2004 Toyota Prius engine problems

Filed Apr 14, 2022 · Electrical, Engine · 83,200 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle lost power steering functionality but the contact was able to safely pull off of the road. The contact stated that the check engine warning light and other unknown warning lights were illuminated before the vehicle stalled. Additionally, the instrument panel went black. The contact stated that she attempted to restart the vehicle but the vehicle would not restart. The contact had the vehicle towed to her residence and later towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed and it was determined that a wiring cable connector had melted onto the battery and affected the engine. Additionally, the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 83,200.

Filed Jul 12, 2018 · Acceleration, Engine · 184,000 miles · PA

This occurred to me yesterday while traveling 60 MPH in 94 f heat on I-76 e just before the 676 / 76 split. I was traveling in the far left lane when the car suddenly lost power. Looking at the dash I noticed the shifter had moved itself into n (neutral), it would not move back into drive. I applied my hazard lights and began forced my way rightward across three lanes to the shoulder, speed rapidly decreasing and seemingly more sluggishly than a normal coast. I think the emergency brake was automatically being applied or I was fighting a braking system. One lane from the shoulder, a ups truck was headed for me from behind. Luckily, he was able to swerve into the shoulder and pass me there as he could not move left into other traffic. We only narrowly avoided a collision with me or the elevated barrier on the side of the road. I had only 10 MPH left and no ability to redirect my vehicle. Once on the side of the expressway, I was able to google this well-known issue with the vehicle. I let the vehicle cool off, turned off the air conditioning, though didn't want to risk turning the vehicle off. I was concerned I would have to wait until nightfall to get back into traffic (still flowing around 60 MPH and a very narrow shoulder) luckily during a small traffic backup up the road I was able to re-enter traffic at a modest speed. I crossed my fingers as the rest of my commute (another 2 miles or so) was 95% highway driving. Luckily the car held out for me to get home.

Filed Apr 5, 2018 · Engine · 83,772 miles · CA

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 not assist. The failure mileage was 83,772.

Filed Nov 23, 2017 · Engine · FL

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 between oil changes to now 2-3 quarts missing between oil changes. I understand that my 2004 prius is approaching 200k miles but I have always taken great care of my car and now all of a sudden I'm having to top off the oil every week. There's absolutely no oil leak and I don't see any white or black smoke from the exhaust. I'm pretty disappointed because I have just recently had to replace my hybrid battery ($2800) and if the engine is going to need to be replaced as well than I mind as well just junk it as it won't be worth it at that point.

Filed Aug 29, 2017 · Engine · 109,000 miles · AZ

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota prius. While the vehicle was in the garage, the engine started running. When the contact attempted to open the door, the engine stopped running. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 109,000. Updated 10/27/17*lj the consumer stated that the vehicle was repaired. The consumer stated apparently, the vehicle was powered off incorrectly. The engine was periodically switching from gas to battery.

Filed Dec 4, 2015 · Engine · CT

Coolant control valve is failing on many prius's which were made between 2004 to 2009

Filed Aug 19, 2015 · Engine · 105,675 miles · VA

Warning triangle and check engine lights came on while traveling. Took vehicle to independent mechanic, who diagnosed hybrid water pump malfunction; he noted a recall, so I took vehicle to dealer. Dealer charges $130 to plug into diagnostic system, finds same problem; wants $750 to replace. Pump was replaced @ 30,000 miles ago under aon recall. Multiple reports on web about the same replacement part failing after short time.

Filed Dec 27, 2012 · Engine · 185,000 miles · TN

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota prius hybrid. The contact stated that hot and cold air was being emitted from the ventilation system when neither the air conditioning unit nor the heater was activated. Additionally, the wrench warning light illuminated immediately after the failure. The vehicle was later towed to a dealer for diagnosis where they advised him that the water pump failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired for the water pump. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the vehicle was included in the federal safety agency campaign id number 12v536000 (engine and engine cooling). The vehicle was serviced per the recall however, the failure recurred one year later. The vehicle was not inspected by a dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was later contacted and advised him that the dealer could have previously replaced the water pump with a defective one. The vehicle was not further repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 185,000. The current mileage was approximately 194,000.

Filed Oct 24, 2012 · Brakes, Engine · 92,521 miles · MA

My 24 yr. Old child was driving out of a driveway at 5 MPH when the car stopped and all warning lights including brakes and engine and triangle went on. It would not restart. It would not take a battery jump. Had it towed to toyota service and they discovered code p0335 present and verified a faulty crankshaft position sensor, replaced it, and cleaned throttle body. The car works now. Cost for diagnosis and service was $367.07. This faulty part was a part of a recall dated in 2006 for 2001 and 2002 priuses. We wish to advise the agency that we believe the year 2004 and perhaps other years ought to be considered for the same recall as the 2001 and 2002 prius models with respect to a faulty crankshaft position sensor. We believe our car had a faulty sensor and that we should be a part of the earlier recall, and also obtain a full reimbursement for charges. This sudden stopping by the vehicle poses a very dangerous situation for any driver. Our child would have been on a major highway just a few minutes later and could have been the victim of a horrendous accident. We urge your agency to be proactive in investigating this matter. Thank you.

Filed Mar 9, 2011 · Engine · 123,000 miles · CA

I was driving on the freeway at about 63 miles per hour, I had been driving for about 20 minutes when my engine cut out, all the lights on my dash turned on including the check engine and red triangle warning light. I drifted to the shoulder and powered the car off. I tried to start it 2 more times, both times the engine did not start and the red triangle and the check engine lights came on again. I waited longer and tried to power up the engine again, it started with the check engine light on. I took it to the dealership 3 days later (they could not see me sooner), ran the codes and it only came up with the code poaof, which means that the engine did not start. They had no explanation of what happened and did not seem to share my concern that this could happen again. The did recall work for me and sent me home.