2nd-Gen Prius: What House owners Say
House owners love the wonderful gasoline financial system of the2nd-gen Prius
There’s sufficient house inside for 4 adults and the trunk is a good measurement, mixed with hatchback versatility
Construct high quality is universally praised
Sit again and take it straightforward, as a result of the Prius is gradual
In some situations, particularly chilly climate, homeowners do not get the EPA gasoline mileage figures
House owners must take care of just a few too many persistent issues, particularly by way of oil consumption, as soon as the miles pile up
Second-Technology Toyota Prius Facelift
The 2nd-generation Prius obtained just one facelift for the 2006 mannequin yr and the adjustments had been so slight that they will simply be missed.
New headlights are fitted, however they maintain the form of the outdated ones . The primary headlight lens is a bit taller, and the flip sign above it’s a bit smaller. On the aspect of the cluster, the earlier amber aspect marker gentle adjoining to the flip sign will get supplemented with an prolonged amber reflector under it within the new headlight design (1).
The brand new taillight clusters not have the darkish high part to mix in with the darkened glass on the liftgate however are actually clear from high to backside (1).
In profile, solely the brand new wheel designs will be seen (1).
No adjustments are made to the cabin design, however darker seat material is used (1), and the middle of the instrument panel will get a distinct texture (2).
Engine, Transmission and Drivetrain
There was just one drivetrain for the 2004-2009 second-generation Prius – Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive comprising a 1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle inline-four coupled to an electrical motor and 1.31-kWh Ni-MH battery.
1.5L Inline-4 Fuel Atkinson-Cycle DOHC 1NZ-FXE and One Electrical Motor
Horsepower
Torque
Transmission
Drivetrain
76 hp
85 lb-ft
CVT computerized
FWD
Electrical motors: One permanent-magnet AC synchronous electrical motor
Horsepower: 67 hp
Torque: 295 lb-ft
Engine + electrical motor hybrid system output: 110 hp
The naturally-aspirated 1.5-liter 1NZE-FXE inline four-cylinder engine runs the Atkinson combustion cycle and a 13:1 compression ratio to optimize effectivity and develops solely 76 hp and 82 lb-ft of torque. The electrical motor contributes 67 hp and 295 lb-ft for mixed energy output of 110 hp. Toyota would not say what the mixed torque output is. Drive to the entrance wheels is both through the gasoline engine and constantly variable transmission (CVT), through the electrical motor alone, or with each working on the identical time for max efficiency. Both manner, the Prius is not any velocity machine, taking ten seconds to succeed in 60 mph. It is extraordinarily environment friendly, although, delivering a 46-mpg mixed EPA estimate and qualifying as each a Tremendous Extremely Low Emissions Car (SULEV) and Superior Know-how Partial Zero Emission Car (AT-PZEV) at launch. It is usually dependable too, however oil consumption can turn into an issue with age.
The battery’s charging and discharging are computer-controlled, completely shallow-cycling it between 40% and 80% capability, guaranteeing a protracted service life. In reality, a few of these batteries are reported to succeed in 200,000 miles. Regenerative braking permits the automobile to reap some braking power to recharge the battery and, being a full series-parallel hybrid, it by no means needs to be plugged in.
2004-2009 Toyota Prius 2nd Technology Actual MPG
Gas financial system is what it is all about with a Prius and the stellar figures the second-generation Prius XW20 generates make the dearth of efficiency much more palatable. Being a hybrid that switches off its gasoline engine in site visitors, its metropolis consumption is best than its freeway consumption, and the EPA estimate of 46 mpg mixed is borne out by the real-world consumption figures of householders, which vary from 45.9 to 47.7 mpg. With an 11.9-gallon gasoline tank, a Prius ought to be capable of journey practically 550 miles. The battery and hybrid system are affected by chilly climate, which additionally causes the gasoline engine to run for longer durations of time, so basic gasoline mileage in winter is reported to be noticeably worse than in summer season.
EPA MPG (CITY/HIGHWAY/COMBINED)
REAL-WORLD COMBINED MPG*
1.5 inline-four naturally aspirated hybrid FWD CVT computerized
48/45/46
45.9-47.7
* Actual-world mpg and MPGe figures are offered by the EPA. As soon as a automobile has been on sale for a big time frame, the EPA will get real-world figures immediately from the shopper base. These figures are then offered on the EPA web site. Actual-world figures should not accessible for sure fashions attributable to an absence of gross sales, or not sufficient folks partaking on this after-sales survey.
Security
The second-gen Prius was examined based on the NHTSA’s less-strict pre-2011 crash-test standards and fared nicely, scoring 5 stars for the motive force’s frontal influence and 4 stars for the remaining. For the 2006 mannequin yr, it misplaced that fifth star for the motive force’s frontal influence. A 2007 security replace made aspect and curtain airbags customary, upping the rating for the motive force’s aspect influence to 5 stars.
Again in 2004, security options had been skinny on the bottom, and driver-assistance options had been restricted to parking sensors – in the event you had been fortunate. The 2004 Prius is kitted out about as anticipated by way of security, having ABS brakes, traction management, and twin airbags as customary – however that is it. Stability management, aspect airbags, and curtain airbags had been accessible however needed to be chosen from the choices menu, so test whether or not they have been fitted. The identical goes for xenon headlights. The 2006 facelift brings with it customary tire-pressure monitoring, and a backup digital camera turns into elective. From 2007 onward, the aspect and curtain airbags are customary.
US NHTSA Crash Take a look at Consequence
2006
2007-2009
Frontal Barrier Crash Ranking (Driver)
4/5
4/5
Frontal Barrier Crash Ranking (Passenger)
4/5
4/5
Facet Crash Ranking (Driver)
4/5
5/5
Facet Crash Ranking (Passenger)
4/5
4/5
Rollover Ranking
4/5
4/5
2nd-Technology Toyota Prius XW20 Trims
There was just one 2nd-generation Toyota Prius trim for the primary three mannequin years, the specification stage of which might be different by including choices at additional price. Extra customary options are added yearly. For the 2007 mannequin yr, the Touring trim is added on the high of the lineup and, for 2008, a brand new decontented entry-level delete bundle is offered under the prevailing Base trim.
2004-2009 Base
Engine
Transmission
Drivetrain
1.5-liter naturally aspirated inline-four gasoline hybrid
Repeatedly Variable Automated (CVT)
FWD
On the skin, the 2004 mannequin has 15-inch alloy wheels, halogen headlights, powered and heated body-color aspect mirrors, and a rear spoiler. Normal tools on the within consists of distant keyless entry with push-button begin, cruise management, a multi-information show displaying the hybrid system’s workings, a manually tilting steering column, energy home windows and door locks, twin entrance and rear cupholders, material upholstery, a 60/40-split and folding rear seat, computerized local weather management with a cabin filter, two 12-volt energy retailers, and an AM/FM radio/CD participant with six audio system. By way of any of as much as 9 totally different packages (quantity varies by yr), varied additional gadgets will be added, similar to xenon headlights, foglights, aspect and curtain airbags, Bluetooth, voice-activated DVD navigation, and an upgraded nine-speaker JBL audio system, so test the spec sheet for the fitted packages. The 2005 mannequin is just about equivalent, save for the addition of a typical rear-window wiper and the solar visors being lined in material as a substitute of vinyl.
Together with the 2006 facelift comes extra tools, notably, customary tire-pressure monitoring. New elective extras not beforehand accessible embody leather-based upholstery, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, an audio jack, and a backup digital camera. The Normal arrives just for the 2008 mannequin yr and slots in on the backside of the lineup. It isn’t actually a trim and only a decontented Base, so it’s largely just like the 2008 Base trim described under, with two exceptions – it has no entry to any of the elective packages, and some of the usual options are deleted, notably the heated aspect mirrors and the cruise management. It has a distinct wheel design, but it surely stays a 15-inch alloy.
2007-2009 Touring
Engine
Transmission
Drivetrain
1.5-liter naturally aspirated inline-four gasoline hybrid
Repeatedly Variable Automated (CVT)
FWD
The Touring trim joins the lineup for 2007 and is differentiated by its 16-inch alloy wheels, firmer sport-tuned suspension, customary xenon headlights, foglights, and a bigger rear spoiler. By way of inside appointments, it has every part the 2007 Base Prius has.
Second-Technology Toyota Prius Options
BASE
TOURING
ABS
S
S
A/C
S
S
Auxiliary Audio Enter
O
O
Again-Up Digital camera
O
O
Bluetooth Connection
O
O
Brake Help
S
S
Local weather Management
S
S
Cruise Management
S
S
Driver Air Bag
S
S
Entrance Head Air Bag
O
S
Entrance Facet Air Bag
O
S
Keyless Entry
O
O
Keyless Begin
O
O
MP3 Participant
O
O
Navigation System
O
O
Passenger Air Bag
S
S
Energy Mirror(s)
S
S
Premium Sound System
O
O
Rear Head Air Bag
O
N/A
Rear Facet Air Bag
O
N/A
Satellite tv for pc Radio
O
N/A
Stability Management
O
O
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
S
S
Tire Stress Monitor
S
S
Traction Management
O
O
Common Storage Door Opener
O
O
Inside, Trim And Practicality
The inside will not be plush by any means, however the ambiance is lifted by dabbling within the choices listing and including options similar to leather-based upholstery. What can’t be faulted is the sturdiness of all of it, and every part is bolted down securely, giving an impression of longevity. The tech on supply is sweet, and the motive force has to strive to not be distracted by the multi-information display screen displaying in actual time what the hybrid drive is as much as and the place the ability is coming from. It is also commendably spacious inside, with 38.6 inches of rear legroom, even when the 37.3 inches of headroom again there may be considerably restricted by that sloping roofline. There’s additionally an ample 14.4-cubic-inch trunk, its practicality aided by the hatchback design.
BASE
TOURING
Bucket Seats
S
S
Fabric Seats
O
O
Leather-based Seats
O
O
Leather-based Steering Wheel
O
O
Premium Artificial Seats
O
O
Vinyl Seats
O
O
FABRIC SEAT TRIM
S
S
LEATHER SEAT TRIM
O
O
Darkish grey, material seat trim
S
S
Bisque, material seat trim
S
S
Darkish grey, leather-based seat trim
S
S
Bisque, leather-based seat trim
S
S
Cloth Seat Trim
S
S
Leather-based Seat Trim
S
S
Fabric Seat Trim
S
N/A
2004-2009 2nd Gen Toyota Prius Upkeep and Price
The Prius’ minor lube companies are carried out each 5,000 miles, however there’s a larger service at 30,000 miles when the air filters for the cabin and engine have to get replaced as nicely. The 30,000-mile service prices about $340 at an impartial store or $570 at Toyota. When you’re shopping for it your self, the air filter will price about $60, which is kind of steep and double the value of an air filter for a typical automobile on this class. The cabin air filter’s value is $22. At 100,000 miles, the inverter’s coolant have to be changed, which signifies that this service price round $460-$680 and at 120,000 miles, the transmission fluid have to be changed, which is why this service prices $835 – $1,210. Nonetheless, that is pushing issues a bit for a CVT and in view of the regular variety of transmission complaints recorded, we might halve that transmission fluid alternative to 60,000-mile intervals within the curiosity of transmission longevity.
The spark plugs have to be changed on the identical 120,000-mile service, and in the event you do it your self, a set of 4 will price you about $42. The one spark plug alternative issues on a Toyota Prius engine you are more likely to run into is that they may be troublesome to take away from the cylinder head after such an prolonged interval, so take care to not break them. After 100,000 miles, you can too anticipate the hybrid battery pack to let go at brief discover, even when it could actually final fairly some time longer in some cases. A remanufactured one with a five-year guarantee ought to price not more than $2,000. Having a brand new one put in by Toyota will set you again not less than $3,500.
Second-Gen Toyota Prius Fundamental Service
The essential service requires the engine oil and filter to get replaced each 5,000 miles or six months, whichever comes first. We might not budge from this mileage one little bit as a result of in a hybrid, the engine oil breaks down quicker as a result of engine typically switching off and being restarted, hardly ever reaching working temperature in metropolis site visitors. Additionally, nearly all of the engine issues on the 1NZ-FXE are oil-related, and you may defer oil consumption and cam chain issues by regularly changing the oil. So as to add insult to harm, the engine’s oil capability is simply 3.9 quarts, so your largest downside after an oil change on a 2004-2009 Toyota Prius is protecting a hawk’s eye on the oil stage – any leak or oil-consumption subject leaves little leeway and can have the oil operating dangerously low in a short time.
This lube service shouldn’t price greater than $170 at an impartial store or $335 at Toyota. Test the oil stage regularly and use solely totally artificial oil. This fundamental service is repeated each 5,000 miles, however varied different gadgets are checked and inspected alongside the best way, relying on the mileage. The 5W-30 oil sort and oil filter for this regular lube service should not price way more than $53 if you are going to do it your self.
2nd-Technology Toyota Prius XW20 Tires
Base
Tire Dimension: P185/65R15
Wheel Dimension: 15″ x 6.0″
Spare Tire: T125/70D16
Touring
Tire Dimension: P195/65R16
Wheel Dimension: 16″ x 6.0″
Spare Tire: T125/70D16
Test Earlier than You Purchase
There weren’t too many 2004-2009 Toyota Prius hybrid remembers:
The 2004-2009 Toyota Prius steering recall was issued to switch a steering intermediate extension shaft manufactured from splines of an inadequate hardness, inflicting them to put on away, resulting in a lack of steering potential. An extra steering recall on 2004-2006 fashions changed the intermediate shaft and sliding yoke, each of which can fracture below stress – this power-steering downside on 2004, 2005, and 2006 Toyota Prius fashions is the one different certainly one of be aware.
Toyota recalled 2004-2009 Priuses to switch the inverter’s electrical water pump which may have suffered inner harm throughout manufacturing, inflicting a brief that makes the hybrid system shut down, resulting in a stall. On a 2004-2009 Prius, P0a93 is the error code that often accompanies an inverter-cooling downside.
As a part of Toyota’s unintended-acceleration scandal involving practically 4.5 million automobiles, all 2004-2009 Prius fashions had been recalled to switch or refund floormats which will trigger the accelerator pedal to jam, in addition to change and modify pedals and flooring surfaces, as required.
There have been just a few remembers regarding the restraint system. In a recall of the 2004-2006 Prius, Toyota changed improperly assembled airbag inflators that will not inflate a number of the airbags correctly, and a recall on 2009 fashions was issued to recalibrate the occupant-detection sensors which will in any other case fail to deploy a number of the airbags in a crash. There was no 2007 or 2008 Toyota Prius airbag recall.
The 2004 Toyota Prius was recalled to switch a brake gentle swap which will fail. On a 2004-2009 Prius, P0571 often is the accompanying error code.
Many Toyotas, together with the 2005-2009 2nd era, had been recalled to switch incorrect load-capacity labels.
A few of the typical OBD-II error codes you may encounter on a 2004-2009 Prius are:
The P0001 and P1159 error codes are fuel-system-related codes. P0001 signifies an issue with the fuel-volume regulator and P1159 means the fuel-rail stress is simply too excessive. P0201 on a 2004-2009 Prius is a fuel-injector error code.
On any 2004-2009 Prius, P0011, P0012, P0016, P0391, P0394, P093a, and P0391 are cam place error codes.
The P0031, P0037, P0038, P0136, P0137, P0138, P0171, P0172, P0420, and P0880 codes on 2004-2009 Priuses are associated to the oxygen sensors or their readings.
Associated
P0171 Error Code: What It Is And Tips on how to Repair It
In case your automobile has a tough, erratic idle and triggers the P0171 error code, there’s doubtless a problem with the air-to-fuel ratio.
P0100, P0101, P010a, and P1101 on 2004-2009 Priuses are error codes from the mass airflow (MAF) sensor.
P0113 is an intake-air temperature (IAT) error code.
On a 2004-2009 Prius, P0117, P1116, P1117, P1121, P1122, P1123, P1150, and P1151 are engine coolant error codes. P0117 is an engine coolant temperature (ECT) error code, and each P1116 and P1117 point out a low coolant stage. P1121, P1122, and P1123 are coolant-flow control-valve error codes. P1150 often signifies an overheating situation, and P1151 reveals an issue with the coolant heat-storage tank.
On any 2004-2009 Prius, P0121 and P1120 are throttle-position sensor (TPS) error codes.
P0300 is a random misfire error code and, if the final digit will not be a zero, it signifies the variety of the cylinder misfiring, so P0301, P0302, P0303, and P0304 on 2004-2009 Priuses point out a misfiring cylinder on one, two, three, or 4, respectively. P0351, P0352, P0353, or P0354 point out that ignition coil A, B, C, or D, respectively, is malfunctioning.
P0401 is an exhaust-gas recirculation (EGR) sensor error.
Associated
P0302 Code: What It Is And How To Repair It
Lack of energy? Decreased gasoline financial system? Your engine could also be misfiring and require pressing intervention.
On a 2004-2009 Prius, P0441, P0446, P0455, P0456, and P1455 are evaporative emissions management (EVAP) system error codes.
P0505 is an idle-air management system error code.
P1106 is a barometric pressure-sensor error code.
On a 2004-2009 Prius, P0517, P09ac, P0a9c, P0a82, P0aa0, P0ac0, P1a10, and P3000 are hybrid battery-pack error codes. P0517, P09ac, and P0a9c are temperature-sensor errors. P0a82 signifies an issue with one of many battery pack’s cooling followers. P0aa0 is a batter contactor-circuit error. P0ac0 is a current-sensor circuit error, and P1a10 signifies that the hybrid system has been shut down to forestall the traction battery from discharging. P3000 is a battery-control-system error.
The P0600, P0606, P0607, and P0630 error codes point out an issue with the digital management module (ECM).
P0705 and P0825 are transmission error codes. P0a3f means there’s a downside with the motor resolver (which is a transaxle velocity sensor).
On a 2004-2009 Prius, P0a09, P0a94, P0a0a, and P0a0d point out issues with the hybrid system. P0a09 and P0a94 are DC/DC converter errors, and each P0a0a and P0a0d are high-voltage system interlock errors.
P0a0f is an engine non-start error code.
P0a1d is a hybrid-system control-module error code.
P0a2d is a drive-motor temperature error code.
On a 2004-2009 Prius, P0a40, P0a46, P0a78, P0a7a, and P0a93 are drive-motor errors. P0a40 and P0a46 are position-sensor errors, whereas P0a78, P0a7a, and P0a93 are inverter error codes.
P0a4c and P0a4d are generator position-sensor errors.
P0aa6 means there’s a high-voltage leak.
2004-2009 Toyota Prius Frequent Issues
1NZ-FXE 1.5-liter Inline-4 Engine Issues
The NZ dates all the best way again to the late ’90s, and by the point it made its look within the 2004 Prius, it had gained options similar to hydraulic valve lifters and curler rockers; alongside the cam chain, these options make it just about maintenance-free apart from frequent oil adjustments. These oil adjustments are essential as a result of, like another engines with low-tension, low-friction piston rings, these rings can turn into caught – and after they do, oil consumption will increase and might turn into as extreme as a quart per 500 miles. Unnoticed low oil ranges can result in many different issues, like overheating and significantly elevated put on, finally ruining the engine.
Oil may also come previous the valve-stem seals and be burnt by the engine. The cam chain is a slim, low-friction, single-row merchandise and might turn into elongated and begin to rattle, necessitating its alternative. Its tensioner can fail as nicely. The VVT actuators may even fail earlier if the engine is uncared for and so they want clear oil to final. All these issues do not usually rear their heads earlier than 100,000 miles, and in the event you religiously change the oil, you’ll be able to defer issues for a very long time. It’s, due to this fact, vital to look at a used Prius’ service historical past. Keep in mind that the oil within the Prius engine works onerous, because the engine is began and stopped on a regular basis by the hybrid system and runs under correct working temperature plenty of the time. This taxes the lubricating properties and components of the oil and requires extra frequent oil adjustments.
In widespread with many engines – and positively not distinctive to the 1NZ-FXE – different issues seem with the advancing years and amongst these are the inevitable oil leaks. Within the case of the 1NZ-FXE, oil leaks often originate on the rear principal or the valve or chain-tensioner covers. Resulting from these oil leaks, oil can penetrate the crankshaft-position sensor’s connector, inflicting it to cease working and this may trigger an engine stall, which is why there was a recall for it. Be sure that the recall work has been finished. Different points that go hand in hand with excessive mileages on many engines – and in addition have an effect on this one – is poor operating attributable to a unclean throttle physique, soiled idle-speed sensor, or caught PCV valve.
Mileage: Extreme oil consumption can begin at 100,000-147,000 miles. Failed valve-stem seals, elongated cam chains, and dodgy cam-chain tensioners aren’t often an issue earlier than 100,000 miles and will be postponed past that with frequent oil adjustments. Neglect brings on failures quicker.
Price: Invasive engine work to switch the piston rings can price north of $4,500. You may also have an ongoing expense shopping for top-up oil between companies, do you have to select to dwell with the oil consumption.
Tips on how to spot: Naturally, oil consumption will trigger the oil stage to drop and, if it turns into extreme, spark-plug fouling will trigger poor operating and smoke could also be emitted from the exhaust. Excessively low oil ranges will quickly terminally harm the engine. An elongated cam chain and/or failed tensioner will trigger a rattling sound.
Inverter Coolant Pump Failure
The inverter on the hybrid system of the second-generation Toyota Prius is sturdy however its coolant pump might fail, placing it liable to overheating. Fortunately, there needs to be a touch warning gentle to point one thing is amiss and it will often be accompanied by the P0A93 OBD-II error code. Some folks match aftermarket coolant pumps, however these should not at all times dependable – it is best to go for the OEM merchandise. A recall was issued for this downside, however since this Prius era is now so outdated, the issue stays a danger as a result of age of the pump. It is higher to be secure reasonably than sorry, as a result of it is not an costly merchandise to switch and might forestall a harmful stall. The truth that varied homeowners had their pumps changed and needed to pay for them signifies that not all failures are lined by the recall. Failures are sometimes not reported earlier than 110,000, however one pump failed at 50,000 miles. The potential inverter cooling-pump failure is the one 2004-2009 Toyota Prius inverter downside of be aware on Touring, Base, or Normal trims – all of them use the identical pump.
Mileage: Often round 110,000-122,000 miles on common.
Price: Round $550 for a pump alternative, labor included.
Tips on how to spot: P0A93 OBD-II error code and dashboard warning lights.
Traction Battery Failure
The conservative design of the Ni-MH traction battery and its shallow-cycle charging and discharging regime ought to see it get to 200,000 miles in some circumstances, so we do not regard this as an issue space, so there are only a few 2004-2009 Toyota Prius hybrid battery and electric-motor issues to report. The rationale why we listing it right here is as a result of this Prius era is now outdated and the probability of getting to switch the traction battery is excessive based mostly on the age of those vehicles. What’s extra, it is an costly merchandise, so it is one thing you may must look out for and maybe use as a bargaining chip to drive down the value of a used one so you do not overpay and get worth for cash. When you go for a remanufactured battery pack, go for one which has not less than a five-year guarantee. A Toyota-supplied alternative is safer however dearer. Some technically minded homeowners had a go together with a DIY battery-overhauling job with blended outcomes, but when you recognize what you are doing, it should price you little greater than time and labor, and you may find yourself with a working battery. On a 2004-2009 Prius, P0a80 is the error code you are more likely to encounter when it is time to change the battery.
Mileage: Whereas the battery can attain 200,000 miles in some circumstances, failures may occur sooner, particularly on outdated vehicles. It may expire any time from round 100,000 miles.
Price: A remanufactured high-voltage traction battery sometimes varies between $1,500 and $2,000 however you may must do your analysis, as high quality from totally different suppliers can range. A five-year guarantee is an efficient indication of high quality. Toyota-supplied new batteries will begin at round $2,500 earlier than labor and might run to $3,500.
Tips on how to spot: The P0A80 OBD-II error code will probably be triggered in case of an expired traction battery, often together with the Test Engine Gentle (CEL) and a little bit crimson triangle warning. Different indicators are that the automobile is consistently operating on the gasoline engine and will not have interaction the electrical drive.
ABS Actuator Failure
2004-2009 Toyota Prius ABS actuator and brake pump issues are fairly widespread. These actuators can fail, and they’re extraordinarily costly to switch, so test that there are not any ABS warning lights on the dashboard and that the brakes and ABS work correctly. The ABS pump should not regularly cycle throughout drives. Complete brake failure can observe an ABS actuator failure. The issue is kind of widespread, persistently displaying up in annual complaints and is price looking for as a result of it’s so costly to repair and will be doubtlessly harmful. Regardless of this, there was by no means a Toyota Prius brake-actuator recall. It appears most prevalent on 2008 fashions.
Mileage: Plainly this may happen at practically any mileage, with recorded mileages various from round 43,000 to 153,000 miles.
Price: Having Toyota set up a brand new ABS actuator can price as a lot as $2,300-$3,400.
Tips on how to spot: A scarcity of ABS intervention, poor or no braking, error codes and sprint warnings, and loud and frequent ABS-pump actuation, even throughout drives.
Multifunction Show Failure
Numerous 2004-2009 Toyota Prius instrument cluster and control-panel issues with the multifunction show – or MFD – had been reported. The show going black is often the fault of a capacitor failure, an especially low cost half to switch. The issue is that Toyota will not restore the show and can cost you a small fortune for a brand new one – some homeowners report being quoted 1000’s of {dollars}. You may have somebody with good data of electronics change the capacitor on the circuit board with a brand new one, or you could find and match a used circuit board at a components store. This downside appears particularly prevalent on 2007 and 2008 fashions however impacts all mannequin years. Apart from this, there aren’t every other notable issues with the 2004-2009 Toyota Prius’ gasoline gauge, flip sign, cruise management, odometer, speedometer or different dashboard devices.
Mileage: Round 79,000-142,000 miles on common.
Price: A alternative capacitor is a greenback or two plus paying somebody who is aware of circuit boards to switch it. A used circuit board is never way more than $50. Having Toyota change the gauge cluster with a brand new one will price round $1,400 – divided down the center for components and labor. Some homeowners have been quoted greater than $4,000. Used shows will be discovered for round $300.
Tips on how to spot: The multifunction show goes darkish.
HID Headlight Issues
2004-2009 Toyota Prius Touring headlight issues are well-documented. The Touring has the HID xenon headlights fitted as customary and the difficulty impacts this trim, in addition to different fashions with the elective HID headlights fitted. These lights may work intermittently or fail altogether. There was no recall, so this turned the topic of a class-action lawsuit – Toyota agreed to a settlement and a guaranty extension to 5 years or 50,000 miles on 220,000 2006-2009 Priuses. Higher be sure the HID headlights work correctly on a nighttime drive and test the VIN with Toyota to find out whether or not the automobile you are is without doubt one of the 220,000 eligible for a free repair if the work hasn’t been finished already. It is costly to treatment if you need to pay for it. And also you might need to, as a result of it’s generally reported on 2004 and 2005 fashions too. Solely the 220,000 Priuses below the category motion had been lined, not the 2004-2005 fashions and no different fashions both – there was no 2006, 2007, 2008, or 2009 Toyota Prius headlight recall for the defective headlights, nor for the 2004 and 2005 fashions affected to a lesser extent.
Mileage: Round 91,000-155,000 miles on common.
Price: The typical restore price for this downside is between $250 and $660.
Tips on how to spot: The HID xenon headlights work intermittently or in no way.
Smelly Air-Conditioning
Like many different Toyotas, the HVAC evaporator of the 2nd-gen Toyota Prius tends to entice moisture that encourages mildew to develop, emitting a foul odor when the air-conditioning is used. There is not a lot you are able to do about it besides purchase a can of AC disinfectant and apply it as instructed. It ought to kill the micro organism and take away the odor. Simply do it once more when the odor returns. This isn’t a fault that may disable the AC. Apart from the odd blower-motor failure or defroster subject, the unhealthy odor is by far the commonest of the air-conditioning (AC) issues on 2004-2009 Toyota Prius fashions.
Mileage: N/A
Price: Round $10 for a can of AC disinfectant.
Tips on how to spot: A foul, musty, moldy odor being emitted from the AC vents.
Much less Frequent Issues And Drawback-Free Areas
Apart from the foul smells now and again and a defroster which will typically not work correctly, there aren’t plenty of 2004-2009 Toyota Prius heater/heating or AC issues, and the HVAC system is dependable – however take a look at it correctly on a take a look at drive. Ought to the AC compressor be drained, a alternative will price over $2,000. The throttle actuator can fail after 100,000 miles, and the job to switch it runs to greater than $1,000 with labor. Some issues with paint cracking and peeling, together with some rust and corrosion, are reported at greater mileages, however these aren’t too commonplace. Rigorously test for indicators of the paintwork deteriorating or corrosion, particularly on vehicles utilized in rust-belt states with salted roads. Whereas not as broadly reported on the 2nd-gen Prius as on different Toyotas, rodents do appear to have an affinity for the Prius’ wiring and it might be smart to test for chewed wiring, rodent droppings, and random, unexplained electrical, charging system, beginning, or fuse issues on 2004-2009 Toyota Prius fashions. Keep clear, as a result of invasive wiring harness repairs will be very costly.
Some homeowners of 2006 fashions have reported that the dashtop can turn into sticky in scorching climate and issues with the 2004-2009 Toyota Prius’ door locks or rear hatch deal with’s button primarily revolve across the rubber components melting, though the precise liftgate latch may also fail. The odd door-lock actuator can fail too and changing these are fairly pricy at $600 a pop. Just a few homeowners have discovered it troublesome to completely high up their gasoline tanks.
CVTs will be unreliable however the unit within the 2nd-generation Toyota Prius appears dependable if the fluid is modified on schedule. As is the case with all difficult mechanical techniques, it could actually fail, but it surely’s the exception reasonably than the rule. Failures usually do not happen earlier than 137,000 miles, though there have been exceptions. It appears to be a surprisingly dependable CVT and most issues with the 2004-2009 Toyota Prius’ acceleration aren’t transmission shifter points however merely right down to the low energy output of the engine. If the transmission does give out, a alternative is within the area of $4,500.
With all the main and minor issues lined, you would be happy to study that the next system and subsystems hardly ever trigger issues:
Apart from the truth that it needs to be cleaned periodically on outdated vehicles and the already-mentioned throttle-actuator points, there are not any notable 2004-2009 Toyota Prius throttle-body issues.
There are no precise Toyota Prius stereo issues, but it surely’s price noting that the upgraded nine-speaker JBL system is way superior to the bottom audio system.
The fueling system is dependable and nearly no issues with the 2004-2009 Toyota Prius unhealthy gasoline/gasoline injectors, oxygen sensor heaters, catalytic converter, strains, pump, and tank are reported, though some homeowners did point out that the tank will be onerous to high up totally.
Which One To Keep away from
There is not a foul trim within the lineup and whereas the Normal solely takes away just a few good options, dropping the cruise management is probably the most irritating of all; it additionally did not have entry to the elective packages, so what you see is what you get. We would keep away from it. The Touring is a little bit pointless and though the 16-inch wheels look good, the firmer suspension makes little sense in a gradual hybrid. Take a look at it to resolve whether or not you are proud of the experience high quality on poor surfaces earlier than deciding. Going by the massive variety of complaints concerning the Touring’s customary HID headlights, we might be circumspect of such an essential security characteristic doubtlessly being unreliable. We would additionally keep away from any mannequin on which the elective aspect and curtain airbags and stability management weren’t specified, as these are essential security options in less-safe outdated vehicles like this Prius.
Which One To Purchase
We would go for a 2007 Normal, which has all a very powerful options of the Touring however with extra wise and cheaper tires, a softer experience, customary aspect and curtain airbags, and the tweaks from the 2006 facelift. We would moreover be sure that the containers for an upgraded audio system, the soundness management, and the backup digital camera had been ticked – the latter is kind of an essential characteristic we take with no consideration these days and might go a protracted approach to get rid of visibility issues within the Toyota Prius for folks of shorter stature. For final reliability, the 2009 mannequin is the very best, registering the fewest oil consumption reviews and the fewest faults – barring the elective HID headlights.
2nd-Gen Toyota Prius Verdict
The second-generation 2004-2009 Toyota Prius is a spacious and unpretentious hybrid that delivers on its most essential USP – gasoline financial system. Having mentioned that, you’d must dwell with the limp acceleration. Reliability is sweet, however issues have a tendency to begin going downhill from 100,000 miles; at this level, oil consumption and battery-pack points can turn into prevalent. Negotiate on the value to cowl you for a battery alternative and don’t even contemplate a automobile that has not had recent engine oil not less than each 5,000 miles or six months, as a result of failing that, you may definitely have an oil drinker in your palms earlier than lengthy. A meticulously maintained automobile can final you a very long time.