Toyota Prius

Toyota Prius

Maintenance costs may outstrip fuel savings

 3.5/5 (765 reviews)

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Overall Rating3.5 out of 5
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About Toyota Prius

The Toyota Prius is a full hybrid electric car that debuted in 1994. Read more Toyota reviews to learn about other models.


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Page 1 Reviews 0 - 10
Verified Reviewer
Original review: June 9, 2022

I own a 2013 Toyota Prius C with approximately 87,000 miles that suffered a hybrid battery failure last week, resulting in a $4,300 repair bill from Toyota of Gladstone Or. After doing a minor amount of research on my mom's suggestion I discovered that Oregon's laws regarding low emissions vehicles requires auto manufacturers to warranty the battery, "or zero-emission energy storage device used for traction power", for a period of no less than 10 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first, instead of the 8 year, 100,000 warranty that my car is just barely disqualified for in years but more than 12,000 under in miles.

No one at the service center ever said a word about warranty during the multiple interactions we had prior to yesterday and Toyota is trying to deny coverage at the corporate level as well. They were polite, and gave us a rental car while they “diagnosed”, but according to our service tech, no one in his Toyota Service Center even knows what a CARB Warranty is or what Oregon’s laws are and I owe out of pocket.

I contacted Toyota Brand Engagement and they informed me that although they list all other Prius models 2012 or later as being covered under this law, that my 2013 Prius C is not listed in the models covered under CARB warranty and therefore does not qualify regardless of how State or Federal law reads. I got a similar response from the service center tech who called to tell me the car is done, and I am waiting for the inside customer engagement rep at the dealership to contact me, but the tech already told me that he is aware of my case and does not plan to help me seek coverage.

I found a information in online forums (toyotanation.com & priuschat.com) where Toyota does this all across the country in CARB states, looking for any possible loophole while many other manufacturers, including Ford, automatically cover the battery for 10/150K if it is registered in a CARB state at the time of failure- which is as it should be because that is the intended spirit of the law.

I worked hard to pay my car off, I have maintained it impeccably, including a factory transmission service at this dealership recently, I am well below the average miles, and yet Toyota has shown zero desire to stand behind their battery, trying to force me into debt, again, because their product suffered a premature failure and they believe they have a loophole in the law. My best understanding is that the following statement means that my hybrid battery, or "zero-emission energy storage device used for traction power" is covered no matter what models Toyota has listed in their manual. "CCR, Title 13, section 1962.1(c)(2)(D) that indicate the warranty period for a zero-emission energy storage device used for traction power will be 10 years or 150,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

This is the most expensive thing I have ever owned and I trusted Toyota to stand behind their product. I am educated, and determined, but I am also a poor caretaker of partially disabled parents with 4 dependents and massive student loan debt. Toyota is banking on me not having the ability to defend myself but they are mistaken because this CARB warranty scam where they are denying consumers legally protected warranty status is unethical and illegal. I have filed a complaint with the BBB, Oregon Department of Justice, Legal Aid, CARB helpline and I am not done.

2 people found this review helpful
Verified Reviewer
Original review: July 11, 2021

I never paid much attention to these cars until recently. With gas prices going up, I decided to purchase a fuel efficient vehicle. I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS CAR. My only regret is that I didn't buy one years ago.

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    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: March 22, 2021

    I really like the 2019 Prius Limited, it is very reliable! It has a score so you can have fun while going slow, no wonder why prius drivers go slow, they want a good score. It never has issues, it is very fun and it has a JBL audio system and a big touchscreen with Alexa. It is so reliable, it never has issues and never breaks down. If you consider a Toyota vehicle, do it.

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    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: Jan. 29, 2021

    Toyota makes superior cars, there's no question about that. At one point in time, they were considered much better than American cars. Obviously, some of that has changed within the past couple of decades, in that American cars are improving in overall quality and reliability. However, it was the Toyota brand that had ultimately decided to go with a Prius about 5 years ago, as opposed to some of their American counterparts. Let me just say this: Toyota definitely does not disappoint! And in particular, the Prius model (which is what I currently own) is an excellent car for those wanting something "middle of the road", in terms of price point and affordability. Out the door, mine was approx. $24,000. (But this was about 5 years ago, like I'd indicated.) However, overall it has proven to be a very good investment.

    The amount of money that you save on gas alone definitely justifies the slightly higher price point than a Camry or Corolla. And for me, that was really important. Although it can obviously fluctuate a bit on driving habits, amount of miles driven, etc., the fuel efficiency is really good. Mine averages around 55 or 56 miles per gallon, although it can "drop" to as low as 53 miles per gallon if I've done more highway driving in that particular week. The overall 'ride' is pretty smooth, although maybe not as smooth as some luxury models out there. Overall, my Prius really hasn't required all that much extra maintenance, but it's still relatively new: about 5 years old with about 46000 miles on the odometer.

    Overall, this is definitely a car that I'd recommend to someone looking to spend a bit more money upfront, in order to reap the R.O.I. (return on investment) factor of greater fuel efficiency on the back end. The only downside to owning the Prius so far, has been that it does take some time (and patience) learning how to navigate all of the internal controls: i.e. radio/clock settings, fuel efficiency monitor screens, etc. But overall, this is definitely a very good car to own!

    2 people found this review helpful
    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: Dec. 11, 2020

    I just got Check Hybrid system light and I am driving fine with it and the next day I took it the dealership to see why the message is coming.. They are charging about $5000 repairs. Please help me advice what is the point of going with hybrid. Is the dealer cheating, Mileage is just 105K and for just saving Gas money I went to Prius hybrid. Now it is costing me 5000$ for repairs. I recommend there is no point of going with hybrid cars if the repairs of the AC Inverter so expensive. Anand. ** cell.

    4 people found this review helpful
    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: March 7, 2020

    We bought the Prius just last month at Jim Coleman with 0 miles and dx it from Baltimore but the pre collision safety stopped working, has a engine problem and it’s brand new but we have all proof. The general managers, service department at Jim Coleman didn’t want to help and look into it neither did Toyota. We now know Toyota likes to run away from issues because the Prius specifically was recalled for this same issue and it’s on the BBB and other website true Reviews about it having safety features issues with more than 33k recalls even the managers thought that Toyota has been hiding because they only reported 3k and not 33k recalls this year. Also aside from that my husband and I have email complaints of this matter, phone calls, and tag you on social media of our true reviews on you thus far as a whole company to show everyone not everyone gets the best deals and some good people get scammed.

    But I have the proof I need to follow a lawsuit with Vincent ** who is currently an employer for the company and has worked as a salesman for half a year and have eye witness and discovered so much in our short time that we plan to pursue this with no problem. Yes it sucks we are the victims but no pity that I am positive things will only get better from here. So if anything thank you Toyota for giving me the opportunity to share my experience with everyone.

    8 people found this review helpful
    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: Feb. 25, 2020

    First of all, are you serious Toyota? Let me tell you a little backstory. I've worked as a Toyota salesperson for 6 months. I'm making profit and gross. I bought a car. A 2019 Prius LE. Brand new. 0 miles. But guess what? I find out today in service that the collision system sensor is missing from my car. TF? I bought the car new and it is missing a safety function? Do you want me to die? Honestly I would think that after all the recent recalls with the fuel pump and engines blowing up that you would be a little more careful with your cars. But don't hit me with the American made cars having issues.

    This is a Japanese built car. Like I haven't even mentioned the loud engine noise the car is making. Like what the actual heck. I sell cars for you and you slap me in the face? I demand to talk with the higherups. I have no problem filing a MD Lemon Law lawsuit as this is against the rules. It's a new car. Barely a month old. Has all these issues. No accidents. Wow Toyota just wow. How can you do this to me? How should I continue to tell Toyota customers how great the cars are when this crap affects me?

    10 people found this review helpful
    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: Dec. 15, 2019

    This is my second Prius, a 2009 and now a 2019. I liked the previous one better. This one has some nice features like the automatic dimming headlights, the lane departure signal, heated steering wheel, & blind spot warning. But I'm very upset that it didn't come with a spare tire. Want me to use their roadside service which is available for 2 years however I keep my vehicles for more than 10 years. Was told no room for a spare. Dumb, real dumb.

    10 people found this review helpful
    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: Dec. 14, 2019

    My hybrid car is a fuel miser. I get to stretch my fuel dollar. It has a quiet cabin, even with the engine geared up. It fits the bill as a commuter or weekend cruising vehicle. Its sight lines are unobstructed. The easy to read dashboard is both attractive and informative. Whether the car is used as a functional family ride or it’s purring, so sleek out down the highway.

    8 people found this review helpful
    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: Dec. 13, 2019

    A great driving car and great on gas mileage, 58 miles per gallon. I probably will keep getting Toyota Priuses as this is my third one and I really like them. They have a lot of safety features like alert if you get too close to the car in front of you or it beeps if you go across the line in case you are getting sleepy and I am a little bit older so it's nice to have those added safety features.

    5 people found this review helpful
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    Toyota Prius Company Information

    Company Name:
    Toyota Prius
    Website:
    www.toyota.com