Three problems related to engine shut off without warning have been reported for the 2005 Toyota Prius. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2005 Toyota Prius based on all problems reported for the 2005 Prius.
Engine shut down while entering highway. Charged for ecm update when problem has been known. Cnn reported, "a software problem is causing some Toyota Prius gas-electric hybrid cars to stall or shut down while driving at highway speeds. " a Toyota press release states: "Toyota motor sales (tms), u. S. A. , inc. , will launch a special service campaign involving certain 2004 and early 2005 model year Prius sold in the u. S. On the involved vehicles, an issue with the program logic in the electronic control module (ecm) system may cause some or all of the following warning lights to illuminate: master, hybrid system, engine, vehicle stability control, and brake. If this occurs, the vehicle will enter a "fail-safe" mode which allows limited operation via the electric motor. However, the electrically-powered brake and steering operation will continue to function normally if this condition occurs. The electric motor will also provide enough power to allow the driver to pull the vehicle over and away from traffic. Once the vehicle is stopped, the driver may be able to restart the gasoline engine in the vehicle by pushing the start button. Approximately 75,000 2004 and 2005 model year Prius vehicles may be affected by this condition. Toyota is proactively conducting a campaign in the interest of its customers. ".
The engine shut down without warning in the middle of a busy street, creating an unsafe situation with cars coming up behind in a single lane.
My 2005 Toyota Prius failed with engine shutdown at 65 mph on florida turnpike. After restarting on shoulder, vehicle would only achieve 52 mph, then failed again.