I don't think it should be this prevalent if this is what it is, but I would get that sound on other vehicles when using faulty, or cheap, oil filters. It would be the rubber valve that prevents the filter from emptying out on shut-down on those. I think it prudent to check that your oil filter is actually getting changed each time at the dealership (like you would expect them to do), and that you are using at least a Toyota filter made for the model. Stay away from the junk filters, of course. ("Fram? No, ma'am!"). Off the top of my head, this would be one of the avenues I would be looking at.
Thats true alan. Just worried me a little bit as this is my first Prius and I’m still getting accustomed to all the new sounds. But i do like the 61mpg I’ve been averaging since purchase!!! All in all an amazingly efficient vehicle, and in xle trim very comfortable and pleasant to drive. Well done Toyota
Lots of noises to ponder - from walking up to it, getting in, and PWRing up - it sounds like a flying saucer with barely noticeable sounds.
Older thread I know, but my 2015 Gen3 makes the SAME noise at cold startup posted in the youtube video by someone here in this thread. Since Gen4 & Gen3 share the same engine, I figured I would add my experience too. I have owned 3 Gen 3's and this is the first one to make any noise at cold start, however, And its only for a very split second. Sounds like valve clatter from oil not reaching yet. It has received oil change exclusively from the Toyota Dealer every 5k miles, so as an experiment, I am going to change the oil myself this week with Mobil 1 0w20 & a Toyota OEM oil filter and see if that quiets it down.
My experience with my other 50-some cars and trucks I've had: Sometimes this is merely an oil filter backflow prevention valve that was manufactured or installed incorrectly. Sometimes it's a cheap oil filter that didn't have a valve to begin with.
my 2013 sounds like that video, just a slight rattle on cold start. Anything I should be worried about or it's common?