Edmunds' Long-Term 2004 Prius

A few months ago I had an anomaly when although the battery was all blue bars I could not force EV mode even though I was at 29mph. I kept getting 'EV mode not valid at this time'
Naturally I thought Uh-Oh, but by the next morning everything was back to normal - so I figured the computer 'reset' itself overnight.
Haven't had the 'problem' since.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(SodaGuy @ Nov 23 2006, 11:11 PM) [snapback]353609[/snapback]</div>

Keep the facts straight. The reported problem didn't seem to involve the MFD at all.
The author writes "Because the Prius is normally so reliable and no other editors have complained about this, I suspect the problem may have been caused by my fancy new cell phone. When I first got the phone, my wireless internet connection at home crapped out. When I called the wireless company, they asked if I had a new gadgety phone. Sure enough, the phone was the culprit."

 

uh.. the phone being the culprit for the wireless network interference proves it being the culprit for the mfd how...?

the mfd is showing the classic signs of the "dreaded mfd failure" condition.

 

I now have close to 70K miles on my 04 and live somewhat in fear of the MFD failing. No problems so far though.... Oops...shouldn't have said that...definitely shouldn't have said that!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(CHART @ Nov 24 2006, 11:18 AM) [snapback]353695[/snapback]</div>

I just hit 84,000 and mine went out. Toyota told me bad things happen and to deal with it. So much for concern about quality.

 

My MFD failed at 46,000 miles and it now works intermittently. In addition to this, my ABS system failed once and the front axle was replaced under warranty, close to the 50,000 mile limit for the engine-drive train warranty. I still like the car, but its reliability has certainly been lower than expected.

The erratic MFD is not a big deal for me, but it kills the cars trade-in or resale value.