Toyota Prius key fob problems

Filed Jul 30, 2025 · Electrical · VA

Front door locks defective. Remote control doesn’t open the doors, even after replacing battery in key fob. It started with the driver door and now the passenger door doesn’t lock or unlock.

Filed Jul 21, 2022 · Electrical, Engine · WA

2010 Prius started up in the garage 3 hours after being shut down. I am certain the car was NOT still running while we unloaded groceries from hatchback and left the garage. * Nothing was retrieved from the front seat so no accidental start could have occurred. * My son "heard it start" almost 3 hours after the vehicle had been shut off while in another room near the garage. * I heard nothing from the upstairs. * The Prius key fob was nowhere near the vicinity of the vehicle at the time it started nor was any person. In fact, both key fobs were upstairs and only the currently used 1 had a battery and was stored inside a tin so as to always know where it was. *Toyota executives were made aware of incident but essentially denied the Toyota could start without the key fob: "Toyota is not aware for any possible way for the vehicle to be started without the key."

Filed Mar 23, 2022 · Engine, Fuel system · CA

Traveling at freeway speed just after midnight, the "check engine" light came on. Less than one minute later, the "check hybrid system" alert came on, with an exclamation mark inside of a yellow triangle symbol displayed. The vehicle instantly had no power when the accelerator was depressed. The vehicle coasted to a stop and would not shift into drive. The vehicle was towed to our home. Upon delivering the vehicle to our home, the tow driver used an emergency battery jump start device and the vehicle was able to shift into drive and be driven into the garage. The 12 volt battery was replaced the next day and the vehicle no longer exhibited any disfunction. This was an unexpected event with no warning that the 12 volt battery was in need of replacement. It could have resulted in a serious collision, if the freeway had been more congested, as the vehicle had been immediately driven 2 lanes over to the nearest exit, and came to a stop just after exiting, safely at the side of the road. This is a very dangerous safety condition that should have had some type of alert that the simple 12 volt battery system was in danger of failing, causing a catastrophic failure of the engine and power train. Or, the car should simply not be able to drive, if the 12 volt battery is that low, to ensure passenger and community safety. Prime example: Toyota Prius has a warning alert that the key fob battery is low. The warning gives you a couple of weeks to replace the battery, and repeatedly displays the warning whenever you power up the vehicle.

Filed Oct 22, 2018 · Body · 50,000 miles · OR

Three different door lock actuators (front left, front right, rear left) have failed and been replaced. Symptom is that door does not lock or unlock from key fob or lock control on driver's armrest, also fails to lock automatically when shifting into gear if that option is set. Door must be locked and unlocked manually using the rocker switch in the inside door handle. Clearly there was a batch of defective parts used during manufacturing.

Filed Jul 17, 2018 · Electrical, Engine · 5,000 miles · MD

Car started by itself when it was parked in a driveway in hot weather in the sun. My key fob does not have a remote starting mechanism - only door unlock and lock capability.

Filed Jun 4, 2018 · Electrical, Transmission · NC

My car will turn on, but it will not shift into drive or reverse until numerous attempts. I usually have to turn it on and off for about 10-15 times before it will allow my to shift into gear. The key fob will lock and unlock the car. The car will still turn on, AC will still come on, radio still works. The only thing that doesn't work on the first 10-15 tries is the sifting into gear. Priuschat forum talk about this issue a lot. They all have similar stories with the same details as mine. It takes me about 5-7 min to get my car started. Once I finally get the car in gear, no issues pop up for the rest of the drive. All of this started about within the last month for me.

Filed Aug 14, 2017 · Electrical, Lights · 2,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2017 toyota prius. The contact stated that the vehicle started on its own without warning. The contact stated that he had an auto power start fob, but it was not around the key fob. In addition, a headlight warning sensor illuminated that advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer (brunswick auto mart, 3031 center rd, brunswick, oh, 44212). The dealer replaced the passenger side headlight system and sensor. The headlight was repaired. The contact mentioned the vehicle engaging independently to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and they stated that they would document the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 2,000. ...updated 09/21/17 *bf updated 9/22/2017*js updated 09/25/2017*js ***updated 09/26/17*lj

Filed Jun 12, 2017 · Electrical · 58,847 miles · PA

Dash board keeps beeping, yet I have replaced the key battery 3 times and now dealer says key not detected, yet car runs so the key is detected but the beeping will not stop. Took to dealer paid 89.99 for diagnostic per dealer. Dealer now says the left harness needs replaced for $1802 plus tax. I feel manufacturer should allow consumers who bought there product be given information about history of faulty electrical wires even when it is not a safety hazard. Just turn off the beeping noise if that is the only issue. Mileage 58847...

Filed Dec 27, 2016 · Electrical, Engine · 69,359 miles · CA

Cluster went blank and vehicle would not power off, key fob stuck in ignition. Toyota service recommended replacing combo meter but I am one month out of warranty. I was driving tried to park but car would not turn off, but would come to a stop in the parking lot.

Filed Sep 26, 2016 · Acceleration, Electrical · 161,200 miles · AZ

The electronic dash (heads up instrument display) on our 2007 prius has intermittently failed to light over the last year. Yesterday, it failed and also wouldn't turn off. We always use the remote (keyless) ignition system. But, after the failures yesterday I put the electronic key fob into the hole in the dash thinking that might help. Instead, I couldn't remove it. I tried every combination of pressing buttons (the park and power buttons) and other controls, brakes pedal, shifter and it still wouldn't shut off or light up the display. After holding the power button in for an extended amount of time, it turned off and ejected the key fob. But then the car wouldn't light up the instrument display or start. This morning, again, it would not start. I was told by an experienced prius mechanic (also an owner) that these were classic symptoms of a failing power amplifier for the display and that it was a "secret warranty," a voluntary repair to avoid a government recall, but that toyota would only do it for 10 years. The dealer refused to do it under warranty even though the symptoms began before the car was 10 years old. They told me the recall was only good for nine years. They want $765 for the repair. It strikes me that this is a safety failure and should be covered, period. With no indication of speed or other functions (ABS function, traction control, etc.), or to turn the vehicle off, it is unsafe to operate the vehicle. The various failures, including loss of cruise control while in motion, took place when the car was cold and when it was warmed up. At rest and in motion.