2004 Toyota Prius electrical system problems
Owners reported electrical system problems in 184 complaints for the 2004 Toyota Prius, 25% of the complaints on file. It is the 2nd most reported problem area for this model year.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 184 25% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 29,000 miles 149 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 4 and 2
- Injuries and deaths
- 1 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When electrical system problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 64 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 17 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 13 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 10 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 6 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 7 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 8 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 7 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 6 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 1 |
| 200k+ miles | 10 |
What the data shows
Of the 149 electrical system complaints that report mileage, the median is about 29,000 miles, and 63% were reported before 60,000 miles.
These complaints mention 4 crashes, 2 fires, 1 injury.
What owners wrote
2004 toyota prius having problems starting.* the consumer stated after several tries, the vehicle started, however when he shifted into the drive, the engine raced and the vehicle lurched forward rapidly, even though the accelerator had not been applied. The consumer was unable to stop the vehicle by using the brakes. The vehicle continued forward about 25 feet and crashed into a garage. The consumer received minor scratches to his knee. The consumer also noted that the air bags did not deploy.
I am the owner of a 2004 prius. After buying my car used 2 years ago I noticed that once in awhile the display, including fuel consumption, speedometer, odometer, and more, would not light up and that the car would not turn off easily several times I have been in situations where I have little gas an am unable to see my gas gauge or know how fat iam going on the highway. I understand that this was once covered by toyota under the warranty extension but is not considered a safety concern.
Other problems reported for the 2004 Toyota Prius
- Lighting 185 complaints
- Engine 98 complaints
- Brakes 76 complaints
- Cruise control 52 complaints
- Air bags 18 complaints
- Drivetrain & axles 18 complaints
- Transmission 16 complaints