2008 Toyota Prius: stuck in gear or won't shift

Filed Jul 9, 2024 · Transmission · WA

In temperatures above 95 degrees the vehicle shifts into neutral while driving, and you need to physically hold the shift lever in Drive or Reverse to keep it out of neutral. It won't go into park at all unless you restart. This could cause a fatal accident while driving, particularly on the freeway. It has not yet been confirmed since it only happens at very high temperatures, which is rare where I live (Seattle). There has been quite a lot of discussion on Reddit and other internet sites about this problem with Priuses, particularly the 2008 model. I have an appointment with my mechanic to replace the shift lever assembly, which appears to be the most commonly referenced fix. There are no warning lights, other messages, or symptoms before or while this is happening. The problem resolves when the air temperature goes back down.

Filed Jan 10, 2020 · Electrical · 110,000 miles · AZ

I was driving my car as normal on a city street and the speedometer and warning lights (except for the check engine light) all turned off. We pulled over but the car would not go into park or turn off. We had no choice but to continue driving, not knowing our speed or any warning lights that could prevent serious injury (including knowing the level of the gas). Once we got home it took about 10 minutes to get the car into park and off, but pressing the park and power buttons in random orders. I have no idea what ultimately allowed the car to turn off. It has happened twice now and it's scary not knowing the speed all the sudden in the middle of driving. Also, having been in such a habit of clicking the park button and being safely in park, we almost crashed into our house after being in the driveway the second time, not realizing the display had just gone out again for a second time upon arriving home. The car continued rolling forward of course until the brakes were slammed. I understand there was an extended warranty for my year prius (2008), but has since ended. This is a safety issue and I have no idea why this wasn't a recall. Toyota needs to continue to honor the repair of vehicles that are affected. Just recently, it was released that toyota is recalling the 2019 models for this same issue (speedometer going out) and they are referring to it as a safety issue. This should be done for any model affected and should not have an end date.

Filed Jun 23, 2015 · 57,000 miles · AZ

2008 prius will not shift into gear. The shift gears pop back into 'neutral' position and will not stay in 'drive' or 'reverse' making it impossible to drive.

Filed Jul 3, 2012 · Transmission · 52,000 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 toyota prius. The contact stated that the vehicle could only be shifted into neutral. The contact also stated that the vehicle shifted into neutral independently and would not shift into drive, reverse or park. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer but they were unable to replicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer a year later for the same problem, where the gear shift assembly was replaced the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 52,000. Updated 07/25/12*lj updated 7/26/12 *cn updated 07/30/12 the consumer stated the vehicle would not go into park or drive. The consumer stated a piece of clear, flexible plastic attached to the lever behind the knob with the r/n/d seemed to stick to the lever guide. It happened more when it was hot, either because the clear plastic became more sticky, or because it expanded a little or both. It would then prevent the lever from returning completely to its right most position, and the lever would stay in the middle position. The consumer stated she tried to slide the clear plastic back with her fingers towards the knob, so it was in less contact with the guide, it made the lever slide more freely and she has not experienced any more problems since then. Updated 08/02/12 updated 08/08/12.

Filed Mar 27, 2010 · 30,000 miles · OH

My wife kathy and I own a 2009 prius. We have experienced a problem that is persistent but the dealer cannot replicate the problem on the last several visits for routine service. They checked bulletins etc. But claim no problem exists. The problem: "lunging of the vehicle and noise with shaking of the car." my wife drives the vehicle most of the time and experiences the problem often. I experienced the problem mainly in a parked situation standing next to the car talking to friends. In quiet mode, something like a compressor kicks in or engine starts, car literally lunged forward and rocked back and the clanging noise sounded as if the motor mounts were not doing their job. I explained the symptom to the dealer and they said there is not a compressor? I realize compressors are old school but that's the best correlation I can come up with. Another issue: after starting the car, moves from park to neutral but will not go into reverse or drive. This is an occasional issue. Please help! Response: thank you for contacting toyota motor sales, u.s.a., inc. We appreciate your consideration and hope to have your email addressed as quickly as possible. Our current office hours are monday through friday from 5 am to 6 pm and saturday 7 am to 4 pm pacific time. If you need immediate assistance, we recommend you contact the customer relations manager at your local toyota dealership. ----- dealership said they cannot find anything! ------ my wife and I are realtors and we've had clients that don't want to ride with us in a prius because of the recent news. I just want to know if my vehicle is safe?

Filed Feb 15, 2010 · Acceleration, Brakes · 40,000 miles · NH · crash

I own a toy.pri.2008,on 02/03/10 I was leaving driveway applied gas,car took off across st. Into tidalflow of at. Ocean at high tide,the car would not shift. Brake or turn off. The police pic's noteded gas pedal was not visible, floor mat was over it, the salt water was in car and upon leaving car it was waist deep. The car was serviced 1/4/10 at toyota dealer for state inspetion and usual mt. Never mentioned recall of mats which I now find was a well known fact in sept.09. They are insisting it will dry out and be fine,salt water on any car is deadly buti hybrid. The hour it sat in water prior to tow,the car still would not shut off. I called toyota that day as tow took car to it,they insisted that there was no issues with 2008 prius. The car was moving much faster than my 10mph of origin and would not brake,shift or shut off. Water was pouring out stereo speakers and up under hood on/or under engine block,the engine ran for the hour the car sat in salt water. Toyota hsa been absolutely no help and still insists despite an offical recall that there were troubles with 2008 prius. The police photos say it all.