3 Most Common Toyota Prius Problems Reported by Many Real Owners
The Toyota Prius helped start the hybrid wave — and showed that a car with an alternative energy source could be both practical and commercially successful. Another strength is reliability. The Prius is one of the most reliable cars available. However, it’s not completely free from issues. Here are the three most common Toyota Prius problems reported by many real owners.
What are the most common Toyota Prius problems?
To determine the most frequent Toyota Prius issues, we looked at analysis from RepairPal. While some automotive evaluators utilize their own testing for reliability analysis, RepairPal looks at information provided by real owners of the Prius and other models. This method is beneficial, for it more accurately reflects real-world scenarios.
Here are the three most common problems for the Toyota Prius:
- Center multi-function display failure
- Incorrect reading on fuel gauge
- Illuminated check engine light due to three-way coolant control valve failure
Something to keep in mind about these problems is they don’t affect the majority of Prius models. However, they were the most frequent ones, so let’s take a closer look to delve into them in greater detail — including what’s needed for their resolution.
Most common Toyota Prius problem is center multi-function display failure
The most common Toyota Prius problem reported by real owners is a center multi-function display failure — according to RepairPal data. The center multi-function display stops working, which is often caused by the internal connection being poorly soldered on the display circuit board. For this issue, RepairPal recommends getting the display panel fixed at a shop that specializes in such repairs.
Incorrect reading on fuel gauge
The second-most frequent issue for the Toyota Prius is an incorrect reading on the fuel gauge. Fortunately, there’s typically an easy fix for the resolution of this problem. It can usually be corrected via a recalibration procedure.
Illuminated check engine light due to three-way coolant control valve failure
The other common problem reported by owners of the Toyota Prius is a check engine light that illuminates due to three-way coolant control valve failure. For this issue, the check engine light has the fault code P1121. Rectifying this problem requires a valve replacement.
How reliable is the Toyota Prius — and is it expensive to repair?
As noted earlier, the Toyota Prius is a very reliable vehicle. On the Consumer Reports list of most reliable cars, it places fourth, with the Toyota Corolla Hybrid taking the top spot. Like RepairPal, Consumer Reports relies on information provided by owners. However, RepairPal ranks the Prius lower for reliability. It gives the iconic hybrid an “above average” reliability rating of four out of five. In a field of 24 midsize cars evaluated, the Prius ranks tenth.
RepairPal states that the Prius is “excellent” for ownership costs, though. The average annual cost to repair the hybrid hatchback is $408, which is lower than most other cars. The automotive site gives a lower-than-expected reliability rating — due to the frequency of repairs. However, the problems tend to be relatively minor, resulting in low repair costs.
Along with saving money on gas with its ultra-efficient hybrid powertrain, owners save money from the minimal costs to repair the vehicle. As a result, the overall ownership costs for the Prius are relatively low.
