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Hybrid Battery Failed - 2012 C

Discussion in 'Prius c Technical Discussion' started by RobAustin, Aug 3, 2018.

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  1. RobAustin

    RobAustin Member

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    Looks like another 2012 Prius C Hybrid battery has bitten the dust.

    On Tuesday, July 31st, the check hybrid system, stop immediately message showed up my 2012 Prius c.

    I took the car to the dealer and they are reporting cells 3,4 & 5 are faulty: estimate to replace the battery module: $3,800.

    The car has 118,000 miles and is just shy of 6 years old. I am the original owner.

    I called Toyota at the 800-331-4331 number and was promised a callback.
    24 hours later they call with the answer; "out of warranty" for Texas and "no goodwill"
    and that I should try to be happy it didn't fail sooner.

    To tell the truth, I'm mad as hell. I've had hundreds of people ask if I'm worried about the Hybrid battery going out. I told everyone that I loved the car and that concerns about hybrid batteries are old news. My car is only 6 years old. I feel stupid for trusting Toyota on the unproven model c.

    After getting estimates from a few local shops, one quoted $4,200 and another with a fake address, I am back to negotiating for the repair with the dealership where I bought the car.

    I am a long time lurker on the forum and am posting now to document the battery module failing so early, in case anyone else needs to try for Toyota goodwill.

    I'll keep you guys posted,
    Rob
     

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    #1 RobAustin, Aug 3, 2018
  2. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Sorry to hear that.

    That's a weird response. If anything, you would be happier if it failed sooner because it would've been under warranty. (100,000 miles). Keep us posted.
     
    #2 Tideland Prius, Aug 3, 2018
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  3. Dxta

    Dxta Senior Member

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    Is the chemistry of this battery, NIMH? If it is, you could replace the cells yourself. But if its lithium ion, then a complete pack would be needed.

    Keep us posted on your next move
     
    #3 Dxta, Aug 3, 2018
  4. dubit

    dubit Senior Member

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    I really can't understand why people get so upset when their car breaks down and is out of warranty. Then fully expect the manufacturer to repair it at no charge to the customer. My years spent at the dealership I dealt with these people from time/time. I've even had GM & Toyota reps that have spoken with these people in person but end up getting cussed at.

    As for the "C" being unproven - yeah, it's all over the world and is known as the Aqua / Yaris depending on where it's sold. I think at one point it even outsold the regular Prius. Hardly unproven, and if I'm not mistaken it's hybrid system comes from the Gen 2 Prius.

    When it comes to a new battery, don't rebuilt it. It's not worth the hassle to do so.
     
    #4 dubit, Aug 3, 2018
  5. zen_

    zen_ Junior Member

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    Greentecauto remanufactured batteries or low mileage used batteries from salvages (e.g. LKQ) are much cheaper options that are worth considering.
     
    #5 zen_, Aug 3, 2018
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  6. Cyvan

    Cyvan Junior Member

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    #6 Cyvan, Aug 3, 2018
  7. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    You could also try Matt ( @Texas Hybrid Batteries ) up in the DFW area;).

    Did the dealer give you the code readout when they performed the diagnosis?
    Were there any other codes?

    Good luck and keep us posted (y).
     
    #7 Raytheeagle, Aug 3, 2018
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  8. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    Big repair bills are never welcome, even if they are fair to expect on a high-miles car.

    Our old car, a Hyundai Accent, would have required at least $3500 in maintenance (at dealer rates) over 120k miles. It would not have been all at once though. And it burns a lot more gas.

    I'm curious- status of the battery cooling fan? Was that maintenance up to date?
     
    #8 Leadfoot J. McCoalroller, Aug 3, 2018
    Last edited: Aug 3, 2018
  9. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    You just beat me to it, Ray. I was also going to mention Matt. (Texas Prius Battery Replacement)

    And a BIG +1 on not going with a rebuilt, especially on a car this new.

    Screen Shot 2018-08-03 at 8.16.45 AM.jpg
     
    #9 jerrymildred, Aug 3, 2018
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  10. Mo G

    Mo G Member

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    #10 Mo G, Aug 3, 2018
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  11. Rmay635703

    Rmay635703 Senior Member

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    Could try a grid charger /discharger if your commute is short, might be able to limp along 6 months or more while you weigh options
     
    #11 Rmay635703, Aug 3, 2018
  12. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

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    Please do.

    Prius C seems to be really tough on batts especially here in the south. Off the top of my head, I've seen early failures reported here from southern California, AZ, TX, and Miami.
     
    #12 fotomoto, Aug 3, 2018
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  13. padroo

    padroo Senior Member

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    Sorry to hear about your battery but welcome to Prius Chat.:)
     
    #13 padroo, Aug 3, 2018
  14. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

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    Another option, used (about an hour south of you Rob):

    2016
    Battery
    Toyota Prius (HYBRID BATTERY), PRIUS C (VIN B3, 7TH AND 8TH DIGIT) A $CM835 $805 LKQ-Keystone- Central Texas USA-TX(New-Braunfels) E-mail 1-800-444-0211

    The have two 2016 packs and the stock numbers are: $CM835 and $CN150
     
    #14 fotomoto, Aug 3, 2018
    Last edited: Aug 3, 2018
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  15. RobAustin

    RobAustin Member

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    Gentlemen,
    I just got back from LKQ in New Braunfels and am now the proud owner of a low-mileage 2016 battery pack.

    Pictures to follow.
    Rob
     
    #15 RobAustin, Aug 3, 2018
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  16. priusCpilot

    priusCpilot Active Member

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    All high heat area owners have early failure. Maybe go threw some of my posts for more info on how to prevent it all and keep the batt going good for FAR longer.
     
    #16 priusCpilot, Aug 3, 2018
  17. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

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    The man don't waste no time! (y)

    GOOD LUCK!
     
    #17 fotomoto, Aug 3, 2018
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  18. cknitin

    cknitin Junior Member

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    #18 cknitin, Aug 4, 2018
  19. cknitin

    cknitin Junior Member

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    Hi

    I'm as Unlucky as you

    Got my Prius C since 2014 ( Brand new) and got same message yesterday. Had only 70,000 miles

    Poor quality battery I suppose and huge cost

    Trying to find alternative repair mechanic
     
    #19 cknitin, Aug 4, 2018
  20. Rmay635703

    Rmay635703 Senior Member

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    The 2014 should still be under warranty
     
    #20 Rmay635703, Aug 4, 2018
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