NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
91 reportsMileage unknown · May 19, 2026
EngineFuel/propulsion System
The catalytic converter heat exchanger failed internally, causing coolant to leak into the exhaust system. Symptoms included white smoke from exhaust and coolant loss with no visible ground leak. This is a documented factory defect per Toyota Technical Service Bulletin T-SB-0135-19 affecting 2016-2019 Prius models. Toyota has de…
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The catalytic converter heat exchanger failed internally, causing coolant to leak into the exhaust system. Symptoms included white smoke from exhaust and coolant loss with no visible ground leak. This is a documented factory defect per Toyota Technical Service Bulletin T-SB-0135-19 affecting 2016-2019 Prius models. Toyota has denied warranty coverage despite the vehicle was originally bought & spent its entire prior operational life registered in New York, a state covered under Toyota's full 15-year/150,000-mile emissions warranty. Defect was confirmed by an authorized Toyota dealership, in PA. Vehicle had approximately 83,104 miles at time of diagnosis. Manufacturer denied coverage and is forcing the customer (me) to pay a huge amount for this very well known & defective case. MOST IMPORTANTLY ITS dangerous and unsafe for all the cars our there too, since it is very well known that at a certain point this will happen, but despite TOYOTA never sent a RECALL. Due to this, engine light goes on & off, refrigerant is flammable and leaks in the exhaust pipe happens with this specific case, which ultimately could catch on fire, while the vehicle is moving or stalling. Lots of white smoke comes out of the car that directly impact the environmental aspects, and above all, people owning such vehicle, will be running into this issue, which will 100% put the safety of owner and anyone close in proximity to their vehicle at RISK. PLEASE ADD RECALL WITHOUT CAP for ALL SUCH TOYATA PRIUS due to flammable refrigerant leak inside the car engine components, and proven via strong white smoke coming out of exhaust that has the potentially to put the entire car on fire, specifically.
NHTSA ODI #11738755
225,810 miles · Dec 19, 2025
Electrical System
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2017 Toyota Prius. It was discovered when the contact listed the vehicle for sale that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was as a private sale. At the time of the purchase, the mileage was 126,611. The potential purchaser provided a CARFAX report that recorded the mileage on 11/…
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Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2017 Toyota Prius. It was discovered when the contact listed the vehicle for sale that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was as a private sale. At the time of the purchase, the mileage was 126,611. The potential purchaser provided a CARFAX report that recorded the mileage on 11/6/2024 at 225,810.
NHTSA ODI #11706080
Mileage unknown · Jul 18, 2025
Fuel/propulsion System
During hot temperatures and after coming to a full stop, the car stalls/hesitates significantly (5-6seconds) when pushing the gas pedal. The car eventually proceeds but the issue reoccurs. It can only be intermittently reproduced and no codes are shown on the car dashboard. Mechanics are unable to identify the source of the issu…
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During hot temperatures and after coming to a full stop, the car stalls/hesitates significantly (5-6seconds) when pushing the gas pedal. The car eventually proceeds but the issue reoccurs. It can only be intermittently reproduced and no codes are shown on the car dashboard. Mechanics are unable to identify the source of the issue so it cannot be resolved.
NHTSA ODI #11674665
Mileage unknown · Jul 18, 2025
StructureUnknown Or OtherCrash
Standing at a red light and someone rear ended
NHTSA ODI #11674421
81,700 miles · Feb 27, 2025
Engine And Engine Cooling
The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25-30 MPH, the vents were blowing out cold air. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was adding coolant to the coolant reservoir every three to four days. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagno…
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The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25-30 MPH, the vents were blowing out cold air. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was adding coolant to the coolant reservoir every three to four days. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the coolant was leaking into the exhaust pipe. The dealer recommended that the exhaust system front pipe be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted, opened a case, and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 81,700.
NHTSA ODI #11645348
68,000 miles · Nov 27, 2024
Power Train
The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed. The accelerator pedal was depressed, however the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled and jerked. The vehicle was driven to …
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The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed. The accelerator pedal was depressed, however the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled and jerked. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact stated that the battery indicator did not look as if the battery was charging. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to two independent mechanics; however, the failure was not duplicated. In addition, the vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact stated that the failure had become persistent. The contact stated that during one failure his wife was driving, and the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic however, the failure was not duplicated. In addition, the contact stated that during one failure, the excessive acceleration warning light illuminated. The contact had not depressed the accelerator pedal during the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was informed that no assistance was available. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.
NHTSA ODI #11627707
Mileage unknown · Nov 21, 2024
EngineFuel/propulsion System
Dear NHTSA, I am seeking assistance and compensation for ongoing warranty and repair issues with my Toyota Prius. Key Incident Timeline: •March 21, 2024: Dashboard message “Grille Shutter Inoperable” •March 25, 2024: Toyota of Glendale visit •Charged $220 for diagnostics •Refused to honor service bulletin •Vehicle mileage: 149,2…
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Dear NHTSA, I am seeking assistance and compensation for ongoing warranty and repair issues with my Toyota Prius. Key Incident Timeline: •March 21, 2024: Dashboard message “Grille Shutter Inoperable” •March 25, 2024: Toyota of Glendale visit •Charged $220 for diagnostics •Refused to honor service bulletin •Vehicle mileage: 149,217 Customer Service Interactions: •April 9, 2024: •Contacted Toyota customer service •Confirmed CA emissions coverage to 150,000 miles •Discovered extended warranty unexpectedly canceled Brand Engagement Claim: •April 9, 2024: Filed claim with Toyota’s Brand Engagement line •June 26, 2024: Claim denied, dealership’s decision upheld Repair Challenges: •July 5, 2024: Wondries Toyota diagnostic visit •Charged $200 for diagnostics •Confirmed active service bulletins would have covered repairs Repair Management: •Northeast Mechanic has handled all subsequent repairs due to Toyota’s failures Financial Losses Breakdown: •Initial diagnostic fee (Toyota of Glendale): $220.00 •Diagnostic fee (Wondries Toyota): $200.00 •Car rental (July 6, 2024 - Hertz): $1,356.17 •Car parts: $1,706.55 •Labor on vehicle: $754.22 •Water pump: $167.78 •Head Gasket, Spark Plugs, Engine Water Pump: $2,161.00 •Total financial loss: $6,565.72 I request a comprehensive investigation into these warranty and repair issues, seeking full compensation for the financial burden caused by Toyota’s repeated failures. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI #11626715
Mileage unknown · Jul 30, 2024
Unknown Or Other
While driving the speed limit of 70mph on a major highway, the sunroof on my 2017 Toyota Prius exploded. There was no warning of any kind: no other traffic nearby so no rock or debris from another vehicle; no overpass or bridge so nothing from above; it was a mild sunny day of 76 degrees so not a weather factor; and by the ang…
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While driving the speed limit of 70mph on a major highway, the sunroof on my 2017 Toyota Prius exploded. There was no warning of any kind: no other traffic nearby so no rock or debris from another vehicle; no overpass or bridge so nothing from above; it was a mild sunny day of 76 degrees so not a weather factor; and by the angle of the glass that remains being in an outward position rather than inward, reveals to me that it was from inside out, not from outside in as if it were a rock hitting. It just exploded. I was the only person in the car. Thankfully, the visor was shut on it or the shattered glass would have caused injury and of greater serious concern is just the sudden sound of what sounded like a bomb going off over my head was enough to cause a reaction which easily would result in an accident. It was a terrifying experience! I was lucky no other vehicles were nearby and could react and safely get off the road. I called 911 immediately and reported it. I have read many such claims from other Toyota owners online (see ToyotaNation.com and search by "exploding Sunroof") and even from a technician at my nearby Toyota Collision Center that it just happened to a friend of theirs also. This is not a one time issue. When I took the car to the Collision Center for an estimate and inquired about the damage, they could find no recall on it by Toyota. This is certainly a dangerous and hazardous issue that needs to be addressed asap before someone is seriously hurt or there is a fatality.
NHTSA ODI #11605347
Mileage unknown · Jul 22, 2024
Engine
Coolant leaking into exhaust And engine also vehicle suddenly stops for no reason now engine is completely broken due to the coolant going into the motor oil
NHTSA ODI #11603676
Mileage unknown · Jul 3, 2024
EngineFuel/propulsion System
Dashboard pop up came up saying that the grille shutter is inoperable to visit a dealer. Went online and noticed there were recalls for my Prius year and because emissions is affected I contacted Toyota financial customer service who said to go to a dealer and that they would fix no charge. Went three times to the dealer and the…
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Dashboard pop up came up saying that the grille shutter is inoperable to visit a dealer. Went online and noticed there were recalls for my Prius year and because emissions is affected I contacted Toyota financial customer service who said to go to a dealer and that they would fix no charge. Went three times to the dealer and they did not want to honor the recall. Charged me $200 to run diagnostics on the vehicle and confirmed that the code that was being recalled matched. They made excuses and in the end did not fix. The pop up appeared March 2024 and since then I now have another pop up appear about the hybrid system overheating due to them not fixing. I went to a local mechanic who said it was the dealers responsibility since there are service bulletins but they do not want to help. The car has stalled out on the freeway almost leaving me to get hit and my fuel has gotten worse.
NHTSA ODI #11598469
Official recalls
3Sep 5, 2018
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Toyota Prius vehicles. A portion of the engine wire harness connected to the hybrid Power Control Unit (PCU), could contact the cover at this connection and wear, causing an electrical short circuit.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An electrical short can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine wire harness assembly and replace it if damage is found. A protective sleeve or protective tape will be included to prevent any future damage. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is J0T.
May 2, 2017
Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (Gulf States) is recalling certain 2017 4Runner , 86, Avalon, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla, Corolla iM, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius C, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Sienna and Yaris vehicles. The spare tire air pressure was not adjusted to the proper pressure as stated on the Tire Pressure Label.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A spare tire that is not inflated to the proper value may not perform as intended, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Gulf States will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the spare tires, adjusting their pressure as necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 15, 2017. Owners may contact Gulf States customer service at 1-800-444-1074. Toyota's number for this recall is 17R2.
Oct 14, 2016
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Prius vehicles manufactured August 6, 2015, to October 3, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with a foot-operated parking brake system that has a parking brake cable that may disengage.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the parking brake cable disengages from the mechanism and the transmission is left in a gear other than 'Park' while the ignition is on and the driver leaves the vehicle, the vehicle may roll unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will install a clip at the parking brake cable end to prevent the cable from disengaging, free of charge. The recall began November 10, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is G01.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1DP22005 · Pedestrian Alert Sounds
Opened Jan 27, 2023 · Closed Aug 7, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:propulsion System
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.