Prius (XW20)
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
1NZ-FXE
1.5L 4-cyl / 76 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Toyota Prius Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data
2ZR-FXE+5JM
1.8L 4-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Battery & Propulsion Reliability
Hybrid (HEV)
Battery & propulsion complaint analysis for the 2004-2009 Toyota Prius
That's about 5.0x the typical rate for hybrids in this dataset (median 7.1 per year). Above peer average — but high-volume models naturally produce more raw complaints, so check the issue mix below before drawing conclusions.
What kind of battery complaint?
Among the 211 battery-related complaints, here's the type mix. These percentages describe what the complaints are about — not how reliable the vehicle is overall.
Loss of power, drive unit, inverter, traction motor, DC-DC converter.
Hybrid system warnings, eCVT, motor-generator, hybrid transaxle.
Low-voltage battery deaths, common on EVs and hybrids that use a 12V for accessories.
Propulsion battery defects, capacity loss, BMS faults, replacement claims.
Regen brake feel, one-pedal driving, B-mode complaints.
Battery fires, smoke, thermal runaway. Includes any complaint with fire reported.
Battery & propulsion recalls (1)
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2009 Prius vehicles manufactured August 6, 2003, through March 30, 2009 and FCHV-adv vehicles manufactured December 12, 2008, through September 13, 2011. During manufacturing, a scratch may have occurred inside of the electrically driven water pump at the coil wire. The coil wire may corrode at the scratched portion.
Consequence: The corroded coil wire may break and the water pump could stop. The corroded coil wire could cause 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.
Sample complaint excerpts
Electric Propulsion
- [2004] 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.
- [2004] DRIVING HOME AT NIGHT ON THE 405 FREEWAY AT APPROX. 65MPH, SUDDENLY ALL THE DASH WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED, INCLUDING THE MIL SYMBOL, ALONG WITH A WARNING SYMBOL ON THE NAVIGATION SCREEN. I PULLED OFF THE FREEWAY AND PARKED AT THE CURB. AFTER CHECKING THE OWNERS MANUAL, I SLOWLY DROVE THE REST OF THE WAY HOME ON SURFACE STREETS. THE NEXT MORNING (MONDAY) I DROVE MY CAR TO MILLER TOYOTA IN CULVER
- [2004] FAILURE OF INVERTER COOLANT PUMP OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING DURING NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. THIS IS APPARENTLY A COMMON PROBLEM OCCURRING AT MANY DIFFERENT MILEAGE INTERVALS FOR OTHER OWNERS. IMMEDIATE SIGNIFICANT LOSS OF POWER AND SEVERAL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. CRUISE CONTROL AND A/C WENT OFFLINE. REQUIRES REPLACEMENT WHICH IN THIS INSTANCE WAS $605.00. *TR
Hybrid Drivetrain
- [2004] TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE HYBRID SYSTEM, STABILITY CONTROL, CHECK ENGINE, AND SRS WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT TOYOTA MECHANIC WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW HYBRID COOLANT PUMP AND WATER PUMP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID
- [2004] EVERY TIME I GET AN OIL CHANGE I MAKE SURE THAT THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF OIL GETS PUT IN THE ENGINE. I USUALLY GET AN OIL CHANGE EVERY 3000 MILES REGARDLESS OF WHAT THE OIL MANUFACTURERS RECOMMEND WHICH IS USUALLY 5-7 THOUSANDS MILES. FOR THE PAST YEAR I STARTED NOTICING (USUALLY BY THE OIL SERVICE TECH) THAT MORE AND MORE I'M RUNNING LOW ON OIL. IT STARTED OUT WITH A HALF TO ONE QUART OF OIL MISSING B
- [2004] THE DASHBOARD DISPLAY FAILED TO LIGHT UP, BUT THE CAR TURNED ON. IT DID GO INTO DRIVE, SO I DROVE MY DAUGHTER TO SCHOOL, THEN STOPPED TO CALL COGGIN TOYOTA AT THE AVENUES TO REPORT THE PROBLEM, BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT TURN OFF. THEY SAID IT WAS THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE PRIUS AND FOR WHICH THERE WAS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN AND A WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT, ALTHOUGH THAT "ENHANC
12V Auxiliary Battery
- [2004] HEADLIGHTS INTERMITTENTLY FLICKER AND SHUT OFF. IF HEADLIGHTS ARE TURNED OFF THEN BACK ON, BOTH HEADLIGHTS WILL WORK AGAIN. PROBLEM HAPPENS WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, AS WELL AS WHEN PARKED. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, ON RURAL/POORLY LIT ROADS, AS WELL AS HIGHWAYS. USUALLY IT IS ONE LIGHT OR THE OTHER THAT GOES OFF, BUT ABOUT 5 DIFFERENT TIMES BOTH LIGHTS HAVE GONE O
- [2004] 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
- [2004] TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 65-70 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED AND SHUT OFF COMPLETELY. THE ELECTRONICS OF THE VEHICLE WERE STILL OPERATING, BUT THE VEHICLE ITSELF COULD NOT BE RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE THEN SHIFTED ITSELF INTO PARK. THE HAZARD LIGHTS IN THE VEHICLE BEGAN RUNNING OFF THE AUXILIARY BATTERY, WHICH IS A LOW POWER BATTERY. IN ADDITION, THE HAZ
High-Voltage Battery
- [2004] THE DASH GEAR SELECTOR (COMMON TO 2004 - 2009 G2 PRIUS) BEGAN CLICKING WHEN I CHANGED GEARS (R-D-N) I RESEARCHED THE SUBJECT AND LEARNED THAT THIS CAN LEAD TO THE SHIFTER LOCKING IN D OR R, A HAZARDOUS CONDITION. I ALSO LEARNED THAT SOME DIY OWNERS HAVE DISCOVERED A WARPED DUST PLATE IN THE SHIFTER COMPONENT. IT CAUSES THIS PROBLEM. THEIR SOLUTION IS TO REMOVE THE PLATE, TRIM IT, AND REASSEMBLE
- [2004] CONSUMERS 2004 TOYOTA PRIUS HAD TWO BATTERY FAILURES. *TS THE FIRST BATTERY FAILURE OCCURRED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED FOR 5 WEEKS. THE SECOND FAILURE OCCURRED AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS NOT STARTED FOR 14 DAYS. THE DEALER SUGGESTED THAT THE CONSUMER DISCONNECT THE BATTERY IF THE VEHICLE WAS NOT GOING TO BE STARTED FOR 10 DAYS OR MORE. THE CONSUMER STATED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN HAD BEEN IS
- [2004] I WAS TRANSITIONING BETWEEN TWO FREEWAYS IN MY 2004 TOYOTA PRIUS AND HAD STARTED BRAKING/DECELERATING FOR A LOOMING TRAFFIC JAM UP AHEAD WHEN THE GAS ENGINE STALLED AND ALL DASH WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON, ALONG WITH THE NAV SYSTEM SCREEN SAYING "PROBLEM" AND A RED CAR ICON. MY SPEED COULD HAVE BEEN ANYWHERE BETWEEN 70MPH AND 35MPH AT THE TIME OF THE STALL. THE ELECTRIC MOTOR WAS STILL FUNCTIONAL, S
Regenerative Braking
- [2005] LOW-SPEED BRAKE FAILURE: ACCELERATED LIGHTLY AWAY FROM TRAFFIC SIGNAL TO APPROXIMATELY 5-7 MPH, TRAFFIC THEN SLOWED, APPLIED BRAKES NORMALLY WITH NO NOTICEABLE DECELERATION OR PEDAL RESISTANCE. REMOVED FOOT FROM BRAKE AND THEN REAPPLIED BRAKES VERY HARD, PEDAL AGAIN OFFERED LITTLE RESISTANCE, NO NOTICEABLE DECELERATION. ROADWAY SURFACE DRY, FREE FROM DIRT/GRAVEL, SMOOTH WITH SLIGHT DOWNGRADE, T
- [2005] WITH LESS THAN 45,000 MILES OF EASY DRIVING (AND ALL MAINTENANCE PERFORMED ON A TIMELY BASIS AT THE DEALERSHIP) ON A SINGLE-OWNER TOYOTA 2005 PRIUS, THE WARNING LIGHTS ON THE CAR'S DASHBOARD SUDDENLY ILLUMINATED, WHICH AN OUT-OF-TOWN DEALERSHIP INTERPRETED TO MEAN FAILURE OF THE "SKID CONTROL ECU". THIS PART CONTROLS ALL MAJOR BRAKING FUNCTIONS, INCLUDING CONVENTIONAL BRAKE CONTROL, REGENERATIVE
- [2005] THE PROBLEM IS ENGINE SURGING WHEN I AM BRAKING. THE REGENERATIVE BRAKES SEEM TO SEND POWER TO THE MOTOR THAT THE COMPUTER DOES NOT HANDLE PROPERLY AND THE ENGINE SURGES, MAKING IT DIFFICULT FOR ME TO SLOW THE CAR DOWN TO MAKE TURNS OR TO STOP. THE CAR FEELS OUT OF CONTROL. THIS PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE RANDOM. I HAVE CONTACTED THE TOYOTA DEALER SEVERAL TIMES ABOUT THE PROBLEM OVER THE YEARS SINCE
Thermal Events
- [2004] CAR WAS IN MOTION, 55 MPH ON HIGHWAY GOING STRAIGHT, HAD BEEN DRIVING ONE HOUR. SMOKE STARTED FILLING THE REAR HATCHBACK AREA, COMING FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE CARGO-AREA FLOOR. PULLED OVER AND FLAMES CAME UP. DOUSED IT WITH WATER. UPON INSPECTION THE SKS SENSOR (REMOTE CONTROL DOOR LOCK SENSOR) HAD BURST INTO FLAMES, BURNING THE PLASTIC AND OTHER COMPONENTS AROUND IT.
- [2004] EVERY TIME I GET AN OIL CHANGE I MAKE SURE THAT THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF OIL GETS PUT IN THE ENGINE. I USUALLY GET AN OIL CHANGE EVERY 3000 MILES REGARDLESS OF WHAT THE OIL MANUFACTURERS RECOMMEND WHICH IS USUALLY 5-7 THOUSANDS MILES. FOR THE PAST YEAR I STARTED NOTICING (USUALLY BY THE OIL SERVICE TECH) THAT MORE AND MORE I'M RUNNING LOW ON OIL. IT STARTED OUT WITH A HALF TO ONE QUART OF OIL MISSING B
- [2004] TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 65-70 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED AND SHUT OFF COMPLETELY. THE ELECTRONICS OF THE VEHICLE WERE STILL OPERATING, BUT THE VEHICLE ITSELF COULD NOT BE RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE THEN SHIFTED ITSELF INTO PARK. THE HAZARD LIGHTS IN THE VEHICLE BEGAN RUNNING OFF THE AUXILIARY BATTERY, WHICH IS A LOW POWER BATTERY. IN ADDITION, THE HAZ
Source: classified from NHTSA complaint and recall data. "Battery-related" includes high-voltage propulsion battery, charging system, hybrid drivetrain, electric propulsion, regenerative braking, 12V auxiliary battery, and thermal-event complaints. Other complaints (suspension, steering, brakes, infotainment) appear in the engine and vehicle-level sections. Rates are absolute counts, not normalized per-VIN — high-volume models naturally produce more raw complaints than low-volume ones. Self-reported death and injury counts are capped per complaint to limit form abuse.
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Toyota Prius, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2004-2009 Toyota Prius
On a used 2004-2009 Toyota Prius, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the exterior lighting (3,213), the brakes (1,482) and the electrical system (1,163). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Check every exterior light, the wipers, the washers, the mirrors and the glass.Safety. NHTSA has 3,213 owner complaints on the 2004-2009 Toyota Prius about the exterior lighting.
- On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 1,482 owner complaints on the 2004-2009 Toyota Prius about the brakes.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 1,163 owner complaints on the 2004-2009 Toyota Prius about the electrical system.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 366 owner complaints on the 2004-2009 Toyota Prius about the engine.
- Open and close every door, the hood and the trunk or hatch. Check the latches, the seals and the gaps between panels.Minor. NHTSA has 347 owner complaints on the 2004-2009 Toyota Prius about the body and structure.
- Accelerate hard once from a stop and once from 40 mph, and hold a steady highway speed.Safety. NHTSA has 88 owner complaints on the 2004-2009 Toyota Prius (hybrid and electric versions only) about the electric drive system.
Recalls (9)
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2009 Prius vehicles manufactured August 5, 2003, through March 30, 2009. The affected vehicles have a steering intermediate extension shaft assembly built with metal splines that complete the connection from the steering wheel to the steering gear. These splines may have been manufactured with an insufficient hardness.
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2009 Prius vehicles manufactured August 6, 2003, through March 30, 2009 and FCHV-adv vehicles manufactured December 12, 2008, through September 13, 2011. During manufacturing, a scratch may have occurred inside of the electrically driven water pump at the coil wire. The coil wire may corrode at the scratched portion.
SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
Show 4 older recalls
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CAN GET STUCK IN THE WIDE OPEN POSITION DUE TO ITS BEING TRAPPED BY AN UNSECURED OR INCOMPATIBLE DRIVER'S FLOOR MAT.
THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT AND SLIDING YOKE IN THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING SYSTEM CAN CRACK WHEN LARGE FORCES ARE APPLIED AND THE CONNECTION MAY SEPARATE OR THE SLEEVE MAY FRACTURE.
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, DUE TO IMPROPER ASSEMBLY OF THE AIR BAG INFLATOR, WHICH IS USED IN THE SIDE AIR BAG, THE CURTAIN SHIELD AIR BAG, AND THE KNEE AIR BAG ASSEMBLY, SOME INFLATORS WERE PRODUCED WITH AN INSUFFICIENT AMOUNT OF THE HEATING AGENTS NECESSARY FOR PROPER AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. IN THIS CONDITION, THE EXPANSION FORCE OF THE GAS MAY BE INSUFFICIENT TO PROPERLY INFLATE THE AIR BAG WHEN THE SRS SYSTEM IS ACTIVATED DURING A CRASH.
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES MAY BE EQUIPPED WITH AN IMPROPERLY DESIGNED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. A SILICON OXIDE BUILD-UP OCCURS ON THE CONTACTS INSIDE THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH, WHICH CAN MAKE IT INOPERABLE.
Alternatives in Compact Hatchback
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2004-2009 Toyota Prius complaints?
Owners have filed 7,080 complaints with NHTSA about the 2004-2009 Toyota Prius. The systems they name most often are the exterior, the brakes and the electrical system.
Is the 2004-2009 Toyota Prius a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 7,080 complaints with NHTSA about the 2004-2009 Toyota Prius. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2004-2009 Toyota Prius have?
NHTSA has 7,080 owner complaints on file for the 2004-2009 Toyota Prius as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2004-2009 Toyota Prius?
NHTSA lists 9 recalls covering some 2004-2009 Toyota Prius vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Toyota Prius?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the exterior, the brakes and the electrical system, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
Does the Prius have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2004-2009 Toyota Prius. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 7,080 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.