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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

    The 2011 Prius has about average reliability compared to other cars from the same model year.

    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.

    Paint/Trim

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

    What Owners Say

    Loose exterior trim or moldings

    "the rear door window molding has come off."

    Anonymous, CA (2011 Toyota Prius Four 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

    ""Paint has many dull spots like a clear coat or top coat is failing. We have two of these cars from the same year, both have the same problem.""

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

    "Long term sun exposure (no garage available) has cracked the paint in a number of places"

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

    "Paint has many dull spots like a clear coat or top coat is failing"

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

    "Blizzard Pearl paint peeling from roof top."

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

    "Vehicle was parked in the sun and the roof blistered and peeled. It was repainted to stop damage spreading."

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

    ""protective coating on roof was the first to peel and flake, then it is now on the outside mirrors and front hood.""

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

    Exhaust

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

    What Owners Say

    Other/unsure

    ""Hybrid Control Unit quit working. The dealer fixed it under warranty, even though the car was 10 yr old.""

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

    "Battery replacement"

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

    "The Toyota is an older vehicle. A grating / grinding sound started coming from the car. Apparently it's an axle issue. It would cost more to fix than the car is worth at this point, so we bought a new car and only drive this one around town. We love this car so we might end up getting it fixed."

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

    ""Ground clearance, at 5 going in and out of driveways and over some speed bumps the front end and undercarriage get easily damaged.""

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

    "The splash guard kept falling so I ripped it off and now it's creaky underneath."

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

    "Rear axle rusted resulting in rear wheel falling off. Happened in 2024. A repair garage replaced the failed axle with a used one. It has worked well since."

    Anonymous A., PA (2011 Toyota Prius Unsure 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

    12V battery

    "The 12V battery died. We couldn't unlock the doors to reach the battery to recharge it. We had to call AAA!"

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

    "Battery failed to hold a charge and was replaced"

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

    "Needed replacement"

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

    "Dash and door handle lights too dim"

    Anonymous, (2011 Toyota Prius Unsure 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Keyless entry

    "The keyless entry stopped working when the battery died. Apparently a dead battery can limit access to the vehicle - a real pain!"

    Anonymous A., TN (2011 Toyota Prius Unsure 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Other electrical system problem

    "Broken wire on ECM"

    Anonymous A., IN (2011 Toyota Prius Four 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)

    "Had to replace brake booster and actuator."

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

    ""System stopped working years ago. Several indicator lights are on in the dashboard related to it. Cost was several thousands to replace. Local mechanic could get refurbished system, if available. Refurbished price has skyrocketed, so decided not to replace.""

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

    "THUS SYSTEM WAS MALFUNCTIONING BECAUSE OF THE BRAKE VACUUM SYSTEM WHICH WAS AN OLD RECALL. OUR CAR WAS N OT HAVING PROBLEMS WHEN THE RECALL WAS ACTIVE AND THE RECALL WAS NOT WELL PUBLICIZED NOR WAS IT RECOMMENDED."

    Anonymous, TN (2011 Toyota Prius Two 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Other brakes problem

    "We experienced the anti lock= brkae vacuum problem that was a limited recall. We had re4al problems and had to get it fixed for $4,000. TOYOTA REFUSED TO HOINOR THE RECALL BUT SENT US $350"

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

    "Bought it at 82000 miles and brake lining should have been replaced in 80000 mile check up and were not. Needed new brake lining and new battery which also should have been covered at80000"

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

    ""4 months ago, every time braking, 1 month ago""

    Anonymous, MN (2011 Toyota Prius Unsure 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 goes blank

    "This problem has gone on for many years because of cost to replace. Display flickers on and off when sound system is off, in addition to going blank when on."

    Anonymous A., AZ (2011 Toyota Prius Three 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Heads-up display

    "Low pressure (tires) light went on, was checked but remained on even though tires were OK."

    Anonymous, WA (2011 Toyota Prius Unsure 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    In-dash navigation system (GPS)

    "Since the car was about 5 years old we get occasional DVD read failures. I think the DVD is dirty."

    Anonymous A., NY (2011 Toyota Prius Unsure 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Other in-car electronics problem

    "The indicator lights that signal tire pressure and oil change etc are now very erratic--to replace them is too expensive."

    Anonymous, VA (2011 Toyota Prius Four 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Phone pairing (e.g., Bluetooth)

    ""Sometimes it is impossible to pair with some phones. I think this problem has existed at least since the car was 10 years old, maybe longer.""

    Anonymous A., NY (2011 Toyota Prius Unsure 1.8-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.

    What Owners Say

    Bushings

    "Oct 2024 shop says, "Clunking coming from left front -inner tie rod suspected diag needed" and the repair said they replaced the intermediate shaft assembly. Recently the shop says "Front sway bar link bushings split.""

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

    ""The joint on one end failed, and the tie rod was replaced""

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

    "In 2024 Sept wheel bearing noise. Repaired"

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

    "I started hearing noise from the bearing and immediately got it analyzed then replaced."

    Anonymous A., OR (2011 Toyota Prius Two 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

    ""It happened quickly. The compressor on a Thursday suddenly got louder. By Sunday and less than 30 miles of driving, it stopped working. It just clicks a few times trying to start up and then the car gives up.""

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

    "Cool air stopped blowing."

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

    "We bought the car used with 110000 miles and it had no refrigerant at all. Once we had the problem diagnosed we replaced the refrigerant and the a/c has worked fine for 8 months. We will have the level checked soon."

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

    EV Battery

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

    What Owners Say

    Other electric/hybrid battery problem

    "Hybrid battery pack does not work"

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

    "All the warning lights went on when I shifted to Drive; drove it to the dealer, where it was covered under warranty."

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

    "Hybrid Control computer system failed so vehicle ran solely on the gas engine. Dealer replaced the entire control system at no cost."

    Anonymous, GA (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.

    What Owners Say

    Driveshaft or axle

    "Rear axle broke at 160000 miles"

    Anonymous, MA (2011 Toyota Prius Three 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

    Sunroof

    "Weather stripping around sunroof lifting and peeling. Dealer said replacement cost would be $4000 and would include all new sunroof and glass because the weather stripping is part of the glass."

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

    Noises/Leaks

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

    What Owners Say

    Squeaks or rattles

    "The plate backing the rear wheel rusted and was scraping against the wheel. Also needed to replace the wheel bearing"

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

    Engine Major

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

    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.

    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 Minor

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

    Engine Cooling

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

    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.

    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
    NA
    Electric Motor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    EV Battery
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Cooling
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Electrical
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Drive System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Exhaust
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Suspension/Steering
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Brakes
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Build Quality
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Electrical Accessories
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Body Hardware
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Paint/Trim
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Noises/Leaks
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    In-car Electronics
    NA
    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 about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 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.
    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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