Water Pump problems of the 2004 Toyota Prius

~tl the contact owns a 2004 Toyota Prius. While driving 45 mph, the hybrid system, stability control, check engine, and srs warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent Toyota mechanic who informed the contact that the vehicle needed a new hybrid coolant pump and water pump. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was also contacted and did not assist. The failure mileage was 83,772.

Warning triangle and check engine lights came on while traveling. Took vehicle to independent mechanic, who diagnosed hybrid water pump malfunction; he noted a recall, so I took vehicle to dealer. Dealer charges $130 to plug into diagnostic system, finds same problem; wants $750 to replace. Pump was replaced @ 30,000 miles ago under aon recall. Multiple reports on web about the same replacement part failing after short time.

Tl-the contact owns a 2004 Toyota Prius hybrid. The contact stated that hot and cold air was being emitted from the ventilation system when neither the air conditioning unit nor the heater was activated. Additionally, the wrench warning light illuminated immediately after the failure. The vehicle was later towed to a dealer for diagnosis where they advised him that the water pump failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired for the water pump. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign id number 12v536000 (engine and engine cooling). The vehicle was serviced per the recall however, the failure recurred one year later. The vehicle was not inspected by a dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was later contacted and advised him that the dealer could have previously replaced the water pump with a defective one. The vehicle was not further repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 185,000. The current mileage was approximately 194,000. Kmj.

The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Prius hybrid. While driving approximately 60 mph, the check engine warning light, and an unknown warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The dealer was notified and advised the vehicle was safe to drive; unless the temperature, brake or oil warning lights illuminated. The vehicle began to lose power and the anti-lock brake system warning light illuminated. The vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the highway. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The failures were related to the inverter water pump and the skid control electronic control unit (ecu). The inverter water pump was replaced. The failure occurred a second time. The vehicle was repaired for the malfunction. The failure and current mileages were 61,000.

On 23 Jan 2010, while driving I-85n in the south carolina mountains the car stalled at 70mph. An audible alert sounded, the car jerked and three warning lights went off. I coasted the car to the shoulder and shut the car down. I restarted the car -- the warning lights cleared -- and continued driving. About 30 minutes later, still in the mountains, the same things occurred (stall while driving 70mph on the interstate. ) when I restarted the car a yellow "!" warning remained on. I continued the trip to virginia with no further problems. The warning light went out. On 5 Feb 2010, while driving on I-95s in the south carolina mountains the car stalled, warning lights and audible alarm sounded. Upon restart the "!" stayed on. This happened two more times; once on I-95 and once on I-20. The last two times the red triangle warning light stayed on also. On 6 Feb 2010, I took the car to Toyota center in columbia SC. The service manager told me the water pump needed to be replaced ($384) because air got into the system. I asked if that was why I could hear "sloshing" from the engine when driving; he said yes. I explained that I was confused since the coolant recovery tank never went below the low line. His response was that air in the system was a known problem for the Prius and that I should keep the coolant level higher than marked. Also that driving in the south carolina mountains -- both the heat of the engine and the angle of ascent and descent -- is probably what triggered the problem. Prior to both trips, the car was checked by a mechanic. Fluid levels were clear and adequate. I am now in the flatlands of texas, and I can once again hear the sloshing sound coming from my engine. Beyond the expense I am concerned that the engine is completely stalling. If this were to occur in rush hour in a crowded city I'm not sure the car would be safely navigable to the shoulder.