I need your help! There is a manufacturing defect well documented as a common problem with 2004 toyota prius multi-functional display (mfd). The problem is that the 60 pin connector on the printed circuit board of the mfd sometimes develops a play in the connection and hence the sporadic display. I wrote to toyota customer service. Toyota instructed me to take my car to the dealer and speak to toyota. Told me that he did talk to the toyota rep and explained to him that I had been taking very good care of my car and that this mfd problem was not my doing. Told me that it would cost $980.57 to install a remanufactured mfd. And that the toyota rep is only going to contribute $250. So net out of pocket for me would be a substantial amount of $730.57. It is unfair for toyota customer service to ask me to pay, since this is a common problem with 2004 toyota prius mfds that is well documented to be a common problem. I have already spent a lot of time and money on the problem. Toyota customer service is taking the approach that it is out of warranty and there is no recall so we don't want to do anything. That logic is wrong. If there is a common problem that may have not escalated to a recall status, that does not mean that there is no problem. Recall is if enough people have problems. Meanwhile, you cannot deny for all the people who are stuck with this problem. It has been clearly demonstrated that this is a manufacturing defect that toyota is responsible. Your high level intervention is needed. Please write to toyota demanding that it would only be fair since the mfd problem is clearly documented to be a manufacturing defect, that toyota repair without delay at no cost to the client, since he has already suffered enough. Thanks! Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)
2004 Toyota Prius electrical complaints
Page 3 of 7: complaints 41 to 70 of 177, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Random failure of lights, began with driver?s side and continues to occur randomly with greater frequency. Passenger side also turns off randomly, though with less frequency. Many occasions, I have had both lights turn off while driving.
Left and right headlights failed in november and december of 2009. Headlights were replaced. Left headlight has failed in 2011. I drive 10,000 per year. I do not do much driving with my headlights on.
2004 toyota prius. Consumer states unintended acceleration *tgw the consumer stated the sudden acceleration happened three times, over a six year span. He managed to put the vehicle in neutral, coast to the side of the road, and turned the vehicle off. Once the vehicle was restarted, all worked fine. The consumer stated a few weeks ago his vehicle was about to reach 300,000 miles, as he reached for his camera, he realized the odometer never went past 299,999 miles. However, within five miles, the vehicle suddenly lost power brakes, the air condition stopped working, the hybrid drive shut off and the fan for the hybrid battery came on, as well as yellow and red lights appeared on the dash. Also, two warning graphics appeared on the navigation screen, one indicating trouble. The consumer pulled over, and shut the engine off. He then restarted the vehicle and everything went back to normal. It appeared that by shutting off the engine and restarting it, caused the main computer reboot. The consumer stated it continued several more times, until he arrived home. The dealer informed the consumer the vehicle was a large computer, and when one component stops working, such as the odometer, other components cease too. The dealer explained an odometer limit was placed on the vehicle by the factory.
The hid headlight leveling sensor part# 89408-47010 failed. Big red exclamation on the dash and car won't pass inspection. Toyota says it costs $600 to replace.
When ambient temperature is cold, sometimes dashboard lights and speedometer do not come on when the car is started. Car runs but with no instrument panel. Sometimes when the car is in this state the car cannot be turned off by pressing the start button. Car can only be turned off by pressing and holding the start button down for several seconds, and even this does not always work. This problem has been getting worse over time. Toyota dealership refuses to investigate the problem, but it is documented in their warranty repair t-sb-0172-09 combination meter intermittent display bulletin. Instead, the dealership tries to sell us a new car!
Hid headlights go off intermittently while driving. Headlights can be reset by turning headlight switch to off and back on again. A search of the federal safety agency and other websites demonstrate that this same problem is widespread for several year models of prius autos. The dealer estimates to replace the headlight bulbs is about $1000 per headlight, making this a serious problem because people will seek lower cost remedies which are not safe. Toyota thus far has not officially recognized or attempted to address this issue. Since a total loss of lighting can occur at anytime with serious consequences, a recall should be performed to correct this issue before fatalities occur.
The driver's side hid headlight, intermittently, unpredictably and inexplicably shuts off. It will occasionally return to service on its own, but usually requires a cycling of the light's power switch before full function is restored. After which, the length of time before the light shuts off again varies from a few seconds to not at all. After researching this issue, it seems to be a rather systemic problem with the 2004-2009 prius. Obviously, the situation this condition creates is unsafe at best, can place me personally in an unexpected illegal position - and (should both lights go out together, as some have reported) could quite possibly be life threatening. For the safety of the driving public, I would strongly urge the federal safety agency to investigate this issue. Toyota must take responsibility for their design flaw, and engineer a resolution to this problem.
The dashboard computer in my 2004 prius malfunctions. The energy monitor does not show any of the arrows or current gas mileage. I can't access any of the menus: climate, audio, etc. This means that I can not turn on the defrost heat in the morning when the windshield is frozen. Sometimes the telephone menu is inaccessible. The stereo skips and turns itself off. Within a few minutes of turning on the car, the computer will right itself and start working. But sometimes the computer will spontaneously malfunction in the middle of driving the car. There is no way to tell what causes the malfunctions and there's no way to know when it will happen.
The multifunctional display (mfd) failed following dealer replacement of the 12v battery. The dealer is now recommended $5,000 replacement of the mfd. Mfd failure in the prius seems to be an increasing event based on on-line chatter on blogs. This appears to be a basic design flaw in the prius mfd system that causes loss of communication between the radio and climate control systems. It also causes the display to be totally ineffective for display of key hybrid engine performance.
Toyota prius 2004 generation 2, speedometer intermittent display problems. The dashboard lights go off and on very frequently for no reason. No display of speed and fuel gauge and also the odometer.
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 toyota prius. The contact stated that the touch screen module which included the temperature gauge, the fuel gauge, the odometer, etc failed. The vehicle was inspected by the dealer who informed him that the display screen was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure was approximately 120,000.
Multi function display (mfd) failure in 2004 prius. This failure it intermittent and causes the radio to turn off, prevents the use of climate/radio controls located in/on the mfd unit, prevents one from knowing whether the battery is charging. The steering wheel controls seem to work for the climate control (though one cannot see the temperature setting) but the audio system is useless without the mfd unit working properly. This is a $3000 (not including labor) repair ... And that is for a used refurbished part! Totally unacceptable if you ask me. Because this is a known problem impacting thousands of prius owners, toyota should be forced to replace these defective units with new units at no cost to the owner.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota prius. The contact stated that the headlights would shut off independently. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was advised that the headlights would need to be replaced. In addition, the contact stated that the center console on the dashboard failed. The contact called the manufacturer and filed a complaint but no assistance was offered. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000 and the current mileage was approximately 113,000.
2004 toyota prius. Consumer asserts that vehicle accident was caused by a computer malfunction *tgw the consumer stated prior to the accident, on one occasion, the vehicle bolted and jerked slightly as she stopped the vehicle. When she attempted to take off, the vehicle responded sluggishly and then accelerated quickly. The day of the accident, as the consumer approached the stop sign, the vehicle started bucking and jerking violently. After she pulled off from the stop sign, she crashed into a large SUV. The consumer stated she saw the SUV pass, so she purposely waited so she could make a left turn, but ended causing severe damage to her vehicle.
My multi function display has failed on me for the past three years. This is a very common problem for toyota prius owners. This means I have had no navigation, air condition/heating, radio/cd and more due to this defective device. There is no physical damage to the screen, and these screens seem to fail only a few years after manufactured. It appears to be the same exact solder joint breaking in every single case too from what I have read online. I can't justify buying a brand new screen, especially since I have spent so much on this one to begin with.
S10 appropriate handling re toyota vehicles recall, owner of a 2004 toyota prius experienced sudden unintended acceleration. *tgw the consumer stated as he was driving, he approached a slower moving vehicle, but when he attempted to apply the brake, the vehicle instead accelerated. As he hit the brake harder, the vehicle accelerated even more. The consumer had to avoid an accident by crossing over the double yellow line into oncoming traffic. The consumer managed to avoid an accident and quickly moved back over to the correct side of the road. The consumer stated the gas pedal was not stuck as toyota is claiming there is a quick fix and placing the blame on the accelerator pedal. Prior to the incident, the consumer stated as he was waiting in a line, with his foot firmly on the brake, the engine seemed to suddenly rev up and the vehicle lurched forward but did not move due to his foot being firmly on the brake. The consumer also stated on several occasions when he hit the brake the radio and air condition would come on. The dealer claimed there was nothing wrong and that the consumer must have hit the radio and climate control buttons on the steering wheel. The consumer believed that the braking system influences the electronics or computer and causes the acceleration of the vehicle.
Multifunction touch screen display (mfd) malfunction disables the windshield defogger. One must wipe the windshield by hand. If the windshield fogs while driving on a narrow and winding road or busy highway, the driver and passengers are at high risk. There is a website that shows what the problem is and how to fix it (http://techno-fandom.org/~hobbit/cars/mfd/). A multi-pin connector has a faulty pin. The soldering cracks over time resulting in a loose connection. Toyota does not provide an affordable solution. They offer to remove the two computer units from behind the mfd and replace them for approximately $3,000, rather than simply re-soldering the connector pin. I cannot afford to repair this, and toyota has not offered any viable solutions. This affects all early type 2 priuses.
Regarding my 2004 toyota prius: the 'multi-information display, I.e., computer display, does not function frequently, at which time a message saying the air conditioner is disconnected. Simultaneously, when this message appears, the radio instantly turns off. When this occurs access to the computer is impossible, controls of the air conditioner system are unavailable except through those on the steering wheel which continue to function. The computer function later randomly is restored for brief to long periods but remains subject to random failure again. This failure has existed for years. Dealerships refused to take responsibility for repair or replacement of the equipment. This defect is a major distraction to safe operation of the vehicle. For example, during computer shutdown periods, it is impossible to alter air conditioner fan speed during freezing ambient weather.
2004 toyota prius with computer problem. Started getting an error message that air conditioner wasn't working. Then the computer would not give the gas mileage. Then the temp wouldn't show. Then couldn't use the radio (it would come one but you couldn't see what the station was), now it is all blank. It does not work at all. Then it works for 5 minutes about once a quarter. Can't control air/heat, radio, can't see mileage, can't see the temp. Took it to dealer and they said that it would cost hundreds of dollars to diagnose it. Read on toyota board online that this is common problem that toyota does not stand behind. I have owned toyotas since 1980s and have 5 now (kids, work, adults). I am satisfied with all but the 2004. I have a 2005 prius also but no problems (so far).
I own a 2004 toyota prius. Just last week the touch screen that controls the heating / air conditioning, the radio, the current mpg information and condition of the ni-metal hydride battery and the gas engine interconnections, began to fail. Sometimes it works for a while, then it stops for some time then it might or might start working again before I get where I am going. It is extremely intermittent in its correct operation. I have read on the internet that many other 2004 and early 2005 prius owners have encountered this problem, but that toyota is refusing to issue a recall. The new part is very expensive (~$4,000). Refurbished parts are not readily available for the prius, I suppose because it is a relative new model to toyota. I wanted to report this to you, in the hopes that you might have some way of letting toyotal know that one more owner is having this problem. I did not know if you can force a manufacturer to issue a recall when a certain number of owners complain, or if this is only the case where safety is involved. *tr regards, dale w. Howard
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota prius. While driving between 40-45 MPH the gasoline motor would fail, and then cause the vehicle to stall without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer twice. The battery was replaced first, and then the fuel system was flushed. The second repair corrected the problem, but the problem of the vehicle locking in park was not addressed. The current mileage was 32,100. The failure mileage was 31,999. Updated 01/12/10 *bf all of the alarm lights on the dashboard had illuminated when accelerating. When the consumer stopped the vehicle and switched to park, he was unable to shift the vehicle into neutral. After about 15 minutes, the consumer was able to shift to neutral. The instrumental panel did not display a clear explanation that the internal combustion engine was not starting and that the vehicle was running on the battery only. Updated 01/15/10.
Failure of dashboard multi-display, along with all its functions, including nav, climate, radio, fault notifications. And bluetooth phone operation. On the latter, the phone will connect, but not operate, making this a safety issue. There is a tsb on this issue. Display was replaced by dealer under extended warranty. Replacement took about 4 weeks to arrive. Dealer said toyota was switching to a "out-of-warranty exchange" policy for this repair, meaning that the owner would have to put up with a big hole in the dashboard with loose connectors while the unit was being repaired.
The information screen on '04 and '05 toyota priuses fails. Toyota has known about this for some time (their technical service bulletin el 005-02). Not only is it no longer possible to fully control the sound system and the heating/cooling controls, but the nav system no longer operates. And most important from a safety point of view, the warning that sounds and shows when a door is opened and the transmission is still engaged (something easy to do in a prius) no longer operates. Nor does a message show when the system detects something wrong with the engine management system. Nor does the low fuel message show. I have two friends with early 2004 priuses and both of them have had the same problem. The cost of a fix for this defective part is over $800!
I am having the same problem described here: the multi-function display (mfd) failed. (cross reference the federal safety agency complaint #10173892). This is a known design defect (cross reference analysis on web: http://techno-fandom.org/~hobbit/cars/mfd/compare.html and http://techno-fandom.org/~hobbit/cars/mfd/). Toyota issued a technical service bulletin (either el-002-04 or el-002-05 - conflicting info on this) on jan 10, 2005. When the mfd fails, one cannot control the amount of airflow to the windshield (defroster). This presented me with visibility problems during the morning commute. As such, I consider it a safety issue. Toyota has been aware of this for 3 years, given the date of their tsb. The root cause appears to be an undersized solder pad on one of the electronic cards of the mfd. This results in a cracking of the solder joint. Because my problem was intermittent, coming and going on a frequent basis, I presume it was a micro crack. This does not help when the windshield is fogging over. All of the various error messages that were displayed on the mfd were consistent with the information on the above referenced web url's. The problem is with the release f of the electronic card assembly and was corrected with release g. There are pictorial comparisons between the two releases on one of the web url's. Given that this has an impact on visibility during the winter months, I am shocked that toyota chose to sit on this problem. The supplier of this part to toyota is fujitsu.
On my 2004 toyota prius, the lights go out randomly. Of course, at night. I took it to two toyota dealerships, and the first couldn't replicate the problem. The second dealership said the fix for one light would be an astonishing $850 because it's a defective electronic controller. Since my lights worked intermittently or after being turned on and off...and after searching the internet and discovering this defect is common. I'm thinking lights cutting out while driving, is quite dangerous, and it's a potential hazard for both drivers and pedestrians. Many prius owners believe this is a product defect in need of a recall from toyota before someone gets hurt.
I own a toyota prius 2004 and the headlights go on/off whenever they feel like it. When they go off if you turn the switch they go back on. Are there any other complaints on this issue?
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 hazard lights turned off. The contact called toyota, but they were unable to assist. The vehicle was towed to a dealer. The battery was jumped and the vehicle was restarted. A diagnostic was performed and the vehicle ran normally for six weeks before the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer again and they stated that there was smoke coming from the fuse box, which meant a fuse was blown. After replacing the fuse box, the vehicle performed normally. The technicians were unable to find any other failures with the vehicle; however, the contact does not want to drive it due to fear of the failure recurring. The vehicle has been repaired, but is still at the dealer. The failure mileage was 46,000 and current mileage was 47,500.
Multi-function monitor display intermittent blank out. No display for multi-function display unit. It occurs very often since january 2008.
The digital dashboard which includes the speedometer, odometer/tripmeter, shift indicator and fuel gauge goes blank. This creates a safety hazard especially during night or poor weather driving, and when shifting. My local toyota service department manager acknowledged that toyota knows this is a common problem, but refused to fix it at no cost. The service manager also told me that he must impound my car until the new part is installed. He said that federal law required this as the new odometer must be set at the distributor before being shipped to the service department. This would cost approximately $800.00. Luckily for me the display came on during troubleshooting and I refused further service at that time. Now, a month or so later, the display shut off again and I am only driving the car during daylight hours.
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