Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2011 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 145,000 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 227,000. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to Auto Zone and was informed that the catalytic converter had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that it was not a new failure and that there was a possibility that the dealer may have removed the check engine light prior to the sale.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11670893 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

I was driving my car at over 70 mph on a highway, no check engine, no issues, just had oil changed when check hybrid system alert came on with check engine light. I started to change lanes to get to shoulder when my car just died, completely. It died in the middle of the highway merging with another major road, so I was stuck between 2 lanes of 70mph traffic on either side. The time to react to the sudden warning to my car dying was less than 2 minutes. I quickly called 911 to ask for help and was told someone had already reported my breakdown as well because my car had died in a horribly dangerous area. I was very lucky that a state trooper came quickly and blocked off my car until it could be towed for repair. I was told that I need a new Hybrid Battery. The fact that I had no signs of failure before complete shut down makes for a very dangerous driving situation and makes me second guess ever buying a Prius again.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11711067 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

I am filing this complaint to report an active, severe safety defect involving a sudden, un-warned loss of power braking assist due to a failing factory brake actuator/booster pump assembly. My vehicle is exhibiting the exact internal hydraulic seal failure, pressure drop, and audible hissing/sipping sound outlined in Toyota's prior technical service bulletins. Because the onboard ECU computer only triggers warning lights once a complete, catastrophic failure threshold is met, the system is currently masking the defect from the dashboard. However, the physical hardware is actively failing, requiring the high-pressure pump to run constantly to maintain braking pressure. This component failure dramatically increases stopping distances and presents an immediate, unreasonable risk of a crash. Toyota previously acknowledged this widespread manufacturing defect via Customer Support Program ZJB (20TA02). However, because Toyota chose to manage this critical safety hazard through a time-limited warranty extension rather than a mandatory safety recall, hundreds of thousands of vehicles are now left with a catastrophic braking hazard because the consumer coverage expired in 2022. I urge the NHTSA to open a formal defect petition review to investigate these post-warranty failures and mandate a retroactive safety recall to protect the public.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11764198 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

AFTER RECEIVING THE COMPUTER UPDATE MY FUEL MILEAGE HAS DROPPED 10 MILES. THE OTHER PROBLEM IN THE RATE OF TIRE WEAR AND PULL. I TOOK THE CAR IN FOR AN ALIGNMENT TO A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP BECAUSE IT WAS PULLING THEY TOLD ME THEY DID THE ALIGNMENT. AFTER I GOT MY CAR BACK IT WAS STILL PULLING I QUESTIONED THEM AND THEY SAID THAT WAS NORMAL. THE LAST THING IS I GOT NEW TIRES PUT ON THE CAR AND HAD TO REPLACE THEM 10 MONTHS LATER BECAUSE THERE WAS ABOUT 15 PERCENT TREAD LIFE LEFT. THE TIRES WERE ROTATED PROPERLY.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11303039 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

The contact owned a 2011 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed in an intersection, a Ford F-150 vehicle crashed into the front driver's side of the vehicle. The contact stated he was pinned between the door and the infotainment system. The airbags failed to deploy. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact was taken to the local hospital by a friend in a private vehicle, and the contact received medical assistance. The contact sustained internal bruising and external bruising and cuts. Additionally, the contact sustained a major injury was on the neck, on the laryngeal prominence area of the neck and on the collar bone. The medical Doctor informed the contact that the major injury could heal in 4 weeks, or in 7-8 months. The contact was also informed that the major injury could become a permanent condition, causing cramps and stiffness depending on the weather. The contact was experiencing trouble sleeping due to the injuries. The vehicle was towed to a local tow lot and was totaled. A Police report was filed. The leasing company the vehicle was purchased from was notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to an unknown air bag recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 325,000.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11678773 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while her husband was driving approximately 40-50 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the accelerator pedal failed to go back to the normal position and remained stuck. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact's husband depressed the brake pedal, and the engine revved significantly. The driver was able to pull to the side of the road. The driver turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle responded as needed. The dealer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11621099 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov