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I have owned, driven, and fixed a plethora of Prius over the years. As someone who has battled all the problems in the trenches, I have learned a thing or two about what ones are good and what ones to stay away from.
I can also tell you if you are looking to buy what to look for. Here are my three reasons to not buy a 2010-2013 Toyota Prius.
Reason Number One: Headgasket Failure
The generation 3 Prius was a complete redesign starting in 2010. Everything about it was new, including the larger 1.8L all-aluminum engine.
Owners loved these cars, at first. Then the issues started rolling in. The first significant problem people began to encounter was a failing head gasket. If you have not read my other article on knowing if your head gasket is failing, read it here.
Head gasket failure is an expensive repair. Most of the time, people let it go too long and end up bending a connecting rod; at that point, you are better off installing a new engine.
After doing multiple head gasket repairs on these cars, I can tell you if you do not catch it early, plan to trade the vehicle in or plan to put an engine in it.
If you can get a car with a bad head gasket for cheap enough and clean, it could be worth your time to have it repaired. Many generation 3 owners have reported 50 to 60 miles per gallon on a good working car, which could be worth it.
Costs for an engine swap or gasket repair usually range in the $2500 to $5000 range, something to consider when purchasing.
Reason Number Two: Inverter Failure
To be fair, Toyota did their best to recall any faulty inverter, but unlike Pokemon, they did not catch them all. Inverters still are failing, and do not expect the repair to be cheap.
A new OE inverter can run you well over $2000, not including diag time or labor to install. Refurbished units from other hybrid places are around $650 before install.
Not a cheap repair, and what is worse, there are no warning signs as to when it could fail. Buyer beware.
Reason Number 3: Ridiculous Maintenance
Two things that grind my gears on Gen 3 Prius are the EGR system that always gets plugged up and the electric water pump.
I understand why the components are there, but honestly, is a regular water pump putting that much additional drag on the engine? Sure, an electric water pump can run when the car is off, but when these things fail, you are really stranded.
New pumps can cost around $650 to have replaced, and that does not include your tow. So, what about the EGR system? Glad you asked.
The EGR system is there to help lower tailpipe emissions which translates into a nightmare. When the exhaust is pushed back into the intake, it carries with it tiny bits of carbon.
These carbon bits get hung up in the cooler and all the tiny ports inside the intake manifold. The carbon builds upon itself and becomes a hardened nightmare to clean. Not to mention that you have to clean it, or it will help contribute to a faster-failing head gasket.
Unfortunately, we will always have carbon build-up as a by-product of the exhaust fumes getting pumped out through our exhaust systems. So, plan on spending a few hundred bucks every 90,000 miles or so to have the system cleaned out thoroughly.
Conclusion
Are Gen 3 Prius bad cars? Not necessarily; they can be pretty good and reliable if all the issues are dealt with and the vehicle has been well maintained. If the EGR is cleaned out regularly, oil changes are done on time, and any open recalls have been taken care of, these cars are pretty good.
As I stated earlier, if you can find a clean one with some issues and get it for cheap, it is worth the investment. But to buy a Gen 3 in an unknown condition is financial suicide.
Need some extra help? See what Pro Tip I can offer while checking out a used Prius.
I hope this helps. That is all for today. Be sure to check out some of my other articles on Prius and follow me on Twitter for all the latest updates trending in the hybrid and EV world. @the_hybrid_guy
Check out this wild new battery tech that Tesla has and why it will forever change the auto industry.
Peter Neilson is an automotive consultant specializing in electric cars and hybrid battery technologies. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Automotive Service Technology from Weber State University. Peter can be reached on Linkedin and you can tweet him at The_hybrid_guy on Twitter. Find his page on Facebook at Certified Auto Consulting. Read more of Peter's stories at Toyota news coverage on Torque News. Search Toyota Prius Torque News for more in depth Prius coverage from our reporters.
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Comments
The 2010-2015 Prius’ are
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The 2010-2015 Prius’ are designed terrible inside . The middle control panel with shifter give me a claustrophobic feeling & limited space. I would not buy one for that reason (too)
Bought a 2011 new 11 years
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Bought a 2011 new 11 years ago. Now has 230 K miles. No issues, routine maintenance. Hybrid batteries continue to work fine. Do you recommend to replace HG ?
We have two, a 2010 & 2011.
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We have two, a 2010 & 2011. Both have been awesome, reliable cars both with over 150k miles. One is starting to consume a bit more oil but overall we love these cars! Best cars we have ever owned.
I have 2013 Prius V, 110k
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I have 2013 Prius V, 110k passed. None of the issues reported here has occurred and neither any other repair. Just oil change is the only maintenance.
Gasket masters on YouTube are
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Gasket masters on YouTube are awesome for the head gasket service job.
It's obvious you have a bone
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It's obvious you have a bone to pick or a strategy to have Toyota pay you to shut up.
I did have an Inverter fail and they reached it at no charge and offer a lifetime warranty.
They are still known for the longest mileage car and most dependable. I worked for Denso for 14 years and Toyota had the highest standards.
You have lost my confidence in your integrity and credibility.
The inverter recall extends
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The inverter recall extends the warranty for 15 years and unlimited miles.
2011 original owner. I loved
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2011 original owner. I loved this car until recently. One cold day the hybrid system alert can on. Took it in and was told I needed a new engine because the spark plugs are fouled up. Turns out oil blows part low tension rings is common. I've got almost 200k miles on it
Sorry to hear about all these
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Sorry to hear about all these people’s problem. I just recently donated my 2010 Prius w almost 200,000 miles to a student organization. The car was fantastic and we only had a repeat minor problem with one of the headlights The car cost very little to take care of and of course the gas savings was wonderful I now own a 2021
2013 Prius with 179k on runs
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2013 Prius with 179k on runs perfect replaced brakes and 12volt battery. Love this car!!!
This article is soooo
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This article is soooo subjective. I have a 2010 Prius with 220,000 miles and it is running fine. Just had to change the electric battery at 180,000 miles.
A 2010, 2013 and 2016 here.
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A 2010, 2013 and 2016 here. The 10 , and 13 are both over 200k. Even if there was an issue now they have been the most reliable and lowest cost of ownership cars in way over 2 million miles of driving. Brakes every 100k and change, tires every 80-90k and basic fluid changes, and this is in NY traffic and crappy roads. Also have a land cruiser.
2014 111000 miles no problems
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2014 111000 miles no problems, recommend Chevron w Techron for a clean machine.
I purchased my 2013 with 115
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I purchased my 2013 with 115,000 miles on it in 2015. It now has 135,000 miles because I don't drive very much. Very satisfied with my Prius. No problems whatsoever.
Mine is a 2015 prius with 305
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Mine is a 2015 prius with 305,000 miles now. Still running excellent. Still with original hybrid battery. No HG issues. No inverter issues. Oil change every 5k miles. Replaced elec water pump at 200k miles. didnt fail, just a preventive. Spark plugs every 100k. Still getting 50miles/gal avg.
Mine is a 2015 prius with 305
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Mine is a 2015 prius with 305,000 miles now. Still running excellent. Still with original hybrid battery. No HG issues. No inverter issues. Oil change every 5k miles. Replaced elec water pump at 200k miles. didnt fail, just a preventive. Spark plugs every 100k. Still getting 50miles/gal avg.
I bought a 2012 V the
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I bought a 2012 V the beginning of 2020. 136k miles. I should've done more homework. Within a month or two I had taken it on a 500+ miles trip. Oil level was down to the tip of the stick. Battery degrading code. Water pump failed right at 150k. I replaced myself, so not too bad. $125. New front struts last year at the dealer. $800-$900. The oil consumption is really bad still. 500 miles at 70mph and you better have a couple more quarts handy. If an unaware person had bought this car, they wouldn't killed it in 1000 miles. Luckily, I have just kept it running and dealt with the issues. Just did brakes all around myself. I'm thinking of driving it until it dies and replace the engine with a 2015+ and getting either a new Toyota battery or the new Lithium conversions. The body and interior are beautiful, and it's a Five trim level. Sitting at 179,000 miles now.
My 2010 has 338k miles, and
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My 2010 has 338k miles, and it's still going strong. Regular oil changes.
I dont beleive Peter Neilson
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I dont beleive Peter Neilson has any credibility. I would like to know his proof with substantiated evidence. I'm calling his bluff because I have the background.
All he has is talk. He writes articles and complains to raise his popularity.
Being a writer does not qualify you.
You are the reason this world is so corrupt. You spray your poison into the minds of anyone who would listen.
I don't feel sorry for you, I fell sorry for those that don't have a choice but to be related to you. Especially family. But you probably have them brainwashed.
I pray God has mercy on you.
just purchased 2013 Prius V.
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just purchased 2013 Prius V. needs engine. what best year should I by to replace bad engine ?
My 2013 Prius V suffered
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My 2013 Prius V suffered inverter failure at 150,000 miles and head gasket failure at 166,000 miles. Very disappointing.
2013 Prius V unable to start
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2013 Prius V unable to start to get into ready mode. I'm dreading the possible inverter failure 147K KM, investigating now. This guys is not scare mongering he is right, see the US Class action lawsuit making Toyota give 15 warranty on prius inverters.