2009 TOYOTA Prius Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
498
Complaints Reported
Complaints by Component
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
97 complaints
Apparently a known issue with the HID lights coming on or off intermittently.
Dec 18, 2023
The front lights and break lights sometimes turn off while I am driving. Both of the lights or one of them.
Oct 31, 2023
Headlights intermittently go off, and I wound have to switch it off and on for light to come back on, but for few minutes until it does it again, and I drive Uber at night. I have searched the problem online, it seems to be a common problem on the second generation Prius from 04-09, I called few repair shops and they acknowledged the problem but did not have an answer to solve it.
Aug 15, 2021
My 2017 Prius is having headlight failure. I was told by my neighbor that my headlight was out. I bought a new one and went to replace it but they were both working. Thought it was a defective bulb so waited to replace it. I check both headlights when I come to a stop behind a car so I can check the reflection of the headlights. Sometimes they are both on sometimes only one is on, Occasionally both are OUT. What I have noticed is when I turn on the car, immediately the headlights are bright,(not high beam) and immediately go dim. This acts like a bad contact or high resistance somewhere in the circuit. The headlights going on and off seems to be a circuit breaker of some kind. Fortunately I don't drive much at night, however I am having to drive more at night and the possibly of the headlights both failing is TERRIFYING. I started to research the problem and it seams I am not the only person having the problem. The internet is full of other people having the same problem. It seems that nothing is being done about it. I am hoping that Toyota is NOT deciding to just let the people kill themselves because it will be nearly impossible to prove that the headlights were out at the time of the accident so they will not have to pay a lawsuit and not have to fix a recall problems. I am 74 years old and been an auto mechanic all my life so I know about automobiles and wiring. I doubt that anything will be done, and wonder how many people have been killed because no one will dig deep enough into the problem to find the problem and fix it.
Jul 07, 2021
IN DECEMBER OF 2018, I PULLED MY CAR UP TO A REDBOX STATION TO RETURN A MOVIE. I PUSHED THE PARK BUTTON ON MY 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS AND GOT OUT OF MY CAR TO PUT THE MOVIE INTO THE SLOT. THE CAR APPARENTLY WAS NOT IN PARK AND CONTINUED TO MOVE FORWARD (I TRIED TO CATCH IT, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL, AND HURT MYSELF IN DOING SO) UNTIL IT SLAMMED INTO A PARKED CAR IN THE SAME PARKING LOT. MY INSURANCE LISTED IT AS AN AT-FAULT ACCIDENT AND FIXED MY CAR AND THE ONE THAT MY VEHICLE HAD HIT. (I TOLD THE ADJUSTER I KNEW THAT I HAD PUT THE CAR IN PARK) I ALSO HAD A 700.00 DEDUCTIBLE TO PAY FOR FIXING MY DAMAGED CAR. AS TIME WENT BY, THIS STARTED HAPPENING MORE AND MORE FREQUENTLY. I WOULD PUSH THE BUTTON FOR MY CAR TO GO INTO PARK MODE AND IT WOULD NOT GO INTO PARK. I WOULD HAVE TO PUT THE CAR INTO ANOTHER GEAR AND THEN IT WOULD GO INTO PARK. OTHER WEIRD THINGS WITH THE CAR WERE HAPPENING AS WELL. SOMETIMES THE CAR WOULD NOT TURN OFF AND MORE AND MORE WHEN I WOULD START THE CAR, THE DASHBOARD WOULD BE COMPLETELY BLACK. I MENTIONED TO MY MECHANIC THAT THIS WAS HAPPENING, HOWEVER, I COULD NOT MAKE IT HAPPEN WHENEVER I TOOK IT TO HIM. I DID MANAGE TO GET IT ON VIDEO THOUGH THAT IT WAS HAPPENING. I JUST RECENTLY LEARNED FROM MY MECHANIC THAT THIS HAS BEEN A SAFETY ISSUE WITH THIS CAR AND THAT IT'S A BAD COMBINATION METER. HE ALSO INFORMED ME THAT TOYOTA ONLY ALLOWED FOR 9 YEARS FROM THE DATE THE CAR WAS MANUFACTURED FOR THIS PROBLEM TO BE FIXED. HOW COME I DID NOT RECEIVE ANY NOTIFICATION THAT THIS COULD HAPPEN AND HOW DO YOU PUT A TIME LIMIT ON A SAFETY ISSUE SUCH AS THIS ONE. MY CAR DID NOT GO INTO PARK MODE AND ENDED UP SLAMMING INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. I COULD HAVE EASILY FALLEN UNDER THE WHEELS OF THE VEHICLE AS IT KEPT ON MOVING OR IT COULD HAVE EASILY HIT ANOTHER PERSON. I AM HOPING SOMEONE CAN INVESTIGATE THIS FOR ME AND GET BACK TO ME WITH INFORMATION ON HOW I CAN GET THIS FIXED.
May 03, 2021
+ 92 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
73 complaints
2009 TOYOTA PRIUS. CONSUMER WRITE REGARDS TO VEHICLE BRAKE PROBLEMS. CONSUMER ALSO SENT REVISED TOYOTA DOCUMENT. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE SAME BRAKING PROBLEM EXISTED FOR MODELS BEFORE AND AFTER THE 2010 MODELS. HOWEVER, ONLY THE 2010 MODELS WERE RECALLED.
Feb 14, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO BRAKE, THE TRACTION WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE BRAKE FAILED TO RESPOND WITH A REDUCTION IN ENGINE POWER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE ONLY LASTED FOR A MOMENT BEFORE RETURNING TO NORMAL FUNCTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Dec 08, 2011
MY 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS BRAKES ARE FAULTY. THE BRAKES DO NOT RESPOND PROPERLY, ESPECIALLY ON SLIPPERY ROADS AND ON A DECLINE. I TOOK THE CAR INTO THE DEALER IN 10/2010 AND THEY DIDN'T FIND ANYTHING. I CHANGED ALL 4 TIRES ON THE CAR IN 2/2011 AND STILL EXPERIENCED THE PROBLEM. I TOOK THE CAR INTO THE DEALER ON 5/24/11 AND AGAIN THEY DID NOT FIND ANYTHING. THEY MENTIONED "ABS SYSTEM" AND IMPLIED THAT I WAS EXPERIENCING THE ABS SYSTEM KICKING IN. THE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT, AND THUS DIFFICULT TO IDENTIFY. BUT, I DO NOTICE THE PROBLEM MORE FREQUENTLY WHEN IT RAINS. *TR
May 28, 2011
BRAKING ABILITY DECREASES TEMPORARILY WHAT APPEARS TO BE A SECOND OR SO WHILE DRIVING WHEN APPLYING BRAKES AND GOING OVER A BUMP OR SMALL POTHOLE. DECREASED BRAKING ABILITY WHILE GOING OVER BUMPS/POTHOLES APPEARS TO OCCUR EVERY TIME. THE LAST TIME OF OCCURRENCE IT APPEARED THAT THE CAR MAY HAVE ACCELERATED MOMENTARILY WHEN INITIALLY BRAKING AND GOING OVER A VERY SHALLOW SMALL POTHOLE.
Dec 01, 2010
2009 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHEN BRAKING THE BRAKES WOULD DISENGAGE TEMPORARILY CAUSING THE CAR TO GO FASTER. I HAVE COME REAL CLOSE TO REAR ENDING THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME DURING ADVERSE ROAD CONDITIONS. I HAVE DRIVEN FOR 35 YEARS IN SNOW AND SLICK CONDITIONS AND I KNOW WHEN A CAR ISN'T BRAKING RIGHT. I ALWAYS MAINTAIN A SAVE DISTANCE AND THIS IS THE ONLY CAR THAT HAS DONE THIS. THIS SCARIER PART IS THAT THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME WHEN BRAKING IF THE ROAD IS AT ALL SLICK. I TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL DEALER TO GET IT CHECKED. AFTER TREATING ME LIKE A TOTAL MORON ACCUSING ME OF NOT KNOWING HOW TO DRIVE THEY SAID THEY DID DO A THOROUGH RUN THROUGH AND DIDN'T FIND ANY PROBLEMS. *TR
Aug 27, 2010
+ 68 more complaints for this component
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
47 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE DRIVING AT 2 MPH AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A GARBAGE TRUCK. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND DROVE HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR REPAIRS. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. *TT
Mar 05, 2018
DRIVER INTENTIONALLY ACCELERATED TO AVOID COLLISION, THEN PRIUS UNINTENTIONALLY ACCELERATED AFTER IMPACT WITH THE OTHER VEHICLE, CROSSING THE MEDIAN AND CROSSING THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION STREET LANES THEN UP ON TO THE SIDEWALK AND HIT THE CONCRETE BRIDGE RAIL AND FINALLY STOPPED. HAVE CONTACTED TOYOTA, THEY WANT UP TO A MONTH TO PULL THE CRASH DATA FROM THE CAR. I ASKED IF THEY COULD PULL THE DATA IN A WEEK, THEY SAID UP TO 30 DAYS THE CAR WILL HAVE TO SIT AT THE DEALERSHIP. A MONTH IS UNREASONABLE TO GO WITHOUT A CAR. THEY REFUSED TO SEND THE INVESTIGATOR TO PULL THE DATA AT THE BODY SHOP, SAID IT MUST BE DONE AT THE DEALERSHIP. I GAVE THEM THE NAME & ADDRESS OF THE BODY SHOP. *TR
Mar 27, 2014
I PULLED MY TOYOTA PRIUS INTO MY DRIVEWAY, STEPPED ON THE BRAKE, OPENED THE GARAGE DOOR AND WAITED FOR MY HUSBAND TO GET OUT OF THE CAR. HE OPENED THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR AND STARTED TO MOVE HIS FOOT OUT THE DOOR BUT BEFORE HE EVEN GOT ONE FOOT OUT, THE CAR SURGED AHEAD AND RAN INTO THE GARAGE, PRETTY MUCH DESTROYING ALL THE STORAGE UNITS ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE GARAGE. MY HUSBAND THINKS THE CAR WAS GOING BETWEEN 35 AND 40 MPH. SINCE MY ACCIDENT THERE HAVE BEEN TWO OTHER INCIDENTS OF TOYOTAS ACCELERATING INDEPENDENTLY IN PALO ALTO. ONE RAN INTO A HOUSE ON PARK AVENUE, DESTROYING THE FRONT WALL AND FRONT DOOR OF THE HOUSE. A FEW DAYS LATER, A TOYOTA RAN OVER A CURB, ACROSS A LAWN AND INTO A CORNER OF A HOUSE ON NORTH CALIFORNIA AVE. BOTH OF THESE INCIDENTS WERE REPORTED TO THE POLICE UNFORTUNATELY, I CANNOT GET THE NAME AND CONTACT OF THE OTHER TWO DRIVERS BECAUSE MY NAME IS NOT ON THE POLICE REPORTS. MY QUESTIONS ARE THESE: IS THERE ANY LEGAL WAY TO GET THE INFORMATION ABOUT THESE OTHER 2 DRIVERS? ALSO, SOMEONE TOLD ME THEY THOUGHT THERE IS A CLASS ACTION SUIT OUT AGAINST TOYOTA BECAUSE OF ACCELERATION PROBLEMS. IS THERE ANY WAY TO FIND OUT ABOUT THAT? I AM AWARE THAT THIS IS PROBABLY JUST A PROBLEM I WILL HAVE TO DEAL WITH BUT I ALWAYS TRY EVERYTHING. *TR
Mar 17, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ABNORMALLY. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A POST OFFICE BUILDING AS A RESULT. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE HEAD, SHOULDER, NECK AND BACK. THE POLICE WERE CONTACTED AND A REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 32,000.
Jul 16, 2012
I HAVE A 2009 PRIUS BASE WITH 42K MILES. AFTER PLACING THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND WAITING IN THE VEHICLE, IT SUDDENLY LURCHED FORWARD ABOUT 1 OR 2 INCHES AND WITH ENOUGH FORCE TO SHATTER A LIGHT POST. THIS SEEMS A DANGEROUS FLAW. IT HAPPENS FREQUENTLY; AFTER SPEAKING WITH A REPAIR SHOP, I WAS TOLD THIS IS NORMAL FOR A PRIUS AND IS PART OF THE RECHARGING DESIGN OF THE HYBRID SYSTEM. I WAS ADVISED TO USE THE PARKING BRAKE WHENEVER POSSIBLE. THIS SEEMS DANGEROUS. *TR
Dec 10, 2010
+ 42 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES
41 complaints
The brake actuator is failing. It’s making unusual noises when stepping on the brakes. A new additional noise started in the last month which is the pump connected to the brake actuator. The technician told me the brakes are about to fail. Toyota used to cover this issue but stopped a few years ago. It’s a $3,000.00 job at the dealer.
Aug 11, 2025
My dashboard brake, tire pressure, vsc and AB’s light came on while driving
Oct 29, 2024
Failed brake actuator. Toyota knows about the issue and refuses to honor any reasonable repair. Braking at any speed the car ferociously pulls to the left, throwing you into another lane or on coming traffic.
Oct 18, 2024
Car Mechanics say I need a new ABS actuator/pump costing about $4,400 at dealership and over $2500 at garages. Most quoting about $3500.00. It is a known fact that this is common on Pruises, which I am now learning. I feel Toyota should be reimbursing their consumer for this unexpected charge. My car has only about 60000 miles on the car. RIght now I have to park the car until I come up with the money. So have no invoice to attach until I do the repair.
Aug 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the contact depressed the brake pedal however, the brakes did not function as needed. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The dealer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure however, the contact was informed that the failure was like an unknown recall; however, the recall notification had expired. The contact was advised to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.
May 01, 2024
+ 36 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
36 complaints
GOING OVER POT HOLES IT FEELS LIKE THE BRAKES SKIP. IT OCCURS ALMOST EVERY TIME I GO OVER A HOLE OF SOME SORT AND APPLY THE BRAKE. I ASKED TOYOTA TO DOUBLE CHECK THAT THE ABS BRAKES WERE WORKING CORRECTLY. TOYOTA SAYS ITS NORMAL AND THAT THE ABS SYSTEM WORKS BY MOMENTARILY INTERRUPTING THE BRAKING FORCE TO PREVENT A SKIT AND THE RESULTING LOSS OF CONTROL. *TR
May 23, 2010
TOYOTA 2009 PRIUS LOSES BRAKES TEMPORARILY WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS IN THE ROAD. *TR
May 18, 2010
I OWN AND DRIVE A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS, AND I HAVE NOTICED A LAPSE IN BRAKING WHILE BRAKING ON ROUGH ROADS. THIS GOES BACK TO DEC. 2009, SHORTLY AFTER I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. ON MY CURRENT COMMUTE, I'M NOTICING THIS LAPSE IN BRAKING ALMOST DAILY. *TR
May 18, 2010
ON 4/05/2010 AS I WAS DRIVING WEST ON GALBRAITH ROAD I WAS HEADED DOWNHILL TO A RED LIGHT AND APPLYING MY BRAKE TO SLOW DOWN FOR THE LIGHT. AS I WAS SLOWING THE ROAD BECAME EXTREMELY BUMPY AND MY BRAKES ALL OF A SUDDEN FELT LIKE I WAS SLIDING OR FLOATING EVEN THOUGH I HAD THE PEDAL DEPRESSED. WITH MY STOMACH IN MY THROAT I LIFTED MY FOOT OFF THE PEDAL AND REAPPLIED. IT THEN BEGAN TO SLOW AGAIN. I THOUGHT I WAS MISTAKEN. ON 4/12 AT 9:30 AM AS I WAS LEAVING MY HOUSE I WAS HEADED DOWN THE HILL. I WAS BRAKING TO MAINTAIN MY SPEED. I HIT SOME BUMPS IN THE ROAD AND ALL OF A SUDDEN IT FELT LIKE CAR WAS NOT SLOWING ALTHOUGH I HAD THE BRAKE DEPRESSED. WITH MY STOMACH IN MY THROAT, I REMOVED MY FOOT AND RE DEPRESSED THE BRAKE AND IT WAS FINE. I DECIDED I NEEDED TO CALL TOYOTA. HOWEVER WHEN I GOT TO THE BOTTOM OF MY CONDO COMPLEX AND WAS MAKING THE RIGHT TURN OUT I HAD MY FOOT ON MY BRAKE TO CONTROL MY TURN, THE SAME THING HAPPENED WHEN I HIT THE BUMP OUT OF HERE AND I OVER CORRECTED MY TURN WITH MY HEART IN MY THROAT AND I HIT A SMALL RETAINING WALL GASHING THE PASSENGER SIDE OF MY CAR AND RIPPING OPEN MY REAR TIRE. MY CAR IS CURRENTLY ON A TOYOTA LOT AWAITING MY INSURANCE ADJUSTER BEFORE TOYOTA WILL REPAIR OR INSPECT THE VEHICLE. *TR
Apr 14, 2010
I HAVE A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS AND THE BRAKES SPORADICALLY DON'T WORK/RESPOND WHEN I GOT UNEVEN ROAD, HIT A POT HOLE, OR CORNER. IT DOESN'T LAST LONG. *TR
Mar 11, 2010
+ 31 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
17 complaints
The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that the instrument cluster was intermittently inoperable. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring increasingly. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle would fail to start or to turn off intermittently while pressing the Push to Start button. The contact stated that the vehicle would respond as needed after several attempts. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the instrument panel combination meter had failed and needed to be replaced. The mechanic related the failure to Toyota Campaign Number: ZTV and referred the contact to the dealer for the repair. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the repair could not be covered under Toyota Campaign Number: ZTV. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 167,532.
May 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the instrument panel lights would turn off and no instrumentation could be accessed or read. The failure was intermittent, and finally got it to shut off after trying many different things. Consumer had a hard time turning off the car. The cause of the failure was not determined but the contact was informed that a manufacturer’s extended service which addressed the failure was available from the manufacturer. The manufacturer and dealer were contacted but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 215,000.
Nov 02, 2021
THE AM2 FUSE RANDOMLY SHORTED, AND WHEN REPLACED KEEPS SHORTING, AS CONSISTENT WITH THE PREVIOUS RECALL FOR THE 2ND GENERATION TOYOTA PRIUS' INVERTER COOLANT PUMP.
Aug 25, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MEDIA HOME SCREEN FAILED TO FUNCTION AS DESIGNED DUE TO FREQUENT GLITCHES. SEVERAL OTHER ELECTRICAL FEATURES WERE ALSO INOPERABLE INCLUDING THE BACK CAMERA DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT CALLED EDDY'S TOYOTA OF WICHITA (7333 E. KELLOGG DR, WICHITA, KS 67207, (316) 652-2222) WHERE HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE HOME SCREEN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT REPLACING THE MEDIA HOME SCREEN MAY NOT GUARANTEE THAT THE FAILURE WOULD NOT RECUR. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER VIA EMAIL HOWEVER, A RETURN RESPONSE WAS NOT RECEIVED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 170,000.
Jun 29, 2020
2009 TOYOTA PRIUS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DAMAGED INVERTER. *LD *JS THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO LOSE POWER AND WARNING LIGHTS FLASHED ON THE DASHBOARD. *JS
May 06, 2019
+ 12 more complaints for this component
STRUCTURE
11 complaints
Over the years the rubber handle which needs to be pressed in in order to open the trunk has disintegrated. Now it’s at the point where the assembly under the rubber handle is exposed. It is getting harder and harder to open. I need to be able to get into the truck to get to my spare tire and road hazard equipment. I can’t get a picture s8nce it’s too close to the body and covered by the overhanging trunk lid. It’s about $500 to fix. But I rarely use that handle, so it certainly was never abused. Just a very bad design.
Feb 15, 2022
THE BACK LATCH OF MY GRANDDAUGHTERS 09 TOYOTA PRIUS HAS DEGRADED ("MELTED" ALMOST). IT NO LONGER FUNCTIONS PROPERLY, AND WE ARE 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, SHE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO GET THE DOOR OPEN. THIS IS A MAJOR CAUSE FOR CONCERN AND IT IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD. IT IS NECESSARY TO GET TO THE SPARE TIRE, MAYBE EVEN GET OUT OF THE TRUNK IN CASE OF A FIRE OR OTHER REASON. IT IS A BLACK, GOOEY MESS. SHE FIRST NOTICED IT A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO, BUT I JUST FOUND OUT ABOUT IT AND I AM OBVIOUSLY CONCERNED ABOUT HER SAFETY.
Oct 11, 2020
SINCE A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO THE LEFT BACK DOOR WON'T OPEN FROM THE INSIDE. IT CAN ONLY BE OPENED FROM THE OUTSIDE. SINCE THURSDAY, FEB. 28, 2019 THE RIGHT BACK DOOR ALSO CAN'T BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE, ONLY FROM THE OUTSIDE. THAT DOOR HARDLY EVER IS USED. THE PASSENGER WAS TRAPPED INSIDE. I HAD TO OPEN IT FROM THE OUTSIDE TO LET HIM OUT. THIS HAS NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE TO ANY CAR I EVER DROVE OR WAS A PASSENGER IN. IT'S VERY DANGEROUS TO BE TRAPPED INSIDE. SOMETHING IS SERIOUSLY WRONG WITH HOW THE DOOR WAS MANUFACTURED.
Mar 04, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT HAD DIFFICULTY OPENING THE TRUNK OF THE VEHICLE. ONCE OPENED, THE PANEL ABOVE THE LICENSE PLATE DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE PANEL WAS HANGING WITH ALL THE WIRES STILL ATTACHED TO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT COULD NO LONGER ACCESS THE TRUNK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PANEL NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 136,545.
Jan 31, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HATCH WAS MELTED TO THE HATCH LEVER LATCH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
Dec 29, 2016
+ 6 more complaints for this component
ENGINE
11 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE INCREASED TO HIGH AND COOLANT NEEDED TO BE ADDED TO THE VEHICLE. ALL OF THE INDICATORS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WERE ILLUMINATED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 151,759.
Dec 31, 2018
MY CAR RECENTLY HAS A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND THE OBDII SCANNER SHOW THE FAULT CODE P1121 WHICH IS A FAILED THREE-WAY COOLANT CONTROL VALVE. TOYOTA HAS ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) ON THIS PROBLEM: EG001-08 M.I.L. IT SHOULD BE A RECALL BECAUSE IT'S A COMMON PROBLEM FOR 2ND GENERATION TOYOTA PRIUS.
Dec 12, 2018
I KEEP GETTING THE CODE P 1121. I HAVE REPLACED MY ENGINE COOLANT VALVE SENSOR UNIT THREE TIMES AND EVERY SINGLE TIME AFTER DRIVING FOR A WEEK THE CHICKENS AND LIGHT COMES ON AND IT THROWS THE CODE AGAIN. I AM CURRENTLY AT THE POINT WHERE THERE IS EITHER NO HEAT OR IT TAKES AT LEAST HALF HOUR OR MORE TO BLOW HOT AIR. IF IT BLOWS HOT AIR IT ONLY CAN BE ON A LOW FAN SETTING. I HAVE USED TWO DIFFERENT MANUFACTURERS. BUT UNFORTUNATELY EVERY TIME I REPLACED IT SAME PROBLEM OCCURS. I HAVE REPORTED THIS IN THE PAST AND THERE WAS NO RESPONSE. BUT IT IS OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES SINCE. AND I KNOW THERE IS A RECALL ON VEHICLE YEARS PRIOR TO MINE.
Jan 26, 2018
MY 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS HAS 100,700 MILES ON IT. WHEN I TOOK IT IN FOR IT'S LAST OIL CHANGE I WAS INFORMED THAT ONLY A LITTLE OVER A QUART OF OIL DRAINED FROM THE ENGINE. I HAVE RELIGIOUSLY CHANGED THE OIL EVERY 3,000 MILES. AFTER REPLACING THE ENGINE OIL IT STILL LOOKED DIRTY. THE ENGINE IS BURNING OIL. I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE CAUSED BY A PISTON DESIGN FLAW AND DOES NOT HAVE A CHEAP SOLUTION OTHER THAN ADDING OIL AT EACH GAS FILL UP. I AM CONCERNED THAT THE ENGINE MAY STOP WORKING WHILE DRIVING, PARTICULARLY IF TRAVELING ON A LONG TRIP AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE ON A LONG TRIP.
Jan 23, 2018
ONCE MY CAR GOT PAST 100,000 MILES, THE NON-SPECIFIC WARNING LIGHT STARTED COMING ON AND THE WORD "PROBLEM!" WOULD COME ON THE SCREEN. MANUAL SAYS TO ASK DEALER WHAT THE SPECIFIC PROBLEM IS. CERTIFIED TOYOTA DEALER KEPT SAYING THEY DON'T KNOW. TURNS OUT AFTER MY OWN PERSISTENCE THAT THE PROBLEM IS HEAVY OIL CONSUMPTION. NOT BURNING; NOT LEAKING. JUST HIGH CONSUMPTION. TAKE CAR FOR REGULAR MAINTENANCE AND IT SEEMS TOYOTA IS AWARE OF THE ISSUE, BUT KEEPS PRESSING ME TO GET A NEW ENGINE, RATHER THAN OFFERING ANY INTERMEDIATE SOLUTIONS. COULD HAVE TOLD ME THOUSANDS OF MILES AGO TO AT LEAST KEEP ADDING OIL, BUT THEY NEVER BOTHERED. I NOW KNOW AFTER ABOUT A YEAR THAT I HAVE TO START ADDING A LOT OF OIL JUST A FEW WEEKS AFTER THE OIL IS CHANGED AND FILLED. IF I WAIT UNTIL REGULAR MAINTENANCE INTERVAL, ALL OIL WILL BE GONE. ENGINE WOULD HAVE BROKEN DOWN IF I DIDN'T PERSIST IN FIGURING OUT WHAT WAS GOING ON. WENT THROUGH 3 REGULAR SERVICE APPOINTMENTS BEFORE I REALIZED WHAT WAS HAPPENING ON MY OWN. PROBLEM WAS AT ITS WORST WHEN BRAKING, BUT LIGHT CAME ON AT OTHER TIMES AS WELL. I HAVE YESTERDAY'S DATE HERE ON THE COMPLAINT, BUT THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING ABOUT A YEAR.
Aug 25, 2017
+ 6 more complaints for this component
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
10 complaints
Cooling system
Sep 10, 2025
SEE ATTACHED DOCUMENTS. *TR
Jun 25, 2020
THE COMBINATION METER WENT OUT ON MY PRIUS. ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS, THE DASHBOARD WENT BLANK. WHEN THIS HAPPENS THE DRIVER IS UNABLE TO SEE THE SPEED OR ANY OTHER SAFETY LIGHTS. THE MOST ALARMING ISSUE WAS WHEN OUR VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHUT OFF AFTER THE DASHBOARD WENT BLANK. WHEN WE ARRIVED AT OUR DESTINATION WE WERE UNABLE TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF WITH THE PUSH BUTTON 'START.' THE CAR CONTINUED TO RUN ON RESERVE EVEN AFTER THE BATTERY TERMINALS WERE DISCONNECTED. WE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY WERE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND TOYOTA HAD ALREADY EXTENDED THE WARRANTY ON THIS PART TO NINE YEARS FROM ORIGINAL DATE OF USE. UNFORTUNATELY FOR US, OUR CAR WAS NINE YEARS AND ONE MONTH. THE SCARIEST ISSUE IS THAT THE CAR DRIVER IS UNABLE TO TELL THEIR SPEED AND THIS COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. THE CAR ALSO IS EXTREMELY DARK (AT NIGHT) WHEN THE DASHBOARD IS NOT DISPLAYING AND CAUSES ISSUES WITH VISABILITY.
Nov 22, 2017
PRIUS HYBRID BATTERY TUBE VENT MATERIAL GIVES OFF A STRONG PLASTICIZER SMELL. THIS IS CONTINOUS AND IN ALL SEASONS. THIS MAY BE DANGEROUS TO HEALTH OF OCCUPENTS.
Jun 05, 2015
2009 TOYOTA PRIUS. S10 APPROPRIATE HANDLING- LETTER FROM REGARDING TOYOTA PROBLEMS* TGW THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, SHE NOTICED THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS GLARED IN THE WINDSHIELD. *JB
Oct 29, 2010
+ 5 more complaints for this component
AIR BAGS
9 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT RAN A RED LIGHT. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. POLICE REPORT NUMBER: 190815712 WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES TO THE KNEE AND HIS HEAD WAS INJURED DUE TO STRIKING THE UPPER WINDSHIELD AND REARVIEW MIRROR. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT RECEIVED. THE CONTACT SUFFERED A HEADACHE FOR A FEW DAYS FOLLOWING THE CRASH. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HIS HOUSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,000.
Sep 24, 2019
TAKATA RECALL. I HAVE NEVER BEEN CONTACTED BY TOYOTA TO INFORM ME OF A RECALL OF TAKATA INFLATORS. I PURCHASED MY 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS IN 2012. I CHECKED MY VIN AGAINST THE NHTSA DATABASE AND IT SAYS NO RECALLS FOR MY VIN. HOW DO I RESOLVE THE DANGER I AND MY FAMILY MAY BE SUBJECTED TO?
Sep 25, 2018
THE AIRBAG LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR THE LAST SOME YEARS AND I HAVE ASKED TO DEALER TO CHECK ON IT FOR 1 HOUR (CUZ OF COST OF LABOR) AND THEY CAN NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. WHAT SHOULD I DO... I DO NOT SEE A RECALL LETTER ON THIS???
Jul 05, 2016
I WAS STRUCK BY A SPEEDING AUTO SO HARD THAT THE FORCE OF THE IMPACT OBLITERATED THE ENTIRE FRONT END OF MY VEHICLE. I SUFFERED SERIOUS LEFT KNEE AND LEFT SHOULDER INJURIES. NOT ONE TAKATA AIRBAG DEPLOYED. HAD THE AIRBAGS FUNCTIONED PROPERLY I MIGHT HAVE AVOIDED THE INJURIES TO MY BODY. MY CAR WAS CONSIDERED A TOTAL LOSS.
May 20, 2015
AFTER READING THE NEW YORK TIMES ARTICLE (11 SEP 2014) ON TAKATA AIR BAGS, I FOUND OUT THAT OUR 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS WAS NOT (YET) SUBJECT TO RECALL FOR THE DEFECTIVE TAKATA AIRBAGS, EVEN THOUGH, ACCORDING TO THE NYT MANY MILLIONS OF TOYOTAS HAD THESE AIR BAGS. I CONTACTED TOYOTA USA CUSTOMER SUPPORT TO INQUIRE IF OUR PRIUS HAD AIR BAGS MANUFACTURED BY TAKATA. I WAS INFORMED BY TOYOTA USA THAT THEY CONSIDERED THIS INFORMATION AS "PROPRIETARY" AND WOULD NOT INFORM ME AS TO WHETHER OR NOT OUR VEHICLE HAD AIR BAGS MANUFACTURED BY TAKATA AND THEREFORE LIKELY TO HAVE DEFECTIVE CANISTERS SHOULD THERE EVER BE AN INCIDENT THAT CAUSED THE AIR BAGS TO DEPLOY (OR EXPLODE, AS THEY CASE MAY BE). TOYOTA SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO INFORM CUSTOMERS IF TOYOTA HAS USED TAKATA AIR BAGS IN THEIR VEHICLES, EVEN IF THE NHTSA & DOT HAS NOT YET GOTTEN AROUND TO MANDATING A RECALL. TO ME, THIS SEEMS SIMILAR TO THE GM STARTER ISSUE FOR WHICH THERE WAS PLENTY OF BLAME ON NHTSA-DOT AS WELL AS GM. THANK YOU. *TR
Sep 23, 2014
+ 4 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
9 complaints
MY HEADLIGHTS KEEP RANDOMLY TURNING OFF ON THEIR OWN WHILE PARKED OR DRIVING, IN THE DARK OR THE LIGHT. TO TROUBLESHOOT I HAVE REPLACED THE HEADLIGHTS AND TIGHTENED THE WIRE CONNECTIONS, BUT THE PROBLEM CONTINUES. ONLY TURNING THE HEADLIGHTS OFF AND BACK ON SEEMS TO TEMPORARILY FIX THE PROBLEM...UNTIL THE NEXT TIME IT TURNS ITSELF OFF. I HAD A SIMILAR PROBLEM WITH MY HONDA PILOT 2005 A FEW YEARS AGO AND THERE WAS A SAFETY RECALL ON THE HEADLIGHT WIRE HARNESS KIT THAT WAS CORRODED FROM HUMIDITY AND OVERHEATING AND FAILING. THIS HAS NOW HAPPENED DOZENS OF TIME ON MY PRIUS, MOSTLY AFFECTING THE LEFT HEADLIGHT ONLY, BUT A COUPLE TIMES ON BOTH HEADLIGHTS.
Oct 11, 2018
2009 TOYOTA PRIUS DRIVER SIDE HEADLIGHT KEEPS GOING OUT, IT WORKS WHEN YOU TURN ON THE VEHICLE, AND THEN IT GOES OUT, I HAVE CHANGED THE BULB, AND ALSO CHANGE THE BALLAST, BUT NO LUCK, I GOT THE WARNING 3 DAYS AGO, AND NOW IF I GET PULLED OVER, I WILL GET THE TICKET,
Sep 10, 2018
RIGHT HEADLIGHT INTERMITTENTLY GOES OUT. SOMETIMES TURNING HEADLIGHTS OFF AND BACK ON BRINGS THE HEADLIGHT BACK ON. THE HEADLIGHT USUALLY DOES NOT TURN ON WHEN THE CAR IS STARTED UP.
Apr 12, 2018
HEADLIGHTS GO OFF WITHOUT WARNING, SOMETIMES LEFT, SOMETIMES RIGHT, SOMETIMES BOTH. INCONSISTENT AND NOTICE ONLY AT NIGHT. CAN'T FIX AND CAN'T FIND SOLUTION. HEADLIGHTS DON'T NEED TO BE REPLACED - THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH CAR WIRING OR OTHER. I'VE HAD THIS CAR SINCE 2009 AND ONLY HAD PROBLEM LAST SIX MONTHS OR SO - PROBABLY STARTING 1/2016. CAR HAS APPROX. 65K MILES ON IT. VERY UNSAFE - ESPECIALLY AT NIGHT IN CITY WHEN I CAN'T FOLLOW ANOTHER CAR AND I CAN'T TELL IF MY HEADLIGHTS ARE ON OR NOT!
Feb 29, 2016
DRIVING ON A DARK ROAD I WENT FROM HIGH BEAMS TO LOW AND THE ENTIRE LIGHTING SYSTEM WENT OUT. I WAS QUICK SO CYCLED THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH, EVERYTHING CAME BACK ON BUT THE PASSENGER HEADLIGHT. TRIED REPLACING THE LIGHT BULB, IT STILL WONT WORK. I PAID EXTRA FOR THESE H I D HEADLIGHTS. NOW I'M TOLD 1000 DOLLARS TO FIX THEM. *TR
Oct 23, 2014
+ 4 more complaints for this component
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
9 complaints
I PULLED UP TO THE GAS PUMP AND COULD NOT PUT GAS IN MY CAR. IT HAD A LITTLE GAS IN IT, BUT THE PUMP CUT OFF BEFORE I COULD GET STARTED. THE CAR HAS HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE BLADDER SINCE ITS INCEPTION. I CAN NEVER FILL UP THE TANK. THE DEALER WANTS ME TO PAY AN ELABORATE AMOUNT TO GET IT FIXED. I WENT OUT ON THE INTERNET AND OTHER PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH NOT BEING ABLE TO FILL UP THEIR TANK. *TR
Jan 25, 2013
COLLAPSE OF FUEL BLADDER CAUSE THE PRIUS TO RUN OUT OF FUEL WITH 2 GALLONS OF GAS IN THE VEHICLE WHILE ON FREEWAY. CAUSED TOWING TO DEALERSHIP. WHEN FUEL WAS ADDED TO CAR ONLY 8.9 GALLONS COULD BE ADDED TO A REPORTED 10.9 GALLON TANK CAPACITY. *TR
Mar 04, 2010
FUEL BLADDER SEEMS TO HAVE COLLAPSED. WHEN I AM SHOWING 1/4 TANK LEFT I CAN ONLY PUT 6 GALLONS IN THE TANK. *TR
Jan 19, 2010
I OWN A TOYOTA PRIUS. ON JUNE 22, THE FUEL GAUGE STARTED TO ACT UP. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AFTER HAVING MY CAR FOR ALMOST 2 WEEKS THEY CLAIMED IT WAS FIXED. THEY REPLACED ALMOST EVERYTHING TO DO WITH THE FUEL. I THEN TOOK IT BACK LESS THAN A MONTH LATER WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. THEY TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO AND JUST TO NEVER LET MY TANK GO BELOW 1/4. TO ME, THIS IS A DANGER. I NEVER KNOW HOW MUCH GAS IS IN MY GAS TANK OR WHEN I MAY RUN OUT OF GAS. I THEN TOOK IT TO ANOTHER DEALERSHIP AND THEY EXPLAINED TO ME THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH THE PRIUS, YET TOYOTA DOES NOTHING TO FIX THIS. EVERY FEW DAYS I HAVE TO STOP AND GET GAS BECAUSE MY GAS GAUGE DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY. I AM DRIVING AROUND AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. *TR
Aug 27, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS. DURING THE WINTER MONTHS, THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO ADD FUEL. THE DEALER HAS PROVIDED THE CONTACT WITH SEVERAL OPTIONS TO AVOID THIS PROBLEM WHICH INCLUDED TURNING THE NOZZLE SIDEWAYS AND TAKING THE NOZZLE OUT FROM TIME TO TIME WHILE ADDING FUEL. THE CONTACT FOUND THAT THESE TECHNIQUES ARE DIFFICULT TO PERFORM. SHE ALSO STATED THAT THE SAFETY RISK IS HIGHER SINCE THE LIMITED AMOUNT OF GAS COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 9000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 320. UPDATED 09/08/09 *BF UPDATED 09/29/09.*JB
Aug 19, 2009
+ 4 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN
8 complaints
DRIVING VEHICLE ON A CITY STREET IN DRIVE GEAR AND IT SLIPPED OUT OF DRIVE INTO NEUTRAL WITHOUT WARNING. TRIED TO PUT IT BACK IN DRIVE (AS I WAS ON THE ROAD) BUT EVERY TIME I SWITCHED GEARS BACK TO DRIVE AND RELEASED THE GEAR SHIFTER IT WOULD IMMEDIATELY POP BACK INTO NEUTRAL. I PARKED & TURNED THE CAR OFF, WAITED AND THEN TURNED IT BACK ON AGAIN. IT SEEMED TO BE OKAY SO I GOT ON THE FREEWAY HOME AND AFTER I MERGED INTO TRAFFIC THE SAME PROBLEM HAPPENED (BUT WHILE I WAS DRIVING AT A MUCH FASTER SPEED). I HAD TO HOLD THE GEAR SHIFT DOWN IN DRIVE THE ENTIRE RIDE HOME (WITH MY ONE YEAR OLD IN THE CAR). I GOT HOME AND AFTER I PARKED AND LET THE CAR SIT I WENT BACK OUT AND TRIED THE CAR AGAIN AND IT HAPPENED AGAIN. I CHECKED AND THE SAME PROBLEM HAPPENED IN REVERSE (IT WON'T STAY IN REVERSE, IT JUST POPS BACK INTO NEUTRAL).
Apr 11, 2020
THIS CAR CUTS OFF POWER TO SAVE THE POWERTRAIN FROM DAMAGE, THAT IS WHAT TOYOTA TOLD ME. YOU MUST BE EXTREMELY CAREFUL WHEN ENTERING TRAFFIC BECAUSE YOU CAN LOSE POWER FOR 2-3 SECONDS IF THE CARS COMPUTER SENSES ANY WHEEL SPIN. THE WAY I SEE IT THIS IS A MACHINE THAT WAS DESIGNED BY THE ENGINEERS TO SAVE ITSELF FROM DAMAGE, THE SAFETY OF THE DRIVER IS OF NO CONCERN TO THE COMPUTER PROGRAM. YOU MUST ALWAYS!!! BE AWARE WHEN DRIVING THIS CAR THAT IT CAN AND WILL CUT ALL POWER WHEN YOU ENTER TRAFFIC. THE BEST WAY TO DRIVE THIS CAR AND STAY ALIVE IS TO MAKE SURE ANY APPROACHING VEHICLES ARE MUCH FARTHER AWAY THAN YOU WOULD CONSIDER NORMAL IF YOU WERE DRIVING ANY OTHER CAR. IMAGINE IN THE FUTURE THAT A FIREFIGHTING ROBOT RUNS INTO A BURNING BUILDING TO SAVE YOU, THE ROBOT PICKS YOU UP AND STARTS TO EXIT THE BUILDING. THE ROBOTS COMPUTER SENSES THAT IT IS GETTING TOO HOT FOR ITS DESIGN PARAMETERS SO IT DROPS YOU ON THE FLOOR AND RUNS OUT OF THE BUILDING TO SAVE ITSELF, THAT ANALOGY BASICALLY DESCRIBES THE 2009 PRIUS , ITS COMPUTER SAVES ITSELF WITHOUT THOUGHT THAT YOU ARE LEFT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WITHOUT POWER. TOYOTA TOLD ME AGAIN THAT THE TRANSMISSION COULD NOT HANDLE THE POWER FROM THE MOTOR SO THEY MADE THE COMPUTER CUT POWER IF WHEEL SPIN WAS DETECTED. MY MAJOR COMPLAINT IS THE LENGTH OF TIME THE POWER IS CUT 2-3 SECONDS WHICH IS A VERY VERY LONG TIME WHEN YOU ARE ENTERING TRAFFIC.
Apr 07, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHIFTED OUT OF GEAR AND STALLED. THE VEHICLE COULD BE RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHO COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Jul 15, 2014
WHILE ENGINE RUNNING AND IN PARKED MODE, ENGINE SUDDENLY RACED AS IF GAS PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD A FEW INCHES. *TR
Dec 31, 2012
2009 TOYOTA GOES FORWARD WHEN I PUT IT IN REVERSE. I APPLY BRAKES, TRY AGAIN, AND IT GOES INTO REVERSE, SOMETIMES AFTER TWO TRIES. TOYOTA SERVICE HERE CLAIMS THEY CAN'T REPRODUCE THIS. I DON'T BELIEVE THEM. IT DOESN'T DO THIS EVERY TIME, BUT MOST TIMES. AFRAID TO PARALLEL PARK. HAVE YOU HEARD THIS ONE? *TR
Mar 10, 2010
+ 3 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
7 complaints
I HAVE A 2009 PRIUS THAT IS NOT A PART OF THE "BRAKING/TRACTION" RECALL, HOWEVER I'VE EXPERIENCED THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM FROM DAY ONE OF DRIVING THE VEHICLE. ON WET OR UNEVEN SURFACE THE TRACTION CONTROL KICKS IN AND CAR SEEMS TO LOSE POWER IN THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR FOR A FEW SECONDS AND IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. IN OTHER WORDS, YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO EITHER BRAKE AND PREVENT A BAD SITUATION OR ACCELERATE YOUR WAY OUT, AND NEITHER ARE POSSIBLE FOR A FEW SECONDS. THIS HAPPENS NEARLY EVERY DAY ON THE 2009 PRIUS. LOOKING AT CONSUMER BLOGS, IT IS OBVIOUS THIS HAS BEEN A CONSISTENT PROBLEM WITH THE PRIUS, AND NOT JUST THE 2010 MODEL. *TR
Mar 10, 2010
2009 TOYOTA PRIUS: WHEN DRIVING OVER POT-HOLES, BUMPS, OR UNEVEN PATCHES OF ROAD AT ALL DIFFERENT SPEEDS, THE CAR'S "TRACTION LIGHT" WILL FLASH AND THE CAR WILL MOMENTARILY SURGE FORWARD. IT SEEMS AT THIS TIME THAT THE BRAKES ALSO TEMPORARILY LOSE POWER. THIS HAPPENS SEVERAL TIMES A WEEK. THIS WORRIES ME AS I FEEL THIS COULD LEAD TO CAR ACCIDENTS OR PUT PEDESTRIANS IN DANGER. SPOKE WITH MANY OTHER PRIUS OWNERS AND THEY REPORT THE SAME PROBLEM. CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT THE CAR AND THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME THIS WAS A "NORMAL FUNCTION" OF THE ABS. I STILL FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT IS NOT BEING PROPERLY ADDRESSED. I'VE DRIVEN MANY OTHER CARS WITH ABS AND NONE OF THEM BEHAVED THIS ERRATICALLY. *TR
Mar 04, 2010
2009 TOYOTA PRIUS MY 2009 EXHIBITS SIMILAR BRAKING ISSUES TO THOSE BEING RECALLED ON THE 2010. AT LEAST WEAKLY DURING SLOW BRAKING OVER A BUMP, POTHOLE, OR DAMP SURFACE, THE "SLIP" INDICATOR COMES ON AND THE CAR LURCHES FORWARD FOR APPROXIMATELY ONE SECOND. *TR
Feb 15, 2010
I LIVE ON A DIRT ROAD 2 MILES LONG WITH 1 MILE UPHILL. I BOUGHT MY NEW 2009 PRIUS ON MARCH 10TH 2009 AND ON MARCH 12TH COULD NOT DRIVE OUT. GOING UP THE HILL WHEN EVER THE DRIVE WHEEL SLIPPED THE TRACTION CONTROL WOULD BRAKE THE WHEEL UNTIL, WITH MANY BRIEF BRAKING, THE PRIUS CAME TO A STOP. I WAS UNABLE TO GO FORWARD AND HAD TO BACK DOWN THE HILL TILL I COULD FIND A PLACE TO TURN AROUND. THIS CREATED A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. I HAD THE CAR TOWED OUT AND TOYOTA CHECKED IT AND SAID ALL SYSTEMS WERE WORKING PROPERLY. I ASKED FOR AN OFF SWITCH AND THEY SAID IMPOSSIBLE. WHEN I CAME HOME THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN AND WAS TOWED OUT AND AGAIN TOYOTA REFUSED TO DEAL WITH IT. I WENT TO ARBITRATION AND PRESENTED MY INFORMATION ALONG WITH ARTICLES I FOUND ON THE CONSUMER AFFAIRS WEBSITE ABOUT THIS SAME PROBLEM AFFECTING PEOPLE ALL OVER THE NATION, SOME WITH BAD RESULTS, ESPECIALLY ON ICE, STRANDING THEM, IN INTERSECTIONS. TOYOTA SAID THIS WAS NOT COVERED IN THE WARRANTY SO ALL MY INFORMATION AND MY CASE WERE TOTALLY DISREGARDED. THIS IS THE SAME THING THAT HAS HAPPENED TO OTHERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. TOYOTA REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM OR ADD AN OFF SWITCH. I ALSO CALLED THE MANUFACTURES OF ALL OTHER HYBRID OR ELECTRIC CARS WITH TRACTION CONTROL AND THEY EITHER HAVE AN OFF SWITCH OR OFFER ONE JUST FOR THIS REASON. I WAS LUCKY THAT MY ROAD ASSOCIATION SPENT $16,000 ON THE ROAD SHORTLY AFTER THIS HAPPENED BUT AS THE ROAD IS DETERIORATING AND THERE WONT BE ENOUGH MONEY FOR SEVERAL YEARS I MAY BE STUCK AGAIN IN THE FUTURE. EVERY OTHER CAR CAN GET UP THE ROAD, EVEN AT ITS WORST, INCLUDING A 2003 PRIUS WITHOUT TRACTION CONTROL. THIS HAPPENED AGAIN ON ANOTHER DIRT ROAD BUT I WAS ABLE TO GET OUT THRU THE USE OF ROPES AND ROCKS AND A SHOVEL. IS THERE ANYTHING YOU CAN DO TO HELP AS I DON'T WANT TO HIRE AN ATTORNEY TO FOLLOW THROUGH . THANK YOU *TR
Feb 13, 2010
ON A DAILY BASIS, MY 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS LOSES CONTROL, SKIDS, (THE TRACTION LIGHT GOES ON), FISHTAILS AND HAS BRAKE FAILURES ON ICE AND SNOW. WHEN I HIT POTHOLES OR BIG BUMPS, THE CAR ACCELERATES AND I HAVE TO QUICKLY BRAKE. THE NORTHBROOK TOYOTA SERVICE MANAGER DROVE IT TODAY. THE CAR LOST CONTROL, SKIDDED, THE TRACTION LIGHT WENT ON, IT FISHTAILED, AND THE BRAKES FAILED ON THE ICE AND SNOW. HIS COMMENT WAS "THAT'S THE WAY THE CAR IS. IT DOESN'T DRIVE WELL ON ICE AND SNOW". WE COULDN'T FIND A GOOD POTHOLE FOR THE CAR TO DEMONSTRATE THE ACCELERATION TODAY. I WAS TOLD BY AN AUTOMECHANIC THAT WORKS ON OUR OTHER CARS THAT THE 2009 AND 2010 PRIUS HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THEIR BRAKES. PRESENTLY THERE IS NO RECALL FOR THE 2009 PRIUS. I AM AFRAID I AM GOING TO KILL SOMEONE AT AN INTERSECTION WHEN I CAN'T STOP. YESTERDAY I HAD 2 CATHOLIC NUNS IN THE CAR AND THE CAR FAILED TO TURN LEFT AT AN INTERSECTION, ALMOST FISHTAILING INTO AN EMBANKMENT BEFORE IT RIGHTED ITSELF. A LEXUS SUV BEHIND ME ALMOST HIT ME WHILE TRYING TO AVOID ME. I AM HOPING THAT NO LIVES WILL BE LOST, OR SEVERE INJURIES OCCUR, BEFORE THESE PROBLEMS ARE ACKNOWLEDGED BY TOYOTA AND FIXED. *TR
Feb 10, 2010
+ 2 more complaints for this component
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
5 complaints
Our 2009 Toyota Prius is known as a Gen 2 Prius (model years 2004 -2009). All Gen 2 Priuses has a bladder inside their fuel tank. Over time, these bladders are known to deteriorate. In our case, the fuel tank capacity is shrinking and fuel can be difficult to add to the tank (pumps click off repeatedly and occasionally, fuel splashes back out of the tank). Additionally, the fuel gauge reports unreliable statuses and drops or adds multiple "bars" at a time yet fuel, when added, and tank status as reported by the gauge, are inconsistent with one another. Thus, we, the drivers, don't know how much fuel is in the tank and may consider carrying a full gas can to avoid being stranded along the roadside. We believe Toyota knew about this Gen 2 defect at the time we purchased our 2009 Prius, which was in March, 2009. In fact, the new Gen 3 Priuses, starting with the 2010 model year, had already had their fuel systems redesigned and factories were probably being retooled when we purchased our vehicle. Thus, they knowing sold us a vehicle with a known product defect. Now, with the bladder deteriorating, the local Toyota dealership wants to replace our fuel tank/system at a cost of almost $2,000. The replacement tank will be of an identical design as the one they sold me in 2009. So they want me to pay an additional two grand for a tank that has been known to be defective for the past 13 years. This is unbelievable!
Jul 18, 2022
CATALYTIC CONVERTER
Feb 21, 2021
UNABLE TO ADD ANY GAS TO THE FUEL TANK EVEN WHEN TANK IS NEAR EMPTY. GAS JUST SPURTS BACK OUT OF THE FILLER NECK. OVER TIME WE HAVE LEARNED THAT THIS IS TEMPERATURE RELATED. AT OR NEAR FREEZING TEMPERATURES AND COLDER IT BECOMES IMPOSSIBLE AT TIMES TO ADD ANY GAS TO THE TANK. THE ONLY WAY TO ADD FUEL IS TO GET THE CAR TO A WARMER LOCATION AND LET IT SIT FOR A FEW HOURS. WE HAVE DETAILED RECORDS DOCUMENTING SEVERAL INSTANCES WHERE WE COULD ADD NO FUEL AND MANY INSTANCES WHERE A NEAR EMPTY TANK WILL TAKE ONLY 1-2 GALLONS. THE CAR HAS BEEN SEEN BY TWO DIFFERENT TOYOTA SERVICE CENTERS BUT THEY CLAIM THEY CAN FIND NOTHING WRONG. TOYOTA USA HAS STOPPED RESPONDING TO OUR REQUESTS FOR HELP. WE ARE UNABLE TO TRUST THE CAR FOR EXTENDED TRIPS IN THE WINTER DUE TO FEARS OF GETTING STUCK WITH AN EMPTY GAS TANK. A (RELATED?) PROBLEM IS THAT THE FUEL LEVEL INDICATIONS ARE NOT CONSISTENT AND THUS CANNOT BE TRUSTED. *TT
Apr 15, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STARTING THE IGNITION, A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL EMITTED INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DID NOT DETECT A FUEL LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,771.
Oct 28, 2013
CAR EXHIBITS SYMPTOMS CONSISTENT WITH FUEL TANK BLADDER COLLAPSE. HAVE OBSERVED WIDELY ERRATIC FUEL GAUGE INDICATIONS AND DIFFICULTY ADDING FUEL - PARTICULARLY IN COLDER WEATHER, (TEMPERATURES BELOW APPROXIMATELY 45 DEGREES F). ON OCCASION IT HAS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO ADD GAS TO A NEARLY EMPTY TANK EVEN AT A TRICKLE AS THE FUEL FILLER AUTO SHUTOFF KEEPS TRIPPING. ATTEMPTS TO ADD EVEN SMALL AMOUNTS OF GAS CAN RESULT IN GAS SPEWING BACK OUT THE FILLING ACCOMPANIED BY BELCHING SOUNDS COMING FROM THE TANK. OFTEN THE TANK CANNOT BE FILLED TO THE ADVERTISED CAPACITY EVEN IN WARMER WEATHER. TOYOTA DEALER SERVICE DENIES EVER HAVING HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM AND HAS OFFERED NO CREDIBLE SOLUTION. ON AN EXTENDED TRIP THIS COULD EASILY RESULT IN BEING STALLED WITH LITTLE WARNING AS THERE IS NO RELIABLE INDICATION OF HOW MUCH USABLE FUEL IS IN THE TANK OR WHEN THE FUEL GAUGE IS GOING TO QUICKLY DROP TO NEAR ZERO. THIS IS ALSO AN ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN DUE TO EMISSION OF GASOLINE FUMES AND SPURTING OF RAW GAS DURING REFUELING. *TR
Feb 19, 2013
STEERING
4 complaints
I was driving the 2009 Prius to my storage unit there was a car that I needed to go around so i sifted into reverse when I noticed a scraping sound as I was backing when I shifted into forward the sound again was there is when i noticed I had no directional control of the vehicle steering wheel would turn but the tires would not respond at all. I called for a tow truck, I called think of a greater safety issue than driving a car with no control over where it goes.
Jan 17, 2023
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
May 05, 2011
I HAVE THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM WITH MY 2009 PRIUS AS DESCRIBED BELOW. I HAVE HAD IT INTO THE DEALER 3 TIMES AND HAVE GOTTEN NO SATISFACTION. I HAVE HAD 4 FRIENDS WITH PRIUS CARS DRIVE MINE AND THEY ALL AGREE THAT MY CAR'S STEERING IS BAD. HTTP://WWW.SFGATE.COM/CGI-BIN/ARTICLE.CGI?F=/N/A/2010/02/17/FINANCIAL/F012558S46.DTL SMALLER, LESS-EXPENSIVE VEHICLES SUCH AS THE 2009 AND 2010 COROLLA USE ELECTRIC-ASSIST POWER STEERING. THEY ARE USUALLY EQUIPPED WITH POWER STEERING SYSTEMS THAT ARE AIDED BY A SMALL ELECTRIC MOTOR, A SYSTEM KNOWN AS ELECTRIC-ASSIST STEERING. THE MOTOR ESSENTIALLY HELPS ALIGN THE STEERING WHEEL WITH THE MOVEMENT OF THE TIRES. THE SYSTEM IS CHEAPER TO INSTALL THAN STEERING SYSTEMS THAT RELY ON HYDRAULICS. PROBLEMS CAN ARISE IF THE MOTOR IS OUT OF SYNC WITH THE STEERING WHEEL, WHICH COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO WANDER WITHOUT ANY TURNING OF THE WHEEL, HE SAID. "CAR COMPANIES WORK ON IT A LOT," SAID JIM DE CLERCK, A PROFESSOR IN THE MICHIGAN TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY'S MECHANICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT AND A FORMER GENERAL MOTORS ENGINEER. "IT IS A PRETTY WELL-KNOWN CUSTOMER-SATISFACTION ISSUE." *TR
Feb 18, 2010
WE OWN A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS AND WE'RE EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE PRIUS'S STEERING WHILE OPERATING THE CAR OVER 60 MPH. THE CAR WANTS TO SHIFTS FROM SIDE TO SIDE. WE ARE CONTINUOUSLY MOVING THE WHEEL , ATTEMPTING TO STEER THE CAR STRAIGHT . DURING ANY CROSS WINDS THE PROBLEM IS WORST. WE CONTACTED THE LOCAL DEALER AND TOYOTA'S CUSTOMER SERVICE REP AND BOTH INDICATED, "THE CAR IS WORKING AS DESIGNED." INVESTIGATING MY CAR PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET, I DISCOVERED PRIUSCHAT.COM . THERE I FOUND MANY OTHER OWNERS OF DIFFERENT YEAR PRIUSES WITH THE SAME STEERING PROBLEM. *TR
Jun 30, 2009
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
4 complaints
OUR PRIUS STARTED MAKING THIS NOISE RECENT... 4 SECONDS OF SPINNING CLICKING, THEN QUIET FOR 5 SECONDS THEN REPEAT. HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING, WHILE PARKED AND I JUST WENT OUT THERE WITH MY KEYS IN MY POCKET AND OPENED THE DOOR AND IT STARTED MAKING THE NOISE WHEN THE ENGINE STARTS...SO DOES THE RATTLING AND KNOCKING SOUNDS. WHEN I HIT ON BRAKE, THE BRAKE MAKES VERY ANNOYING NOISE.
Dec 12, 2018
OUR PRIUS STARTED MAKING THIS NOISE RECENT... 4 SECONDS OF SPINNING CLICKING, THEN QUIET FOR 5 SECONDS THEN REPEAT. HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING, WHILE PARKED AND I JUST WENT OUT THERE WITH MY KEYS IN MY POCKET AND OPENED THE DOOR AND IT STARTED MAKING THE NOISE WHEN THE ENGINE STARTS...SO DOES THE RATTLING AND KNOCKING SOUNDS. WHEN I HIT ON BRAKE, THE BRAKE BOOSTER MAKES VERY ANNOYING NOISE.
Dec 07, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED APPROXIMATELY THREE OTHER TIMES. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE BRAKES SEIZED WHILE DRIVING THROUGH A PARKING LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THERE WAS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (T-SB-0032-16) IN REFERENCE TO THE ABS ACTUATOR, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES AND CASE NUMBER: 1806043060 WAS FILED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 183,483.
Jun 04, 2018
I WAS DRIVING MY 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS ON A VERY COLD DAY (ROUGHLY 10 TO 20 DEGREES F). THE RED BRAKE WARNING LIGHT WAS ON, ALONG WITH THE ABS, VCS AND YELLOW "!" LIGHTS. THE BRAKES WERE EXTREMELY SOFT FOR ABOUT THE FIRST 5-10 MINUTES OF OPERATION. I WOULD PUSH THE BRAKE PEDAL AS FAR AS IT WOULD GO (IT WOULD NOT GO ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR) AND THE BRAKES WOULD SEEMS TO BE ENGAGING AT ABOUT 30%-50% OF THEIR NORMAL STOPPING POWER. AFTER THE VEHICLE WARMED UP, THE WARNING LIGHTS ON THE DASH WENT AWAY AND THE BRAKES BEGAN OPERATING NORMALLY. THE FOLLOWING WEEK, MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON ANOTHER VERY COLD DAY (AGAIN PROBABLY ABOUT 10 DEGREES). SHE STATED THAT THE ABOVE MENTIONED LIGHTS STAYED ON FOR HER ENTIRE COMMUTE (LESS THAN 10 MINUTES) BUT THAT WHEN SHE ARRIVED TO WORK, HER BRAKES WERE NOT WORKING. SHE DESCRIBED THAT SHE PRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AS FAR AS IT WOULD GO, BUT THE BRAKES DID NOT SEEM TO BE FULLY ENGAGING. SHE STATED THAT SHE NEARLY HIT A WALL AS SHE WAS PULLING INTO THE PARKING LOT AT HER WORK. I HAVE FOUND SIMILAR ISSUES LISTED ON PRIUS FORUMS ONLINE. PERHAPS IT IS A ELECTRICAL OR COMPUTER PROBLEM AS OPPOSED TO A PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES. WE HAVE NEVER HAD THE PROBLEM WHEN THE TEMPERATURE WAS ABOVE 25 DEGREES.
Jan 10, 2018
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
4 complaints
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND ALL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE BUT IT STALLED AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO REPLACED THE SHORT ENGINE BLOCK. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PISTON ROD WAS BENT DUE TO BAD FUEL IN THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 19,800 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 20,500.
Jan 06, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON EIGHT DIFFERENT OCCASIONS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST POWER. WHEN THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND AND SPEED UP. AT TIMES, IT WOULD EVENTUALLY INCREASE IN SPEED AND THEN IMMEDIATELY STALL THEREAFTER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 17,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 20,000.
Mar 26, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING AT A SPEED OF 60 MPH THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING AND WOULD NOT RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO STATED THAT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPRODUCED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWICE PRIOR TO THE RECENT FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 20,000.
Mar 10, 2010
NOXIOUS FUMES INSIDE VEHICLE. SMELLS LIKE BURNING PLASTIC / METAL. FUMES BURN EYES AND PERMEATE CLOTHING, CAUSE LIGHT-HEADEDNESS. DLR HAS TRIED 3X TO REPAIR, CAN NOT IDENTIFY SOURCE. DLR'S SVC MGR CONFIRMS IT IS NOT A NORMAL ODOR FOR THIS VEHICLE, AGREES FUMES GIVE HEADACHE. MFR'S TECH DEPT CLAIMS IT IS NORMAL, DESPITE NOT HAVING EXAMINED VEHICLE. (MFR IS WILLING TO SEND FIELD SVC TECH IN APPX 1 MONTH, WILL NOT PROVIDE LOANER OR OTHERWISE ACCOMMODATE ME IN THE INTERIM.) MFR SUGGESTED IT IS A PERSONAL HEALTH ISSUE AND THAT I "SHOULD CONSIDER IF VEHICLE IS RIGHT FOR ME." *TR
Sep 22, 2009
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
4 complaints
MY 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS, SINCE I FIRST PURCHASED IT APRIL 2009, THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES SEEM TO FAIL. WHEN I BRAKE AND HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES ENGAGE AND RELEASE THE BRAKES. IT FEELS AS IF I AM SLIDING ON ICE. I DISCUSSED THIS WITH THE TOYOTA DEALER LAST MONTH, WHO DISMISSED THIS AS NORMAL ANTI-LOCK BRAKE ACTIVITY. I FEEL THESE CARS NEED TO BE RECALLED AND REPAIRED. *TR
Jul 05, 2010
IT IS A RECURRING INCIDENT/PROBLEM WITH MY 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS. BRAKING AT THE SAME TIME ONE IS GOING OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD OR DURING INTERMITTENT SLIPPERY CONDITIONS. WHEN BRAKING AT THE SAME TIME THE CAR IS GOING OVER A MODERATELY ABRUPT BUMP OR PARKINGLOT DRIVEWAY ENTRANCE THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING ENGAGES BUT THERE APPEARS TO BE DELAY - POSSIBLY IN CONNECTION WITH THE SWITCHING FROM THE REGENERATIVE BRAKE MECHANISM - CAUSING THE SENSATION THAT THE BRAKES HAVE FAILED FOR ABOUT 1 SECOND OR 2 - QUITE A DISCONCERTING FEELING AND CONCERN THAT IS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS IF THE SAME ROAD CONDITIONS WERE PRESENT DURING A PANIC STOP. DURING INTERMITTENT SLIPPERY CONDITIONS - E.G. SNOW OVER THE ROAD, PARTIALLY PLOWED SNOW OR ICY CONDITIONS - THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING/TRACTION CONTROL IS OVER-ACTIVE, CUTTING POWER ABRUPTLY TO ONE WHEEL THEN THE OTHER CAUSING A WHIPPING ACTION FROM SIDE-TO-SIDE. THIS RANGES FROM ANNOYING TO TERRIFYING INCLUDING ONE INCIDENT THAT THE CAR SPUN OUT 3 TIMES ON ONE SECTION OF A RURAL SNOWY ROAD - FORTUNATELY NO ON-COMING TRAFFIC WAS PRESENT AND THE CAR DID NOT GO INTO THE DITCH. WHEN THE DEALER WAS ASKED ABOUT THESE TENDENCIES THEY STATED THAT THIS WAS NORMAL - SO NO ADJUSTMENT TO A PART OR SOFTWARE HAS BEEN ABLE TO BE MADE. *TR
May 20, 2010
WHEN BRAKING ON THE PRIUS IF YOU HIT A POTHOLE THE CAR LOSES TRACTION AND SKIPS OVE THE POTHOLE. LOSS OF FEELING FOR THE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE OF A SECOND OR TWO. IT HAPPENS EVERY TIME WHEN BRAKING AND HITING A POTHOLE OR MANHOLE
Mar 27, 2010
MY 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS IS EXHIBITING THE SAME BRAKING BEHAVIOR AS PREVIOUSLY IDENTIFIED IN THE 2010 MODELS. THERE IS A MANHOLE COVER ON A STREET I FREQUENTLY DRIVE NEAR A STOP LIGHT. ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS WHEN I APPLY THE BRAKES TO STOP I HAVE HIT THE MANHOLE COVER AND AT WHICH POINT THE CAR SEEMS TO LOOSE CONTROL. WHILE MOST DAYS THIS IS NOT AN ISSUE BECAUSE THERE IS NO ONE IN FRONT OF ME, ON OCCASION I HAVE COME CLOSE TO REAR-ENDING THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE. AT FIRST I THOUGHT IT WAS DUE TO THE DESIGN OF THE HYBRID, BUT THE RECENT ARTICLES ABOUT THE 2010 MODELS HAVE PUSHED ME TO BRING THIS ISSUE TO THE FOREFRONT. IT MIGHT NOT BE SIMPLY THE 2010 MODELS. *TW
Feb 07, 2010
SUSPENSION
3 complaints
I NOTICED A STRANGE NOISE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE CAR, WHICH WAS GETTING LOUDER EVERY DAY. TOOK TO A DEALER, AND I WAS TOLD THAT MY RIGHT STRUT AND STRUT MOUNT CRASHED AND NEEDED A REPLACEMENT. THEY ALSO TOLD ME THAT THE OTHER FRONT STRUT NEEDED A REPLACEMENT. I AM ONLY DRIVING NORMAL ROADS. *TR
Jul 10, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT DROVE OVER A SLIGHT ROAD BUMP AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LIFTED INTO THE AIR. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHENEVER THE CONTACT TRAVELED OVER A ROAD BUMP. THE VEHICLE TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES FOR THE FAILURE AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO LOCATE A PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Oct 24, 2012
PURCHASED A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS. AFTER A WEEK, I STARTED TO NOTICE SERIOUS ISSUES IN KEEPING THE VEHICLE TRACKING STRAIGHT, ESPECIALLY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. BROUGHT VEHICLE TO DEALER TWICE AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO ISSUE. DECIDED TO BRING VEHICLE TO ANOTHER TOYOTA DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT ALIGNMENT WAS DEFINITELY OFF. ISSUE WAS FIXED, BUT HAS COME BACK. *JB
Feb 04, 2010
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
3 complaints
THE PROBLEM WITH THE PRIUS IS THE ENHANCED VSC, NOT THE BRAKES! I HAVE BEEN READING ABOUT THE BRAKING PROBLEM IN THE TOYOTA PRIUS AND THEY ALL SEEM TO OCCUR UNDER ROUGH OR SLIPPERY DRIVING CONDITIONS. I OWN A 2009 PRIUS AND THE SAME THING HAPPENS BUT IT SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH THE ENHANCED VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL (VSC). PLEASE LOOK INTO THE ENHANCED VSC FOR THE PROBLEM BECAUSE I DON'T THINK IT'S THE BRAKES. *TR
Feb 09, 2010
I OWN A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS AND WHEN THE VEHICLE ENCOUNTERS A POT HOLE OR ANY ROUGH ROAD SERVICE, IT JUMPS AHEAD AND THERE IS A DELAY WHEN I ATTEMPT TO BRAKE. ON THE DASHBOARD THE ICY ROADWAY INDICATAOR APPEARS AT THESE TIMES. THIS SIITUATION HAS BEEN ONGOING SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN APRIL 2009 *CN
Feb 06, 2010
WE BROUGHT A NEW 2009 PRIUS IN SEPTEMBER OF THIS YEAR, 2008. I WAS DRIVING IN THE SNOW, AND FOUND THAT THIS CAR HAS A MIND OF ITS OWN; THE TRACTION CONTROL TOOK TOTAL CONTROL OF THE CAR, AND LEFT ME IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD IN A CURVE AS I WAS ABOUT TO GO UP A HILL. THE CAR CAME TO A STOP; I COULD NOT ACCELERATE AT ALL! THE SHERIFF, WHO WAS DRIVING ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE STREET HAD TO GO OFF THE ROAD TO KEEP FROM HITTING ME HEAD ON, AND THE PERSON BEHIND ME HAD TO SWERVE TO KEEP FROM HITTING ME. THANK GOD I DIDN'T HAVE AN ACCIDENT! I CONTACTED THE TWO TOYOTA DEALERS IN OUR AREA, AND I WAS TOLD THAT THE RESPONSE FROM THE PRIUS WAS "NORMAL." WHEN I CALLED THE TOYOTA 800 CUSTOMER SERVICE NUMBER, I WAS AGAIN TOLD THAT THE CAR WAS DESIGNED THAT WAY. THEY ALSO SUGGESTED THAT WE TRY SNOW TIRES ON THE CAR. IN SPITE OF LIVING WHERE WE ARE IN JOHNSON CITY, NEW YORK (NEAR BINGHAMTON), WE HAVE ALWAYS USED ALL-SEASON TIRES WITHOUT ANY TROUBLE. WE HAD A 1995 INTREPID WHICH HAD TRACTION CONTROL, AND WE HAD NO TROUBLE WITH IT. IT HAD A SWITCH THAT YOU COULD USE IF YOU NEEDED TO TURN THE TRACTION CONTROL OFF. I DON'T KNOW WHY THE PRIUS HAS NO WAY TO TURN THE TRACTION CONTROL OFF; I BELIEVE TOYOTA'S DESIGN IS FAULTY AND DANGEROUS. IT'S A DEATH TRAP, A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD AND NEEDS TO BE CHANGED! PLEASE HELP US IN GETTING THE ATTENTION OF THE TOYOTA MOTOR COMPANY TO DO A RECALL AND MAKE IT SO THAT THIS CAR HAS A WAY TO TURN OFF THE TRACTION CONTROL WHEN IT DEEMS NECESSARY. IT SHOULD NOT BE NECESSARY FOR ACCIDENTS TO OCCUR AND PEOPLE BE HURT OR KILLED TO MAKE IT COMPULSORY THAT A BAD DESIGN BE FIXED. (PLEASE NOTE: WE WROTE "CAMRY" ON YOUR FORM UNDER MODEL SELECTION BECAUSE YOU DID NOT HAVE "PRIUS" LISTED. WE HAD TO SELECT SOME CAR MODEL IN ORDER TO PROCEED WITH THE APPLICATION). THANK YOU. *TR
Dec 13, 2008
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
3 complaints
SNOW COVERED ROAD, WAS BRAKING FOR STOP SIGN, WENT OVER MANHOLE COVER, ABS (ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL) KICKED IN, LOST BRAKING FOR ABOUT THREE FEET. *TR
Feb 05, 2010
I HAVE A 2009 PRIUS. I'VE BEEN COMPLAINING TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY, SINCE I GOT IT ABOUT SIX MONTHS AGO, ABOUT ITS INSTABILITY WHEN I GO OVER SMALL BUMPS AND RUTS IN THE ROAD. THE CAR SEEMS TO SURGE AHEAD, SWERVE A BIT, AND LOSE CONTACT WITH THE GROUND. THE OTHER MAJOR PROBLEM IS THE CAR'S HORRIBLE TRACTION ON WET HIGHWAYS. IF I'M TRAVELING OVER 45 M.P.H., MY CAR BEGINS TO HYDROPLANE. THE EXPERIENCE IS UNNERVING. I'VE NEVER DRIVEN A CAR THAT FEELS SO UNSAFE AND THAT MAKES ME FEEL SUCH A LACK OF CONFIDENCE, AND I'VE BEEN DRIVING FOR 35 YEARS. PLUS, DURING THE LAST SNOWSTORM, WHEN I PUT MY PRIUS IN PARK ON A SLIGHT INCLINE ON THE ROAD IN FRONT OF MY HOME, THE CAR SLID ABOUT 20 FEET, IN PARK. I HAD TO PUT ON THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP. IT SLIDES ALL OVER THE ROAD, IN SNOW. I HATE THIS CAR AND WISH I'D NEVER BOUGHT IT. I BELIEVE THAT ITS MERITS WERE MISREPRESENTED. DESPITE THE CHOSEN DATE THAT YOU'VE REQUIRED ME TO ENTER, UNFORTUNATELY THESE PROBLEMS ARE ONGOING. *TR
Feb 05, 2010
WHEN BRAKING ON ROUGH ROAD, LIKE WHEN YOU HIT A SMALL POTHOLE, OUR 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS HANDLES IMPROPERLY. THE "SLIP INDICATOR" LIGHT FLASHES. IT BRIEFLY FEELS LIKE THERE IS A LOSS OF CONTROL. *TR
Feb 04, 2010
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
3 complaints
I NOTICED ON MY TOYOTA PRIUS 2009 TAKES ABOUT A SECOND OR TWO TO ACTUALLY BRAKE. I NOTICED THAT EVEN WHEN I START BRAKING SLIGHTLY THE CAR DOES SLOW DOWN BUT I HAVE TO PRESS HARDER (MORE THAN HALF WAY IN) FOR THE CAR TO RESPOND ON BRAKING. *TR
Feb 04, 2010
I RECENTLY READ THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE HTTP://MONEY.CNN.COM/2010/02/03/AUTOS/PRIUS_COMPLAINTS/INDEX.HTM AND WOULD LIKE TO REPORT THAT THIS PROBLEM OCCURS IN MY 2009 PRIUS. I HAVE HAD IT SINCE 4/09 AND IT OCCURS CONSISTENTLY WHEN I AM EXITING MY WORKPLACE. I DESCEND A FAIRLY STEEP PAVED ROAD AND WHEN I HIT A SPECIFIC BUMP IN THE PAVEMENT, MY CAR ACCELERATES FOR A SPLIT SECOND. THIS IS A REGULARLY REPEATABLE OCCURRENCE. *TR
Feb 03, 2010
MY 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS WAS LESS THAN 4 MONTHS OLD. AS I WAS PARKING IN FRONT OF MY APARTMENT, I COULD FEEL THE CAR STILL ACCELERATING WHILE I HAD ALREADY MOVED MY FOOT TO THE BRAKE. BRAKING AS HARD AS I CAN I REALIZED MY CAR WASN'T RESPONDING AT ALL. THE CAR CLIMBED ON TO THE CURB INTO THE GRASS, HIT A LIGHT POLE, TILTED TO ITS RIGHT SIDE (I WAS PARKING TO MY RIGHT) AND FELL DOWN ON ITS SIDE. I TRIED TO TURN THE CAR OFF, BUT WONT TURN OFF. THE WHEELS WERE STILL ACCELERATING AS I WAS TRYING TO GET OUT OF THE SEAT BELT, CALLED OUT FOR HELP AND GOT OUT THROUGH THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW. I CALLED 911. POLICE HELPED ME TURN OFF THE VEHICLE; UNTIL THAT TIME, THE CAR WAS STILL ACCELERATING ON ITS OWN. THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE WITH THE TOYOTA PRIUS 2ND GENERATION. THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR IS AT VERY LOW SPEED (LIKE IN MY CASE, WHILE PARKING) OR WHEN ITS FLOORED ALL THE WAY. THIS SHOULD BE THOROUGHLY INVESTIGATED. THE CAR IS WITH GEICO, MY INSURANCE COMPANY FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION. *TR
May 26, 2009
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
2 complaints
WE HAVE A 2009 PRIUS WHICH STALLED ON THE FREEWAY AS MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING IT YESTERDAY (10/16/2020). LUCKILY, EVEN THOUGH IT WAS A BUSY AUSTIN FREEWAY, MY HUSBAND WAS ABLE TO MANEUVER IT TO THE SHOULDER AND CALL AAA TO TOW THE CAR TO THE SERVICE STATION. ON INSPECTION, WE WERE TOLD THAT THE REASON FOR THE STALL WAS THE FAILURE OF THE INVERTER DRIVE PUMP ALONG WITH THE 12V BATTERY ON BOARD. THIS CAR WAS PART OF THE RECALL FOR THE INVERTER DRIVE PUMP AND THAT WAS REPLACED BY AN AUTHORIZED TOYOTA SERVICE CENTER IN 2013 FOR A SIMILAR ISSUE. ON THE OCT 16TH, 2020, THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS - NO ENGINE CHECK LIGHT AND NOT EVEN THE 'MAINTENANCE REQUIRED' LIGHT - THE CAR TURNED ON JUST FINE, MY HUSBAND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT 5 MILES TO THE FREEWAY, GET ON THE FREEWAY AT 60 MPH AND DRIVE A FEW MILES ON IT BEFORE LOSING ALL POWER IN THE CAR. THE SERVICE TECH INFORMS US THAT THE INVERTER PUMP CAN BREAK DOWN DUE TO JUST REGULAR DRIVING - BUT THERE WAS ZERO INDICATION THAT THIS UNIT, WHICH APPARENTLY IS CRUCIAL TO THE CAR WHILE BEING DRIVEN, WAS IN ANY DANGER OF IMMINENT FAILURE. I DO NOT KNOW IF THIS PART IS EXAMINED OR SERVICED AS PART OF REGULAR MAINTENANCE, BUT NO WARNINGS WERE RAISED WHEN THIS CAR WAS LAST SERVICED, AT AN AUTHORIZED TOYOTA SERVICE STATION IN DEC OF 2019.
Oct 19, 2020
THE VEHICLE STALLED OUT WHILE I WAS DRIVING, FOUR TIMES IN ABOUT A MILE - INCLUDING ONCE ON A VERY BUSY ROAD WITH NO SHOULDER. THE ELECTRICAL ERROR BOARD LIT UP, THE TRANSMISSION REVERTED TO NEUTRAL OR PARK AND I COULD NOT PUT THE CAR BACK INTO DRIVE. AFTER I TURNED THE CAR OFF, AND THEN TURNED IT BACK ON, IT WENT INTO DRIVE BUT ONLY FOR A SHORT WHILE BEFORE LIGHTS STARTED FLASHING AND IT STALLED AGAIN. *TR
Sep 01, 2012
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaints
UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE IT MAKES A HIGH-PITCHED BEEP, FOLLOWED BY A BUZZING SOUND THAT REPEATS EVERY FIVE TO EIGHT SECONDS. THE DASHBOARD DISPLAYS THE TPS, ABS, VSC, AND BRAKE LIGHTS. WHEN PUTTING THE VEHICLE IN DRIVE, THE HIGH-PITCH SOUND RETURNS FOR ONE TO TWO MINUTES. DURING THAT TIME THE BRAKE PEDAL BECOMES IMPOSSIBLE TO DEPRESS. IF THE ENGAGED, THE VEHICLE DOES NOT STOP UNTIL THE BRAKE PRESSURE RETURNS. ONCE THE SOUND STOPS, THE BRAKE PRESSURE RETURNS TO NORMAL. DIAGNOSIS FROM TOYOTA SHOWS: CODE C1256 = ACCUMULATOR LOW PRESSURE. CODE C1391 ABNORMAL LEAK OF ACCUMULATOR PRESSURE. ESTIMATE FOR REPAIRS = $2,811.72. AT PRESENT THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO OPERATE AS TOYOTA ADVISED, IN THE VEHICLE'S CURRENT CONDITION THE BRAKE SYSTEM COULD FAIL AT ANY TIME.
Feb 08, 2020
THE VEHICLE BRAKING LOST BRAKING MOMENTARILY WHEN I WAS DRIVING OVER SMALL BUMPS AND VEHICLE SLIP SIGN ILLUMINATED. *TR
Nov 19, 2013
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaints
MY PRIUS NOW HAS ALL THOSE DASH LIGHTS ON: !, ABS, VCS. I WAS DRIVING YESTERDAY, ON A CITY STREET AND THE LIGHTS CAME ON, AND THE BRAKES SUDDENLY DID NOT WORK-HARD TO PUSH. FOR MONTHS, WHEN I WOULD DRIVE OVER ROUGH TERRAIN, I HAD THE LOSS OF BRAKING, ACCELERATING, AND THE SLICK ROAD ICON WOULD ILLUMINATE. THE IS EXACTLY THE SAME ABS MODULE PROBLEM AFFECTING 2010 PRIUS, ANDS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED AND REPAIRS COVERED.IF I DIDN'T STAY SO FAR BEHIND OTHER VEHICLES, I WOULD HAVE REAR-ENDED SOMEONE.
Dec 30, 2018
DRIVER WENT TO PARK AND THE BRAKES DID NOT RESPOND! IN FACT THE VEHICLE WENT FROM 2-5MPH TO APPROX 30+ & KEPT PICKING UP SPEED AND WENT INTO STOREFRONT. DRIVER WAS ABLE TO WRESTLE VEHICLE INTO REVERSE AND IT WENT EQUALLY FAST BACK INTO A PARKED CAR WHERE IT FINALLY CAME TO A STOP. HUGELY FRIGHTENING AND POTENTIALLY LETHAL.
Oct 09, 2016
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaints
MY CAR HAS BEEN INTERMITTENTLY DISPLAYING ABS VSC AND BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS. WHEN THEY ARE ON THERE IS NO BRAKE REGENERATION. THE LIGHTS HAVE COME ON AND GONE OFF AND NOW ARE ON AGAIN. GETTING OBD CODE C1391 (ABNORMAL LEAK IN ACCUMULATOR) MY VEHICLE IS JUST A SMALL AMOUNT OVER MILEAGE TO COVER THIS UNDER ENHANCED WARRANTY BUT TOYOTA KNOWS THEY HAVE A BRAKE ACCUMULATOR PROBLEM AND WANTS 3K TO FIX WHAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL LONG AGO. HAVE CALLED AND TOYOTA WILL NOT HELP.
Nov 28, 2018
THE LIGHTBULBS BURN OUT VERY EASILY. THE CAR STALLS WHEN YOU ARE TRYING TO LEAVE FROM A LIGHT OR STOP SIGN. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS BUT NOT ON MY MODEL AND THERE SHOULD BE SOMETIMES WHEN STOPPING ON BREAKS THE CAR WILL SHOW SLIPPERY ALERT EVEN THOUGHT THERE IS NO REASON FOR IT. ALL THESE THINGS HAVE CAUSED DANGER FOR US WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR YEARS
Oct 16, 2018
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaints
DISPLAY FOR ODOMETER, SPEEDOMETER AND GAS GAUGE GOES OUT INTERMITTENTLY.THE 'COMBINATION METER' (A.K.A. 'INSTRUMENT PANEL' OR 'CLUSTER', THE THING YOU'RE LOOKING AT IN FRONT OF YOU) IS BAD. THERE ARE SEVERAL ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS IN THE CIRCUIT BOARD THAT CONTROL HOW IT 'POWERS UP', AND THEY FAIL. LACKING THE ABILITY TO POWER UP, THE DISPLAY GOES BLACK. JOE MYERS QUOTED US $1156 FOR REPAIR, AND ONE WEEK REPAIR TIME. SERVICE ADVISOR SAID THAT REPAIR PART IS FIXED PART SO THAT PROBLEM WILL NO LONGER OCCUR. WE MUST DRIVE THE VEHICLE TILL WE REPLACE IT. NO OFFER WAS MADE TO PROVIDE A LOANER CAR IF 07 PRIUS WENT INTO SHOP FOR REPLACEMENT CLUSTER. IT IS REALLY UNSAFE TO DRIVE WITHOUT KNOWING SPEED THAT CAR IS TRAVELING. AND WE WOULD NOT KNOW GAS LEVEL. WHO WANTS TO RUN OUT OF FUEL? VERY UNSAFE. WHY ISN'T TOYOTA OWNING UP TO THIS DEFICIENCY? SHOULDN'T IT BE A RECALL REPAIR? WE ARE THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND WE HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE INTO THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE SHOP FOR REPAIRS SINCE WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE.
Nov 20, 2017
IF MY CAR SITS IN THE SUN, ON OCCASION THE AUDIO CONTROLS - AM/FM, VOLUME, POWER, TRACK SELECTOR, ETC. FAIL TO FUNCTION (THEY ARE UNRESPONSIVE). IF THE CAR IS TURNED OFF, THEN BACK ON, THEY WORK. THIS IS NOT A SAFETY CONCERN, PER SE. MY CONCERN IS NOT THE AUDIO PORTION NOT WORKING, BUT THE SYSTEM DESIGN AND QUALITY OF COMPONENTS. WERE THESE SAME COMPONENTS USED ELSEWHERE IN THE CAR? I'VE ONLY SEEN THIS HAPPEN WHEN MY CAR HAS BECOME HOT SITTING (NOT RUNNING) DUE TO THE WEATHER. USUALLY WHEN I PARKED FACING WEST AND THE SUN HAS BEEN HITTING THE FRONT OF THE CAR ALL DAY AND I LEAVE FROM WORK. THIS HASN'T HAPPENED IN THE PAST 2-3 YEARS BECAUSE I'VE KEPT MY CAR OUT OF THE SUN WHEN PARKING. IT OCCURRED BETWEEN 2012 AN 2014. I DO NOT HAVE AN EXACT DATE OF WHEN IT OCCURRED EVEN THOUGH YOUR FORM FORCES ME TO SPECIFY ONE.
Jun 23, 2017
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHEN THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS TURNED TO THE ON POSITION, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING ECU FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 108,331.
Oct 26, 2015
STEERING IN MY 2009 PRIUS COMPLETED FAILED AND LOCKED UP. I LITERALLY WAS UNABLE TO STEER MY CAR. LUCKILY, I WAS ON A NEIGHBORHOOR STREET ABOUT TO TURN INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND WAS NOT DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS OR IN A TURN LANE. I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT AN ELECTRONIC STEERING COMPONENT LIKE THIS CAN FAILI? HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE? I WANT TO ENSURE THAT THIS DOESN'T HAPPEN TO OTHER PRIUS DRIVERS AND ENSURE THAT THIS ISN'T A FAULTY PART ISSUE. IT IS A PUBLIC SAFETLY ISSUE AND THAT THERE NEEDS TO BE SOME SORT OF BACK UP STEERING MECHISIM TO PREVENT THIS FROM HAPPENING IN THE EVENT THAT THERE IS A "SHORT INSIDE THE POWER STEERING ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT. I SHUTTER TO THINK WHAT COULD OF HAPPENED.
Sep 28, 2015
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY/WIPER
2 complaints
THE BALLASTS FOR THE HID LIGHTS IN THE 2009 PRIUS ARE FAMOUSLY UNRELIABLE. MINE DEMONSTRATED THIS LAST EVENING IN A VERY UNNERVING WAY. THE HEADLAMPS WOULD SIMPLY TURN OFF WITHOUT WARNING, SOMETIMES ONE, AND MANY TIMES, BOTH, LEAVING ME TO THE MERCY OF STREET LIGHTS! THIS IS INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS. I CHECKED ON IT AND FOUND THAT THIS HAPPENS TO HUNDREDS OF PRIUS DRIVERS. ISN'T TOYOTA CONCERNED THAT ITS $1,200 CHARGE FOR FIXING ITS OWN DEFECTIVE EQUIPMENT (FOR THE BALLASTS ARE KNOWN FOR THIS) WILL LEAD TO DEATH OF POOR PERSONS WHO CANNOT AFFORD THE FIX? SHOULDN'T THERE BE A GENERAL RECALL FOR SUCH A CONSUMER-SAFETY ISSUE? (SURE, CYCLING THE LIGHTS TURNS THEM BACK ON, BUT WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING IN THE DARK, IT ISN'T EASY TO THINK WELL.)
Sep 04, 2015
THE HEADLIGHTS HAVE BEEN GOING OUT RANDOMLY FOR THE LAST FEW MONTHS BUT ONLY ONE AT A TIME. THIS EVENING WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM A LATE MEETING, BOTH HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING AT 55MPH. I PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY AND TRIED TURNING THE CAR OFF AND ON AGAIN. HEADLIGHTS WENT ON WHEN I TURNED THE CAR BACK ON, SO I RESUMED DRIVING ONLY TO HAVE THE LIGHTS GO OUT AGAIN! THIS TIME I FLICKED ON THE HIGH BEAMS AND THE LIGHTS CAME ON. I STOPPED TO GRAB A BITE TO EAT FIGURING I COULD DO THE HIGH BEAM TRICK AGAIN. WHEN I STARTED THE CAR, THE LIGHTS WENT ON AND HIGH BEAMS TURNED ON WHEN I ENGAGED THE LEVER. WHILE DRIVING HOME, LESS THAN 2 MILES FROM WHERE I STARTED THE CAR, HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT AND THE HIGH BEAMS DID NOT WORK EITHER WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO TURN THEM ON. I PULLED OVER TO TURN THE CAR OFF AND ON AGAIN BUT WITH NO LUCK THIS TIME. VERY SLOWLY DROVE THE LAST MILE HOME ON THE LESS TRAVELED ROAD WITH MY FLASHERS ON...THIS SITUATION IS INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS. *TR
Jan 30, 2013
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaints
2009 TOYOTA PRIUS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE ACCELERATION ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED ON MAY 10, 2010. ON FEBRUARY 11, 2010, THE CONSUMERS WIFE WAS APPROACHING A SMALL BUSINESS IN A PARKING LOT. SHE WAS ALMOST AT A DEAD STOP, WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY WENT A RAPID ACCELERATION MODE, JUMPED A CURBED AND SIDEWALK, AND HIT A BRICK WALL OF A BUSINESS BUILDING. THERE WAS SEVERE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE AS WELL AS TO THE BRICK WALL OF THE BUILDING. THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. *JB
Jun 08, 2015
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP WHEN IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE BRICK WALL ALTHOUGH THE DRIVER WAS ATTEMPTING TO APPLY THE BRAKES. THE DRIVER EXPERIENCED SEVERE WHIPLASH, SWELLING IN HER CHEST, BRUISING ON HER RIBS AND SHOULDER. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WAS NO MENTION OF THE VEHICLE BEING DESTROYED. A FEW MONTHS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE THE DEALER PERFORMED AN COMPLETE VEHICLE INSPECTION AND DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG IT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 8,000.
Sep 23, 2010
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
2 complaints
WHEN MY 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS GOES OVER 65 MPH THE PROBLEM LIGHT FLASHES ON THE DISPLAY AND THE THE ENGINE OIL LIGHT ILLUMINATES AS WELL. *TR
Mar 21, 2015
MY 2009 PRIUS HAS A NON-NAVIGATION MULIT-FUNCTION DISPLAY THAT CONTROLS EVERYTHING FROM SOUND TO TEMPERATURE TO HANDS FREE PHONE. PLUS, IT FUNCTIONS AS THE REARVIEW CAMERA DISPLAY. IN AUGUST OF 2014 AT ABOUT 80,000 MILES THE SCREEN BEGAN TO TURN OFF SPONTANEOUSLY WHILE DRIVING (IF IT TURNED ON AT ALL.) I HAVE READ MANY REPORTS OF THIS HAPPENING TO THE 2009 MODELS. I AM CONCERNED MOST ABOUT THE REAR VIEW SCREEN BECAUSE THIS MODEL OF PRIUS HAS LARGE BLINDSPOTS AND I RELIED HEAVILY ON THIS SCREEN. *TR
Oct 03, 2014
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaints
I WAS DRIVING MY 6-MONTH OLD 2009 PRIUS ONE SUMMER DAY ON A DRY, PAVED, SLIGHTLY DOWNWARD INCLINE WHEN THE FOLLOWING PROBLEM OCCURRED. AS I APPROACHED A TRAFFIC CIRCLE AT ABOUT 5 MPH AND THEN APPLIED THE BRAKES, MY CAR JUMPED FORWARD FOR ABOUT A SECOND AND A GOLD LIGHT ON THE DASH WAS BRIEFLY VISIBLE THROUGH MY PERIPHERAL VISION. BECAUSE I WAS FAMILIAR WITH ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEMS, I THINK THAT I KEPT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, THOUGH I MAY HAVE REFLEXIVELY RELEASED IT IN MY STARTLE. AT ANY RATE THE CAR STOPPED A FEW FEET LATER. THANKFULLY THERE WAS NO COLLISION, LARGELY DUE, I BELIEVE, TO MY HABIT OF COASTING TO A STOP WHEN PRACTICAL. HOWEVER, THIS WAS A BIT UNNERVING, AND ALSO SINCE IT WAS DURING THE PERIOD OF CONCERN ABOUT TOYOTA PRIUS' UNINTENDED ACCELERATION, I MADE A POINT OF REPORTING IT TO MY CAR DEALER. I COULD NOT IDENTIFY WHICH DASH LIGHT HAD FLASHED FOR A SECOND. THE DEALER'S RESPONSE WAS THAT THERE WAS PROBABLY AN UNEVEN SURFACE ON THE ROAD THAT CAUSED THE PROBLEM. SURE ENOUGH, THERE HAD BEEN BOTH A SHALLOW POTHOLE AND A BIT OF GRAVEL WHERE THE STOPPING PROBLEM OCCURRED. HOWEVER, I TAKE ISSUE WITH TOYOTA'S BLAMING ROAD CONDITIONS FOR THIS PROBLEM WHEN CLEARLY THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE CAR CANNOT RESPOND APPROPRIATELY EVEN DURING VERY SLOW SPEEDS. THE PROBLEM HASN'T RECURRED BECAUSE I AVOIDED THE POTHOLE AFTERWARD AND NEVER HAVE TO STOP ON A DIME, POTHOLE OR NO. I HAVE HAD CARS WITH ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEMS (ABS) AND NEVER ENCOUNTERED THIS PROBLEM WITH THEM. THEREFORE, IMO TOYOTA NEEDS TO IMPROVE THE ABS OR THE (THEN NEW) STABILITY CONTROL FEATURE ON PRIUSES, BOTH OF WHICH MY CAR HAS. IN ALL OF THE HYPE ABOUT TOYOTA CARS' SUSTAINED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION, I DO NOT REMEMBER THAT THIS OTHER EVENT THAT I HAVE DESCRIBED WAS ALSO BEING ADDRESSED. HOW COME? WHERE ARE NHTSA, NASA, AND TOYOTA ON THIS? *TR
May 23, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 2 MPH INTO A PARKING SPACE WITH PRESSURE APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN, FOLLOWED BY AN UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A HANDICAP PARKING POLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THERE WAS A SEPARATE OCCASION WHEN THE GEAR SELECTOR FAILED TO SHIFT INTO REVERSE GEAR OR PARK POSITION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THIS TIME. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000.
Mar 11, 2010
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaints
I WAS DRIVING MY 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS, EXITING THE STATEN ISLAND EXPRESSWAY AND AS I APPROACHED THE INTERSECTION THE LIGHT BEGAN TO TURN YELLOW AND I TRIED TO STOP (THE ROAD SURFACE WAS UNEVEN). WHEN I PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD INTO THE INTERSECTION SO I HAD TO GO THOUGH THE RED LIGHT AND I WAS LUCKY THAT THE ONCOMING TRAFFIC HADN'T BEGUN TO MOVE YET. *TR
Mar 10, 2010
I AM WRITING TO LET YOU KNOW OF A PROBLEM I AM EXPERIENCING WITH A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS THAT I PURCHASED NEW JUST ONE WEEK AGO AND WHICH STILL HAS LESS THAN 500 MILES ON IT. A COUPLE OF DAYS AGO I WAS APPROACHING A STOP AT AN INTERSECTION, IN TOWN WHERE MY SPEED HAD BEEN ONLY ABOUT 15 MPH. WHILE MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE, JUST PRIOR TO A FULL STOP, THE CAR ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. I KEPT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, PRESSING HARD, AND THE BRAKE EVENTUALLY OVERRODE THE ACCELERATOR AND STOPPED. LOOKING AT THE DASH I SAW THAT THE ABS BRAKE LIGHT FLASHED ON BRIEFLY. IT WAS A SUNNY DAY, NO RAIN, NO SLICK SURFACE. NO ONE WAS IN FRONT OF ME, SO NO DAMAGE TO ME OR ANYONE ELSE. ANOTHER INCIDENT HAPPENED THIS MORNING IN MY GARAGE. I GOT INTO THE PRIUS, FOOT ON THE BRAKE, PUSHED THE POWER BUTTON, AND THEN A MOMENT LATER, STILL IN PARK, I FELT A SURGE. THE CAR DID NOT LUNGE FORWARD, BUT I STRONGLY FELT THE REVVING AND SURGE OF POWER, AND THE CAR LIFTED FROM THE POWER. THESE INCIDENTS CAUSED ME TO SEARCH THE WEB FOR SIMILAR EXPERIENCE OF OTHERS, AND I HAVE FOUND MANY, SOME WITH SEVERE CONSEQUENCES. I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO ADD THAT IN HINDSIGHT I REALIZE THAT TWO OTHER THINGS I HAVE NOTICED ABOUT THE BRAKES MIGHT BE IMPORTANT TO RELATE. I SOMETIMES HEAR A SLIGHT GRINDING DISK SOUND WHEN I BRAKE, AND I HAVE ON A FEW OCCASIONS NOTICED THAT THE BRAKES ARE SKIPPING AND THE ABS ENGAGING, AS IF I WERE ON A SLIPPERY OR GRAVELED SURFACE. YET THAT WAS NEVER THE CASE; THE ROAD CONDITIONS WERE DRY AND TAR WAS IN GOOD CONDITION. I KNOW THIS BECAUSE I LOOKED BACK EACH TIME TO SEE WHAT MIGHT HAVE CAUSED THE BRAKES TO ACT STRANGELY. THERE WAS NO APPARENT CAUSE. IN RETROSPECT, AFTER HAVING EXPERIENCED THE ACCELERATION AT THE STOP SIGN, I REALIZE THAT THESE OTHER ODD BRAKING ISSUES MIGHT BE SYMPTOMS OF THE BIGGER BRAKING ISSUE. *TR
Jun 06, 2009
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC,TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
2 complaints
2009 PRIUS DISPLAYS ERRATIC BRAKING BEHAVIOR WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED ON IRREGULAR SURFACES...RR TRACKS, GRAVEL ETC. *TR
Feb 05, 2010
APPLYING LIGHT TO MODERATE PRESSURE ON THE BRAKING PEDAL OF MY 2009 PRIUS WHILE SIMULTANEOUSLY GOING OVER A POTHOLE AT LOW TO MODERATE SPEED (SUCH AS IN TRAFFIC) CAUSES THE BRAKING SYSTEM TO RELEASE AND THE CAR WILL FAIL TO STOP. REMOVING PRESSURE FROM THE PEDAL AND REAPPLYING PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL USUALLY REGAINS BRAKING FUNCTION BUT CAUSES A FEW SECONDS OF LOST BRAKING. THIS IS EASILY REPEATABLE AND FREQUENTLY OCCURS IN THE SAME SPOTS ON A DAILY COMMUTE FOR THE PAST YEAR I HAVE OWNED THIS CAR. ON TWO OCCASIONS SOON AFTER PURCHASING THE CAR IN OCTOBER 2008 I WAS STILL UNFAMILIAR WITH THIS BRAKING "QUIRK" AND REAR ENDED TWO SEPARATE CARS ON DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. THERE WAS MINOR DAMAGE TO BOTH BUMPERS OF THE VEHICLES. BOTH OCCASIONS WERE IN HEAVY TRAFFIC TRAVELING UNDER 10 MILES PER HOUR, ATTEMPTING TO BRAKE WITH UNWITTINGLY HITTING A POTHOLE AT THE SAME MOMENT.*TR
Feb 04, 2010
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaint
Breaking system failure do to ASB Actuator, breaks are locking and vehicle is engine braking.
Apr 02, 2025
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
When I am coming to a stop or need to put on my brakes my car will accelerate at a jump ahead pace As if to take off instead of slowing down and stopping. Regardless whether I’m turning a corner or I’m continuing straight when I have to Put on the brakes it speeds up instead.
Mar 12, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, extra effort was needed to stop the vehicle while depressing the brake pedal. In addition, the contact stated that the instrument panel intermittently went blank and failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the ABS and the instrument cluster needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 157,000.
Feb 14, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaint
In the 2009 Toyota Series II vehicle there are two parts for the brake actuator pump assembly which has been cycling about every 20 seconds for the past six months or more. There is an intermittent tone when depressing the brake pedal before starting the car (engine off). The Brake dash warning light is on continuously. Occasional loss of brake power in reverse causing the driver to re-apply the brakes to stop unwanted motion of the vehicle.
Dec 05, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaint
The engine light went on while driving on the highway. We immediately pulled over and had the vehicle towed to the nearest dealership. The dealership informed us that both the Brake Actuator (Toyota part TO44500-47141) and water pump (Toyota par TOG9020-47031) had failed. The car was no longer save to drive.
Oct 09, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65–70 MPH, the ABS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the brake pump actuator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 236,425.
Sep 15, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
The hybrid water pump failed/ aka the inverter coolant pump. This was recalled years ago and has failed again. The previous owner of my car replaced it in 2013, so Toyota is refusing to replace it again, despite the fact that the part is faulty and has compromised the safety of my vehicle. This issue was diagnosed by a mechanic yesterday, error code P0A93. The master warning light, check engine light, brake light came on. The AC stopped working. The brakes nearly gave out on me driving on a bridge in New York City. This part was recalled. Toyota refuses to honor the recall a second time. They clearly did not properly engineer this part! It failed again! They should be responsible for fixing this issue.
Aug 15, 2023
WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
All dashboard lights up. The brake fluid is full and the pads are in proper shape. When braking the car slips a few feets and I was about to make accedents several times with my school children.
May 12, 2023
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
The car stopped moving while I was driving. The engine is functional but it will not engage the drivetrain. The dashboard lights up intermittently. Most of the time the dash is dark. The local Toyota dealer will not take this car into the service department since it is over 10 years old and the dealer has not done all the regular servicings of the car. So I can not drive it.
Jan 03, 2022
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
I went to park in a parallel space when all of a sudden my ABS, (!), VSC light come on with the loss of brake power and a loud beeping noise. With this sudden loss of brakes in the middle of driving, I could have harmed myself and others in any cars around me because I also lost steering capability. This is a problem that there was an extended warranty for, but there should be a recall. My car is a 2009 and was only covered before the pandemic and now it is 2021 and I have no recourse, but to try and fork over $3500.00 for which I don't have. I am a second owner and this is a very common problem amongst Prius owners. I didn't have any other symptoms that I could point out prior to this situation. I have had my hybrid battery, engine, ecu and most recently a stolen catalytic converter replaced. This ABS actuator problem needs to be addressed for another 5 years with a free repair. I would hate to have hit some other car and had my car smash into a wall, another car, pedestrian, pole or any other object based on it's ability not to stop.
Aug 12, 2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
My 2009 Toyota Prius abruptly lost power while driving. The electrical system turned off and the vehicle stalled while going 50 mph on a 2-lane parkway. While I was able to put my hazard lights on and steer the vehicle, I had no other control and was at a high risk of a crash. There's no emergency lane and few areas wide enough to pull over on the parkway. I was forced to coast the vehicle until I could pull off the parkway onto a patch of grass off the busy road. There were no warnings, messages, or other symptoms of the problems prior to failure. I had plenty of gasoline in the tank, so it wasn't due to a lack of fuel. The car would not start after pulling over and I had to get towed. After researching the issue, it sounds very similar to the safety recall involving certain 2013-2015 Model Year Prius and 2014 – 2017 Model Year Prius v in the United States, the press release for which was published on June 24 2020: https://tinyurl.com/4mrnz9nr Furthermore, the Los Angeles Times wrote an article on April 23 2018 about a similar issue, referring to a recall in 2014 which was intended to fix overheating problems in the 2010-204 Prius inverter. Those recall documents suggest that Toyota has been tracking this issue with the inverter since 2011. https://tinyurl.com/afwvt2sc A sudden power loss is generally considered a serious safety defect. I could have gotten into a serious car accident today and injured myself or other drivers. The 2009 Toyota Prius model had a recall issued on recall date: 11/14/2012 under NHTSA Campaign ID: 12V536000, referring to a "short circuit between coil wires and a possible open fuse, creating a stall-like condition of the hybrid system while the vehicle is being driven. This may increase the risk of a vehicle crash." At this time, I don't believe Toyota has conducted due diligence into ensuring the safety of the 2009 Toyota Prius model. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer or insurance reps.
Jun 15, 2021
AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
I WAS TURNING LEFT AND WAS HIT BY AN ONCOMING CAR. MOST DAMAGE DONE TO THE FRONT RIGHT. THE CAR WAS TOTALED. I WAS GOING ABOUT 5-10MPH THOUGH THE ONCOMING CAR WAS GOING APPROXIMATELY 40MPH. THE FIREMEN, POLICE AND INSURANCE ADJUSTER WERE ALL VERY CONCERNED THAT THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. MY BABIES WERE SAFE IN THE BACKSEAT THANKS TO THEIR CAR SEATS. I HAD TO GO TO THE HOSPITAL AND SUFFERED A CONCUSSION. WE JUST HAD OUR CAR TUNED UP AT OUR LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP NOT EVEN 6 MOS AGO. THEY DID NOT SAY ANYTHING ABOUT A CONCERN WITH THE AIRBAGS.
Oct 13, 2019
SUSPENSION,AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
MAYBE RELATED TO TAKATA RECALL: WE DID NOT RECEIVE A RECALL, HOWEVER OUR CAR SKID INTO A TREE AND HAD SIGNIFICANT FRONT END DAMAGE, HOWEVER NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. WAS GOING 25 MPH ON A SUBURBAN RESIDENTIAL ST DURING A MIXED SNOW/SLEET STORM. SLIGHT CURVE AND SLIGHTLY DOWNHILL. THE BRAKES WERE NOT APPLIED AS THEY COULD HAVE MADE IT WORSE. CAR SPED UP INTO THE SKID TOTALLING THE CAR WITH $11,000 DAMAGE. WE HAVE BEEN GIVEN SEVERAL OPINIONS THAT THE VELOCITY NECESSARY TO CAUSE THE DAMAGE SHOULD HAVE TRIGGERED THE AIRBAG SENSORS. CAR HIT THE MIDDLE OF THE BUMPER AND PERHAPS MISSED THE SENSORS? NO REPORT WAS FILED BY THE POLICE AS ACCIDENT WAS CAUSED BY THE ROAD CONDITIONS/WEATHER NOT DRIVER ERROR. I HAVE PHOTOS I CAN SEND IN A FEW DAYS
Nov 28, 2018
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
1 complaint
COMPLETE SHUTDOWN OF PRIUS AUTOMOBILE WITH NO WARNING WHILE IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET. ROLLED TO A STOP IN SAFE AREA. NOTHING WORKED EXCEPT EMERGENCY BLINKERS. NO INSTRUMENTATION OR WARNING LIGHTS APPEARED. THE CAR WAS LOCKED IN FWD PARK AND COULD NOT BE TOWED BY FLATBED TOW TRUCK AS THERE IS NO OVERRIDE. LIFT TOW TRUCK WAS USED TO GET TO DEALER. DIAGNOSED AS MELTED HYBRID INVERTOR PUMP. DEALER REPLACED PUMP AND FUSE FOR A $641.47 COST TO ME. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED ON A HIGHWAY/FREEWAY IT WOULD HAVE BEEN A DISASTER. THE COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER WITHOUT WARNING AT FREEWAY SPEED COULD VERY EASILY ENDED UP AS A MULTIPLE CAR PILE UP. JUST THE THOUGHT OF CROSSING MULTIPLE LANES IN TRAFFIC WITH NO POWER, JUST ROLLING, MAKES ME THINK IT'S TIME TO GET RID OF THIS CAR.
Oct 30, 2018
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A WARNING INDICATOR FLASHED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL REGARDING THE BRAKE SYSTEM WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND A LEAK UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SALINAS TOYOTA (700 AUTO CENTER CIR, SALINAS, CA 93907, (831) 444-0700) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS AN INTERNAL BRAKE FLUID LEAK; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE MANUFACTURER WARRANTY CAMPAIGN. THE MANUFACTURER INDICATED THAT THE OBT2 SENSOR DID NOT SHOW THE SPECIFIC DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) TO RECEIVE THE BRAKE ACTUATOR REPLACEMENT COVERED BY THE CAMPAIGN. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO HONOR THE WARRANTY CAMPAIGN FOR DTC NUMBER: C1240. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000. *TT CONSUMER STATED SMOKE STARTED COMING UNDER THE HOOD. NOTICED FLUID DRIPPING FROM ENGINE ONTO THE EXHAUST PIPE. DEALER DETERMINED IT WAS NOT AN OIL LEAK BUT EMPTY BRAKE RESERVOIR. UPDATED 11/27/18*JB
Sep 21, 2018
STEERING,POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE STEERING LOSS, BRAKE LOSS AND ACCELERATION ISSUES, CORPORATION FAILURE TO INFORM CONSUMER OF COUNTERFEIT DRIVE TRAIN ISSUES THAT INJURED CONSUMER. SMD THE CONSUMER STATED TOYOTA FAILED TO WARN THEM ABOUT BEING CONVICTED OF "USING THE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OF HYBRID DRIVE INVENTOR WITHOUT HIS PERMISSION." *TR
Mar 30, 2018
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
MY HEADLIGHT PASSENGER SIDE KEEPS GOING OUT AFTER A FEW SECONDS OF TURNING ON. THIS KEEPS ME FROM DRIVING AT NIGHT. MY COMPUTER CONTROLS ON MY DASH BOARD THAT WORKS THE AC. AND DISPLAYS THE INFORMATION ABOUT THE CAR DOES NOT WORK. MY ABS BREAK LIGHT WILL NOT GO OFF. THIS HAS AFFECTED MY BREAKING SYSTEM ON MY CAR. ALL OF THESE ITEMS I HAVE MENTIONED ALL OCCURRED WHILE I WAS DRIVING THE CAR.
Dec 23, 2017
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
TRAVELING 101 NORTH TOWARD VENTURA, ON THE TOP OF THE DOWN HILL GRADE JUST SOUTH OF THE CAMIRILLO SPRINGS EXIT. ALL LIGHTS ON PANEL CAME ON. ESTIMATE 65 MPH, APPLIED BRAKE TO SLOW WITH TRAFFIC FLOW. NO BRAKES,NO WARNING.SEMI TRACKER TRAILERS ALSO SLOWING. TOOK EXIT BOTTOM OF HILL WITH FLASHES ON, WENT THRU STOP SIGN AS MY SPEED AT APPROX 45-48MPH. WENT THRU SECOND STOP SIGN MADE SHARP LEFT PULLED EMERGENCY BRAKE ON... THIS IS A GARAGE CAR SERVICED BY DEALER ONLY, 3RD TIME FOR ELECTRICAL PROBLEM! NEVER WHILE DRIVING.... THIS WAS NEAR FATAL! THIS WAS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM OF THE MANUFACTURE, NEVER REPAIRED CORRECTLY! HAVE 3 COPIES OF REPAIRS FOR THE ELECTRICAL STARTING 6 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASE CAR...HELP.
Feb 10, 2017
STEERING,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
THE CAR WAS INVOLVED IN A MOVING COLLISION THAT TOTALED THE DRIVERS FRONT END AND CAUSED THE DRIVER TO BE INJURED BECAUSE THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. I SUSPECT THAT THE CARS STEERING FAILED WHILE GOING AROUND A SHARP CURVE. THE CAR HAS LOST STEERING ONE TIME BEFORE AND WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *TR*DT*JB
Jan 30, 2017
SEATS
1 complaint
PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR OPERATES INTERMITTENTLY. REPORTED TO DEALER FOR REPAIR, HOWEVER DEALER STATED THEY COULD NOT REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM. HOWEVER PROBLEM PERSISTS INTERMITTENTLY. THIS SOUNDS EXACTLY LIKE THE SEAT SENSOR PROBLEM FOR WHICH A RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR SOME 2009 PRIUS MODELS (13V014000). OUR PRIUS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. PERHAPS THIS RECALL SHOULD BE EXPANDED.
Oct 14, 2016
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO THE IMPOUND LOT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Nov 10, 2015
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SEATS
1 complaint
TOYOTA PRIUS 2009 HEADLIGHTS WERE ON AND OFF FINALLY THE LEFT SIDE WENT OFF TOTALLY. THE SEAL OUTSIDE THE HEADLIGHT DIDN'T PREVENT OF WATER CAME INTO THE SYSTEM AND DAMAGED IT . ALSO WHILE DRIVING THE CAR ACCELERATED AND DECELERATED BY ITSELF . AND WHILE STOPPING THE CAR JUMP. *TR
Mar 17, 2015
STEERING,SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
WHILE INCHING SLOWLY INTO A PARKING SPOT, VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AT FULL SPEED TO JUMP OVER THE PARKING BARRIER. WHEELS WERE TURNED SLIGHTLY TO RIGHT, SO CAR VEERED RIGHT AND STOPPED AS IT HIGH-CENTERED ON THE BARRIER, JUST BEHIND FRONT WHEELS. NO INJURIES- DRIVER & CHILD IN BACK WERE BUCKLED. WITNESSED BY MANY PEDESTRIANS WHO RAN TO ASSIST. ONE WITNESS SAID THE SAME THING HAPPENED IN HER PRIUS, BUT TOYOTA WAS USELESS TO HELP. IN MONTHS SINCE THE INCIDENT, TOYOTA HAS BEEN TERRIBLE AT RESPONDING IN ANY HELPFUL WAY. THE BLACK BOX RECORDER SHOWS NOTHING, OF COURSE, SINCE IT WAS A SLOW IMPACT WITHOUT AIRBAG DEPLOY. MOST INTERESTINGLY, THE NHTSA HAS NO INFO OF THIS INCIDENT, WHICH I'M REPORTING TODAY ONLY BECAUSE I NOTICED IN THE OWNER MANUAL ON REAR PAGE, SMALL PRINT, SOME INFO ABOUT REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS FOR U.S. OWNERS... BUT AT LEAST 20 TOYOTA PERSONNEL, INSURANCE ADJUSTORS, REPAIR FACILITIES AND SALES TEAM MEMBERS NEVER SAID ANYTHING ABOUT SUCH A REPORT. HENCE MY ASSUMPTION THAT MOST OF THESE INCIDENTS ARE NOT REPORTED TO GOV'T UNLESS FATALITIES OCCUR. *TR
Feb 17, 2015
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
1 complaint
SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT, CODE P1121, COOLANT RECOVERY TANK FLOW CONTROL VALVE BAD. THERE IS A SERVICE CAMPAIGN ON THIS FOR 2007 PRIUS AND THE PROBLEM IS SUPPOSED TO BE SOLVE FOR 2009 PRIUS. ALSO THIS IS PART OF THE EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM, AS THE PURPOSE OF COOLANT RECOVERY TANK IS THE WARM UP ENGINE SOONER TO PASS EMISSION TEST. CALLED TOYOTA DEALER, NOT COVERED BY EMISSION WARRANTY. THIS IS A KNOWN AND VERY COMMON PROBLEM AND TOYOTA IS DRAGGING ITS LEG ON IT. *TR
Nov 23, 2014
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
1 complaint
THE RUBBER COVER TO THE OUTSIDE TRUCK LATCH HAS MELTED COMPLETELY IN HOT FLORIDA WEATHER AND HAS BECOME GOOEY TO THE POINT OF DRIPPING ONTO MY LICENSE PLATE. THE TRUCK IS VERY DIFFICULT TO OPEN AND SOMETIMES I AM UNABLE TO LOCK OR OPEN THE CAR BECAUSE THE TRUNK IS NOT ALL THE WAY CLOSED. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE IF I NEEDED TO GET INTO THE TRUNK TO GET A SPARE TIRE I MAY NOT BE ABLE TO. GIVEN MANY OTHER REPORTS OF THIS ISSUE DATING BACK TO 2007 MODELS, TOYOTA SHOULD STOP USING THIS TYPE OF COMPONENT AND SHOULD RECALL THIS ITEM AND FIX IT WITH A DIFFERENT MATERIAL SO THIS DOES NOT KEEP HAPPENING. I AM ALSO CONCERNED THE EXPOSED LATCH WILL CAUSE ELECTRICAL DAMAGE TO THE TRUNK OR LIGHTING BECAUSE OF SEVERE RAIN THAT OFTEN OCCURS IN FLORIDA WHERE THIS PROBLEM SEEMS PREVALENT. *TR
Aug 29, 2014
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
1 complaint
ON JUNE 22, 2010, PURSUANT TO TOYOTA FLOOR MAT RECALL #90L REGARDING POTENTIAL INTERFERENCE WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, MY EXISTING TOYOTA FRONT FLOOR MATS WERE REPLACED WITH NEW TOYOTA ALL WEATHER MATS. AFTER ABOUT 2 YEARS, THE REPLACEMENT MATS FAILED AND WERE REPLACED ON 8/25/2012. THE FAILURE WAS WITH THE RUBBER MATERIAL WHICH FRAYED AT CONTACT OF MY RIGHT FOOT WITH THE MAT AND AT THE 2 HOLES THROUGH WHICH THE RETAINER CLIPS ARE ATTACHED. BOTH FLOOR MAT HOLES TORE LINEARLY ALLOWING THE FLOOR MAT TO EVENTUALLY CREEP UNDER THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. ON AUGUST 4, 2014 I HAD TO PURCHASE ANOTHER SET OF FRONT FLOOR MATS BECAUSE OF FLOOR MAT FAILURE IDENTICAL TO THE ABOVE DESCRIPTION. CURRENT MILEAGE AROUND 81,000 MILES. THE REPLACEMENT FLOOR MATS THAT TOYOTA PROVIDES ARE OF INFERIOR QUALITY AND NOT ABLE TO WITHSTAND 2 YEARS WORTH OF ROUTINE DRIVING. TOYOTA WILL NOT GUARANTEE THEIR MATS BEYOND 1 YEAR, IT IS OF CONCERN THAT THE FAILING FLOOR MATS SET UP A SAFETY SITUATION EXACTLY COMPARABLE TO THE SAFETY CONCERN THEY WERE MEANT TO ALLEVIATE. THERE IS NO WARNING PROVIDED BY TOYOTA THAT THEIR MATS WILL FAIL AFTER ABOUT 2 YEARS OF AVERAGE DRIVING AND THAT THEY SHOULD BE INSPECTED AND IF DAMAGED, REPLACED. HOW MANY UNSUSPECTING MOTORISTS WHO HAVE REPLACED THEIR FLOOR MATS 2 OR MORE YEARS AGO ARE AT RISK? *TR
Aug 09, 2014
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
A YEAR AGO, UPON TAKING OFF FROM A STOP MY CAR BEGAN TO STALL. I DRIVE TWO BLOCKS IT CONTINUES TO PUTT ALONG AND STALL, THEN AFTER LESS THAN A MILE IT STARTS TO RUN AS NORMAL. I TAKE MY CAR IN TO BE TOLD IT IS OUT OF GAS, WHICH IT DID NOT INDICATE LOW FUEL, IT HAD OVER A QUARTER OF A TANK. I INSIST THEY CONTINUE TO CHECK MY CAR OVER DAYS OF THEM DRIVING IT, AFTER A WEEK THEY EXPERIENCE SOMETHING SIMILAR AND REPLACE MY JUNCTION BOX. SINCE THEN I'VE REPLACE THE WATER PUMP, TAKEN MY CAR IN FOR A STEERING RECALL. ALSO, THERE ARE INSTANCES WHERE MY CAR UPON TAKE OFF STALLS, BUT NOTHING SEVERE, JUST SOMETHING YOU FEEL WHEN ACCELERATING. RECENTLY, 6/5/14, I EXPERIENCED THE SAME ISSUE, BUT THIS TIME I IMMEDIATELY PUT GAS INTO MY CAR EVEN THOUGH MY INDICATOR PANEL SHOWS I HAVE FUEL. ONLY THIS TIME I START MY CAR AND THE AIR CONDITIONER IS NOT WORKING AND IT CONTINUES TO STALL, AFTER TURNING MY CAR ON AND OFF SEVERAL TIMES AND DRIVING A FEW BLOCKS THE AC CUTS ON AND MY CAR BEGINS TO RUN FINE. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY TOYOTA THAT BC THERE IS NO INDICATOR LIGHT AND IT'S RUNNING FINE THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. THERE WAS A RECENT RECALL IN FEBRUARY OF 2014 WITH SIMILAR ISSUES I AM EXPERIENCING BUT MY CAR WAS NOT APART OF THE RECALL. NOT SURE WHAT ELSE I CAN DO. NUMEROUS TOYOTA DEALERSHIPS HAVE BEEN OF NO HELP AND I FEAR THAT MY SAFETY IS AT RISK. *TR
Jun 12, 2014
STEERING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
AS I WAS DRIVING MY 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS ON THE SERVICE ROAD OF I-30 IN DALLAS AROUND 25 MPH AFTER PREVIOUSLY TAKING OFF FROM A RED LIGHT, MY VEHICLE'S WARNING LIGHTS ALL TURNED ON AND STARTED TO BEEP AND I COULD NOT BRAKE OR REALLY STEER. MY VEHICLE...I ALMOST HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. SOMEHOW I WAS ABLE TO TURN RIGHT INTO A PARKING LOT AND SOMEHOW PRESS ON THE BRAKES STRONG IN ENOUGH TO MAKE THE CAR STOP. I FEARED FOR SAFETY AND THE SAFETY OTHERS AS WELL. IT WAS A VERY SCARY SITUATION TO BE IN A CAR THAT WAS NOT RESPONDING WHEN YOU ARE TRYING TO BREAK AND THERE'S NOTHING YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT. ONCE I WAS IN THE PARKING LOT, I TURNED THE VEHICLE ON AND OFF AND THE LIGHTS WERE STILL ON AND BEEPING, DID IT AGAIN AND IT STOPPED. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND THEY ARE TELLING ME IT'S AN ISSUE WITH THE ACCELERATOR AND BRAKE SYSTEM AND THAT I HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE IT FIXED, BUT I AM WONDERING HOW CAN TOYOTA NOT BE AT FAULT FOR THIS SAFETY ISSUE? I'M GLAD I DIDN'T INJURE MYSELF OR ANOTHER PERSON THIS TIME, BUT I THINK TOYOTA REALLY NEEDS TO LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE WITH THEIR PRIUS VEHICLES. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING MINE AT ALL NOW.....THEY CAN NOT GET AWAY WITH NOT BEING RESPONSIBLE AND LIABLE FOR THEIR FAULTY AND DEFECTIVE VEHICLE'S SAFETY MECHANISMS. *TR
Dec 13, 2013
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
2009 TOYOTA PRIUS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO HYBRID ELECTRIC WATER PUMP RECALL NOTICE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED TWO WEEKS AFTER THE HYBRID WATER PUMP WAS FIXED, A RED TRIANGLE LAMP APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO OVERHEAT. THE CONSUMER WENT BACK TO THE DEALER AND WAS CHARGED 4202/16 FOR THE DIAGNOSIS AND INFORMED HIM THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONSUMER WENT TO HIS PERSONAL MECHANIC, WHERE THE HYBRID ELECTRIC PUMP WAS REPLACED AND THE CODES WERE CLEARED.
Nov 04, 2013
AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
I WAS TURNING LEFT INTO THE GAS STATION LOCATED ON US 22 AND E. JOHN ST. A SPEEDING CAR STRUCK ME ON THE PASSENGER SIDE NEAR THE DOOR AND FRONT FENDER. THE SPEEDING CAR CONTINUED SO HARD THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE LOWER FRAME RAIL WAS RIPPED FROM THE CAR. NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. I SUFFERED LEFT KNEE AND LEFT SHOULDER INJURIES NECESSITATING SEVERAL SURGERIES. THE CAR WAS EQUIPPED WITH DRIVER'S SIDE AND FRONT RIGHT AIR BAGS. ALSO, DR AND FR SIDE AND CURTAIN AIR BAGS. NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CAR WAS TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. *TR
Sep 19, 2013
STRUCTURE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
MY WIFE AND I WERE DRIVING DOWN A RESIDENTIAL STREET APPROACHING A STOP SIGN. THERE WERE TWO CARS STOPPED AT THE SIGN. SEVERAL HUNDRED FEET FROM THE STOP, I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR. THE CAR DID NOT SLOW DOWN. I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE. THE CAR DID NOT SLOW DOWN. I STOOD ON THE BRAKE AS HARD AS I COULD. THE CAR DID NOT SLOW DOWN. I SAID TO MY UNDERSTANDABLY ALARMED WIFE, WE'RE NOT STOPPING. AND WE DIDN'T UNTIL WE SMASHED INTO THE BACK OF A TAHOE STOPPED AT THE STOP SIGN, DOING MAJOR DAMAGE TO THE PRIUS THAT RENDERED IT UNDRIVEABLE AND PERHAPS TOTALED. MY WIFE HAS A VERY SORE BACK THAT I AM HOPING STARTS TO FEEL BETTER TODAY OR WE WILL HAVE TO SCHEDULE A DOCTOR'S APPOINTMENT. *TR
Sep 12, 2013
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
THE BACK DOOR/HATCH SWITCH RUBBER IS MELTING/VERY STICKY. THE PROBLEM WAS FIRST REPORTED IN THE 2007 PRIUS AND OTHER MODEL TOYOTA MODELS. I EXPECT THAT THIS SWITCH WILL BECOME DEFECTIVE AND IT IS THE ONLY MEANS TO ENTER THE HATCH AREA OF THE PRIUS.THE HATCH AREA IS THE LOCATION OF THE SPARE TIRE, FLARES AND OTHER SAFETY PRODUCTS CARRIED IN THE AUTOMOBILE. THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM OF TOYOTA MODELS AND IS DEFINITELY A FACTORY DEFECTIVE PART. *TR
Sep 10, 2013
STEERING,AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,ENGINE
1 complaint
IN AN ATTEMPT TO AVOID ONCOMING CALVES ON A COUNTY DIRT ROAD DRIVER INADVERTANTLY PULLED STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT AND HIT A TREE AT ROAD SIDE. TREE IS TWELVE INCHED FROM ROAD SURFACE. BEFORE SEAT BELT RESTRAINED DRIVER, DRIVER'S FORWARD MOMENTUM BROKE THE STEERING WHEEL. DRIVER WAS NOT INJURED. WENT TO LOCAL HOSPITAL ER. SHERIFF INVESTIGATED. WITH THE EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE THE AIR BAG SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED. IT DID NOT. PHOTOS TAKEN. YOUR ORGANIZATION IS BEING NOTIFIED AS WE FEEL THE AIR BAG SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED. WE WILL ALSO CONTACT TOYOTA. THANK YOU. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Mar 04, 2013
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
I WAS GLIDING INTO A COMMERCIAL PARKING SPACE WITH MY FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR IN THE SECOND BEFORE I MOVED MY FOOT ONTO THE BRAKE. SUDDENLY, THE ACCELERATOR PUSHED DOWN BY ITSELF, THE CAR SURGED FORWARD TOWARDS THE TRUCK IN THE SPACE IN FRONT OF MINE. I SLAMMED ON THE BRAKE. END OF INCIDENT. NO MAT WAS IN THE WAY. I HAD TAKEN PART IN THE RECALL. *TR
Nov 22, 2011
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
ONE WEEK AFTER BEING AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR ITS ROUTINE OIL/VEHICLE CHECK-UP (55,000-60,000), MY RED BRAKE LIGHT, THE YELLOW WARNING SIGN AND THE ABS LIGHTS COME UP ON MY DASHBOARD. TOWED IT BACK TO DEALERSHIP SINCE THE BRAKES DIDN'T WORK. THEY FOUND I NEEDED TO CHANGE MY BRAKE ACTUATOR AND THE SOLENOID THAT IS STUCK. ACCORDING TO WHAT I'VE READ, THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN PERIOD PARAGRAPH BUT IF IT DOES IT WOULD BE ON A MUCH OLDER VEHICLE WITH A LOT MORE MILES WITH A STOP AND GO HISTORY. ACCORDING TO THE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE AT THE DEALERSHIP THIS IS A MALFUNCTION OF THE PART. WHEN I CALLED TOYOTA THEY GAVE ME THE GO AROUND ABOUT BEING OUT OF WARRANTY. I NEED HELP. ALSO THERE IS A REFLECTIVE LINE OF LIGHT THAT SHINES ON THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE WINDOW FROM MY DASHBOARD. *TR
Nov 12, 2011
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE WOULD PROVIDE INACCURATE READINGS OF FUEL LEVELS. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN WITHOUT WARNING DUE TO A BLADDER FUEL TANK PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE BLADDER FUEL TANK UNDER WARRANTY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43,000. THE CONSUMER STATED TOYOTA PAID FOR THE REPAIR. HOWEVER, THE GAS GAUGE CONTINUES TO BE INACCURATE AND THE CONSUMER IS UNABLE TO PUT NO MORE THAN SIX GALLONS OF GAS IN THE VEHICLE. ALSO, AT TIMES, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO GEAR. UPDATED 06/30/11
May 11, 2011
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
1 complaint
2009 TOYOTA PRIUS, CAR HAS HAD A BAD FUEL GAUGE , DROVE OFF THE LOT NEW AND HAVE HAD FUEL TANK REPLACED ONCE. FUEL GAUGE FAILED AGAIN THIS IS THE SECOND TIME. DEALER UNABLE TO REPAIR, TOLD ME IT WAS A DESIGN FLAW AND IT COULD NOT BE REPAIRED, I AM RUNNING OUT OF GAS AND I CAN NOT USE THIS NEW CAR ON A LONG TRIP. I DO NOT KNOW AND I AM GUESSING ON HOW MUCH FUEL I HAVE. THIS IS UNSAFE AND UNCALLED FOR. RUNNING OUT OF GLASS ON FREEWAY AND IT IS DANGEROUS. *TR
Dec 10, 2010
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
2009 TOYOTA PRIUS WAS HIT FROM BEHIND AND PUSHED INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT. AT NO TIME DID THE SEAT BELTS CATCH NOR DID THE AIRBAGS DEPLOY. MY DAUGHTER'S FACE COLLIDED WITH THE DASHBOARD DUE TO THE SEAT BELTS NOT WORKING AND NO AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. SO FAR TOYOTA SAYS THAT THERE IS NOTHING TO FIX, THE CAR PERFORMED AS IT WAS DESIGNED TO. *TR
Jul 20, 2010
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS AT 50-55 MPH ON A SINGLE LANE HIGHWAY OUTSIDE OF PRESCOTT AZ, THE DRIVE SYSTEM SUDDENLY SHUT DOWN AND NO RESPONSE WAS FELT WHEN DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. LOTS OF INDICATORS CAME ON AND MY WIFE WAS ABLE TO STEER THE CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE THERE WAS JUST SUFFICIENT ROOM FOR FOLLOWING TRAFFIC TO GO PAST. AFTER SPENDING A FEW MINUTES GOING THROUGH THE OWNER'S MANUAL AND FINDING NO EASY ANSWER TO EXPLAIN THIS CONDITION, WE TRIED AND WERE ABLE TO RE-START THE CAR. IT MUST BE NOTED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE WHEN RECENTLY CHECKED HAD INDICATED SLIGHTLY LESS THAN 1/4 FULL AND THAT WE WERE PROCEEDING UP HILL WHEN THE EVENT HAPPENED. NO ADD FUEL INDICATOR LIGHT NOR LOW FUEL ALARM HAD OCCURRED PRIOR TO THIS EVENT. WHEN THE CAR WAS RESTARTED IT WAS ON A MORE LEVEL BUT NOT FLAT SURFACE. WE PROCEEDED ON OUR TRAVEL WITH THE FLASHERS ON AND AT A SPEED NO HIGHER THAN 30-35 MPH. SOON THEREAFTER WE DID OBSERVE BOTH AN ADD FUEL INDICATOR LIGHT AND THEN A FLASHING LIGHT ON THE FUEL GAUGE ITSELF. WE STOPPED AT THE NEAREST GAS STATION AND ADDED FUEL. THE NEXT DAY WE TOOK THE CAR IN TO THE TOYOTA DEALER TO HAVE THEM LOOK AT THE FUEL GAUGE AND ELECTRONICALLY RECORDED HISTORY. THE REPORT SHOWED THAT THE CAR RESPONDED TO AN EMPTY FUEL TANK BY SHUTTING IF THE ENGINE AND THEN THE BATTERY DRIVE WHEN ITS CHARGE WENT TOO LOW (TO PROTECT THE BATTERY). WE WERE TOLD THE THIS CAR HAS A BLADDER TYPE FUEL STORAGE DEVICE AND THAT IT CAN ACT FUNNY WHEN IT GETS LOW. THE CAR WAS CHECKED OUT FINE AND RETURNED TO US WITH THE WORDS NO WISDOM TO NOT LET THE CAR GET TOO LOW ON FUEL. MY CONCERN IS THAT THE ENGINE AND DRIVE SYSTEMS SHUT DOWN UNDER HIGH SPEED DRIVING CONDITIONS WITHOUT ANY LOW FUEL WARNING INDICATORS BEING ACTIVATED. *TR
Jul 01, 2010
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
2009 PRIUS - ON TWO OCCASION RECENTLY WHEN I WENT TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN MY STEERING FROZE AND THE ENGINE DIED. I ALMOST HIT A CAR. I HAVE HAD IT INTO PIERCY TOYOTA ON TWO OCCASION AND THEY STILL HAVE NOT FOUND ANYTHING. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR. IT ONLY HA 3000 MILES ON IT. THEY HAVE BEEN NICE, BUT NO RESULTS. IF THE CAR IS DOING THIS NOW AND THEY CANNOT FIND IT WHAT HAPPENS NEXT. NOT SATISFIED WITH THERE ANSWER. I NEED YOUR HELP. *TR
Apr 30, 2010
EQUIPMENT,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
2009 TOYOTA PRIUS. CONSUMER EXPRESSES DISCONTENT DUE TO A BREAK IN OF HIS VEHICLE. CONSUMER QUESTIONS THE SMART KEY KEYLESS/WIRELESS ENTRY DESIGN. *TGW
Mar 19, 2010
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE DRIVING 2 MPH IN REVERSE, THE CONTACT SHIFTED THE VEHICLE INTO DRIVE AND NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS STILL REVERSING. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN SHIFTED BACK INTO REVERSE AND THEN BACK INTO DRIVE BEFORE THE VEHICLE WOULD DRIVE FORWARD. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. HE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHEN PRESSING THE START BUTTON THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE BRAKE LIGHT ALSO ILLUMINATES ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL EVEN THOUGH THE BRAKES ARE NOT ENGAGED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 10000.
Mar 15, 2010
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
I JUST BOUGHT A 2009 PRIUS & THERE ARE SO MANY ISSUES WITH UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION & VEHICLE NOT GOING INTO PARK OR REVERSE JUST STOPS IN NEUTRAL, I WAS AT A HEB SORE TRYING TO PARK, ALL OF A SUDDEN MY CAR SPED UP AN HIT A POLE IN FRONT OF ME, I WAS TRYING TO PARK, WITH MY FOOT ON BREAK, SO AS TO SLOW DOWN, YESTERDAY I HAD MY WIFE DRIVE THE PRIUS & THE CAR SUDDENLY STOPPED WOULD NOT GO INTO REVERSE OR DRIVE, THAT WAS VERY DANGEROUS THEN THEY PULL INTO A TARGET PARKING LOT I HAD TO DRIVE OUT THERE TO MEET THEM, IT TOOK ALMOST 1HR & 3MINS TO GET THE CAR IN REVERSE, OFF COURSE I CALLED MY TOYOTA SALES GUY THIS BEING THE THIRD TIME I HAVE REPORTED THIS INCIDENT & THE KEEP DOWN PLAYING IT SAYING THERE IS NOTHING WRONG, NOT REALLY LOOKING INTO IT. *TR
Mar 11, 2010
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
MY 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS HAS HAD OCCASIONAL BURSTS OF ENERGY AND JOLTS FORWARD ON IS OWN. LUCKILY I WAS IN "PARK" EACH TIME IT HAPPENED. I WASN'T EVEN PUSHING THE GAS PEDAL. IT WAS A VERY SUDDEN THING, I HAD NO WARNING. IT'S DEFINITELY NOT A FLOOR MAT ISSUE. NOW I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE IT. THE LAST TIME THIS HAPPENED WAS APPROXIMATELY A MONTH AGO, I ASKED IF THERE WAS RECALL FOR MY CAR, AND THE DEALER SAID NO. WHAT'S MAKING ME WORRY NOW IS THE STORY ON THE NEWS ABOUT A "RUNAWAY" PRIUS. I THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR ANYTHING YOU CAN DO TO HELP. *TR
Mar 09, 2010
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,TIRES
1 complaint
MULTIPLE ISSUES WITH 2009 PRIUS. FIRST: LOSS OF AIR PRESSURE IN FRONT LEFT TIRE FROM TIME I PICKED UP THE VEHICLE TO PRESENT. I CONTINUALLY NEED TO PUT AIR IN THE TIRE, USUALLY ON A WEEKLY/BI-WEEKLY BASIS. THE OTHER TIRES ARE FINE. SECOND: FOR THE SAME TIRE, THE TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT WOULD NOT BE TRIGGERED UNTIL ~23 POUNDS, SHOULD HAVE BEEN TRIGGERED IN SAME TIRE AT 33 LBS. THIRD: VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP WHEN APPLYING PRESSURE ON BRAKES AT SLOW SPEED. THIS HAS OCCURRED ABOUT 6 TIMES IN A 6 MONTH PERIOD. SIMULTANEOUSLY, THE VSC LIGHT WENT ON AND THE SLID INDICATOR WENT ON. THE TERRAIN WAS ON EITHER ASPHALT OR CONCRETE ROADS, SLIGHTLY DOWNHILL (CONCRETE) AND ONE STREET IS A BIT ROUGH (FILLED IN POT HOLES). ALSO, BOTH AREAS ARE WITHIN A QUARTER MILE OF EACH OTHER AND NEAR THE OCEAN. WITH EACH OCCURRENCE THE VSC WENT INTO EFFECT. ON 11/21/09 IT JOLTED HARD MUCH MORE THAN THE OTHER OCCASIONS; THIS DATE WAS THE INCIDENT ON THE BRIDGE WHEN THE CAR WAS GOING IN A SLIGHT DOWNWARD DIRECTION. I LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE FOR SEVERAL SECONDS AND WAS AFRAID THAT I WOULD HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME; I BEEPED MY HORN TO WARN THE DRIVER IN FRONT OF ME. MY VEHICLE DID STOP IN TIME BUT IT TOOK ALOT LONGER THAN IT SHOULD HAVE TAKEN. ON A LATER OCCASION, I WAS GOING ABOUT 5-10 MPH FASTER ON A NEARBY STREET AND ATTEMPTED TO STOP FOR A STOP SIGN AND IT DID THE SAME THING, HOWEVER THE VSC DID NOT JOLT BACK AS HARD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ANGLED DOWN AS MUCH AS THE 11/21/09 INCIDENT. ON 11/21/09 I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO CABE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND THEY LOOKED AT THE CAR BUT FOUND NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. I ALSO HAD THE CAR LOOKED AT BY TOYOTA CORP TODAY AND WAS TOLD THAT THE DRIVER FEELS THAT I FELT THE ABS BRAKES ONLY. THIS IS NOT THE CASE. WHEN I STEPPED ON THE BRAKES EACH OCCASION IT WAS AS THOUGH THERE WAS NOTHING THERE AND I HAD NO CONTROL IN STOPPING IT. THIS WAS ESPECIALLY TRUE WHEN THE VSC KICKED IN (THE JERKING). EACH TIME IT LASTED MANY, SEVERAL OR MORE SECONDS. *TR
Feb 24, 2010
POWER TRAIN,TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
1 complaint
LOSS OF ENGINE POWER IN 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHEN ACCELERATING INTO TRAFFIC IN WET OR LOW TRACTION CONDITIONS EVERY TIME ONE OF THE FRONT WHEELS LOOSES TRACTION, THE ENGINE ABRUPTLY GOES TO IDLE FOR 3 SECONDS AND THE CAR SEVERELY DECELERATES. ONLY BY REMOVING YOUR FOOT COMPLETELY FROM THE GAS PEDAL AND REAPPLYING THROTTLE WILL THE CAR START GOING AGAIN. THIS EXTREME OVER-REACTION OF THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM IS VERY DANGEROUS IN TRAFFIC. THIS OVER-REACTION IS MOST PRONOUNCED IF TURNING TO THE RIGHT WHEN A FRONT WHEEL STARTS TO SLIP. THERE SHOULD BE A WAY TO TURN OFF THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM MANUALLY. *TR
Feb 15, 2010
STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
1 complaint
IN ADDITION TO THE TRACTION CONTROL, ABS, GAS PEDAL/FLOOR MAT PROBLEMS WITH THE TOYOTA PRIUS THERE IS ALSO A SAFETY ISSUE WITH THE POWER BUTTON. IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION, LIKE THE DOOR COMING OPEN, THROTTLE GETTING STUCK, ETC. YOU CAN'T POWER OFF THE VEHICLE QUICKLY. YOU MUST HOLD THE POWER BUTTON FOR SOME AMOUNT OF TIME BEFORE THE CAR WILL SHUT OFF. UNLIKE THE TOYOTA CAMRY EXAMPLE WHERE THEY SUGGESTED TURNING OFF THE IGNITION, YOU CAN'T DO THAT ON THE PRIUS. YOU ALSO CAN'T REMOVE THE KEY/FOB TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF OR POWER IT OFF. THERE IS ALSO AN EXTREME UNDER STEER PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE WHICH IS A SAFETY CONCERN. IN WET CONDITIONS IT IS EXACERBATED. IT CAN BE OBSERVED ON CLOVER LEAF OVERPASSES AND GENERAL CORNERING. *TR
Feb 15, 2010
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
1 complaint
I WAS SITTING ON A ROAD IN TRAFFIC WITH MY CAR RUNNING BUT IN PARK BECAUSE I WAS WAITING FOR A TRAIN TO PASS BEFORE PROCEEDING. THE CAR JUMPED FORWARD WHEN THE VEHICLE CHANGED FUEL MODES FROM THE ELECTRIC ENGINE TO THE GAS ENGINE. I ALMOST HIT THE PERSON IN FRONT OF ME. WHEN I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND HAD THEM CHECK THE CAR THEY TOLD ME THIS WAS NORMAL. NO ONE EVER INFORMED ME OF THIS WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR. THIS IS A HAZARD IN THE ABOVE SITUATION AS WELL AS IF PEOPLE HAVE THEIR CARS IN THEIR GARAGE AND RUNNING OR IN A NUMBER OF OTHER SITUATIONS. *TR
Feb 11, 2010
POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
1 complaint
I OWN A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS. I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT IN A SHOPPING CENTER WHEN MY CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. I HIT A SMALL TREE AND THE CAR BESIDE ME. THE CAR IS BEING TOWED TO CAMELBACK TOYOTA IN PHOENIX AZ. THE CAR SEEMED TO ACCELERATE EVEN THOUGH I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE. I DID NOT STEP ON THE BREAKE HARD BUT THE CAR JUST PULLED AHEAD *CN
Feb 08, 2010
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
EVERY DAY I ENCOUNTER A LARGE POT HOLE ON MY WAY TO WORK. IT IS ABOUT 20 FEET FROM A STOP SIGN, SO AT THIS POINT I AM ALREADY DRIVING SLOW AND BRAKING. HOWEVER, WHEN THE ONE WHEEL DIPS INTO THE HOLE, THE YELLOW TRACTION SYSTEM LIGHT COMES ON, AND I FEEL WHAT COULD BE A SLIGHT LOSS IN BRAKING, AS IF THE CAR IS COASTING FOR A SPLIT SECOND (VERSUS BRAKING/SLOWING) OR PERHAPS ACCELERATING FORWARD. THE CAR/SYSTEM RECOVERS AS SOON AS ALL WHEELS PASS THE POTHOLE. NOT HAVING HAD A TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM PRIOR TO THIS CAR, I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT WAS NORMAL SO I DIDN'T PURSUE IT, BUT I KNOW I DON'T LIKE HOW IT FEELS! THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING EVERY TIME I DRIVE OVER THAT POTHOLE SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR. LUCKILY THEY JUST PAVED THE HOLE LAST MONTH FINALLY. OTHERWISE I TRY TO AVOID ROUGH ROADS AS A MATTER OF COURSE. PERHAPS A RELATED PROBLEM IS WHEN TRYING TO GO UP AN ICY/SLUSHY SLOPE AND THE TRACTION CONTROL SHUTS OFF THE WHEELS TO KEEP THEM FROM SLIPPING/SPINNING. SINCE I LIVE ON A HILL, THIS MAKES WINTER ESPECIALLY STRESSFUL AND MAKES ME FEARFUL OF DRIVING TO FROM WORK AND ENCOUNTERING EVEN A SLIGHT INCLINE THAT IS NOT PLOWED OR SALTED --WHAT IF THE CAR STOPPED AND I GOT HIT? TOYOTA SAYS THIS IS "NORMAL" TO KEEP THE ELECTRIC ENGINE FROM BEING OVER STRESSED OR SOME SUCH THING. *TR
Feb 05, 2010
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
WHILE CROSSING A SMALL BRIDGE OVER AN EXPRESSWAY, APPLYING BRAKES AT THE POINT OF BUMPY TRANSITION CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO LURCH FORWARD FOR APPROXIMATELY ONE SECOND. THIS CAUSED A SUDDEN PANIC, BUT NO OTHER EFFECTS. THIS IS THE SECOND OCCURRENCE AT THE EXACT SAME BRIDGE TRANSITION AND BUMP OVER THE COURSE OF 8 MONTHS. THERE ARE NO RECOGNIZABLE SIDE EFFECTS. THIS HAS NOT BEEN REPORTED TO THE DEALER, NOR TO THE COMPANY. *TR
Feb 03, 2010
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,EQUIPMENT,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS WHEN THE "ENGINE" WARNING LIGHT INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THERE WERE NUMEROUS FAILURES WITH VARIOUS COMPONENTS WITHIN THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMPTION MPG SCREEN ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL DISPLAYED INACCURATE INFORMATION. THE ENGINE EXHIBITED A REDUCTION OF ENGINE POWER. WHEN DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AN EXCESSIVE DECREASE IN ACCELERATION OCCURRED. THE FM AND AM RADIO SELECTOR FAILED TO FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURES. THERE WERE NO RESOLUTIONS. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED FOR THE MALFUNCTIONS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000. THE VIN WAS REJECTED AND WILL BE UPDATED UPON RECEIPT OF THE SAFETY COMPLAINT FORM.
Jan 27, 2010
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
I PURCHASED A NEW 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS HYBRID (GAS/ELECTRIC) ON MARCH 31, 2009. THE CAR WORKED GREAT, BUT WITH ONLY 490 MILES ON THE ODOMETER, I DID A ROUTINE SHUT DOWN OF THE CAR ON MAY 20, 2009 WHICH TURNED OUT TO BE ANYTHING BUT ROUTINE. DURING THIS EVENT, I SHUT THE CAR OFF USING THE PROCEDURE TAUGHT TO ME BY THE DEALERSHIP SALESMAN, WHICH WAS THE SAME PROCEDURE OUTLINED IN THE USER MANUAL. HOWEVER, AT THIS SHUT DOWN, A VERY DRAMATIC POWER SURGE WENT THROUGH THE SYSTEM, JOLTING THE ENGINES IN THEIR MOTOR MOUNTS (I HEARD AN EXTREMELY LOUD SQUEAL WHEN THE ENGINES, BOTH GAS AND ELECTRIC, JOLTED TO A STOP, WHICH I ASSUME WAS THE MOTOR MOUNTS TAKING THE FORCE OF THE POWER SURGE), AND MOVING THE CAR VIOLENTLY FORWARD STOPPING WITH THE TRANSMISSION LOCK AND BRAKE WHICH I HAD SET). THIS WAS A VERY UNPLEASANT AND UN-NATURAL EVENT. FOLLOWING THIS EVENT, THE CAR DID START AND OPERATE THROUGH ITS FUNCTIONS, BUT THE DRIVING CHARACTERISTICS CHANGED DRAMATICALLY. WHAT HAD BEEN A SMOOTH OPERATING SYNERGY DRIVE SYSTEM WAS NOW SLIGHTLY GRABBY BOTH IN ACCELERATION AND DECELERATION, AND I EXPERIENCED HARD 'CLUNK' SHIFTS WHEN DRIVING. APPROXIMATELY EVERY 15TH GAS ENGINE SHUT DOWN, THE GAS ENGINE WOULD 'DIESEL' AND HAVE A DISTURBING LONG CYCLING SHUT DOWN VIBRATING AND JOLTING THE CAR IN AN ALARMING FASHION WHICH IS NOT SAFE. ON JUNE 2, 2009, I BROUGHT THE CAR INTO MY TOYOTA DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT, WAS TOLD THE CAR "CAN'T DO THAT" AND WAS TOLD THE COMPUTER SHOWED NOTHING WRONG. ON JULY 8, 2009, I WENT TO ANOTHER TOYOTA DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT, THEY SAID THE CAR WAS ROUGH, AND TRIED TO RE-SEAT THE ENGINES IN THE MOUNTS, WHICH TEMPORARILY CORRECTED THE PROBLEM UNTIL A MAJOR GAS ENGINE JOLTING SHUT DOWN OCCURRED AGAIN. I TOOK IT IN AGAIN ON 24 SEPTEMBER, 2009, AND ASKED TO HAVE THE ENGINE MOUNTS REPLACED. THEY TRIED TO RESEAT THE ENGINES AGAIN, WITH NO SUCCESS, AND THE RANDOM JOLTING GAS SHUTDOWNS ON THE HYBRID SYSTEM CONTINUE, WHICH ARE A SAFETY HAZARD DURING OPERATION. *TR
Dec 29, 2009
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
I HAVE WRITTEN TOYOTA ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AND THEY HAVE FAILED TO RESPOND. I OWN A 2009 PRIUS. FIRST,NAVIGATION SYSTEM IS VERY POOR AND SENDS YOU TO WRONG ADDRESSES. ON AUG 17,2009,THE FUEL GAUGE WAS AT ONE BAR AND A RED TRIANGLE CAME ON DASH AND CAR STARTED PULLING AND DRAGGING. I PULLED OFF OF THE ROAD ON THE SHOULDER AND TRIED TO RESTART CAR. IT STARTED AGAIN AND THEN IT PULLED AND DRAGGED AND I GOT BACK ON THE SHOULDER. IT WOULD NOT MOVE.I TRIED TO PLACE THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL BUT IT WOULD ONLY STAY IN PARK. THIS CREATED A DANGEROUS PROBLEM ESPECIALLY NOT BEING ABLE TO MOVE THE CAR AND THEN THE TOW TRUCK HAD TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS BECAUSE CAR WOULD NOT LEAVE PARK. AS I WAITED FOR 2 HOURS FOR THE TOW TRUCK,THE HAZARD WARNING LIGHTS I TURNED ON AND THEN THEY ONLY WOULD BLINK ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS SINCE IT WAS MY LEFT SIDE THAT WAS EXPOSED TO TRAFFIC. I WAS LATER TOLD THAT THE CAR RAN OUT OF GAS. THIS DOES NOT EXPLAIN THE NONFUNCTIONAL HAZARD LIGHT SYSTEM,THE VEHICLE BEING FROZEN IN PARK AND THE PULLING AND DRAGGING ON THE HIGHWAY. WAS THE GAS GAUGE MALFUNCTIONING? I HAVE WRITTEN TOYOTA MANY TIMES AND COMPLETED SURVEYS EXPLAINING THESE CONCERNS AND THEY FAIL TO ACKNOWLEDGE OR RESPOND. I THINK A SAFETY ISSUE IS RAISED. *TR
Oct 27, 2009
EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
THIS IS A REQUEST IN ORDER FOR THE US DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO BEGIN SAFETY AND DEFECT INSPECTIONS FOR THE FOLLOWING AUTOMOTIVE DEALERS: TOYOTA, HONDA, MITISHIBISHI. *TR
Jul 14, 2009
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
1 complaint
HI THERE, I HAVE A NEW 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS. A COUPLE OF DAYS AGO AS I WAS PULLING INTO THE PARKING SPOT AT THE GARAGE MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, THE CAR STARTED ALL OF A SUDDEN MOVING VERY SMOOTHLY WITHOUT ANY RESISTANCE REGARDLESS OF MY ATTEMPTS TO STOP IT. IT WAS HITTING THE WALL IN FRONT OF IT A COUPLE OF TIMES UNTIL I MANAGED TO POWER DOWN THE CAR. THE FRONT BUMPER OF THE CAR IS COMPLETELY DESTROYED AND WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED. I TOOK THE CAR TO A DEALER TO CHECK BRAKES THOROUGHLY. THEY DID AND TOLD ME THAT EVERYTHING IS FINE WITH THE BRAKES. PERSONALLY I STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT THE BRAKES HAVE MIND OF THEIR OWN AND I SINCERELY HOPE THAT THEY WILL NOT FAIL ON ME IN TRAFFIC SINCE I AM A MOTHER, I HAVE A 1-YEAR OLD BOY. HIS SAFETY IS A TOP PRIORITY FOR ME. RIGHT AFTER MY CAR WAS PURCHASED IT HAD TO STAY AT A DEALER FOR A WEEK SINCE THERE WAS SOME ELECTRICAL PROBLEM, I BELIEVE WITH DOORS. BOTH THAT FACT AND NOW THE BRAKE FAILURE MAKE ME WONDER IF MY CAR IS A LEMON. PLEASE HELP TO SORT THIS OUT. THANK YOU! *TR
Mar 31, 2009
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 2009 TOYOTA Prius have?
The 2009 TOYOTA Prius currently has 498 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 2009 TOYOTA Prius?
The most common problems reported for the 2009 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 2009 TOYOTA Prius problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 2009 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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