RoadVitals

2011 Toyota Prius Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
517
Latest Aug 10, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
17
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
43

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2011 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

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

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

274
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Vehicle Information: 2011 Toyota Prius, 144,000 miles. Component: Hydraulic Service Brakes, Electronic Stability Control, Anti-lock Braking System. Description of Incident: While driving at normal speeds, the vehicle suddenly experienced a severe reduction in braking capability. The dashboard simultaneously illuminated the Brake Warning Light, ABS Light, and Slip/Traction Control Indicator Light. The brake pedal immediately became soft, spongy, and squishy, requiring significantly increased physical foot pressure and a vastly extended distance to bring the vehicle to a stop. Upon inspection, the brake fluid reservoir remains completely full, but the brake booster pump under the hood cycles and buzzes rapidly every 10 seconds while stationary. A diagnostic scan confirmed trouble code C1391 (Brake Actuator Internal Leak). This indicates a severe internal hydraulic pressure bleed inside the braking module. [SEE ATTACHED] This is a known, widespread manufacturing defect previously documented under Toyota Customer Support Program ZJB. The manufacturer has refused to remedy this life-threatening safety defect because a 10-year calendar threshold has passed, despite the vehicle being well under the 150,000-mile limit established by the manufacturer. The vehicle currently poses an immediate safety risk to occupants and the public.

NHTSA ID 11756097 · filed Aug 10, 2026

Every time I'd press the brakes there'd be an audible "click" noise and then when taking my foot off the brake it'd sound like a manual tire pump being pressed... kind of like air filling / hydraulic sound. This worried me (I don't mess around with brakes). One other thing that would happen is if I pressed the brake hard enough, the automatic braking system would kick in. The Toyota dealership claimed they couldn't hear anything and there were no warning lights so I took it to a reputable local mechanic. They diagnosed it as a bad ABS Actuator / Brake Booster and said it's common with this year of Prius. They also said it was good I brought it in now because it was not severe enough to totally fail (which could have caused an accident) but there was evidence of degradation and they also said the issue was causing sufficient brake fluid to not get where it needs to be.

NHTSA ID 11752939 · filed Jul 26, 2026
All 274 reports naming brakes

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

69
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I was driving my car at over 70 mph on a highway, no check engine, no issues, just had oil changed when check hybrid system alert came on with check engine light. I started to change lanes to get to shoulder when my car just died, completely. It died in the middle of the highway merging with another major road, so I was stuck between 2 lanes of 70mph traffic on either side. The time to react to the sudden warning to my car dying was less than 2 minutes. I quickly called 911 to ask for help and was told someone had already reported my breakdown as well because my car had died in a horribly dangerous area. I was very lucky that a state trooper came quickly and blocked off my car until it could be towed for repair. I was told that I need a new Hybrid Battery. The fact that I had no signs of failure before complete shut down makes for a very dangerous driving situation and makes me second guess ever buying a Prius again.

NHTSA ID 11711067 · filed Jan 15, 2026

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2011 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 145,000 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 227,000. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to Auto Zone and was informed that the catalytic converter had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that it was not a new failure and that there was a possibility that the dealer may have removed the check engine light prior to the sale.

NHTSA ID 11670893 · filed Jul 2, 2025
All 69 reports naming electrical

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

51
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I was driving my car at over 70 mph on a highway, no check engine, no issues, just had oil changed when check hybrid system alert came on with check engine light. I started to change lanes to get to shoulder when my car just died, completely. It died in the middle of the highway merging with another major road, so I was stuck between 2 lanes of 70mph traffic on either side. The time to react to the sudden warning to my car dying was less than 2 minutes. I quickly called 911 to ask for help and was told someone had already reported my breakdown as well because my car had died in a horribly dangerous area. I was very lucky that a state trooper came quickly and blocked off my car until it could be towed for repair. I was told that I need a new Hybrid Battery. The fact that I had no signs of failure before complete shut down makes for a very dangerous driving situation and makes me second guess ever buying a Prius again.

NHTSA ID 11711067 · filed Jan 15, 2026

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2011 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 145,000 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 227,000. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to Auto Zone and was informed that the catalytic converter had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that it was not a new failure and that there was a possibility that the dealer may have removed the check engine light prior to the sale.

NHTSA ID 11670893 · filed Jul 2, 2025
All 51 reports naming engine

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

49
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

2011 Prius. 80k miles. Brake booster buzz coming on every 15 seconds now. ABs, traction and brake lights on. I’ve heard of many Prius owners with the same issue. I also have another Prius with the same issue at 120k miles. Brake booster accumulator codes popping up with 80k miles. It is a safety concern as the abs brakes don’t work. Almost every Prius is effected by this.

NHTSA ID 11736723 · filed May 9, 2026

I was driving my car and suddenly the traction , hand brake and ABS sign started showing up. I usually apply only 10% of force on brake pedal but after this I have to apply almost 60% of force to even slow down the car. Almost 90% force to stop the car It has threatened safety of my family. When diagnosed at autozone they told cannot determine error code. When reading in internet this seems to be common problem in prius. Please help is fixing the issue as it is not at my fault. This seems to be manufacturing defect.

NHTSA ID 11734183 · filed Apr 27, 2026
All 49 reports naming driver assistance

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

48
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Attached is a report from the Florida Attorney General's project office. Vehicle front headlight bulbs burn out prematurely and frequently and without warning causing reduced visibility at night on dark roads. This is a common and on-going problem for Toyota and other manufacturers and me. Toyota recognized this and issued its own recall ending in 2019, but my car was missed. The 'fix' for me is advice that I should drive my car with high beams on, but in bad weather or on-coming traffic this fix is also a safety hazard. My fear is that one night both bulbs will go out and I will be unable to see the roadway. My car is available for inspection. Constantly replacing bulbs has been and continues to be an expensive issue.

NHTSA ID 11629190 · filed Dec 6, 2024

The low-beam headlamps on thousands of 2011 Toyota Priuses were burning out very prematurely (a matter of weeks, not months). Toyota Corporate said they created a customer support program to replace the headlight wiring harness free of charge, but this program ended in 2019. I believe that Toyota should be compelled to issue a recall to replace the wiring harnesses on all 2011 Toyota Priuses, because working headlights are a critical component of a safely traveling vehicle. The cost of replacing the wiring harness is more than $700, a real dent in a working family's budget. For now, we are replacing the burned-out bulbs. However, we believe a recall initiated by NHTSA is warranted in this case.

NHTSA ID 11622018 · filed Oct 25, 2024
All 48 reports naming exterior lighting

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

46
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owned a 2011 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed in an intersection, a Ford F-150 vehicle crashed into the front driver's side of the vehicle. The contact stated he was pinned between the door and the infotainment system. The airbags failed to deploy. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact was taken to the local hospital by a friend in a private vehicle, and the contact received medical assistance. The contact sustained internal bruising and external bruising and cuts. Additionally, the contact sustained a major injury was on the neck, on the laryngeal prominence area of the neck and on the collar bone. The medical Doctor informed the contact that the major injury could heal in 4 weeks, or in 7-8 months. The contact was also informed that the major injury could become a permanent condition, causing cramps and stiffness depending on the weather. The contact was experiencing trouble sleeping due to the injuries. The vehicle was towed to a local tow lot and was totaled. A Police report was filed. The leasing company the vehicle was purchased from was notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to an unknown air bag recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 325,000.

NHTSA ID 11678773 · filed Aug 6, 2025

On Friday June 9, 2023 we drove the 2011 Prius on our daily travels. This was uneventful. Parked the vehicle around 10pm that same night. We drove it on the following Saturday around noon on a very short errand, maybe 30 minutes. Parked it again a little after noon. On Sunday morning around 730am, we discovered the side curtain airbag on the passenger side was deployed. There in no external damage and the vehicle was still locked. Upon starting it, the airbag systems check light illuminated for about three seconds then went out. Although the airbag is currently deployed, the airbag dash light does not stay lit indicating a problem. In order to determine if this was a soft code, we started it, drove it around the block, and shut it off. We did this a few times. The airbag light always lit for about three seconds then went out. The airbag has "PA66, VMQ" stamped on it.

NHTSA ID 11527318 · filed Jun 16, 2023
All 46 reports naming airbags

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

18
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I was driving my car and suddenly the traction , hand brake and ABS sign started showing up. I usually apply only 10% of force on brake pedal but after this I have to apply almost 60% of force to even slow down the car. Almost 90% force to stop the car It has threatened safety of my family. When diagnosed at autozone they told cannot determine error code. When reading in internet this seems to be common problem in prius. Please help is fixing the issue as it is not at my fault. This seems to be manufacturing defect.

NHTSA ID 11734183 · filed Apr 27, 2026

BRAKES COMPLETELY FAILED. LOUD BEEPING SOUND HAPPENED, COULDN'T STOP CAR EVEN IN A PARKING LOT. HAD TO USE TRANSMISSION TO SLOW TO A STOP. WAS IN A GROCERY STORE PARKING LOT.

NHTSA ID 11389268 · filed Jan 21, 2021
All 18 reports naming powertrain (other)

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

18
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated, the vehicle had unexpectedly shut off. Additionally, the transmission failed to shift into the intended gear. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who replaced the catalytic converter, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer who diagnosed that the inverter was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V053000 (HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 117,000.

NHTSA ID 11657571 · filed Apr 29, 2025

The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power temporarily. The contact stated that upon depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle continued driving; however, the vehicle was operating on gasoline. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V684000 (Hybrid Propulsion System). The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair. The dealer determined that the hybrid battery needed to be replaced. The dealer provided an estimate for the repair. The contact declined to pay for the repair and advised the dealer to perform the recall repair; however, the dealer failed to acknowledge the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 25 MPH downhill, the vehicle stalled. The check engine and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle, and the contact pulled into the driveway of the nearby residence. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.

NHTSA ID 11636448 · filed Jan 17, 2025
All 18 reports naming other / unspecified

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

13
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD SOUND. HE NOTICED THAT THE SUN ROOF EXPLODED AND THE GLASS SHATTERED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. DCH TOYOTA OF TORRANCE (2909 CA-1, TORRANCE, CA 90505, (424) 271-2340) INFORMED THE CONTACT TO BRING IN THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THE SAME FAILURE OCCURRED WITH OTHER VEHICLES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 84,360.

NHTSA ID 11210658 · filed May 29, 2019

2011 TOYOTA PRIUS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RECALL NOTICE FOR CURTAIN SHIELD AIR BAG INFLATORS. *AS THE CONSUMER WAS ADVISED THE AFTERMAKET MOON ROOF DISRUPTED THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE AIRBAG. *JS

NHTSA ID 11139768 · filed Oct 9, 2018
All 13 reports naming visibility

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

11
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I was driving my car at over 70 mph on a highway, no check engine, no issues, just had oil changed when check hybrid system alert came on with check engine light. I started to change lanes to get to shoulder when my car just died, completely. It died in the middle of the highway merging with another major road, so I was stuck between 2 lanes of 70mph traffic on either side. The time to react to the sudden warning to my car dying was less than 2 minutes. I quickly called 911 to ask for help and was told someone had already reported my breakdown as well because my car had died in a horribly dangerous area. I was very lucky that a state trooper came quickly and blocked off my car until it could be towed for repair. I was told that I need a new Hybrid Battery. The fact that I had no signs of failure before complete shut down makes for a very dangerous driving situation and makes me second guess ever buying a Prius again.

NHTSA ID 11711067 · filed Jan 15, 2026

Hybrid system shut down. DC power converter shutting down. Car shut down on me in middle of road almost caused a crash. There was a recall in 2018 but I never received a notice and now as of 2023 there are no active recalls.

NHTSA ID 11531034 · filed Jul 8, 2023
All 11 reports naming fuel system

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

ON DECEMBER 8TH, 2018, I WAS DRIVING EASTBOUND ON INTERSTATE 10 IN PHOENIX, AZ AT APPROXIMATELY MILEPOST 141 AROUND 5:45 PM. SUDDENLY, I HEARD A LARGE, *BANG* WHICH SOUNDED LIKE A GUNSHOT. I IMMEDIATELY CHECKED MYSELF FOR INJURIES AND FELT THE CAR TO DETERMINE IF A TIRE WAS BLOWN. I WAS INTACT, AND THE TIRES SEEMED OK AS WELL, BUT I HEARD THE NOISE OF AIR ESCAPING FROM THE VEHICLE. AFTER TURNING SOUTH ON I-17, I EXITED ON THE FIRST STREET, EXIT 199, JEFFERSON ST. I TURNED LEFT AND LOOKED FOR A SAFE PLACE TO PULL OVER. IT ISN'T A GOOD NEIGHBORHOOD, SO I SLOWED DOWN AND CONTINUED TO LOOK AROUND THE VEHICLE AS I TRIED TO FIND THE PLACE WHERE THE AIR WAS ESCAPING. FINALLY, I CRACKED OPEN THE SLIDING DOOR AT THE TOP OF MY SUNROOF, AND I NOTICED SHARDS OF GLASS. I IMMEDIATELY CLOSED IT AND WAS RELIEVED IT HAD NOT BEEN OPEN WHEN THIS INCIDENT HAPPENED. I DECIDED I MUST GET HOME IMMEDIATELY, PROCEEDED BACK TO THE FREEWAY, AND DROVE HOME. WHEN I ARRIVED, I NOTICED THE SUNROOF WAS SHATTERED - ONE MAIN HORIZONTAL SHATTER AT THE CENTER AND TWO MORE VERTICAL SHATTERS AT EACH END. I CHECKED THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE FOR A PROJECTILE AND FOUND NOTHING. AFTER RESEARCHING FURTHER, IT WAS CLEAR THAT THE GLASS HAD BROKEN SIMPLY DUE TO POOR DESIGN. I IMMEDIATELY FILED A CLAIM WITH MY INSURANCE COMPANY, FARMERS. THE CLAIM NUMBER IS 910380. I HAVE ALSO CONTACTED TOYOTA TO GET A RESPONSE, BUT I HAVE NOT HEARD BACK. I AM FORTUNATE THAT THE SUNROOF WAS NOT EXPOSED. THERE IS A PAPER-THIN SLIDING DOOR THAT BLOCKS THE SUN. EVEN THOUGH THE SUN HAD SET, I HAD LEFT IT CLOSED, AND IT PROTECTED ME FROM THE SHARDS OF GLASS. THIS IS CLEARLY A DEFECT THAT TOYOTA NEEDS TO ADDRESS. IT IS DECEMBER IN ARIZONA, AND THE TEMPERATURE WAS 69 DEGREES WHEN I LEFT TO RETURN HOME YESTERDAY. IT'S NOT A HEAT ISSUE. IT'S LIKELY A GLASS DEFECT. I LOOK FORWARD TO OBTAINING MORE INFORMATION.

NHTSA ID 11157205 · filed Dec 9, 2018

THE LOWER WINDOW ON THE REAR HATCH SHATTERED WITHOUT WARNING.

NHTSA ID 11020167 · filed Aug 28, 2017
All 9 reports naming body & structure

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

BRAKE LIGHT, ABS,SLIP INDICATOR,BRAKE SYSTEM WARNIG LIGHT SYSTEM ALL CAME ON WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH VELOCITY [75M/H] IN THE RAIN AND LOST 75% OF THE BRAKING POWER PLUS THE CAR STARTED TO SLIDE. NEEDLESS TO SAY THIS WAS A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE ENTIRE BRAKE SYSTEM ON A CAR THAT HAS A CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM NOTIFICATION FROM TOYOTA[ZJB] THAT WAS SENT TO ME WITH A WARNING OF SUCH OCCURRENCE. THIS IS DOWN RIGHT IRRESPONSIBLE TO A MAJOR CAR MANUFACTURER TO ALLOW THESE VEHICLES ON THE ROAD WITHOUT TESTING THE ENTIRE SYSTEM ON EACH OF THESE AFFECTED VEHICLES AND WITH FOR A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE TO OCCUR AND CAUSE PUBLIC HARM OR EVEN DEATH. I HAD JUST TAKEN THE VEHICLE FOR SERVICE A FEW WEEKS PRIOR WHERE I EXPLAINED THE SERVICE ADVISOR OF AN ISSUE WITH BRAKE PULSATION. HOWEVER, THE ENTIRE BRAKE SYSTEM WAS NOT THROUGHLY CHECKED AND WAS JUST TOLD THAT ITS THE FRONT ROTORS THAT ARE UNEVEN, THANK GOD I DID NOT FULLY LOOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CAUSE A CATASTROPHIC ACCIDENT AS IT WOULD HAVE RESULTED IN BODILY HARM TO MY FAMILY. I EXPECT THIS FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY TO USE IT'S AUTHORITY TO PREVENT SUCH OCCURRENCE TO THE TAX PAYING CITIZENS OF THIS NATION.

NHTSA ID 11375891 · filed Nov 23, 2020

AFTER RECEIVING THE COMPUTER UPDATE MY FUEL MILEAGE HAS DROPPED 10 MILES. THE OTHER PROBLEM IN THE RATE OF TIRE WEAR AND PULL. I TOOK THE CAR IN FOR AN ALIGNMENT TO A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP BECAUSE IT WAS PULLING THEY TOLD ME THEY DID THE ALIGNMENT. AFTER I GOT MY CAR BACK IT WAS STILL PULLING I QUESTIONED THEM AND THEY SAID THAT WAS NORMAL. THE LAST THING IS I GOT NEW TIRES PUT ON THE CAR AND HAD TO REPLACE THEM 10 MONTHS LATER BECAUSE THERE WAS ABOUT 15 PERCENT TREAD LIFE LEFT. THE TIRES WERE ROTATED PROPERLY.

NHTSA ID 11303039 · filed Jan 30, 2020

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.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I AM 5'4" TALL AND LIKE THE SEAT IN AN UPRIGHT POSITION. THERE IS NO WAY I CAN ADJUST THE HEADREST SO THAT IT ALLOWS ME TO SIT UPRIGHT AND NOT HAVE MY HEAD FORCED FORWARD AND DOWN BY THE HEADREST. I UNDERSTAND THIS IS A NEW "SAFETY" REGULATION. THIS REGULATION NEEDS TO BE CHANGED SO PEOPLE OF MY HEIGHT CAN DRIVE THE CAR WITHOUT THEIR HEADS BEING FORCED DOWN. I USE A FOAM CUSHION BETWEEN MY BACK AND THE SEAT TO COMPENSATE FOR THIS TERRIBLE DESIGN FLAW. I WOULD LIKE TO BE ABLE TO BUY A CAR THAT IS BOTH SAFE AND FITS ME. IT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE WITH MY HEAD FORCED DOWN. BY THE WAY, YOUR NEXT BOX INDICATES BAD WEBSITE DESIGN. I WANT TO PUT IN N/A OR ALWAYS SINCE THERE IS NO ONE TIME FOR THIS ISSUE, BUT THE STUPID WEB DESIGNER DOESN'T THINK THAT SHOULD BE AN OPTION.

NHTSA ID 10780827 · filed Oct 8, 2015

THE DOOR LOCKS ON A GOOD PORTION OF TOYOTA PRIUS FAIL LEAVING THE BOTH THE CAR AND IT'S OCCUPANTS UNPROTECTED. IT IS MOSTLY THE FRONT DOOR LOCKS. TOYOTA REFUSES TO CHECK INTO THE PROBLEM. THEY WANT OVER $400 PER DOOR LOCK TO FIX IT. I FEEL THAT IT IS BOTH AN INCONVENIENCE AND A SAFETY HAZARD SINCE THEY WILL NOT OPEN WITH THE REMOTE OR THE METAL KEY. THE ONLY WAY TO UNLOCK IS TO ENTER THROUGH THE BACK SEAT OF THE CAR AND REACH FORWARD TO THE FRONT DOOR. *TR

NHTSA ID 10631371 · filed Sep 7, 2014

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.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

YOKOHAMA TIRES 195/65R15 DOT#479N-EBM1212. PREMATURE WEAR. PALM BEACH TOYOTA WILL NOT HONOR 60 K WARRANTY. PREMATURE WEAR AT 25K MILES. YOKOHAMA STOPPED MANUFACTURING THIS TIRE BECAUSE OF COMPLAINTS, SO CANNOT GET EQUAL TIRE.PALM BEACH TOYOTA WANTS TO CHARGE ME PRICE OF NEW TIRE. I HAVE 60 K WARRANTY. *TR

NHTSA ID 10705920 · filed Apr 15, 2015

I PURCHASED A SET OF 4 MICHELIN DEFENDER XT TIRES FOR MY 2011 PRIUS II FROM COSTCO ON 11/29/2013. THE TIRES ARE MARKETED BY MICHELIN AS LLR (LOW ROLLING RESISTANCE) TIRES. HOWEVER UPON INSTALLING THEM AND OPERATING THE VEHICLE FOR NEARLY 1000 MILES, I FOUND THE MPG TO BE NEARLY 10 MPG. LESS THAN THE OEM TIRES THAT THESE REPLACED. THE ROLLING RESISTANCE OF THESE TIRES ARE HIGH. VEHICLE ALMOST FEELS LIKE BEING DRIVEN OVER SAND. AS SOON AS I TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR, THE VEHICLE DECELERATES RAPIDLY, MUCH FASTER THAN THE OEM TIRES. I CHECKED THE TIRE PRESSURE, ALIGNMENT, AND WHEEL BEARINGS, ALL ARE WITHIN SPECS. IT APPEARS TO ME THAT THE HYSTERESIS LOSSES IN THIS TIRE MATERIAL ARE FAIRLY HIGH. THIS TIRE SHOULD NOT BE SOLD AS A LOW ROLLING RESISTANCE TIRE. IT IS BEING FALSELY ADVERTISED AS HAVING THIS CAPABILITY TO INCREASE SALES. THE MPG DIFFERENCE WAS MEASURED BY CALCULATING THE TRUE MILES FROM MY GPS UNIT AND DIVIDING THE RESULT BY THE GALLONS TO FULL AT THE SAME PUMP. THIS WAS DONE THREE TIMES TO ACCURATELY ACCESS THE TRUE MPG DIFFERENCE. NO OTHER FACTORS ON THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN CHANGED. ONLY CHANGE HAS BEEN REPLACEMENT OF THE TIRES. *TR

NHTSA ID 10558441 · filed Jan 4, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE CAR WAS TRAVELING AT ABOUT 40MPH WHEN WE T BONED ANOTHER CAR THAT ENTERED OUR LANE ILLEGALLY. MY WIFE APPLIED THE BRAKES AND WE SKIDDED FOR ABOUT 10 YARDS BEFORE HITTING THE OTHER CAR. NEITHER THE SEAT BELT RESTRAINING SYSTEM NOR THE AIR BAG SYSTEM OPERATED.

NHTSA ID 10874869 · filed Jun 17, 2016

LIGHTS KEEP GOING OUT. I'VE REPLACED 5 TIMES IN THE LAST YEAR. STILL KEEP GOING OUT EVERY 2 TO 3 MONTHS.

NHTSA ID 10845561 · filed Mar 8, 2016

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.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I'VE HAD MY PRIUS FROM 4-14 TO THE PRESENT 2016. I KEEP HAVING ISSUES WITH THE DEALERSHIP I TAKE IT TO FOR REPAIRS. [XXX] IN LA CRESCENTA CA. AFTER MENTIONING AND DESCRIBING ISSUES, THE STAFF THERE SAYS THAT UNLESS THE DASH LIGHTS UP WITH A MESSAGE AND GIVES A CODE, THEY CANT FIX IT. SO IN ORDER FOR THEM TO LOOK INTO IT ANY FURTHER THAN ME TELLING THEM DASH LIGHT IS NEC. I'VE TOLD THEM ABOUT THE AC NOISE FROM THE FIRST SAY I TOOK THE CAR IN TO GET SERVICES AT 33K. THEY SAY THEY DON'T HEAR OR SEE ANYTHING. MY AC COMPRESSOR SOUNDS LIKE ITS GOING TO EXPLODE WHEN AC IS ON. BRAKES HAVE BEEN EXTREMELY DIFF. TO EXPLAIN BECAUSE OF TERMINOLOGY. THEY SEEM TO LOSE THEIR POWER WHEN BEING PRESSED AND ABS SEEMS TO MALFUNCTION?? SO THEY DRIVE IT AND TELL ME ITS NOTHING I NEED TO WORRY ABOUT AND WILL BE FIXED WHEN CHANGED. CHANGE BRAKES AND THE PROB PERSISTS. NOT ONLY ABS BUT FIRESTONE SAYS MY HARDWARE HAS ISSUES AS WELL. I BRING IT TO THE ATTENTION OF THE STAFF AND NOTHING SEEMS TO GET DONE ABOUT IT... MY ODO. SPEEDOM IS/WAS OFF +2 MPH. MY WEATHER SEALS HAVE BEEN STRIPPED AND RIPPED OFF THE VEHICLE WHICH NOW CAUSES WATER LEAKS FROM EVERY CREVICE.. AND THE BIGGEST TWO OF ALL MY COMPLAINTS ARE 1- HYBRID BATT. FAN NEVER WORKED AND I WASN'T TOLD...HYB BATT HAS NEVER WORKED PROPERLY (DRAINS WAY TOO FAST WHEN STOPPED AT A LIGHT OR IN TRAFF) ALONG WITH THE HEAT CREATED BY THE BATT AND THE ENGINE THAT FILL UP THE CABIN AND WILL HAVE THE TEMP RAISED UPWARDS OF 90+ ON A 75 DEG DAY. 2- THE ECU'S IPM'S (OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT) HAS NOT BEEN CALIB. OR UPDATED. EVEN RECEIVED COVERAGE STICKERS FROM TOY HEADQUARTERS STATING FULL COVERAGE IF A.B.C. (LISTING OF PROBLEMS OR MALFUNCTIONS) I DESCRIBE THE EXACT SAME SYMPTOMS TO THEM AND GET THE SAME RESPONSE"NO CODE, NO FIX" HELP AND PS I JUST CHECKED THE VIN ONLINE 4MY VEH & IT SAYS A DIFF PACKAGE W/A BUNCH OF EXTRAS THAT I NEVER GOT UPON PURCHASE???_HMMM?? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID 10929842 · filed Dec 5, 2016

THERE ARE 3 ISSUES I AM HAVING WITH THIS PRIUS. THE BRAKES ARE THE FIRST PROBLEM. AS OTHERS HAVE STATED, I TOO HAVE THE SAME LURCHING FORWARD WHEN BRAKING OVER BUMBY OR ROUGH ROADS. THIS HAS BEEN ONGOING OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS. SECOND, THE SUSPENSION IS CREAKING AND CRUNCHING WHEN MAKING TURNS AT LOW SPEEDS UNDER 20MPH. THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE WHEELS ARE TURNED ALL THE WAY RIGHT AND ALL THE WAY LEFT. THIS CRUNCHING NOISE HAPPENS WHEN BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, MAKING U-TURNS, COMING TO A STOP ON AN INCLINE, AND BRAKING OVER SPEED BUMPS. I'VE HAD THE DEALER LOOK AT THIS FOR THE LAST YEAR WHEN I COME IN FOR SERVICE AND ONE TECH SAYS THEY CAN'T FIGURE IT OUT, ANOTHER TECH SAYS HE HEARS IT BUT CAN'T FIND THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEM, THE SERVICE MGR. ALSO WENT ON A DRIVE WITH ME AND REPRODUCES THE NOISE CONCERN BUT THE TECHS COULDN'T FIND IT. MOST WERE SUGGESTING NEW FRONT SUSPENSION COMPONENTS-STRUTS, TOWERS, LINKS, ETC. I REPLACED THE TWO FRONT STRUTS AND ALL OF THE EXTRA COMPONENTS-THE NOISE CONCERN IS STILL THERE. I AM VERY UPSET ABOUT THIS. THIRD ISSUE IS THE ICE-MOTOR. WHEN STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT AND THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF, THE CAR LURCHES FORWARD AND MAKES A CREAKING SOUND. IT'S APPEARS THAT SOMETHING IS NOT RIGHT. THE ENGINE SEEMS LIKE IT IS LOOSE. THE ENGINE ALSO MAKES RATTLING SOUND WHEN CRUISING LIGHTLY AT 15-25 MPH WITH THE ACCELERATOR PRESSED SLIGHTLY. THE SOUND IS COMING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE, UNDER THE DASHBOARD-GLOVE COMPARTMENT AREA. THIS IS A RATTLE SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE. I'VE HAD THIS LOOKED AT AS WELL AND THE DEALER STATES THEY CANNOT DUPLICATE IT. I HAVE RECORDED ALL SOUNDS RELATED TO THESE CONCERNS AND AM TAKING IT BACK TO THE DEALER THIS MONTH.

NHTSA ID 10760730 · filed Sep 1, 2015

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHETHER THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION OR STATIONARY, THE HEATER WAS ACTIVATED AND THE CONTACT NOTICED A STRONG BURNING ODOR COMING FROM THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ID 10681449 · filed Feb 5, 2015

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

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