2008 Toyota Prius: engine failure

Filed May 1, 2018 · Engine · 98,357 miles · KY

Our 2008 prius experienced engine failure while driving ca. 70 MPH on a day when the temperature was between 90 and 95 degrees. This appears to be the same problem with the inverter that has happened on later models, especially as 'high thermal stress' featured in reports of those. Two mechanics were unable to pull a computer code on it and said they couldn't offer an opinion unless it was replicated. Each mentioned the inverter problem, but claimed that it could only have happened on model years more recent than ours. A toyota company rep claimed never to have heard of it happening on any car before 2010. I asked if there were a database of such issues she could check to see if other owners had anything similar happen before 2010, but she declined to do so. I believe she claimed that the company maintained no such database. All I remember for sure is that she projected no inclination to follow up, appearing to treat it as a one-off problem that didn't merit further attention. This happened while I was passing a truck, with a car close behind clearly intending to pass me after I had gotten around the truck. I suddenly realized that I had no acceleration and that the dash lights had come on. I was luckily able to steer across the driving lane to the right shoulder without being hit as my speed dropped. I tried starting the car again; it started up as if nothing had happened so we continued, carefully, on our way. That specific problem has not reoccurred, although there were two incidents (one earlier that day and one the day before) when pushing 'start' failed to start the engine. Dash lights and air conditioner fan came on, but engine did not start until the 'start' button had been pushed twice more. In both of these cases the temperature was also in the 90s.

Filed Dec 27, 2017 · Engine · 108,497 miles · CO

My car had performed perfectly for the first 100k miles. By 112k miles the oil was very low, no oil on the dip stick when I went in to have the oil change. Yet there was no low oil light or engine light to warn me. This was a complete surprise to me since that had never happened before and the usage had been at a normal rate up until then. I began looking for leaks, etc with no evidence of that. The next service it was again extremely low. I now know that I must add about a quart every 1000 miles to keep up with its demand. The dealer and other mechanics all tell me the only solution is a new engine. Some suggest a used or rebuilt one though they are still many thousands of dollars. This problem, they say, will only get worse, clogging the spark plugs and potentially having an incident of engine stalling or shutting totally down while driving. This is a safety issue that toyota should be fixing. I paid $1500 for an extended warranty for the first 100k miles with no problems, and now, it seems, I am stuck with a true lemon! This car should be listed with the others that toyota has acknowledged have engine defects because it has the same problem. I will never by another toyota unless they warranty this issue. The word is getting out. They do not take care of their defect problems. So much for the very undeserved reputation of many toyota models!

Filed Mar 20, 2017 · Electrical, Transmission · 146,600 miles · AZ

Inverter water pump replaced at 75000 miles under recall and failure. Same pump failed again at 146600 miles. Replacement pump lasted less miles than original. Pump design or manufacture is not adequate for service. Diagnosis was pump seized during expressway driving (65 MPH). Did not cause an immediate stoppage but vsc warning caused reduced controllability.

Filed Jan 31, 2017 · Engine · 130,000 miles · FL

Toyota has excluded the prius in advising their owner about excessive oil consumption but included the camry, corolla, seqoiua etc. It burns/not leaks 1 quart every 1,000miles. No warning light on the prius just have to keep checking it. Dealer says no fix except eventually put in a new engine. On the prius chat forum many people have noted the same problem with no assistance from toyota.

Filed Oct 22, 2013 · Acceleration, Engine · 38,550 miles · CA

While driving,no more gas power,warning lights on,vsc too.throttle response was not working,turned off the car for few minutes and restarted it,it worked for a short while and did it again... Toyota oakland said I needed to replace the engine throttle body.$1600!!! One month after the warranty wore off.

Filed May 8, 2009 · Engine · 23,500 miles · PA

2009 toyota prius, engine failure while driving 65 MPH on highway., pulled over momentarily and proceeded. First occurrence. Engine stop running on hwy driving at 55 MPH, had to be towed to dealer for repair. Second occurrence.