2005 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 2005 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 lighting34527.7%
- Brakes28322.7%
- Electrical17914.4%
- Driver assistance12510.0%
- Engine796.3%
- Airbags443.5%
- Steering393.1%
- Other / unspecified312.5%
- Powertrain (other)312.5%
- Fuel system282.2%
- Visibility151.2%
- Body & structure110.9%
- Tires & wheels100.8%
- Transmission100.8%
- Seat belts70.6%
- Interior & seats50.4%
- Suspension40.3%
- Heating & air conditioning10.1%
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
The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the left turn signal was activated, however, the left turn signal failed to function as intended. In addition, the contact stated that the four-way flashers failed to function as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a computer failure. The contact was informed that an unknown part needed to be replaced, or an unknown software update was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact referenced an unknown recall with a similar failure description; however, the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 143,500.
The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while replacing the instrument cluster, the contact discovered that the turn signals were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that an unknown part needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 143,500.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
ABS actuator failed and had little to no braking action while merging on the freeway. Had to swerve to avoid collision on interstate
i had brake warning lights pop up on my dash..my brake actuator fail on my 05 prius.. this is a known issue with toyota prius. the brake actuator is a very important part of the braking system and vehicle is deemed unsafe with a failed actuator/module.. the dealer quoted over 3000 in repairs.. they were covering them for a while and now they are not.. the cost of the repair exceeds the value of vehicle due to the brake actuator being very expensive.. this is something that should have been recalled..
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the left turn signal was activated, however, the left turn signal failed to function as intended. In addition, the contact stated that the four-way flashers failed to function as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a computer failure. The contact was informed that an unknown part needed to be replaced, or an unknown software update was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact referenced an unknown recall with a similar failure description; however, the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 143,500.
The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brakes seized. In addition, the contact heard a squealing sound and the ABS warning light illuminated. The contact used the parking brake to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact stated that the odometer was inoperable and failed to display the correct mileage. The contact stated that the odometer was stuck on 299,999.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
COMBINATION METER INTERMITTENTLY NOT FUNCTIONING. WHEN TURNING THE CAR ON, SOMETIMES THE DASH METER WORKS, SOMETIMES IT'S JUST BLACK AND CONTINUES THE ENTIRE TIME THE CAR IS RUNNING. THEN WHEN TRYING TO TURN THE CAR OFF, IT WILL NOT TURN OFF, WHICH IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN. WHEN THIS OCCURS, THERE ARE NO DASH LIGHTS AT ALL TO INDICATE FUEL AMOUNT, ODOMETER READING, DOOR OPEN SIGNAL, CHECK ENGINE, MAINTENANCE REQUIRED AND SO ON. THE SPEED BEING DRIVEN IS NOT SHOWING EITHER WHICH IS ANOTHER MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. CRUISE CONTROL ALSO DOES NOT FUNCTION, THE CENTER TOUCHSCREEN DOES NOT DISPLAY HYBRID MOTOR INFORMATION OR MPG. THE BEEPING WHEN BACKING UP DOES NOT FUNCTION. ALSO THE REAR HATCH WILL NOT OPEN WHILE CAR IS RUNNING WHICH IS ALSO A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE IN ADDITION TO ALL OF THE OTHER FUNCTIONS NOT AVAILABLE. THE ODOMETER IS NOT RECORDING MILEAGE DURING THESE TIMES WHICH MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO DO PROPER MAINTENANCE THAT GOES BY MILEAGE, SUCH AS OIL CHANGES.
I STARTED THE CAR AND THE SPEED INDICATOR DIDN'T ILLUMINATE. I THOUGHT IT WAS A LIGHTBULB OR SOMETHING THAT THAT HAD GONE OUT SINCE THE CAR DROVE LIKE NORMAL. WHEN I GOT TO MY DESTINATION I TRIED TO TURN OFF THE CAR BUT IT DIDN'T TURN OFF. I CALLED THE CAMPUS CAR SERVICE, BY THE TIME THEY GOT TO ME (ABOUT 30 MINUTES) THE CAR HAD TURNED OFF BY ITSELF. THIS HAS HAPPENED ABOUT 8 TIMES SINCE. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS VERY ISSUE WHERE TOYOTA ADMITTED THAT HIGH MILAGE PRIUS' WERE EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM. THE RECALL ENDED IN 2013. I JUST DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW A KNOW ISSUE IS NO LONGER BEING FIXED WHEN THEY CLEARLY STATED THAT IT AFFECTS HIGH MILEAGE CARS. SO PEOPLE LIKE ME WHO'S CARS HAVEN'T REACHED A 'HIGH MILEAGE" DURING THEIR RECALL PERIOD ARE BASICALLY TOLD TO GUESS HOW FAST THE CAR IS TRAVELING?
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
Eingen faliur acording to dealership Toyota of Anthioc the veicle is on there lot for now but there diagnostic was engine faliure
CAR STOPPED ACCELERATING/ ENGINE DIED WHILE DRIVING AT 20-30 MPH EXITING HOLLAND TUNNEL. COASTED, THEN BRAKED TO STOP, PULLING OVER TO SHOULDER. TURNED AC OFF. RED WARNING LIGHT ON. AC WARNING LIGHT? PRESSED PARK BUTTON. PRESS POWER BUTTON TO TURN OFF CAR. WAITED 5 SEC AND THEN PRESSED POWER BUTTON, KEEPING AC OFF , AND RESUMED ACCELERATING.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
Vehicle: 2005 Toyota Prius VIN: [XXX] Date of Incident: April 2024 Location: Citrus Heights, California Incident Summary: In April 2024, I was involved in a front-end collision while driving my 2005 Toyota Prius. I rear-ended another vehicle at moderate to high speed. Despite the severity of the impact, the driver-side airbag failed to deploy. As a result, I was thrown forward and hit my head on the windshield, suffering lacerations and head trauma. After being evaluated by emergency responders and undergoing a hospital visit (MRI included), I was told I had not sustained any life-threatening injuries. However, since the crash, I have experienced severe cognitive symptoms, including confusion, chronic fatigue, sudden drowsiness, memory loss, and extreme mood swings. These symptoms are ongoing and have made daily life extremely difficult. I had brought the vehicle to Roseville Toyota in Roseville, CA, for a full pre-purchase inspection prior to the crash. They provided a CARFAX vehicle history report, but they did not inform me that the airbag had failed to deploy in a previous incident listed in the report. I was unaware the airbag system might be defective, and if I had known, I would not have driven or purchased the vehicle. To this day, there has been no recall issued for airbags on this vehicle, and I believe this is a dangerous and potentially fatal defect that must be investigated by NHTSA. I am asking for an investigation into why the airbag system failed, and whether other Toyota Prius models from these years have similar undisclosed issues. Supporting Info: •The vehicle had dealership service history. •Toyota has documentation showing the vehicle was inspected and that I received the CARFAX, but they failed to alert me to the airbag defect. •I was paid out for the vehicle’s value and partial medical expenses through insurance, but no accountability has been taken for the **failed airbag INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I had lost functionality for some buttons on the steering wheel that didn't directly impact safety. On replacing the clockspring mechanism inside the whweel I decided to inspect the old unit. Four of the lines in the flex cable are impacted by corrosion, three have already failed. The fourth line is one of the airbag's electrical lines. I'm filing an issue report because the airbag would be next impacted by this failure and I believe there's a fair chance the corroded line could fail during the vehicle's attempt to fire the airbag on the wheel.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
I had lost functionality for some buttons on the steering wheel that didn't directly impact safety. On replacing the clockspring mechanism inside the whweel I decided to inspect the old unit. Four of the lines in the flex cable are impacted by corrosion, three have already failed. The fourth line is one of the airbag's electrical lines. I'm filing an issue report because the airbag would be next impacted by this failure and I believe there's a fair chance the corroded line could fail during the vehicle's attempt to fire the airbag on the wheel.
THE STEERING ON MY 2005 PRIUS WITH ROUGHLY 119,000 MILES FAILED. FORTUNATELY IT WAS AT A LOW SPEED AND ON A SIDE STREET BUT WITHOUT ANY ABILITY TO STEER THE CAR, IT COULD HAVE BEEN REALLY BAD IF ON A MAIN ROAD OR AT A HIGHER SPEED! THE CAR IS CURRENTLY WITH A TOYOTA DEALER AND THE CAUSE IS YET TO BE DETERMINED. TOYOTA STATED THERE IS NO RECALL OUTSTANDING ON THE CAR AND IT WOULD BE OUT OF POCKET. THERE WAS, HOWEVER, A PRIOR RECALL FOR STEERING ISSUES. WHEN IT FAILED, I WAS ABLE TO MOVE IT BACK AND FORTH BUT THE WHEELS WOULD NOT TURN AT ALL.*DT*JB
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH AN INVERTER WATER PUMP FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V563000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 160,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED AT 75 MPH, ALL OF THE WARNING INDICATORS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED IN ADDITION TO THE INVERTER COOLING SYSTEM WARNING MESSAGE DISPLAYING. THE CONTACT SHUT OFF THE ENGINE BUT THE FAILURE WAS STILL PRESENT ONCE RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 12V536000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM) HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS NOT ABLE TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED BECAUSE THERE WAS NOT A QUALIFIED TECHNICIAN TO PERFORM THE REPAIR AT THE LOCAL DEALER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTIFICATION SIX MONTHS PRIOR AND THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE AN EXPECTED DATE OF WHEN THE VEHICLE COULD BE SERVICED UNDER THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 153,000.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
Eingen faliur acording to dealership Toyota of Anthioc the veicle is on there lot for now but there diagnostic was engine faliure
DURING COLD WEATHER TRYING TO DRIVE THE CAR IT WILL NOT STAY IN THE GEAR I HAVE TO HOLD IT DOWN EVEN WHEN I BACK OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY OR WHEN I GO ANYWHERE IT STARTS TO WARM UP THEN THE CAR MAY SOMETIMES STAY IN GEAR.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
Fuel pump malfunctioned. The vehicle stalled at low speeds while driving on an incline and gave a large red exclamation error sign on the dashboard. It stopped accelerating and came to a stop. Afterwards the engine will not start anymore. The car was towed to a garage and they found the fuel pump to be faulty.
SHIFTER REVERTS TO NEUTRAL. HAVE TO DRIVE HOLDING IN D OR R.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
INTERMITTENT FAILURE OF HEADLIGHT (LEFT AND RIGHT, THOUGH NOT SIMULTANEOUSLY). PROBLEM CAN BE TEMPORARILY CORRECTED BY TURNING HEADLIGHTS OFF, THEN ON. THIS ISSUE OCCURS WHILE DRIVING (TWICE WITHIN A ONE HOUR DRIVE) AND WHEN THE CAR HAS JUST BEEN STARTED. FUSES HAVE BEEN CHECKED AND HEADLIGHT BULBS HAVE BEEN REPLACED WITH NO RESOLUTION. *TR
THE RIGHT SIDE HEADLIGHT GOES OUT MULTIPLE TIMES FOR NO APPARENT REASON. I HAVE TO TURN THE LIGHTS OFF- THEN BACK ON--IT WILL COME BACK ON--ONLY TILL IT GOES OUT AGAIN. *TR
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE WASHING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED 2-3 DROPS OF WATER ENTERING THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW. THE WINDOW WAS CLOSED AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE. ADDITIONALLY, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED AND WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE. THE CONTACT ENGAGED THE PUSH-TO-START BUTTON WITH THE BRAKES APPLIED TO SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE, BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE CONTACT THEN SHIFTED INTO PARK AND ATTEMPTED TO EXIT THE VEHICLE WHEN THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT WAS KNOCKED TO THE GROUND BY THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR AND SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. AS A RESULT. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPUTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER FAILED TO PERFORM A DIAGNOSTIC TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE ELECTRICAL FAILURE OR THE ACCELERATION FAILURE. THE DEALER ALSO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXTENDED A WARRANTY TO COVER THE FAILURE, BUT THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS OVER THE MILEAGE LIMITATION BY 4,000 MILES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 174,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
CAR STARTED SKIDDING ON THE ROAD, COULDN'T TAKE CONTROL BECAUSE CAR STARTED TO SPEED UP AND THEN RAMMED INTO THE CONCRETE BARRIER, SPUN AROUND AND ENDED UP FACING ONCOMING TRAFFIC. LUCKILY, THERE WASN'T ANY CAR RIGHT BEHIND ME AND I MANAGED TO PUSH OPEN THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR ALTHOUGH IT WOULDN'T OPEN COMPLETELY AND OPENED JUST ENOUGH FOR ME TO SQUEEZE THROUGH AND RAN OUT OF THE CAR. AT NO TIME DID THE AIRBAG OPEN UP AT ALL. I WAS LUCKY THAT I SUSTAINED NO MAJOR INJURY EXCEPT FOR A BADLY KNOCKING MY LEFT KNEE ON THE DASH. MY QUESTION TO TOYOTA WOULD BE WHY THE AIRBAD DIDN'T OPEN! WHAT IF ANOTHER CAR HAD HIT MINE AND I WOULDN'T HAVE BEEN PROTECTED BY THE AIRBAG!
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
I PURCHASED FOUR NEW HIFLY HF201 TIRES, SIZE 185/65R15, ON SEPTEMBER 5, 2014. ON OCTOBER 21, 2014, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT WHILE I WAS DRIVING HOME ON THE FREEWAY. THERE WERE A NUMBER OF HOLES -- ONE AS LARGE AS A BASEBALL -- ALONG THE OUTER SIDEWALL OF THE TIRE. AS PREVIOUSLY STATED, THE TIRES WERE A LITTLE OVER ONE MONTH OLD, WERE PURCHASED NEW, AND WERE PROFESSIONAL INSTALLED. I DRIVE A LOT FOR MY WORK AND HAVE TWO KIDS, WHO ARE OFTEN IN THE CAR WITH ME. MY DAUGHTER IS ABOUT TO GET HER LICENSE AND WILL BE DRIVING MY CAR, AND I'M VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THESE TIRES. THE DEALER WHO SOLD ME THE TIRES GAVE ME A NEW TIRE, FREE OF CHARGE, TO REPLACE THE ONE THAT FAILED, BUT I HAVE LITTLE CONFIDENCE IN THESE TIRES. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING SINCE I WAS 16 (I'M NOW 52) AND I HAVE NEVER SEEN A TIRE FAIL LIKE THIS ONE DID. I'M FILING THIS COMPLAINT BECAUSE I DON'T BELIEVE THESE TIRES ARE SAFE AND DON'T WANT TO SEE ANYONE GET HURT. THANK YOU, AND PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME WITH ANY QUESTIONS. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA PRIUS EQUIPPED WITH BRIDGESTONE/FIRESTONE INSIGNIA SE200 ALL SEASON TIRES, SIZE: P185/65R 15 86T. THE CONTACT STATED SHE WAS DRIVING 30 MPH WHEN SHE HEARD A FLAPPING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE TIRE. THE CONTACT CHECKED THE TIRE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE TIRE WAS DEFLATED AND THE SIDE WALL WAS SPLIT. THE CONTACT TOOK THE TIRE TO A TIRE SHOP WHERE THEY PROVIDED HER WITH A REPLACEMENT TIRE. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,500. THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAVE AN UNRESOLVED SAFETY ISSUE WITH MY 2005 TOYOTA PRIUS. THIS HAPPENED TO ME ON THE FIRST DAY THAT I DROVE MY THEN-BRAND NEW CAR. I STILL REMEMBER THIS DANGEROUS EVENT VERY CLEARLY. I CAN EASILY REPLICATE THE PROBLEM FOR YOU. I WAS ABOUT TO BACK MY PRIUS OUT OF ITS DIAGONAL PARKING SPACE ON A BUSY MAIN STREET IN DOWNTOWN EL CAJON, CA. IT WAS DAYTIME. VEHICLES WERE PARKED ON EITHER SIDE OF ME, WHICH PREVENTED ME FROM SEEING WHETHER OR NOT THERE WAS TRAFFIC APPROACHING. I CAREFULLY BACKED OUT OF THE PARKING SPACE UNTIL I COULD SEE WHETHER OR NOT THERE WAS TRAFFIC APPROACHING. I SAW THAT THERE WAS AND IT WAS APPROACHING QUICKLY, SO WITH THE INTENTION OF STOPPING MY CAR'S BACKWARDS MOVEMENT AND, INSTEAD, GOING FORWARD INTO MY PARKING SPACE, I HIT THE BRAKES AND QUICKLY MOVED THE GEARSHIFT LEVER OVER TO THE LEFT AND FULLY DOWN INTO THE DRIVE GATE TO THE STOP POSITION, BEFORE I RELEASED THE SPRING-LOADED SHIFT LEVER (WHICH SENDS IT BACK TO ITS 'HOME' POSITION). I THEN QUICKLY PRESSED THE GAS PEDAL, INTENDING FOR THE CAR TO MOVE FORWARD SO THAT I COULD DRIVE BACK INTO MY PARKING SPACE. TO MY SHOCK, MY CAR JUMPED FURTHER BACKWARDS INTO THE TRAFFIC LANE, INSTEAD OF FORWARDS INTO MY PARKING SPACE. HAVING GOOD REFLEXES, AND IN SOMEWHAT OF A PANIC NOW, I ONCE AGAIN SHOVED THE GEARSHIFT LEVER FULLY INTO THE DRIVE GATE AND FULLY DOWN UNTIL IT CONTACTED THE STOP, BEFORE LETTING GO OF IT. ONCE AGAIN I PUNCHED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND ONCE AGAIN THE CAR JUMPED -- BACKWARDS! I FULLY APPLIED THE BRAKES AND HOPED THAT THE ONCOMING VEHICLES WOULD NOT HIT ME. FORTUNATELY, THEY DID NOT. THE PROBLEM IS THAT IF THE GEARSHIFT LEVER ON THE 2005 PRIUS IS MOVED TOO QUICKLY, THERE WILL BE NO GEAR CHANGE. THIS COULD BE CORRECTED IF THE GEAR SELECTOR REMAINED IN THE APPROPRIATE GEAR'S GATE, GIVING THE ELECTRONICS TIME TO MAKE THE SHIFT. THIS FLAW COULD CAUSE ACCIDENTS AND BE FALSELY ATTRIBUTED TO DRIVER ERROR. IN THE INTERESTS OF SAFETY, IT SHOULD BE FIXED. *TR
GEAR SHIFT SELECTOR STICKS IN DRIVE OR REVERSE. A FEW YEARS AGO, THE ONLY SYMPTOM WAS CLICKING NOISE WHEN LEVER WAS ACTUATED, BUT NOW IT DOES NOT RETURN TO A NEUTRAL POSITION WHEN YOU LET GO. HAPPENS EVERY TIME. CONSEQUENTIALLY, UNLESS YOU CONSCIOUSLY RETURN THE LEVER TO CENTRAL POSITION, PRESSING PARK DOES NOT TAKE THE CAR OUT OF GEAR. IF INATTENTIVE OR A UNFAMILIAR DRIVER OPERATES CAR, IT WILL CONTINUE TO MOVE. I HAVE BEEN TRYING SINCE NOVEMBER 2 TO CONVINCE TOYOTA CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE THAT THIS IS SOMETHING THEY SHOULD REPAIR, IS NOT A NORMAL WEAR ITEM, AND BEGAN EVEN BEFORE MY VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. NO LUCK. DEALER HAS OFFERED A 15% DISCOUNT FROM A $575 REPAIR AND HAS ALREADY CHARGED ME $45 TO "DIAGNOSE". *TR
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
On 9/12/21, I was driving 25-30mph when the SUV in front of me stopped on the freeway interchange suddenly and unexpectedly (other cars were not around us). I hit the breaks very hard and fast but could not stop and collided with the SUV. The front end of the Prius lodged under the back end of the SUV and the impact was enough to wreck the Prius. During that collision, the driver side seatbelt engaged, but the passenger side seatbelt did not. My preteen hit his forehead on the dashboard very hard. Additionally, the airbags failed to deploy. I could smell an odor from the dust from the airbags. The car is at a repair shop waiting for insurance adjuster to inspect. There were no warning lamps or other messages of the problem prior to the failure.
ON 2/27/14 THE SRS INDICATOR LIGHT IN OUR VEHICLE LIT UP CAUSING US TO REVIEW THE OWNER'S MANUAL, WHICH RECOMMENDED IMMEDIATE SERVICE. PER TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN T-SB-0042-11, THIS ISSUE WAS CAUSED BY FAILURE OF THE WIRING HARNESS, WHICH WAS DIAGNOSED WITH SCANNER CODE B1826. ACCORDING TO THE TSB, THE DESIGN/MATERIAL FAULT CAN OCCUR IN 2004-2009 PRIUSES. THE FAULT, ACCORDING TO A TOYOTA SERVICE ADVISOR, RESULTS IN A FAILURE OF THE AIR BAG SYSTEM. TO ADDRESS THE CONDITION, "AN UPDATED WIRE HARNESS MUST BE INSTALLED." THE COST TO REPAIR THIS DESIGN FAULT IS $2,500. AND UP DEPENDING ON IF ONE OR BOTH SIDES OF THE WIRING HARNESS HAS TO BE REPLACED. BECAUSE THIS SAFETY RELATED DEFECT NEEDED TO BE ADDRESSED AT ONCE WE PAID TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED BUT EXPRESSED OUR VIEW TO THE TOYOTA PERSONNEL THAT THE DEFECT SHOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED BY TOYOTA. WE FEEL THAT THIS DEFECT SHOULD HAVE BEEN THE SUBJECT OF A RECALL. CALLS TO THE GM OF THE DEALERSHIP HAVE NOT BEEN RETURNED. *TR
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
VEHICLE STRUCK FROM BEHIND AT APPROXIMATELY 20MPH AND PUSHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. DRIVER SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK AND DRIVER'S HEAD STRUCK THE TOP OF THE STEERING WHEEL. THE DRIVER SEAT BACK ALSO BROKE AND THE DRIVER FELL BACKWARD UNTIL THE SEAT BACK WAS STOPPED BY THE CUSHION OF THE REAR SEATS. *TR
AT ABOUT 104K MILES THE HID HEADLIGHTS, ALONG WITH THE DASH DASHBOARD LIGHTS, WENT OUT WHILE MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING ON A COUNTRY ROAD AT NIGHT. THE SUDDEN DARKNESS RESULTED IN A COLLISION WITH A GUARD RAIL WHILE BRAKING. AFTER PUTTING THE CAR IN PARK, TURNING OFF THE POWER BUTTON AND RESTARTING THE CAR EVERYTHING CAME BACK ON. WHILE WE WERE SHAKEN UP, NO ONE WAS HURT. THE CAR SUSTAINED $2K DAMAGE TO THE BODY, BUT NOT TO THE HEADLIGHTS. THE LOCAL DEALER DIDN'T EXPRESS ANY KNOWLEDGE OF HEADLIGHT FAILURES IN PRIUSES, INSPECTED THE LIGHTING SYSTEM AND PRONOUNCED EVERYTHING FINE. I DID HAVE TO PAY FOR THE INSPECTION AS THE LIGHTS WEREN'T DAMAGED AND NOT COVERED BY THE COLLISION CLAIM. INTERNET RESEARCH HAS BROUGHT UP MANY SIMILAR CASES OF THIS OCCURRING WITH OTHER PRIUSES; WITH NO ACKNOWLEDGEMENT BY TOYOTA. MY DAUGHTER IS NOW TERRIFIED OF DRIVING THIS CAR. I ALSO OWN A 2007 PRIUS WITH HID LIGHTS AND 55K MILES. I'M MONITORING IT'S HEADLIGHTS WHENEVER POSSIBLE AS IT IS DRIVEN MOSTLY DURING THE DAY WITH THE HEADLIGHTS ON. *TR
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
CPCS:I1410421A. 2005 TOYOTA PRIUS. CONSUMER STATED THE CAR WAS TAKEN IN FOR A WHEEL ALIGNMENT. APPARENTLY, TOYOTA HAS NOT ALLOWED ANY WAY TO ADJUST THE REAR TOE OR CAMBER ON THE PRIUS, WHICH CAN RESULT IN STEERING ISSUES AND PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH EXCESSIVE OR UNEVEN TIRE WEAR. *LN
I RECENTLY HAD A MICHELIN TIRE SEPARATE ON THE REAR OF MY 05 TOYOTA PRIUS. TIRE WARE HAS BEEN A CONTINUAL PROBLEM. I DISCARDED THE ORIGINAL TIRES AT 40K MILES, THEY WERE TOO CUPPED TO ROTATE AND TOO DANGEROUS TO USE. THERE WAS A LOT OF TREAD LEFT ON THE TIRE, AT LEAST HALF, BUT CUPPING GAVE INTOLERABLE VIBRATION. I HAD MICHELIN TIRES INSTALLED AND HAD THE ALIGNMENT CHECKED. THE ALIGNMENT WAS NOT PERFECT BUT WAS WITHIN SPEC. THE MICHELIN SEPARATED ABOUT 40K MILES LATER AND WAS REPLACED BEFORE IT FAILED. THE TREAD SEPARATION CAUSED A TOTAL LOSS OF TREAD IN ONE LINE AT A DIAGONAL ACROSS THE TIRE TREAD. LUCKILY I HAD GONE IN FOR ROTATION WHEN THEY DISCOVERED THE PROBLEM. THE EXTREME TIRE WARE CAUSES NOISE AND VIBRATION. I HAVE BEEN IN TOUCH WITH THE DEALERSHIP THROUGHOUT MY OWNERSHIP OF THE PRIUS WHICH I BOUGH NEW. I HAVE REQUESTED TECHNICAL BULLETINS BUT NONE HAVE EVER BEEN AVAILABLE. THE DEALER HAS NEVER ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THE PRIUS HAS A PROBLEM BUT IT HAS BEEN DOCUMENTED IN ONLINE COMPUTER SITES. THE DEALER JUST KEEPS SUGGESTING THAT I ROTATE THE TIRES MORE FREQUENTLY. WITH MY PAST CARS I HAVE NEVER HAD A CUPPING PROBLEM EVEN WITH ROTATION AND WITH THE PRIUS SINCE IT IS WITHIN ALIGNMENT SPEC, IT SHOULD NOT WEAR TIRES LIKE IT DOES. ANYONE WHO DOES NOT ROTATE AND CHANGE TIRES FREQUENTLY ON THE PRIUS IS LOOKING FOR A BLOWOUT. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
UNPROTECTED A/C CONDENSER ON TOYOTA PRIUS VERY VULNERABLE TO MINOR ROAD DEBRIS ALLOWING ESCAPE OF POTENTIALLY HARMFUL TO THE ENVIRONMENT AC FLUID. *TR
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 .