2016 Toyota Prius

The 2016 Toyota Prius is a popular hybrid vehicle known for its excellent fuel economy and reliability. It comes equipped with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a hybrid system that delivers a combined 121 horsepower and 105 lb-ft of torque. The Prius uses an Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT). While lauded for its fuel efficiency and smooth ride, some owners have reported issues with various components, including the electrical system, interior features, and some aspects of the hybrid system. Some drivers dislike the exterior styling and the somewhat lethargic acceleration.

Electric Motor

1.8L Hybrid System

• Hybrid Battery Degradation
  • Description/Symptoms: Reduced fuel economy, decreased electric-only driving range, error codes related to battery performance (e.g., P0A80 - Replace Hybrid Battery Pack).
  • Solution: Hybrid battery replacement or reconditioning.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+ for replacement with a new battery from Toyota; $1,000 - $2,500+ for reconditioned battery.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Inverter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle may lose power, warning lights on the dashboard, potential overheating.
  • Solution: Inverter replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT)

• Transmission Whining Noise
  • Description/Symptoms: A noticeable whining noise, especially at higher speeds. This is sometimes due to wear and tear on the transmission internals.
  • Solution: In some cases, a fluid change might temporarily alleviate the noise. More severe cases may require transmission repair or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100-$300 for fluid change; $3,000-$5,000+ for transmission replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• 12V Battery Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The car fails to start, the dashboard lights flicker, and the car cannot be put into “Ready” mode. This is a common issue with the auxiliary 12V battery that supports the car’s electronics.
  • Solution: Replace the 12V battery.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Combination Meter Failure (Dashboard Display)
  • Description/Symptoms: The dashboard display (combination meter) may fail intermittently or completely, leading to loss of speed readings, fuel gauge information, and other critical data.
  • Solution: Combination meter replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Cracked Dashboard
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracking or stickiness of the dashboard material, especially in hot climates.
  • Solution: Replacement of the dashboard is the only permanent fix. Some owners use dashboard covers as a cosmetic solution.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• HVAC Blower Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The HVAC blower motor stops working, resulting in no air conditioning or heat.
  • Solution: Blower motor replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Navigation/Infotainment System Freezing or Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system may freeze, crash, or become unresponsive.
  • Solution: Software updates may fix the issue. In some cases, replacement of the head unit might be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (for software update) - $1,000+ (for head unit replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Windshield Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Premature cracking of the windshield, potentially due to stress fractures or manufacturing defects.
  • Solution: Windshield replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Backup Camera Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Backup camera displays a blank screen, distorted image, or fails to activate.
  • Solution: Camera replacement or wiring repair.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2016 Toyota Prius generally maintains a good reputation for reliability, but some owners have reported issues with the hybrid battery, electrical components, interior features, and exterior elements. The hybrid battery and inverter related issues can be quite costly to repair, but many other issues such as 12V battery, blower motor, and navigation issues are of medium severity and can be fixed at a moderate cost.