87 of the
15,604 complaints filed about the Toyota Prius
are about the suspension —
100% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2001.
My 2013 Prius has 86,500 miles on it. It has been regularly maintained. A routine state inspection revealed a severely rusted rear axle beam and a front axle that is heading in that direction. Other Prius' in [XXX] have had this issue, and in some cases, the wheels have detached from the axle while the car is in motion. That is documented. That is a major safety concern, as who would expect to see an axle issue, especially in a low mileage car. I found a similar NHTSA complaint, XXX, on a 2013 Prius in [XXX], as well as issues in [XXX] with 2010 and 2012 Prius vehicles. The Toyota dealership that found this issue deemed it to be "a major safety concern" as the beam is "rusted apart". There were no warning signs, no issues, until the visual inspection. My concern is not simply the cost of repairing an older vehicle. I am concerned that a structural component has corroded to the point of being describe as "rusted apart", creating a major safety concern on a vehicle with limited mileage. The threat of a wheel separation or loss of vehicle control is a serious risk that needs exploration. I called Toyota Headquarters and they indicated that the car was out of warranty and there had been no recalls. The case number for that contact is: [XXX]. Toyota has previously recognized that corrosion of structural rear components in salt-belt vehicles can create a safety problem, but I do not know if that commentary has been applied to Gen-3 Prius'. I respectfully request the NHTSA review its complaint records and manufacture submissions to determine any pattern of premature corrosion or structural failure involving the rear axle beam/rear cross-member of 2010-2015 Toyota Prius vehicles, particularly vehicles operated in states where road salt is routinely used. Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11760377 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
premature/uneven tire wear, have had 3 blown tires and replaced 7 tires in 55K. i purchased the 2024 Prius awd new. all 4 tires wear on inner edge of tire even with 5k tire rotation. had a wheel alignment done at 50k nothing was out of balance.
NHTSA complaint #11759935 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving straight on smooth paved road, car began to shake and right rear passenger wheel came completely separated from car. After skidding off the road and being able to visually inspect, it was clear the sub-frame had broken and the wheel had come off in its entirety. The rotor, the lugs, and calipers were all still attached to the wheel.
NHTSA complaint #11753091 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
After the car dealership completed the first tire rotations, at 30,000 miles I rotated the tires to find severe inner tread wear on the tires where the inside of the tire was wore to the sidewall while outside portion was intact. I took the vehicle to an independent shop and the right rear suspension/tire was out of specifications on camber causing said tire wear. Toyota did not manufacture the car so that camber could be adjusted. An aftermarket kit was purchased to be able to compensate for the lack of adjustment. This is a safety concern as if a person does not rotate every 5,000 miles it will lead to tire failure at highway speeds. This is a common problem while researching forums. I have contacted the manufacturer and was given a generic response. There are reports with documentation with tire failure as early as 11,000 miles. Toyota needs to be held accountable and make a remedy for this instead of offering consumers a run around and blame hitting pot holes or on tire manufacturers, when it is clearly a suspension limitation. Thank you.
NHTSA complaint #11734746 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while reversing, the driver's side rear wheel flipped over. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a corroded I-Beam assembly on the rear wheel. The contact was informed that the driver's side rear hub and the BRG assembly, rear suspension, and bolts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 196,347.
NHTSA complaint #11704752 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Took vehicle in for new tires and alignment at 47,302 miles on the odometer. I was informed that a camber bolt was completely seized and that the right rear control arm busing was bad/missing. My car is just over a year old and has been vibrating for a while at interstate speeds. I thought it was a belt broken in a tire as they were reaching the time to be changes but weren't at the wear marks. I did have one tire that the inside was worn and starting into the belt most likely because of the misalignment from the bad/missing right rear bushing. With the car being so new and used mostly on the interstate, I felt this may be a saftey issue for failing bushings on suspension components.
NHTSA complaint #11694800 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while reversing, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the vehicle. The contact exited the vehicle and performed an inspection of the vehicle. While inspecting the vehicle, the contact became aware that the passenger’s side rear wheel was touching the frame of the wheel well. Additionally, the wheel was leaning inward. The dealer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a fractured rear wheel assembly. The contact was informed that the rear wheel assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. In addition, the contact was informed that the failure was a known failure. The contact was informed by the independent mechanic that two similar vehicles had been repaired with similar failures, within the week. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 179,000.
NHTSA complaint #11686946 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2012 Prius in very good condition with 180k miles- only 12 years old. Driving on back roads (thankfully) and the drivers side rear wheel compelely fell off while driving. I was doing about 30 MPH and felt like there was a flat tire so I was in the process of pulling over when the whole rear assembly snapped. The wheel hit the rear quarter of the car and bounced about 100 feet down the road. I could have been on the highway and this could have been fatal I believe. Very, Very scary. As can be seen in attached photos the issue was rust from the inside. This is very concerning since there was no way for me to know this was an issue. I could have been killed or killed someone else. I believe Toyota needs to look into this since there are other Prius' out there the same thing happened to on this very thread. Although this is a Massachusetts car I have owed it since 25k miles and have maintained it impeccably. I always have the undercarriage cleaned after driving on salty roads. Safety inspection was current- only done the month before. Had that wheel bearing replaced about 2 weeks before the incident and the reputable mechanic reported no issues. There was no warning except for maybe a minute before it happened- the car was vibrating like I had a flat tire. The damage repair estimate on this was $8500. Catastrophic fail Toyota. Is this a rust issue like the Tacoma, Tundra, and Sequoia?????
NHTSA complaint #11634157 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On 07-June-2024 @14:47 my 2012 Toyota Prius suffered a catastrophic failure. I was attempting to back my 2012 Toyota Prius vehicle a few meters back into my driveway while turning slightly. This was a very slow speed backup. Suddenly, the rear passenger side wheel collapsed inward, and rendered the vehicle unmovable. A video of the incident is attached for viewing The vehicle has low mileage approximately 58,000 miles. The vehicle is in excellent condition and the service records provide evidence of proper maintenance, often at Toyota dealership. This vehicle was originally from Cape Cod Massachusetts and perhaps suffered adverse effects from ocean salt air? Although the rest of the vehicle does not show any significant rusting. . I am impressed by the engineering of the Prius hybrid technology, but this point of failure seems to be an engineering weakness.
NHTSA complaint #11601457 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THIS VEHICLE NEEDS TO TAKE OFF FROM THE CONSUMERS DUE DOESN'T DRIVES PROPERLY HAS REAR MAJOR DAMAGE ALSO LEFT SIDE REAR DOOR THEY DIDN'T DID GOOD JOB ALSO THE HYBRID BATTERY SHOWS AT THE DASHBOARD IN N OUT ENGINE CHECK LIGHT. THE REAR FRAME BOUNCE BY THE SIDE IT'S UNSAFE. CAR TIME DEALERSHIP AT ONTARIO, CA DON'T CARE BE CAREFUL ALSO SOLD ME WITH STOLEN CA LICENSE PLATES THIS DEALERSHIP, IT'S SCAM. I DIDN'T KNOW LIKE TO SCAM CONSUMERS SINCE [XXX] GOT IT AND RETURN IT DUE REFUSE TO FIX IT RIGHT AND; THE BANK CANCEL THE TRANSACTION GLOBAL LENDING SERVICES BY ROSE BROWN GENERAL MANAGER EXT 51033 AT THE TELEPHONE THE BANK 877-538-2071 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11565590 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lost steering on car while driving. Shop noted right control arm completely corroded through and broken axle. Entire undercarriage rusted and corroded. Available for inspection. Sudden loss of steering is a risk factor for serious injury or death. Problem has been looked at by two independent service centers who have agreed on problem. Has not been inspected by manufacturer, whom I have contacted over 8 times regarding this issue, or by any other party. There were no warning signs or symptoms prior to failure.
NHTSA complaint #11473058 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Strut mount on Monroe Quick Strut catastrophically failed with no warning. No corrosion noted, appears to be metal fatigue due to inferior design / manufacturing of aftermarket strut mount. Failure happened when leaving driveway at low speed; no prior noises or warning occurred.
NHTSA complaint #11468357 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Prius. While receiving an oil change by an independent mechanic, the contact was informed that there was a large crack to the engine cradle located on the undercarriage. The contact was informed by the mechanic that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The contact notified the manufacturer of the failure and was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 159,000.
NHTSA complaint #11419934 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
DRIVER REAR COIL SPRING BROKE. ONE END OF IT SEEMS TO HAVE A CHUNK BROKEN OFF. I HAVE THE COIL SPRING. I HAD THE DEALER REPLACE THE SPRING SO I DO HAVE REPAIR INVOICE. I NOTICED THE CAR SITTING LOW ON DRIVER'S REAR CORNER WHILE SITTING IN MY GARAGE. I HAVE AN IDENTICAL MODEL, A 2009 PRIUS, SITTING NEXT TO THIS AFFECTED CAR, (A 2007 PRIUS). THE GARAGE FLOOR IS A FLAT CONCRETE SLAB.
NHTSA complaint #11395410 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
REAR SHOCK NUT COMES LOOSE AND TOYOTA HAS ISSUED TSB 0144-16, TO TIGHTEN THE NUT. THIS IS COMMON AMONG PRIUS. THIS MUST BE A RECALL OTHERWISE IT IS DANGEROUS IF THE SHOCK BECOME LOOSE. INITIALLY THE DEALER TOLD ME TO REPLACE SHOCKS BUT FORTUNATELY I FOUND OUT ABOUT TSB AND THE DELEAR FIXED IT FREE.
NHTSA complaint #11255204 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THERE WAS A POPPING NOISE IN MY STEERING WHEEL AND THEN I HAD NO MOVEMENT IN MY TIRES. MY STEERING WHEEL JUST SPINS ROUND AND ROUND BUT MY TIRES WILL NOT MOVE I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET AND I HAD NO CONTROL OF MY CAR. SO I BELIEVE IT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE STEERING SHAFT OR SUSPENSION.*DT
NHTSA complaint #11192607 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
MY CAR GOT STALL ON THE ROAD, IT HAD A PROBLEM RELATED WITH THE HYBRED SYSTEM. I TOOK IT TO THE TOYOTA DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WAS IN A RECALL LIST. SO THEY FIXED BUT THEY DAMAGED THE SUSPENSION OF MY CAR AND NOW THEY DON'T WANT TO FIX IT. MY CAR IS MAKING A NOISE WHEN I MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL AND ALSO WHEN I BRAKE. MY CAR WASN'T MAKING SUCH NOISE BEFORE THE STALL ON THE ROAD. I AM FRUSTRATED WITH ALL THIS PROBLEMS IN MY CAR.
NHTSA complaint #11191143 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.