On multiple occasions prior to the most recent incident date listed, the previously mentioned 2009 toyota prius has had intermittent complete or partial headlight failure. On multiple occasions that seem to be random in nature either the drivers side or passenger side headlight will fail individual while the counterpart (opposite headlight) will continue to operate. Also, as random as one individual headlight failing both headlights have gone out or failed simultaneously. The operator has been able to rectify the immediate hazard by simply turning the main activation switch for the headlight from "on" to "off" and then to "on" again. This procedure will, on most occasions temporarily rectify the immediate hazard but the intermittent failure has and will continue. Operator conducted research on the issue and discovered this is a common problem the 2005-2009 toyota prius is displaying. Toyota corporate was contacted by the operator and stated that a customer care initiative was directed to all toyota service departments to reduce the cost of replacement bulbs. However, what is unique about this situation is a headlamp hid bulb on the drivers side was replaced approximately one year ago and is the more frequent headlamp failure occurring. This seems to invalidate the remedy that toyota corporate has devised which is to replace the bulbs.
2009 Toyota Prius electrical complaints
Page 3 of 3: complaints 41 to 60 of 60, newest first, as owners wrote them.
2009 toyota prius. Consumer writes in regards to hybrid electric water pump recall notice. *smd the consumer stated two weeks after the hybrid water pump was fixed, a red triangle lamp appeared on the dashboard and the vehicle began to overheat. The consumer went back to the dealer and was charged 4202/16 for the diagnosis and informed him the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The consumer went to his personal mechanic, where the hybrid electric pump was replaced and the codes were cleared.
The back door/hatch switch rubber is melting/very sticky. The problem was first reported in the 2007 prius and other model toyota models. I expect that this switch will become defective and it is the only means to enter the hatch area of the prius.the hatch area is the location of the spare tire, flares and other safety products carried in the automobile. This is a very common problem of toyota models and is definitely a factory defective part.
When I turned on the car, the headlights would not turn on. Both lights had been fully operational the day before. Both high and low beams on both sides did not work, so it is definitely not the case that four separate bulbs or fuses all blew independently. I tried turning the headlight switch on and off several times, but this did not correct the problem. The fog lights do illuminate, but that is not enough illumination for safe driving in my area.
The headlights have been going out randomly for the last few months but only one at a time. This evening while driving home from a late meeting, both headlights went out while driving at 55mph. I pulled off the highway and tried turning the car off and on again. Headlights went on when I turned the car back on, so I resumed driving only to have the lights go out again! This time I flicked on the high beams and the lights came on. I stopped to grab a bite to eat figuring I could do the high beam trick again. When I started the car, the lights went on and high beams turned on when I engaged the lever. While driving home, less than 2 miles from where I started the car, headlights went out and the high beams did not work either when I attempted to turn them on. I pulled over to turn the car off and on again but with no luck this time. Very slowly drove the last mile home on the less traveled road with my flashers on...this situation is incredibly dangerous.
The vehicle stalled out while I was driving, four times in about a mile - including once on a very busy road with no shoulder. The electrical error board lit up, the transmission reverted to neutral or park and I could not put the car back into drive. After I turned the car off, and then turned it back on, it went into drive but only for a short while before lights started flashing and it stalled again.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 toyota prius. The contact stated that an extremely strong battery acid odor emitted inside of the vehicle through the vents. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for inspection. The technician was unable to determine the cause of failure and cleaned the entire upholstery in the vehicle; however the odor persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the problem. The contact planned to take the vehicle back to the dealer. The approximate failure mileage was 29,000.
I was gliding into a commercial parking space with my foot off the accelerator in the second before I moved my foot onto the brake. Suddenly, the accelerator pushed down by itself, the car surged forward towards the truck in the space in front of mine. I slammed on the brake. End of incident. No mat was in the way. I had taken part in the recall.
Re: 2009 toyota prius. Approx. 23k miles. On sunday, august 14, 2011 we were driving at about 40 MPH when without warning, the car completely shut down - all systems and all information displays. In spite of compromised steering and braking we were able to stop car. Car was completely unresponsive other than being able to turn on hazard signal. Vehicle was towed to a toyota dealer. Dealer just informed us that the cause was a water pump failure which caused the car to go into a "safe" mode shutting down the car without any warning or time for the driver to find a safe response. Upon questioning, the dealer also said this would also happen at higher speeds which in our opinion, could pose a life threatening situation not only for the operator but for those vehicles around him. Further when asked, the dealer said it did not know if the failure of any other components would cause a similar shut-down. Obviously, toyota's definition of "safe" mode is 180 degrees off and this is a system design flaw that needs to be addressed before it results in a tragedy (if it hasn't already done so).
This was the second time that the car would not start after a sitting for approximately seven days. It had to be towed to the dealer where purchased where checked and jumped. I was told to not let the car sit idle. Today I contacted toyota directly at 800‑331‑4221. I was given case # 1108121588. Representatives were very professional and checked with toyota technicians for the 2009 prius. Apparently, the car should not set for 4 to 5 days, (7 days at the outside) without being driven. Concern: dealer and toyota do not mention this serious flaw. As a sole female driver in the household, I would no have purchased this car given this very pertinent information. It means that something as simple as taking this car to the airport for a trip is not a prudent possibility. Trying to do a personal part to use less gas and lessen emissions comes with a serious and not stated safety issue.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 toyota prius. The contact stated that the fuel gauge would provide inaccurate readings of fuel levels. While driving 20 MPH, the vehicle completely shut down without warning due to a bladder fuel tank problem. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who replaced the bladder fuel tank under warranty. The manufacturer was contacted who offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 43,000. The consumer stated toyota paid for the repair. However, the gas gauge continues to be inaccurate and the consumer is unable to put no more than six gallons of gas in the vehicle. Also, at times, the vehicle would not shift into gear. Updated 06/30/11
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 toyota prius hybrid equipped with an aftermarket 10kw kit. The contact was driving 10 MPH with the 10kw plugged in when it caught on fire causing the standard hybrid vehicle to become an electric vehicle. The electrical wiring caught on fire which was located in the rear passenger side of the vehicle near the tail light. The fire was extinguished by the contact and there were no injuries. The fire department was called but the fire had been extinguished by the time they arrived. A fire report was not filed and the vehicle was towed to a mechanic shop who was unable to repair the vehicle. An authorized dealer was then contacted and they stated that because the 10kw was an after market part, they would not provide any assistance. The manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 33,126.
2009 prius - on two occasion recently when I went to make a right turn my steering froze and the engine died. I almost hit a car. I have had it into piercy toyota on two occasion and they still have not found anything. I am afraid to drive the car. It only ha 3000 miles on it. They have been nice, but no results. If the car is doing this now and they cannot find it what happens next. Not satisfied with there answer. I need your help.
Re: 2009 prius > upon arrival at church, engine would not shut off. Returned home, engine would not shut off. Could not remove 'key' from slot. About 2 hours later, car could be shut off. > called dealer and explained. Dealer said 'this has never happened, we will get back to you' which did not happen. Since then, there have been several times that the power switch had to be pressed several times to make the car shut off. > this is a very dangerous situation in the event of a crash or stuck accelerator. Dot should require manufacturers to use a conventional key switch to allow the driver to shut off the engine.
Tl*the contact owns a 2009 toyota prius. While driving 2 MPH in reverse, the contact shifted the vehicle into drive and noticed that the vehicle was still reversing. The vehicle was then shifted back into reverse and then back into drive before the vehicle would drive forward. The failure has occurred on three different occasions the vehicle had not been diagnosed by the dealer. He contact also stated that when pressing the start button the vehicle would not start. The brake light also illuminates on the instrument panel even though the brakes are not engaged. The failure mileage was 5000 and the current mileage was 10000.
Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6) several electronic malfunctions, all occurring when my blue tooth is connected. Some inadequately shielded wiring or connector(s) could account for this. I saw in the congressional testimony by a lady in a lexus used her blue tooth connection to call her husband during the 6 minutes of struggle to stop her car's out of control acceleration by various methods including both feet onn the brake. I have a 2009 toyota prius that the dealer says is working "normal." these events have not been normal, and on one occasion my energy screen that was doing wierd things actually changed to the speed dial screen. In another incident, (smart key feature is disabled because it drains the battery) I locked the car with my key fob as usual, and when I returned could not unlock it that way and had to dig out the "key" to open the door so I could start the car. My battery has died 3 times and was finally replaced. I bought this prius touring march 26, 2009. The dealer has no idea of what's going on, only tells me the car is "normal." I suspect something so simple as shielding from the weak blue tooth signal could well be causing a variety of problems, probably depending on where the faulty wiring is located. If nobody is investigating this, iit is a mistake!. [xxx]
Toyota prius yr/mdl 2009/1224 a I have attempted to have the following checked with toyota of hickory where I purchased the prius and was told that I needed to allow the battery to heat up before trying to place it into reverse or drive. My prius will go into n, it will lock all doors and windows and not go into gear or start. I have been locked in the car during this past summer without air and I attempted several times to cut the car on and off before it would go into gear. This is very horrific to say the least. I was at lake norman toyota yesterday and was told this was a common complaint. Yet no one offered to take this car in and check for problems. From the day I drove off the lot until now this hybrid gas/elec sedan has given me nothing but trouble. *tw
Tl*the contact owns a 2009 toyota prius. The contact was driving approximately 45 MPH on normal road conditions when the "engine" warning light indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. There were numerous failures with various components within the vehicle. The consumption mpg screen on the instrument panel displayed inaccurate information. The engine exhibited a reduction of engine power. When depressing the accelerator pedal an excessive decrease in acceleration occurred. The fm and am radio selector failed to function properly. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for diagnostic testing on two separate occasions. The technician was unable to duplicate the failures. There were no resolutions. The vehicle has not been repaired for the malfunctions. The failure mileage was 2,000. The VIN was rejected and will be updated upon receipt of the safety complaint form.
I have written toyota on several occasions and they have failed to respond. I own a 2009 prius. First,navigation system is very poor and sends you to wrong addresses. On aug 17,2009,the fuel gauge was at one bar and a red triangle came on dash and car started pulling and dragging. I pulled off of the road on the shoulder and tried to restart car. It started again and then it pulled and dragged and I got back on the shoulder. It would not move.I tried to place the vehicle in neutral but it would only stay in park. This created a dangerous problem especially not being able to move the car and then the tow truck had to make arrangements because car would not leave park. As I waited for 2 hours for the tow truck,the hazard warning lights I turned on and then they only would blink on the right side of the vehicle. This is very dangerous since it was my left side that was exposed to traffic. I was later told that the car ran out of gas. This does not explain the nonfunctional hazard light system,the vehicle being frozen in park and the pulling and dragging on the highway. Was the gas gauge malfunctioning? I have written toyota many times and completed surveys explaining these concerns and they fail to acknowledge or respond. I think a safety issue is raised.
Hi there, I have a new 2009 toyota prius. A couple of days ago as I was pulling into the parking spot at the garage my foot on the brake, the car started all of a sudden moving very smoothly without any resistance regardless of my attempts to stop it. It was hitting the wall in front of it a couple of times until I managed to power down the car. The front bumper of the car is completely destroyed and will need to be replaced. I took the car to a dealer to check brakes thoroughly. They did and told me that everything is fine with the brakes. Personally I strongly believe that the brakes have mind of their own and I sincerely hope that they will not fail on me in traffic since I am a mother, I have a 1-year old boy. His safety is a top priority for me. Right after my car was purchased it had to stay at a dealer for a week since there was some electrical problem, I believe with doors. Both that fact and now the brake failure make me wonder if my car is a lemon. Please help to sort this out. Thank you!
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