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    GREEN CHOICE

    Toyota Prius

    EPA MPG: 50 mpg

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

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    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 2011 Toyota Prius has been recalled 6 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2011 Toyota Prius owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    Exhaust

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

    What Owners Say

    Catalytic converter

    "It was stolen and cost $2500 to replace. Not the manufacturer's fault"

    Anonymous, CA (2011 Toyota Prius 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Other exhaust system problem

    "Sounds like there are loose parts rattling inside the converter"

    Anonymous, IN (2011 Toyota Prius Three 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Other/unsure

    "No Prius to talk about. I only have a single car. It is great."

    Anonymous, WA (2011 Toyota Prius Four 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "The plastic undercarriage of car gets caught on objects and falls down. I have had to repair/remove it twice!"

    Anonymous, GA (2011 Toyota Prius 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "Had to but 4 new tires because of age and cracking; Under the front bumper and front bumper had to be replaced because it was dragging."

    Anonymous, TX (2011 Toyota Prius 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "Tire pressure sensors no longer work. Not resolved - replacement is too expensive given current value of the car."

    Anonymous, SC (2011 Toyota Prius 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "Over time the gasket for sun roof has hardened, shrunk and detached from glass. A visit to dealership we bought it from reveled a cost of $2400 to replace entire glass due to fabrication! No action taken due to costs."

    Anonymous A., IN (2011 Toyota Prius Two 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "Dim low beam illumination"

    Anonymous, WV (2011 Toyota Prius 1.8-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

    Other steering/suspension problem

    "Corrosion ate through the rear axle. Too much acid rain and pot holes."

    Anonymous, MD (2011 Toyota Prius 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Shocks or struts

    "needed replacement"

    Anonymous A., CA (2011 Toyota Prius Four 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Tie rods

    "One tie rod and caused some driveability problems, but I was able to make it in to the shop for repair"

    Anonymous A., IL (2011 Toyota Prius Five 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Wheel bearings

    "speed sensor failure due to bearing due to bearing failure"

    Anonymous, MN (2011 Toyota Prius Two 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "Each of the rear wheel bearings failed, which resulted in the ABS, VSC, and regenerative braking systems going offline until the bearing was replaced. Replacement was straightforward and quick at the local service garage we usually use."

    Anonymous A., NY (2011 Toyota Prius Two 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    In-car Electronics

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

    What Owners Say

    Display screen freezes up

    "The display screen didn't work at all. We has to get a new audio/display screen system."

    Anonymous A., CA (2011 Toyota Prius 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Hardware replacement

    "Screen unresponsive to touch. Bought replacement at Amazon and installed it myself"

    Anonymous, FL (2011 Toyota Prius Three 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Other in-car electronics problem

    "The tire pressure sensor light is always on. I have been periodically checking the tire pressures, but one tire suffered a small puncture and I did not realize it until I had driven it flat and ruined the tire."

    Anonymous A., CA (2011 Toyota Prius 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Radio

    "Radio would turn off intermittently the past year but has not acted up recently."

    Anonymous, CA (2011 Toyota Prius Two 1.8-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)

    "The master cylinder had to be replaced so that the brakes worked properly. All the lights came on indicating failure."

    Anonymous, WA (2011 Toyota Prius Four 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "Interior leak. Total cost $2400"

    Anonymous, TN (2011 Toyota Prius Three 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Master cylinder

    "I only have one Prius. Somehow, two are listed. Ignore the second Prius. It does not exist."

    Anonymous, WA (2011 Toyota Prius Four 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Premature brake wear

    "Calipers on right rear wheel appear to be dragging wearing the calipers and the rotor."

    Anonymous, NH (2011 Toyota Prius Two 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    Engine Major

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

    What Owners Say

    Engine rebuild or replacement

    "Engine Light came on, I took it to the shop after the water pump & thermostat were replaced. Engine was toast."

    Anonymous, MD (2011 Toyota Prius Four 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Head gasket

    "It failed only a few weeks after we bought and had to be replaced. No problems since."

    Anonymous A., CA (2011 Toyota Prius 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "Head gasket failed. So did the spark plugs and coil all had to be replaced. Cost 5200 bucks. No used cars available so I had it repaired. It was worth it. I love this car."

    Anonymous A., AR (2011 Toyota Prius Five 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Other major engine problem

    "The exhaust gas return clogged for 3 of my 4 cylinders. This made the car shake hard at high speeds. The local Toyota dealer offered to sell me a replacement engine, but I found an independent mechancic to clean out the EGR openings for a fraction of the cost of a new engine."

    Anonymous A., TX (2011 Toyota Prius Four 1.8-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

    Headlights

    "The bulbs keep burning out on the front headlights"

    Anonymous, NC (2011 Toyota Prius 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Other electrical system problem

    "The company that replaced the windshield 3 years ago due to a crack did a poor job. Water leaked onto the electrical panel under the dashboard causing the door locks and then the rear window wiper to malfunction."

    Anonymous, AZ (2011 Toyota Prius Four 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Remote engine starter

    "The remove receiver failed and would not allow the car to start not only remotely but using the key system. It was towed and dealer repair the system. It took 3 days."

    Anonymous, NC (2011 Toyota Prius Three 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    EV Battery

    What Owners Say

    Electric/hybrid battery pack malfunction (didn't need replacement)

    "vehicle would not engage into drive the dealer fixed it for under a class action lawsuit agreement so this is a known problem which may occur. only issue ever had with this car otherwise just routine maintenance"

    Anonymous, AZ (2011 Toyota Prius Three 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Electric/hybrid battery pack replacement

    "The high voltage/traction batter had been showing signs of where and age. Then the computer indicated the battery had failed. It wasnt completely gone, but bad enough where we didnt feel comfortable driving the car I replaced the battery with the Dr. Prius version that is lithium ion"

    Anonymous A., IL (2011 Toyota Prius Two 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Other electric/hybrid battery problem

    "A warning came up on the dashboard. I took it to the mechanic who said the battery needed to be replaced."

    Anonymous, WA (2011 Toyota Prius 1.8-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

    A/C compressor

    "I noticed that the air conditioning did not work very well in October of 2022 but since it was coming on winter I wasn't going to worry about it until the following spring, March 2023. I took it then to my mechanic who diagnosed the problem, and was able to fix it after ordering the correct part. It cost me about $2,600 and I needed a loaner car for 2 days."

    Anonymous A., MA (2011 Toyota Prius 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "it failed"

    Anonymous, MA (2011 Toyota Prius 1.8-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.

    What Owners Say

    Other body problem

    "It seems some underpart is dragging on the ground. A local mechanic "zip tied" the dragging part back to the chassis/frame. In Jun during inspection, I will inquire more about what is dragging, the fix, and will it contribute to decision of when to replace the car."

    Anonymous, PA (2011 Toyota Prius Five 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Sunroof

    "Front part of sunroof hinge/seal failed, (attaches front part of roof to top of windscreen), water leak and loud noise (hard to understand where the noise came from). Toyota wanted $340 for seal plus labor, temporary repair with black duct tape works well, likely to become permanent"

    Anonymous A., FL (2011 Toyota Prius Three 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    Paint And Trim

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

    What Owners Say

    Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

    "In 2021. It was eventually repainted by Toyota but it took a lot of effort."

    Anonymous, CA (2011 Toyota Prius 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "Top of car and rear view mirrors is where the sealant of the paint has started to shed."

    Anonymous, CA (2011 Toyota Prius Four 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    Engine Minor

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

    What Owners Say

    Oil leaks

    "At a dealer servicing appointment, I was informed that the timing cover seal was leaking and needed to be replaced. I had it replaced at a cost of close to $1K."

    Anonymous, CA (2011 Toyota Prius 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "For about the last 2-3 years the car has lost oil between oil changes, requiring about a gallon of oil. The first time I had it checked (about two years ago) they couldnt see a leak, but last time I had it checked they saw the leak at the valves"

    Anonymous, CT (2011 Toyota Prius Five 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    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.

    What Owners Say

    Spark plugs or wires failure

    "There was a leak and it all happened at the same time. My spark plugs were replaced along with the coil and the head gasket. The car was about to fall. It was a mess. Caldwell Toyota made the repairs. They did a great job."

    Anonymous A., AR (2011 Toyota Prius Five 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    Noises And Leaks

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

    What Owners Say

    Squeaks or rattles

    "For several months, there has been a rattle in the left front that is transmitted through the steering wheel when driving on rough roads. I have not had it fixed"

    Anonymous A., VA (2011 Toyota Prius Three 1.8-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.

    What Owners Say

    Emission control devices (includes EGR)

    "The hybrid system completely stopped working. Car had to be towed to the dealer. The vacuum switch valve was replaced but it cost me $600"

    Anonymous, CA (2011 Toyota Prius Two 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    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.

    Transmission Major

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

    Transmission Minor

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

    Engine Cooling

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

    2011 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
    NA
    NA
    NA

    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Electric Motor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    EV Battery
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Cooling
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Electrical
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Drive System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Exhaust
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Steering and Suspension
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Brakes
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Build Quality
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Electrical Accessories
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Body Hardware
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Paint/Trim
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Noises/Leaks
    NA
    NA
    NA
    In-car Electronics
    NA
    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
    HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
    Oct 04, 2018
    If the hybrid system shuts down unexpectedly, it can increase the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Toyota Prius and 2012-2014 Toyota Prius V vehicles. Excessive voltage in the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) within the inverter may cause the hybrid system to shut down, causing the vehicle to stall while being driven.
    What should you do:
    Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the motor/generator control electronic control unit (ECU) and the hybrid control ECU as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 22, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is J0V. Note: The software updates in this recall are needed even if the vehicle had the software previously updated under recalls 14V-053 or 15V-449.
    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: 18V684000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 807329
    AIR BAGS
    Jun 30, 2016
    If either portion of the curtain shield air bag inflator ejects into the passenger cabin, there is an increased risk of injury to vehicle occupants.
    Summary:
    Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Toyota Prius, 2010 and 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid, and 2011-2012 Lexus CT200h vehicles. A weld in the curtain shield air bag inflator may crack causing one or both portions of the inflator to eject into the passenger cabin.
    What should you do:
    Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will install retention brackets to the curtain shield air bags, free of charge. The recall began on October 17, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota Customer Service Department at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is Toyota G0U, and Lexus GLJ.
    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: 16V487000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 482002
    SEATS
    Jun 02, 2016
    If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
    Summary:
    Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.
    What should you do:
    SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.
    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: 16V396000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 7749
    SEATS
    Nov 19, 2014
    Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.
    Summary:
    Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 Rav4 and 4Runner. The affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.
    What should you do:
    SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge. The recall is expected to began in January 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.
    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: 14V743000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 3233
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
    Feb 12, 2014
    The vehicle may enter a fail-safe/limp-home mode that limits the drivability of the vehicle. The hybrid system could also shut down completely resulting in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    Toyota is recalling certain model year 2010 through 2014 Prius vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) inside the inverter module (a component of the hybrid system) contains transistors that may become damaged from high operating temperatures. If this occurs, various warning lamps will be illuminated on the instrument panel and the vehicle will have reduced power allowing it to only drive a short distance.
    What should you do:
    Toyota will notify owners and dealers will update the software for both the motor/generator control electronic control unit (ECU) and the hybrid control ECU, free of charge. If an owner experiences a failure of the inverter before the vehicle receives updated software, the dealer will repair or replace the inverter assembly with a new one at no charge. The recall began on March 21, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota 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: 14V053000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 698457
    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
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