2011 Toyota Prius: check engine light

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 17, 2025 · Fuel system · 116,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power temporarily. The contact stated that upon depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle continued driving; however, the vehicle was operating on gasoline. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 18V684000 (Hybrid Propulsion System). The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair. The dealer determined that the hybrid battery needed to be replaced. The dealer provided an estimate for the repair. The contact declined to pay for the repair and advised the dealer to perform the recall repair; however, the dealer failed to acknowledge the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 25 MPH downhill, the vehicle stalled. The check engine and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle, and the contact pulled into the driveway of the nearby residence. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.

Filed Jun 7, 2023 · Brakes · 159,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the check engine, service brakes, ABS, and the traction control system warning lights were illuminated. The contact parked the vehicle on the side of the road for approximately 3 minutes before continuing to drive to her residence. The contact stated on March 17, 2023, while her husband was approaching a traffic light, the brake pedal was depressed but failed to stop the vehicle properly. The contact stated that several warning lights were illuminated. The driver stated that the vehicle cruised to a stop independently. The driver decided to drive at a slow speed to the residence. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the brake master cylinder, the brake pump assembly, and the brake booster needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 159,000.

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

Filed Mar 16, 2021 · Acceleration, Brakes · 3 miles · DC

A check hybrid system alert came on and included lit break, check engine, steering, ABS, skid and yellow triangle with an ! Mark inside. The car stopped and I could not move it. Good thing I was on a side street with light traffic. This happened again after the inverter was replace; and it happened again after the 12 v battery was replaced.

Filed Aug 23, 2019 · Engine, Transmission · 57,000 miles · VA

Car stalled pulling into traffic. Took about 15 sec to restart. No diagnostic lights lit up on dash. Car lost power last month and engine light went on and engine could not be restarted.had to be towed to dealership. It replaced valve assembly for vacuum and reprogrammed PCM. However, that issue was preceded by a creep of diagnostic lights (course of 1 hour), from check oil to check engine, and then it completely shut down.

Filed Aug 9, 2019 · Electrical, Engine · 151,000 miles · CA

While driving at ca freeway speed (65mph) the car goes limp. The accelerator fails to work and even flooring the vehicle makes no difference. At this point the speed of the vehicle decreases and I have to immediately pull to the shoulder. The "check hybrid system" alert shows on the dash and also electric power steering and check engine light. This issue has been going on for the past year and I have taken it to several toyota dealerships with no resolve. I have spent a total of $4500 without toyota of vallejo or the now bankrupt toyota of fairfield solving the issue. This is a life threatening issue and happened several times with children in the vehicle. Show in video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ca5hjrsnfsg

Filed Feb 15, 2019 · Engine, Transmission · 1 miles · CA

Went in to have the spark plugs and 2 coils(cylinders 1 & 2) started shaking, knocking and smoking at the time I picked it up. Check engine light is on and hasn't gone off. The mechanic I take the vehicle to says it is a problem with this model car, trying to determine this, since he stated it is now my head gasket that needs replacing.

Filed Sep 14, 2016 · Fuel system · 58,000 miles · NV

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 toyota prius. The contact stated that the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that there was a fracture in the fuel tank that needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact stated that this was a global recall (toyota/australia: fuel suction plate), but was not yet a recall in the united states. The failure mileage was 58,000.