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We expect the 2025 Prius will be more reliable than the average new car. This prediction is based on data from 2023 and 2024 models.
The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2004 Toyota Prius owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.
Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.
"Fan for cooling hybrid battery needed to be cleaned after TWENTY YEARS"
Anonymous A., CA (2004 Toyota Prius None 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)"check engine light appeared, diagnosed as an inverter water pump, which was replaced."
Anonymous, CA (2004 Toyota Prius None 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.
"All problems fixed when combination meter fixed"
Anonymous A., VA (2004 Toyota Prius None 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)"Display screen only works periodically, mostly off-line. Dealer says that it will cost $1800.00 to fix. It started only working part time in about 2013. It is an inconvenience, but not worth fixing."
Anonymous, PA (2004 Toyota Prius None 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)"Problem was on and off. Combination Meter had to be fixed"
Anonymous A., VA (2004 Toyota Prius None 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
"Hello: My problem started about 10 months ago when 4 lights stayed on my dash after the car was started and running. These lights are: 1. check engine light 2. red triangle light 3. ! inside a circle light 4. VSC light Using a BAFX PRODUCTS OBDII DIAGNOSTIC INTERFACE with the Dr. Prius App, I checked for battery and engine errors. Battery errors: P0A93,P0A37,P3000 P3030 P3056 Engine errors: No engine errors were found. With the engine running I opened the Dr. Prius app and clicked on OBDII (Bluetooth). This opens the Battery Monitor screen. Right away I could see that battery blocks #2 and #3 were in trouble. Their voltages were way less than the rest in the group. I purchased 10 battery modules on ebay last June but I haven't installed them yet. The car is still running ok but obviously not at optimum performance. I've driven the car on at least a half dozen trips of 1000 km or more during this time and it has always gotten me to my destination. I have no problem keeping up to highway speeds. I know my gas mileage is not as good as it used to be but it is still much better than my previous car, a 2005 Ford Focus wagon. I bought this car in 2020 and I still like it a lot. Hopefully my next survey I will be able to tell you how much better my car is running after I install my new battery modules. Thank you, Douglas"
Anonymous, ON (2004 Toyota Prius None 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)"At some point, all hybrid and EVs will have a battery failure. New replacements are either not available or are very expensive, meaning you will need to buy a "reconditioned" battery that will not last as long or have as much capacity as a new pack. This will reduce the gas mileage of the car."
Anonymous, GA (2004 Toyota Prius None 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)"Hello, All my electric/hybrid battery problems I addressed in my previous page feedback. Thank you, Douglas"
Anonymous, ON (2004 Toyota Prius None 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.
"The brakes grab hard at very slow speed, for example when coming to a stop while going down hill. This has been a consistent problem that the Toyota Dealer has not been able to fix in the past 15 years. Each time I have brought it in to them to fix they replace something different but nothing solves the problem."
Anonymous, CA (2004 Toyota Prius None 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)"Brakes started behaving strangely - not working at first and then grabbing. The vehicle was drivable, but didn't seem entirely safe. After some research, the brake actuator pump was identified as the culprit. I replaced it myself, but I think most people would need to take it to a mechanic or dealership because it's a *VERY* involved process. The part itself is between $1400-2500 and the labor would have easily made the replacement a $3000-5000 affair. Brake actuator pump failure is a problem unique to hybrid/electric vehicles and is a cost most buyers aren't aware of. It doesn't change the overall value proposition, but it can create a large unexpected expense."
Anonymous, GA (2004 Toyota Prius None 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.
"The engine warning light came on as I was driving it. I drove to the service department and left it there. The inverter water pump assembly was replaced."
Anonymous, CA (2004 Toyota Prius None 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.
"The battery died and I found out that when the 12V battery is dead I can't open the hatch. I can't get to the battery because it is in the back of the car under the hatch. SO if the battery can't be jumped, using the archaic wiring provided, I can not replace the battery. I had to take it in to the dealer to replace. There should be a latch to flip (or a key release) to open the hatch when the battery is dead."
Anonymous, CA (2004 Toyota Prius None 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.
Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.
Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.
Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.
AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.
Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.
Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.
Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.
Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.
Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.
Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.
Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.
Toyota Prius
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"The axle has become rusty in the back left side and will soon detach from the car. I have to purchase a new vehicle to solve this issue."
Anonymous, IN (2004 Toyota Prius None 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)