2004 Toyota Prius Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2004 Toyota Prius, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Exterior lighting18125.6%
- Electrical17825.2%
- Engine9813.9%
- Brakes7811.0%
- Driver assistance608.5%
- Airbags182.5%
- Powertrain (other)182.5%
- Transmission162.3%
- Fuel system131.8%
- Visibility101.4%
- Steering101.4%
- Other / unspecified101.4%
- Seat belts50.7%
- Interior & seats40.6%
- Tires & wheels30.4%
- Suspension20.3%
- Body & structure20.3%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
ALL THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER LIGHTS CONTINUE TO GO OUT ON MY 04 PRIUS. I DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH FUEL I HAVE THIS COULD BE A SAFETY ISSUE. I DON'T KNOW HOW FAST I'M GOING THIS COULD DEFINITELY BE A SAFETY ISSUE. AND ZERO WARNING LIGHTS COME ON THIS IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE. BY LOOKING ON THE INTERNET I CAN TELL THOUSANDS OF PRIUSES HAVE THIS EXACT SAME ISSUE WITH THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER GOING OUT. THIS SHOULD DEFINITELY BE A RECALL.
MY LEFT HEADLIGHT GOES OFF BUT IF I TURN THE HEADLIGHTS BACK OFF AND BACK ON IT COMES BACK ON. THE HEADLIGHT IS NOT BURNED OUT. THIS HAPPENS WHILE ON THE FREEWAY IN THE DARK WHILE RAINING. THIS HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY AND NOT ALL THE TIME.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
The odometer on my 2004 Prius stops at 299,999. This is a known problem in the 04-05 models that was corrected in 2006. Leaves me unable to track miles for maintenance and other uses. This also has the problem with the entire digital dash going dark which means no speedometer or gas gauge. Making the vehicle almost unable to be driven safely at this point. I have reached out to Toyota and they verify that it was an issue with this year range but because I have owned it too long they don't do anything about it
During a hot period of summer, my drive selector decided to not stay in the drive position unless I held it there. I could make the initial selection of drive and then stop on the gas, but it would not stay unless I physically held the lever down in the drive position. I never had an issue with the reverse position; only drive. I could always get the car back into Park. This is an extremely unsafe driving condition because it happens without warning and the fix is not obvious. Once the driver is aware of the fix, it forces them into an unsafe driving condition: driving with one hand on the parking selector. Once cooler weather came, the issue went away. It didn't happen on all hot days and was intermittent. I replaced the drive selector in 2022 and have only had the issue come up one other time since replacing this part.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle lost power steering functionality but the contact was able to safely pull off of the road. The contact stated that the check engine warning light and other unknown warning lights were illuminated before the vehicle stalled. Additionally, the instrument panel went black. The contact stated that she attempted to restart the vehicle but the vehicle would not restart. The contact had the vehicle towed to her residence and later towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed and it was determined that a wiring cable connector had melted onto the battery and affected the engine. Additionally, the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 83,200.
THIS OCCURRED TO ME YESTERDAY WHILE TRAVELING 60 MPH IN 94 F HEAT ON I-76 E JUST BEFORE THE 676 / 76 SPLIT. I WAS TRAVELING IN THE FAR LEFT LANE WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY LOST POWER. LOOKING AT THE DASH I NOTICED THE SHIFTER HAD MOVED ITSELF INTO N (NEUTRAL), IT WOULD NOT MOVE BACK INTO DRIVE. I APPLIED MY HAZARD LIGHTS AND BEGAN FORCED MY WAY RIGHTWARD ACROSS THREE LANES TO THE SHOULDER, SPEED RAPIDLY DECREASING AND SEEMINGLY MORE SLUGGISHLY THAN A NORMAL COAST. I THINK THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS AUTOMATICALLY BEING APPLIED OR I WAS FIGHTING A BRAKING SYSTEM. ONE LANE FROM THE SHOULDER, A UPS TRUCK WAS HEADED FOR ME FROM BEHIND. LUCKILY, HE WAS ABLE TO SWERVE INTO THE SHOULDER AND PASS ME THERE AS HE COULD NOT MOVE LEFT INTO OTHER TRAFFIC. WE ONLY NARROWLY AVOIDED A COLLISION WITH ME OR THE ELEVATED BARRIER ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I HAD ONLY 10 MPH LEFT AND NO ABILITY TO REDIRECT MY VEHICLE. ONCE ON THE SIDE OF THE EXPRESSWAY, I WAS ABLE TO GOOGLE THIS WELL-KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE VEHICLE. I LET THE VEHICLE COOL OFF, TURNED OFF THE AIR CONDITIONING, THOUGH DIDN'T WANT TO RISK TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF. I WAS CONCERNED I WOULD HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL NIGHTFALL TO GET BACK INTO TRAFFIC (STILL FLOWING AROUND 60 MPH AND A VERY NARROW SHOULDER) LUCKILY DURING A SMALL TRAFFIC BACKUP UP THE ROAD I WAS ABLE TO RE-ENTER TRAFFIC AT A MODEST SPEED. I CROSSED MY FINGERS AS THE REST OF MY COMMUTE (ANOTHER 2 MILES OR SO) WAS 95% HIGHWAY DRIVING. LUCKILY THE CAR HELD OUT FOR ME TO GET HOME.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
Codes C1256 and C1391 ACC low pressure and abnormal leak of ACC press
ABS failure. Won't pressurize. Anti-lock brakes quit working.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving 51 MPH, the vehicle experienced phantom braking and a loss of power steering assist with the engine overheating message displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 154,079.
I need your help to get Toyota to fix 2 items: -ABS Accumulator: I understand Toyota at one time had a recall on the ‘ABS Accumulator’, that may have expired. At that time, I did not have any issue, nor was I aware of the recall. Now the ‘ABS Accumulator’ has gone out and is really hurting the braking. I had to get new brakes & they get locked because of the ABS malfunction. It is an expensive item – more than the cost of the car. I intend to keep the car for a long time, if Toyota can help me get the ABS Accumulator fixed? -MFD: The Multi-Functional Display (MFD) in the middle of the dashboard, has gone blank. It used to just partially blank out before, but now the whole screen is blank all the time, making it very hazardous to drive. Obviously, there is nothing I have done & it is a manufacturing defect, because it should last the life of the car. Please have Toyota fix the 2 problems (ABS & MFD). All requests to Toyota have gone unfulfilled. Your help is needed & will be greatly appreciated.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
I RECEIVED A NOTICE FROM TK HOLDINGS STATING I SHOULD CONTACT A DEALER FOR REPAIRS IF MY CAR WAS UNDER RECALL. I WAS UNDER THE IMPRESSION THAT ALL AIR BAGS WERE AFFECTED. PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHEN I COULD EXPECT A NOTICE. MY 2004 PRIUS WAS MANUFACTURED IN JAPAN. VIN [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE DRIVER WAS MAKING A RIGHT TURN AND AN ONCOMING VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE RESULTING FORCE CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SPIN AND CRASH INTO AN IDLE TRAIN. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 240,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
SHIFTER STICKING IN DRIVE POSITION AS OPPOSED TO RETURNING TO ITS HOME POSITION. WHEN THIS SHIFTER STICKS, THE PARK BUTTON BECOMES DISABLED AND VEHICLE REMAINS IN DRIVE EVEN THOUGH PARK BUTTON IS ENGAGED
VEHICLE SLIPS INTO NEUTRAL AND/OR WILL NOT REVERT BACK TO DRIVE OR REVERSE. THE PROBLEM IS MOST PREVALENT WHEN WEATHER GETS EXTREMELY HOT (99 DEGREES +). THE ONLY WAY I WAS ABLE TO GET MOVING WAS TO PHYSICALLY HOLD MY SHIFTER IN DRIVE POSITION; THE SECOND I LET IT GO, THE VEHICLE AUTOMATICALLY REVERTED BACK TO NEUTRAL. I HAD MY VEHICLE OVER TO A LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP ABOUT THIS ISSUE. THE TECHNICIAN AT THAT TIME DID ACKNOWLEDGE THIS WAS STRANGE AND WITNESSED THE PROBLEM ON SITE. AFTER DIAGNOSING THE VEHICLE, HE COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG; I WAS TOLD TO LEAVE THE CAR WITH THE DEALERSHIP FOR A FEW DAYS TO TRY TO REPLICATE THE PROBLEM; NO OTHER MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION WAS OFFERED. I FELT IT WOULD HAVE BEEN AN UNFAIR EXPENSE TO RENT A CAR FOR AN UNDETERMINED AMOUNT OF TIME WHILE TOYOTA DIAGNOSED MY VEHICLE FOR SEVERAL DAYS; THAT SAID, I DID NOT RETURN TO THE SAME DEALERSHIP FOR THIS SPECIFIC MATTER. GIVEN THAT THIS SEEMS TO OCCUR ONLY IN EXTREME HOT WEATHER, YOU WOULD HAVE TO REPLICATE THE SAME ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS TO DIAGNOSE IT. MOREOVER, GIVEN THE SPONTANEITY OF THIS ISSUE IT COULD TAKE A VERY LONG TIME TO DIAGNOSE IT. THIS IS TRULY A SAFETY CONCERN ESPECIALLY WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. I HAVE ATTACHED TWO YOUTUBE VIDEO LINKS THAT DEMONSTRATE THIS PROBLEM OTHER OWNERS ARE EXHIBITING WITH THIS SAME ISSUE THAT DEMONSTRATE THAT I'M NOT JUST AN ISOLATED CONSUMER WITH THIS ISSUE. HTTP://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=QFXEEUC761E HTTP://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=HWT-HVN5EH8. *TR
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE APPLIED THE BRAKES AND DEPRESSED THE SHIFT BUTTON TO SHIFT INTO PARK. AS HE REMOVED HIS FOOT FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE THEN ROLLED FORWARD UNTIL PRESSURE WAS REAPPLIED TO THE BRAKES. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A MALFUNCTION IN WHICH THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ACTUALLY SHIFTED INTO PARK AFTER HE ENGAGED THE PARK BUTTON. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 52,700.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2004 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE GEAR SHIFT BECAME STUCK BETWEEN DRIVE AND NEUTRAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND WHERE THE SHIFT LEVER ASSEMBLY WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY TOLD HIM THEY WERE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,500 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 50,656.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
I AM THE OWNER OF A 2004 PRIUS. AFTER BUYING MY CAR USED 2 YEARS AGO I NOTICED THAT ONCE IN AWHILE THE DISPLAY, INCLUDING FUEL CONSUMPTION, SPEEDOMETER, ODOMETER, AND MORE, WOULD NOT LIGHT UP AND THAT THE CAR WOULD NOT TURN OFF EASILY SEVERAL TIMES I HAVE BEEN IN SITUATIONS WHERE I HAVE LITTLE GAS AN AM UNABLE TO SEE MY GAS GAUGE OR KNOW HOW FAT IAM GOING ON THE HIGHWAY. I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS WAS ONCE COVERED BY TOYOTA UNDER THE WARRANTY EXTENSION BUT IS NOT CONSIDERED A SAFETY CONCERN. THE WARRANTY EXTENSION IS EXPIRED. IN WHAT UNIVERSE ARE A FUNCTIONING FUEL GAUGE AND SPEEDOMETER NOT CONSIDERED A SAFETY CONCERN? I AM ALSO CONCERNED THAT THIS WILL DETERIORATE FURTHER AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.
THIS OCCURRED TO ME YESTERDAY WHILE TRAVELING 60 MPH IN 94 F HEAT ON I-76 E JUST BEFORE THE 676 / 76 SPLIT. I WAS TRAVELING IN THE FAR LEFT LANE WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY LOST POWER. LOOKING AT THE DASH I NOTICED THE SHIFTER HAD MOVED ITSELF INTO N (NEUTRAL), IT WOULD NOT MOVE BACK INTO DRIVE. I APPLIED MY HAZARD LIGHTS AND BEGAN FORCED MY WAY RIGHTWARD ACROSS THREE LANES TO THE SHOULDER, SPEED RAPIDLY DECREASING AND SEEMINGLY MORE SLUGGISHLY THAN A NORMAL COAST. I THINK THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS AUTOMATICALLY BEING APPLIED OR I WAS FIGHTING A BRAKING SYSTEM. ONE LANE FROM THE SHOULDER, A UPS TRUCK WAS HEADED FOR ME FROM BEHIND. LUCKILY, HE WAS ABLE TO SWERVE INTO THE SHOULDER AND PASS ME THERE AS HE COULD NOT MOVE LEFT INTO OTHER TRAFFIC. WE ONLY NARROWLY AVOIDED A COLLISION WITH ME OR THE ELEVATED BARRIER ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I HAD ONLY 10 MPH LEFT AND NO ABILITY TO REDIRECT MY VEHICLE. ONCE ON THE SIDE OF THE EXPRESSWAY, I WAS ABLE TO GOOGLE THIS WELL-KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE VEHICLE. I LET THE VEHICLE COOL OFF, TURNED OFF THE AIR CONDITIONING, THOUGH DIDN'T WANT TO RISK TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF. I WAS CONCERNED I WOULD HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL NIGHTFALL TO GET BACK INTO TRAFFIC (STILL FLOWING AROUND 60 MPH AND A VERY NARROW SHOULDER) LUCKILY DURING A SMALL TRAFFIC BACKUP UP THE ROAD I WAS ABLE TO RE-ENTER TRAFFIC AT A MODEST SPEED. I CROSSED MY FINGERS AS THE REST OF MY COMMUTE (ANOTHER 2 MILES OR SO) WAS 95% HIGHWAY DRIVING. LUCKILY THE CAR HELD OUT FOR ME TO GET HOME.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
2004 & 2010 TOYOTA PRIUS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO REAR VIEW VISIBILITY AND BRAKING ISSUES IN BOTH VEHICLES. *SMD
MY 2004 PRIUS HAS A TOUCH SCREEN DISPLAY THAT CONTROLS MANY FUNCTIONS INCLUDING CLIMATE CONTROLS. ON A RECENT MORNING I STARTED MY VEHICLE AND GOT AN ERROR MESSAGE SAYING "NO EXTERNAL CONNECTION TO AIR CONDITIONER" AT THE SAME TIME I COULD NOT ACCESS HEATER, DEFROST, NAVIGATION, HYBRID MONITOR OR HANDS FREE PHONE. FORTUNATELY, I HAD A RAG IN THE CAR AND COULD KEEP MY WINDOW CLEAN. AFTER 20 MINUTES OF DRIVING, THE RADIO CUT OUT AND THEN ALL CONTROLS CAME BACK. ANOTHER 10 MINUTES OF DRIVING AND THE CONTROLS CUT BACK OFF. THIS PROBLEM NOW OCCURS EACH TIME I DRIVE THE VEHICLE. WHEN I RESEARCHED THIS ISSUE ON THE INTERNET, I DISCOVERED THIS IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM WITH THE DISPLAYS ON THE 04 AND 05 PRIUS. TOYOTA ISSUED (TSB) EL002-05 DEALING WITH THIS ISSUE BUT OFFERED NO RECALL. THE PROBLEM LIES IN THE CIRCUIT BOARDS THAT WERE SUPPLIED TO TOYOTA MOTORS. I LIVE IN MAINE AND NOT HAVING ACCESS TO MY WINDOW DEFROSTER IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN. I HAVE TO KEEP A RAG IN THE CAR TO KEEP MY WINDOW CLEAN. TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE REFUSES TO FIX THIS BECAUSE I AM BEYOND THE 3 YR / 36000 MILE WARRANTY. THIS IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT THAT CAUSES LOSS OF VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING. ABSOLUTELY SHOULD BE A RECALL CAMPAIGN FOR VEHICLES MANUFACTURED WITH THIS DEFECT. *TR
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving 51 MPH, the vehicle experienced phantom braking and a loss of power steering assist with the engine overheating message displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 154,079.
I WAS DRIVING APPROX. 15 MPH ON A STREET ON 5/14/20 AND WAS MAKING A SOFT TURN AND HEARD A 'CLICK' NOISE. IMMEDIATELY AFTER MY STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO SPIN FREELY WHILE TOTALLY DISENGAGED FROM THE FRONT WHEELS CAUSING TOTAL INABILITY TO CONTROL DIRECTION OF VEHICLE TRAVEL. THIS CAUSED A MINOR COLLISION WITH ROCK /DEBRIS WHICH CAUSED MINOR FRONT BUMPER DAMAGE. I THEN HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO NEAREST MECHANIC WHO DETERMINED THAT THE MAIN BOLT AT THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT AND STEERING RACK WAS DISCONNECTED. THE MECHANIC CHECKED THE SHAFT AND SPLINES FOR DAMAGE AND FOUND NONE, THEN PROCEEDED TO REATTACH BOLT. I WAS ALSO INFORMED BY THIS MECHANIC THAT TOYOTA HAD TWO RELATED RECALLS: ONE FOR THE STEERING SHAFT, AND ONE FOR THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT EXTENSION. BOTH OF THESE RECALLS HAD BEEN ADDRESSED AND REPLACEMENT PARTS INSTALLED FOR MY VEHICLE. THERE ARE TWO RELATED RECALLS: 06V188000 (STEERING SHAFT) AND 12V537000 (INTERMEDIATE STEERING EXTENSION SHAFT). *TR
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
CONTACTS STATED WATER PUMP AND ALTERNATOR STOPPED WORKING TWICE ON I'-5 TOWED TO TOYOTA TACOMA WHERE THEY FLUSHED FUEL BILLED $500 CAR BROKE DOWN ON WAY HOME TOWED BACK TO TOYOTA TOLD CHARGE WOULD BE 2500 TO FIX .. FLATBED DEDICATED CAR TO BRON'S AUTO HOSES AND COOLANT SYSTEM WAS MELTED PAYED $1500 TO REPLACE IN TIRE COOLANT SYSTEM AND STILL OWE 600 TO SYNCHRONY CAR CARE CARD NOW RETURNING HOME LAST WEEK TURNING AROUND TO BACK UP THERE WAS A LOUD CRUNCH STEERING BROKE STEERING WHEEL CRUNCHES WHEN TURNED WHEELS DO NOT TURN AT ALL MOVING DOWN THE ROAD CALLED TOYOTA THEY SAID THEY FIXED BOTH ON RECALL TO FIX IT MYSELF IT WASN'T THERE PROBLEM PARTS WORE OUT KICK ROCKS THE PARTS DIDN'T WEAR OUT THEY BROKE 5 MINUTES SOONER ID HAVE BEEN HEAD ON IN TRAFFIC ON HWY 405 INSTEAD OF BACKING UP ON THE CITY STREET. UNABLE TO STEER INTO OUR DRIVEWAY I'M ALREADY STUCK MAKING PAYMENTS ON COOLANT SYSTEM REPAIRS THAT WERE RECALL*DT *TP
I HAVE A 2004 TOYOTA PRIUS. SINCE 2004, MY HEADLIGHTS HAVE GONE OUT 5 TIMES. THE RIGHT HEADLIGHT HAS GONE OUT 3 TIMES AND THE LEFT 2 TIMES. THE LAST TIME I REPLACED THE RIGHT HEADLIGHT, IT DID NOT LAST 12 MONTHS. *TR
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 20 MPH AND CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT DID NOT PROPERLY RESTRAIN, CAUSING HER CHEST TO BE THROWN INTO THE STEERING WHEEL. IN ADDITION, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE POLICE WERE CONTACTED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS RULED AS DESTROYED BY THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE INCIDENT WHO ASSIGNED HER A CASE MANAGER WHO WOULD RETURN HER CALL IN THE NEAR FUTURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 134,000.
1) THE VEHICLE IS A 2004 TOYOTA PRIUS, 3 1/2 YEARS OLD AND APPROX 76K MILES ON IT. IT HAS ONLY BEEN USED FOR CARRYING PASSENGERS. 2) BOTH REAR PASSENGER SEAT BELTS TORE WITHIN A WEEK OF EACH OTHER. THE RIGHT SIDE COMPLETELY AND THE LEFT SIDE IS APPROXIMATELY 90% TORN. THE ONLY PERSON TO USE THE REAR SEATS, ON A FAIRLY REGULAR BASIS, IS MY 14 YEAR OLD SON. TWO WEEKS AGO HE GOT INTO THE RIGHT SIDE AND NOTICED THAT THE BELT WAS COMPLETELY BROKEN. LAST WEEK HE GOT INTO THE LEFT SIDE AND MENTIONED THAT IT WAS ALSO TORN. AS IT IS RIGHT NOW, THE ONLY SEAT HE CAN NOW USE IS THE MIDDLE "LAP ONLY" BELT. IN LOOKING AT THE BELTS, IT APPEARS THAT THE TEAR IS AT THE PLACE WHERE THE BELT PASSES THROUGH THE PLASTIC SHROUD COVERING THE RETRACTING MECHANISM. 3) TALKED WITH THE TOYOTA SERVICE REP YESTERDAY. HE TOLD ME THAT HE HAD NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE IT BEFORE. BUT,SINCE IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY IT WOULD COST APPROX $550.00 USD TO FIX. *NM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE SMART KEY ON MY 2004 TOYOTA PRIUS LOCKED THE DOORS ON ITS OWN, EVEN WHILE IN THE CAR. I UNLOCKED THE DOORS WITH THE SMART KEY, PLACED MY BABY IN HIS CARSEAT, BUCKLED HIM IN, PLACED HIS DIAPER BAG ON THE FLOOR IN THE BACKSEAT AS ALWAYS, WITH THE SMART KEY IN A POCKET OF THE DIAPER BAG, AND AS I WAS CLOSING THE BACK DOOR SO THAT I COULD GET IN THE DRIVER SEAT, ALL OF THE DOORS LOCKED ON THEIR OWN. THE SMART KEY WAS IN THE DIAPER BAG INSIDE THE CAR, AS WAS MY BABY, AND I COULD NOT GET INTO THE CAR. I HAD TO CALL MY WIFE AND HAVE HER BRING THE SECOND SMART KEY TO UNLOCK THE DOOR. LUCKILY MY BABY WAS NOT FREAKING OUT, AND IT WAS NOT A HOT DAY. IT WAS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND SCARY SITUATION. *TR
DRIVER'S FRONT SEAT FRAME FAILED UPON REAR IMPACT. CAR WAS STOPPED, IMPACT WAS AT APPROXIMATELY 25MPH. THE SEAT BACK PORTION WAS TWISTED TOWARDS THE DRIVER'S DOOR WHILE THE SEAT BOTTOM PORTION REMAINED FACING FORWARD. NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. CAR WAS TOTALED. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE TIRES ARE SHOULDERING ON VEHICLE. THE EDGES OF THE TIRE ON THE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE ARE WEARING OUT. THE TIRES WERE REPLACED IN JANUARY 2005 BY TOYOTA. NOW ,IN DECEMBER 2005, THE PROBLEM RECURRED. HE SPOKE TO TOYOTA, AND THEY SAID THEY DID NOT WARRANTY TIRES, AND HE SHOULD BE IN CONTACT WITH GOODYEAR. HOWEVER, GOODYEAR CLAIMED THE PROBLEM WAS WITH THE ENGINEERING OF THE VEHICLE. *AK
WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR. SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE VIBRATED UNCONTROLLABLY. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND PULLED OVER. THE CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER'S REAR TIRE BLEW OUT. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA PRIUS. THIS VEHICLE WOULD STALL AT HIGH SPEEDS. HE WAS GOING 65-70 MPH AT TIME OF INCIDENT. THIS HAPPENED WITHOUT WARNING. IT EXACTLY WHAT THE REPORTS SAID HAPPENED TO HIM. HE CAN BE CONTACTED BY ODI FOR THIS IF NEEDED. ALSO, HAD PREMATURE WEAR ON TIRES. HAD THE FRONT AND REAR ENDS ALIGNED THREE TIMES SINCE HE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE.*AK
1. THE TOYOTA PRIUS HAS AN ALIGNMENT DEFECT THAT WORE OUT MY TIRES PREMATURELY. . THE CAR RODE ON THE WALL AND INNER TREAD OF THE TIRE WEARING IT DOWN TO THE NYLON AND WIRE BEFORE IT POPPED 3. NEW TIRES WERE PUT ON THE CAR. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
WATER INTRUSION CAUSED CORROSION OF THE MAIN ENGINE WIRING HARNESS WHICH CAUSED A FAULT IN THE AUXILIARY 12V BATTERY AND HAS MADE THE VEHICLE UNDRIVEABLE. TOYOTA CANNOT DETERMINE THE SOURCE OR CAUSE OF THE WATER INTRUSION EVEN THOUGH I HAVE BROUGHT IN THE VEHICLE FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE SINCE I PURCHASED IT AND I HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT A PROBLEM WHICH IS RELATED TO THE AUXILIARY 12V BATTERY SEVERAL TIMES IN THE PAST. THIS SEEMS TO BE A FLAW IN THE 2004 PRIUS DESIGN. *TR
2004 TOYOTA PRIUS. FAILURE TO SEAL THE CABIN AND UNDER DASH AREAS FROM OPEN ACCESS ALLOWED SMALL RODENTS TO ENTER THE OUTSIDE AIR VENT LEADING TO THE CABIN AIR FILTER, CAUSED WIRING AND TUBING DAMAGES. *TS UPDATED 11/29/2005 -A FOUL ODOR COULD ALSO BE SMEELE INSIDE THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE RODENTS LIVING INSIDE THE VEHICLE. *NM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .