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Help: my 2014 Prius broke down in AK

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by ajh2222, Aug 22, 2024.

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  1. ajh2222

    ajh2222 New Member

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    Here's my situation:

    I purchased a used 2014 certified pre-owned Prius in 2019. I've tried to take good care of it -- it received its 60000 mile service in December. In May, I went on a trip from Anchorage to Soldotna, AK. 2/3 of the way in, the engine started to whine, but no warning lights came on. I pressed on, hoping to make it to town, but twenty miles from Soldotna, the engine conked out. I pulled over and was towed into town.

    On June 7th, I finally got the Prius to a Toyota dealer. The dealer established that I had a valid powertrain warranty, but it took them an outrageous 2 months to complete the required engine teardown to the point of failure. Before doing the teardown, they required that I approve the action and agree to cover $1,000 of repairs in the event the warranty company ultimately didn't cover my claim. So I did -- what choice did I have?

    Today, Aug 21, I finally got word that my warranty claim was denied. Apparently, the heat exchanger failed, causing a total engine failure, and apparently the heat exchanger is not part of the powertrain.

    This is turning into more of a rant/comment than a question, but I guess my questions are:
    1. What would your all do in this situation? I'm going to talk to Toyota and complain about the horrible customer service I've experienced from beginning to end, but that won't solve my underlying problem.
    2. Does a 2014 Prius with a broken engine have any value? I've moved from Alaska, and I don't have any idea what to do with the hunk of junk at the dealership.
    Any advice welcome! Thank you.
     
    #1 ajh2222, Aug 22, 2024
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    Sorry for your troubles!
    That is almost unheard of in a Prius with such low mileage.
    I would ask them what a heat exchanger is, to start with.
    A part number would be helpful.
    A 2014 with 60k is valuable. Look around for a shop that would install a salvage engine for a reasonable price
     
    #2 bisco, Aug 22, 2024
  3. MAX2

    MAX2 Member

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    What was included in the maintenance?
    Do you have a list of works?
    Are you talking about a problem with the EGR?
    Usually, after its malfunction, the engine overheats, gasket breakdown and coolant leak into the cylinders.
     
    #3 MAX2, Aug 23, 2024
  4. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    I would imagine the engine overheated and failed. About a $6k-$8k repair at a dealer assuming they install a new short block and rebuild the head.

    What now has more to do with the warranty provider. Sounds like it was not Toyota Corp and may have been a fly by night LLC insurance company.

    2014s don’t have a history of Exhaust Heat Recirculation failures which are common on 2016 and newer gen4s. More likely it was a head gasket if no warning lights or codes actually occurred. This is common on gen3s and overheating is not necessary.

    Overheating would have caused codes and warning lights. Water pumps fail but they code one way or the other. However codes are easy to clear and the dealer and warranty company probably assumed someone cleared the codes and it’s your fault for not immediately shutting down and towing.

    Sounds like the dealer was leaning that way by pre-authorizing $1000 for the teardown knowing the warranty company was not going to approve it. Often their game is to “offer” a few thousand as a trade on a new car. In reality the car is worth $500-$1000 to them at a salvage yard or auction.

    The 2014’s value would be partially restored with a JDM engine installed for $2.5-$3k. That’s assuming the car was with you AND you lived somewhere in the lower 48 where obtaining a JDM engine is less than $1400 in big cities. Transporting it from Alaska when you have already moved makes little sense.

    As is, your best bet is to complain to Toyota Corporate IF your used car warranty was sold by them. However many dealers make more by selling the off brand LLC warranties which are essentially worthless if needed.
     
    #4 rjparker, Aug 23, 2024
  5. ajh2222

    ajh2222 New Member

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    Thanks for the good wishes and helpful suggestions!

    I had no idea that a Certified Toyota Preowned vehicle could come with a sham warranty. I'll definitely take this up with Toyota.

     
    #5 ajh2222, Aug 23, 2024
  6. ajh2222

    ajh2222 New Member

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    I need to get more information from the dealer on the specific part.
    Re your last point, yes, this is what the dealer said happened.

    Thanks for the helpful advice.
     
    #6 ajh2222, Aug 23, 2024
    Last edited by a moderator: Aug 24, 2024
  7. Hans Unrat

    Hans Unrat Junior Member

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    #7 Hans Unrat, Aug 23, 2024
    bisco likes this.
  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    ah, the infamous exhaust heat exchanger leak. that would mean loss of coolant and a fried engine.

    didn't realize it was a gen 3 problem.
     
    #8 bisco, Aug 23, 2024
  9. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    It’s not
     
    #9 rjparker, Aug 23, 2024
    Brian1954 likes this.
  10. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    #10 Tideland Prius, Sep 21, 2024
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