general problems of the 2011 Toyota Prius - part 1

43 problems related to electrical system have been reported for the 2011 Toyota Prius. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2011 Toyota Prius based on all problems reported for the 2011 Prius.

1 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 03/12/2025

Abs actuator and pump failure.

2 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 11/01/2024

In 11/2024, I started experiencing intermittent noises coming from the engine compartment of my 2011 Toyota Prius. The initial sound resembled the buzzing noise generated when first starting the vehicle. Then the noise started to persist for extended periods after the vehicle was turned off. It would oscillate between buzzing for approximately 10 seconds & remaining dormant for about 1 minute, repeating this cycle. The duration of these cycles could extend for up to 20 minutes. Concurrently, I experienced several instances where the brake pedal would abruptly become stiff & difficult to press. Notably, no warning lights were illuminated on the dashboard. Recognizing these symptoms as unusual, I conducted online research and discovered that the issue could potentially stem from a malfunction in the “brake booster pump and assembly. ” given the potential for a loss of braking power and the risk of personal/public safety, I scheduled a diagnostic inspection at Toyota of poway, poway, CA, on 12/18/2024. It confirmed the presence of a problem with the brake booster pump and associated components. In light of this diagnosis, I made the decision to refrain from driving the vehicle until the repairs were completed. The repair costs amounted to $3,475. 47. I found I had received a notification from Toyota’s customer support program, designated as “customer support program notification-zjb. ” this notification explicitly acknowledged this defect & provided a repair coverage policy that stipulated a coverage policy of which I’m no longer entitled to. Despite not meeting the eligibility criteria for the repair coverage program, I am deeply troubled by the fact that this recognized defect persists in vehicles currently on the road, such as mine, without any corresponding recall action and subsequent repair costs covered by Toyota. Fortunately, I was spared from any accidents as a direct consequence of this issue. Many similar complaints here support this dangerous issue!.

3 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 10/01/2024

The low-beam headlamps on thousands of 2011 Toyota Priuses were burning out very prematurely (a matter of weeks, not months). Toyota corporate said they created a customer support program to replace the headlight wiring harness free of charge, but this program ended in 2019. I believe that Toyota should be compelled to issue a recall to replace the wiring harnesses on all 2011 Toyota Priuses, because working headlights are a critical component of a safely traveling vehicle. The cost of replacing the wiring harness is more than $700, a real dent in a working family's budget. For now, we are replacing the burned-out bulbs. However, we believe a recall initiated by NHTSA is warranted in this case.

4 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 08/11/2024

I was driving the vehicle around 55 mph when a check hybrid system warning popped up. About 30 seconds later the vehicle went from being in drive to b (brake mode) and the vehicle began to slow at a rapid pace with no warning. Could potentially cause an accident as this occurred with very little warning.

5 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 03/12/2024

Dc DC inverter , I did contact with Toyota corporate but they said my VIN it is not in recall, I need help please.

6 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 09/12/2023

Brake booster and brake booster pump assembly are faulty and failing. Brakes are still functioning, but will ultimately fail without warning, from what I have read. This is highly dangerous for myself and other motorists. I was driving last week and tried coming to a stop at an intersection. I pushed the brake pedal and the car hesitated and then jumped/lurched forward before coming to a complete stop. The brake booster is sounding every 30 to 45 seconds to try and build back the pressure it is losing. Toyota offered a "customer support program" for these parts, as there's been numerous premature failures. Unfortunately, my vehicle no longer fits within the parameters of the support program (see attached). From what I've read though, Toyota has been negligent with replacing the brake booster under the support program. I have called Toyota corporate and they have offered no reprieve and won't stand behind this faulty part. Toyota needs to be forced to recall these 3rd gen Priuses and ordered to replace the breaking system. Expecting customers to shell out between $2-3k to have the ability to safely break/stop their vehicle is ridiculous, especially when Toyota is more than aware of this issue. I was quoted $2600 over the phone to remedy the issue from an independent hybrid shop. I've owned 7 Toyota's and two have been Priuses. This 2011 is by far one of their worst to roll off the assembly line with numerous reports of breaking problems, oil consumption issues, and head gasket failures. They need to stand behind their product(s), especially to brand loyal customers. Read more complaints about the breaking system: https://m. Carcomplaints. Com/Toyota/prius/2011/brakes/service_brakes. Shtml?fbclid=iwar1j7lj3haj3r1hy7lnmd4ervyxmlmhby_i98kpefgqyhyhft8gnyi1ptck.

7 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 02/11/2023

If I make a longer trip more than 10 to 15 miles the car does fine if I drive it 2 miles down the road or across the street to a different store the car tells me to check hybrid system. I had it check and code c1391 came up and that was repaired. Once repaired picked up from shop drove across the street to gas station and it told me to check hybrid system again and went into limp mode. Once I do a reset the car will start back up and drive fine as long as it's a long trip if I go on another short trip it will do it again.

8 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 12/13/2022

I have reported this once and numerous times to Toyota. I even paid to "fix" the problem. My daughter was driving and all the dashboard lights came on and the brakes do not work. It's doing it again after they supposedly "fixed" it. My family is at risk! if anything happens, I will seek legal action. I can't believe a company as big as Toyota wont take responsibility. And that a recall wont be done. I've seen numerous people report the same issue. Please do something.

9 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 05/04/2022

The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 mph, the vehicle stalled with the check hybrid system warning light illuminated continuously. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the inverter needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 141,000.

10 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 03/23/2022

Electric front window will not work. Could not find any bad fuses.

11 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 02/02/2022

My daughter was driving the vehicle on highway and all dashboard lights came on. Abs brake and traction. The brakes would not work. She had to decelerate and pull off and turn car off. Terrifying. Got it checked at Toyota. Told them about that and how car lunges forward when brakes hit on a bump or pothole. We had to pay 2500 to replace brake booster which had an “internal error”. Got car back and all lights came back on. I’m literally terrified to drive my car because of what may happen. Toyota refuses to recall and fix whatever this issue is.

12 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 09/26/2021

One year after bought, was losing power, replacing a lot of batteries, headlights and lamps then car would lose power while driving, not start continually everyday for each day after and even started on its own. I took in a lot and they put my VIN to the wrong person. . Someone rainsford so my service recs were not recorded. Said no battery code, didnt check altenator, and even tho serv advisor said the break was squishy to him and he heard the loud buzz noise when pushing, it was not replaced. They tried to blame it on keys being in car which is how it starts and runs! not parked on hill or in bad temps and driven long trips, none of which should be reqired to start a car to get to dying patients on time. We bought charger and use on both Priuses daily. Lost power while driving, got hurt, and josh's pt. Died. Nothing but headache nightmares. Have long written records where submitted all and they just like to deny things or try to find a way to blame on consumer. My only fault was buying an undisclosed deathtrap. They need to refund us both cars and damages and expenses and our time and missed work. The shuttle was a joke. I have my own top notch code reader and it said battery was fine. It was new, yet they wanted to sell me one so they said it coded but refused to show me. They are just trying to make money and really hurting people. Sending my title and all my personal info to a stranger and me catching after 7 years broght on an id theft im still fighting. Very rude front staff and drivers. . Sheldon.

13 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 03/11/2021

A check hybrid system alert came on and included lit break, check engine, steering, abs, skid and yellow triangle with an ! mark inside. The car stopped and I could not move it. Good thing I was on a side street with light traffic. This happened again after the inverter was replace; and it happened again after the 12 v battery was replaced.

14 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 01/18/2021

Brakes completely failed. Loud beeping sound happened, couldn't stop car even in a parking lot. Had to use transmission to slow to a stop. Was in a grocery store parking lot.

15 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 04/27/2020

I took my car in for a few recalls a few months ago for the flashing repair and now my inverter/converter needs to be replaced. I felt like if I took it in for the repairs like my car would suddenly get worse due to the so called repairs to manage the defects but my car still ended up stalling and needing more repairs. I feel this is not right and even saw there was a current lawsuit due to the overheating complication.

16 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 03/02/2020

My headlights keep burning out. Toyota is aware of this common problem and it requires a new electrical harness. They issued an extended warranty to fix this, however not everyone got the notice (like me). It expired in Nov. 2019. I was quoted $700 to fix this, when it is a known defect in the car manufacturing. I would like this be a recall item, so everyone can get it fixed. When I took my car in to get it fixed they were fully aware of my problem with this make, model, and year. It is unsafe to have the headlight all the sudden burn out, usually when I first turn them on, please help. It happens about every 3 months or less. Thank you.

17 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 12/04/2019

Tl the contact owns a 2011 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that the safety srs warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to glens falls Toyota (169 broad st, glens falls, NY 12801, (518) 793-5611) where it was diagnosed that the spiral cable needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and provided case number: 1912090334. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.

18 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 09/08/2019

The check hybrid system just came on. We have owned the car for less than 1 year. Although it was used, it has 116,000 miles on it. We do not know whether is a California vehicle. We believe it is a battery issue. This would mean that the battery would need to be replaced which would cost 2500 dollars. That is ridiculous to expect when we just bought it 1 year ago!.

19 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 07/15/2019

After approximately 6 1/2 years of owning this 2011 Toyota Prius hybrid (purchased in 2012), the brake pedal went completely to the floor and there was no braking. The brake fluid was completely full. Intermittently, this would occur, but brakes would come back operational in a few minutes. In 2022, the brake lights on dashboard started lighting up intermittently and go off. I had the complete brake pads, etc. Replaced in June 2022. Last 1/2 of 2022 the entire brake dash lit up. I got into Toyota dealership 1/12/2023. They said the complete brake master cyclinder and brake pump replacement was required. They got the dash lights off. This car has only 133,023 miles. I finally checked the internet to see this is a Toyota issue! a recall on this brake assembly should be issued! I was unaware of this 5 years ago. This could cause a serious accident and should be fixed at Toyota's expense!.

20 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 06/18/2019

While driving at CA freeway speed (65mph) the car goes limp. The accelerator fails to work and even flooring the vehicle makes no difference. At this point the speed of the vehicle decreases and I have to immediately pull to the shoulder. The "check hybrid system" alert shows on the dash and also electric power steering and check engine light. This issue has been going on for the past year and I have taken it to several Toyota dealerships with no resolve. I have spent a total of $4500 without Toyota of vallejo or the now bankrupt Toyota of fairfield solving the issue. This is a life threatening issue and happened several times with children in the vehicle. . Read more...

21 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 06/01/2019

We were on freeway when an odd smell was detected. There were several large trucks in the area and we passed off the smell to the trucks. A couple of miles later the passenger said, "the floor is on fire!" at this point, an abundance of smoke appeared above the dashboard on the passenger's side. We exited the freeway, found a fire extinguisher and were able to put out the fire. The local Toyota dealer was informed but no action was taken. The insurance company has totaled the vehicle. We are awaiting the settlement check. We have no idea what started the fire. There were no indicators I. E. Warning lights/buzzers, etc. Prior to the fire. The area under the dashboard on the passenger's side is a charred mass. Therein a large hole at the top of the dash near where the speaker for that side is housed.

22 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 05/01/2019

Well I was driving and suddenly my car battery turned off and check hybrid system came on the dashboard it stopped so I parked it on side and unplug battery wires so it start working again the weird thing is that when I check to see any code but nothing came recently it was happening and one recall came for hybrid battery after that it was working fine but now this thing happened again and it was dangerous because I was in the middle of highway and car stopped.

23 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 03/11/2019

The car starts as normal and drives normally but once you start to come to a stop the car shuts off and will only restart when you depress the gas pedal but shuts down again when you release the gas pedal, normal city streets and highway.

24 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 02/01/2019

I'm trying to complain about this long time ago,but now I found that out. I can't drive my car long time ago because this problem. I don't my miles to drives and I can't see my gas miles. All my dashboard gone and my windows they can't open at all. I can believe to have a future car. They have so many problems with the electric systems.

25 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 12/01/2018

As I was driving down the freeway my car filled with smoke and I realized my engine had caught fire, I was able to get out, the whole front of my car was engulfed in flames in no time.

26 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 11/29/2018

Driving vehicle down highway, tapped brakes but brakes did not work, all the lights on my dash lit up. I lost traction in brakes causing vehicle to lose control.

27 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 09/20/2018

The traction control, abs light and warning light all came which I believe all to be a safety issue.

28 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 09/10/2018

After heavy rains, water gets into the spare tire storage well, causing a short in the tpms monitor for the spare tire. All tires have appropriate air pressure but the tell-tale shows until the spare tire storage area dries out - several days. This is a new phenomenon but there are no tears or dings in the gasket around the hatchback. Not sure where the water gets in.

29 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 04/05/2018

I was getting on the interstate and all of a sudden I lost power and my dash lite up check hybrid system /abs/ breaks. I can not drive my car because it has no power please help thank you.

30 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 01/01/2018

Dim headlight problem while driving at night, unable to see road clearly with low beam headlights on at night, have to use high beam headlights to see road. This is a huge safety issue for me.

31 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 08/17/2017

I was driving along on the freeway trying to get home and suddenly my Prius lost power. I was panicking, good thing I had my brothers with me or else I would have lost it. We didn't know what was going on! we managed to get off the freeway safely, but we were distressed.

32 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 06/09/2017

Dash board keeps beeping, yet I have replaced the key battery 3 times and now dealer says key not detected, yet car runs so the key is detected but the beeping will not stop. Took to dealer paid 89. 99 for diagnostic per dealer. Dealer now says the left harness needs replaced for $1802 plus tax. I feel manufacturer should allow consumers who bought there product be given information about history of faulty electrical wires even when it is not a safety hazard. Just turn off the beeping noise if that is the only issue. Mileage 58847. . .

33 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 02/09/2017

The headlights keep burning out, I have replaced the drivers side 3 times in 12 months and the passenger side twice. I only use sylvania brand, but have switched to different brightness to see if it has any impact, it has a slight impact but not much. The headlights are not on when not needed.

34 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 01/07/2017

The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Prius. On several occasions, the contact had to add four quarts of oil within 10,000 miles of driving. On another occasion, the contact had to add three and a half quarts of oil. The contact stated that the oil pressure indicator failed to operate and warn him that the oil was low. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that they had not received many complaints and that the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was 98,000.

35 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 05/14/2016

The cd player burns the cd image label. When entering 4 cds into the changer the cd in the 4th position burns almost the entire image label. The other cds had the image paper burned on the outer 1/4 in of the label. I reported this to the Toyota dealer on may 1, 2016. On may 16,2016 I dove from wilmington ohio to lorain ohio, 3 hours playing 4 cds continuously. This caused the heat in ghe cd player to increase and burn the cds. The cd player feels very hot to the touch after use.



Safety Ratings of Prius Cars
Fuel Economy of Prius Vehicles
Prius Service Bulletins
Prius Safety Recalls
Prius Defect Investigations