2019 Toyota Prius

The 2019 Toyota Prius is a popular hybrid vehicle known for its exceptional fuel economy and reliability. It comes equipped with a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine paired with a hybrid system that produces 121 horsepower and 105 lb-ft of torque. The Prius utilizes a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). People often praise the Prius for its fuel efficiency, comfortable ride, and practicality. However, some common complaints include the somewhat bland driving experience, the infotainment system’s interface, and road noise.

Engine

1.8L 2ZR-FXE Hybrid

• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported excessive oil consumption, requiring them to add oil between scheduled oil changes. This can manifest as low oil level warnings or the need to add oil every few thousand miles.
  • Solution: Diagnosis and repair can range from replacing PCV valve to piston ring replacement or engine replacement depending on the severity.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $5,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• 12V Battery Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Premature failure of the 12V auxiliary battery, leading to issues starting the vehicle or electrical system malfunctions.
  • Solution: Replacement of the 12V battery. It’s crucial to use a battery specifically designed for hybrid vehicles.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system may freeze, crash, or become unresponsive, affecting navigation, audio, and other functions.
  • Solution: Software update of the infotainment system, or replacement of the infotainment unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) - $1,000+ (replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Cracking Dashboard (Rare, but reported in hot climates)
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners in hot climates have reported cracks developing in the dashboard material.
  • Solution: Dashboard replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Water Leaks from Tail Lights
  • Description/Symptoms: Water leaks into the rear cargo area from the tail lights after rain or washing the car.
  • Solution: Replace or reseal tail light assemblies.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2019 Toyota Prius generally has a good reputation for reliability. The most commonly reported issues include excessive oil consumption, and occasional electrical problems (12V battery and infotainment system). While some interior and exterior issues exist, they are less common. The cost of repairs can vary significantly depending on the specific problem, ranging from relatively inexpensive fixes like replacing a battery to more costly repairs like replacing piston rings or the entire dashboard.