109 of the
1,298 complaints about the 2005 Toyota Prius are about the
throttle and cruise control — 8% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
50,000 miles.
F
109
Complaints
33
Crashes
1
Fires
10
Injuries
Exactly what failed
Vehicle Speed Control
9889.9%
Accelerator Pedal
76.4%
Cruise Control
43.7%
Acceleration & Cruise Control across every Toyota Prius year
COMBINATION METER INTERMITTENTLY NOT FUNCTIONING. WHEN TURNING THE CAR ON, SOMETIMES THE DASH METER WORKS, SOMETIMES IT'S JUST BLACK AND CONTINUES THE ENTIRE TIME THE CAR IS RUNNING. THEN WHEN TRYING TO TURN THE CAR OFF, IT WILL NOT TURN OFF, WHICH IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN. WHEN THIS OCCURS, THERE ARE NO DASH LIGHTS AT ALL TO INDICATE FUEL AMOUNT, ODOMETER READING, DOOR OPEN SIGNAL, CHECK ENGINE, MAINTENANCE REQUIRED AND SO ON. THE SPEED BEING DRIVEN IS NOT SHOWING EITHER WHICH IS ANOTHER MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. CRUISE CONTROL ALSO DOES NOT FUNCTION, THE CENTER TOUCHSCREEN DOES NOT DISPLAY HYBRID MOTOR INFORMATION OR MPG. THE BEEPING WHEN BACKING UP DOES NOT FUNCTION. ALSO THE REAR HATCH WILL NOT OPEN WHILE CAR IS RUNNING WHICH IS ALSO A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE IN ADDITION TO ALL OF THE OTHER FUNCTIONS NOT AVAILABLE. THE ODOMETER IS NOT RECORDING MILEAGE DURING THESE TIMES WHICH MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO DO PROPER MAINTENANCE THAT GOES BY MILEAGE, SUCH AS OIL CHANGES.
NHTSA complaint #11160849 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesLOS Angeles, CA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I STARTED THE CAR AND THE SPEED INDICATOR DIDN'T ILLUMINATE. I THOUGHT IT WAS A LIGHTBULB OR SOMETHING THAT THAT HAD GONE OUT SINCE THE CAR DROVE LIKE NORMAL. WHEN I GOT TO MY DESTINATION I TRIED TO TURN OFF THE CAR BUT IT DIDN'T TURN OFF. I CALLED THE CAMPUS CAR SERVICE, BY THE TIME THEY GOT TO ME (ABOUT 30 MINUTES) THE CAR HAD TURNED OFF BY ITSELF. THIS HAS HAPPENED ABOUT 8 TIMES SINCE. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS VERY ISSUE WHERE TOYOTA ADMITTED THAT HIGH MILAGE PRIUS' WERE EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM. THE RECALL ENDED IN 2013. I JUST DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW A KNOW ISSUE IS NO LONGER BEING FIXED WHEN THEY CLEARLY STATED THAT IT AFFECTS HIGH MILEAGE CARS. SO PEOPLE LIKE ME WHO'S CARS HAVEN'T REACHED A 'HIGH MILEAGE" DURING THEIR RECALL PERIOD ARE BASICALLY TOLD TO GUESS HOW FAST THE CAR IS TRAVELING?
NHTSA complaint #11103337 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 222,222 milesCenter, TX
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
CLOCK CABLE FAILED.. CAUSED THE AIRBAG, HORN AND CRUISE CONTROL TO NOT WORK..
NHTSA complaint #10972196 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,881 milesPanorama City, CA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
BRAKE ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY FAILURE THIS SYSTEM FAILED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED BY OWNER OF PRIUS. OWNER WAS DRIVING CAR AND THE BRAKES STOPPED WORKING ALMOST CAUSING A CRASH. TOYOTA RECENTLY (2016) OFFERED WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR REPAIRS IN 2005. BUT HAVING TO TAKE THEM TO SMALL CLAIMS BECAUSE WAS DENIED ON A TECHNICALITY.
NHTSA complaint #10918816 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Winnetka, ILCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2005 TOYOTA PRIUS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED AS SHE PULLED INTO PARKING SPACE, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED OUT OF HER CONTROL AND CRASHED INTO A STONE WALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THE CONSUMER STATED SHE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT. AS SHE BACKED INTO A PARKING SPACE, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED IN REVERSE, OUT OF HER CONTROL. CONSEQUENTLY, SHE JOT A GARAGE DOOR.
NHTSA complaint #10851596 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 128,000 milesPompano Beach, FL
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING SOME PROBLEMS WITH MY HEADLIGHTS. I CHANGED THE BULB AND A MONTH LATER THE LIGHT STOPPED WORKING AGAIN. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY BLAMED IT ON THE BULB, I TRIED TO RETURN THE BULB TO THE STORE AND THEY TESTED IT AND SAID EVERYTHING WAS OK WITH THE BULB SO IT HAD TO BE THE HEADLIGHTS. I'M ALSO HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS. THE SPEEDOMETER AND GAS GAGE COMPLETELY FAILED. AT THE SAME TIME I WAS TOLD MY ABS BRAKE SYSTEM NEEDS TO BE REPLACED! THIS IS TOO MUCH HAPPENING AT THE SAME TIME AND I HAVE TO PAY FOR ALL OF IT OUT OF POCKET.
NHTSA complaint #10759805 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 27,773 milesWashington, DC
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1) SUDDEN UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION 2) STEERING SHAFT SEVERED 3) DRIVERS SIDE AIR BAG INOPERATIVE ALONG WITH ALL STEERING WHEEL MOUNTED CONTROLS
NHTSA complaint #10759306 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 174,000 milesSanta Clara, CA1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE WASHING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED 2-3 DROPS OF WATER ENTERING THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW. THE WINDOW WAS CLOSED AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE. ADDITIONALLY, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED AND WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE. THE CONTACT ENGAGED THE PUSH-TO-START BUTTON WITH THE BRAKES APPLIED TO SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE, BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE CONTACT THEN SHIFTED INTO PARK AND ATTEMPTED TO EXIT THE VEHICLE WHEN THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT WAS KNOCKED TO THE GROUND BY THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR AND SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. AS A RESULT. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPUTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER FAILED TO PERFORM A DIAGNOSTIC TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE ELECTRICAL FAILURE OR THE ACCELERATION FAILURE. THE DEALER ALSO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXTENDED A WARRANTY TO COVER THE FAILURE, BUT THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS OVER THE MILEAGE LIMITATION BY 4,000 MILES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 174,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10750176 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 280,000 milesLong Beach, CACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 TOYOTA PRIUS. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND TURNED OFF, IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED TO 65 MPH WITHOUT WARNING AND CRASHED INTO A RETENTION WALL. THE FRONT AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 280,000.
NHTSA complaint #10747890 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesMiami, FLCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE PARKING, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE BRAKES WERE ENGAGED, BUT FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A PARKED VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND NO DAMAGES AND IT WAS UNKNOWN IF A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE COMPUTER IN THE VEHICLE CAUSED THE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V388000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. UPDATED 5/18/15
NHTSA complaint #10705531 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 91,000 milesPortland, OR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
THE AUTOMATIC BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS), VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL (VSC), BRAKE LIGHT, AND BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING LIGHTS (4) ON THE PRIUS ALL CAME ON AND VEHICLE BECAME VERY UNSTABLE WHILE OUT OF TOWN. THE OWNER'S MANUAL INDICATED THAT THE DEALERSHIP SHOULD BE CONTACTED AND CAR SHOULD BE TAKEN IN IMMEDIATELY FOR SERVICE. SINCE NO DEALERSHIP WAS AVAILABLE AT THE IMMEDIATE LOCATION, THE CAR WAS DRIVEN HOME (60 MILES) IN VERY UNSTABLE CONDITIONS. UPON BRINGING IT TO THE DEALERSHIP I WAS TOLD IT WAS A MIRACLE NOTHING BAD HAD HAPPENED BECAUSE THE "COMPUTER SKID ASSEMBLY" NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $1570.97 FOR JUST THE PART!!! I FOUND IT VERY INTERESTING THAT THE PART WAS READILY AVAILABLE AS IF I WERE REPLACING AN OIL OR AIR FILTER. AFTER CONFIRMING THE COST WITH OTHER DEALERSHIPS, I CONSENTED TO THE WORK TO BE PERFORMED. IS THIS JUST ANOTHER "BUILT IN OBSOLESCENCE" FEATURE? THERE APPEARS TO BE NOTHING I COULD HAVE DONE TO PROPERLY MAINTAIN THIS NEW PIECE OF TECHNOLOGY AND THE SUDDEN FAILURE OF THE PART POSSES A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY CONCERN TO CONSUMERS. IN ADDITION, HOW CAN ANY REASONABLE CONSUMER BE CERTAIN THAT THIS PART FAILURE WAS NOT INPUT BY THE MANUFACTURER INTO THE CAR'S CONTROL SYSTEM. MAKES ME LONG FOR THE DAYS OF MANUAL VEHICLES AND SHADE TREE MECHANICS.
NHTSA complaint #10683120 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesWest Chester, PA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
CAR WHEN IN PARK OR STOPPED (AT A STOP SIGN OR LIGHT) WILL AUTOMATICALLY SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL ABOUT A SECOND AFTER I TRY TO PUT IT IN REVERSE OR DRIVE. IT BEGAN HAPPENING ABOUT A MONTH AGO AND NOW HAPPENS EVERY TIME I START THE CAR. IT ALSO BEGAN HAPPENING AT STOPLIGHTS AND ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT WHEN I WAS TRYING TO ACCELERATE ONTO A FAST HIGHWAY FROM A STOPLIGHT LAST WEEK. IT TAKES UP TO 10 ATTEMPTS TO KEEP IT IN DRIVE OR REVERSE NOW FROM A STOPPED POSITION, AND I NEVER KNOW WHEN OR FOR HOW LONG IT WILL HAPPEN. OTHER THAN THIS, MY CAR IS IN GOOD CONDITION AND HAS NOT HAD ANY PROBLEMS. I LOOKED UP THE ISSUE ONLINE, AND FROM WHAT A LOT OF OTHER PRIUS DRIVERS SAY, IT SOUNDS LIKE A MAJOR ISSUE WITH THE SHIFT LEVER ASSEMBLY (SEE BELOW FOR LINKS TO FORUMS WHERE MANY OTHERS HAVE THE SAME ISSUE). THIS FIX COSTS A FEW HUNDRED DOLLARS, AND IT SEEMS COMMON IN THE 2004-2009 PRIUS. IT HAS A TSB OUT ON IT (SEE LINK BELOW), SO THE ISSUE IS KNOWN?BUT THIS PART SHOULD BE ISSUED A RECALL FOR THOSE HAVING ISSUES!! IT IS A DANGEROUS AND NOT-UNCOMMON DEFECT, AND I AM AFRAID FOR MY SAFETY WHEN DRIVING THIS CAR NOW! HTTP://WWW.TOYOTANATION.COM/FORUM/62-PRIUS-FORUM/343977-08-PRIUS-WON-T-STAY-GEAR.HTML HTTP://WWW.JUSTANSWER.COM/TOYOTA/6WCTJ-TOYOTA-PRIUS-PRIUS-2008-WILL-NOT-STAY-REVERSE-DRIVE.HTML HTTP://PRIUSCHAT.COM/THREADS/2008-PRIUS-SHIFTS-BACK-TO-NEUTRAL-WONT-STAY-IN-DRIVE-REVPOSTED-WED-AUG-12-2009-7-04-AM.67254/#AXZZ3MFYFAU2J.
NHTSA complaint #10667912 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 143,254 milesAguadilla, PR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
WHEN RUN CAR TO LONG DISTANCE AND STOP, THE CAR ACCELERATE THE MOTOR TO HIGH REVOLUTIONS AND NEED PRESS THE BRAKES. THE DEALER TELL ME PAID FOR EVALUATION, BUT THE CAR NOT HAVE INDICATOR LIGHT FOR PROBLEMS. THAT'S IS A SAFETY CONCERNS. PLEASE NEED HELP. I THINKING THE PROBLEM IS THE COMPUTER.
NHTSA complaint #10578799 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 138,000 milesStamford, CTCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I WAS PRESSING THE BRAKE, BUT INSTEAD OF STOPPING MY PRIUS ACCELERATED,AND JERKED UNDER THE STOPPED VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME.THE BRAKES ACTED LIKE ACCELERATED PEDAL. PRIUS OCCASIONALLY HAD THE ACCELERATING JERKS WITHOUT PEDAL INPUT, BUT AFTER FIXING ALL THE RECALLS, I THOUGHT THE CAR IS FINE. BUT THIS TIME, IT WAS NOT A JERK, IT WAS A FULL LEAP, THAT DESTROYED THE WHOLE FRONT OF THE CAR. IT WAS TOWED FROM THE ACCIDENT AND IT IS BEYOND THE REPAIR. I HAD IT ONLY FOR 9 MONTHS.
NHTSA complaint #10507158 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 27,773 milesReston, VA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
PETITION FOR AN INVESTIGATION INTO DEFECT CONDITIONS IN UPPER IMMEDIATE STEERING EXTENSION SHAFT #2 MANUFACTURING DEFECT IN THE 2004-2009 TOYOTA PRIUS VEHICLES W/RESPECT TO RECALL 12V-537. *SMD AN INSPECTION REVEALED THAT THE CURRENT LOSS OF STEERING ISSUE WAS CAUSED BY A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE UPPER STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT. THE UPPER STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT WAS DECOUPLED FROM THE ELECTRIC- POWER- ASSIST COLUMN OUTPUT SPLINE. A CAREFUL EXAMINATION OF THE DECOUPLED COMPONENTS REVEALED THAT FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, THE UPPER STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT HAD NOT BEEN PROPERLY INSTALLED ON THE SPLINE OUTPUT OF THE POWER ASSIST COLUMN. THIS ALLOWED A METALLURGICAL FAILURE ON THE INTERIOR OF THE UPPER STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT, WHICH CONSEQUENTLY ALLOWED SEPARATION OF THAT SHAFT FROM THE ELECTRICAL STEERING POWER ASSIST COLUMN. AN EXAMINATION OF THE SHAFT SPLINE SHOWED A LONG TERM DETERIORATION OF THE UPPER INTERMEDIATE SHAFT #2 INSIDE SPLINE AS EVIDENCE BY METALLURGICAL SHARDS OF DETERIORATED SPLINE METAL STILL RESIDING IN THE UPPER INTERMEDIATE SHAFT CAVITY. ALSO, THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD CANCEL AND NOT RE-ENGAGE, THEN THERE WERE TIMES, WHERE THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT DIS-ENGAGE AT ALL. THE VEHICLE WOULD DRIFT OFF COURSE WHENEVER THE CONSUMER TOOK HIS EYES OFF THE ROAD, FOR EVEN A MOMENT. THE CONSUMER WOULD HAVE TO STEER THE VEHICLE CONSTANTLY OR IT WOULD DRIFT INTO ANOTHER LANE. APPARENTLY, IT WAS DUE TO A COMPUTER ALGORITHM THAT WOULD ATTEMPT TO CORRECT FOR WIND AND ROAD SURFACE ANOMALIES.
NHTSA complaint #10495921 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 62,000 milesWatertown, WI
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING OUR 2005 TOYOTA PRIUS TODAY AND THE ACCELERATOR LOCKED TO THE FLOOR. THE CAR CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE EVEN THOUGH SHE WAS BRAKING. SHE WAS EVENTUALLY ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE TO STOP. THE ACCELERATOR WAS NOT STUCK UNDER THE FLOOR MATS. SHE HAD TO PRY THE ACCELERATOR FROM THE FLOOR.
NHTSA complaint #10472409 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gulfport, FLCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED FORWARD AND CRASHED INTO TWO VEHICLES AND A WALL. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10439073 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 27,773 milesWest Lafayette, IN
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, HE APPLIED THE BRAKE PEDAL IN AN ATTEMPT TO DEACTIVATE THE CRUISE CONTROL. THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT DEACTIVATE AND THE CONTACT HAD TO MANUALLY DEACTIVATE THE CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT HE HEARD A SNAPPING SOUND COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK AT 5 MPH. THIS FAILURE OCCURRED THE DAY AFTER THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILURE. THE STEERING WHEEL THEN BECAME LOOSE AND THE CONTACT COMPLETELY UNABLE TO STEER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 27,773 UPDATED 12/12/11 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE SRS AND ALL THE STEERING WHEEL MOUNTED CONTROLS WERE DISABLED. UPDATED 05/31/12 THE CONSUMER CONTACTED AN AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS ANALYSIS COMPANY, WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THE STEERING ISSUE WAS CAUSED BY A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE UPPER STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT. THE UPPER STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT WAS DECOUPLED FROM THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING COLUMN OUTPUT SPLINE. A CAREFUL EXAMINATION OF THE DECOUPLED COMPONENTS REVEALED THAT FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, THE UPPER STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT HAD NOT BEEN PROPERLY INSTALLED ON THE SPLINE OUTPUT OF THE POWER ASSIST COLUMN, WHICH ALLOWED A METALLURGICAL FAILURE ON THE INTERIOR OF THE UPPER STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT, WHICH CONSEQUENTLY ALLOWED SEPARATION OF THE SHAFT FROM THE ELECTRICAL STEERING POWER ASSIST COLUMN. UPDATED 05/13/13*DT
NHTSA complaint #10437229 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 64,500 milesWaikoloa, HI
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE UP, NO SPEEDOMETER DISPLAY IS ILLUMINATED. THE DISPLAY FOR THE VEHICLE ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLS (MILES PER GALLON/ENERGY USE) STILL WORKS. ALONG WITH THE SPEEDOMETER DISPLAY, THE REAR HATCHBACK DOOR DOES NOT WORK. I TRIED TO ADJUST THE INSIDE LIGHT DISPLAY TO SEE IF THE LIGHT LEVEL WAS TURNED OFF. THIS WAS NOT PROBLEM. I TURNED THE LIGHT ADJUSTMENT KNOB IN BOTH DIRECTIONS, AND STILL NO SPEEDOMETER DISPLAY. UPON TRYING TO TURN OFF THE ENGINE, IT WILL NOT TURN OFF. I WAS ABLE TO SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF BY DISCONNECTING THE CAR BATTERY IN THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR HATCH BACK AREA. NOTE THAT BECAUSE THE REAR HATCH BACK DOOR DOES NOT WORK, ALL THE VEHICLE PARTS WHICH LEADS TO THE REAR BATTERY HAS TO BE TAKEN OUT FROM THE REAR SEAT OF THE VEHICLE. ONE PARTICULAR TIME I DISCONNECTED THE CAR BATTERY ON THE BLACK PORTION OF THE BATTERY,AND THE VEHICLE DID NOT SHUT OFF. I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES, AND BECAUSE THIS PROBLEM HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY. TOYOTA WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE IT. HOWEVER, ONE DAY WHEN IT WAS NOT WORKING, I BROUGHT IT IN TO THEM. THEY LATER CLAIMED THAT IT WAS A "COLD START" PROBLEM TO THE COMPUTER THAT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SPEEDOMETER DISPLAY (BESIDES OTHER THINGS, REAR HATCH BACK DOOR, CRUISE CONTROL, ETC.). TOYOTA CLAIMED THEY FOUND THE PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET, AND IT WAS NOT A RECALLED PART. THIS PARTICULAR PART (COMPUTER) NORMALLY HAPPENS ONLY IN THE STATES THAT ARE VERY COLD.
NHTSA complaint #10430062 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesBurney, CA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
ON 7/31/11 I NOTICED MY CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT SET. THE LIGHT CAME ON INDICATING THE CRUISE WAS ON, BUT I COULD NOT GET THE SPEED TO HOLD. THE NEXT DAY, THE CRUISE CONTROL WORKED. MIDDAY ON 8/1/11 WHILE PARKED, I SHIFTED TO THE D POSITION, BUT THE LIGHT INDICATED I WAS IN N. I SHIFTED BACK AND FORTH BETWEEN R AND D SEVERAL TIMES, BUT THE LIGHT INDICATED N. I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE AND THE CAR MOVED BACKWARD. THE LIGHT INDICATED N AND THE KNOB WAS IN THE D POSITION. IT DID THIS SEVERAL TIMES. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON AND EVERYTHING WORKED LIKE IT IS SUPPOSED TO. ON 8/1/11 AT APPROXIMATELY 10:30 P.M. I WAS DRIVING HOME ON A NARROW, TWO-LANE RURAL HIGHWAY. ON A BLIND CURVE, BOTH OF MY HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT. I COULD NOT SEE ANYTHING. I TRIED CYCLING MY HEADLIGHTS OFF AND ON AND NOTHING HAPPENED. I APPLIED MY BRAKES AND STOPPED. I OPENED MY DOOR TO SEE WHERE I WAS IN THE ROADWAY AND DETERMINED I WAS ON THE FOG LINE ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THERE WAS A HILLSIDE LESS THAN 5' FROM ME. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE TO THE SHOULDER ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD BY USING THE LIGHT FROM MY DOOR. I WAS EXTREMELY LUCKY NO CARS PASSED BY WHILE MY LIGHTS WERE OUT. I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED OR CAUSED A CATASTROPHE. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON AND BOTH HEADLIGHTS CAME BACK ON. A MOTORIST STOPPED TO ASSIST. I WAS ABLE TO FOLLOW HIM TO A STORE WHERE A FRIEND MET ME AND I FOLLOWED HIM HOME. DURING THE DRIVE HOME ONE OF MY HEADLIGHTS KEPT TURNING OFF. BOTH DID NOT GO OFF TOGETHER AGAIN. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER ON 8/3/11 AND WAS TOLD I NEED A NEW AUXILIARY BATTERY AND TWO NEW HEADLIGHTS. COST IS GOING TO BE AROUND $700. I READ ABOUT A CLASS ACTION SUIT REGARDING 2006-2009 PRIUS' HEADLIGHTS AND THAT TOYOTA KNOWS THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THEM. I BELIEVE THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL BECAUSE OF MY HARROWING EXPERIENCE AND THOSE OF MANY OTHERS.
NHTSA complaint #10417568 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kaukauna, WI
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2005 TOYOTA PRIUS. CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE JOLTED AND SPRINTED FORWARD ON ITS OWN WHILE ENTERING A PARKING LOT *TGW
NHTSA complaint #10393236 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 116,002 milesMendon, UTCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
WE WERE TRAVELING ALONG A FAMILIAR COUNTRY ROAD ON A WARM SUNNY DAY. WHEN WE ARRIVED AT A RURAL STORE THERE WAS ONLY ONE OTHER CUSTOMER THERE. I SLOWLY EASED INTO THE DESIGNATED PARKING AREA WHICH WAS SITUATED ABOUT 17 INCHES ABOVE THE LAWN BELOW. I WAS PROBABLY TRAVELING LESS THAN ONE MILE AN HOUR. WHEN I BRAKED, THE CAR ACCELERATED AND PROPELLED ITSELF OVER THE BLOCKS AND RAILROAD TIES THAT ARE FOUND IN FRONT OF PARKING SPACES, AND WE LITERALLY FLEW ABOUT 7 FEET OUT AND DOWN ONTO THE GRASS STOPPING JUST A FEW FEET FROM A TREE AND A FENCE. WHILE IN THE AIR, ALL I HAD TIME TO DO WAS PUT MY FOOT DOWN HARD ON THE BRAKE BECAUSE THERE WAS NOT ENOUGH TIME TO TURN OFF THE ENGINE DURING THE 5 SECONDS THIS WAS HAPPENING. OUR FIRST REACTION WAS THAT I MIGHT HAVE HIT THE ACCELERATOR INSTEAD OF THE BRAKE, AND THOUGH I FOUND THIS INCONCEIVABLE BECAUSE I HAD NEVER DONE ANYTHING LIKE THAT BEFORE AND BECAUSE THE TWO PEDALS ARE SO DIFFERENT, I COULD NOT CONSIDER ANOTHER EXPLANATION. HOWEVER, AS TIME PASSED, WE CAME TO THE REALIZATION THAT THIS COULD NOT BEEN THE CASE BECAUSE EVEN IF I HAD PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR BY MISTAKE I WOULD HAVE HAD TO HAVE "FLOORED" IT TO GET THAT KIND OF ACCELERATION IN SUCH A SHORT DISTANCE, AND EVEN MISTAKING IT FOR THE BRAKE I WOULDN'T HAVE "FLOORED" THE BRAKE BECAUSE I WAS ONLY ABOUT 18 INCHES FROM WHERE I WAS TO STOP. EVEN UNDER NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCES, THE PRIUS JUST DOES NOT HAVE THIS IMMEDIATE KIND OF ACCELERATION WE EXPERIENCED. I CANNOT HELP BUT THINK ABOUT THIS EVENT OCCURRING AS I STOPPED AT A CROSSWALK. THIS IS A DANGEROUS AUTOMOBILE THAT I LOVED DRIVING FOR 5 YEARS, AND NOW I WILL NOT DRIVE AGAIN.
NHTSA complaint #10380708 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Davenport, IA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
IN DECEMBER 2010, 2005 TOYOTA PRIUS WAS TAKEN TO DEALER FOR PEDAL MODIFICATION AS PART OF THE FLOOR MAT ACCELERATOR PEDAL ENTRAPMENT RECALL. THE DEALER DID NOT EXPLAIN THAT PEDAL WAS ACTUALLY BEING SHORTENED BY CUTTING OFF 1/4 INCH AT THE BOTTOM. AFTER THE RECALL MODIFICATION WAS COMPLETED, ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK ON AFTER-MARKET FLOOR MAT THAT HAD BEEN IN PLACE IN THE VEHICLE SINCE DECEMBER 2005. DEALER DID NOT MENTION THIS POSSIBILITY AT THE TIME OF THE RECALL FIX. (PRIOR TO MODIFICATION, VEHICLE OWNER HAD CHECKED TO MAKE SURE THAT FLOOR MAT WAS PROPERLY ANCHORED AND THAT THERE WAS NO WAY FOR ACCELERATOR TO BECOME TRAPPED.) IN THIS CASE, THE MODIFICATION INTENDED TO PREVENT FLOOR MAT ENTRAPMENT ACTUALLY CAUSED THE PEDAL TO BECOME STUCK.
NHTSA complaint #10373386 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 36,000 milesNorth Holywood, CACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH AND TRYING TO DECELERATE THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT COME TO A STOP. SHE CRASHED INTO THE REAR END OF A VEHICLE DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. NO ONE WAS INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE POLICE WERE CALLED, BUT DID NOT ARRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND SHE HAD NOT RECEIVED A CALL FROM THE MECHANIC. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 36,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10370809 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Winston-Salem, NCCrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2005 TOYOTA PRIUS. S10 APPROPRIATE HANDLING- LETTER FROM REGARDING TOYOTA PROBLEMS *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED AS SHE SLOWED DOWN TO MAKE A TURN IN HER GATED HER COMMUNITY, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO THE BRICK COLUMN WHICH SUPPORTED THE GATE. SHE SUFFERED A SEVERE INJURY TO HER BOTTOM LIP WHEN HER FACE HIT THE STEERING WHEEL, AS WELL AS CONTUSIONS TO HER LEG AND OTHER BRUISING. THE CONSUMER STATED SHE HAD NO MORE PROBLEMS UNTIL NOVEMBER 16, 2009. AS SHE SLOWED DOWN AND PULLED INTO A PARKING SPACE, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND HIT A WALL. SHE RECEIVED SOME BRUISING FROM THE SEAT BELT HOLDING HER INTO PLACE. TWO WEEKS LATER, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AGAIN AND CRASHED INTO A BRICK WALL. THE CONSUMER HAS SINCE TRADED THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10363188 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 96,000 milesUpper Marlboro, MD
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 60 MPH AND AS SHE ACCELERATED TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. SHE SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL UNTIL THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DECREASE IN SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACTS RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED OR REPAIRED FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 96,000.
NHTSA complaint #10361534 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 36,530 milesSanta Cruz, CACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I PULLED INTO A PARKING PLACE.I NOTICED MY CAR WAS NOT STRAIGHT AND I STARTED TO RELEASE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STRAIGHTEN IT. THOUGH I STILL HAD MY FOOT ON THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND HAD NOT STARTED TO ACCELERATE, THE CAR LUNGED FORWARD. I SLAMMED DOWN ON THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND THE REGULAR BRAKE; AT SOME POINT I REMEMBER THAT MY LEFT FOOT WAS ON THE REGULAR BRAKE PUSHING WITH ALL MY MIGHT. WITHOUT HESITATION MY CAR SMASHED INTO THE CAR PARKED AHEAD OF ME. MY CAR KNOCKED THE OTHER CAR INTO THE STOP SIGN AHEAD OF IT, THEN EXPLODED INTO THE INTERSECTION AND CONTINUED A SHORT WAY DOWN THE BLOCK BEFORE SLOWING DOWN. I WAITED FOR TRAFFIC AND THEN TURNED AROUND. I CAME BACK AND PARKED ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE STREET FACING THE OTHER WAY. I CROSSED THE STREET TO THE SCENE OF THE ACCIDENT AND TOLD THE PARKING METER LADY THAT I HAD HIT THE OTHER CAR. I WAS VERY SHAKEN. THE DRIVER OF THE OTHER CAR HAD JUST ARRIVED WITH HIS FARMER'S MARKET BAGS. HE SAID HE WOULD TAKE PICTURES SO I WENT BACK TO MY CAR TO GET MY CAMERA TO TAKE PICTURES TOO. I NOTICED THAT IT WAS MY RIGHT FRONT BUMPER THAT HAD HIT THE OTHER CAR'S LEFT BACK BUMPER BECAUSE, TRYING TO AVOID HITTING THE OTHER CAR, I HAD TURNED TOWARD THE STREET. I TOOK PICTURES OF HIS CAR. THE OFFICER ARRIVED (CALLED BY THE METER PERSON) AND I GAVE MY REPORT. THE OFFICER ASKED ME IF I COULD DRIVE MY CAR HOME. I SAID I WASN'T SURE, I WOULD CALL THE INSURANCE COMPANY. IN ANY CASE I WOULD NOT TRY TO DRIVE RIGHT AWAY AS I WAS TOO SHAKEN. THE OTHER DRIVER DROVE AWAY. WHEN THE OFFICER LEFT, I SAT IN MY CAR PASSENGER SIDE WITH MY FEET ON THE SIDEWALK STILL IN SHOCK. I WAS AFRAID OF DRIVING THE CAR. I CALLED MY SON TO COME TO GET ME. I CALLED THE INSURANCE COMPANY AND FOLLOWED THEIR DIRECTIONS. INTENT ON STOPPING THE CAR, I HAD BRAKED AS HARD AS I COULD WITH MY LEFT FOOT. WHEN WAITING TO TURN THE CAR AROUND I SAW THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS ON.
NHTSA complaint #10352009 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Buffalo, NY
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
WHILE DRIVING IN A SNOWSTORM IN MY 2005 PRIUS, I STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT ON A BUSY STREET, THE ROADS STARTING TO BECOME SLIPPERY WITH SNOW. AS THE LIGHT CHANGED TO GREEN, I STEPPED ON THE GAS, AND THE"SLIPPERY" LIGHT CAME ON MY DASHBOARD. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE FRONT WHEELS WILL NOT SPIN AT ALL. I COULD NOT MOVE THE CAR AT ALL, SINCE THE COMPUTER DETERMINED I WAS ON A "SLIPPERY" SPOT. I SAW CARS AND TRUCKS BARRELING TOWARD ME IN MY REAR VIEW MIRROR, UNABLE TO MOVE, AND VISIBILITY GREATLY REDUCED, DUE TO THE FALLING SNOW. I PUT MY BLINKERS ON, AND THANKFULLY ON COMING TRAFFIC WAS ABLE TO AVOID ME. I WAS STUCK AT THIS INTERSECTION FOR FOUR LIGHT CHANGES, SLIGHTLY PANICKED. I FINALLY PUT THE CAR INTO REVERSE, AND GOT JUST ENOUGH MOVEMENT OUT OF THE CAR TO FIND A DRY PATCH AND GET ME MOVING AGAIN. WHEN I REPORTED THIS TO BOTH TOYOTA, AND MY LOCAL DEALER, THEY TOLD ME THIS IS A "SAFETY" FEATURE. IT'S A SAFETY FEATURE THAT WILL SURELY GET SOMEONE KILLED. THE FRONT WHEELS SIMPLY WILL NOT SPIN IN THE LEAST IF THE CAR DETERMINES IT IS SLIPPERY, WHICH LEFT ME NO WHERE TO GO AT THAT INTERSECTION. I LATER GOOGLED THE PROBLEM, AND FOUND THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH PRIUS OWNERS. A FEW PEOPLE LEFT THE COMMENT THAT SNOW TIRES ARE NECESSARY TO AVOID THIS PROBLEM. NOT KNOWING WHAT ELSE TO DO, I WENT OUT AND BOUGHT 4 NEW SNOWTIRES. IT DID MAKE A HUGE DIFFERENCE, BUT I'M AFRAID THAT FOR SOMEONE ELSE, THEY MAY FIND OUT TOO LATE. THIS SAFETY FEATURE IS AN UNACCEPTABLE DEATH TRAP WAITING TO HAPPEN.
NHTSA complaint #10342411 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 142,962 milesModesto, CA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I DROVE A 2005 TOYOTA PRIUS VIN#[XXX] UNTIL 5/13/2010. AT AROUND 10AM I WAS DRIVING ON THE HWY IN THE LFT LANE. WITH CRUISE CONTROL ON GOING 75MPH. I HAD A GPS ON AND NAVIGATING. AND I HAD MY BLUE TOOTH EARPIECE ON. THEN ALL AT THE SAME TIME MY BLUE TOOTH SHUT DOWN. MY GPS SHUT DOWN. AND EVERY WARNING LITE CAME UP IN THE CAR. EVEN THE DISPLAY THAT USUALLY SHOWS HOW THE HYBRID SYSTEMS WORKS WAS BLINKING PROBLEM!! PROBLEM!! SO I LET OFF THE GAS AND STARTED TO MOVE TO THE RT SIDE OF THE ROAD. THATS WHEN I REALIZED THAT I HAD NO POWER STEERING. THERE WAS AN EXIT COMING UP SO I LET THE CAR SLOW DOWN TO ABOUT 50MPH. AS I STARTED TO EXIT I PUT MY FT ON THE BRAKES. THATS WHEN I NOTICED THAT THE PEDAL WAS VERY STIFF AND VIBRATING. I WAS COMING TO A BLIND INTERSECTION AND I HAD THE RED LITE. SO I PUSHED ON MY BRAKES. INSTANTLY I COULD HEAR SCREACHING TIRES. SO I LOOKED IN MY SIDE MIRROR. AND TO MY SUPRISE IM LOOKING AT A LARGE AMOUNT OF SMOKE COMING FROM ME! MY REAR TIRES HAD LOCKED UP AND MY FRONT TIRES WERENT DOING ANYTHING. SO I STARTED FISHTAIL BACK AND FORTH LIKE I HAD MY EBRAKE ON. I PUT ALL MY WT ON THE PEDAL CAUSE THE INTERSECTION WAS REALLY GETTING CLOSE. AND WITHOUT POWER STEERING IT WAS VERY HARD TO KEEP THE CAR FROM CRASHING. I CAME TO A STOP JUST BEFORE THE LIGHT. THEN DROVE MY CAR TO THE NEAREST DEALER AT IN BERKELEY CA AT 10MPH. I TOLD THEM EVERYTHING. EVEN ABOUT MY BLUE TOOTH AND GARMIN. THEY GOT ME A RENTAL CAR THEN 4DAY LATER THEY SAID IF I GIVE THEM $2000 FOR A PART AND $1000 IN LABOR IT MIGHT FIX IT BUT THERE NOT SURE CAUSE THEY NEVER SAW THIS PROBLEM BEFORE. AND THEY WERENT GOING TO PAY FOR MY RENTAL CAUSE THE PART WAS OUT OF WARRENTY AFTER 36000MILES. I HAVE HAD EVERY SVC DONE AT TOYOTA. AND IF THERES A COMPUTER PT THAT TOYOTA KNOWS CAN BRAKE EASILY. WHICH THEY DO. THATS WHY ITS ONLY WARRENTY TO 36000MILES. IT SHOULDNT RESULT IN THE LOSS OF YOUR BRAKES AND POWER STEERING. VERY DANGEROUS!! I COULD OF DIED. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #10335057 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lakeside, CA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
2005 TOYOTA PRIUS. CONSUMER EXPRESSES DISCONTENT WITH DEALER RESPONSE AND RECALL *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS, WHEN ACCELERATING TO PASS AND MERGE, THE BRAKE DID NOT DEACTIVATE THE CRUISE CONTROL. THE CONSUMER STATED IF FELT WA THOUGH THE VEHICLE WAS ACCELERATING ON ITS OWN. THE CONSUMER STATED HE DID RECEIVE A RECALL NOTICE IN THE MAIL REGARDING AN ACCELERATOR PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10332756 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.