Top 5 Problems Toyota Prius Hybrid 3rd Generation 2010-15

No mention of the head gasket?

 

I think this thread could be a springboard, for "airing of the grievances", a festivus tradition.

Saggy rear bumper?

 

add oil consumption, low quality paint job, rough start up, and the list goes on

 

So, the video lists these 5
1 Center Multi-Function display
2 Fuel Guage (mmm, now I'm worried)
3 Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve
4 Water Pump
5 License Plate Bulbs

 

I would say its wrong. Especially for 150k and above.

1. HV Battery
2. Inverter
3. Brake Actuator
4. EGR Cooler
5. Head Gasket

12v battery is routine maintenance.

 

I just bought a 2012 with 116k miles on it - so far so good and everything checks out fine. What can I do to proactively get ahead of these issues?

 

First, most of these problems may occur on higher mileage cars than yours. 150k-200k typically. However age has an impact on cars as does heat. Avoid high speed driving over 70 for long periods. Stop immediately (off the highway) if one of the overheating lights come up. The hv battery may get old on your watch but there are many options these days rather than the highest priced dealer solution. A lot of people on this forum have no problems but a lot do not have high miles.

#1 HV Battery - Clean battery fan and screen. Heat kills. Avoid long idle periods of over 10 minutes as it will drain the hv battery and the system will cycle it at a low state of charge during this time.

#2 Inverter - Be sure your car has the inverter software update and ensure Toyota has you as the owner. There is a free inverter "customer support program" like an extended warranty for this part.

#3 Brake Actuator - Have the brake fluid changed asap so that a recent customer support program is not denied if you need it. If you have documents or the dealer shows this has been done, you are good. On a 2012 this program expires late next year if I recall correctly.

#4 EGR Cooler - Save up and have the egr cooler and valve removed and cleaned within 10k miles ideally. If you have someone that is extremely auto diy the parts are minimal but the time and complexity is fairly significant. Otherwise the dealer will change parts and charge $800-$1000. In my opinion, this problem is worse if the car is using oil, a fairly common problem as the car ages. There is a video by "nutzaboutbolts" with diy egr cleaning. It involves serious disassembly of the windshield wipers, cables, intake manifold and finally egr parts. Also add a oil catch can device during this work which will limit (not eliminate) further carbon buildup. He has a video on this as well.

#5 Headgasket Failure - In the end egr, oil consumption, engine pinging due to carbon buildup and or poor design can cause head gasket failure or even total engine failure. Besides egr cleaning from #4, start changing the oil every 5,000 miles like your bank account depended on it. Make a habit of checking your oil at least every other week and watch the passenger's side coolant reservoir level. Change the coolant per maintenance schedule. Hopefully it has already been done. If a god awful shaking and rattling sound occurs on startup, have it checked immediately as this is often the head gasket leaking coolant into the cylinder. This problem is the subject of much debate about the root cause, but the reality is it does occur, especially on 2010-2014 Priuses (Prii).