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2012 Prius Hybrid Battery Failure

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by vucats, Jan 24, 2017.

  1. vucats

    vucats New Member

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    So, first of all, this is my first post and if this is in the wrong place I apologize.

    I bought a 2012 certified pre owned Prius 3 from a dealership on Friday evening. 71k miles, great condition, good warranty, and I live in a CARB state so I'm set for a while on the battery. Two days later, on Sunday afternoon, I got a "Hybrid System Warning" message, the dashboard lit up, and my weekend was ruined. I took it into my local Toyota dealership (not the one where I purchased the car), and got word that I needed a new hybrid battery. The work has since been done and I'm planning on picking it up after work today. But now I have so many questions.

    This seems really early for a battery to fail, any idea what might be the cause of such an early failure on a gen 3 battery?

    The dealership where I purchased the car stated that there was no indication on their end when they did the certified inspection that the battery was about to fail... this seems hard to believe, but I'm also very ignorant when it comes to cars. Is there any chance they're telling the truth, or did they knowingly sell the car in this condition?

    Assuming there are no other lingering issues with the vehicle, what kind of life expectancy should I expect from my replacement battery? Any different than the original one?

    Thanks!
     
    #1 vucats, Jan 24, 2017
  2. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    Firstly, You have a new battery!

    Secondly, it is early and there is some chance the dealer just charged Toyota for a battery you did not need. I am not sure that is under your control. I suspect it had been sitting and the 12 volt battery was low, confusing the computers, which are 12 volt powered. If it recurs, swap the 12 battery, Toyota has one with an 82 month warranty.

    Thirdly, lets pretend that on average Hybrid batteries last 200,000 miles. It is still true some will fail before and some after. The press highlights taxis with 500,000 miles; but that does not prevent your battery from only making it 71,000.

    Fouthly, You have a new Battery!
     
    #2 JimboPalmer, Jan 24, 2017
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    welcome!
    yes, very unusual. no, there is no way of knowing if the battery will fail tomorrow. unfortunately, we'll never know for sure, but if dealers are returning good batteries to the factory, i suspect that toyota would catch on, but who knows?
    unfortunately, you now have a 3 year warranty, but a new battery should serve you well into the future. all the best!(y)
     
    #3 bisco, Jan 24, 2017
    Last edited: Jan 24, 2017
  4. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

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    @vucats Can you post a pic of the paperwork, in particular if the codes are are listed?
     
    #4 Mendel Leisk, Jan 24, 2017
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  5. vucats

    vucats New Member

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    I can try to post a picture tonight or tomorrow. I haven't seen the paperwork or codes they pulled yet, I'll get it when I pick up my car tonight.
    Whoa whoa... So originally I had ~5 years and ~80k miles left on my hybrid warranty. Are you saying that this means now I only get 3 more years? Seems like a pretty horrible policy if so.
     
    #5 vucats, Jan 24, 2017
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  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i believe that's the case, but i may be thinking of people who are out of warranty. you can call and check, or perhaps someone here can correct me.
     
    #6 bisco, Jan 24, 2017
  7. yeldogt

    yeldogt Active Member

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    If indeed a simple failure and not an indication of other issue with the car -- I owed be happy.
     
    #7 yeldogt, Jan 24, 2017
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  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    yep, nothing better than starting over with a brand spanking new battery.
     
    #8 bisco, Jan 24, 2017
  9. vucats

    vucats New Member

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    Update: code P0A80. Two cells failed and a "large amount of debris in the blower motor". They replaced the battery and put a filter in the blower. All covered under warranty.

    The dealership stated that my original hybrid warranty is still in effect.
     
    #9 vucats, Jan 24, 2017
    m.wynn and bisco like this.
  10. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    congrats!(y)

    i never think of a clogged blower fan for some reason. not really a battery defect.
     
    #10 bisco, Jan 24, 2017
  11. Lakshan

    Lakshan Junior Member

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    I got the same issue today. Now these indicators are in my screen and also hybrid system also now working. Still finding a solution
     

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    #11 Lakshan, Jan 31, 2018
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