Top 5 Problems Toyota Prius Hybrid 3rd Generation 2010-15

These are the top 5 problems with the 3rd generation Toyota Prius, which appears as model years 2010-2015. In this video, Andy points out the most common problems that we have found on the Prius. He also offers tips and suggestions on the best way for you to handle the problems yourself! If you own a Prius, or are thinking of it, check out this video!

For an excellent resource on ways to handle other problems not mentioned here, check out this playlist:

0:00 Toyota Prius 3rd Gen 2010-15
0:20 Center Multi-Function Display
0:39 Fuel Gauge
0:51 EGR Valve
1:32 Water Pump
2:04 Plate Light Bulbs

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While 1A Auto strives to make the information provided in this video as accurate as possible, it makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or applicability of the content. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. 1A Auto is not responsible or liable for any loss damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this video.

[AAuto]

√ *Watch the Video*
√ *Do it Yourself*
√ *Save Money*

[noucamp]

You know it is a reliable car if they start to mention "light bulbs going wrong".

[Chemike]

I just replaced my 2011 prius with a 2015. My 2011 had 250k miles on all original parts. Only things that were changed were filters, oil, tires, wipers and light bulbs. THATS IT. I did have to pull the egr valve and exhaust manifold for a cleaning. Extremely impressed. I started leaking a little bit of oil after about 175k miles, but nothing noticeable, as it didn't leak enough to drip to the ground. I think this is due to a few gaskets that should have been changed way before 250k miles. Before I sell it, I plan on replacing the original rotors, original brake pads, and refurbishing the original hybrid battery.

Most impressive reliability I have ever experienced. Considering that I drove the prius 6 days a week and had it running anywhere from 12-16 hrs a day. That much mechanical movement, and so little problems is an engineering feat. Hopefully the 2015 won't do much worse.

[shazam]

400, 000 kilometers and my 2013 Prius still runs like a dream. No major problems other than water pump change once.

[luisgomez]

I have a 2010 blue prius with leather heated seats, and solar roof and it has 230, 000 miles. It is still going strong. Takes me to work everyday. I bought it with 130, 000 miles and did the brakes ABS recall for free. I bought it for $6, 800 a few years ago.

[edwardko]

My Gen3 bought new from Jul 2009. HV battery failed in 2018 at around 280, 000km just out of warranty. Local repairer refurbished battery for me for AUD1, 500 (USD1, 000). Only other major repair was replacement of leaky front struts.

Now 350, 000km and going strong. Still on original brake pads. Burns a little bit of oil but nothing excessive.

[igorl]

Also some other problems that came up during 11-year use of my 2010 prius(mostly highway usage):
1) strange noise when accelerating between 15mph and 29mph - feels like timing chain not catching grooves or engine mounts are broken, but no one is able to pinpoint what that could be. Problem seems to not affect vehicle operation and has been like that for 5 years.
2) rear underbody/under fuel tank sway bar rusted out. Taped it with duck tape as I could not find the proper replacement on internet. Need to go to dealer to look up.
3) You may have to install Cat security plate - see forums on how cats are being stolen.
4) Tire pressure light won't go away no matter what - this happened on year 7 of operation. Sometimes when all 4 inflated precisely to spec - it does go away, but even the slightest variation sets it back. Annoying a bit but just check your wheels visually, which is what everyone needs to do anyhow.
5) winter tires will make you feel everything
6)All front light bulbs, including main light bulbs (H11s) serve about 3-4 years then need replacement. Passenger side one is tricky - need small hands. Better to replace with something more dependable - I replaced all smaller ones with leds.
7) even if you're a good driver, people will cut you off because of their prius driver perception.

[jdnrotterdam]

I have the 2012 prius. Drove 200.000 km with it. Luckily I didn’t had any of that problem. And i’m planning to keep it for 50.000 km more. Good tip with the led plate lights

[germangardyn]

Most reliable car ever. But… I was constantly replacing headlight bulbs. Until I switched to LeD on my third gen. It has 183k miles on it now. Still running strong. Have only replaced the O2 sensor and brakes so far. Best car I’ve ever owned. Will buy a Prius prime next

[williamburkholder]

A few pieces of advice about the 2010 and 2011 Prius: 1) Install a clip on battery fan filter, available at the dealer. FIRST, clean the battery fan! I did mine yesterday at 103K. It was not clogged, but had sticky grime on the fins. Keeping this fan clean will prolong the life of your high voltage battery by keeping it cool! 2) Change the 12-Volt battery every five years or sooner if the lights dim a lot when you turn off the car. A weak 12-Volt battery causes all sorts of issues with the Prius electrical system, and it's a real pain if it dies when you are on the road. 3) Change oil every 5000 miles if you expect to keep the car for 200, 000 miles or more. Our 2009 still purrs at 201, 000! 4) Read The *Fine* Manual! These cars are amazing, and you should know why, and how to keep them that way.

[TheSportsPROgram]

Toyota Prius is by far the best I've ever had k miles and it just keep going

[moali]

I’m from uk London and I have a 2012 Toyota Prius and you are very correct mate I have had the EGR Valve issue and my Mecanic recommended changing water pump you forget to mention the back seat filter gets clogged up you need to remove this and clean it it’s for the hybrid battery

[sdbmw]

2007 Toyota Prius 290, 000 plus and still running strong. Just need to adjust my brakes.

[buddyleewoods]

I have a 2015 Prius with 205, 000 miles . Extremely reliable car all i do is oil changes & buy tires & gas . Strangely i have replaced alot of headlight bulbs & some marker bulbs but thats it . At 150, 000 i replaced front break pads myself by watching a video by this channel . At 205, 000k & 8.5 yrs old im getting warning that hybrid battery cooling system is low . Dealer mechanic told me theres a filter at back seat that filters the air going to battery cooling fan . I popped off the cover & it was caked with dog hair & filth . I scraped off a fistful of hair & vacuumed the rest . Now when driving i can faintly hear the suction of fan working . (Sounds good) Hopefully its fixed & just need to reset the warning on dash . I was supposed to have 1 gallon of battery coolant & plastic mesh filter changed every 100, 000 at dealer for $500 which is highly overpriced . Now i should flush both engine coolant & hybrid battery coolants with new coolant .

[RDSZ]

I have a 2010 Prius 175k with none problems.

[pfears]

I have a 2013 Prius…it’s the most reliable car I have ever owned!

[d.l.l.]

I will add one problem. When my 2013 Prius battery died, tow truck driver could not put the Prius in neutral to pull it up the tow truck ramp. He had to call a 2nd truck to actually lift the car up on a wheel ramp. So the problem is, if the Prius electric system is dead, the Prius will not shift into neutral.

My 2013 Prius battery just up and died yesterday in the parking lot at 85, 000 miles.

[wturner]

I just purchased the 2010 Toyota Prius 4 with the solar panel package a couple of weeks ago. 171k miles strong and thankfully no issues mentioned in this video. However I had to to replace some headlights after they went out at the same time, which was an easy fix, but tedious to get to. I even took it to my local Toyota dealer for recalls. Batteries are still good. My only concern is the braking system. The brakes still function, but I'll have it looked over soon just to be safe. Other than that I really like my car and it gets me from point A to B without any problems.

[andrewpeyton]

Love my 2012 Prius 170, 000 miles, same brake pads that were new in 2012! Rarely use my brakes. Cruise control and I capture the energy with the Cruise control lever, regenerative braking.

[Elaba_]

Problem 6: cylinder head gaskets due to thermal compression (start stop engine).