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Toyota hybrids are known to be among the most reliable vehicles currently on the market. Actually, it has been this way for two decades since Prius was first introduced to the public.
A recent study by iSeeCars.com found that Prius is the vehicle that original owners keep the longest. An amazing 13.7% of 15-year-old or older Prius cars are still being driven by their original owners. The average in the auto industry is 6.1%
But one of the most common hesitations or areas of concern for potential Toyota Prius owners, along with other popular models like RAV4 Hybrid or 2021 Toyota Venza, is with the hybrid battery itself.
I have heard these same concerns repeatedly over the past 15 years I have been studying Toyota hybrid vehicles.
“The hybrid battery is going to wear out too soon.”
“The battery is really expensive to replace.”
Valid concerns. And it is perfectly normal to have such concerns.
Toyota Prius hybrid battery life
I recently wrote a Torque News story about Toyota Hybrid battery length. I am referring to the large battery pack as opposed to the 12V battery.
The Toyota Master Diagnostic Technician I interviewed for my story felt most Hybrid batteries will last at least 180,000 to 200,000 miles. Plus, he mentioned that replacement cost is getting cheaper as time goes by.
There is also a new Toyota Hybrid battery warranty that applies to all vehicles starting with 2020 model year. The hybrid battery is covered for 10 years or 150,000 miles. Peace of mind here, friends. You can feel comfortable pulling the trigger on your 2021 Venza or 2021 RAV4 Hybrid or 2021 Camry Hybrid.
People comment on Toyota hybrid battery
After my story, I invited my YouTube channel viewers, Torque News readers, and members of Toyota Prius Owners Club, to weigh in on their experiences with hybrid battery life and cost.
Quite interesting feedback indeed.
Jason wrote. “My 2008 Prius battery lasted about 10 years and 260K miles. $2600 for a replacement battery. Well worth it. By the way, 287K miles and the same brakes.”
Badmonkey commented. “Our 05 Prius needed a new hybrid motor battery at 174K miles and was honestly not that expensive to replace. The second Toyota factory battery is 60K+ miles and still going fine. The stupid part is the 12V accessory battery costs almost $300 as it is inside the cabin and the car is on its 5th battery now. Put all those stupid fuses in the trunk and the battery back in the engine compartment so we can go back to led acid $110 batteries!!!!!”
LMC found a DIY solution. “When referring to the hybrid's battery, it failed to be specific. There is a 12 volt in the rear and then then there are cells located and encased behind and below the rear seats. My 12-volt lasted over 9 years. As for the cells, I have 28. If one cell should fail to maintain say an at least 6.5 charge then you can simply replace that cell at about $90 per cartridge, at your own labor in about 2 hrs. the first time, only because you want to be sure you know what you're doing as to not get electrocuted or cause damage to car. It isn't difficult. I learned from a how-to video. I keep hearing stories from others, their Prius costing them several thousand for "battery" replacement. I only paid $210.00 for my 12-volt battery. I simply can't understand why or how thousands were necessary to shell out. How can that be possible? Does that mean the dealer changed out all cells, instead of testing for the non-performing one? If so, that seems unnecessary, unless of course, for their own profit.”
RELATED VIDEO: Comparing Lithium-Ion vs Nickel-Metal Hydride batteries.
Ken pointed out the new extended Toyota hybrid warranty. “For 2020 on all Toyota hybrid vehicles, including Toyota Prius and RAV4 Hybrid and Toyota Venza the hybrid battery is now covered for 10 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first. Previous battery coverage for pre-2020 hybrids was 8 years or 100,000 miles.”
“I am at 340,000 miles on a 4th generation 2012.... SAME BATTERY.” Celebrated Ralph.
John had a long-lasting Prius hybrid battery. “Mine in 2004 lasted to 502k.”
“I checked a car last week with over 400K miles 2007 with the same battery, ABS, Engine, inverter.” Added Maen.
David had good luck with his car. “2012 Prius C 230k miles. Replaced hybrid modules myself with reconditioned ones with 1 yr. Warranty. $700. Working good so far.”
“My 08 has 277,000 and it is original battery and I know its history and that it has been driven every day on a long commute to work.” Said Mike.
“I have a 2008, 250k, battery is still strong.” Excellent and great to hear Jill.
“600K miles easy on the original HV battery. Just clean the battery fan.” Suggested Joseph.
Steven is pleased with his Prius. “310k on my 2010 with ORIGINAL BATTERY.”
Nik replaced individual hybrid battery cells. “255K and 4 of the 28 cells were replaced at 220K - gen 2 Prius.”
Time for your thoughts on Toyota Prius
This is interesting.
I set out to learn about how long a Toyota hybrid battery, like those found in Prius or RAV4 Hybrid or Venza, might last.
What I found, however, is that many owners are enjoying great success with their vehicles. Toyota hybrid batteries seem to have great longevity in most vehicles.
Perhaps this is part of the reason original Toyota Prius owners keep their cars for such a crazy length of time. Owner satisfaction. Plus, great gas mileage too, I suspect.
I would love your feedback and your experiences with your Toyota Prius or other Toyota Hybrid. How many miles do you have so far? Have you done any major servicing that is hybrid related?
Thanks for reading everyone. See you next story when I discuss when we will learn more about 2022 next-gen Toyota Tundra.
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Comments
my sister has a 2008 prius
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my sister has a 2008 prius with 233,000 miles with original battery. she did have her converter and o2 sensor stolen and had to replace them. the cheaper battery was replaced on the car several months ago.really good car does seem to burn a little oil though.
209,000 miles on my 2006
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209,000 miles on my 2006 Prius still on original battery. I had a 210k 2005 prius and one of the battery modules went bad and I replaced myself for $7 and car ran great. Ultimately the best thing to do is get a brand new battery can't escape age for long.
I have a 2006 Highlander
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In reply to 209,000 miles on my 2006 by Merlin Valencia (not verified)
I have a 2006 Highlander Hybrid AWD. I had the battery replaced for $1,650 US at Greentech auto. They came to the parking lot of a business I stopped at and came with a rebuilt battery. That was nearly 3 yrs ago at 120,000 miles or 192,000 kilometers with a 2 yr warranty. No problem since.
Toyota's warranty was 10 yrs or 100,000 miles or 160,000 km on 2006 Highlanders sold in warm States. I suppose the cold weather takes some life out of the hybrid battery.
$1650 are for baterry price
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In reply to I have a 2006 Highlander by Nicolas Fraboul (not verified)
$1650 are for baterry price and labour cost?
There reliability is a lie
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There reliability is a lie the battery's last long but not the engines! And you can't load the care with 5 passengers that weigh a total of 1000 pounds plus cargo or u wear out your engine and transmission . Also good luck if your fully loaded going over a hill
These are little commuter
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In reply to There reliability is a lie by Angel Carrera (not verified)
These are little commuter cars . I don't think they are suppose to be constantly packed with 5 full size people and cargo. How do you even fit 5 adults inside the car? Would Be an awfully tight ride . I have a 21 corolla hybrid and it's been absolutely amazing. Nothing but reliable and has saved me so much in gas . Have 93k on it and it still has the power it did when brand new even with 4 people and cargo it zips. Truly amazing performance. Just wish they offered it in the sporty model back when I bought mine, like they do now. I really wanted a sunroof.
Unfortunately, 7 years after
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Unfortunately, 7 years after buying a 2012 Prius, the battery deterioration was obvious. Since the battery was not failing, Toyota would not do anything. MPG dropped about 5 miles as the engine ran more often at red lights. Wondering if the Texas heat degraded it sooner. I thought about the expensive battery balancer someone is shilling... I got rid of it at 99k miles rather than looking forward to nothing but problems since covid-19 makes having a reliable car mandatory. Toyota's stance on EVs meant I left the brand for one that takes EVs seriously... None of that self charging garbage.
2008 Prius. junked. To its
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In reply to Unfortunately, 7 years after by William Edwards (not verified)
2008 Prius. junked. To its defense - The Texas coastal heat cooked the Prius. Won't buy another one! Compare the cost of a new Prius to a Corolla. Subtract to get the difference. The Corolla is cheaper - no dual maintenance (electronics and gas) No worry the thing is gonna leave you at the Red Triangle. All that money payed for a car that will demand $4000 for a new battery at 100,000,
I know you have exemplary stories about the million mile Prius battery - but realistically the hybrid game is crap, Its like finding a 100 year old in assisted living then leading people to think its the same for them.
Mine lasted about 14 years…
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In reply to Unfortunately, 7 years after by William Edwards (not verified)
Mine lasted about 14 years/190,000 miles in the Texas heat. I'm surprised I got that much life out of it. But when it went, my gas mileage did too - from 38-42 to 19-23. Yikes!
This is great news. Thanks.
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This is great news. Thanks. We have a 2013 Prius with less than 70,000 miles. It is reassuring to hear of folks with 200,000 or 300,000+ miles and still going strong. Love our Prius!
Critical. Go to Toyota and
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In reply to This is great news. Thanks. by Frank Paiano (not verified)
Critical. Go to Toyota and get the filter for the fan inlet $14! It will really make a difference. You need to keep the cooling fan clean. It’s super simple to install right overtop of the intake grill on the back door column. This generation didn’t have as much problem and gen2. But still get the filter unless it came with one installed. My 2011 did not. So I slapped one on. If you have pets or have a really dirty environment in the car this is especially important. Poor cooling will definitely shorten battery life!
Very informative post. I have
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Very informative post. I have 3rd Gen prius III, 18000 miles, traction battery runs good, milage goes down from 51 to 45.6 over 10 year, but runs good.
I’ve owned a few first
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I’ve owned a few first generation Prius, considered by many to be the most reliable Prius. You not only do you have to worry about the battery failing but the engines too. The engines burn oil and fail along with hybrid battery issues...some generations moreso than others. Thus owning a hybrid vehicle can expose the owner to double jeopardy.
Our Toyota family includes a
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Our Toyota family includes a 2007 Prius, 2008 Highlander Hybrid, and 2012 Prius. The 2007 and 2008 both have over 220,000 miles and no work on the hybrid systems. The 2012 is at 140,000 and nothing there either. Our next vehicle...if I can get my hands on one...will be a RAV Prime to replace the Highlander!
Swapped out hybrid batterry
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Swapped out hybrid batterry at 256k miles. One cell was bad.. Prius specialist mechanic said we should change whole battery out because in his experience when 1 cell fails another one would likely fail soon after, again and again.
Not if you "bottom" balance
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In reply to Swapped out hybrid batterry by Johnathan (not verified)
Not if you "bottom" balance the battery pack. To do this, drain each individual cell to the same voltage near the bottom of the discharge curve, then wire them back in parallel and charge the whole pack to 80% charge. Repeat this "bottom" balance process 2 or 3 times and you will probably get another 100K miles out of the pack. I did ...
sez, "It's called "battery
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In reply to Not if you "bottom" balance by David (not verified)
sez, "It's called "battery burping". I am told the process helps to recombine the gasses with the battery's other chemistry thus reducing heat, and internal pressure. The result is a reinvigorated battery, last longer, charges faster, has a greater overall storage potential, and a lessened tendency to cell-rupture. It's a win-win. Christy Electric, and IDX separately proved this 30 years ago. The procedure will not rejuvenate a lead-acid battery.
I realize this is a Toyota discussion, but let me throw in I have a 2012, and a 2017 Ford C/Max. 2012 is hybrid with original (li-ion) battery, the 2017 is a PHEV. They are made in Michigan, with highest U.S. content, by your neighbors. With little effort, both deliver better than EPA performance, and while the press had some issues early on, I have had no troubles. I just have it in for Standard Preventative Maintenance. Recent 2012 battery health check showed >98% OG potential capacity remaining. The 2017, is a low mileage PHEV Titanium Edition, bought used for an insane $13,500 in 2019, and currently shows 106e mpg on the lifetime odometer. Plenty of tech for the most jaded. It has a 30 mile summer, 17 mile winter battery here in northern Illinois. The battery in this car is many times larger than the 2012. Located in the rear luggage zone, it sits alone in it's own spacious spotless, almost sanitary pvc box. It looks to be about the same as an old 12v lead acid car battery to change. No special magic or tools required, from what I can see. Don't know the battery cost. But it is still rated nominally at 100% potential capacity. Check out the new, American made, highly acclaimed, 2021 Explorer PHEV at Ford. A reasonably attentive driver can squeeze 40+ miles a day of electric driving, and recharge in five hours with standard 120vac outlet. Rated at about 100e mpg you can easily better that. If you watch the free car magazines and wait to buy a top-shelf used one still under warranty at a steal, with the first owner eating the crazy-mad depreciation.
Try it. Give yourself and your neighbors a job. Drive a zippy electric around town at an energy cost of just 33% of ICE alone. When the battery drains it's still a very frugal hybrid. Both pull over 50 mpg in the city or on the highway, are very peppy, steer and handle tightly, are well appointed, and most of all, comfortable, eh, um, erm-uh, reliable and safe. ~ Drive Whatever, but Please, Just Drive Safely - there are NO "Do-overs"!"
The warranty has been 100k or
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The warranty has been 100k or 10yrs since at least my 2007 prius. The problem is that Toyota doesn't honor it. The warranty doesn't say how bad the battery must be before they would replace it. My 07 prius with 65k mi had no power and mpg reduced to around 30mpg, but the battery management could still charge it some so Toyota said no. I had to buy it myself to get back power and milage in the high 40s. Toyota doesn't participate in the BBB so you're screwed. No honor with toyota.
A major factor overlooked on
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A major factor overlooked on battery life is keeping them cool. There is a fan to do that job. But in gen 2 prius / hybrid had a bigger problem with the fans getting dirty. They were cleanable but you had to know to do it! Newer cars have done a better job addressing this. Gen 3 has a filter screen available to help keep the fan clean. $14 from Toyota. And Gen 4 even better. Also with Prius, you can get batteries replaced with one yr warranty for about $1100. Or 5 yr for about $1800. You shouldn’t have to mess with this for at least 200-300K miles. So overall costs, really pretty small. Especially when you consider that due to regen braking, brake maintenance is minimal. And there is no starter nor alternator to maintain/replace. And no belts! Probably the lowest cost car to maintain that there is.
1st Prius, 2006, only non
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1st Prius, 2006, only non-routine maintenance - replaced leaking MacPherson strut under warranty. At 100,000+ miles sideswiped in parking lot and more cost effective to replace than to repair.
2nd Prius, 2012, only non-routine maintenance - replaced 2 TPMS sensors (internal TPMS batteries died) 2021. 108,000+ miles.
I have a 2001 prius with
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I have a 2001 prius with original hybrid battery. I've never had to repair or replace the hybrid battery. My uncle was the original owner of this car in Illinois until he sold it to me when he upgraded to 2nd generation prius. Since then it has been with me in Massachusetts and Vermont. Perhaps these colder climates have contributed to battery longevity.
I work as a delivery courier.
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I work as a delivery courier. My 2016 Prius C currently has 420,000 miles on it and the battery is fine.
How you use the car seems to effect the battery lifespan
I have a Toyota Camry hybrid
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I have a Toyota Camry hybrid and I have only had this car for all about 6 months it is a 2012 and my hybrid battery system light is already on i called yo price the replacement and was told $4000 that is too costly there should be a way for these batteries to be recharged or something
After market changes are
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In reply to I have a Toyota Camry hybrid by Chantelle (not verified)
After market changes are available by professionals. They come to your house/car and charge about $1100 for 1 yr warranty and $1800 for 5 yrs. I going by memory so those are approximate figures. Just google search re- battery Prius.
If you are tech minded and a little experienced you can do it yourself. There are YouTube videos on doing it. Unless you are confident, I would get a pro to do it for that price.
seems you are just at the
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In reply to I have a Toyota Camry hybrid by Chantelle (not verified)
seems you are just at the 10yr mark for battery warranty which is supposed to be 10 years
Sometimes a failing 12v
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In reply to I have a Toyota Camry hybrid by Chantelle (not verified)
Sometimes a failing 12v battery can cause all sorts of unusual errors and mis information in the computer systems of the Toyota hybrids. Have the 12v battery checked and load tested before jumping to the conclusion that the hybrid battery is faulty.
Ok then tell me what I should
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In reply to Sometimes a failing 12v by Joel Hembel (not verified)
Ok then tell me what I should do. I have a 2016 Prius V with only 18,875 miles and I have to jump the battery every single time I try to start the vehicle! I hesitate to buy another 12v because it’s too soon, isn’t it? They’re not cheap either! I’m worried that something is wrong with the hybrid battery causing the 12 v to drain so quickly.
I would replace the 12 volt
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In reply to Ok then tell me what I should by Darlene Layton (not verified)
I would replace the 12 volt battery. There only needs to be enough power in that battery to close a relay, and the main battery pack will start the car. I am not sure what the OEM warranty is on the 12 V battery, but I would ask about it.
On rare occasions, even a brand new battery does not work well.
I hope this is helpful.
There as a TSB issued by
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In reply to Ok then tell me what I should by Darlene Layton (not verified)
There as a TSB issued by Toyota that updated firmware a few years ago to stop these 12 volt batteries from discharging. Seems the software was calling home for updates or some such which drained the batteries.
No that's completely fine…
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In reply to Ok then tell me what I should by Darlene Layton (not verified)
No that's completely fine just get another 12 v battery I should be fine .... hybrid system have nothing to deal with 12 v battery.