1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Reduced MPG and Acceleration

Discussion in 'Gen 1 Prius Plug-in 2012-2015' started by JRC1981, May 7, 2023.

  1. JRC1981

    JRC1981 New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 20, 2023
    11
    1
    0
    Location:
    77433
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    Hi

    Last November my brake booster AND accumulator failed at the same time.

    There were some hydraulic(?) noises for a while, which got worse over time, then one day a warning light came on and the brakes were hard, though the car was still able to stop.

    At that same exact time, there was an obvious reduction in acceleration and MPG. Prius was sluggish during acceleration and MPG dropped to 30-35 MPG.

    No codes for the battery.

    I fixed both brake problems, BUT the MPG and acceleration problems persisted.

    I replaced the 12v battery, but the problem still persisted.

    On a possibly related note, 4-5 months later the head gasket goes.

    My theory is the engine was working harder than it should have and eventually a HG issue formed. No one has been able to confirm or even entertain this idea.

    I'm thinking about fixing the HG or replacing the motor. But won't if there is a deeper hybrid system issue.

    Does this sound like a battery or hybrid issue for anyone else?
     
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    110,166
    50,060
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    how many miles on her?

    how many miles of ev range are you getting?

    maybe a dragging brake?
     
  3. Doug McC

    Doug McC Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 15, 2022
    1,014
    382
    0
    Location:
    Midwest
    Vehicle:
    2022 Prius
    Model:
    XLE
    I’m no expert on the Gen 1 Prius Plug-in by a long shot, but could the problem be related to the regenerative braking system? Reduce regenerative braking and you reduce fuel efficiency. Your problem started with the brakes, so maybe the repair wasn’t complete.
    Just my initial thoughts (and again, I not that knowledgeable about your car).
     
  4. JRC1981

    JRC1981 New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 20, 2023
    11
    1
    0
    Location:
    77433
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    around 210K

    Not sure about the range. I never really charge it since I was traveling for work.

    I'm having my guy look.
     
  5. JRC1981

    JRC1981 New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 20, 2023
    11
    1
    0
    Location:
    77433
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    That's a really good guess. I'll pass it onto my guy.
     
    Doug McC likes this.