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Toyota Prius

EPA MPG: 47 mpg
Average Retail Price
$5,925

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 2009 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 2009 Toyota Prius owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

In-car Electronics

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

/ 5

What Owners Say

Backup or other camera/sensors

"Problem not resolved. The dash screen is very hard to see as if it on its way out."

Anonymous, FL (2009 Toyota Prius Touring 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
CD player

"Intermittant skipping and freezing of cd. Not fixed due to expense"

Anonymous, GA (2009 Toyota Prius Touring 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
Display screen goes blank

"display screen works inconsistently, sometimes being insufficiently lighted and sometimes operating normally. Turning the vehicle headlights on or off can diminish or exacerbate the problem. One dealership advised the repair would be at a price I conder excessive. I will continue to shop."

Anonymous, TX (2009 Toyota Prius 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"Found YouTube video to fix this problem."

Anonymous, TX (2009 Toyota Prius Touring 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"screen went blank, so replaced with rebuilt unit"

Anonymous, WA (2009 Toyota Prius Base 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"Screen goes on and off. all the functions associated with the screen stop working. I went online and found that this problem is longstanding. Toyota service wouldn't check it out without a $189 fee. I'm going to try again citing the technical note from 2009 and request free determination of problem. It feels to me like a loose wire but the screen did become non-functioning at one time where I could see the screen but the buttons didn't work. Others who had this problem had to buy a new system."

Anonymous, PA (2009 Toyota Prius Touring 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"fixed by reputable mechanic"

Anonymous, MI (2009 Toyota Prius Base 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
Hardware replacement

"replaced it with rebuilt unit"

Anonymous, WA (2009 Toyota Prius Base 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
In-dash navigation system (GPS)

"No longer works due to out of date navigation cd"

Anonymous, GA (2009 Toyota Prius Touring 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
Phone pairing (e.g., Bluetooth)

"already discussed in previous question"

Anonymous, PA (2009 Toyota Prius Touring 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Exhaust

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

/ 5

What Owners Say

Catalytic converter

"The exhaust was either cut or rusted through right a catalytic converter"

Anonymous, IL (2009 Toyota Prius Base 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"It was stolen, and I replaced it. I thought you might want to record how many are stolen"

Anonymous A., OH (2009 Toyota Prius Touring 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"My Catalytic converter was stolen twice in the past 2 years. It took a lot of time to get a new one so my car was unusable for months."

Anonymous, CA (2009 Toyota Prius 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"The check engine light has come on a few times but has then turned itself off. The OBD reading indicated it was an environmental issue, which Ive assume was related to the catalytic converter. As it has turned off, Ive not done a repair."

Anonymous, UT (2009 Toyota Prius Base 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
Muffler

"After many years, the exhaust system developed a leak. That leak appeared during its annual inspection. Problem resolved with a replacement."

Anonymous A., VA (2009 Toyota Prius Base 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"Muffler got loud at about 188000 miles. I replaced it."

Anonymous, MA (2009 Toyota Prius Base 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
Other/unsure

"Had to replace all four low tire pressure sensors."

Anonymous A., TX (2009 Toyota Prius Touring 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"Possible catalytic converter not working properly throwing a diagnostic code and tire pressure monitor sensor battery going dead."

Anonymous A., WA (2009 Toyota Prius Base 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Climate System

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

/ 5

What Owners Say

Blower (fan) motor

"Mechanics unsure why ac would stop and start working"

Anonymous, VA (2009 Toyota Prius 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
Evaporator

"Ac worked perfect for the 9years we have owned it. Last month (March 2024) noticed blowing hot air. Took to Toyota to have repaired. They could not find leak. Charged me 205.00 for nothing. Went to independent shop found leak in evaporator. Cost 2000 for repair. Ill never go back to dealer for service. Couldnt find a Freon leak but wanted to sell me an engine filter and cabin filter tor 138.00. Both were new, just replaced. Plus they wanted 375.00 for 1.6 pounds of Freon. The independent charged me 24.50."

Anonymous, CA (2009 Toyota Prius Base 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
Refrigerant leaks

"just need to fix to allow A/C to work properly."

Anonymous, IL (2009 Toyota Prius Base 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"See previous comments"

Anonymous, CA (2009 Toyota Prius Base 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"there was a small coolant leak that was repaired and never a major problem"

Anonymous, CA (2009 Toyota Prius Base 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

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

What Owners Say

Shocks or struts

"ORiginal struts had worn out"

Anonymous A., VA (2009 Toyota Prius Base 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
Wheel bearings

"Mostly as a noise (whumpa whumpa). I got it fixed soon after I noticed it."

Anonymous, CA (2009 Toyota Prius Base 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"The speed sensor for the driver side front wheel became corroded and intermittently failed. Once replace the car works fine. This is in MN, so this wheel takes the brunt of road salt."

Anonymous, MN (2009 Toyota Prius Base 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"noise during operation"

Anonymous A., VA (2009 Toyota Prius Base 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

Air or water leaks

"Both taillights seem to have allowed water leaks from failing gaskets. Planning to get the gaskets replaced, as there is water in the spare wheel well in the trunk when it rains heavily."

Anonymous, WA (2009 Toyota Prius Base 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
Squeaks or rattles

"Splash guard in front passenger side from bumper to wheel well came loose and became very noisy. I had to cut it off as it was dragging on the ground."

Anonymous, CO (2009 Toyota Prius Touring 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"A pillar has a rattle in it."

Anonymous A., CA (2009 Toyota Prius Base 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

Antilock braking system (ABS)

"Problem with brakes was displayed on dashboard display. Brakes continued to operate normally so far as I could discern. Dealership replaced a computer chip, total cost c. $1500.00. I was told the ABS was involved. This was the first repair the vehicle has ever needed, tire, filter and light bulb changes and routine maintenance excepted. Vehicle has always been serviced at a dealership."

Anonymous, TX (2009 Toyota Prius 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"ABS Antilock brake pump actuator needed to be replaced."

Anonymous, FL (2009 Toyota Prius Base 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

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

Keyless entry

"One of two keyless entry fobs failed at 15 years of age. The other fob continued to provide entry and ignition."

Anonymous, CO (2009 Toyota Prius Base 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
Tire pressure monitor

"My tire pressure light is always on. I've taken it to the dealership multiple times but some sensor is out."

Anonymous, CA (2009 Toyota Prius 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

"Earlier replacement 2019, with a 5 year warranty. Luckily it failed again within my warranty. (5 years) Now the refurb manufacturer only gives 3 years on the battery. Would replace again. 2nd generation Prius. Reliable car."

Anonymous A., CA (2009 Toyota Prius Base 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

Engine Major

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

/ 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

Transmission Major

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

/ 5

Transmission Minor

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

/ 5

Paint/Trim

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

/ 5

Engine Minor

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

/ 5

Engine Cooling

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

/ 5

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

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

2009 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

Reliability History
* Redesign year
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Overall Reliability Verdict

POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Powertrain
Electric Motor
EV Battery
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Engine Electrical
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System/Emissions
Exhaust
Suspension/Steering
Brakes
Climate System
Build Quality
Electrical Accessories
Body Hardware
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
In-car Electronics
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
AIR BAGS, SEATS
Jan 16, 2013
If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.
Summary:
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.
What should you do:
Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
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: 13V014000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 3235
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
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
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