2004 toyota prius developed problems with stalling.***no answer required***. *mr the first time the consumer experienced a problem with the vehicle, the dealer determined the battery was not holding a charge. The consumer experienced 2 other incidents with the vehicle.
2004 Toyota Prius electrical complaints
Page 5 of 7: complaints 101 to 130 of 177, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Dt: toyota 2004 prius. While driving 20-45 MPH vehicle stalled and lost power. *ak the stalling was due to a inverter/converter failure.
The car stalled while coming to a stop at a traffic lite. Warnings lights on included: vsc,engine warning lite. Car restarted and went about 500 ft. Going about 35 MPH and stalled again. Coasted to berm, called dealer, who said it was driveable to dealership. Started out on i295, went up to 48 MPH and engine stopped. Coasted to side of road and was towed to dealer. Dealer kept car over a wk, said since battery was dead, chip had no info. They found nothing wrong with the car and returned it to me.
I own a toyota prius purchased in feb. 2004. On three occasions, the warnings lights have come on while driving and the car rapidly looses all power and cannot be moved. The most recent incident occurred today, 8/14/05. I have not been satisfied that whatever has caused this problem has been corrected, as apparent with today's incident. I have reported these incidents to toyota and will send their subsequent correspondence. I have owned toyota vehicles since 1980 and this is unacceptable. With this third incident, I intend to pursue all avenues available to rectify this situation.
Starting around may,2005, when vehicle was started with the battery indicator not quite at full capacity, lets say seven 'bars', just putting the car in reverse would begin the gradual decline of charge. If driving up a frwy ramp, the indicator would show the charge had dropped into the 'red' zone. At this time the engine would sound like the rpms were about 4,000, a real revving sound. Slowly ,with a steady level drive the battery would recharge and look as if it were normal. There was no stalling of engine but I rarely drive as slow as 65 MPH! The whole process, happening at least once a day was very nerve wracking...especially in the mohave desert with many 18-wheelers surrounding the car. The first time it happened I immediately called toyota of temecula valley. I was told that this was not good and to bring the car in for diagnosis. When I brought it in, a 'technician' looked at the indicator and said it was ok and not worry about it. I had a difficult time believing that and made an appt. With toyota of el cajon. When their technician used a diagnostic scantool he also said he could not find a problem. I did not believe him or the service $80/hr. Guy and said there was either something wrong with their diagnostic tools and/or something wrong with them to think I would go along with their story. I had no idea how right I was until I read about the defect investigation on your website. My prius has not stalled (yet) but it has all the problems leading up to it. The dealership claims, on the work receipt they gave me, to have recalculated the hv ecu with the 40d code and the problem seems to be worse. I will have to go back again to the dealership and fight for my right to a speedy repair.
Car suddenly lost power when being driven 30 MPH on city road. Computer said battery power lost; seems like gas engine was not recharging battery, but there was no warning until power loss. I was stuck in the middle of a city street with 2 small children, as the car would not make it to side of road. Another motorist helped push me to side of road and no one was hurt. The gas tank was full at the time of this incident. Although vehicle could not move, the dashboard and computer still had power; it would not allow me to shut it down, or remove the key fob. The car was towed to a dealership, and now must be towed to another dealiership that services this model. No repair has yet been attempted but I wanted to report incident because my internet research indicated you were investigating this model for a number of similar problems. The car was purchased in november 2003 and has 15,299 miles on it. I had one incident 12 months ago when I could not start the vehicle, but I was able to finally after 10 minutes or so. I have had no previous break downs however.
I was accelerating into a yield situation where I had room to merge from an offramp and the gas motor didn't kick in. The check-engine light flashed, the car vibrated, and it moved only as if the electric motor was going for a few seconds and then, as I was flooring it, the car jarted out into the intersection where now there wasn't room and I became involved in an accident
I was driving my 2004 toyota prius approximately 35-40 miles per hour on a local street when the "check engine" light and the safety triangle light both illuminated. I noticed that the gas engine stopped running at the time of the failure although the electric motor got me to the dealership where the car is serviced. The delership called me in a couple of hours to tell me that the car is ready. I was told that they just had to reset the computer software to fix the car. I know that you are researching this problem and wanted to make you aware of my sitiuation. Thank you.
Dt: the check engine light illuminated on the dash and remained on for about a day. Other light illuminated as well but the consumer can't remember which ones. The consumer made it to his destination where he stayed 2 hours, and upon leaving the engine started immediately. The consumer called the dealer but they offered no diagnosis. The dealer did not reprogram the electronic control unit. *ak
Dt: while driving on dry pavement at 35 MPH the vehicle stalled. The consumer pulled off to the median. There were lights flashing in dashboard, the driver noticed that the warning codes included do not drive, and no brakes, etc. Just before stalling, the warning codes came on, including no brakes, do not drive, all hazards, the explanation pointed to a triangle and all precautionary safety warning lights appeared. Once the vehicle was stopped at a median there was no response from the car, it was totally dead. After the lights came on, no acceleration, there was no engine sound to the owner's knowledge. There was no obvious loss of power steering as far as the owner knew, it was not extremely difficult to get to the median. The vehicle was not able to be restarted. The owner tried to start the vehicle twice. At this point, the owner didn't know if the lights stayed on, but the hazards lights were working as she left to go call for help. At the dealership, the vehicle was jumped to get it off the tow truck. This occurred about 45 minutes. The dealer stated they had no idea what could be wrong with the vehicle, and this seemed to be a new occurrence to the dealership. *ak *sc
Dt: while driving at a steady pace, the vehicle stalled. *ak
Fax ltr investigation of the toyota prius hybrid electric vehicle model years 2004 & 2005 reports of vehicle stalling at high speeds.*mr
Dt: own 2004 toyota prius and on 6 different occasions while driving in the city, the engine has stalled out. The consumer had to stop and wait about 10 minutes and restart the engine and everything would be fine. Took to dealer and they could not diagnose this unless they encountered this as it happened. This is the only problem with the vehicle. *tt *sc
Dt: consumer stated: vehicle quit while driving, the warning lights did come on before it died. While going 30-35 MPH and it just died and couldn't restart. The electrical system stayed on. Called tow truck by the time they got there it started. Still had to take it to dealer, and warning lights went out. Dealership reprogrammed the computer.*ak
Dt; last summer was driving down highway at about 45-50 MPH and one of the engines went out, and the car decelerated and finally stalled out. Parked by roadside ,and had to be towed to dealership. Serviceman did a computer correction, but did not record this because it happened at night. Again about 2 months ago the engine went out, car slowed, and would not restart. Had to be towed to dealership. The car was returned without explanation. Afraid this may happen again. *ak
Dt: a. How long and at what speed was the consumer driving before the vehicle lost power? 4 minutes, 50 MPH. B. Has the consumer accelerated, decelerated or drove at a steady pace when the vehicle lost power? Steady pace. C. After the vehicle lost power was the driver able to continue driving the vehicle? If so, how long and at what speed. It stalled out. D. Did any warning lights appear before and/or after the incident occurred? If so, describe the lights that were lit. As it happened a hazard icon and an engine check light came on. E. Did the vehicle eventually stall and come to a stop? How long did this occur after the warning lights were lit? Yes, 30 seconds. F. Was the driver able to restart the vehicle right after it stalled? If so, how long did it took, 3-4 times or 2-3 minutes)? Took a couple of times, but it started within a minutes. G. Was driver able to restart the vehicle after letting it sit awhile? Yes. H. Was the vehicle towed? No. I. What was wrong with the vehicle? It required an update of a computer program. J did the dealer reprogram the electronic control unit (ecu) or any software? Yes. K. Vehicle had special service campaigns 40a or 40d performed prior to the incident? When consumer called toyota she was told vehicle was up to date on all services . L. Had vehicle any problems since the repair? No. Consumer had a problem six months ago where it stalled. .
My 2004 prius "died" with little warning while I was driving about 40 MPH on a busy street. I coasted to a stop with cars flying by me. Very dangerous. Car was towed to the dealer, who explained there was a software problem and they reprogrammed the car's computer. This is an extremely dangerous problem! I'm afraid to drive this car.
Dt: consumer was approaching an intersection while driving in a 2004 toyota prius at 45 MPH and when all of the das light illuminated. As it turned out the vehicle was not receiving any power from the gas engine and the vehicle was running on electricity only. While entering the intersection the vehicle stalled. The consumer was able to put the vehicle in reverse to back the vehicle to the curb. Then , put vehicle in park or neutral only, but was unable to shut the power off. Consumer was unable to move the vehicle. After letting the vehicle sit 35-40 minutes was able to drive the vehicle onto the tow truck. Vehicle was towed to toyota dealership where they reset the computer the following day. Dealership told consumer they were seeing this happen frequently with the 2004 toyota prius hybrids. Also, missed 1 hour of work the following day in order to get a rental car. *ak *tt
Dt: consumer had 2 episodes of engine stalling. The 1st time consumer's vehicle was passing another vehicle when another vehicle appeared in the lane and consumer accelerated quickly and changed lane. The warning light came on along with a beeping noise, and suddenly lost power. Was running only on electric power until was able to make it to the side of the road. The engine did not restart until turned off the whole system and then it restarted it. Continued to have warning lights for several hours. Called toyota hot line, and was informed it was safe to drive. The following monday took vehicle to dealer, who placed it on a computer and noted it was normal. They thought it might have been the vehicle stability control because that light was illuminated, and earlier when that happened driver swerved into a lane. The 2nd episode occurred as accelerating to get on a freeway ramp and had slowed to enter traffic, another driver allowed consumer's vehicle to enter and driver accelerated gain and the engine cut off. Was able to drive on battery power about a mile going 40 MPH to the next exit. Pulled off, and again turned system off, and again the engine restarted. This time the vehicle,s stability light did not illuminate. The display screen had a bar that said, problem. When car was taken to dealer no lights illuminated.
Dt: a. How long and at what speed was the consumer driving before the vehicle lost power? Had been driving for about 15 minutes going about 65 MPH. B. Was the consumer accelerating, decelerating, or driving at a steady- state when the vehicle lost power? Owner believes she was slowing down at the time of stall. C. After the vehicle lost power, was the driver able to continue driving the vehicle? If so, how long and at what speed? Owner was afraid to drive it, and called dealership and had it towed. D. Did any warning lights appear before and/or after the incident occurred. If so, describe the lights that were lit. All warning lights were on as it stalled. E.did the vehicle eventually stall and come to a stop? How long did this occur after the warning lights were lit? The vehicle did stall and come to a stop. Vehicle stalled, then lit up seconds after stalling. Yes. F.was the driver able to restart the vehicle right after it stalled? G. Wass the driver able to restart the vehicle after letting it sit awhile? If so, how long was this after the vehicle stalled? No no attempt was made to restart because it was towed. H.was the vehicle towed? Yes. I.what did the dealer say was wrong with the vehicle? Dealer said there was a software glitch. Dealer reprogrammed the ecu (electronic control unit) or any software? Yes. *ak *tt
Dt: toyota prius, vehicle stalled at 35 MPH warning light came on. Pulled over to side of road because caller was losing power from battery, and could not drive it. Car was towed to dealer, and they could not find anything wrong with it. Problem did not come up on car computer when diagnostic was done. Manufacturer has not been contacted yet. Caller read article in newspaper about prius. *ak
Dt: consumer owns two 2004 toyota prius and both have shut down while driving. Consumer has taken both vehicles to dealer and had them reprogrammed. *tt northbrook toyota reprogrammed cars computer, car is ok for now. *sb
Dt: consumer has two 2004 toyota prius and both had engine failures while going between 30 and 40 MPH. Incident on may 28, 2005 and may 4, 2005 approximately.*ak northbrook toyota reprogrammed vehicle's computer. Consumer states vehicle now performs ok. *tt
Dt: the contact owns a 2004 toyota prius. He states that vehicle lost power while traveling at high speeds.the incident just happened one time. The dealer reprogrammed the vehicle, not sure if it fixed it or not.*ak car lost power and would not re-start. It was towed to toyota service department. Engine control unit was reprogrammed and car has since ran properly for 600 miles.*sb
Dt:.how long and at what speed was the consumer driving before the vehicle lost power? Had driven about 10 minutes on commuting home was driving at least 50-60 MPH. B.was the consumer accelerating, decelerating, or driving at a steady- state when the vehicle lost power?driving at a steady state. C. Vehicle lost power, was the driver able to continue driving the vehicle? If so, how long and at what speed?not able to continue driving, could not restart vehicle. Did any warning lights appear before and/or after the incident occurred? An odd beep and then some symbols illuminated on control panel but can't remember what symbol, thinks it make have been a car with an x through it. Referred to owners manual. Called for help. . Came to a complete stop just seconds after the beep and warning lights. F was unable to restart vehicle. G. No restart whatsoever. H. Was the vehicle towed? Yes to a dealer. I.what did the dealer say was wrong with the vehicle? Diagnosis code did not have available, but was aware of service bulletin pertaining to this issue. Questioned why there had not been a recall. J. Did the dealer reprogram the ecu (electronic control unit) or any software? Yes-the ecu. K.did have recall on navigation software update prior to this episode. L. Has the vehicle had any problems since the repair? No but fearful it may happen again.
Dt: while driving about 55-60 MPH the car stalled and came to a complete stop. It was towed into a dealership, they looked at the computer and corrected the problem. The vehicle has not stalled since.*ak
The consumer started the vehicle and noticed that the steering was very difficult. After driving for two blocks, the dash light had come on and the steering had become easier. The general warning symbol had come on, which meant the vehicle needed to be taken to the dealer. The brake light had been continuously on. When the emergency brakes were applied, the vehicle did not behave as if it were activated. The ignition relay was replaced per warning light. *ak
Dt: 2004 toyota prius . The warning lights came on and the vehicle lost power. The vehicle came to stop on the freeway. The consumer was able to get to the shoulder and waited about 10 minutes. After the ten min the vehicle was restarted but had very little power. The consumer drove the vehicle to the dealer. The dealer reprogrammed the ecu as per tsb. No other problems as of yet. This failure was the only incident. *jb
Consumer stated while traveling 40 MPH all of a sudden , the lights illuminated on the dashboard and then everything shut off. The consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealer and they said it was a computer glitch regarding the release of gas to the engine. Just before a loss of power the dvd navigation system went completely out about 2 miles before everything else. *jb the dvd navigation system failed as well.
When I started my vehicle, all the dash lights came on and remained on. I was able to put my vehicle in park and neutral only. I was unable to turn the power off on the vehicle. It was using electricity only. The gas engine would not kick in when stepping on the gas pedal. I let the car sit for about 5 minutes then was able to turn the power off. I was then able to start the car again and drive it. I traveled approximately 35 miles without incident. I then shut the car off. I then turned the car back on and the same incident occured for the second time that day. I called the dealership the following day to report the incident. I was told they were unable to do anything with the vehicle since it was running ok now. They did fax me a copy showing that I reported this incident. This vehicle has now stalled on me a total of 3 times within a 3 week period. The first incident was on 5/23/2005 and I had to have my car towed to the dealership.
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