2022 Toyota Prius Prime
The 2022 Toyota Prius Prime is a plug-in hybrid vehicle offering excellent fuel economy and a respectable all-electric range. It features a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, producing a combined 121 horsepower. Many owners appreciate its fuel efficiency, comfortable ride, and Toyota’s reputation for reliability. Common dislikes include its somewhat bland styling and limited cargo space compared to some competitors. The Prius Prime competes with other plug-in hybrids, balancing electric driving capability with the reassurance of a gasoline engine.
Electric Motor
Electric Motor
- Inverter Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported inverter failures, leading to a loss of power and the inability to drive in electric mode. Warning lights on the dashboard will illuminate, and the car may switch to gasoline engine only.
- Solution: Replacement of the inverter assembly.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $4,000 - $6,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Battery
Battery
- Reduced All-Electric Range
- Description/Symptoms: Some owners have experienced a decrease in the vehicle’s all-electric range over time. This can be attributed to natural battery degradation but some cases may be indicative of a deeper issue.
- Solution: Battery health assessment, potential software update to optimize battery usage, or individual module replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: Battery health assessment: $100 - $300; Module replacement: $500 - $2,000; Complete battery replacement $5,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Infotainment System Freezing/Rebooting
- Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system occasionally freezes or reboots unexpectedly. This may affect navigation, audio, and climate control functions.
- Solution: Software update by the dealership.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 - $200+ (depending on warranty coverage and dealership labor rates).
- Recalls: None Found
- 12V Battery Drain
- Description/Symptoms: The 12V battery can drain quickly, especially if the car is not driven frequently, leading to starting issues.
- Solution: Replacing the 12V battery, checking for parasitic drains, and ensuring the charging system is functioning correctly.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300
- Recalls: None Found
- Backup Camera Malfunction
- Description/Symptoms: Backup camera displays a distorted image or no image at all.
- Solution: Check camera connections, replace camera.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Rattling Noises
- Description/Symptoms: Rattling noises coming from the dashboard or door panels, particularly on rough roads.
- Solution: Identifying and tightening loose trim pieces or adding sound dampening material.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $300 (depending on the source and complexity of the rattle)
- Recalls: None Found
- Seat Comfort Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Some drivers find the seats uncomfortable on longer drives, lacking sufficient lumbar support.
- Solution: Aftermarket seat cushions or lumbar support accessories.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $20 - $200+
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) System Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported instances of the AEB system engaging unnecessarily, even without any obstacles present.
- Solution: Dealer inspection and recalibration of the sensor system.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 - $200+ (depending on warranty coverage)
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2022 Toyota Prius Prime generally exhibits typical Toyota reliability, but some owners have reported issues like inverter failures and electrical glitches, which can lead to significant repair costs. Interior rattles and some system glitches are also present. Though battery degradation and automatic emergency braking issues are noted, these aren’t necessarily frequent. Most repairs fall within a manageable cost range. Before buying the car, be sure to test the infotainment system and backup camera and consider a pre-purchase inspection of the battery.