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Known Faults Database

Toyota Prius Common Problems & Known Faults (UK)

If you are considering buying a used Toyota Prius, there are several major reliability issues worth knowing about first. Our garage database tracks 3 known faults for this model, 2 of them rated high severity. Every one below is a repair bill a seller has good reason not to mention.

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Toyota Prius Gen 3 (XW30) (2010-2015) problems

Engine/EmissionsHigh severity📝 Editorial

EGR cooler blockage leading to localized overheating and head gasket failure

Rough guide
£1200-2500

Typical symptoms

  • loud metallic 'death rattle' or shaking on cold start
  • unexplained coolant loss
  • misfire fault codes (P0300 series)

Affected vehicles

Engines:
1.8 Hybrid (2ZR-FXE)
Typical mileage:
100000-150000 miles
🔍 We have a specific pre-purchase check for this faultCheck an advert →
ElectricalHigh severity🏛️ Official recall

Intelligent Power Module (IPM) inside the inverter fails, causing the hybrid system to shut down

Rough guide
£2000-3000

Typical symptoms

  • 'Check Hybrid System' warning on dash
  • sudden loss of motive power while driving
  • car enters limp mode

Affected vehicles

Engines:
1.8 Hybrid
Typical mileage:
80000-150000 miles
🔍 We have a specific pre-purchase check for this faultCheck an advert →

Toyota Prius Gen 2 (XW20) (2004-2009) problems

ElectricalMedium severity📝 Editorial

High Voltage (HV) hybrid battery pack cellular degradation due to age and mileage

Rough guide
£800-1500

Typical symptoms

  • 'Red Triangle of Death' on dashboard
  • rapid charging and discharging on the energy monitor display
  • poor fuel economy (engine runs constantly)

Affected vehicles

Engines:
1.5 Hybrid
Typical mileage:
120000-200000 miles
🔍 We have a specific pre-purchase check for this faultCheck an advert →
Repair costs are typical UK ranges, not quotes. Actual cost depends on condition and garage.Data last verified: June 2026

Other Toyota models

Auris5 known faultsYaris2 known faults