2004 Toyota Prius recalls and problems
The 2004 Toyota Prius has 6 safety recalls and 610 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Toyota dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2004 Toyota Prius vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2004 Toyota Prius recalls
Recall 12V-537: Steering
Problem: Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2009 Prius vehicles manufactured August 5, 2003, through March 30, 2009. The affected vehicles have a steering intermediate extension shaft assembly built with metal splines that complete the connection from the steering wheel to the steering gear. These splines may have been manufactured with an insufficient hardness.
Risk: Over time, the splines may wear and eventually fail resulting in a loss of steering ability, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the extension shaft and replace it if it is one with insufficient hardness, free of charge. The recall began during December 2012. Owners may contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.
Recall 12V-536: Hybrid Propulsion System, Engine and Engine Cooling
Problem: Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2009 Prius vehicles manufactured August 6, 2003, through March 30, 2009 and FCHV-adv vehicles manufactured December 12, 2008, through September 13, 2011. During manufacturing, a scratch may have occurred inside of the electrically driven water pump at the coil wire. The coil wire may corrode at the scratched portion.
Risk: The corroded coil wire may break and the water pump could stop. The corroded coil wire could cause a short circuit between coil wires and a possible open fuse, creating a stall-like condition of the hybrid system while the vehicle is being driven. This may increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix: Toyota will notify its owners, and dealers will replace the electric water pump, free of charge. The recall began on January 17, 2013. Owners may contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.
Recall 09V-388: Vehicle Speed Control
Problem: Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2010 passenger vehicles. The accelerator pedal can get stuck in the wide open position due to its being trapped by an unsecured or incompatible driver's floor mat.
Risk: A stuck open accelerator pedal may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death.
Fix: Toyota filed an amended defect report on november 25, 2009, stating that dealers will modify the accelerator pedal and, on certain vehicles, alter the shape of the floor surface under the pedal. These changes address the risk of pedal entrapment due to interference with the floor mat. Redesigned accelerator pedals will become available beginning in april 2010 and dealers will replace any modified pedal with the new pedal if desired. Also, dealers will replace any genuine toyota or lexus all-weather floor mats with redesigned all-weather mats, or repurchase the previous mats from owners who do not want the new ones. Additionally, software modifications will be installed on camry, avalon and lexus es 350, is 350 and is 250 models that will ensure that the brake overrides the accelerator in the event both brake and accelerator pedals are applied. Toyota will begin mailing letters to owners on december 31, 2009. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331, lexus at 1-800-255-3987.
Recall 06V-188: Steering
Problem: The intermediate shaft and sliding yoke in the electric power steering system can crack when large forces are applied and the connection may separate or the sleeve may fracture.
Risk: This could result in a loss of steering control of the vehicle.
Fix: Toyota will replace the steering intermediate shaft and inspect the sliding yoke and replace it if necessary. The recall began on june 9, 2006. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Recall 06V-096: Air Bags
Problem: On certain vehicles, due to improper assembly of the air bag inflator, which is used in the side air bag, the curtain shield air bag, and the knee air bag assembly, some inflators were produced with an insufficient amount of the heating agents necessary for proper air bag deployment. In this condition, the expansion force of the gas may be insufficient to properly inflate the air bag when the SRS system is activated during a crash.
Risk: This may increase the risk of injury to the occupant in the involved seating position in the event of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the specific SRS air bag. The recall began on april 6, 2006. Owners may contact toyota at 1-888-270-9371, scion at 1-866-548-1851, or lexus at 1-800-255-3987.
Recall 04V-558: Exterior Lighting
Problem: Certain passenger vehicles may be equipped with an improperly designed brake light switch. A silicon oxide build-up occurs on the contacts inside the brake light switch, which can make it inoperable.
Risk: If the switch is inoperable, the brake lights will not illuminate and can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the brake light switch. The recall began during december 2004. Owners should contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
2004 Toyota Prius problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior Lighting | 185 | |
| Electrical System | 184 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 95 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 52 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 39 | |
| Power Train | 34 | |
| Service Brakes | 21 | |
| Air Bags | 18 | |
| Unknown or Other | 14 | |
| Service Brakes, Electric | 13 | |
| Steering | 10 | |
| Visibility | 9 |
Most reported parts
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 29
- Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 17
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline — 15
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 12
- Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery — 11
- Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel — 10
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 9
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System — 5
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 72,436 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2004 Toyota Prius complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Toyota Prius years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2004 Toyota Prius have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2004 Toyota Prius: 12V-537 (steering), 12V-536 (hybrid propulsion system, engine and engine cooling), 09V-388 (vehicle speed control), 06V-188 (steering), 06V-096 (air bags) and more. Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2004 Toyota Prius?
Owners report exterior lighting problems most often (185 reports), followed by electrical system (184). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 72,436 miles.
Are Toyota recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Toyota dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.