07 Prius Computer Death

That's what warranty is all about. Just in case you get a dud part. Chances are it's one bad electrical connection. New computer and everything will be good again. You have been unfortunate, not ripped off. Having a problem with a Toyota is about as likely as winning the lottery. Have you thought about a ticket in the weekend draw?

 

You got unlucky. Do not worry, because past performance is no guarantee of future results. In the vernacular: sh!t happens.

 

In the electronics world, we call this 'crib death' (or at least I do).

Most electronics will fail if there's a problem fairly soon into their use. Think computers, microwaves, etc.

And, after this 'growing' period they usually won't fail for quite some time unless exposed to some outside effect (power fluctuations, heat, etc.)

So, I would say that you're just a standard part of the stats. I have a friend of mine who has a Lexus (out of warranty) and the dealer recommended $1900 worth of computers replaced (1 actual failure, 1 not in spec). So, it isn't just a 'Prius thing'....

Good luck.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(hybridbrian @ Oct 12 2007, 03:34 PM) [snapback]524779[/snapback]</div>

If you were the one actually holding the bills for the reply, then yes, I would definitely think that ripped-off is a very legitimate feeling. However, since Toyota is footing the bill for the replacement through your warranty (and I would imagine lending you a car while it's in the shop), I hardly think ripped-off is the appropriate word here.

That being said, I have the world's worst luck with electronics and new things in general. They either consistently get lost in the mail (8 packages now, and counting), are either faulty upon arrival (16 seperate items in the last 5 years) or fail within the manufacturer's warranty (7 items). I understand EXACTLY how you feel, and every single time, the company involved was gracious and replaced with an item of equal or greater value, often times with coupons and other such nonsense. I was frustrated, perhaps a bit angry, but ultimately, I never felt ripped off.

It's unfortunate that this has happened to your new toy, and odds are, very few other people have experienced the same issue in the timeline that you did. Assuming say that 10 others have, that still represents only 0.002% failure rate, which, as far as I'm concerned, a fantastic track record.

I hope the replacements go well, and that you get to enjoy your new Prius.

MAB

 

Have you asked Toyota to replace the car? I would, telling them that you feel very uncomfortable with a major failure so early in the car's life. It's worth a shot...

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(hybridbrian @ Oct 12 2007, 03:34 PM) [snapback]524779[/snapback]</div>

I have an '07 Prius with no such problem or any problems. As stated by other people this happens even with the best company or best product. It is unfortunate and bad luck for you but it is not a rip off. Your warranty will cover it so you are not out of pocket any $s. Yes it is no fun but still better than if it happened out of warranty.

Hope you get your car fixed soon and get to enjoy it
Gabe

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(hybridbrian @ Oct 12 2007, 02:34 PM) [snapback]524779[/snapback]</div>

So, is Toyota making you pay or not? If they're making you pay, then I 100% agree that you're justified in feeling ripped off. If they're not making you pay, what do you mean by "stuck holding the bill"?

Toyota makes a great product. Is it perfect? No. There *are* going to be failures for any mass-produced product like a car. You got unlucky and happened to get a car that failed soon after you bought it. But, that's what the warranty is for and Toyota absolutely has an obligation to "make it right."

It's a fact of life that not everything goes perfect all the time. No one wants or expects their car to fail in the first 1000 miles. Toyota's overall reliability numbers attest to the fact that they do a very good job with producing quality cars, but there are always going to be a few hiccups. And what pviebey said about electronics failing right at the beginning is absolutely true (I've heard the term "infant mortality"). There's no reason to expect that, after Toyota fixes your car, that you'll have any further problems with it.

 

My motorbike did in a waterpump at 5000km, I didn't feel ripped off. _ _it happens!

 

hybridbrian-

I have both an 2001 and a 2007. No problems on the 2007 but about 4 cases on the 2001 where both warranty and non-warranty repairs were needed. With a Toyota you may have to visit the service shop occasionally. With many other cars you live at the service shop.

Don't hesitate to express your frustration on the forum if you think the situation is not being handled properly. But on the other hand if the dealer takes the car, fixes it, and provides a free rental for long repairs, then you are being treated well and facing an inconvience....and every car owner faces inconviences sooner or later (like a recall).

Don't throw any paperwork away and keep a log of everything that happens.

 

"Ripped off" would suggest deliberate cheating or deception. your situation does not meet those criteria.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(hybridbrian @ Oct 12 2007, 02:34 PM) [snapback]524779[/snapback]</div>

Actually a lot of us would like to know everything replaced and any "diagnostic codes" the dealer pulled. It might also help to understand our Prius have a large number of computers working together.

Driving the car to the dealer meant the "Hybrid Vehicle ECU", "Battery ECU" and "Engine ECU" were still working. I don't know enough about the steering and traction control systems to understand which computer might have been involved. Your invoice should have the part number(s) and descriptions to let us know.

Your steering has a different sensor, a Hall effect device, from the sensors on the NHW11. However, there were reports of similar problems with dirty sensors in the older Prius. But in this case, it is best to get a dealer diagnosis.

I understand the problem of confidence, once lost, it takes a while to gain it back. All I can suggest is when the car comes back, in a safe area, try a little aggressive driving until you feel comfortable that it is under your control. You don't want to be afraid of the car but know it is your tool.

Bob Wilson

 

mistakes are a fact of life. nothing is perfect Brian...

however, fixing mistakes is not a fact of life and that is where you need to differentiate Toyota from any other car manufacturer. in this situation, reputation doesnt matter (as you well know) other Priuses dont either. the only thing that matters is what Toyota does about it.

it is well documented that you are much more likely to have issues if you buy another vehicle brand. so can you assume that your experience would have been better had you bought a chevy?

sure you can...

 

Yes you can feel frustrated, and I echo all the replies as to how you feel personally about your situation.
But I can tell you that you're dealing with one of the most reputable companies in the business.
I have a rather unique situation, in that I am a Lexus Master Certified Technician, including all Lexus Hybrids, as well as an owner of an 08 Prius.
As a tech at a large dealership, I have seen a few isolated cases of P/S problems (2 steering racks, 1 ECU).
I have replace 1 HV wiring harness, 1 Inverter, and 1 battery pack.
To be fair, I don't know how many RX 400H's we've sold (alot), very few GS450H's (less than 50), and to my knowledge only a handfull of LS600H's.
There are only 3 of us at the dealership who perform Hybrid service, so I am aware of most all issues that come in, and all have been handled quickly, professionally, and with utmost respect (as is all our warrantee work) with the customer in mind first.
I hope you find your Toyota dealer the same, and you PRI a great car!!!!

 

Like Evan said, this is bound to happen to a few people. All you can ever do when you buy a car is make a good bet. But even good bets go bad from time to time, and in your case the cost is a few days in a loaner. There should be no out of pocket expense other than a little more gas burned in whatever the dealer gives you while you wait for the Prius to be fixed. Being annoyed about it is perfectly justifiable, but I hope you don't get yourself too worked up about it as long as it is handled properly by Toyota. It just isn't worth your energy IMO.

 

I have an 2007, no problems like yours, nearly 15,000 miles now. You might consider signing up at http://www.truedelta.com/ which gathers repair/reliability information on vehicles.

 

i thank you for letting us know what happened with you. i take all the bad along with the good and your heads-up may help someone else who has the same problem without the benefit of an able mechanic to diagnosis it.

but to imply that you made a mistake by getting a Prius i think is a bit over the top. i dont blame you for being upset, i know i would be very unhappy. no matter how smooth this ends up going, it will be a major inconvenience for anyone.

are you getting a loaner while they fix your car? how long will it take to fix?