What 516 owners told NHTSA about the 2011 Toyota Prius

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.

NHTSA ODI 11711067

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.

NHTSA ODI 11670893

Around 14 months ago (march 2024) I purcheded a replacment battery pack for our 2011 Toyota Prius form NexPower Energy (also going by, project lithium, sodiumhybrid) based out of CA. The battery pack is a lithum pack that replaces the orginal nickel metal hydride pack. In the beginning of June 2025, the car through an battery error and went into limp mode wile my wife was driving, when i go home and plugged in my scanner to check the battery out i noticed that the cells were out of balance and some were becoming very over charged. My fear is that if the cells were continued to be overcharged an thermal runaway event might occure due to BMS not being included with the overall pack.

NHTSA ODI 11667266

The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated, the vehicle had unexpectedly shut off. Additionally, the transmission failed to shift into the intended gear. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who replaced the catalytic converter, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer who diagnosed that the inverter was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V053000 (HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 117,000.

NHTSA ODI 11657571

ABS actuator and pump failure

NHTSA ODI 11649170

In 11/2024, I started experiencing intermittent noises coming from the engine compartment of my 2011 Toyota Prius. The initial sound resembled the buzzing noise generated when first starting the vehicle. Then the noise started to persist for extended periods after the vehicle was turned off. It would oscillate between buzzing for approximately 10 seconds & remaining dormant for about 1 minute, repeating this cycle. The duration of these cycles could extend for up to 20 minutes. Concurrently, I experienced several instances where the brake pedal would abruptly become stiff & difficult to press. Notably, no warning lights were illuminated on the dashboard. Recognizing these symptoms as unusual, I conducted online research and discovered that the issue could potentially stem from a malfunction in the “brake booster pump and assembly.” Given the potential for a loss of braking power and the risk of personal/public safety, I scheduled a diagnostic inspection at Toyota of Poway, Poway, CA, on 12/18/2024. It confirmed the presence of a problem with the brake booster pump and associated components. In light of this diagnosis, I made the decision to refrain from driving the vehicle until the repairs were completed. The repair costs amounted to $3,475.47. I found I had received a notification from Toyota’s Customer Support Program, designated as “Customer Support Program Notification-ZJB.” This notification explicitly acknowledged this defect & provided a repair coverage policy that stipulated a coverage policy of which I’m no longer entitled to. Despite not meeting the eligibility criteria for the repair coverage program, I am deeply troubled by the fact that this recognized defect persists in vehicles currently on the road, such as mine, without any corresponding recall action and subsequent repair costs covered by Toyota. Fortunately, I was spared from any accidents as a direct consequence of this issue. Many similar complaints here support this dangerous issue!

NHTSA ODI 11638853

The low-beam headlamps on thousands of 2011 Toyota Priuses were burning out very prematurely (a matter of weeks, not months). Toyota Corporate said they created a customer support program to replace the headlight wiring harness free of charge, but this program ended in 2019. I believe that Toyota should be compelled to issue a recall to replace the wiring harnesses on all 2011 Toyota Priuses, because working headlights are a critical component of a safely traveling vehicle. The cost of replacing the wiring harness is more than $700, a real dent in a working family's budget. For now, we are replacing the burned-out bulbs. However, we believe a recall initiated by NHTSA is warranted in this case.

NHTSA ODI 11622018

I was driving the vehicle around 55 mph when a check hybrid system warning popped up. About 30 seconds later the vehicle went from being in drive to B (brake mode) and the vehicle began to slow at a rapid pace with no warning. Could potentially cause an accident as this occurred with very little warning.

NHTSA ODI 11608031

The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal beeping sound heard. The contact stated that several warning lights were illuminated. While reversing in the driveway, the brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard before the vehicle stopped. The contact's husband an independent mechanic informed her that the brake actuator needed to be replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.

NHTSA ODI 11588927

Dc Dc Inverter , I did contact with Toyota corporate but they said my Vin it is not in recall, I need help please

NHTSA ODI 11581035

The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that the battery was drained frequently upon starting the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal was firm while depressing, with several warning lights including the ABS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and based from the noise coming from the vehicle; the mechanic determined that the brake booster and brake booster assembly were defective. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 204,000.

NHTSA ODI 11577433

Brake booster and brake booster pump assembly are faulty and failing. Brakes are still functioning, but will ultimately fail without warning, from what I have read. This is highly dangerous for myself and other motorists. I was driving last week and tried coming to a stop at an intersection. I pushed the brake pedal and the car hesitated and then jumped/lurched forward before coming to a complete stop. The brake booster is sounding every 30 to 45 seconds to try and build back the pressure it is losing. Toyota offered a "Customer Support Program" for these parts, as there's been numerous premature failures. Unfortunately, my vehicle no longer fits within the parameters of the support program (see attached). From what I've read though, Toyota has been negligent with replacing the brake booster under the support program. I have called Toyota Corporate and they have offered no reprieve and won't stand behind this faulty part. Toyota needs to be forced to recall these 3rd gen Priuses and ordered to replace the breaking system. Expecting customers to shell out between $2-3k to have the ability to safely break/stop their vehicle is ridiculous, especially when Toyota is more than aware of this issue. I was quoted $2600 over the phone to remedy the issue from an independent hybrid shop. I've owned 7 Toyotas and two have been Priuses. This 2011 is by far one of their worst to roll off the assembly line with numerous reports of breaking problems, oil consumption issues, and head gasket failures. They need to stand behind their product(s), especially to brand loyal customers. Read more complaints about the breaking system: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11545134

If I make a longer trip more than 10 to 15 miles the car does fine if I drive it 2 miles down the road or across the street to a different store the car tells me to check hybrid system. I had it check and code c1391 came up and that was repaired. Once repaired picked up from shop drove across the street to gas station and it told me to check hybrid system again and went into limp mode. Once I do a reset the car will start back up and drive fine as long as it's a long trip if I go on another short trip it will do it again.

NHTSA ODI 11510087

After approximately 6 1/2 years of owning this 2011 Toyota Prius Hybrid (purchased in 2012), the brake pedal went completely to the floor and there was no braking. The brake fluid was completely FULL. Intermittently, this would occur, but brakes would come back operational in a few minutes. In 2022, the brake lights on dashboard started lighting up intermittently and go off. I had the complete brake pads, etc. replaced in June 2022. Last 1/2 of 2022 the entire brake dash lit up. I got into Toyota dealership 1/12/2023. They said the complete brake Master Cyclinder and Brake Pump replacement was required. They got the dash lights off. This car has only 133,023 miles. I finally checked the internet to see this is a TOYOTA issue! A recall on this brake assembly should be issued! I was unaware of this 5 years ago. This could cause a serious accident and should be fixed at Toyota's expense!

NHTSA ODI 11501780

I have reported this once and numerous times to Toyota. I even paid to "fix" the problem. My daughter was driving and all the dashboard lights came on and the brakes do not work. It's doing it again after they supposedly "fixed" it. My family is at risk! If anything happens, I will seek legal action. I can't believe a company as big as Toyota wont take responsibility. And that a recall wont be done. I've seen numerous people report the same issue. PLEASE do something.

NHTSA ODI 11497304

The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled with the check hybrid system warning light illuminated continuously. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the inverter needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 141,000.

NHTSA ODI 11468148

Electric front window will not work. Could not find any bad fuses.

NHTSA ODI 11458263

My daughter was driving the vehicle on highway and all dashboard lights came on. Abs brake and traction. The brakes would not work. She had to decelerate and pull off and turn car off. Terrifying. Got it checked at Toyota. Told them about that and how car lunges forward when brakes hit on a bump or pothole. We had to pay 2500 to replace brake booster which had an “internal error”. Got car back and all lights came back on. I’m literally terrified to drive my car because of what may happen. Toyota refuses to recall and fix whatever this issue is.

NHTSA ODI 11450527

one year after bought, was losing power, replacing a lot of batteries, headlights and lamps then car would lose power while driving, not start continually everyday for each day after and even started on its own. i took in a lot and they put my vin to the wrong person..someone rainsford so my service recs were not recorded. said no battery code, didnt check altenator, and even tho serv advisor said the break was squishy to him and he heard the loud buzz noise when pushing, it was not replaced. they tried to blame it on keys being in car which is how it starts and runs! not parked on hill or in bad temps and driven long trips, none of which SHOULD BE REQIRED to start a car to get to dying patients on time. we bought charger and use on both priuses daily. lost power while driving, got hurt, and josh's pt. died. nothing but headache nightmares. have long written records where submitted all and they just like to deny things or try to find a way to blame on consumer. my only fault was buying an undisclosed deathtrap. they need to refund us both cars and damages and expenses and our time and missed work. the shuttle was a joke. i have my own top notch code reader and it said battery was fine. it was new, yet they wanted to sell me one so they said it coded but refused to show me. they are just trying to make money and really hurting people. sending my title and all my personal info to a stranger and me catching after 7 years broght on an ID theft im still fighting. very rude front staff and drivers..sheldon.

NHTSA ODI 11434395

A CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM ALERT CAME ON AND INCLUDED LIT BREAK, CHECK ENGINE, STEERING, ABS, SKID AND YELLOW TRIANGLE WITH AN ! MARK INSIDE. THE CAR STOPPED AND I COULD NOT MOVE IT. GOOD THING I WAS ON A SIDE STREET WITH LIGHT TRAFFIC. THIS HAPPENED AGAIN AFTER THE INVERTER WAS REPLACE; AND IT HAPPENED AGAIN AFTER THE 12 V BATTERY WAS REPLACED.

NHTSA ODI 11403403

BRAKES COMPLETELY FAILED. LOUD BEEPING SOUND HAPPENED, COULDN'T STOP CAR EVEN IN A PARKING LOT. HAD TO USE TRANSMISSION TO SLOW TO A STOP. WAS IN A GROCERY STORE PARKING LOT.

NHTSA ODI 11389268

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH SEVERAL UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 18V684000 (HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM) AND 14V053000 (HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL CAMPAIGNS HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 159,000.*DT*JB

NHTSA ODI 11327176

I'M TRYING TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THIS LONG TIME AGO,BUT NOW I FOUND THAT OUT.I CAN'T DRIVE MY CAR LONG TIME AGO BECAUSE THIS PROBLEM. I DON'T MY MILES TO DRIVES AND I CAN'T SEE MY GAS MILES. ALL MY DASHBOARD GONE AND MY WINDOWS THEY CAN'T OPEN AT ALL. I CAN BELIEVE TO HAVE A FUTURE CAR.THEY HAVE SO MANY PROBLEMS WITH THE ELECTRIC SYSTEMS.

NHTSA ODI 11324854

I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR A FEW RECALLS A FEW MONTHS AGO FOR THE FLASHING REPAIR AND NOW MY INVERTER/CONVERTER NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. I FELT LIKE IF I TOOK IT IN FOR THE REPAIRS LIKE MY CAR WOULD SUDDENLY GET WORSE DUE TO THE SO CALLED REPAIRS TO MANAGE THE DEFECTS BUT MY CAR STILL ENDED UP STALLING AND NEEDING MORE REPAIRS. I FEEL THIS IS NOT RIGHT AND EVEN SAW THERE WAS A CURRENT LAWSUIT DUE TO THE OVERHEATING COMPLICATION.

NHTSA ODI 11323020

MY HEADLIGHTS KEEP BURNING OUT. TOYOTA IS AWARE OF THIS COMMON PROBLEM AND IT REQUIRES A NEW ELECTRICAL HARNESS. THEY ISSUED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY TO FIX THIS, HOWEVER NOT EVERYONE GOT THE NOTICE (LIKE ME). IT EXPIRED IN NOV. 2019. I WAS QUOTED $700 TO FIX THIS, WHEN IT IS A KNOWN DEFECT IN THE CAR MANUFACTURING. I WOULD LIKE THIS BE A RECALL ITEM, SO EVERYONE CAN GET IT FIXED. WHEN I TOOK MY CAR IN TO GET IT FIXED THEY WERE FULLY AWARE OF MY PROBLEM WITH THIS MAKE, MODEL, AND YEAR. IT IS UNSAFE TO HAVE THE HEADLIGHT ALL THE SUDDEN BURN OUT, USUALLY WHEN I FIRST TURN THEM ON, PLEASE HELP. IT HAPPENS ABOUT EVERY 3 MONTHS OR LESS. THANK YOU.

NHTSA ODI 11318582