Fire and total loss of 2005 toyota prius, 19,300 miles after returning from work, the vehicle was parked as usual with engine power cut in the owner's driveway. A few minutes later, smoke was noticed inside the car with flames showing from underneath the vehicle. The fire department extinguished the fire about 10 minutes after it was first noticed. The main damage is in the rear left (driver's side) of the vehicle, with the cargo compartment completely destroyed, tire completely melted, all plastic in the area melted, door blackened, the rear bench destroyed, the ceiling carpet destroyed and big heat marks on the roof of the car. The vehicle was not modified as a "plug-in hybrid" which have been reported in at least one incident of fire. The external temperature was moderate, around 70-75 degrees. *tr updated 06/05/09
2005 Toyota Prius electrical complaints
Page 6 of 7: complaints 131 to 160 of 178, newest first, as owners wrote them.
On 2/27/09, my 2005 toyota prius' brakes completely failed. I was going downhill in an highly transited urban road (rte 123 in va, close to tysons corner). Thankfully I was only going about 40mph when the light changed to red. The 2 vehicles in front of me stopped. I pressed the brake pedal and my car accelerated initially, and then nothing. Brakes are meant to work. Always. I kept pumping the pedal hoping to engage the breaks, but they did not engage. What stopped me was the rear of a bmw x5. Thankfully I was the only injured party, and my injuries are mostly muscular. I could have died or I could have killed someone. In january, I had taking my car to the dealer because all the alert lights on the dash would sporadically go off. They kept the car for a week and claimed that the secondary battery needed to be replaced. I got my vehicle back and on 2/23/09 the issue restarted. I was due to take my car back to the dealer the day of the accident. I called a lawyer to see if I had a case, and was told no. I am still researching the issue because someone should be held accountable and future tragedies should be avoided. If anyone has started a class action suit, please do let me know as I would like to join you.
On three separate occasions my headlamps have gone out. Each time it has been the right or left side. The fourth time. The lights came on using the hi-beam only. Numerous incidents have taken place. This is the second time my wife has been pulled over for this. I have replaced these myself. However, this last time it is not the bulb. It is the electrical system. According to the forum. Costs have been from $300 - 2k. Some dealerships assume some responsibility and others don't. This is a safety and expense issue. Driving home is very difficult at night and using the hi-beam is blinding to on coming traffic and against the law in most circumstances.
Left headlight keeps going out in prius. Turn off then back on to reset both headlights went out one night and almost caused a wreck it reset once I turned it off and back on.
Tl*the contact owns a 2005 toyota prius. For the past two years, the vehicle has emitted an odor inside the passenger compartment, which sticks to the contact's clothing and hair. The odor has been recognized by toyota as an odor that originates from the rear battery which is found under the back seat. The odor is triggered by extreme heat and while pulling heavy loads. The contact lives in arizona so the vehicle is subjected to extreme heat. Toyota stated that the odor was non-toxic and that there was no current remedy for the defect. The contact believes that the chemical may be toxic and feels uncomfortable driving the vehicle. The failure mileage was 13,000 and current mileage was 45,000.
I own a 2005 toyota prius. I purchased it in march 2005. Last week, my multifunctional display (mfd) ceased to operate correctly. The mfd initialized to the mpg screen but had unusual colors. I attempted to change the display screen by selecting the audio, climate, display, and info buttons but to no avail. The screen would go blank and then show the ?prius hybrid? Initializing screen and then return to the mpg screen. As I was nearing my 80k service, I contacted my dealer and reported the problem. They diagnosed the mfd as being unserviceable that next saturday. The service representative made the comment that it was common for the mfd to go bad. To replace the mfd with a new one, it is $4,000.00 plus installation. That is 19% of the cost of the vehicle when it was brand new! I began researching and found that toyota had issued a technical service bulletin on 10 january 2005 title: multi-display functions are inoperative; tsb# el002-05 which identified issues with the mfd. Also in browsing the web specifically www.priuschat.com and http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/prius-2g/ and saw that I was not the only one with this problem. One electronically gifted person disassembled his mfd and diagnosed the problem as improper soldering on the circuit card (see http://techno-fandom.org/~hobbit/cars/mfd/compare.html ). It seems that toyota corporation was aware of the problem and were not disclosing it hoping that the faulty mfd?s would not be discovered until the vehicles exceeded the 3 year 36,000 warranty. I know I am outside the mileage warranty, however, I am just passed the 3 year window. I purchased and use my car as a commuter vehicle driving almost 100 miles per day. As a maintenance officer in the us army, I know there are components that are mileage dependent (engines, transmissions, differentials) but this is not one of them. Electrical components are built to last the majority of vehicles life, not just until the warranty expires.
Five no starting concerns after two years of ownership.
2005 toyota prius right hid headlamp flickers and sometimes turns off while driving. Dealer will not cover extensive repair cost. From internet information this seems to be a very common problem that could be very dangerous if both headlights quit simultaneously.
We have two 2005 toyota priuses which have exhibited identical stalling and shifting problems. The hybrid system will stall or not operate and will not allow us to shift the vehicle into gear periodically. One toyota dealer says we need to replace the transaxle, and another was not sure and said there best "guess" was to refresh the ecu and hybrid control module software , however after doing extensive research online believe it to be a combination of a software glitch attributed to a leak in waterproofing a gasket near an ecu. The problem was brought to the dealers attention almost a year ago while the vehicles were still under warranty. All they did was simply "flash" or refresh the memory and did not actually resolve the problem. The prius' hybrid-related components, including the hybrid control module are covered for 8 years/100,000 miles. We also mentioned to the dealer the unusual and excessive tire wear on both vehicles, some of the tires had no tread and were already bald after only 12,000 miles. I am wondering if this could be related to the steering or traction control issues prevalent with this model.
Tl*the contact owns a 2005 toyota prius. While being serviced at the dealer, they noticed that the headlights were distorted. The plating on the internal part of the headlights were overheating. There is no way to release this heat and the contact is concerned that a possible fire may occur. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but they did not want to be responsible because it was no longer under warranty. The failure mileage was 40,000 and current mileage was 41,000. Updated 01-14-08. *kb updated 12/12/07.
Tl*the contact owns a 2005 toyota prius. The contact stated that the automatic headlight leveling system warning light illuminates intermittently and remains on at random intervals. The failure was noticed while driving 55 MPH, but occurs each time the vehicle is driven. He spoke with toyota and they stated that the vehicle was out of warranty and the contact would be responsible for the repair. The current mileage was 50,000 and failure mileage was 43,000. Updated 10/31/07.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 65 MPH under normal road conditions, the vehicle stalled. There were no warnings prior to the failure. The vehicle was taken to the service dealer, who was not able to identify the problem. Updated 12/18/2006 -
Our 2005 prius shut down on 07/15/06 while my wife was trying to get home that evening. She was 200 miles from the nearest toyota dealer. The car needed to be towed from alamosa to pueblo. A complete car shutdown is a very serious safety hazard especially if you are a woman in a desolate road at night. The car has less than 35,000 miles. Toyota failed to completely reimburse all my cost. My wife had to stay in a motel that night and I incurred the cost of getting her home and then driving from denver again to retrieve the car. Along with the safety issue and toyatas' refusal to reimburse all my costs, has left me totally appalled with toyota. The mass airflow sensor I am being told is the cause of the vehicle shut down.
The 2005 prius we own will not start at scattered times (after driving for some time and then stopping and turning the engine off). The screen on the dashboard panel lights up partially and not always the same on repeated tries. Other strange electrical events occur such as the automatic windows going down when the car is turned off after trying to start it unsuccessfully. The car will start at some time - up to 20 minutes after letting car sit. These events are similar to those that occurred in days prior to the march 29,2005 when the car stalled at 45 MPH on a highway in the outer banks of north carolinas and was serviced with what became a recall later for prius's. The most recent problems occurred on march 17th and may 1, 2006. We have taken the car to lustine toyota in woodbridge, va and they have tested the car and say that everything checks out ok and their is no service bulletin from toyota. They are looking at the car again today. We are concerned that the problem could continue and place us in a dangerous situation either from another stalling incident or leaving us in a dangerous place with a car that will not start.
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle stalled on two separate occasions. The first time it occurred was on april 7th while driving at a steady speed of 25mph. The second time it occurred was on april 21st while driving at a steady speed of 5-15 MPH. All the warning lights illuminated and the vehicle was pulled over. Once pulled over, the vehicle would not go back into the drive position. Afterwards, it stalled and would not restart. The stalling occurred 3-5 minutes after it was pulled over. The vehicle was towed to the dealership both times. The first time the dealer replaced the entire transmission. The second time the dealer replaced the inverter. On april 23rd while driving the dash board lights became inoperable including the speedometer, and the gear indicator. The contact alerted the dealership by phone who explained the problem was likely the circuit board and it was okay to continue driving the vehicle. Afterwards, the vehicle began to blow out hot and cold air and the dealership was alerted again which explained it was okay to continue driving. Shortly after it began to rain, the wipers were turned on, and the dash lights became inoperable once again. The vehicle is scheduled for inspection on monday may 8th.
Dt*: the contact stated the console showed whether the vehicle was running on engine power or electrical power. Since purchase the vehicle has not operated on electrical power at low speeds. The dealership determined there is nothing wrong with the vehicle.
My 2005 prius had engine failure while traveling at high speed on the highway. I pulled over and had to get the car towed, and the computer reset. I soon after learned of a recall, and now I am told that my car does not qualify for the recall. I think it is unsafe, and I want the computer problem remedied.
While driving on the freeway at speeds up to 65 MPH pulled off and went through a small town. After coming to a stop light started to press the gas pedal to accelerate and the red triangle with an exclamation mark lit up on the dashboard, and then the small car with exclamation mark came on the lcd screen. The car didn't stall nor loose power, but I pulled over to check and see what the owner's manual said. It stated to contact the dealer. Had the car towed. Tried to power off and on twice but the icons still remained, and on the lcd stated a problem existed. Also, it seemed t when I powering on/off the engine did not kick in as usual. However, I am not sure , if I left the car powered on long enough because it usually took 20-30 seconds before engine kicked in.
I have a 2005 toyota prius. I got my car 8-23-2005 and on 10-13-2005 I was hit on the passenger side while making a left hand turn. The intersections was just after a traffic circle, signs was missing, it was raining, dusk and the person who hit me did not have her lights on and was driving too fast for conditions. My car stopped, and could not be restarted. It was towed. I called my insurance company and was sent to a repair facility. After several days they got my car, but because it would not start, towed it to a toyota shop. It sat there for 10 days, until I called, then it was sent back to the repair shop. It took 6 more weeks for the car to be repaired. One delay was in getting the seat-belt, which was supposed to come with the seat, but did not. It had to be shipped from japan (I was told). After the repair was done, 9 weeks after the accident, the car would not start. It was towed to another toyota dealership. Two weeks later, I am told that a wiring harness was the problem. This has to be shipped from japan, and the expected date of arrival is 1-11-2006. Meanwhile, I have not had my car for nearly 3 months. My insurance paid for 30 days of a rental car (I waited a week to get the rental car), then I paid for another 4 weeks. I have notified toyota 2 times about this situation. I have called the dealership, where I have a "special" customer convenience card. This card only seems to be good for purchases, and not for actual assistance. I think prius owners need to know that their cars can only be repaired at a few locations, and most dealerships can not repair them properly. Additionally, I think the car has a significant blinds pot, as I am frequently surprised by other cars suddenly appearing.
After toyota's recalling 75,000 prius in u.s., I took my 2005 prius into torrance toyota(310-325-75000) to have the software"glitch"repaired. Michael gallagher(service advisor) told me there is additional glitches and now my car is inoperable and he has been ask
Toyota prius; driving on interstate 287 in new jersey when the engine cut out and would not restart.
Appears to be a temporary engine stall at 68 miles per hour in carpool lane, warning light came on but disappeared right away and the car was fine again. But lots of car vibrations and jolting felt at the time.
While stopped at a stop light, I got a red triangle with ! Inside that came on. The vehicle engine stopped and the car was put automatically in park. I could not restart the car and had to have it towed. The accessories still worked, just no engine.
Dt: consumer was driving about 45 minutes / 65 MPH when vehicle lost power/stalled. All warning lights were on. Consumer was able to restart vehicle after it stalled by letting it sit for a while. Vehicle had a history of accelerating and stalling. *ak
Dt: vehicle stalled/died and lost power. This happened on 08.15/2005. *ak
2005 toyota prius stalling at 35-40 MPH.*mr the vehicle would not restart and was towed to a repair facility. The consumer was told that the problem was due to bad programming at the factory. The computer wa reset per tsb eg047-04.
1 )stall on 5/26/05 @1:30 pm at a speed of 35 MPH + - without warning. After few mints I able to start & got the engine , & restarted & also re started AC & got gogoing. Same day @ 4:30 pm AC was shut off without warning and screen was completely blank @ speed of 62 MPH + -, pulled of to shoulder turned off ing. 2) same thing on 8/31/05 11:30 am @ speed of 55 MPH first AC went & with in less than a mile engine went completely, did not start in first few minutes, after waiting 10 or so minutes engine started & AC started. Drove to the dealer for check up , was given hard time by service rep, will not take in without appointment & refused to provide any assistance or a loner car. When I told him " you want me to get killed out in traffic" he replied " nothing I can do to help you I am doing my job what I am told" I asked want see manager he replied " he is on vacation no one is taking his place" I was very upset & angry with his reply & attitude in the end he added " go get a lawyer" I left the service department with appointment on 9/2/05 3:pm and then.......................! Went to see sales person & she was very humble & help full , she set me up with loner- rental car at no charge & I left my car prius 2005 with dealer ship for full check up. As of now car is @ dealership. Bhatia ps: blue team service rep.
2004 toyota prius with 23915 miles on it. Driving to work west on I-90 during rush hour engine stopped dead. I-90 is 8 lanes of traffic in spokane, wa. Had to have car towed to dealer for repairs. Problem was a failure in the electronic control unit. Ecu had to be re-programed. Cause found by dealer: found code p3191 & poaof codes. Found tbs #eg047-04. According to the service advisor, toyota issued a technical bulletin covering this problem but stated there were too few failures to warant a recall. Being on an interstate during rush hour with traffic doing 70+ MPH and having an engine failure could create a life threating situation very quickly. The last thing I asked the service advisor is if this will happen again? His response, "it shouldn't." that's reassuring.
Dt: the vehicle intermittently stalled and decelerated while driving 35 MPH due to computer failure. *ak the vehicle stalled while on the highway. The service engine soon light had come on before and remained on after the vehicle failed.
2005 toyota prius, new nov. 2004, current mileage 11,100 miles, incident aug. 13, 2005, 9:10 pm. Driving for 30 minutes at a steady rate of 45 MPH on rte. 78, 11/12 tank of gas, no air conditioning or radio on. Auto hestitated. Dashboard symbols indicated problem: brake failure, check engine, hybrid system failure. Another symbol was on computer screen - car with line drawn vertically through it. Battery usage indicator was disappearing. This all occured within minute or less. Pulled into a noco gasoline station. Put car in park but couldn't get the power off that kept the dashboard lights, headlights, air conditioning, horn on. Couldn't restart my car. I could only put my car into nuetral or park. Auto towed to the closed toyota dealership. Dashboard lights remained on. Unable to start the car or to lock the door manually or with the keyless system. Sunday, checked the carand the dashboard lights were off but I still couldn't start the car or lock the doors. Monday, explained my problem to service manager. This is what was done: new battery installed. No reprogramming of the ecu because the computer memory was gone due to this failure. Manager did not seem to understand what I meant about reprogramming the computer although said received all service bulletins from toyota. Asked for a copy of the work order for my records but he said he had to still figure out hours and so would send me a copy at a later date. . He explained the replaced battery communicated with the hybrid system and was sure this was the cause of the power failure. I had hoped the ecu would have been reprogramed. It wasn't. Special service campaigns 40a or 40 d are unknown to me. My vehicle has shown no problems during the last five days. Can I get my computer reprogrammed? Is it necessary? Recall going to be issued? I'm not safe!
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