Toyota Prius: Problems & Solutions - READ ONLY

711 messages, Last post on Oct 27, 2006 at 3:23 AM

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#104 of 711 Re: Quality issues with 2004 Prius [pmichaels1] by ahurst Jan 08, 2005 (2:56 am)
Replying to: pmichaels1 (Dec 24, 2004 10:17 am) Hi, I'm sorry to hear about your troubles. I have a 2004 and now have over 20,000 miles (33,000 km) on mine. I have had none of your problems and have been generally very pleased. Unfortunately it sounds like your vehicle may have been a victim of Toyota's push for more volume when the backlog of buyers was at it's worst. Yours is the first such story I've heard. If I were in your position, I would be starting talks with my dealer and Toyota about a replacement, lemon law or not, Toyota is successful because they have generally done the right things to maintain a reputation for consistent, reliable, well built vehicles - yours is clearly an anomoly. Good luck. Replies to this message: pmichaels1 (Feb 09, 2005 5:46 pm)
#105 of 711 Re: Engine dies after starting [bobo44] by ceric Jan 10, 2005 (12:34 am)
Replying to: bobo44 (Jan 06, 2005 6:43 am) You should leave your Prius overnight with Toyota dealer and have them try it in the morning. If they can't fix it three times, then you can claim Lemon Law protection.
#106 of 711 Re: Quality issues with 2004 Prius [pmichaels1] by findir Jan 10, 2005 (11:08 am)
Replying to: pmichaels1 (Dec 24, 2004 10:17 am) I am very sorry to hear of your experience. We purchased our 04 Prius in January 2004 (our first Toyota) and now have 12000 miles on it, with no problems whatsoever. We have taken it from CT to Fla and back, and use it as a daily driver, and other than oil changes/tire rotations, it has required nothing. We would not hesitate to buy another one, and I too believe your experience is an anomaly. Replies to this message: pmichaels1 (Feb 09, 2005 5:47 pm)
#107 of 711 Starter battery short lived by engin2 Jan 25, 2005 (11:03 pm)
My wife drives our '02 Prius around town, mostly short trips like shopping,etc...We live in the SF Bay Area. She parks her car outside. The car only has 17K miles on it. Last week she couldn't start it because dead battery. The warranty expired just two months passed three years' coverage. After jump started car and took same to dealer, I was told these gel-type batteries don't last much longer than that. I had the shock of my Toyota life. The dealer contacted Toyota and they gave me a heavy duty upgraded battery on a good-will gesture, no charge. Though I appreciate their PR move, I've never paid more than $100 for a good, 6-year warranty battery in my entire life. This new battery only has two years' warranty on it. However, I still had to pay over $200 for new installation kit to accomodate the new battery. HELP!!! We're a family of devoted Toyota cars in the pass and my wife's '93 Tercel's battery lasted over 8 years, never dies and starts every single time. Now We're beginning to have second thoughts about our '02 and '04 Prius that costs an arm and leg just for run-of-the mill item replacements. The heavy duty battery itself would have cost me over $200. Would anyone out there who may have similar starter battery problems share some light and experiences on this. It would be much appreciated as we may end our relationship with Toyota hybrids. Thank you in advance. Replies to this message: tempusvn (Jan 26, 2005 6:31 am) rab2 (Feb 15, 2005 5:57 pm) rfruth (Feb 15, 2005 6:31 pm) stevedebi (Feb 16, 2005 1:11 pm) and 2 more...
#108 of 711 by stevewa Jan 25, 2005 (11:50 pm)
Methinks your dealer is blowing smoke. We have 55000 miles on our '02 and have had no problem with the 12v battery. It's critical that the car be run for at least 30 minutes (without turning the key off) every week or so to allow enough time to recharge the 12v battery. While the HV battery can recharge very quickly the 12v battery is recharged at a slower rate to prevent it from overheating. It's not necessary for the gas engine to be running, but the key must be in the "on" position so the inverter's battery charger function is running. Your owner's manual should have something to say about this. Replies to this message: engin2 (Jan 27, 2005 5:47 am)
#109 of 711 Re: Starter battery short lived [engin2] by tempusvn Jan 26, 2005 (6:31 am)
Replying to: engin2 (Jan 25, 2005 11:03 pm) "Now We're beginning to have second thoughts about our '02 and '04 Prius that costs an arm and leg just for run-of-the mill item replacements. The heavy duty battery itself would have cost me over $200." The Car Giveth and the Car Taketh Away Yeah, the 12v battery is one of the things in the Prius that is more expensive, and touchier than in other cars. But, by the same token, there are some things that you either have to do regularly or can expect to do at least once over the life of a regular car that you don't have to worry about with the Prius. The Prius is very good on brakes. So, you don't have to do that brake job every 35K miles. Maybe you'll do it at 100K, maybe not The Prius doesn't have a transmisison per-se, so if you're someone who keeps cars a long time (like me), it's nice not to have to sorry about the huge cost of modern transmission repairs. On the 04 at least, the entire exhaust system is Stainless Steel, so hopefully I won't have to visit MIDAS for that either. On my other cars, living in the Salt Belt, the most you can expect to get out of mufflers and such is 50K. Taking a look at the big picture, I think it's likely that it's quite likely the Prius lifetime repair/maintenance costs for things that wear out may be less than other cars. But yeah, the Battery is a potential annoyance
#110 of 711 Re: An Invitation to all owners of the new PRIUS [well_informed] by energyschild Jan 26, 2005 (10:18 am)
Replying to: well_informed (Jun 18, 2004 6:28 am) I purchased my 2005 Prius in November of 2004 after waiting 8 months from the day I ordered it. So far after 1,800 miles I love the car. The only thing that bothers me is the milage is lower than promised. I'm averaging 35 to 55 miles per gallon & seem to get better milage on the open road. I'll be happy to get 40 to 45 mpg. I understand the Toyota dealer that provided my car gives outstanding service. I certainly hope to get many miles of trouble free driving from my Prius. I do have an automatic transmission.
#111 of 711 Re: [stevewa] by engin2 Jan 27, 2005 (5:47 am)
Replying to: stevewa (Jan 25, 2005 11:50 pm) A BIG THANK YOU for that suggestion. I'll certainly keep that in mind and try and see if my battery works the same way as yours. You may have save me from defecting to Honda! I thought I've checked my manual, but found nothing about the subject. I have a stinking hunch that maybe Toyota just wants to sell more after-market items. Again, a BIG THANKS!!!
#112 of 711 Terrible Problem by jebster Jan 30, 2005 (1:37 pm)
Hey! Got a '05 and, although pleased in general with the car (av 48MPG - 500+ Miles per tank) I have a terrible issue. The CD player wont display titles of songs! Seriously, anyone know what it takes to get titles to display? I've not gotten it to work on any CDs, either store bought or self-burned. Is there some format my CD burner needs to use? Also, anyone know what the letters RDS on the CD player stand for? (I have a type 1 system, no changer) Thanks! Replies to this message: stevewa (Feb 05, 2005 8:25 pm)
#113 of 711 2005 Rear Window View by tigertale Jan 31, 2005 (3:06 pm)
Hi, I'm in the market for a Prius and was able to test drive one today. Loved it, except for the somewhat obstructed view out the back window. Has anyone found it to be a problem, or is it something you get used to? Any advice about working around it? Thanks! Replies to this message: ruking1 (Jan 31, 2005 3:11 pm) mcr1 (Feb 21, 2005 4:28 am)