2008 Toyota Prius: engine overheating

Filed Dec 20, 2025 · NY

In 2025 I decided to clean the hybrid battery fan. I removed the side panels and found that the fan to battery duct had never been installed. I am the original owner and no one had ever removed the inside panels or had reason to remove the duct. This has likely resulted in the overheated battery which now needs replacing even though I have only 161,000 miles on this car which I have always maintained without fail regarding oil changes and other maintenance tasks.

Filed Jun 5, 2025 · Brakes, Electrical · LA

I recently took my vehicle to the dealership because all the hazard lights on the dash came on. They diagnosed it as an issue with the inverter water pump and suggested that the engine was overheating, which was causing the hazard light to appear on the dashboard. So I had them replace that part and everything was fine. A week later, I went to drive to work and my entire dashboard was out. My radio, clock, blinkers, and brakes worked, but I could not see the speedometer, gas gauge, odometer or any other dashboard features. When I tried to restart the car, it wouldn't turn off. I tried several times and even got my husband to try. When we couldn't turn it off, I drove blindly straight to the dealership. They diagnosed the issue as being a problem with the combination meter. Recently, I found out that there was a Customer Support Program through Toyota that replaced the combination meter in my same car model. This service expired in 2017. I got the car in 2020-21. Thankfully I was home, and was able to follow my husband to the dealership. I'm not sure what I would've done if this happened while I was out. I am also have traction issues with the brakes. When I try to brake on a slope or incline, the glide hazard lights come on. It's happened several times when it's raining, but it's been happening more when it's not. I typically give enough space between myself and the car in front of me, but it's concerning that the brakes lock up when I'm on any type of sloped surface.

Filed Aug 31, 2016 · Lights · 115,000 miles · VA

Right front headlight fades out after 9-10 minutes of driving. Toyota dealer says it's due to some "overheating" issue and wants $600+ to replace!!

Filed Mar 17, 2016 · Electrical · 106,000 miles · CA

Took my prius into the dealer today for service. Later, the writer called to tell me that the mechanic had found a build-up of link and dirt that might lead up an overheating or other issues with the battery pack beneath the rear seat. I paid approximately $350 to have the battery fan serviced and later discovered that this issue is under investigation by the fhtsa. I can provide a copy of the now-paid service bill.

Filed Mar 11, 2011 · Lights · 49,000 miles · PA

Headlight passenger side going while driving coming back on do not know when both will go out. Cost to replace one headlight $150 for bulb $95 to replace. Have heard other owners having same problems and more then one time. Have heard of overheating problem causing early outage of bulbs over and over. Also problem with computer causing these problems. Problem show up for first time I believe in 2010. It is getting worst and I'm no longer driving.

Filed Apr 3, 2010 · Lights · CA

I noticed the passenger side headline on my 2008 prius start flickering, my car has 44k miles. According to my dealership, the fixture is overheating and will fail soon. Total cost to replace and install new bulb will be over $400 for a light bulb. I believe that this part or design is defective.

Filed Dec 3, 2009 · Lights · 40,000 miles · IL

Drivers side headlight failed. Did not work at all after turning headlights on and off. I was traveling for work (about 2000 miles of driving over 4 days) and did not have time to either repair the problem myself or take it to the dealer. During the 4 days of driving with one headlight, I noticed the passenger's side headlight failing as well, intermittently, leaving me with no headlights. If I turned the lights off then back on, the passenger side worked, but the drivers side still didn't. The passenger side light would stay on for hours after cycling the power, so it seems to me like a random intermittent problem, not due to overheating or bulb life.