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Toyota Prius

EPA MPG: 56 mpg
Average Retail Price
$4,875

RECALL ALERT:
There are 6 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability

Overall Reliability
/ 100

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 2006 Toyota Prius has been recalled 6 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
/ 5
Common Trouble Spot
/ 5

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2006 Toyota Prius owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Electrical Accessories

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.

/ 5

What Owners Say

12V battery

"The 12v battery was put in by Toyota a year ago. It died and was still under warranty so they replaced it free."

Anonymous, LA (2006 Toyota Prius None 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
Keyless entry

"The key fob stopped working, causing the car's security system to lock down and preventing the vehicle from operating. Had to get the car towed and purchase a very expensive replacement fob, which was initially mis-programmed and had to be redone."

Anonymous, GA (2006 Toyota Prius None 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"Keyless entry failed, manual key only"

Anonymous, FL (2006 Toyota Prius None 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"Key fob needs to be inserted in slot to start car. Does not work remotely"

Anonymous, NY (2006 Toyota Prius None 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
Tire pressure monitor

"Tire pressure warning light is on constantly."

Anonymous, NY (2006 Toyota Prius None 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"Tire pressure monitors all failed. Did not replace due to cost and I routinely check pressure manually."

Anonymous, PA (2006 Toyota Prius None 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Display screen goes blank

"The dashboard display sometimes does not show any images. The car still runs. Major problems are that I cannot see how much gas I have, how fast I am going, etc. It sometimes comes back on after I turn it off and back on, but usually it starts up again the next day or the next time I drive it (may be several days before I use the car). I think I asked about it early on when it happened, but they could not get it to not work for them. Also since it still runs I decided the diagnosis alone was too expensive."

Anonymous, AL (2006 Toyota Prius None 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"there's an intermittent problem with the interface between the on/off button, park button and now the display screen with MPH etc that we are scheduling an appointment for the dealer to have a look at"

Anonymous A., UT (2006 Toyota Prius None 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
Other in-car electronics problem

"Ive been unable to use my cell phone through the car audio system because the microphone is not functioning through the audio electronics. The speakers worked fine. I could hear the other person on the other end of the line, but they could not hear me because the microphone was not operating properly in the Prius."

Anonymous, IA (2006 Toyota Prius None 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"They center console display screen has burned out so that only the edges remain visible. All functions on the screen are inaccessible, but those functions are not essential and the cost to replace it is outside my budget."

Anonymous, GA (2006 Toyota Prius None 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
Radio

"Sudden and severe deterioration in reception quality on AM and FM bands. Audio is unpleasantly distorted and scratchy, though can be mostly be understood. Not diagnosed yet. Most likely a component failure in the audio stage (RF stages for AM and FM would be separate and not fail simultaneously)."

Anonymous, ON (2006 Toyota Prius None 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

EV Battery

Electric/hybrid battery pack failure, replacement or malfunction, or cooling.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Electric/hybrid battery pack replacement

"Got an error msg to replace pack"

Anonymous, NY (2006 Toyota Prius None 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"The hybrid battery had to be replaced. It was way too expensive at the dealer so I got a reconditioned battery at greenbeanbattery.com"

Anonymous, LA (2006 Toyota Prius None 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"I was not really told the car would run with out replacing this battery. It was expensive to replace, but cheaper than a new car. The dealer would lower the price each time I called back to ask about the cost. It was expensive, but the final cost was much less than the dealer originally quoted me, but the same as I was told before I brought it in to be fixed."

Anonymous, AL (2006 Toyota Prius None 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"Car failed to operate at about 200,000 miles. Replaced hybrid battery for about $2500."

Anonymous, PA (2006 Toyota Prius None 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Other exhaust system problem

"Car engine sounded louder. Muffler etc was rotted and needed to be replaced."

Anonymous, NY (2006 Toyota Prius None 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
Other/unsure

"front passenger side window, both rear windows will not go down. Happened in Feb. I am not driving any more--age 86."

Anonymous A., MI (2006 Toyota Prius None 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Fuel System/Emissions

Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor)

"It was an intermittent problem that made the engine light come on. It went away for several Months after resetting the ECM, but came back on and off several times. Gas mileage decreased, but did not seem to affect performance adversely as daily driver."

Anonymous, OR (2006 Toyota Prius None 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

"Car has spent 17 years outdoors (don't have a garage). The paint on the roof is starting to look bad."

Anonymous, PA (2006 Toyota Prius None 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Brakes

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Rotors

"I inherited this car and apparently the brake rotors had not ever been replaced. They were rusty and had begun to warp. After replacing the pads I noticed a pulsation in the braking and knew what it was. I installed new rotors myself, case closed."

Anonymous A., VA (2006 Toyota Prius None 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Noises/Leaks

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Squeaks or rattles

"Annoying sqeeks"

Anonymous, NY (2006 Toyota Prius None 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Body Hardware

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.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Windows

"window weather seal molding on all the windows is wearing out. each door requires an $70 molding replacement to keep the windows weather tight"

Anonymous A., UT (2006 Toyota Prius None 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

/ 5

Suspension/Steering

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.

/ 5

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

/ 5

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

/ 5

Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

/ 5

Engine Electrical

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.

/ 5

Transmission Minor

Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

/ 5

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

/ 5

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

/ 5

2006 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

Reliability History
* Redesign year
02
03
04*
05
06
07
08
09
10*
11
Overall Reliability Verdict
NA
NA

POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Powertrain
NA
NA
Electric Motor
NA
NA
EV Battery
NA
NA
Engine Major
NA
NA
Engine Minor
NA
NA
Engine Cooling
NA
NA
Engine Electrical
NA
NA
Transmission Major
NA
NA
Transmission Minor
NA
NA
Drive System
NA
NA
Fuel System/Emissions
NA
NA
Exhaust
NA
NA
Suspension/Steering
NA
NA
Brakes
NA
NA
Climate System
NA
NA
Build Quality
NA
NA
Electrical Accessories
NA
NA
Body Hardware
NA
NA
Paint/Trim
NA
NA
Noises/Leaks
NA
NA
In-car Electronics
NA
NA
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for over 300,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2024 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical accessories. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
Nov 14, 2012
The corroded coil wire may break and the water pump could stop. The corroded coil wire could cause a short circuit between coil wires and a possible open fuse, creating a stall-like condition of the hybrid system while the vehicle is being driven. This may increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
Summary:
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2009 Prius vehicles manufactured August 6, 2003, through March 30, 2009 and FCHV-adv vehicles manufactured December 12, 2008, through September 13, 2011. During manufacturing, a scratch may have occurred inside of the electrically driven water pump at the coil wire. The coil wire may corrode at the scratched portion.
What should you do:
Toyota will notify its owners, and dealers will replace the electric water pump, free of charge. The recall began on January 17, 2013. Owners may contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12V536000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 350662
STEERING
Nov 14, 2012
Over time, the splines may wear and eventually fail resulting in a loss of steering ability, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Summary:
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2009 Prius vehicles manufactured August 5, 2003, through March 30, 2009. The affected vehicles have a steering intermediate extension shaft assembly built with metal splines that complete the connection from the steering wheel to the steering gear. These splines may have been manufactured with an insufficient hardness.
What should you do:
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the extension shaft and replace it if it is one with insufficient hardness, free of charge. The recall began during December 2012. Owners may contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12V537000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 669705
EQUIPMENT
Feb 03, 2010
A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Summary:
SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
What should you do:
DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.
For more information:
OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 10V036000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 153418
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