Prius Owner Repair Warning from Toyota Mechanic

Looking for Mr. Goodwrench
In past articles we’ve learned about the problem-fraught experience many car owners have had when going to a dealership mechanic to work on your car. Many of us, however, still go to the dealership either because your vehicle is still under warranty and/or because it makes sense to have a mechanic who is supposed to be a specialist for your model.

Related article: A Dealership Horror Story That Could Happen to You

But what if you go another route such as asking around for a mechanic recommendation from a friend or co-worker? Word-of-mouth can be a safer bet at times when you do not have much faith in the honesty and integrity of a local dealership.

However---as in all things---there are exceptions to this, that require a caveat to amend to such advice and recommendations: You have to check the mechanic out!

Prius Requires Specialized Training for Repairs
That was the message in a recent Toyota Maintenance YouTube video that demonstrates what happened when a Prius owner decided to go to not just one, but two separate non-dealership garages for an engine misfiring problem with their 2013 Prius Plug-In Hybrid.

After having the parts cannon fired at the Prius and no resolution to the engine misfiring problem (while incurring unnecessary repair charges), the Prius wound up in the hands of the host’s garage where he found problems with what the other garages had done that include:

• Replacing parts (that did not need replacing) with the wrong parts
• Loss of parts while doing repairs
• Breakage of components without repairing the damage done
• Tools left lying loose in the engine that could have caused serious damage to the vehicle

The host explains that when you own a Prius that you need to find a mechanic with specialized training and experience when having work done. While many engines and their problems are similar, some models more than others require a mechanic with experience working on those models in particular. Had the owner gone to a non-dealership garage that had been vetted for actual Prius working experience, the odds are better of a happier result for the owner.

Related article: Trusted Mechanic Saves Toyota Owner Thousands from Repair Estimate Overcharge

That said, here is the video that is a good example of what happens when the wrong person works on a Prius and how it can cost you lost time and money, as well as aggravation when your vehicle is being repaired…but isn’t.

Do yourself a favor, hire a specialist

And finally…

For additional articles related to Prius care and repair, here are a few for your consideration:

• Toyota Prius Hybrid Battery Replacement Warning

• Protecting Your Prius from Catalytic Converter Theft

• The Once in a Lifetime Toyota Prius Maintenance You Will Ever Have to Do

COMING UP NEXT: The Toyota Most Likely to be Targeted for Catalytic Converter Theft

Timothy Boyer is a Torque News automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites for daily new and used vehicle news.

Image Source: Pixabay