Follow us today...
The Toyota Prius is a fantastic used car purchase. The Prius has proven itself to be a reliable, affordable vehicle in the used market. Toyota, and the Prius, both win awards over and over again for reliability, durability, and quality. So why the alarm? Not so much an alarm as a heads up that some years have proven less troublesome than others. So why buy one of the years owners have had issues with?
Toyota Prius Excessive Oil Consumption Issue
The Toyota Prius has experienced a problem with excessive oil consumption. The problem generally manifests itself shortly after the 100K miles mark. Not a bad time for a problem to start if you owned the car new. However, if you are buying it used, why buy into a problem?
Here’s what one owner said at CarComplaints.com about the issue:
“My 2010 Prius was able to go 10,000 between oil changes without issue and then it suddenly started consuming oil excessively when it reached around 100,000 miles. I now get the oil changed every 5,000 miles, but I still have to add 4 quarts of oil in between oil changes. There are no puddles of oil anywhere to indicate a leak, and there's no black smoke coming from the exhaust to indicate it is burning. I'm not sure where the oil is going but is definitely not in the engine. I understand that older vehicles need to have the oil checked and topped off regularly, but going from 10,000 miles between oil changes to having to refill 4 quarts of oil after around 3,000 miles, it's ridiculous. There was supposedly a lawsuit about this, and I heard that Corolla and Camry had a similar issue and the engines were replaced under a recall. Please recall the Prius and fix this issue!”
Which Year Used Toyota Prius To Avoid - Engine Problems
Is that the type of car you want to buy? You can avoid it. The two years in which the Prius most commonly had the oil consumption problem were 2010 and 2011. CarComplaints brands both years of the Toyota Prius with the ‘Avoid Like the Plague” stamp of disapproval.
Toyota Prius Lighting Issue
Another problem that used Toyota Prius owners often report relates to lighting. The lights go out, are replaced, and then fail again. Here’s what one owner told CarComplaints: “The headlamp failure in this Prius has now occurred for the 6th time. The first two times were covered by warranty - all subsequent failures I had to pay the cost of replacement. This must be a design flaw and Toyota has not responded to the many complaints that they have received on this problem.”
Which Year Used Toyota Prius To Avoid - Headlight Problems
The years that owners of used Toyota Prius cars most commonly report the headlight issue are 2003 through 2012. However, the problem seems most common in the years 2008 and 2009.
Since the oil consumption and also the headlight issue overlap the 2010 and 2011 model years, we suggest that used Prius shoppers consider a purchase of one of these two years carefully before buying.
Do you own a Toyota Prius with either of these problems? If so, tell us in the comments below how you dealt with it and if there was a successful fix. You may save a fellow Prius owner some trouble.
John Goreham is a life-long car nut and recovering engineer. John's focus areas are technology, safety, and green vehicles. In the 1990s, he was part of a team that built a solar-electric vehicle from scratch. His was the role of battery thermal control designer. For 20 years he applied his engineering and sales talents in the high tech world and published numerous articles in technical journals such as Chemical Processing Magazine. In 2008 he retired from that career and dedicated himself to chasing his dream of being an auto writer. In addition to Torque News, John's work has appeared in print in dozens of American newspapers and he provides reviews to many vehicle shopping sites. You can follow John on Twitter, and connect with him at Linkedin.
Follow us today...
Comments
The Rings get carboned up and
Permalink
The Rings get carboned up and they start using oil. I set my trip B for when I change the oil. Then I track how many miles. With 237k miles I am adding a quart every 600 miles. I understand that this is a known problem at Toyota but they get by with out helping their customers because they will not address the problem unless you have under 150k miles. This oil consumption also contributes to the EGR system getting clogged. The solution is to clean out all the small tubes that operate the EGR system. Do not let Toyota replace the intake manifold. They did that on mine and charged $1000. But it fixed nothing. Just replace the EGR Valve and clean all the small tubes that do the exhaust recirculation.
I own a 2013 Prius iii. It
Permalink
I own a 2013 Prius iii. It started using oil after about 150,000 or so. Dealer said I had a leaky cam chain cover seal. At the time I added maybe 2 quarts between oil changes. It got progressively worse over time. The water pump went so I had the seal changed also. Now I add oil every 2-2500 miles. I also read up on the oil consumption problem due to rings/piston problems. I just have keep an eye on it.
I own a 2011 Toyota Prius and
Permalink
I own a 2011 Toyota Prius and I've nothing but good things to say about it as the only thing I've had replaced is the brakes and tires which is normal. The car has 212,000 mi on it and I probably put a quart of oil in it in between changing oil at 15,000 miles I also change the filter at halfway between the oil change. When I change the oil I put a can of seafoam in it before I change the oil and then run a extra quart to get the slime oil out of the pan, just a little extra flush,
at the time of changing the oil.
Thanks. I’m only using a
Permalink
In reply to I own a 2011 Toyota Prius and by Scott Olson (not verified)
Thanks. I’m only using a quart every 5000 miles now. I put 4 ounces of seafood in the oil on the last tank of gas before I change oil. Thanks
2005 and 2008 Prius headlamp
Permalink
2005 and 2008 Prius headlamp issue. We buy them off Amazon and replace as needed. Also we replaced them with LED bulbs and don't run during the day.
Replaced the MAP sensors on both cars for $20 with Amazon knockoffs. They work fine and is DIY friendly.
The 2005 has been totaled twice (body damage) and is a magnet for careless drivers to hit. Basically looks a mess but runs great.
I have 2 priuses one has
Permalink
In reply to 2005 and 2008 Prius headlamp by Josh and Gail (not verified)
I have 2 priuses one has 355000 and the other 225000 miles. On the 355000 and the 225000 the dashlights inadvertently go on and off and go dark for days at a time. The 355000 the deadly red triangle goes on and off along with the red thermostat light but no damage is done to the car ive driven it several thousands of miles and rides just like it did before the triangle light comes on and off.any ideas ? Most mechanics look and say its a bad electrical issue and dont understand whats going on.plez help.
Have you tried cleaning
Permalink
In reply to I have 2 priuses one has by Mike h (not verified)
Have you tried cleaning/replacement of the mass airflow sensor (MAF)? We had sort of the same problems and purchased two from Amazon (not OEM).
Bad MAF sensors cause all sorts of strange issues including the overheating and red triangle of death.
It's very simple to check and repair.
*If you go the cleaning route only use MAF cleaner specifically for the part.
I bought new a 2011 Prius and
Permalink
I bought new a 2011 Prius and drove it until 2020 when I bought a new 2021 Prius. I never experienced any oil or headlamp issues mentioned in the article. It is the best carefree car I've ever owned.
I have a 2010 Prius and I am
Permalink
I have a 2010 Prius and I am delighted with it. Oil change every 5,000, synthetic 0/20.
It is interesting to me that no one complains about the hybrid battery which has a 100K warranty. The battery was my biggest worry until I read this forum.
I own a 2008 prius.besides
Permalink
I own a 2008 prius.besides some one stealing catylic converter and a inverter pump at 154000 this car has been great.i service it regularly. So be aware 2003 -2009 prius thieves love to get these converters
I own a 2008 prius.besides
Permalink
I own a 2008 prius.besides some one stealing catylic converter and a inverter pump at 154000 this car has been great.i service it regularly. So be aware 2003 -2009 prius thieves love to get these converters
I have a 2010 Prius with 121
Permalink
I have a 2010 Prius with 121,000 and no oil consumption problems at all. Still getting 50mpg. No headlight issues either.
My big problem is the air bag sensor light coming on at random intervals. It gets fixed and after a few months might come on again. Very strange.
my 2011 Prius went 380,000
Permalink
my 2011 Prius went 380,000 miles, no oil or headlight problems.
I bought a 2012 with 11000
Permalink
I bought a 2012 with 11000 miles on it. It uses 2 quarts between changes and in 5 years have replaced headlights 7 times
I have a 2012 Prius V and
Permalink
I have a 2012 Prius V and have BOTH of these problems!! Toyota has supposedly fixed the oil problem twice but it hasn’t stopped. I bought it used but with only 22k miles. The headlight issue just reared it’s ugly head Saturday as both high and low went out on the driver side at the same time. Usually it’s the passenger, which I have changed numerous times. One night BOTH LOW BEAMS BLEW AND I had to drive over 200 miles on the interstate with only high beams. I wish they would fix these issues.
I have a 2010 Prius. I have
Permalink
I have a 2010 Prius. I have lucky, I have 170,000 miles on my car, and I’ve been lucky. My car doesn’t use any oil, and I change it every 6,000 miles. The only problem I’ve had is a little rust on the drivers side door panel. I guess that’s the price to pay for living in the north woods where they use salt.
2008 original owner.
Permalink
2008 original owner.
220k miles and i can not keep working headlights. Also i do put oil in often and i do resets found on youtube frequently for dash light failure. There are all kinds of cool tricks.
The headlight is over 100 per bulb and 500 for the whole lamp which they recommend every time the headlight goes out.
Toyota wont help and i am a share holder.
I bought a used 2010 Prius
Permalink
I bought a used 2010 Prius with 25k miles on it. Changed oil regularly, dealer service mostly highway miles to 221k. Only changed rear axle bearings, engine start battery in that time. Recently had terrible engine noise that I thought ruined the engine, but was fixed by changing coils and spark plugs diagnosed by local shop with computer. Doesn't use much oil, maybe half a quart after 5k miles, still get 45-48 mpg at 70mph.
Best car I have owned.
I have a 2004 and it has been
Permalink
I have a 2004 and it has been a wonderful car for over 200,000 mi now and I don't plan on getting rid of it anytime soon
I have a 2010 Prius, granted
Permalink
I have a 2010 Prius, granted it does not have a lot of miles on it at 119,000, it has undoubtedly been the best car I have ever owned! Rates right up there with my F-150 which is the best truck I've ever owned! I really hate it that you continue to bad mouth certain years of Priuses including mine! You're making it impossible to resell a car that is excellent in every way! Sure some of them are bad with the oil deal, but those of us that have ones that do not have these issues are being condemned!
My 2010 Gen 3 Toyota Prius
Permalink
My 2010 Gen 3 Toyota Prius has 150000 miles. It might be using barely a quart every 3000 miles but so what. The oil is suppose to be changed everey 3000 miles. I barely notice it. As far as the lights going out, I've changed over to LED lights. Problem solved. In fact it is the most problem free car I've owned, so far.
My 2010 Gen 3 Toyota Prius
Permalink
My 2010 Gen 3 Toyota Prius has 150000 miles. It might be using barely a quart every 3000 miles but so what. The oil is suppose to be changed everey 3000 miles. I barely notice it. As far as the lights going out, I've changed over to LED lights. Problem solved. In fact it is the most problem free car I've owned, so far.