Toyota Prius 2004–2009 problems by year and mileage
2nd generation (XW20)
NHTSA data through 18 October 20267,102 complaints, 5,987 with mileageMethod
Which year is yours? Tap it to see what breaks on it.
The 2004 Toyota Prius
Close- Median failure report
- 72,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 610
- Recalls naming this year
- 6
Most reported on the 2004
- Exterior lighting184 reports · median 105,000 mi
- Electrical system177 reports · median 30,000 mi
- Engine and its cooling system89 reports · median 13,000 mi
Recall areas Steering — gear box · Hybrid propulsion system — inverter · Vehicle speed control — accelerator pedal
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2005 Toyota Prius
Close- Median failure report
- 77,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 1,051
- Recalls naming this year
- 6
Most reported on the 2005
- Exterior lighting346 reports · median 100,000 mi
- Electrical system178 reports · median 100,000 mi
- Hydraulic brake circuit128 reports · median 45,000 mi
Recall areas Steering — gear box · Hybrid propulsion system — inverter · Equipment — other
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2006 Toyota Prius
Close- Median failure report
- 50,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 1,439
- Recalls naming this year
- 6
Most reported on the 2006
- Exterior lighting941 reports · median 49,000 mi
- Electrical system152 reports · median 62,000 mi
- Hydraulic brake circuit94 reports · median 31,000 mi
Recall areas Steering — gear box · Hybrid propulsion system — inverter · Equipment — other
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2007 Toyota Prius
Close- Median failure report
- 50,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 2,003
- Recalls naming this year
- 4
Most reported on the 2007
- Exterior lighting1,060 reports · median 50,000 mi
- Electrical system248 reports · median 67,000 mi
- Body structure184 reports · median 70,000 mi
Recall areas Steering — gear box · Hybrid propulsion system — inverter · Equipment — other
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2008 Toyota Prius
Close- Median failure report
- 51,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 1,497
- Recalls naming this year
- 4
Most reported on the 2008
- Exterior lighting579 reports · median 57,000 mi
- Electrical system235 reports · median 82,000 mi
- Hydraulic brake circuit171 reports · median 20,000 mi
Recall areas Steering — gear box · Hybrid propulsion system — inverter · Equipment — other
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2009 Toyota Prius
Close- Median failure report
- 30,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 502
- Recalls naming this year
- 6
Most reported on the 2009
- Exterior lighting111 reports · median 80,000 mi
- Hydraulic brake circuit91 reports · median 11,000 mi
- Throttle and speed control71 reports · median 10,000 mi
Recall areas Seats · Steering — gear box · Hybrid propulsion system — inverter
Check the VIN at NHTSA
Tiles: each year’s median failure mileage. Latest: the 2005; earliest: the 2009, and the 2005 is 4 years older (part of the gap is age).
The short answer
“Is the 2004–2009 Toyota Prius reliable?”
- Median of reported failures
- 54,000 mi
- 90% of reports came by
- 145,000 mi
- Reports with mileage
- 5,987
- Recalls
- 9
Most reported
- Exterior lighting45.4% of complaints · median 56,000 mi
- Electrical system14.8% of complaints · median 75,000 mi
- Hydraulic brake circuit9.4% of complaints · median 24,000 mi
Documented problems
- Inverter / Intelligent Power Module2004–2009
- Instrument Cluster2004–2009
- Steering2004–2009
- Hybrid Battery Cooling2004–2009
Owners filed 7,102 complaints with NHTSA about the 2004–2009 Toyota Prius; the exterior lighting leads with 45.4% of them, and half of the 5,987 that record an odometer reading came by 54,000 miles — complaints, not a failure rate.
No single peak: the middle half runs 30,000 to 95,000 miles.
Before-you-buy checklist ↓At your mileage ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
How many miles does a 2004–2009 Toyota Prius last?
On the 2004–2009 Toyota Prius, half of the 5,987 complaints that record an odometer reading were filed by 54,000 miles and 90% by 145,000 miles (why that is not a lifespan).
545 reports came in past 150,000 miles and 187 past 200,000 — each one proof that a Prius reached that mileage, not that it failed there.
Figure 1 · Toyota Prius 2004–2009 · 5,987 reports with mileage
Mileage at failure
5,000-mile bins, 0 to 200,000 miles, linear scale; tallest bar 393 complaints
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 200,000+ — 187 complaints (3.1%), plotted separately
- 10%
- 10,000
- 25%
- 30,000
- Median
- 54,000
- 75%
- 95,000
- 90%
- 145,000
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–5,000 | 391 | 6.5% |
| 5,000–10,000 | 198 | 3.3% |
| 10,000–15,000 | 201 | 3.4% |
| 15,000–20,000 | 165 | 2.8% |
| 20,000–25,000 | 215 | 3.6% |
| 25,000–30,000 | 223 | 3.7% |
| 30,000–35,000 | 309 | 5.2% |
| 35,000–40,000 | 344 | 5.7% |
| 40,000–45,000 | 393 | 6.6% |
| 45,000–50,000 | 286 | 4.8% |
| 50,000–55,000 | 299 | 5.0% |
| 55,000–60,000 | 253 | 4.2% |
| 60,000–65,000 | 243 | 4.1% |
| 65,000–70,000 | 193 | 3.2% |
| 70,000–75,000 | 173 | 2.9% |
| 75,000–80,000 | 166 | 2.8% |
| 80,000–85,000 | 165 | 2.8% |
| 85,000–90,000 | 135 | 2.3% |
| 90,000–95,000 | 136 | 2.3% |
| 95,000–100,000 | 116 | 1.9% |
| 100,000–105,000 | 152 | 2.5% |
| 105,000–110,000 | 89 | 1.5% |
| 110,000–115,000 | 94 | 1.6% |
| 115,000–120,000 | 71 | 1.2% |
| 120,000–125,000 | 98 | 1.6% |
| 125,000–130,000 | 58 | 1.0% |
| 130,000–135,000 | 86 | 1.4% |
| 135,000–140,000 | 68 | 1.1% |
| 140,000–145,000 | 64 | 1.1% |
| 145,000–150,000 | 58 | 1.0% |
| 150,000–155,000 | 67 | 1.1% |
| 155,000–160,000 | 35 | 0.6% |
| 160,000–165,000 | 60 | 1.0% |
| 165,000–170,000 | 30 | 0.5% |
| 170,000–175,000 | 45 | 0.8% |
| 175,000–180,000 | 26 | 0.4% |
| 180,000–185,000 | 30 | 0.5% |
| 185,000–190,000 | 25 | 0.4% |
| 190,000–195,000 | 23 | 0.4% |
| 195,000–200,000 | 17 | 0.3% |
| 200,000+ | 187 | 3.1% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
Common Prius problems, and when they happen
Figure 2 · Toyota Prius 2004–2009
When each system fails
Bar: middle half of reports · notch: median · proportional (log) scale (how to read it)
- Hydraulic brake circuit668 reportsmedian 24,000middle half 7,000–50,000
- Electronic brake control306 reportsmedian 25,000middle half 5,000–50,000
- Throttle and speed control596 reportsmedian 34,000middle half 13,000–64,000
- Exterior lighting3,221 reportsmedian 56,000middle half 40,000–88,000
- Body structure299 reportsmedian 70,000middle half 45,000–99,000
- Electrical system1,050 reportsmedian 75,000middle half 35,000–129,000
- Brakes511 reportsmedian 132,000middle half 92,000–170,000
- Your odometer, once entered below
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first.
All systems in a table
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exterior lighting | 3,221 | 45.4% | 56,000 | 40,000–88,000 |
| Electrical system | 1,050 | 14.8% | 75,000 | 35,000–129,000 |
| Hydraulic brake circuit | 668 | 9.4% | 24,000 | 7,000–50,000 |
| Throttle and speed control | 596 | 8.4% | 34,000 | 13,000–64,000 |
| Brakes | 511 | 7.2% | 132,000 | 92,000–170,000 |
| Electronic brake control | 306 | 4.3% | 25,000 | 5,000–50,000 |
| Body structure | 299 | 4.2% | 70,000 | 45,000–99,000 |
| Transmission and driveline | 214 | 3.0% | 63,000 | 22,000–109,000 |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 214 | 3.0% | 90,000 | 35,000–135,000 |
| Engine and its cooling system | 213 | 3.0% | 16,000 | 7,000–50,000 |
Known problems with the 2004–2009 Prius
Inverter / Intelligent Power Module 2004–2009
Inverter IGBT and IPM failure causing sudden loss of hybrid power and the 'red triangle of death' warning, sometimes at speed. Toyota issued inverter software recalls and extended warranty coverage on the inverter assembly.
Instrument Cluster 2004–2009
Combination meter self-illumination failure leaving the speedometer and fuel display blank; subject of a Toyota warranty enhancement program.
Steering 2004–2009
Steering intermediate extension shaft can crack and separate, causing loss of steering control; NHTSA recall.
Hybrid Battery Cooling 2004–2009
Traction battery cooling fan and duct clogging with debris causes the pack to overheat and accelerates cell degradation - a maintenance-driven failure specific to this packaging.
Water Pump 2004–2009
Electric engine coolant pump failure causing overheating warnings; a recurring high-mileage failure item.
Before you buy a 2004–2009 Prius: the 3-minute check
Generated from 5,987 mileage-tagged complaints, 9 recall campaigns, 5 documented problem areas.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 9 campaigns cover this generation.
- Check inverter / intelligent power module on 2004–2009 cars. What each looks like: Known problems.
- Check instrument cluster on 2004–2009 cars.
- Check steering on 2004–2009 cars.
- Years differ here: from 502 to 2,003 complaints a year — compare them by model year.
- End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car.
Prius problems by mileage: where your car sits
Type your odometer, or read the table.
| System | Middle half of reports, mi | At 60k mi55% below | At 90k mi73% below | At 120k mi84% below | At 150k mi91% below | At 200k mi97% below |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exterior lighting | 40,000–88,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Electrical system | 35,000–129,000 | in window | in window | in window | earlier | earlier |
| Hydraulic brake circuit | 7,000–50,000 | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Throttle and speed control | 13,000–64,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Brakes | 92,000–170,000 | later | later | in window | in window | earlier |
| Electronic brake control | 5,000–50,000 | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Body structure | 45,000–99,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
Figure 3 · Toyota Prius 2004–2009 · 5,987 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Steps at bin edges (how to read it)
- 60,000 mi — 55% of reports below
- 90,000 mi — 73% of reports below
- 120,000 mi — 84% of reports below
- 150,000 mi — 91% of reports below
- 200,000 mi — 97% of reports below
- Median (the 50% line)
- Your odometer, once entered
Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
2004–2009 Toyota Prius recalls (9)
NHTSA records 9 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation (what a recall is).
The campaigns cluster around the steering (2), equipment (2), seats (1) (why one area can repeat).
Jan 2013 · 2009 · SeatsIf the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may…
The defect. Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and…
What can happen. If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This…
The free fix. Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact…
Nov 2012 · 2004–2009 · SteeringOver time, the splines may wear and eventually fail resulting in a loss of steering ability, increasing the…
The defect. Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2009 Prius vehicles manufactured August 5, 2003, through March 30, 2009. The affected vehicles have a steering intermediate extension shaft assembly built with metal splines that complete the connection from the…
What can happen. Over time, the splines may wear and eventually fail resulting in a loss of steering ability, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
The free fix. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the extension shaft and replace it if it is one with insufficient hardness, free of charge. The recall began during December 2012. Owners may…
Nov 2012 · 2004–2009 · Hybrid Propulsion SystemThe corroded coil wire may break and the water pump could stop.
The defect. Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2009 Prius vehicles manufactured August 6, 2003, through March 30, 2009 and FCHV-adv vehicles manufactured December 12, 2008, through September 13, 2011. During manufacturing, a scratch may have occurred inside of…
What can happen. The corroded coil wire may break and the water pump could stop. The corroded coil wire could cause a short circuit between coil wires and a possible open fuse, creating a stall-like condition of the…
The free fix. Toyota will notify its owners, and dealers will replace the electric water pump, free of charge. The recall began on January 17, 2013. Owners may contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer…
Feb 2010 · 2005–2009 · EquipmentA driver may overload a vehicle which may increase the risk of a crash.
The defect. Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 passenger vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "Tire selection and rims." These vehicles were sold without the requisite load carrying…
What can happen. A driver may overload a vehicle which may increase the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will mail to consumers the corrected label or the customer will have the option for dealers to install the label free of charge. The safety recall began on may 27, 2010. Owners may contact…
Feb 2010 · 2009 · EquipmentThis does not meet the standard requirements.
The defect. Gulf states Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "Tire selection and rims." These vehicles were sold between september 1, 2005 and june 2, 2008…
What can happen. This does not meet the standard requirements.
The free fix. Dealers will mail to consumers the corrected label or the customer will have the option for dealers to install the label free of charge. Dealers will also correct the owner's manual. The safety…
Oct 2009 · 2004–2009 · Vehicle Speed ControlA stuck open accelerator pedal may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop the…
The defect. Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2010 passenger vehicles. The accelerator pedal can get stuck in the wide open position due to its being trapped by an unsecured or incompatible driver's floor mat.
What can happen. A stuck open accelerator pedal may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death.
The free fix. Toyota filed an amended defect report on november 25, 2009, stating that dealers will modify the accelerator pedal and, on certain vehicles, alter the shape of the floor surface under the pedal.…
May 2006 · 2004–2006 · SteeringThis could result in a loss of steering control of the vehicle.
The defect. The intermediate shaft and sliding yoke in the electric power steering system can crack when large forces are applied and the connection may separate or the sleeve may fracture.
What can happen. This could result in a loss of steering control of the vehicle.
The free fix. Toyota will replace the steering intermediate shaft and inspect the sliding yoke and replace it if necessary. The recall began on june 9, 2006. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Apr 2006 · 2004–2006 · Air BagsThis may increase the risk of injury to the occupant in the involved seating position in the event of a crash.
The defect. On certain vehicles, due to improper assembly of the air bag inflator, which is used in the side air bag, the curtain shield air bag, and the knee air bag assembly, some inflators were produced with an insufficient amount of the heating agents necessary for…
What can happen. This may increase the risk of injury to the occupant in the involved seating position in the event of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the specific srs air bag. The recall began on april 6, 2006. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-888-270-9371, scion at 1-866-548-1851, or Lexus at 1-800-255-3987.
Nov 2004 · 2004 · Exterior LightingIf the switch is inoperable, the brake lights will not illuminate and can increase the risk of a crash.
The defect. Certain passenger vehicles may be equipped with an improperly designed brake light switch. A silicon oxide build-up occurs on the contacts inside the brake light switch, which can make it inoperable.
What can happen. If the switch is inoperable, the brake lights will not illuminate and can increase the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the brake light switch. The recall began during december 2004. Owners should contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Crashes, fires and injuries owners reported
Out of 7,102 complaints against this generation, owners also reported:
- Crashes
- 562 (7.9%)
- Fires
- 30
- Injury reports
- 229
- Fatality reports
- 10
Prius problems by model year
The 2007 drew the most complaints of this generation, 2,003, most of them about the exterior lighting, and the 2009 the fewest, 502. A typical year drew about 1,245.
| Year | Complaints | With mileage | Median miles | Most reported | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 610 | 503 | 72,000 | Exterior lighting (184) | 6 |
| 2005 | 1,051 | 868 | 77,000 | Exterior lighting (346) | 6 |
| 2006 | 1,439 | 1,249 | 50,000 | Exterior lighting (941) | 6 |
| 2007 | 2,003 | 1,719 | 50,000 | Exterior lighting (1,060) | 4 |
| 2008 | 1,497 | 1,246 | 51,000 | Exterior lighting (579) | 4 |
| 2009 | 502 | 402 | 30,000 | Exterior lighting (111) | 6 |
What Prius owners reported
The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact stated that the ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or…
2009 · 174,000 miles · Hydraulic brake circuit
The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the left turn signal was activated, however, the left turn signal failed to function as intended. In addition, the contact stated that the four-way flashers failed to function as intended. The vehicle was taken to the…
2005 · 144,000 miles · Electrical system
The contact owned a 2006 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while slowly driving into an intersection and turning left at less than 3 MPH, the owner of a Ford F-150 coming from the driver's side of the vehicle at 35 MPH crashed into their driver's side door. The crash caused the vehicle to slide to a complete stop.…
2006 · 150,000 miles · Airbag system
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2008 Toyota Prius. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a direct purchase from the previous owner on August 3, 2025. The contact made other reports with a personal lawyer, the State Attorney General's Office, and AZ.FraudReport Agency. The…
2008 · 200,000 miles · Electrical system
Built from 5,987 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-10-20 · open data · how it is built
Other Prius generations
- Prius 2001–2003 317 reports with mileage, most about the steering
- Prius 2010–2015 3,205 reports with mileage, most about the brakes
- Prius 2016–2022 268 reports with mileage, most about visibility/wiper