Scraping/rattling sound when engine is running + poor fuel economy

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by eclewis, Jan 22, 2024.

  1. eclewis

    eclewis New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 22, 2024
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    Location:
    Syracuse, NY
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius
    Model:
    Persona
    When the engine in my 2015 prius (105k miles) is running, there is a scraping/rattling/grinding noise from under the car. At first I thought it sounded like the heat shield rattling which I've had fixed in the past, but it's not rattling in quite the same pattern as the heat shield was. I'm also getting significantly worse gas milage.

    It stops when the engine isn't running and the car is using the hybrid battery, moving or idling. It occurs when the engine is running whether I'm moving or idling/parked. It gets louder when I'm accelerating and sometimes quiets down briefly when I'm coasting. The sound is not rhythmic with tire rotation or sound like its related to braking.

    Shortly after this first started, my brake lights came on and I took it to a shop to figure out the issue. They fixed a rear wheel bearing which made my brakes feel better but didn't fix the noise or gas milage.

    Anyone ever have a similar issue or have advice or ideas?
     
  2. Dustin N

    Dustin N New Member

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    Jan 31, 2025
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    Location:
    Santa Clara, CA
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Limited
    I have this same exact issue with my 2008 prius. A mechanic looked at it and he thought it might be coming from the catalytic converter and said it sounded like part of the honey comb inside it might have loosened and that is what is rattling around in there. I haven't had a chance to look into that yet but it is next on my list. I know it isn't a definitive answer to your question but might be something to check.
     
  3. MAX2

    MAX2 Active Member

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    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
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    Your EGR may not be working properly. Have you ever cleaned the EGR?
     
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    Head gasket?