Check Hybrid System- dealer asking for $700

The puddle you'd have had to drive through would have been noticeable... You'd never forget you made the choice to drive through it. There may be cables malfunctioning, but I doubt it's from puddles being driven through.

 

What's your mileage? If you're still within warranty I think you have a good case. Maybe try a second dealership, and contact corporate Toyota. And let the first place know your intentions, that might change their tune.

Document all contacts, keep all the paperwork.

Prius c underside image, the orange conduit has the hybrid cables. Very exposed!

 

welcome!

did you drive through one of the mudslide area's?

 

IMO you should never have your car towed to a dealer. What does the invoice for $700. say?

 

That's a crazy place to route the HV!

 

Regular Prius also has cables underneath, but behind continuous plastic panels.

 

probably doesn't matter where the wires are in a tidal wave.

 

Find out where the leak is. Seems rather odd that your driving condition caused such a major issue. The bottom of the car has to have been built to be water proof. I find it hard to believe that you drove through water and it caused a short. However, if a prior owner ran over something that pierced or cracked the plastic covering the wiring, then, a water issue would make sense.

 

+2. Knowing exactly what that $700 charge is for, and what your warranties are on the car, is important. For example, a physical breach of that orange conduit (from you or the previous owner driving over something) vs. a seal leak (which might be damage but also might be a materials defect) is important for any warranty claim.

 

Toyota Owners Official Web Site lists the dealer service history. Are there any entries besides oil changes?