2011 Toyota Prius engine problems

Filed Sep 22, 2026 · Engine · NJ

Coolant leak into the engine, confirmed by the Toyota servicing center. This may be a common problem with the Toyota Prius, causing early engine failure from a design defect.

Filed Jan 15, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · MD

I was driving my car at over 70 mph on a highway, no check engine, no issues, just had oil changed when check hybrid system alert came on with check engine light. I started to change lanes to get to shoulder when my car just died, completely. It died in the middle of the highway merging with another major road, so I was stuck between 2 lanes of 70mph traffic on either side. The time to react to the sudden warning to my car dying was less than 2 minutes. I quickly called 911 to ask for help and was told someone had already reported my breakdown as well because my car had died in a horribly dangerous area. I was very lucky that a state trooper came quickly and blocked off my car until it could be towed for repair. I was told that I need a new Hybrid Battery. The fact that I had no signs of failure before complete shut down makes for a very dangerous driving situation and makes me second guess ever buying a Prius again.

Filed Jul 2, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · 227,000 miles · CA

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2011 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 145,000 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 227,000. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to Auto Zone and was informed that the catalytic converter had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that it was not a new failure and that there was a possibility that the dealer may have removed the check engine light prior to the sale.

Filed Apr 29, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · 117,000 miles · NE

The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated, the vehicle had unexpectedly shut off. Additionally, the transmission failed to shift into the intended gear. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who replaced the catalytic converter, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer who diagnosed that the inverter was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V053000 (HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 117,000.

Filed Jan 27, 2025 · Brakes, Electrical · CA

In 11/2024, I started experiencing intermittent noises coming from the engine compartment of my 2011 Toyota Prius. The initial sound resembled the buzzing noise generated when first starting the vehicle. Then the noise started to persist for extended periods after the vehicle was turned off. It would oscillate between buzzing for approximately 10 seconds & remaining dormant for about 1 minute, repeating this cycle. The duration of these cycles could extend for up to 20 minutes. Concurrently, I experienced several instances where the brake pedal would abruptly become stiff & difficult to press. Notably, no warning lights were illuminated on the dashboard. Recognizing these symptoms as unusual, I conducted online research and discovered that the issue could potentially stem from a malfunction in the “brake booster pump and assembly.” Given the potential for a loss of braking power and the risk of personal/public safety, I scheduled a diagnostic inspection at Toyota of Poway, Poway, CA, on 12/18/2024. It confirmed the presence of a problem with the brake booster pump and associated components. In light of this diagnosis, I made the decision to refrain from driving the vehicle until the repairs were completed. The repair costs amounted to $3,475.47. I found I had received a notification from Toyota’s Customer Support Program, designated as “Customer Support Program Notification-ZJB.” This notification explicitly acknowledged this defect & provided a repair coverage policy that stipulated a coverage policy of which I’m no longer entitled to. Despite not meeting the eligibility criteria for the repair coverage program, I am deeply troubled by the fact that this recognized defect persists in vehicles currently on the road, such as mine, without any corresponding recall action and subsequent repair costs covered by Toyota. Fortunately, I was spared from any accidents as a direct consequence of this issue. Many similar complaints here support this dangerous issue!

Filed May 31, 2023 · Engine · 150,000 miles · CA · fire

The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the contact smelled an abnormal burning odor and then heard an abnormal explosion. The contact observed black smoke coming from under the hood. The contact pulled off the road and turned the vehicle off. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact lifted the hood and saw flames coming from under the engine. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher. The contact had the vehicle towed to his residence. The contact called an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact stated that when the engine was lifted out of the engine compartment, there was a hole in the engine block. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

Filed Mar 3, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · AR

If I make a longer trip more than 10 to 15 miles the car does fine if I drive it 2 miles down the road or across the street to a different store the car tells me to check hybrid system. I had it check and code c1391 came up and that was repaired. Once repaired picked up from shop drove across the street to gas station and it told me to check hybrid system again and went into limp mode. Once I do a reset the car will start back up and drive fine as long as it's a long trip if I go on another short trip it will do it again.

Filed Oct 11, 2022 · Engine · 190,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stopped in the middle of the road. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that they could not duplicate the failure. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.

Filed Sep 26, 2021 · Brakes, Electrical · CA

one year after bought, was losing power, replacing a lot of batteries, headlights and lamps then car would lose power while driving, not start continually everyday for each day after and even started on its own. i took in a lot and they put my vin to the wrong person..someone rainsford so my service recs were not recorded. said no battery code, didnt check altenator, and even tho serv advisor said the break was squishy to him and he heard the loud buzz noise when pushing, it was not replaced. they tried to blame it on keys being in car which is how it starts and runs! not parked on hill or in bad temps and driven long trips, none of which SHOULD BE REQIRED to start a car to get to dying patients on time. we bought charger and use on both priuses daily. lost power while driving, got hurt, and josh's pt. died. nothing but headache nightmares. have long written records where submitted all and they just like to deny things or try to find a way to blame on consumer. my only fault was buying an undisclosed deathtrap. they need to refund us both cars and damages and expenses and our time and missed work. the shuttle was a joke. i have my own top notch code reader and it said battery was fine. it was new, yet they wanted to sell me one so they said it coded but refused to show me. they are just trying to make money and really hurting people. sending my title and all my personal info to a stranger and me catching after 7 years broght on an ID theft im still fighting. very rude front staff and drivers..sheldon.

Filed Mar 17, 2021 · Brakes, Engine · 64,000 miles · DC

The check engine light is on; the car has stalled and looses power it needs to have the sticky exhaust gas recirculation valve taken care of. It also needs psv coverage for brake booster and brake booster pump assembly safety warrantee enhancement