Prius prime reliability

No serious reliability issues have been reported, AFAIK. Here are some of the issues, mostly cosmetic or annoyance than mechanical/functional issues, that I and others have noticed. Those issues are with the new cars. If you are buying a used PP, then they will still apply but not necessarily big concerns, I would think.

• Early 2017 and 2018 had an issue with a metal backing plate behind the hatch opening switch rusting early, especially in the "salt belt" states.
  
• Ruttles in the dash or from the door panels have been reported.
  
• Qi charger if equipped does not work on some phone models or even if it works, it is very weak.
  
• The front windshield is prone to chip/crack easily.
• The front acrylic facia, aka the glass jaw, can easily crack.
  
• Infotainment system (especially with 11.6" screen) bugs, such as frequent re-booting.
• Connected service malfunction or missing function or sometimes nonfunctioning
• Low level of parasitic draw causing the early 12v battery demiss.
• A few reported early brake corrosion issues but I think only very small numbers in the "salt belt"
• Any accidental damage not covered by warranty will cost you $$$ (parts are very expensive).

There may be some more complaints others have experienced, but overall, it is a super reliable car requiring minimal maintenance.

 

Checked Open Road Toyota Port Moody yesterday, just for laughs: NO new cars. Been thus for months now.

 

Recent Consumer Reports. I believe 2018 is exception and not accurate.

 

60,500 miles so far on my 2017 Prime. Reliable as gravity so far. Runs like a new car. Only regular maintenance.

(Still on the original 12V, BTW, which is doing fine.)

 

Steering wheel cover and rear plastic panels near hatch have peeling issues (after 2-3 years). That's two minor ones I know off.

 

The 2018 body hardware gets dinged by the rusting backing plate to the hatch latch.

 

2017 has the same issue.

 

2020 Prius Prime I’ve used for grocery delivery, since retired but just flawless operation. No need for warranty coverage after 18 months. I use Apple CarPlay, and works fine for me. Just a well handling, smooth riding vehicle. Now that I drive less, it’s virtually all in EV mode, no need for the gas station most months.

 

And that was the second worse year for body hardware on the CR chart. As a first year model, most of the 2017s probably went to California, or the respondants to the CR survey were in regions where rust is less of an issue.

 

My was originally from New Hampshire. I got it in march 2019 with about 22k on it and some light rust under the hood and, of course, on the hatch bracket. Rust has not worsened visibly.

 

I'll just chime in since I still have my 2017: my responses in bold

• Early 2017 and 2018 had an issue with a metal backing plate behind the hatch opening switch rusting early, especially in the "salt belt" states. (haven't thoroughly checked but definitely plausible)
  
• Ruttles in the dash or from the door panels have been reported. (just started happening to me a month ago but it's minor)
  
• Qi charger if equipped does not work on some phone models or even if it works, it is very weak. (yup, I don't use it anymore)
  
• The front windshield is prone to chip/crack easily. (happened to me late last year, I didn't see what hit it and it went from a chip to a growing crack, insurance picked up everything beyond $50)
• The front acrylic facia, aka the glass jaw, can easily crack. (yup)
  
• Infotainment system (especially with 11.6" screen) bugs, such as frequent re-booting. (I have not seen this, but the green-yellow-red traffic forecasts rarely ever work)
• Connected service malfunction or missing function or sometimes nonfunctioning (haven't needed SOS yet but I have had a few connection issues with RemoteConnect)
• Low level of parasitic draw causing the early 12v battery demiss. (that happens with most cars these days)
• A few reported early brake corrosion issues but I think only very small numbers in the "salt belt" (no comment, other than I have a 3rd party service do undercarriage coating plus touchup every year)
• Any accidental damage not covered by warranty will cost you $$$ (parts are very expensive). (again seems to be common with many newer cars)
• There may be some more complaints others have experienced, but overall, it is a super reliable car requiring minimal maintenance. (agreed)

 

Wow. Lots more red and much less green than the Prime!!