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2008 Toyota Prius fuel system complaints

Page 2 of 3: complaints 11 to 40 of 58, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2008 Toyota Prius fuel system problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Aug 11, 2019 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 204,710 miles · SC

Second generation toyota prius (model years 04-09, an estimated 669,700 vehicles, toyota highlander 06 ~66,200 vehicles (and lexus models~196,000 vehicles) have a known defective brake power booster known as brake actuator assembly. Toyota published tsb 0032-16. The brakes fail. Toyota denied to remove the known faulty part in 2016 because the part had not established symptoms yet and vehicle was over 175,000 miles. 5/24/2019 while in motion on interstate 77, the yellow anti-lock brake system ABS, the electronic variable speed control vsc (traction) , the electronic controlled brake alert lamps illuminate. The hybrid propulsion system fails because the power brakes do not regenerate electricity to charge the hybrid battery fuel cells. Turning the hybrid vehicle into a plain gas powered vehicle with faulty brakes. The power brake system creates a thumping vibration sound due to the pressure inside the actuator is not retaining/holding pressure. I asked local o'reily's to scan vehicle, reading codes brake actuator failure. Reported to toyota dealership 5/30/2019 with yellow warning lamps engaged and with knowledge of codes. Charged $150.09 to verify codes that I retrieved in 3 minutes and estimate $2938.47 to replace known faulty part. I contacted toyota national -1906030924.toyota needs to own this recall. Recall the faulty part known to fail in 2016. Toyota aware of part failure, to such extent, toyota discontinued this brake actuator and redesigned for generation 3 2010-. Toyota has updated the replacement part with new part #s. How many vehicles are currently on highways with this known faulty system, endangering all vehicles in proximity? This is a national issue. A safety issue. Needs immediate attention, please. I purchased new updated part, drove to tampa, florida to have installed by professional installer.

Filed Aug 11, 2019 · Fuel system · 204,732 miles · SC

Fuel cell (rigid gas tank has a bladder inside). Toyota published technical service bulletin in 2008, concerning the failure of gas tank. The inner bladder can deform. The 10 gallon tank no longer accepts total volume of gas. 05/2019, and my 08 prius accepts only 3.8 gallons of gas at a full fill-up. Gauge quickly advances from full mark to six cells, then 3 and at 182 miles between full, the warning empty lamp engages. Toyota aware of this defect of generation 2 (04-09 model years). To such extent, the collapsible bladder inside the tank was abandoned for generation 3 models. This solid problem needs to be addressed. Gas tank deforms.

Filed Jul 15, 2019 · Fuel system · 98,000 miles · TX

The fuel gauge and fuel sensor doesn't work in the 2008 prius touring that I just purchased on july 09, 2019. The dealership that I purchased it from did not inform me of this issue at all. Now I see that this exact issue is happening to a lot of these particular year models. The reset for the faulty readings doesn't work either... Please do a recall for this issue!!! I am on disability and can not afford to pay for this defect!!! I'm afraid to go more than a few blocks in this car for fear of running out of gas... I have no clue how much gas is in this thing as it spits a lot of what I put in, back out when it suddenly overflows gas all over me. Are there other options available to help us owners???

Filed Oct 10, 2018 · Fuel system · 5 miles · VA

When the vehicle stopped at the traffic light then it turns go, the prius doesn't speed up even when you press on gas pedal, it hesitates to move for awhile before it picks up the speed which is a hazard.

Filed Aug 7, 2018 · Fuel system · 74,900 miles · CO

Inverter cooler water pump failed during normal interstate driving speed (70 MPH).

Filed Jul 20, 2018 · Electrical, Fuel system · 20,000 miles · GA

This is a ridiculously dangerous car. The push button system for starting is extremely dangerous for kids. My wife loads my three year old in the prius with her keys in her bag. The older son who is five likes cars and jumps in the drivers seat at the base of our driveway on the hill where he can start the car since she is within 10-15 feet of the car.

Filed Jul 5, 2018 · Fuel system · 100,000 miles · PA

After starting the car I put the car into drive and the transmission pops right into neural after moving forward slightly. I attempted this several times. I was able to use the car by holding the shifting lever manually in the drive position. After I drive the car that way for 10 or 15 min. It works as intended. This happens about every couple months. This happens right after starting car when the car is wanted up or cold.

Filed Mar 17, 2018 · Airbags, Electrical · 185,000 miles · AZ · crash · 2 injuries

I was in an automobile accident in feb of 2015 I hot another vehicle going approximately 15mph no air bags were deployed and the police officer and body shop both were surprised no air bags deployed. I'm curious if this was due to a fault you airbag and luckly I wasn't seriously injured. My dash computer sensor went out in 2015, causing me to not be able to read an odometer, speedometer, etc. I had this part replaced at my expense due to the safety hazard it potentially could cause I'd like to see a formal recall for this part. Toyota acknowledged the safety error and did issue a extended warranty which I was not covered by. I replaced my inverter a third time in 2017 die to over heating. After the recall was performed I did noticed deceased power which greatly affected the performance of my vehicle making it more sluggish. Due to the performance loss I've not been able to use the car for normal trips that were taken previously due to safety concerns.

Filed Aug 8, 2017 · Fuel system · 132,335 miles · VA

The fuel gauge for my 2008 toyoto prius recently became inaccurate and it was determined defective according to the toyoto dealership, which required me to spend $1,115 to have it and its gas tank replaced. I wrote toyoto on june 24, 2017 asking that they reimburse me for the defect. When they failed to respond I called toyoto customer experience center, who told me that they would not reimburse me because the defect was "out of warranty" and there had been "no recalls." please investigate and order toyoto to conduct a recall and reimburse its owners. Inaccurate defective prius fuel gauges appears to be a widespread problem, with repairpal.com reporting 119 complaints. And in the past the federal safety agency has determined that inaccurate fuel gauges is a safety issue since "it may result in the vehicle unexpectedly running out of fuel and stalling, increasing the risk of a crash."

Filed Apr 17, 2017 · Electrical, Fuel system · 130,000 miles · CA

When vehicle is turned on, instrument cluster also known as the combination meter, fail to turn on. This issue is very concerning due to the overall computer controlled functions of this vehicle. The speedometer, trip meter, odometer and other functions are not functioning due to the failure of the combination meter. Functions that are considered safety items such as the power brakes, power steering, anti lock brake system, speedometer, lights, etc. There is an issued warranty covering the issue up to a certain amount of time however since it is not a wear and tear item it should be covered by the manufacturer regardless. After vehicle is eventually ignited, combination meter does not illuminate and when attempting to turn off the vehicle, it fails to do so which also includes not being able to remove the key. I was advised by a toyota mechanic to access the safety override by holding the power button however that procedure does not work all of the time. I am very concerned about this issue due to my safety and drivers around me and their safety and hopefully this issue can be avoided before a possible a catastrophic accident happens.

Filed Sep 26, 2016 · Body, Brakes · 82,000 miles · MA · crash

I was in a parking lot and turned my car into a parking space. As I slowed my car to bring it to a stop, applying the brake, the car accelerated on its own and crashed into a railing at the head of the parking space. Although I pushed the brake all the way to to floor, I could not stop the car. The car hit at such a speed that it broke a solid wood railing at the front of the parking space. My car was declared a total loss by my insurance company because of the damage. It seemed to me the car accelerated on its own and the brake was nonfunctional. I could not stop the car. I had two related incidents prior to this crash. The first, I rear-ended another vehicle when applying the brake to stop at a traffic light. Again, the car accelerated and the brake would not stop it. Even with the brake fully pressed, the car hit the other vehicle, bounced backward, continued to accelerate and hit the car again before coming to a stop. Secondly, one time I noticed when applying the brake to make a sharp right turn, the car lurched forward. This did not result in a crash.

Filed Jan 18, 2015 · Fuel system · 118,989 miles · CA

The electric hybrid pump failed on 01/08/2013 and was replaced by the toyota dealer which was under recall, and less than 13 thousand miles and 4 months later (05/13/14), the same part failed again and this time I was charged over $700 to have it replaced again.

Filed Sep 30, 2014 · Fuel system · 65,000 miles · CA

While in the line for a car wash, I released the brake to move forward. Upon applying the brake to stop, the prius accelerated causing me to slam on the brake. My wife experienced a similar incident with the same prius several months later while in a parking lot. She applied the brake at a very slow speed and the car accelerated forward causing her to also slam on the brakes.

Filed Aug 14, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 126,000 miles · NY

I was driving my 2008 prius on highway and warning light came on. In 2 minutes all power gone and I have had to towed to the dealer. They said, water pump failed and because of that hybrid inverter fried. Car was out of guaranty and there was no recall about water pump. I paid nearly $5.000.00 for water pump and hybrid invertor. I have seen there is a recall about water pump now. Is there any way I can get my money back?

Filed Jun 25, 2014 · Fuel system · NY

2008 toyota prius. Consumer writes in regards to all the dash board warning lights set off at the same time due to the inverter pump failing. *smd the consumer stated when the incident happened, there was a loud sound and a sudden decrease in power. The consumer discovered the inverter pump failing, was a common issue with her make and model vehicle.

Filed May 1, 2014 · Acceleration, Airbags · 55,960 miles · CA · crash · 1 injury

On 09/01/10, we took our 2008 prius in because there were two times the car didn't stop when we used the brakes. I told the service manager, the car was accelerating on its own. It was scary and I feared an accident. After they worked on the car, I was told that it was the floor mats that interfered with the accelerator pedal. It didn't make sense to me because I had to put my foot under the pedal to raise it up since it was stuck. I was angry they completely ignored the fact the car was accelerating on its own and acted as though the problem was handled. On 03/31/12, w. Manchester/hindry, before 2:00 p.m., it had drizzled, I stopped at a light, drove ahead and at a fork in the road I tapped my brakes to slow down on a curve. Instead, the car kept accelerating. I stepped on the brakes but the car did not respond. The car kept gaining speed! I was at least 3 car lengths behind other car, plenty of time to stop but the car accelerated no matter how hard I stepped on the brakes. It was terrifying! I realized I was going to crash and there was nothing I could do to prevent it. I rear ended the mercedes, the airbags failed to deploy. I had 2 boxes of books in the trunk that hit the back of my seat and knocked down the rear seats from the impact. The car was towed. Damages: $5,988.79. Medical: $25,000. Next month, a cracked pump was discovered at firewall, due to the accident. The black box showed impact was at 35 MPH, (35-27) MPH, 0.02 sec. Injuries: concussion, whiplash, back spasms, double-crush injury, ptsd, depression, migraines. I couldn't drive or start physical therapy for 4 mos., until 07/27/12. My therapist worked alot to relax my muscles, I had traction, bought a traction device $400. And 6 mos. Of chiropractic for muscle spasms. 12/08/12, I had a nerve-test, it was abnormal for a double-crush injury. Prescribed xanax for ptsd, anxiety.

Filed May 1, 2014 · Acceleration, Airbags · 55,960 miles · CA · crash · 1 injury

On 09/01/10, we took our 2008 prius in because there were two times the car didn't stop when we used the brakes. I told the service manager, the car was accelerating on its own. It was scary and I feared an accident. After they worked on the car, I was told that it was the floor mats that interfered with the accelerator pedal. It didn't make sense to me because I had to put my foot under the pedal to raise it up since it was stuck. I was angry they completely ignored the fact the car was accelerating on its own and acted as though the problem was handled. On 03/31/12, w. Manchester/hindry, before 2:00 p.m., it had drizzled, I stopped at a light, drove ahead and at a fork in the road I tapped my brakes to slow down on a curve. Instead, the car kept accelerating. I stepped on the brakes but the car did not respond. The car kept gaining speed! I was at least 3 car lengths behind other car, plenty of time to stop but the car accelerated no matter how hard I stepped on the brakes. It was terrifying! I realized I was going to crash and there was nothing I could do to prevent it. I rear ended the mercedes, the airbags failed to deploy. I had 2 boxes of books in the trunk that hit the back of my seat and knocked down the rear seats from the impact. The car was towed. Damages: $5,988.79. Medical: $25,000. Next month, a cracked pump was discovered at firewall, due to the accident. The black box showed impact was at 35 MPH, (35-27) MPH, 0.02 sec. Injuries: concussion, whiplash, back spasms, double-crush injury, ptsd, depression, migraines. I couldn't drive or start physical therapy for 4 mos., until 07/27/12. My therapist worked alot to relax my muscles, I had traction, bought a traction device $400. And 6 mos. Of chiropractic for muscle spasms. 12/08/12, I had a nerve-test, it was abnormal for a double-crush injury. Prescribed xanax for ptsd, anxiety.

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 Oct 4, 2013 · Fuel system, Lights · 56,100 miles · CA

2008 prius headlamps intermittent hid problem. This is a known and common problem with toyota prius 2004-2009. No recall for it that I am aware of, however they light will go out randomly. The cost of repair can been extreme. Toyota was sued for this, but did not make an official recall (http://www.girardgibbs.com/toyota-prius/). When driving my lights will go out for no reason. Turn the switch off and back on will sometimes correct the issue, but others times I have to wait a bit and retry. This is a danger and safety issue. I have read where repairs can run from 300 - 1100 per side to repair. In addition, the rear lift gate latch rubber is becoming very sticky. I have again read numerous complaints that it eventually melts and again toyota has not put a recall in place for this. Lastly the mpg is horrible. In the city I get 27 to 36 randomly changes, there is no stability in the mpg. It is all over the board. I am the only driver. This vehicle was purchased at tustin toyota in tustin california. They have refused all calls from me. They have not called back after 4 messages and two internet chat messages.

Filed Mar 12, 2013 · Electrical, Engine · 78,396 miles · AR

My car had hesitation issues since shortly after I bought it. It would bog down, and almost die in traffic. I would lose speed on the hwy/road & nearly get hit. Previously, the dealer replaced the gas tank because its "bladder" was bad @ 54,057 miles on 08/05/2011. The factory split the cost on this repair (which appears to occur more than they are admitting). The performance improved for a little while, but there has always been funny noises coming from my vehicle and the car would not power on at times. Other times, it would freeze or power off. The maintenance warning lights would come on and then turn off. Infrequently, air would come through the backseat vents like it is supposed to. Frequently, I would smell unusual smells after stopping my car. My car ate up the inside of a new set of tires very quickly despite being properly aligned. The HVAC blower motor was cutting on and off at times and making funny noises. Many times when it would cut off, I could open and slam the hood and the HVAC blower motor would engage, as if there was an electrical short in it. When the HVAC blower motor quit altogether, I took my car to the dealer. The dealer said that the mower had gone out. There was an actual problem with the hv electric water pump as well as a factory recall. Interestingly, the dealer discovered tat the engine motor water pump was also leaking. What a coincidence! Now that all of these components have been replaced, my car appears to work normal again like it has not worked since I first bought the car.

Filed Feb 2, 2013 · Fuel system · 62,000 miles · IL

I only can put 4 gallons of gas in my prius. Toyota say it is ok.

Filed Apr 5, 2012 · Fuel system · 42,000 miles · FL

Incorrect fuel gauge/rubber bladder caused the engine to shutdown while traveling down the interstate. Gauge showed 2 bars 5 minutes before the engine shutdown.

Filed Dec 3, 2011 · Fuel system · 56,000 miles · CA

I normally get about 450 miles out of one 11.9 gallon tank. Recently, I discovered my fuel gauge light going off at 300 miles. When I filled up my tank it only took 7 gallons, leaving 5 gallons that should have been in the tank. After filling it up, fuel gauge light went off just below 300 miles. When I took my vehicle in for an oil change I asked about it thinking there was something wrong with my fuel sensor. I was advised by the clerk that it was the bladder, and to just keep it full-thats all. He gave other advise like make sure the tire pressure on my tires were good (they were rotated and checked a week prior to this), and to check my air filter. Now I am confused, and do not know how much fuel is actually in my tank. I have had my vehicle for 3 1/2 years and never had a problem till now.

Filed May 6, 2011 · Fuel system · 33,000 miles · AZ

Tl*the contact owns a 2008 toyota prius. While driving approximately 70 MPH the vehicle stalled. The contact stated the fuel system warning light illuminated immediately before the vehicle stalled. The contact also stated the owner's manual indicated that when the fuel system warning light illuminated the vehicle should have had at least 3 gallons of fuel left. A tow truck appeared on the scene to deliver more fuel to the contact. The vehicle was not taken to have the failure diagnosed and was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 33,000.

Filed Oct 12, 2010 · Fuel system · 35,000 miles · WA

2008 toyota prius: refueling started to become a problem at 35,000 miles. Tank would not refill completely and gas is "burped" out tank. Very frustrating refueling because gas hose clicks off repeatedly even though tank is not full. Typically tank will take an additional 2 gallons of fuel after the first time it clicks "full". It takes 5 minutes to put in last 2 gallons and then fuel bubbles up and pours out of tank. I could see the air bubbles working their way to the surface as the gas tank burps out the fuel. The bladder gas tank is clearly defective and it is impossible to know when tank is full. Michael's toyota of bellevue, washington has been worthless - first telling me they aren't aware of this issue and they had no problem refilling the car and the last time telling me there is nothing they can do and I should call toyota. Great customer service... Thanks heavens the car is out of warranty because I have no interest in doing further business with them. Toyota should acknowledge this defect and replace the bladder gas tank with a regular version.

Filed Jul 30, 2010 · Fuel system · 59,000 miles · CA

On 7/26/10 I purchased 2008 certified toyota prius. I didn't receive car until 7/28/10. I took the car back to dealership on 7/29/10 because the inside cabin smells like gas after the car is turned on for about 5 minutes. Dealership confirmed that it did smell like gas and it was dangerous to drive. Currently toyota is looking at cause of problem. I fear this car might be a dangerous combination of high power voltage and gas fumes. Vehicle was not properly inspected and sold in a dangerous condition. Dealership I purchased from is longo toyota located in el monte, ca.

Filed Jul 30, 2010 · Fuel system · 59,000 miles · CA

On 7/26/10 I purchased 2008 certified toyota prius. I didn't receive car until 7/28/10. I took the car back to dealership on 7/29/10 because the inside cabin smells like gas after the car is turned on for about 5 minutes. Dealership confirmed that it did smell like gas and it was dangerous to drive. Currently toyota is looking at cause of problem. I fear this car might be a dangerous combination of high power voltage and gas fumes. Vehicle was not properly inspected and sold in a dangerous condition.

Filed Apr 27, 2010 · Brakes, Engine · OH

S10 appropriate handling-letter to the secretary from re toyota problems *tgw the consumer stated the brakes made a noise. According to the dealer, there may have been rust on the rotors, due to lack of driving. The vehicle was not getting proper gas mileage and the gas motor made a lot of noise.

Filed Mar 12, 2010 · Acceleration, Fuel system · CA

Throttle malfunction - 2008 toyota prius. Driving 50-55 m/h on north 280 near millbrae, ca in heavy rain. Vehicle accelerated without pressing the gas pedal. Engine revved 3 times in succession (sounded like: vroom, vroom, vroom) while accelerating to 65 m/h. All this time I was stepping on the breaks. Acceleration eventually stopped went back to normal after a few minutes. I drove the car directly to the nearest toyota dealership in daly city but was told that there was no problem with the car. This malfunction only occurred once.

Filed Mar 10, 2010 · Acceleration, Engine · 45,000 miles · IL · crash

On 31 december 2009 my 08 prius was slowed down prior to turning into a driveway, when it suddenly accelerated. It went out of control and crashed into trees and a powerpole. The floor mat, that according to toyota is supposed to cause this, was properly attached to the pegs in the floor, and in proper place even after the crash recently, on 6 april, 2010, I again experienced a sudden unexplained acceleration when going about 5/10 miles per hour. It lasted about four seconds and did not result in an accident.

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