2022 Toyota Prius

The 2022 Toyota Prius is a popular hybrid vehicle known for its exceptional fuel economy and reliability. It comes standard with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, producing a combined 121 horsepower and 120 lb-ft of torque. A key selling point is its impressive fuel efficiency, often exceeding 50 MPG in combined driving. Drivers often appreciate the Prius’s quiet ride and comfortable interior. Common complaints often revolve around its somewhat uninspired driving dynamics and the dated interior design.

Electric Motor

1.8L Hybrid System

• Inverter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The hybrid inverter, responsible for converting DC power from the battery to AC power for the electric motor, can fail. Symptoms include warning lights on the dashboard, reduced power, and the car potentially going into “limp” mode or not starting at all.
  • Solution: Replacing the hybrid inverter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $4,000 - $6,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Battery

1.8L Hybrid System

• Hybrid Battery Degradation
  • Description/Symptoms: Over time, the hybrid battery’s capacity can degrade, leading to reduced fuel economy, shorter electric-only driving range, and potentially a warning light.
  • Solution: Replacing or reconditioning the hybrid battery.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $4,000+ for replacement; $1,500 - $2,500 for reconditioning
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)

• CVT Hesitation/Jerking
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported experiencing hesitation or jerking during acceleration, particularly at lower speeds. This can feel like the transmission is struggling to find the right gear ratio.
  • Solution: In some cases, a software update to the transmission control module (TCM) can resolve the issue. In more severe cases, a transmission replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300 for software update; $4,000 - $6,000+ for transmission replacement
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• 12V Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: The standard 12V battery (used for starting the car and powering accessories) can sometimes drain prematurely, especially if the car is not driven regularly or if aftermarket accessories are installed. Symptoms include difficulty starting the car or a dead battery.
  • Solution: Replacing the 12V battery and investigating any potential parasitic draws.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+ for battery replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Infotainment System Glitches
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system can experience glitches, such as freezing, crashing, or unresponsive touch screen.
  • Solution: Performing a system reset or updating the software. In some cases, the head unit may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (reset or update) to $1,000+ for head unit replacement
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Rattling Noises
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported rattling noises emanating from the dashboard, door panels, or rear cargo area.
  • Solution: Locating and securing the source of the rattle, which may involve adding foam padding or tightening loose components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+ depending on the severity and labor involved
  • Recalls: None Found
• Seat Discomfort
  • Description/Symptoms: Some drivers find the seats uncomfortable, particularly on longer trips.
  • Solution: Aftermarket seat cushions or adjustments to seating position.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $20 - $200+ for seat cushions
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Windshield Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners report that the windshield is prone to cracking easily from small impacts or temperature changes.
  • Solution: Windshield replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2022 Toyota Prius generally exhibits good reliability, but owners have reported issues ranging from minor rattles to more significant concerns like hybrid inverter failures. While some problems, such as infotainment glitches and rattling noises, are relatively inexpensive to address, others, like hybrid battery degradation and inverter failure, can be quite costly. Potential buyers should be aware of these potential issues and factor them into their purchasing decision, especially when considering used models with higher mileage.