES FROM DRIVE TO NEUTRAL MODE. I PUT THE CAR IN "D" AND IT SUDDENLY MOVED BACK TO "N". KEEP THE LEVER HELD ON "D" AND YOU CAN DRIVE, OTHERWISE IT SWITCHES BACK TO "N". HAPPENED 3 TO 4 TIMES TODAY. VERY SCARED IF THIS HAPPENS WHEN DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY OR GETTING STARTED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AS THE CAR BEHIND MAY NOT HAVE ENOUGH SPACE OR INDICATION OF THE VEHICLE SLOWING DOWN BECAUSE OF LOSS OF ACCELERATOR. *TR
Jan 04, 2015
STEERING,WHEELS
1 complaint
I WAS DRIVING MY PRIUS WITH 130,000 MILES LAST NIGHT IN A RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD FEATURING A COUNTERCLOCKWISE,(LEFT-HAND) MODERATE CURVE. THE "CIRCLE" ENDED AT AN INTERSECTION WHERE I WAS TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN. I TURNED MY STEERING TO THE RIGHT TO CANCEL THE COUNTERCLOCKWISE TRAJECTORY, BUT MY FRONT WHEELS SEEMED TO BE "LOCKED" IN THE LEFT TURNING MOTION. I SLAMMED THE BRAKES, BUT COULD NOT STOP THE CAR FROM CLIMBING THE CURB AND SIDESWIPING A TREE, CAUSING MY DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT WHEEL TO BE SHOVED BACKWARD TOWARDS THE DRIVER DOOR IN THE WHEEL FRAME. MY CAR IS NOW AT A BODY SHOP WITH AN AGREED $5600.00 IN DAMAGE, MOSTLY TO THE STEERING ASSEMBLY, SUSPENSION, AND WHEEL/AXLE. THE WHEEL PANEL ABOVE THE WHEEL WILL BE REPLACED, AND SCRATCHES ON THE FRONT BUMPER AND DRIVER DOOR WILL BE REPAIRED. WORK IS SCHEDULED TO BE COMPLETED BY JANUARY 5. I BELIEVE THAT THE CONDITION WHICH CAUSED THE STEERING TO LOCK IN A LEFT-TURN CONDITION WITHOUT WARNING ON A DRY ROAD IS A SERIOUS MANUFACTURING DEFECT FOR WHICH I SHOULD BE REIMBURSED .FORTUNATELY, THERE WAS NO TRAFFIC AND NO INJURIES, AND EVEN THE TREE SEEMS UNSCATHED. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN TRAGIC ON AN INTERSTATE OR IN CONGESTED HIGH SPEED TRAFFIC. I HAVE BEEN PLEASED WITH MY PRIUS' PERFORMANCE TO THIS POINT, BUT BELIEVE THAT TOYOTA HAS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS MATTER AS EVIDENCED BY STEERING RELATED RECALLS ON SIMILAR VINTAGE PRIUS MODELS. I REQUEST FULL REIMBURSEMENT FOR MY REPAIR, MINDFUL THAT THESE EXPENSES COULD BE A LOT HIGHER HAD THIS FAILURE OCCURRED UNDER DIFFERENT CIRCUMSTANCES. I HAD PREVIOUSLY SUBMITTED THIS INFORMATION TO A TOYOTA INQUIRY WEBSITE AND HAVE NOT RECEIVED AN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OR RESPONSE FORM TOYOTA. *TR
Dec 24, 2014
STEERING,POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
GEAR SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL WITHOUT USE OF GEAR SHIFT CONTROL. HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES AND WASN'T ABLE TO SHIFT INTO REVERSE OR DRIVE. KEPT GOING BACK TO NEUTRAL. PARK ALSO WASN'T WORKING. POWERED CAR OFF WHICH DID PUT IN PARK. RESTARTED AND DROVE HOME WITHOUT ISSUE. TRIED TO RECREATE AT HOME AND SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED. WAS ABLE TO MANUALLY HOLD GEAR SHIFT IN DRIVE OR REVERSE TO MOVE CAR INTO DRIVEWAY. HAVE LEFT CAR AT TOYOTA SERVICE CENTER TODAY FOR INSPECTION. DID NOT OCCUR WHEN TECH TRIED IT DAY AFTER INCIDENT AT 7AM. INITIAL INCIDENT OCCURRED ON HOT AFTERNOON AT 5PM WITH 100 DEGREE TEMPERATURES. HAVE READ ONLINE OF SIMILAR PROBLEMS RELATED TO HOT TEMP. HAVE HAD CAR FOR 5 YEARS WITH NO PROBLEMS LIKE THIS. JUST CROSSED 50000 MILES AND AM COVERED UNDER WARRANTY UNTIL OCT. I HOPE IT CAN BE REPAIRED. AND HOPE IT DOES NOT HAPPEN WHILE I AM DRIVING AT FASTER SPEEDS. SO FAR ONLY HAPPENS WHEN PARKED AND RECENTLY STARTED. STARTER BATTERY WAS REPLACED AROUND 2 YEARS AGO. *TR
Jul 26, 2014
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
1 complaint
ON THIS DATE WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE 5 NEAR LOS ANGELES MY PRIUS MADE A LOUD NOISE AND STARTED SHUTTING DOWN AS I WAS DRIVING ON THE FAR LEFT LANE. THE CAR IMMEDIATELY SLOWED DOWN AND THE VSC ICON AS WELL AS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ICON BECAME VISIBLE, HOWEVER THE ODOMETER WAS BLANK AND I COULD NOT TELL WHAT SPEED I WAS TRAVELING, THE CAR WAS COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. ONCE I MANAGED TO GET TO THE FAR RIGHT SHOULDER THE CAR MADE A STOP. I WAS ALMOST REAR ENDED BY A BIG RIG WHICH HAD TO SWERVE TO THE LEFT SIDE IN ORDER TO AVOID HITTING MY CAR. IT WASN'T UNTIL THEN THAT I NOTICED THE RED ENGINE LIGHT ICON DISPLAYED ON THE CONTROL PANEL NOT THE ODOMETER. I HAVE NEVER SEEN THIS WARNING LIGHT BUT AFTER LOOKING AT THE OWNER'S MANUAL IT CLEARLY STATED THAT ONCE THIS LIGHT APPEARS YOU NEED TO GET THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD AS SOON AS POSSIBLE OR IT WILL CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME I NOTICED THIS SIGN AND IT APPEARED AFTER THE FACT. THE CAR HAD NO ENGINE OIL, WHICH WAS RIDICULOUS SINCE I HAD NOT NOTICED ANY LEAKS AND I TAKE MY CAR IN EVERY 2 MONTHS TO THE DEALER FOR AN OIL CHANGE. THE DEALER HAD NO EXPLANATION OTHER THAN IT DID NOT HAVE ANY LEAKS AND THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO VERIFY WHEN THE RED ENGINE OIL CAME ON. THIS HAPPENED ON 5/30/14, MY LAST VISIT TO THE DEALER WAS ON 4/12/14 AND AT THE TIME THEY DID NOT DETECT ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE OIL LEAKING. THIS CLEARLY MAKES NO SENSE AND THEY ARE REFUSING TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. TOYOTA OWNERS SHOULD BE VERY CAUTIOUS AS THIS SHOULD HAVE NEVER HAPPENED THE SENSOR SHOULD HAVE GIVEN ME A WARNING PRIOR TO THE CAR SHUTTING DOWN. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED MANY FATALITIES BEING IN A HEAVILY POPULATED HIGHWAY. *TR
Jun 04, 2014
TIRES,WHEELS
1 complaint
WE HAVE HAD TWO CATASTROPHIC FAILURES OF CONTINENTAL PRO CONTACT TIRES (195/55-16) - ONE ON 12/11/2012 (RIGHT FRONT) AND ONE ON 04/24/2014 (LEFT FRONT). BOTH TIRES HAD BEEN IN SERVICE LESS THAN 5,000 MILES, WERE CORRECTLY INFLATED AND IN NO WAY MISUSED. NO ROAD OBSTACLE HAS HIT - THE TIRES SIMPLY DISINTEGRATED AFTER A FEW SECONDS OF TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT INDICATION. BOTH LOOK AS THOUGH A TIGER SAW HAD BEEN USED TO CUT AROUND THE CIRCUMFERENCE WHERE THE SIDEWALL TURNS TO MEET THE TREAD. *TR
Apr 25, 2014
POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
ON OCCASION THE VEHICLE WILL POP OUT OF D OR WILL HAVE A PROBLEM GETTING INTO D. THIS DAY I PARKED, LEFT THE VEHICLE RUNNING (ON) SINCE IT WAS COLD IN BOSTON AND MY WIFE WAS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. EXISTED THE CAR, RETRIEVED A PACKAGE I WAS DELIVERING FROM THE BACK SEAT AND LEFT. ABOUT 5 MIN LATER, MY WIFE SAID THAT ALL OF A SUDDEN SHE FEELS THE CAR MOVING FORWARD AND BEFORE SHE CAN STOP IT THE CAR CRASHED INTO A TRUCK WITH A VERY LARGE TOW HITCH ASSEMBLY. THE CRASH NAILED MY FRONT HOOD VIRTUALLY DEAD CENTER. DEALER COULD NOT REPLICATE BUT SEEMS FROM OTHER ONLINE COMMENTS THAT THIS IS NOT UNKNOWN ABOUT GEAR DIFFICULTY ALTHOUGH POPPING OUT OF P SEEMS LIKE A NEW ADD-ON OR MAYBE FEW OF US EVER LEAVE A CAR RUNNING. *TR
Feb 15, 2014
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
WHEN I BRAKE AND ALSO GO OVER A BUMP MY 2008 PRIUS LURCHES FORWARD. THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT ILLUMINATES. THE BRAKES BECOME INEFFECTIVE. THIS CAUSED ME TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT LAST NIGHT. THE CARS BEFORE ME CAME TO A SUDDEN STOP. I WAS DRIVING 15-20MPH BUT UNFORTUNATELY I HIT THE BRAKES WHILE UNKNOWNINGLY SIMULTANEOUSLY GOING OVER A BUMP. THE FAULTY TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM SENT ME INTO A 1-2 SECOND LURCH FORWARD WITH ZERO BRAKES. WHEN I FINALLY WAS ABLE TO HAVE BRAKES I HAD TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE TO THE LEFT OF THE CAR AHEAD SCRATCHING THE AURA AND DENTING MY FRONT RIGHT PANEL. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THE BRAKES HAVE FAILED BUT IT IS THE FIRST TIME I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF IT. TOYOTA DRIVERS NEED TO LEAVE A 4 SEC. SPACE BETWEEN CARS TO MAKE UP FOR THE 2 SEC. LAPSE IN BRAKES. *TR
Nov 18, 2013
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING,NO MORE GAS POWER,WARNING LIGHTS ON,VSC TOO.THROTTLE RESPONSE WAS NOT WORKING,TURNED OFF THE CAR FOR FEW MINUTES AND RESTARTED IT,IT WORKED FOR A SHORT WHILE AND DID IT AGAIN... TOYOTA OAKLAND SAID I NEEDED TO REPLACE THE ENGINE THROTTLE BODY.$1600!!! ONE MONTH AFTER THE WARRANTY WORE OFF. *TR
Oct 22, 2013
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
2008 PRIUS HEADLAMPS INTERMITTENT HID PROBLEM. THIS IS A KNOWN AND COMMON PROBLEM WITH TOYOTA PRIUS 2004-2009. NO RECALL FOR IT THAT I AM AWARE OF, HOWEVER THEY LIGHT WILL GO OUT RANDOMLY. THE COST OF REPAIR CAN BEEN EXTREME. TOYOTA WAS SUED FOR THIS, BUT DID NOT MAKE AN OFFICIAL RECALL (HTTP://WWW.GIRARDGIBBS.COM/TOYOTA-PRIUS/). WHEN DRIVING MY LIGHTS WILL GO OUT FOR NO REASON. TURN THE SWITCH OFF AND BACK ON WILL SOMETIMES CORRECT THE ISSUE, BUT OTHERS TIMES I HAVE TO WAIT A BIT AND RETRY. THIS IS A DANGER AND SAFETY ISSUE. I HAVE READ WHERE REPAIRS CAN RUN FROM 300 - 1100 PER SIDE TO REPAIR. IN ADDITION, THE REAR LIFT GATE LATCH RUBBER IS BECOMING VERY STICKY. I HAVE AGAIN READ NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS THAT IT EVENTUALLY MELTS AND AGAIN TOYOTA HAS NOT PUT A RECALL IN PLACE FOR THIS. LASTLY THE MPG IS HORRIBLE. IN THE CITY I GET 27 TO 36 RANDOMLY CHANGES, THERE IS NO STABILITY IN THE MPG. IT IS ALL OVER THE BOARD. I AM THE ONLY DRIVER. THIS VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED AT TUSTIN TOYOTA IN TUSTIN CALIFORNIA. THEY HAVE REFUSED ALL CALLS FROM ME. THEY HAVE NOT CALLED BACK AFTER 4 MESSAGES AND TWO INTERNET CHAT MESSAGES. *TR
Oct 04, 2013
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS I STARTED MY PRIUS BY USING THE ELECTRIC START BUTTON WITHOUT THE KEY. THE CAR STARTS AND RUNS BUT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL DOES NOT LIGHT UP. ONCE I ARRIVED AT MY DESTINATION THE CAR WILL NOT SHUT OFF. IT TAKE APPROX. 1 HR OF RUNNING BEFORE IT WILL TURN OFF. MY DEALERSHIP INDICATED THEY HAD NOT HEARD OF THIS ISSUE BUT AFTER A DIAGNOSTIC TEST, DISCOVERED THAT A COMPUTER CHIP COMMUNICATING WITH THE START BUTTON WAS THE ISSUE. THE PART IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR 4 TO 6 WEEKS AND THEY WILL NOT RELEASE MY CAR TO ME SINCE THEY CONSIDER IT A SAFETY ISSUE. THEY INDICATED ITS PART OF A RECALL ISSUE..NEVER HEARD OF IT! HUMMM. NO COST FOR THE FIX SINCE IT IS PART OF THE RECALL AND TOYOTA HAS PROVIDED ME WITH A RENTAL CAR. *TR
Feb 26, 2013
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START UNLESS A PARTICULAR WARNING LIGHT WAS CLEARED BY DISCONNECTING AND RECONNECTING THE BATTERY. THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE OF WHAT LIGHT ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE STALLED WHEN SPEEDS EXCEEDED 50 MPH. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FAILURE MAY BE DUE TO THE ENGINE PLUG-IN BATTERY ADD-ON KIT THAT HE PERSONALLY INSTALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A LOW BATTERY INDICATOR PROBLEM THAT CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT ONCE THE ADD-ON WAS REMOVED, THE FAILURE CEASED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,000. UPDATED 02/12/13*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED HIS COMPLAINT WAS AGAINST THE MAKERS AND DISTRIBUTORS OF THE PHEV CONVERSION KIT, HE HAD INSTALLED IN HIS VEHICLE. THE BATTERY KIT WAS USED TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL ELECTRICAL BATTERY POWER TO THE BUILT IN BATTERY OF THE HYBRID. THE CONSUMER STATED OCCASIONALLY, THE PHEV KIT WOULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT SPEEDS OF 45 -65 MPH. WHEN THE INCIDENT OCCURRED, THERE WAS A WARNING BEEP AND THE GENERAL WARNING TRIANGLE WOULD APPEAR ON THE DASHBOARD. ONCE IT HAPPENED, THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO RE-START THE VEHICLE, UNTIL THE GENERAL WARNING TRIANGLE WAS CLEARED. HE HAD TO CLEAR IT, BY DISCONNECTING THE 12 VOLT BATTERY FOR A MINUTE AND THE RE-CONNECTING THE 12 VOLT BATTERY. THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN FOR A THIRD TIME, HE REMOVED THE PHEV BATTERY KIT. UPDATED 02/13/13
Jan 30, 2013
STRUCTURE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK THE ENGINE REVVED UP. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE JUMPED THE CURVE AND RAN INTO SOME BUSHES. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 87,102. ..UPDATED 11/14/12 *BF UPDATED 11/15/2012 *JS
Oct 09, 2012
STRUCTURE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
ON 8/29/12, I GOT INTO MY 2008 PRIUS IN THE PARKING LOT OF THE EASTON, MD GIANT FOOD-STORE TO RETURN HOME. THIS LOT IS ON A SLOPE JUST ABOVE A PARKING LOT FOR WALMART, WITH A PAVED ROAD BETWEEN THE 2 LOTS. THE PARKING LOTS WERE VERY CROWDED. I NEEDED TO GET TO THE ROAD SEPARATING THE 2 LOTS IN ORDER TO GO HOME. I HAD JUST STARTED THE PRIUS AND PUT IT INTO DRIVE WHEN IT STARTED TO ROAR LOUDLY, JUMPED OUT FAST, AND ACCELERATED RAPIDLY, EVEN THOUGH I BRAKE MULTIPLE TIMES. THE BRAKES SEEMED TO MAKE IT ACCELERATE FASTER. I WAS NOT TOUCHING THE GAS PEDAL, ONLY THE BRAKE, BUT THE CAR WAS ROARING AND OUT OF CONTROL. ON THE WAY OUT OF THE GIANT LOT, THE PRIUS HIT 3 CARS. THE NOISE WAS VERY LOUD, AND THE CAR WAS OUT OF CONTROL. PUMPING THE BRAKES OR HOLDING THEM DOWN DID NOTHING TO SLOW THE CAR, AND THE NOISE WAS TERRIFYING. THE BRAKES DID NOT WORK, AND THE PRIUS CONTINUED TO MAKE A VERY LOUD ROARING NOISE. THE SPEED OF THE CAR MADE STEERING DIFFICULT, IF NOT IMPOSSIBLE, AND THERE COULD HAVE BEEN INJURIES. THE PRIUS THEN LEFT THE GIANT PARKING LOT, WENT DOWN THE MULCHED SLOPE, CROSSED THE STREET, BUMPED OVER THE CURB, AND WENT UP THE WALMART SLOPE HITTING A SMALL TREE. THE CAR WAS PROBABLY GOING AT LEAST 40 MPH AND CAME TO A STOP ONLY AFTER IT PLUNGED INTO AN UNOCCUPIED BLACK CAR PARKED IN THE WALMART PARKING LOT. IT WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED AND TOWED AWAY. NO ONE KNEW WHO THE OWNER WAS AT THE TIME THE POLICE ORDERED IT TOWED AWAY. AN OCCUPANT WOULD HAVE BEEN SEVERELY INJURED OR KILLED.DURING THE ABOVE, THE PRIUS CONTINUED TO RUN AND THE AIRBAG FUNCTIONED, KEEPING ME UNINJURED. THE BRAKES AND THE ACCELERATOR FAILED TOTALLY. FOUR VEHICLES WERE DAMAGED, ONE OF WHICH WAS TOTALED. BUT AS FAR AS I KNOW, THERE WERE NO INJURIES??FOR WHICH I AM GRATEFUL. THIS PRIUS SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ON THE ROAD DESPITE HAVING ONLY 74,000 MILES AND ITS APPARENT GOOD CONDITION. *TR
Sep 09, 2012
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
ON 09JUL2012 4:00 P.M WHILE DRIVING MY PRIUS 2008 HYBRID, HEADING HOME ON I15N, THE ELECTRIC POWER ON THE VEHICLE SHUTDOWN WITHOUT ANY PREVIOUS WARNING, OR ALERT. I IMMEDIATELY MANEUVERED THE VEHICLE TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER OF THE HIGHWAY. IMMEDIATELY CALLED AAA FOR A TOWING INTO TOYOTA OF ESCONDIDO, LOCATED ON 231 LINCOLN PARKWAY, ESCONDIDO, CA 92026 PH# (760) 746-0674. TODAY 09/01/2012 - CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH INTERMITTENT HID HEADLIGHT OPERATION: I'VE GOT A PACKAGE 6 2006 PRIUS. ONE OF THE HEADLIGHTS KEEPS GOING OUT. I CAN'T REALLY TELL WHEN OR HOW IT GOES OUT SINCE I CAN'T SEE IT. I'LL NOTICE IT WHEN I SEE THE REFLECTION IN THE BACK OF ANOTHER CAR. IF I TURN THE BRIGHT LIGHTS ON AND OFF IT HAS NO EFFECT, BUT WHEN I TURN THEM ALL THE WAY OFF AND BACK ON THE LIGHT COMES BACK. REQUEST A SAFETY RECALL FOR TOYOTA TO TAKE CARE OF THE ELECTRICAL CORRECTIVE ACTIONS. *TR
Sep 01, 2012
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
AROUND 4:30PM ON SATURDAY AFTERNOON, WE OPENED THE CAR DOOR TO RUN SOME ERRANDS AND WERE STARTLED BY A PIERCING NOISE. THE DASHBOARD WAS LIGHTING UP (ABS & VSC) AND ALTHOUGH THE CAR STARTED, THE DASHBOARD REMAINED LIT AND THE BEEPING CONTINUED. WHEN DRIVING THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP, THE BRAKES DID NOT BRAKE FULLY. AFTER A $58 DIAGNOSTIC TEST, WE WERE TOLD THAT ACC PRESSURE SENSOR NEEDED TO BE CLEARED AND IF WE RETURNED WITH THE SAME PROBLEM, WE MAY NEED TO REPLACE A "BRAKE ACTUATOR PART" (COST = $2,560). BEFORE THIS INCIDENT, ON SATURDAY AFTERNOON, WE DROVE THE CAR ON THE INTERSTATE FOR ABOUT 150 MILES. FOR THE LAST 15 MINUTES OF OUR TRIP, WE WERE DRIVING THROUGH HEAVY RAINS ON THE INTERSTATE AND ON SIDE ROADS. WE DID NOT EXPERIENCE ANY PROBLEMS WHEN DRIVING THE CAR IN THE RAIN, BUT ARE WONDERING WHETHER OR NOT THE WATER AFFECTED THE BRAKES. *TR
Aug 27, 2012
CHILD SEAT
1 complaint
SUNSHINE KIDS RADIAN XTSL CARSEAT WITH SUPERLATCH SYSTEM, PURCHASED ON MAY 11, 2011, BECOMES LOOSE AFTER SEVERAL DAYS OF NORMAL USAGE EVEN THOUGH PROPERLY INSTALLED TO START. THE SEAT WAS MANUFACTURER'S IN CHINA NOVEMBER 2010, MODEL US19500, SERIAL # 111001985 04329. THE SEAT IS INSTALLED IN A 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS AND WE ARE UNABLE TO GET A SECURE INSTALLATION USING THE SEATBELT. WHEN INSTALLED USING THE SUPERLATCH SYSTEM, THE SEAT CAN BE MOVED SEVERAL INCHES IN ANY DIRECTION AFTER MY CHILD HAS CLIMBED IN AND OUT OF THE SEAT OVER THE COURSE OF A FEW DAYS. THE COMPANY HAS NOT YET RESPONDED TO MY COMPLAINTS. (RELATED VEHICLE INFORMATION: MODEL YEAR=2008, MAKE=TOYOTA, MODEL=PRIUS). *TR
Jun 08, 2011
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
ON 3 SEPARATE DAYS, 2 DURING THE SUMMER OF 2009 AND 1 DURING THE SUMMER OF 2010, OUR PRIUS TRANSMISSION HAS AUTOMATICALLY AND REPEATEDLY SHIFTED FROM D (DRIVE) TO N (NEUTRAL) WITHOUT WARNING WHILE THE CAR WAS MOVING. ALL INCIDENTS HAPPENED ON EXTREMELY HOT DAYS (TEMPERATURES NEAR 100) IN THE AFTERNOON AFTER THE CAR HAD BEEN PARKED OUT IN THE SUN AND WITHOUT US HAVING MADE ANY ACCIDENTAL CONTACT WITH THE SHIFTER / DRIVE SELECTOR WHILE DRIVING. THIS CREATED DANGEROUS SITUATIONS SEVERAL TIMES AS THE CAR ERRATICALLY SLOWED AS WE ENTERED INTERSECTIONS OR PULLED OUT ONTO BUSY STREETS. OUR INITIAL RESPONSE WAS TO DEPRESS THE ACCELERATOR, BUT WHEN THIS HAD NO EFFECT, WE DISCOVERED THE TRANSMISSION LIGHT HAD MOVED FROM D TO N. IT WAS ESPECIALLY DANGEROUS WHEN MAKING LEFT HAND TURNS ON BUSY STREETS WITH ONCOMING TRAFFIC. WE DISCOVERED THAT WE COULD KEEP THE CAR MOVING BY CONSTANTLY HOLDING THE SHIFTER / DRIVE SELECTOR LEVER IN THE D POSITION. TURNING OFF THE AIR CONDITIONER DID NOT HELP THE PROBLEM. AFTER THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED, WE TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP TO INVESTIGATE THE PROBLEM, BUT THE SERVICE TECHNICIANS THERE WERE UNABLE TO REPRODUCE IT. THIS GLITCH REMAINS A CONCERN TO US BECAUSE THE LOSS OF POWER AND ACCELERATION IS UNPREDICTABLE AND THEREFORE DANGEROUS, BUT AT LEAST WE KNOW WE CAN KEEP THE CAR MOVING BY HOLDING THE SHIFTER IN THE D POSITION. BECAUSE THE CAR IS SO COMPUTERIZED, I SUSPECT AN ELECTRONIC COMPONENT OF THE DRIVE SYSTEM MAY MALFUNCTION AT HIGH TEMPERATURES. THE MILEAGE NUMBER I GAVE IS AN APPROXIMATION SINCE I DIDN'T RECORD THE ACTUAL MILEAGE WHEN THIS FIRST HAPPENED, BUT THE DEALER WHO SERVICED THE CAR SHORTLY THEREAFTER SHOULD HAVE THAT INFORMATION.
Jan 19, 2011
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
THERE WERE NO DISTINGUISHING EVENTS THAT LED UP TO THE TOTAL FAILURE OF MY 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS DRIVER SIDE HEADLIGHT AND DOOR LOCK ASSEMBLY (FRONT). THEY BOTH NO LONGER WORKED WITHIN A 1 DAY PERIOD AND REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. NOTICING 2 OR MORE OTHER VEHICLES OF THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL THERE FOR LIGHT REPLACEMENT CAUSED ME TO INQUIRE WHAT CAUSED THEIR LIGHT MALFUNCTIONS. IN THE MATTER OF MINUTES OF MY CALLING IN, ROUGHLY AN HOUR INTO THE DEALERSHIPS OPENING, I WAS TOLD THE LIGHTS WERE AVAILABLE, BY THE TIME ARRIVED, WITHIN 5 MINUTES, ENOUGH AUTOS HAD ARRIVED ALSO WITH THE "HID" HEADLAMPS OUT THAT THE DEALERSHIPS ENTIRE STOCK OF LIGHTS HAD BEEN USED UP, AND REQUIRED MY HAVING TO RETURN AFTER ANOTHER SHIPMENT OF LIGHTS WERE RECEIVED, AS WELL. I DID NOT REQUEST THE OLD PART. *TR
Jan 10, 2011
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
TL - THE CONTACT OWNS 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRYING TO TURN OFF THE VEHICLE IT WOULD NOT SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE HAD OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE, HE WAS NOT ABLE TO TURN OFF THE VEHICLE UNTIL IT WAS WARM. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN INTO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 61,000. PM
Jan 05, 2011
SUSPENSION,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
I WAS LEAVING THE AIRPORT AND BEGINNING TO PICK UP SPEED (APPROXIMATELY 30-35 MPH) WHEN I HAD A VERY SCARY INCIDENT WITH MY 2008 PRIUS. IT SUDDENLY FISHTAILED TO THE LEFT, SEVERAL SECONDS LATER FISHTAILED TO THE RIGHT, AND AS IT YET AGAIN BEGAN TO FISHTAIL TO THE LEFT, I JAMMED ON THE BRAKES VERY HARD AND IT CORRECTED. IT WAS TERRIFYING AND FORTUNATELY THERE WAS NO ONE TO MY RIGHT OR BEHIND ME AND THE TAXI ON MY LEFT MANAGED TO AVOID ME. I KNEW THAT I WOULD NEVER FEEL SAFE IN MY PRIUS AGAIN. I IMMEDIATELY REPORTED THE PROBLEM TO THE TOYOTA REGIONAL MANAGER WHO SAID TO TAKE IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP. I THEN SPENT THE NEXT TWO DAYS READING COMPLAINTS POSTED ON THE INTERNET ABOUT THE PRIUS. IT IS CHILLING TO READ HOW MANY COMPLAINTS HAVE BEEN FILED AND THE PATTERNS THAT EMERGE IN THE REPORTING. I TOOK MY CAR INTO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE SERVICE MANAGER LOOKED OVER THE COMPLAINT THAT HAD BEEN WRITTEN UP AND SAID, "I NEVER HEARD OF THIS BEFORE." I TOLD HIM HE ONLY HAD TO GO TO THE INTERNET TO SEE HOW SIMILAR CASES WITH THE PRIUS HAVE BEEN DOCUMENTED. HE TOLD ME THAT I SHOULDN'T BELIEVE WHAT I FIND THERE. I TRIED MY BEST TO GIVE HIM A THOROUGH EXPLANATION OF THE PROBLEM BUT HE DIDN'T SEEM MUCH INTERESTED IN GETTING A FIX ON WHAT I WAS TALKING ABOUT. HE ASKED IF I HAD GONE OVER A BUMP. "NO," I REPLIED, "BUT WHY DO YOU ASK?" HE SAID THAT GOING OVER A BUMP CAN TRIGGER A SENSOR IN THE WHEEL THAT SETS IN MOTION A SERIES OF RESPONSES. "AND GOING OVER A BUMP ISN'T A PROBLEM FOR TOYOTA?", I ASKED. HE DIDN'T RESPOND AND ONLY SAID THAT THEY WILL LOOK THE CAR OVER. FROM READING THE DOCUMENTED REPORTS ON THE INTERNET, I KNEW EXACTLY WHAT THE FINDINGS WOULD BE. "WE DON'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH YOUR CAR," HE TOLD ME. "BUT YOU DO AGREE THAT THERE IS SOMETHING SERIOUSLY WRONG, DON'T YOU?", I ASKED. HE IMMEDIATELY HUSTLED ME OUT OF THE AREA. I KNEW THAT I COULD NEVER SELL MY CAR TO ANOTHER PERSON IN GOOD FAITH, BUT I SOLD IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AT A BIG LOSS. *TR
Dec 20, 2010
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH INTO A PARKING SPACE. THE CONTACT ENGAGED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE ENGINE REVVED EXTREMELY HIGH WITH AN INCREASE IN THE ACCELERATION. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP AND TRAVELED OVER A CEMENT PARKING BLOCK. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE AND CRASHED INTO A BRICK WALL. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY WITH THE IMPACT INVOLVED. THERE WAS NO PERSONAL INJURY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OF THE INCIDENT. THE ESTIMATED COST FOR THE BRICK WALL DAMAGES WAS $2,500. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V388000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: ACCELERATOR PEDAL) IN JUNE OF 2010. THE CONTACT STATED THE REMEDY DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A COLLISION CENTER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 30,000.
Aug 13, 2010
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE SHIFTED INTO REVERSE GEAR AND THE VEHICLE MOVED FORWARD. HE WAS ABLE TO APPLY THE BRAKES IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED APPROXIMATELY TEN TIMES BUT HE DID NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. HE STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED IN A PARKING LOT WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. NO DAMAGE WAS DONE TO EITHER VEHICLE. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A KNEE INJURY. HE CALLED THE DEALER AND THEY REFERRED HIM TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED BUT THEY HAVE NOT RETURNED HIS CALL. THE FAILURE HAD BEEN ON GOING FOR SIX MONTHS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 22,300. UPDATED 10/05/10 *BF UPDATED 10/07/10
Jul 30, 2010
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
2008 TOYOTA PRIUS. CONSUMER STATES PROBLEM WITH BRAKES DISENGAGE WHEN BRAKING. *TGW IN ADDITION, THE BRAKES DISENGAGED WHEN THE TIRES ROLLED OVER A TAR STRIP OR ANY OTHER TYPE OF BUMPS. ALSO, THE HEATING SYSTEM WAS NOT ADEQUATE DURING WINTER CONDITIONS, THE AUTOMATIC DIMMING REAR VIEW MIRROR DID NOT WORK BECAUSE IT WAS BLOCKED BY THE REAR WINDOW FRAME. CONSEQUENTLY, THE CONSUMER WAS BLINDED BY THE LIGHTS OF OTHER VEHICLES BEHIND HIM. *JB
Jun 21, 2010
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1 complaint
S10 APPROPRIATE HANDLING-LETTER TO THE SECRETARY FROM RE TOYOTA PROBLEMS *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE BRAKES MADE A NOISE. ACCORDING TO THE DEALER, THERE MAY HAVE BEEN RUST ON THE ROTORS, DUE TO LACK OF DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT GETTING PROPER GAS MILEAGE AND THE GAS MOTOR MADE A LOT OF NOISE.
Apr 27, 2010
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
HI, WHILE DRIVING TO WORK THIS MORNING, MY LEFT HEADLIGHT FLASHED AND THEN STOPPED WORKING. MY 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS IS ABOUT 1.75 YEARS OLD WITH APPROXIMATELY 28,000 MILES. I HAVE HEARD FROM OTHER PRIUS OWNERS THAT THEY HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THEIR HEADLIGHTS. I HAVE ALSO HEARD THE REPLACEMENT COST FOR THE HEADLIGHT IS $300.00. I FIND THAT HARD TO BELIEVE, NONETHELESS HEADLIGHTS IN EVERYOTHER CAR I HAVE OWNED SEEM TO HAVE A LIFE OF 10 OR MORE YEARS. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE I DRIVE TO WORK EARLY IN THE MORNING WHEN IT IS DARK AND I SOMETIMES DON'T RETURN HOME UNTIL AFTER DARK. THE BULK OF MY DRIVING HAS BEEN IN THE DAYLIGHT, HOWEVER I NEED MY CAR TO GET TO WORK. ALSO ON 3 OCCASIONS MY CRUISE CONTROL ACCELERATED BEYOND WHERE I SET IT. FOR EXAMPLE I RESET THE CONTROL AFTER HAVING HIT THE BRAKES. I GOT BACK TO MY SPEED AND SET THE CRUISE CONTROL AT 70MPH. I NOTICED A SHORT WHILE LATER THE CAR WAS GOING 95. I HIT THE BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN AND THE CAR IMMEDIATELY CAME OUT OF CRUISE CONTROL AND SLOWED DOWN AS IT SHOULD. I NOW TAKE THE CAR ALL THE WAY OUT OF CRUISE CONTROL SHUTTING IT OFF AFTER I HIT THE BRAKES. I NEXT TURN THE CONTROL BACK ON AND RESET THE CRUISE. USING THE CRUISE THIS WAY I HAVE NOT HAD THE PROBLEM OF THE CAR SPEEDING UP. II FIGURE I WILL CONTINUE TO USE THE CRUISE THIS WAY AND OBSERVE WHETHER THERE IS ANY PROBLEM. HOWEVER,I DON'T BELIEVE TOYOTA INTENDED FOR THE CRUISE CONTROL TO BE USED THIS WAY. THANK YOU *TR
Apr 10, 2010
PARKING BRAKE,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
I LEFT MY 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS RUNNING AND HAD TO RUN BACK INTO A HOME WHERE I'D JUST LEFT A SALES APPOINTMENT. EVENTHOUGH I HAD THE KEY FOB IN MY POCKET, I NOTICED OUT OF THE CORNER OF MY EYE AS I WAS CROSSING THE STREET BACK TOWARDS THE HOUSE THAT MY CAR WAS CAREENING INTO THE BUICK PARKED ACROSS THE STREET. I RAN AND JUMPED IN AND STEERED IT AWAY FROM T-BONING THE PARKED BUICK, BUT COULD NOT KEEP IT THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE PRIUS FROM SCRAPING ALONG THE DRIVER'S SIDE CORNER OF THE BUICK'S REAR BUMPER. *TR
Mar 17, 2010
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
ON 31 DECEMBER 2009 MY 08 PRIUS WAS SLOWED DOWN PRIOR TO TURNING INTO A DRIVEWAY, WHEN IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. IT WENT OUT OF CONTROL AND CRASHED INTO TREES AND A POWERPOLE. THE FLOOR MAT, THAT ACCORDING TO TOYOTA IS SUPPOSED TO CAUSE THIS, WAS PROPERLY ATTACHED TO THE PEGS IN THE FLOOR, AND IN PROPER PLACE EVEN AFTER THE CRASH RECENTLY, ON 6 APRIL, 2010, I AGAIN EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN UNEXPLAINED ACCELERATION WHEN GOING ABOUT 5/10 MILES PER HOUR. IT LASTED ABOUT FOUR SECONDS AND DID NOT RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT. *TR
Mar 10, 2010
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
1 complaint
I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY UPDATE FROM TOYOTA AFTER THEY SENT ME A NOTICE 2 MONTHS AGO ABOUT MY FLOOR MAT ISSUE. *TR
Feb 20, 2010
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC,TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
1 complaint
MOST RECENT FAILURE WAS A FEW DAYS AGO BUT THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM SINCE I PURCHASED THE 2008 PRIUS IN MARCH OF 08--- I THOUGHT IT WAS A QUIRK IN THE CAR --- SOMETHING THAT JUST NATURALLY HAPPENED WHEN I WOULD GO OVER A POT HOLE OR BUMPS IN THE ROAD --- THE CAR WOULD LURCH FORWARD --- I HAD NO CONTROL OVER THE CAR --- NO BRAKES --- I DIDN'T REALIZE THAT THIS WAS NOT A "NATURAL" RESPONSE UNTIL I HEARD THE DESCRIPTION ON A NEWS BROADCAST A COUPLE WEEKS AGO. MODEL YEARS PRIOR TO 2010 SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE INVESTIGATION. I AM GOING TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH MY DEALER. THANK YOU *TR
Feb 15, 2010
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
AS THE TRAFFIC BEGAN TO ACCELERATE AFTER STOPPING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT THE BRAKES ON MY 2008 PRIUS, WHICH I HAD FOR LESS THAN A DAY, APPARENTLY FAILED. I HAD PLENTY OF ROOM ( 3 TO 4 CAR LENGTHS) WHEN THE VAN IN FRONT OF ME STOPPED SHORT. I SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP (THE HIGHWAY WAS WET AND I ASSUMED THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES ACTIVATED CAUSING THE STOPPING DISTANCE TO BE EXTENDED, BUT THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF THE ABS ENGAGING). THE RESULTING ACCIDENT CAUSED OVER $ 4,000 IN FRONT END DAMAGE. ALSO, THE ESC APPEAR TO "SKIP" WHILE TRAVELING OVER A RAILROAD TRACK NEAR MY HOME. *TR
Feb 15, 2010
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
2008 TOYOTA PRIUS. BRAKES SEEMS TO "LOSE HOLD" WHEN DRIVING AT SLOW SPEEDS AND HITTING A BUMP IN THE ROAD. THE LOSS OF BRAKING SEEMS TO ONLY LAST FOR A FRACTION OF A SECOND BUT IS VERY DISCONCERTING. ALSO, DRIVER'S SIDE HEADLAMP KEPT MALFUNCTIONING, GOING OFF PERIODICALLY WHEN DRIVING. DEALER COULD NOT REPLICATE PROBLEM IN SHOP, SO STATED THERE WAS NO PROBLEM. TOOK CAR BACK THREE ADDITIONAL TIMES FOR SAME ISSUE. FINALLY DEALER SAID THERE'D BEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS AND CHANGED OUT THE HEADLAMP AT A COST OF $250.00. ($150 FOR THE HEADLAMP AND $100 FOR LABOR) LATER GOT A LETTER FROM TOYOTA ACKNOWLEDGING THE FAULTY HEADLAMP ISSUE, BUT SAID TOYOTA HAD GIVEN US A DISCOUNT BY ONLY CHARGING $150.00 FOR THE HEADLAMP INSTEAD OF THE REGULAR $300.00 COST. $300.00 FOR A HEADLAMP SEEMS EXCESSIVE AND IF IT'S A COMMON ISSUE WHY IS TOYOTA NOT ISSUING A RECALL FOR THIS MATTER.*TR
Feb 09, 2010
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC,TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
1 complaint
1) THE EVEN HAPPENS DURING NORMAL BRAKING FROM 40 MPH OVER A ROAD WITH POTHOLES. THE LOCATION IS HERE: HTTP://MAPS.GOOGLE.COM/?IE=UTF8&HQ=&HNEAR=CLEVELAND,+CASS,+MISSOURI&LL=38.67887,-94.675729&SPN=0.00139,0.00284&Z=19 2) THE CAR LOSES ALL BRAKING FOR 1-2 SECONDS AFTER RUNNING OVER THE POTHOLE. IF SOMEBODY WAS IN FRONT OF ME, IT WOULD RESULT IN A ACCIDENT. IT HAPPENS 5 DAYS A WEEK AS PART OF MY DAILY COMMUTE. 3) TOYOTA SAYS IT IS NORMAL FOR THE PRIUS TO DO THIS.
Feb 08, 2010
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,SERVICE BRAKES, AIR,SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
MY CAR IS A 2008 PRIUS. THE INCIDENT IS THAT MY CAR DIDN'T STOP AND SKIDDED INTO A CONCRETE CURB, DAMAGING THE RIGHT FRONT POWER STEERING RACK. IT WAS SNOWING, ABOUT 1-2" ACCUMULATED. DRIVING INTO MY OFFICE PARKING LOT, THERE IS A STREET WITH A STEEP BUT SHORT HILL - MAYBE 50FEET OR LESS - (IT WAS NOT PLOWED OR SANDED). AT THE FOOT OF THE HILL, THERE IS A LEFT TURN INTO A LEVEL PARKING LOT OR A RIGHT TURN UNDER A HIGHWAY OVERPASS, OR STRAIGHT AHEAD INTO SHRUBS AND THE RIVER. I SLOWED DOWN BEFORE GOING DOWN THE HILL AND AS I WENT DOWN THE HILL I LIGHTLY PUMPED BRAKES. TRIED TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP AT FOOT OF THE HILL BUT CAR DIDN'T STOP COMPLETELY, BUT WAS GOING SLOW. SO, I MADE THE LEFT TURN INTO THE PARKING LOT. THE BODY OF THE CAR TURNED INTO THE LOT, BUT WAS NOT IN CONTROL. WITH THE BRAKES ON, AND THE WHEEL TURNED TO THE LEFT, THE CAR WENT INTO A SLIDE SIDEWAYS TO THE RIGHT. THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL SLAMMED INTO A CONCRETE CURB AND THE CAR STOPPED. IT FELT AS IF I HAD NO BRAKES - COMING DOWN THE HILL THEY COULDN'T STOP ME AND THERE WAS NO SKID CONTROL COMING ON AT ANY TIME. THE FAILURE: GIVEN THE WEATHER CONDITIONS I DON'T KNOW HOW TO PROVE A FAILURE BUT I SUSPECT SOMETHING WITH THE BRAKES. I HAVE OWNED THIS CAR FOR ONE YEAR (PURCHASED IT USED) AND DURING THAT TIME THE ONE THING THAT BUGS ME IN THE CAR IS THE BRAKES AND THE SKID CONTROL. THEY JUST FEEL STRANGE, I GO OVER A DEPRESSED MANHOLE IN THE ROAD AND THE DSC COMES ON AND IT FEELS LIKE I SKID - IT SHOULD JUST FEEL LIKE A BUMP. REPAIRS: THIS IS THE LIST -ENTIRE POWER STEERING RACK ON RIGHT FRONT TO BE REPLACED- TIE ROD, LOWER CONTROL ARM, WHEEL, RIM-ALL BENT. FRONT COVER AND LOWER BALL JOINT DAMAGED-TO BE REPLACED. OVER $3000 IN REPAIRS; THEY WILL BE DONE THIS WEEK (8 FEB). IF YOU WANT THE OLD PARTS I CAN ASK FOR DEALER TO SAVE THEM. CAR IS @ TOYOTA DEALER. MILEAGE & SPEED ARE MY BEST GUESS; COMPONENTS I GUESSED - YOUR TERMS WERE NOT FAMILIAR TO ME. *TW
Feb 07, 2010
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,TIRES
1 complaint
PROCEEDING TO GET ON HIGHWAY AND IN GRAVEL DRIVEWAY VEHICLE LOST TRACTION AND BRAKES FAILED.(AT LEAST 5 OR 6 TIMES IN 2009 AND MOST RESCENT 2/03/10)\HEADLIGHT AND RELAY SWITCH FAILED\FRONT RUNNING LIGHT NOT WORKING ALL THE TIME\RADIO SWITCHING FROM FM,FM2AND AM RANDOMLY\CAR FOR NO REASON GOING DEAD AT A STORE ORBEING PARKED FOR AN HOUR OR 2AND HAVING TO BE JUMPED\MAIN BATTERIES LOSING CHARGE(MOST OF THESE ISSUES HAVE ALREADY BEEN DOCUMENTED AT TOYOTA WITH THE RESPONSE THAT THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR AS FAR BACK AS AUGUST AND MOST RECENT IN DECEMBER '09) ALSO THE TIRES WENT BALD AFTER 20,000 MILES\CAN'T PUT MORE THAN 8 GALLONS OF FUEL IN TANK'EVER *CN
Feb 06, 2010
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
1 complaint
I OWN A 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS. I'VE NOTICED THAT WHEN I RUN OVER A BUMP OR A POTHOLE ON THE ROAD, THE CAR SEEMS TO ACCELERATE OR JOLT FORWARD. IT HAPPENS WHILE I BRAKE TO A STOP SIGN AND RUN OVER A BUMP OR POTHOLE. IT HAS ALSO HAPPENED WHILE LETTING GO OF THE GAS PEDAL BUT NOT STEPPING ON THE BRAKE. USUALLY WHEN THIS OCCURS THE LIGHT FOR THE TRACTION CONTROL ENGAGES AS IF IT DETECTS A SKID, EVEN THOUGH THERE IS NO SKID. I HAVE TO PRESS THE BRAKE VERY HARD IN ORDER TO STOP OR SLOW DOWN THE CAR. I TEND TO LEAVE EXTRA ROOM IN FRONT OF ME JUST IN CASE THE CAR ACCELERATES UNEXPECTEDLY, BUT THERE IS DEFINITELY A PROBLEM WITH UNEXPLAINED ACCELERATION. *CN
Feb 06, 2010
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
I DRIVE A 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS AND HAVE EXPERIENCED TWO RECURRING PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. FIRST, WHEN I MAKE SHARP RIGHT TURNS, THE ENGINE CUTS OUT. SECOND, ON UNEVEN ROADS, THE HYDROPLANE FEATURE ACTIVATES AND MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO STEER AND THE CAR ACCELERATES SUDDENLY. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON MANY OCCASIONS. *TR
Feb 04, 2010
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
1 complaint
I DRIVE A BLACK 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS AND AFTER READING THE NEWS REPORTS, I THINK THERE MIGHT BE SIMILAR BRAKING ISSUES WITH MY VEHICLE. THE CONDITION DEFINITELY DOES NOT HAPPEN VERY OFTEN, BUT I WOULD SAY AT LEAST 5-10 TIMES OVER THE 23 MONTHS (MARCH 08 - PRESENT) THAT I HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE. WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL APPLIED AFTER GOING OVER A ROUGH SPOT OR POTHOLE IN THE ROAD, IT FELT LIKE THE CAR WAS SKIDDING OR SLIDING. THE CAR WOULD RESUME NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS WITHIN A FEW SECONDS. THE CAR WAS NEVER OUT OF CONTROL, BUT THE STEERING WHEEL AND BRAKE PEDAL DEFINITELY FELT VERY LOOSE WHICH IS DIFFERENT THAN UNDER NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCES. ALSO, WHEN THIS CONDITION OCCURS, THE LOW-TRACTION INDICATOR LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD ILLUMINATES FOR A FEW SECONDS. THESE INCIDENTS OCCURRED WHEN THERE WAS NOT OTHER TRAFFIC AROUND. UP TO THIS POINT, I ATTRIBUTED THE CONDITION TO DRIVER ERROR, BUT I WOULD RATHER ADD MY DESCRIPTION AND ERR ON THE SIDE OF BEING OVERLY CAUTIOUS. *TR
Feb 04, 2010
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
1 complaint
I BOUGHT A 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS IN THE SUMMER OF 2008 AND ALMOST IMMEDIATELY GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT. I WAS TURNING A CORNER AND THE CAR DIDN'T HANDLE AS I EXPECTED - I GOT A "HYDROPLANING" WARNING LIGHT EVEN THOUGHT IT WAS NOT RAINING AND TRIED TO BRAKE, BUT THE BRAKES DID NOT REACT AND I ENDED UP CRASHING INTO A CURB, CAUSING $3,000 IN DAMAGE TO THE WHEEL, AXEL, AND BUMPER. NO ONE WAS HURT AND THERE WAS NO PROPERTY DAMAGE OTHER THAN TO MY OWN CAR. AT THE TIME I CHALKED IT UP TO NOT YET BEING USED TO THE CAR, I HAD PREVIOUSLY HAD A JETTA THAT HANDLED WONDERFULLY AND I WAS USED TO THAT CAR BEING COMPLETELY RESPONSIVE. I MADE THE NECESSARY REPAIRS TO MY CAR AND JUST TRIED TO BE MORE CAUTIOUS WHEN I WAS DRIVING IN THE FUTURE. I HAVE ALWAYS NOTICED CERTAIN THINGS ABOUT THE HANDLING AND BRAKING OF THIS CAR, AND THE CURRENT RECALL ON THE 2010 VERSION MADE ME REALIZE I WASN'T IMAGINING THESE PROBLEMS. I CONSTANTLY GET THE HYDROPLANING TYPE WARNING ON MY DASHBOARD WHEN I GO OVER BUMPS OR IN BAD WEATHER, TO THE POINT WHERE I FEEL UNSAFE DRIVING MY PRIUS IN INCLEMENT WEATHER AND OFTEN BORROW A RELATIVE'S CAR. I HAVE BEEN LUCKY TO HAVE NO MORE ACCIDENTS OTHER THAN THAT FIRST ONE, BUT THERE HAVE BEEN MOST DEFINITELY BEEN TIMES WHEN I FELT THE CAR WAS NOT HANDLING THE WAY IT OUGHT TO. EVEN WHEN I HAD THAT ACCIDENT I HAD MAINTAINED TO FAMILY AND FRIENDS THAT I JUST COULDN'T FATHOM HOW I GOT INTO THAT ACCIDENT AND I FELT LIKE IT WAS "THE CAR'S FAULT." I DIDN'T SPREAD THIS OPINION TOO WIDELY THOUGH BECAUSE IT SOUNDED LIKE I WAS JUST MAKING AN EXCUSE FOR MY ACCIDENT. THAT'S REALLY HOW I FELT THOUGH; AS IF SOMETHING WENT WRONG WITH THE BRAKES THAT DAY. I FELT IF I HAD BEEN IN ANY OTHER CAR I'VE EVER DRIVEN THAT ACCIDENT COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED. I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW THERE WAS AN OPTION TO FILE A COMPLAINT WITH THE NHTSA UNTIL THIS RECALL HIT THE NEWS, SO I FIGURED FILING A COMPLAINT NOW IS BETTER THAN NEVER FILING AT ALL. THANKS FOR YOUR TIME. *TR
Feb 04, 2010
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
1 complaint
I WANTED TO INCLUDE MY VOICE IN THE RECENT COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE TOYOTA PRIUS BRAKES. I HAVE A 2008 PRIUS AND HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME ISSUE SEVERAL TIMES- THE BRAKES SEEM TO STOP WORKING AND THE SLICK-ROAD WARNING LIGHT COMES ON WHEN I GO OVER A BIG BUMP OR POTHOLE WHILE BRAKING. BRAKING COMES RIGHT BACK, BUT I CAN IMAGINE THIS MIGHT BE A BIGGER ISSUE IF THERE WAS A VEHICLE RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME, IN INCLEMENT WEATHER, ETC. I HAVE HEARD PEOPLE ONLY MENTION THE 2010 PRIUS MODEL YEAR, SO I WANTED TO LET SOMEONE KNOW THAT THE 2008 PRIUS ALSO SEEMS TO BE AFFECTED... THANK YOU. *TR
Feb 04, 2010
POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
1 complaint
I OWN A 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS WHICH SURGES AHEAD WHEN I AM BRAKING UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS: WET, UNEVEN SURFACES, AND BUMPY ROADS. IT IS SCARY BECAUSE I NEARLY HIT SOMEONE AT A STOP SIGN AND I FEEL OUT OF CONTROL WHEN IT DOES THIS. ON AVERAGE, HAPPENS 1-2X WEEK. IT HAPPENS WHEN MY FOOT IS OFF THE GAS PEDAL AND I AM UNDER 20 MPH. IT SEEMS LIKE A COMPUTER ERROR AND NOT ACCELERATOR RELATED. *TR
Feb 04, 2010
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
1 complaint
TOYOTA PRIUS 2008 DRIVING OVER POTHOLES OR WET PAVEMENT, IT'S HARDER TO STEER OR BRAKE THAN I'VE EVER EXPERIENCED IN ANOTHER CAR. THIS HAS HAPPENED APPROXIMATELY 15 TIMES SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR IN JULY 2008. *TR
Feb 03, 2010
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
1 complaint
HEADLIGHTS ON TOYOTA PRIUS 2008 STARTED DIMMING AND GOING OUT INTERMITTENTLY AT 50,000 MILES. LIGHTS WILL GO BACK ON WHEN TURNED OFF AND THEN BACK ON AGAIN. I HAVE BEEN STOPPED 3 TIMES BY THE POLICE FOR A HEADLIGHT OUT AND BEEN LET GO WITH A WARNING. IN ADDITION, THE ABS SYSTEM ACTIVATES FOR NO REASON ON DRY ROADS AND BRAKES ARE SLOW TO ENGAGE. *TR
Feb 03, 2010
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
I OWN A 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS. GIVEN THE ALREADY MANY COMPLAINTS, I WOULD LIKE TO ADD MY COMMENTS ON THIS PRIUS. FIRST THIS CAR IS VERY UNSAFE DUE TO POOR VISIBILITY. YOU CAN NOT SEE OUT OF THIS CAR. SECOND, I HAD THE HEADLIGHT FAILURES THAT THESE CARS HAVE. I HAVE HAD BOTH HEADLIGHTS REPLACED IN THIS CAR. THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD GO OUT WHILE DRIVING IN THE DARK. MANY TIMES I HAD TO TURN THE SWITCH OFF AND BACK ON WHILE DRIVING IN THE DARK TO GET THE HEADLIGHTS TO COME BACK ON. THIS IS NOT SAFE AND MANY, MANY PRIUS'S HAVE THIS PROBLEM. THE DEALER REPLACED THE HEADLIGHTS BUT NOT WITHOUT A STRUGGLE ON MY PART. LAST POINT I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE IS THAT THIS 2008 PRIUS HAS THE SAME EXACT ISSUES WITH BRAKES AND STOPPING THAT THE 2010 DOES ACCORDING THE ACCOUNTS I HAVE READ. FOR EXAMPLE, I WENT OVER A RAILROAD TRACK RECENTLY WHICH WHEN IT HITS AN UNEVEN SURFACE IT IS VERY HARD TO STOP! I ALMOST HIT A CAR THAT WAS TURNING JUST PAST THESE TRACKS BECAUSE IT FEELS LIKE THE CAR DOES NOT HAVE A GOOD "GRIP" TO THE ROAD. IT HAPPENS ALSO WITH EVEN A SMALL CLUSTER OF SMALL POT HOLES. THIS CAR IS NOT SAFE IN MY OPINION. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND HOW THE HEADLIGHTS ALONE DID NOT MAKE A RECALL. IT IS AN ONGOING UNSAFE SITUATION. THE CAR NOT STOPPING HOWEVER IS SOMETHING THAT NEEDS TO BE RECALLED AND NOT JUST LIMITED TO THE 2010 PRIUS. *TR
Feb 03, 2010
TIRES,SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
1 complaint
MY 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS SLIDES WHEN I BRAKE ON WET ROADS. IT IS VERY SCARY AND I'M CONCERNED THIS WILL CAUSE AN ACCIDENT...ESPECIALLY BECAUSE OCCASIONALLY WHEN MY 77 YR. OLD MOTHER IS DRIVING IT AND IS NOT ACCUSTOMED TO IT. *TR
Oct 02, 2009
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
WE BOUGHT THE PRIUS ON JUNE 2008 AND IT HAS ONLY 4023 MILES BUT IN LAST ONE MONTH IT BROKE DOWN THREE TIMES . FIRST TIME THE CAR STOPPED ON HIGHWAY A STRONG BEEP SOUND AND THEN CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT AND A BIG RED ALERT TRIANGLE CAME UP THE CAR LOST IT'S POWER COMPLETELY AND GOT STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF HWY - PRETTY SCARY. THEN ON 6/2/2009 WE NOTICED THAT WE CANNOT OPEN THE HATCH BACK DOOR AND THE CAR IS COMPLETELY DEAD. BOTH TIMES WE TOWED THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND FIRST TIME THEY SAID THEY DID NOT FIND ANY THING WRONG AND THEY HAVE RESET ALL THE COMPUTER, SECOND TIME THEY SAID THE BATTERY WAS DRAINED OUT WITHOUT REALLY NY PROPER REASON. LAST NIGHT WE DROVE THE CAR MAY BE ABOUT 15 MILES OR SO AND IT'S THE SAME SITUATION THE BEEP SOUND AND ALL THE HAZARD LIGHTS CAME ON IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD AND THE CAR IS DEAD AGAIN AND WE HAD TO TOW TO THE DEALER. THREE TIMES IN ONE MONTH AND IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WITH A $30,000 DOLLARS CAR IS UNACCEPTABLE. SOME ONE REALLY CAN KILL US FROM THE BACK BECAUSE IT IS SO SUDDEN THAT NO WAY THEY COULD PREDICT THAT WE ARE GOING TO BE STALLED WITHIN 5 SECONDS FROM 65 MILES/HOUR SPEED. WE HAVE A CHILD AND SHE TRAVELS ON THE BACK SEAT ALL THE TIME. WHAT IS THE SOLUTION FOR IT? TOYOTA NEEDS TO TAKE THE RESPONSIBILITY. IT IS A REAL SAFETY ISSUE FOR OUR FAMILY. *TR
Jun 11, 2009
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,INTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
INTERIOR INSTRUMENT FAILURE. TEMPERATURE APP. 23 DEG. F. CAR STARTED NORMALLY MFD CAME UP FINE. MAIN DASH INSTRUMENTS FAILED TO COME ON. NO SPEEDOMETER, GEARSHIFT INDICATOR, FUEL GAUGE, OR ODOMETER. ALL EXTERIOR LIGHTING WORKED FINE. VEHICLE SHIFTED INTO REVERSE AND DROVE NORMALLY FOR ABOUT 15-20 MIN. WHEN I PARKED AND TRIED TO TURN OFF THE CAR BY PRESSING THE POWER BUTTON THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHUT DOWN. CONTACTED TOYOTA USA AND WAS INFORMED THAT THEY RELY ON THEIR DEALERSHIPS FOR TECH SUPPORT. WENT THROUGH MANUAL DRIVETRAIN SHUTDOWN BY PRESSING AND HOLDING THE POWER BUTTON. SHUTTING DOWN ALL ACCESSORIES TO LIMIT ACCESSORY BATTERY. COULD NOT LOCK VEHICLE. APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES LATER WENT OUT TO THE CAR AND VEHICLE POWERED UP AS THOUGH NOTHING HAD HAPPENED. I BELIEVE THAT THE TEMPERATURE WAS THE ISSUE AND THERE IS SOME SOFTWARE ISSUE THAT IS NOT IN THE OWNERS MANUAL. ANYTIME YOU CANNOT TURN OFF A VEHICLE THERE IS A RISK FOR AN ACCIDENT AND OR INJURY FROM AN UNOCCUPIED VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPT. THEORIZED THAT THE ACCESSORY BATTERY MAY BE LOW. BUT THIS WOULD RESULT IN THE CAR NOT BRINGING THE MAIN BATTERY ONLINE. TOYOTA SHOULD ADDRESS THIS ISSUE . *TR
Jan 18, 2009
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,INTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
TODAY, I WENT TO WORK DRIVING MY PRIUS (2008 WITH 11000 MILES) WITHOUT ANY DASH BOARD LIGHTS. THE DASHBOARD UNDER THE WINDSHIELD IS A REFLECTIVE TYPE WITH A WHOLE ARRAY OF OPERATING INDICATING LIGHTS ACROSS TO THE PASSENGERS SIDE. ONLY THE AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHT WORKED FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE CRUISE CONTROL DID NOT WORK. I TRIED VARIOUS POWER ON/OFF BRAKE ON/OFF COMBINATIONS TO GET THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS WORKING. I PRESSED THE POWER BUTTON WITH OR WITHOUT THE BRAKES ENGAGED DURING STARTUP. THE ENGINE STILL RAN AND THE HEADLIGHTS, TURN INDICATORS, BRAKE LIGHTS, RADIO AND FUEL CONSUMPTION GAUGE WORKED. I HAD NO IDEA OF MY DRIVING SPEED OTHER THAN WHAT OTHER CAR SPEED AROUND ME WERE DOING. I HAD TO DRIVE UNDER THE RISK OF BRAKING THE LAW AS WELL AS THE DISTRACTING NO LIGHTING. THEN A WORSE PROBLEM DEVELOPED. I COULD NOT TURN THE SHUT CAR OFF AND I COULD NOT LOCK IT AFTER I GOT OUT. IT GAVE ME THE USUAL BEEP THAT IT WAS STILL RUNNING. I TRIED PRESSING THE POWER BUTTON NUMEROUS TIMES. I TRIED LOCKING THE CAR WITH THE MECHANICAL KEY AND IT ELECTRONICALLY KEPT OPENING. I TRIED VARIOUS COMBINATIONS OF BRAKING WHILE SITTING, WALKING A GREATER DISTANCE FROM THE CAR, USING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND SLAMMING ON THE DASHBOARD HOPING IT WAS A LOOSE WIRE. NOTHING WORKED. THE CAR IS SITTING IN THE PARKING LOT RIGHT NOW STILL RUNNING WITHOUT A KEY. I COULD NOT LOCK IT. AS I WALKED AWAY, I PRESSED THE ELECTRONIC KEY NUMEROUS TIMES. THE LITTLE RED LIGHT INDICATED IT WAS WORKING. WHAT ELSE CAN I DO. L WAS LATE FOR WORK AND I START AT 6 AM. THE DEALER, (TOYOTA HEARTLAND OF BREMERTON), DOESN'T OPEN UNTIL 7:00 AM AND ITS 6:25 AM. I MANUALLY TURNED OFF THE DISPLAY AND RADIO SO THE MINIMUM AMOUNT OF LIGHTING WAS SHOWING. AS FAR AS I KNOW, THE CAR IS STILL IN THE PARKING LOT RUNNING AND EASY TO STEAL. THE ENGINE WOULD NOT POWER DOWN NOR WOULD THE CAR LOCK. THE DASHBOARD (BELOW THE WINDSHIELD) NOT LIGHTING WAS SAME PROBLEM I HAD A COUPLE OF MONTHS AGO. *TR
Jan 09, 2009
STEERING,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
AFTER HAVING DRIVEN MY PRIUS NEARLY 15,000 MILES IN ALL TYPES OF WEATHER (EXCEPT SNOW) AND ON RESIDENTIAL ROADS AS WELL AS INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS WITH NO STEERING PROBLEMS, ON A SINGLE DAY ON RESIDENTIAL STREETS AT 20 TO 25 MPH AND GENTLE RAIN, IT HYDROPLANED TWICE WITH DAMAGES EACH TIME TO THE CAR AND TO A FIRE HYDRANT ONCE. EACH EVENT WAS WHILE GOING AROUND A GENTLE LEFT CURVE AT REASONABLE SPEED. THE FIRST TIME, I WAS ABLE TO CORRECT AND SPIN OUT 360 DEGREES WITH THE LEFT QUARTER-PANEL HITTING A ROADSIDE GARBAGE CONTAINER. THE SECOND TIME, THE CAR DID NOT RESPOND TO ANY STEERING MANEUVERS NOR THE BRAKES WHEN APPLIED. THE CAR STOPPED ONLY AFTER COLLIDING WITH THE FIRE HYDRANT. SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE WAS SUSTAINED IN EACH COLLISION. I HAVE TRAVELED THIS STREET SEVERAL TIMES DAILY, OFTEN ON RAINY DAYS, AND NEVER BEFORE HAD ANY STEERING PROBLEMS. IT WAS AS THOUGH SOMETHING HAD CHANGED IN THE STEERING CONTROL ON THIS DAY. I WAS SOBER AND UNIMPAIRED. *TR
Dec 08, 2008
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,TIRES
1 complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE WENT FLAT. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE TIRE WITH A SPARE. THE VEHICLE THEN BEGAN EXPERIENCING NUMEROUS FAILURES. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL GAUGES ILLUMINATED AND THE ODOMETER BEGAN TO FAIL. THE DEALER STATED THAT IT WOULD TAKE A FEW DAYS TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. DAYS LATER, THE MECHANIC EXPLAINED THAT THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE COMPUTER SYSTEM NOT RECOGNIZING THE OVERSIZED TIRES. THE MECHANIC PLACED THE REGULAR SIZE TIRE BACK ON THE VEHICLE, WHICH CORRECTED THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT IS CONCERNED THAT THE SPARE TIRE COULD CAUSE DANGEROUS DRIVING CONDITIONS IF IT EVER NEEDED TO BE USED AGAIN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 14,500. UPDATED 11/14/08. *LJ UPDATED 11/18/08.*JB
Oct 22, 2008
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
1 complaint
JUST BOUGHT BRAND NEW 2008 PRIUS. OWNER'S MANUAL CLAIMS THAT WITH JUST ONE BAR SHOWING ON FUEL GAUGE THERE WOULD BE 3.0 GAL. OR LESS IN FUEL BLADDER. THE FUEL GAUGE IS TOTALLY UNRELIABLE BASED ON THESE RESULTS: 10 BARS (FULL FILLUP) GOT 200 MILES TO 9 BARS -- 3 BARS LEFT GOT 100 MILES TO 2 BARS -- 2 BARS LEFT GOT 20 MILES TO 1 BAR -- 1 BAR LEFT GOT ONLY 5 MILES BEFORE CAR CAME TO A STOP AND WOULD NOT RESTART --. THE HYBRID BATTERY GAUGE SHOWED 0 CHARGE. AFTER PUTTING IN 2.5 GAL. THE FUEL GAUGE SHOWED 2 BARS. ENGINE STARTED AND I COULD DRIVE 1.25 MILES TO A GAS STATION. THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED ON I-40 AT 9:00 PM IN NEW MEXICO. WE WERE VERY LUCKY THAT THERE WAS A GAS STATION NEARBY, BECAUSE THERE ARE MANY STRETCHES OF I-40 WHERE THERE IS NO GAS STATION FOR 20-40 MILES. THERE HAVE BEEN MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT BOTH THE UNRELIABLE FUEL GAUGE AND THE BLADDER TYPE FUEL TANK. THE TOYOTA DEALER NEVER MENTIONED THESE DEFECTS, NOR DOES THE OWNER'S MANUAL. *TR
Aug 21, 2008
SEATS,CHILD SEAT
1 complaint
I HAVE REPORTED TO TOYOTA MY CONCERN ABOUT THE 2008 MODEL YEAR PRIUS, THE MIDDLE BACK PASSENGER SEAT. THE SEAT HAS BEEN RAISED UP ABOUT 2 INCHES (PADDING) BUT IS NARROW, CAUSING IT TO NOT BE STABLE/COMPATIBLE WITH AT LEAST 3 DIFFERENT CHILD RESTRAINT/BOOSTER SEATS THAT WE HAVE TRIED. THIS WAS NOT THE CASE WITH THE 2005 MODEL YEAR PRIUS. I HAVE REPORTED THIS TO MANUFACTURER, COMPLAINT#REF#200712061340. *TR
Dec 06, 2007
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 2008 TOYOTA Prius have?
The 2008 TOYOTA Prius currently has 1492 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 2008 TOYOTA Prius?
The most common problems reported for the 2008 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 2008 TOYOTA Prius problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 2008 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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