Name: 2009 Toyota Prius
Brand: Toyota

In-car Electronics

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

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"No longer works due to out of date navigation cd"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

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.

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)

Steering And Suspension

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.

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 And Leaks

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

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.

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.

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

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)

Toyota Prius

Reliability

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

In-car Electronics

What Owners Say

Exhaust

What Owners Say

Climate System

What Owners Say

Steering And Suspension

What Owners Say

Noises And Leaks

What Owners Say

Brakes

What Owners Say

Electrical Accessories

What Owners Say

EV Battery

What Owners Say

Fuel System/Emissions

Electric Motor

Engine Major

Drive System

Transmission Major

Transmission Minor

Paint And Trim

Engine Minor

Engine Cooling

Body Hardware

Engine Electrical

2009 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability