Axle Assembly Problems of Toyota Prius

The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Prius. The contact was driving approximately between 65-75 mph on normal road conditions when all of the warning light indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. Suddenly, a strong burning odor circulated inside of the vehicle and the engine began to overheat. The warning indicator remained illuminated until the engine was turned off. The cruise control, power windows system and cellular phone power outlet became inoperative. The driver pulled over to the side of the road and turned the engine off. The vehicle restarted and resumed operation with caution. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for diagnostic testing. The failure was contributed to the transaxle. The vehicle has not been repaired for the malfunctions. The contact previously owned a 2002 Toyota Prius and experienced the identical failure. The failure mileage was 68,500. The VIN was unavailable.

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2002 Toyota Prius with trans axle malfunctions. She states her vehicle acted as if it were out of gas when she had a full tank, and the red water temperature light illuminated. The drive belt and tensioner were replaced.

The contact stated when the warning lights came on the car stalled and eventually came to a complete stop. On September 6, 2005 the car slowed down to 37 mph. The warning lights came on and the car stopped. The dealer said it was the accelerator assembly, which was replaced at the consumers expense. On November 14, 2005 the coolant light came on and the vehicle would not accelerate, and then came to a complete stop. The dealer said it was the coolant sensor in the transaxle. The transaxle was replaced at the contact's expense. After picking up the car on November 23, 2005 the problem stopped. Prior to September 6, 2005 the onboard computer was replaced due to the aforementioned problem. The computer was replaced under warranty. Updated 12/2705.

At 45mph on dry pavement, clear weather conditions I disengaged cruise control by tapping brakes. So that I could accelerate into traffic. The vehicle pulled hard to the left. I then found myself in a counterclockwise skid across the pavement as I left the pavement I felt the rear of the vehicle drop. Now spinning I bounced off a tree and into a drainage ditch with about 1 and 1/2 foot of mud and water. It was then I noticed that one of the wheels (left rear) had separated from the vehicle and was on the other side of the ditch. It all happened so fast I have no idea of the actual cause. The studs which hold the wheel to the axel shearedoff, ans axle snapped, the undercarrage and supports were tangled. Fhp officer at site indicated it could have been mechanical malfunction of some sort. Because of conditions I contacted Toyota as well as insurance CO (progressive). No one has yet evaluated the cause. Toyotas first comment was "what do you expect from an investigation" my answerwas " to prevent a similar event in the future". As I related the event to every one I also noted that the steering didnot let me correct the skid. The vehicle is currently held in limbo by insurance and Toyota. While I am walking. All safety equipment functioned properly.

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