Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned driver, Toyota automobiles, particularly the Prius, are among the best on the market. It is a fact that they are not meant to last forever; major upgrades and even part replacement will be required at a certain point in their lives.
This article does an in-depth look at how long a Prius lasts, as well as discussing other relevant topics. Don’t forget to scroll down!
How Many Miles Does A Prius Last?
It is estimated that a Toyota Prius can last between 200,000 and 250,000 miles or 12 to 16 years (15,000 to 20,000 miles per year). With proper maintenance and timely replacements, the car can reach 300,000 miles if its critical components are well taken care of.
1. Mileage
Many people underestimate how long a hybrid vehicle like the Toyota Prius can last in terms of mileage, but it turns out that they can last five times longer than all other types of vehicles. As long as the Prius receives frequent maintenance, it can last as long as 200,000 miles or even 250,000 miles.
The average numbers are not indicative of individual cases; when all factors are considered, thousands of Prius drivers have already exceeded the benchmark.
The PriusChat community (for owners of Prius cars) reports that many have exceeded 300,000 miles on their cars.
2. Battery Life
Lifespan of a battery is the most important factor in determining the quality of a car; without them, the rest of our list would not be of any importance.
The Toyota Prius battery has 1.6 kWH energy, 27 kilowatts/36 HP power output, and 201.6-volt electrical capacity. It comes as no surprise when Toyota confirms they will last 8 to 10 years (equivalent to 100,000 to 150,000 miles) with such an impressive and optimized design.
There are numerous reports of Prius drivers achieving even higher mileage than that.
It is still possible for external damage or incorrect use to shorten the battery’s life expectancy sooner than expected. If these symptoms appear, keep an eye on them:
Fast battery consumptions
A person should be on the lookout for these signals as soon as possible. Batteries that lose charge too quickly are a result of several factors, including the fact that they are dying.
The battery cannot start
The difficulty starting the engine is another common indicator. Battery life is decreasing after quite a while, so if the batteries are taking longer to start, they probably are close to their end.
Jerky car rides
Observe the car; does it jerk violently whenever you step on the accelerator or stop repeatedly while driving?
Any answer of “yes” to either scenario indicates the batteries require immediate body checks. The Toyota Prius has always been described as a smooth rider, so shaky driving conditions clearly indicate serious problems.
Bad fuel economy
Since the battery life-span is shorter, it has to work harder to ensure the car runs and therefore consumes much more gas.
When you find yourself visiting the gas station frequently, you should have the batteries properly inspected.
Recent accidents
It is hard to detect battery damage caused by car collisions until it is too late; most people are unprepared to deal with it.
Therefore, you should recall whether your vehicle has been involved in any accidents recently. Regardless of whether there seems to be anything abnormal with the battery yet, bring the car to an actual mechanic as soon as possible.
Overheating
When cars run/charge for too long without rest, extreme climates or too much running/charging heat the engine shelf, which increases the battery temperature. Check the ventilation channels for debris or grime stuck there to determine if they are blocked.
Smart drivers would know to take action on time because failing to treat the problem on time could result in the car bursting or catching fire.
There has been no maintenance on them for a long time
In the same way that our bodies require yearly physicals, batteries need maintenance every now and then as well.
You may not even be able to recall the exact details of the last maintenance day, which can indicate that the batteries haven’t been maintained for a long time. Make sure this oversight is fixed as soon as possible.
3. Others
Tires
A pair of Prius tires can easily last 60,000 miles thanks to their robust construction and solid sidewalls.
It is still crucial to maintain the tires properly and drive carefully in order to get exceptional performance: ignoring tire rotation and alignment throughout the year will not yield exceptional results.
Spark plugs
The Toyota Motor Corporation recommends replacing spark plugs every 192,000 kilometers (120,000 miles) or 144 months, whichever comes first.
To avoid damaging your Prius, it is recommended that you replace these spark plugs earlier than Toyota recommends – and, most importantly, never let it run over 200,000km on the same spark plugs.
Taking the lugs off then would be impossible. As an added bonus, the coil pack ignition boots have corroded throughout the years – and will soon break down once the spark plugs are removed.
Transmission
It will last well beyond 100,000 miles or even 200,000 miles if it is changed and flushed regularly (about every 55,000 to 60,000 miles).
The Least and Most Reliable Toyota Prius Years
Prius models from 2015 and 2017 to 2019 are the crowd’s favorites, while models from 2016 to 2012 are not to be trusted due to major engine problems and constant headlight failures.
1. Toyota Prius Years to Buy
2017
Although the 2016 model is the first of this generation, the Prius’ reputation peaked in 2017. In addition to adding features (extra safety technology, new cabins, etc.) it has improved reliability as well, which allows it to exceed 200,000 miles nearly faultlessly.
In most cases, drivers are attracted to the affordable price tag (about $18,000).
2018
Despite a few infotainment display upgrades to compete with sleek cars from other brands, Prius’ 2017 reliability continued to show in 2018. In terms of both practicality and aesthetic appeal, this is a highly desirable model.
2015
As the last Prius model to feature rearview cameras, 2015 concludes the third-generation line on a high note.
Besides its excellent fuel economy and performance, the car also comes at a low price (only $12,000 for a lifetime of over 100,000 miles) and seldom requires any costly maintenance.
Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations about when to change the oil, and you’ll be fine.
2019
In spite of the fact that the 2019 Prius is the brand’s revival of its previous model designs, it barely suffers from any defects (some people complain about teething issues, but those are negligible).
In this car, the engine and drivetrain have been updated for better performance optimization, maintaining the good work of the 2017 and 2018 models.
There are also AWD capabilities that provide excellent traction and grip for those living in northern areas (known for harsh winters).
2. Toyota Prius Years to Avoid
In 2016, and 2005 to 2012, all Prius models received extremely negative reviews with numerous unresolved issues with the engine and lights.
Models from 2010, 2008, and 2007 definitely rank last on the reliability chart. They have been reported to overconsume oil and fail/blow out their headlights numerous times.
In addition to all the issues listed above, the 2016 models and the 2005-2012 models also suffer from braking/steering issues.
Keeping away from repairs and replacements is a smart decision if you don’t want to spend an arm and a leg on them (whose efficiency is not even guaranteed).
Toyota Prius Lifespan In Comparison With Other Similar Cars
Among all cars in the same industry, the Toyota Prius is the longest-lasting, easily beating out other models like the Nissan Leaf, Chevrolet Volt, and Ford CMax.
A Chevrolet Volt and Ford C-Max will last about 200,000 miles on average, while our Toyota Prius will last five thousand miles less.
As an alternative, the Nissan Leaf can survive up to 150,000 miles (100,000 miles less than the Prius). Even worse, Nissan Leafs can be extremely expensive to maintain and repair since they are electric cars.
These face-offs reveal which car model wins regardless of how you look at them.
Common Toyota Prius Problems That Affect Its Lifespan
There have been complaints about Toyota Prius power loss, rollaway risks, electrical shorts, and windshield cracking for decades.
It is still important for drivers to be aware of these problems and to seek professional assistance when necessary.
The following issues are less common:
- Errors with the warning light or dash light
- A defective airbag
- Gaskets blown
- A leaky oil pump
- A broken fuel pump and bad brakes
- Shutdown of hybrid battery packs
Make sure your car’s system and internal compartments (especially moving parts) are in good working order at least once a month.
It is possible for experienced technicians to discover hidden problems before they begin to affect the rest of the car, allowing them to make the necessary repairs before they begin to cause problems.
Is There Any Toyota Prius Recall?
The most notable recalls were the ones of 2016-2018 (for problems with wiring harnesses), 2016-2017 (due to faulty cables), and 2010-2015 (after complaints about hybrid systems shutting down).
As of 2021, the Prius Prime and Prius 2022 have been recalled due to a slight power loss in the drive system.
How to Extend Toyota Prius Life?
When it comes to extending the life of your car, nothing can compare to careful driving. Avoid potholes, bumpy roads, abrupt starts and stops, and never park it outside.
In addition to regular maintenance, constant basic checkups are also important. You should also avoid overloading the engine or letting it overheat for too long.
It is possible that some drivers will consider adding bolt-ons or aftermarket parts, but in reality, just keeping your Prius clean is sufficient to keep it running for generations.
How Much Does It Cost to Maintain A Toyota Prius Model?
During the first ten years, the average cost of maintenance is about $4,000. A total of $1,791 is charged at the time of purchase for insurance on the car.
In spite of the fact that these numbers might seem outrageous at first glance, they are actually cheaper than many similar brands.
According to comparison studies, the Prius beats the hatchback average by $2,756, and the fact that there are only 11% chances of major repairs significantly reduces maintenance costs as well.
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Conclusion
The Toyota Prius has an impressive life expectancy of 250,000 miles or even 300,000 miles.
It is impossible to achieve such an achievement without paying attention to the car’s performance or its symptoms of defects. Make sure you keep a consistent maintenance schedule, and let me know if you run into any difficulties.
