2006 Toyota Prius

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 1,440 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the headlights. It has been recalled 6 times.

Avoid One of the Toyota Prius years to avoid: 4.6× the complaints of a typical Prius year. Which Toyota Prius years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
50,000 milesMedian miles at failure

1,249 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 40,000–50,000 miles.

Most common 2006 Toyota Prius problems

888 of the 1,440 complaints (62%) are about the headlights.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Exterior Lighting · headlights770
501
Exterior Lighting › Headlights · headlights118
000
Electrical System107
110
Service Brakes · brakes68
1418
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · brakes67
701
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration58
1226
Service Brakes, Electric · brakes42
702
Air Bags · airbags19
14012
Steering17
203
Engine16
100

2006 Toyota Prius headlights problems

62% of all complaints

888 of the 1,440 complaints are about the headlights.

Share of the 888 headlights complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
48,000 mi
median of 802 reports
Peak year of filing
2009
357 headlights complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
5 · 0 · 1
in these complaints
Recalls on the headlights
None
“The right or left headlight will rabdomly turn off, and tyrn back there 8s no ryme or readon to it,and while driving at night it is cery dangerous, aparebtly its not just this car, this is a common issue and it needs to be fixed”
Owner complaint, filed Aug 28, 2024
“One afternoon, in the Summer of 23, I entered my Toyota Prius to run some errands. Once I proceeded to power on the car, none of the dashboard lights illuminated. This included the gas gauge, speedometer & transmission indicator. Fortunately, I was only driving a few blocks down the road from my residence as I live in a small rural town with little congestion, little traffic and mostly two-lane roads.”
Owner complaint, filed Apr 2, 2024

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
2006: 17 complaints, 1 about the headlights'062007: 33 complaints, 13 about the headlights2008: 220 complaints, 200 about the headlights'082009: 396 complaints, 357 about the headlights2010: 349 complaints, 157 about the headlights'102011: 60 complaints, 33 about the headlights2012: 52 complaints, 27 about the headlights'122013: 49 complaints, 27 about the headlights2014: 46 complaints, 18 about the headlights'142015: 44 complaints, 16 about the headlights2016: 41 complaints, 15 about the headlights'162017: 24 complaints, 5 about the headlights2018: 39 complaints, 9 about the headlights'182019: 30 complaints, 6 about the headlights2020: 10 complaints, 1 about the headlights'202021: 8 complaints, 0 about the headlights2022: 8 complaints, 1 about the headlights'222023: 3 complaints, 0 about the headlights2024: 6 complaints, 2 about the headlights'242025: 2 complaints, 0 about the headlights2026: 3 complaints, 0 about the headlights'26Recall 06V096000 (airbags)Recall 06V188000 (steering)Recall 09V388000 (throttle and acceleration)Recall 10V036000 (equipment)Recall 12V536000 (hybrid system)Recall 12V537000 (steering)NHTSA investigation DP22005NHTSA investigation DP13001NHTSA investigation PE09019
All complaintsAbout the headlightsRecall (red: the headlights)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 2006 Prius peaked in 2009, with 396 filed that year. No recall on file covers the headlights, the subject of 62% of the complaints. In 2026 owners filed 3 so far.

6 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Hybrid Propulsion System › Inverter12V536000
Filed Nov 14, 2012350,662 vehiclesToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Defect. 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.

Remedy. 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.

Steering › Gear Box › Shaft Sector12V537000
Filed Nov 14, 2012669,705 vehiclesToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Defect. 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.

Remedy. 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.

Equipment › Other › Labels10V036000
Filed Feb 3, 2010153,418 vehiclesSoutheast Toyota Distributors, LLC

Defect. SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.

Risk. A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.

Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal09V388000
Filed Oct 5, 20094,445,056 vehiclesToyota Motor North America, Inc.

Defect. 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.

Remedy. 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.

Steering › Electric Power Assist System06V188000
Filed May 31, 2006170,856 vehiclesToyota Motor North America, Inc.

Defect. 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.

Remedy. 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.

Air Bags06V096000
Filed Apr 3, 2006133 vehiclesToyota Motor North America, Inc.

Defect. 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.

Remedy. 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.

All 6 campaigns on file, newest first.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 3 name the 2006 Prius.

Pedestrian alert soundsDefect petition DP22005Closed
Opened Jan 27, 2023Closed Aug 7, 2023Led to recall 22V063000electrical system

NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after …

Intermediate Steering Shaft SeparationDefect petition DP13001Closed
Opened Feb 21, 2013Closed Apr 8, 2020steering

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a January 2013 defect petition requesting that it open an investigation on Model Year (MY) 2004-2009 Toyota Prius vehicles to address a possible manufacturing safety defect related to the steering column intermediate shaft.During the defect petition evaluation, ODI: 1.Reviewed the petition and its enclosures; 2.Reviewed the subject steering system layout; 3.Examined the Petition Vehicle?s history, including its repair history; 4.Reviewed and followed-up potentially related consumer complaints; 5.Assessed Safety Recalls 06V-188 and 12V-537; …

HEADLIGHT FAILUREPreliminary evaluation PE09019Closed
Opened Apr 17, 2009Closed Aug 27, 2009headlights

Odi opened this investigation after receiving reports that both headlights would go out, or extinguish while driving.the subject vehicles are equipped with high intensity discharge (hid) headlamps that operate on independent lamps and ecu's (electronic control units) for each headlight, meaning that each headlight runs independently of the other, and a failure in one lamp or ecu does not necessarily result in a failure of the other.during the investigation, a random sample of forty consumers was contacted by odi in a telephone survey to verify their experiences.the consumers stated in …

Technical service bulletins

210 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2006 Prius. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

equipment 67electrical system 46body and frame 27engine 15brakes 12tires 9airbags 6backup camera 3
ZG1_Dealer emailWarranty extensionApr 19, 2016brakes

Dealer email: In these vehicles, Toyota has received some reports where various brake system related warning lamps illuminate due to internal malfunctions of the Brake Actuator assembly. Although the Brake Actuator Assembly is covered by Toyota?s New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 3 years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at Toyota care about the …

ZG1_Dealer LetteWarranty extensionApr 19, 2016equipment

Dealer Letter: In these vehicles, Toyota has received some reports where various brake system related warning lamps illuminate due to internal malfunctions of the Brake Actuator assembly. Although the Brake Actuator Assembly is covered by Toyota?s New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 3 years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at Toyota care about the …

ZG1_Region emailWarranty extensionApr 18, 2016brakes

Region email: In these vehicles, Toyota has received some reports where various brake system related warning lamps illuminate due to internal malfunctions of the Brake Actuator assembly. Although the Brake Actuator Assembly is covered by Toyota?s New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 3 years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at Toyota care about the …

ZG1_Region LetteWarranty extensionApr 18, 2016brakes

Region Letter: In these vehicles, Toyota has received some reports where various brake system related warning lamps illuminate due to internal malfunctions of the Brake Actuator assembly. Although the Brake Actuator Assembly is covered by Toyota?s New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 3 years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at Toyota care about the …

POL-11-01Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMar 4, 2011headlights

TOYOTA: 2006-2009 PRIUS. WARRANTY INFORMATION FOR HEADLIGHTS. *RM

TC-09-018Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsDec 16, 2009headlights

TOYOTA: HID HEADLIGHT CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM. UNLIKE HALOGEN LIGHT BULBS WHICH SIMPLY STOP WORKING AT THE END OF THEIR USEFUL LIFE, AS THE HID BULB NEARS THE END OF LIFE IT MAY EXHIBIT A CONDITION WHERE THE BULB MAY FLICKER OR INTERMITTENTLY BE INOPERATIVE. CSC LETTER HAS BEEN REC'D. *PE

T-SB-0030-08Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMay 12, 2008headlights

HID HEADLIGHT SYSTEM - DIAGNOSTIC TIPS. *NJ UPDATED 6/17/08. *NJ

What owners reported

Newest filings
Electrical System
Filed Oct 27, 2026CA

The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to turn off intermittently, requiring that the power button to be pressed continuously until the vehicle turned off. In addition, the instrument cluster was inoperable often. The contact stated that a chime failed to engage while reversing. A triangle warning light was previously illuminated. The message "Tire Pressure Maintenance Needed" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the failure was primarily associated with the instrument cluster. The dealer determined that the instrument cluster and other unknown components needed to be replaced.

Service BrakesCrash1 injured
Filed May 7, 2026IL

I was involved in an auto accident on 4/20/2026 @ 6:23 PM. I was driving a 2006 Prius and the vehicle in front of me stopped to make a left turn. I applied my brakes, which grabbed slightly and then released. I then had to hit the brakes hard and they did the same thing again. I ended up rear-ending the vehicle in front of me and had to go to the hospital. I’ve been out of work since the accident, and I feel this was not my fault DUE TO FAULTY BRAKING SYSTEM ON THIS VEHICLE. My vehicle was declared a total loss, by the insurance company After doing my own research I have found many accidents with this type of vehicle that has had rear end accidents with injuries and some fatalities. it also shows not only this 2nd generation with this problem however the 3rd generation Prius as well. I have been out of work since the accident. I'm asking for a complete and thorough investigation into this and a satisfactory resolution to this so that it doesn't happen to anyone else. There were no warning indicators of any kind prior to the accident plus I had paid over 2000 dollars' worth of work and a set of 4 new tires put on this vehicle prior to this incident. Please advise and thank you.

Service Brakes
Filed Mar 13, 2026FL

I am looking to receive a little bit more assistance regarding my daughter's first car that she worked very hard for. It is a 2006 Toyota Prius. It was garage-kept and owned by an older couple who only put 85,000 miles on it. It is really a gem of a car. Soon after we registered the car, my daughter was out driving with her father. While going through a 4-way stop, she found that the brakes had failed and she was unable to stop at the intersection. Luckily, she was with her father, and he was able to give her verbal instruction to guide the both of them to safety. Upon further investigation, we learned that there was a recall on the Brake Actuator Assembly in 2016. Which is the part that has failed and almost caused my 16 year old daughter to crash the car she worked hard for. I contacted the Toyota Brand Engagement Center. It was stated to me that the recall has expired, however, I feel that the fact that a recall was issued means that it was recognized by Toyota that the vehicle was sold with a faulty brake system. This, in and of itself, is a hazard and could be fatal. This should be addressed and the brake system should be replaced as it is no fault to any owner regardless of the recall expiry date. We look forward to your timely response on how we can remedy this very serious safety issue. My daughter was super excited as she worked very hard to save up for her first Toyota and get it registered only to find that the brake system fails.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Oct 6, 2025150,000 milesOR

The contact owned a 2006 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while slowly driving into an intersection and turning left at less than 3 MPH, the owner of a Ford F-150 coming from the driver's side of the vehicle at 35 MPH crashed into their driver's side door. The crash caused the vehicle to slide to a complete stop. None of the air bags deployed. The driver of the Ford F-150 stated that the sun created a glare, preventing them from noticing the red light they had driven through. The contact's vehicle was towed and deemed totaled by their insurance. A police report was filed. The contact received a broken rib, rotator cuff, whiplash, and back injuries. Medical attention was needed. The dealer was not informed of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 2, 2025DE

The following describes a near total failure of the brake system that accompanies and is triggered by routine aging of the battery. I believe this applies to multiple model years and editions of the Prius, based on reports by other owners on owners' discussion groups. I believe this should have the highest severity level. Here is what happens: An alarm is sounded, several warning lights ABS, VCS appear, and soon after that, the front brakes stop working. The rear brakes then prove ineffective and lock up. The happens with high frequency under any of the following conditions: (a) as the battery approaches 3yrs age, (b) it is excessively cold outside. (c) there is a higher than typical load on the 12V system from any of a variety of reasons. After installing a fresh new 12V battery, the above happens with much less frequency. There no warning on the dashboard to indicate that the condition of the 12V battery is not safe for operation of the vehicle. It seems clear that the route cause is that the brake control unit is configured within inadequate tolerance for the normal aging of the 12V battery, compounded by the absence of warning on the dash. This probably traces back to a poorly chosen LDO voltage regulator in the design of the brake control unit. Recommendation: Review the electrical designs for the brake control unit, all model years, replace as needed and update the dash board computer to provide warning when the battery condition is not sufficient for safe operation of

Electrical System
Filed Dec 26, 2024ID

The light up display for the odometer, fuel gauge, and speedometer does not always light up. When it is not lit, the cruise control and any warning and informative alarms/lights also do not work. This is a well-known issue among owners of these cars, related to the capacitors on the circuit board for the display being defective, and there is extensive documentation of it online. It may also have had a technical service bulletin released for the issue, but I'm not entirely sure. The light goes out intermittently and is not always consistently out. I did mention it to the service personnel when I took it in to get recalls repaired recently, and they didn't seem surprised or unaware of the issue. I did not ask them to diagnose or fix it, as I know I can get it done for a better deal elsewhere.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Aug 28, 2024OH

The right or left headlight will rabdomly turn off, and tyrn back there 8s no ryme or readon to it,and while driving at night it is cery dangerous, aparebtly its not just this car, this is a common issue and it needs to be fixed

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 27, 2024TN

The actuator failed. The car is no longer safe to drive. This is a known issue. The company refused to fix the issue or recall the car. The warning lights and a loud beep are present if the vehicle is started.

SteeringCrash1 injured
Filed Jul 17, 202477,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the steering wheel erroneously steered to the left direction on its own. The contact used force to maneuver the vehicle however the steering wheel independently veered again to the left, right, left, and then back to the right. The vehicle crashed into a curb, and violently accelerated across 2 lanes of oncoming traffic where a van crashed into the vehicle head-on. The air bags deployed upon impact. The contact sustained 11 fractured bones (L1 through L5 lower lumbar, pelvic, pelvis, 11th rib, and sacrum) and received medical attention via trauma center where she remained for over 2 weeks. The other driver of the van sustained unknown injuries but did not receive any known medical attention. A police report was not on file for the incident. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 77,000.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Apr 2, 2024NC

One afternoon, in the Summer of 23, I entered my Toyota Prius to run some errands. Once I proceeded to power on the car, none of the dashboard lights illuminated. This included the gas gauge, speedometer & transmission indicator. Fortunately, I was only driving a few blocks down the road from my residence as I live in a small rural town with little congestion, little traffic and mostly two-lane roads. I can't imagine this occurring in a much larger metropolitan city. When I arrived at my destination, I discovered that my Prius wouldn't shut off. This dashboard malfunction was preventing the Toyota from powering off. I quickly completed my errands with my vehicle running during this entire ordeal. Finally, when I returned home, I frantically researched on YouTube regarding this issue and discovered many others who also were having these no-illuminating-dashboard problems. Some YouTubers offered workarounds but the solutions will be temporary as the problem will eventually worsen until the Prius owners have no working dashboard lights. From the way I understand it, this problem is nothing more than a small computer board that's behind the speedometer and this computer board has a small diode that tends to burn out on all kinds of Toyota Priuses when it reaches around 150,000 miles.

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 14, 2024TX

The ABS Sensor on the brakes failed while driving on the highway. This could have caused an accident. These modules should last the lifetime of the car.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 19, 2023WA

I was Driving down the main road at night time in my 2006 prius and the headlights both went out and all most caused a crash. I pulled over turned my car off then back on and the headlights came back on so i started driving home. After driving a couple blocks i was pulled over by the police because my drivers side headlight was off. Luckily he let me go with a warning, but i work at night and am losing money daily because of this problem. I sent toyota a email and no answer. There has been many electrical problems with this car and the speedometer still says i am deiving 34 to 35 mph while i am actually only going 30mph. I think that toyota should fully fix the problems in thos car. Its amazing there can be so much wrong with a vehicle and they not have to replace the vehicle with a vehicle that works or fix all the problems and give me a loaner vehicle. I will upload a picture of what the toyota dealership nearest to me wanted just to replace 1 bulb ans the balast wires going to the light for one loght they want $211.34 and that is just for the bulb and wire. For there time they said each bulb and wire would be around $500 worth of repair time to pay for them to put the new light and wire in so for one lightbulb with rhe wire would be about $800-$1000 for the dealership to replace the parts, so basically $2000 to replace both light bulbs and the wires and pay the toyota company to put them in. If you look at the estimate it is for 1 bulb and 1wire and that would be the price

Service Brakes
Filed Jun 3, 2023170,000 milesCA

My 2006 prius has 170000 miles, recently has abs brake actuator making sounds everytime when turn off.

Service Brakes
Filed Mar 11, 2023AL

Brake actuator is not working properly and will eventually get us in an accident. We bought the car brand new. There is a recall for this issue, but we were never notified by Toyota. After contacting Toyota, they claim we are out of the recall dates and will do nothing. I have requested a copy of the letter they should have sent you notifying us of this issue. They cannot provide one. I would like to be able to fix this car; I cannot afford another car or such an expensive repair caused by a defective Toyota part. Please, help us. Thank you.

Power Train › Automatic TransmissionCrash
Filed Oct 7, 2022168,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while she was sitting in the vehicle that was parked in the garage, the vehicle accelerated on its own and proceeded to move forward while the emergency brake was activated, and no warning light illuminated. The vehicle struck the contacts home going inside the home. The contact stated the vehicle was not on, but the vehicle started on its own once the vehicle was pulled from the inside of the home. The contact legs where stuck in between the front side door of the vehicle but did not seek any medical attention. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not towed. The dealer or the manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 168,000.

Engine
Filed Sep 7, 2022265,817 milesIL

The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while his wife was attempting to stop the engine and turn off the vehicle, the vehicle failed to turn off. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact's wife was able to drive safely to the residence. The contact disconnected the battery and conducted a personal diagnostic test and the vehicle was operable. The vehicle was not diagnosed by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 265,817.

Electrical System
Filed Aug 13, 2022AL

Randomly the instrument panel (dashboard) does not turn on with the vehicle.

Service Brakes
Filed May 29, 2022FL

The abs actuator is bad. Cant stop nor use the rechargeable braking. Very dangerous.

Service Brakes
Filed May 16, 2022PR

Power braking goes out and ringing in car with brakes and abs light on. Have to press extra hard to brake car. Also anther time coming out of a parking lot in reverse and brakes just stopped car as if I had hit something but had not hit anything.

Service Brakes, Air › Antilock › Abs Warning Light
Filed Apr 20, 2022243,000 milesMA

The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while getting into the vehicle, there was a loud buzzing sound coming from the brakes. The contact stated that the brake, anti-slip regulation, ABS, and vehicle stability control warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the brake was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with an accumulator failure. The part was replaced; however, the failure recurred consistently. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 243,000.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Apr 2, 2022DE

Headlights Malfunctioning. Red triangle light has been present since the week after purchase. 2006 Prius was inspected by Toyota and a private technician. Headlights and 2 Relay fuses have been replaced and is still malfunctioning. This is a safety risk having headlights not working properly can cause accidents on dark roads at night. This should not be at owners expense when it is clearly a manufacturing issue. This causes owners to be ticketed as it is deemed to be a road hazard and it can not pass inspection due to faulty headlights.

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 19, 2022IN

When I brake and also go over a bump my 2006 Prius lurches forward. The traction control light illuminates. The faulty traction control system sent me into a 1-2 second lurch forward with zero brakes. Then the brake engage then I can stop. I told the dealer about it and they told me there is reprogram fix for the ECM but only 2008 to 2009 which a 2nd generation as my car since 2nd generation is 2005 to 2009 but they said we can do it for my car. I am not sure how they decide what year it can be applied to within the same generation which has the same exact parts. I am sure many prius owners have the same issue, you can see it from the bumpers detached at one side on the front and maybe both side becuase this how it was when i got my car who ever owned must have went through braking issue and i am sure he was shocked sinc i have driven so many csrs and non of them have this issue.

Service Brakes
Filed Oct 1, 2021FL

In June of 2018 My brake actuator failed on my 2006 Prius. At that time I had 169,689 miles on the vehicle. I had the part replaced at Autonation, a Toyota dealership for $2626 . Recently I had noticed that while sitting at a stoplight I was hearing a tapping noise at the brakes along with what they refer to as a 'seal bark'. The same sounds the car was making just before the actuator failed three years before. A few days later I was driving south on highway 19 in Saint Petersburg during a light rainstorm. Traffic slowed quickly in front of me. I pressed on the brake pedal and the brakes locked up. The ABS was not working. I was barely able to avoid a crash. On September 27th I took the car to the same Toyota dealership that had replaced the actuator three years earlier. I told them about the noises at the brakes and told them these were the same sounds the car was making when the actuator failed the first time. They checked it out and told me that everything was working fine and that the car was not issuing any error codes. They could hear the same noises that I could, but said that I would need to continue to drive the car until the actuator failed to the point that it lit up dash lights or issued error codes. I logged on to PriusChat to search for what other people were seeing. I am not alone in this. Many others have had the same experience with the dealerships saying 'drive it till it fails'. Drive it until you lose your brakes? If I'm in this situation, then how many ot

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 23, 2021FL

Discovered through failures repeated to dealers that certain items (Brakes, dashboard, et. al.) were recalled by Toyote. Never received recall notices. Contacted Toyota who demanded the vehicle be taken to dealer and now refuses to do anything. Have complete documentation to attach to this communication. Essentially: Dashboard failed, brakes failed when auto in operation. Likely there are UNKNOWN additional recalls, etc. of which we were not noticed

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 18, 2021FL

Vehicle, upon turning on ignition/starting and putting in either drive or reverse gear, on level surface with brakes still applied will roll forward or backward. This has happened several times but usually at first start up for the day No warning lights(brake or other) are displayed Brake pedal is firm /no problems with pads/shoes ,brakes work fine any other time. I have called the local toyota dealer and toyota(company) and told them about this safety issue but was told i would have to pay to get it diagnosed . No one other than my wife child and i experienced this problem . Fortunately no one has gotten hurt. Was suprised to learn that this problem is not a part of a recall.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jul 26, 2021167,000 milesGA

The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost power and immediately regained power. Approximately 24 hours later the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the hybrid water pump was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in the NHTSA campaign number 12V536000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Hybrid Propulsion System). The contact indicated that the vehicle experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 167,000.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 6, 2021160,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that the vehicle intermittently failed to shut-off as needed with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer on three separate occasions and the mechanic was able to either disconnect the battery or shut-off the vehicle as designed. The manufacturer had been notified of the failure and informed him that the vehicle was out of warranty and that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The contact filed a case with the manufacturer. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000. Consumer stated Toyota is refusing to responsibility even with extended warranty if problem occurred after 2012.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jul 1, 2021MA

Hi, After being parked for about 1.5 hrs my back seat on the drivers side caught on fire. I understand this is where a battery is and that newer cars of this brand have had recalls for this problem.

Suspension
Filed Jun 7, 2021159,000 milesIL

The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Prius. While receiving an oil change by an independent mechanic, the contact was informed that there was a large crack to the engine cradle located on the undercarriage. The contact was informed by the mechanic that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The contact notified the manufacturer of the failure and was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 159,000.

SeatsCrash2 injured
Filed May 14, 2021121,000 milesVA

THE TOYOTA PRIUS 2006 WAS HIT FROM BEHIND (REAR ENDED) ON 05/13/2021 AND DRIVER'S SEAT COLLAPSED BACKWARDS, CAUSING A HEAD INJURY. THIS WAS NOT EXPECTED AND IS NOT ACCEPTABLE BY ANY SAFETY STANDARD. FORTUNATELY THERE WERE NO OTHER OCCUPANTS IN THE VEHICLE. THIS WAS A CHAIN COLLISION AND THE PRIUS WAS STATIONARY WHEN IT WAS HIT IN A SECONDARY COLLISION AND STILL THIS HAPPENED, WHAT IF OUR CAR WAS HIT IN THE PRIMARY COLLISION OR WHAT IF THERE WAS A CHILD ON THE BACK SEAT?! THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY BEHIND WAS ALSO STATIONARY BEFORE IT EXPERIENCED THE FIRST ORDER COLLISION. THESE SEATS DESERVE A SAFETY RECALL. ONE CAN FIND MANY OTHER SEAT COLLAPSING EVENTS, EVEN WITH CHILDREN KILLED OR BRAIN DAMAGED ON BACK SEATS. PLACE OF THE ACCIDENT: THE CHESAPEAKE EXPRESSWAY (168). ACCIDENT REPORT ATTACHED.

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 21, 2020136,000 milesFL

OWNER BEGAN NOTICING BRAKING PROBLEM IN NOVEMBER 2017. BRAKE PEDAL WOULD GO TO FLOOR WITH MINIMAL BRAKING. PROBLEM CONTINUED TO GET WORSE. OWNER TOOK VEHICLE TO TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AFTER HOLIDAY PERIOD ON 02/09/18 FOR DIAGNOSTICS. TOYOTA ADVISED OWNER OF FAILURE OF THE BRAKE ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY, $2500.00 REPAIR, AND DANGEROUS TO DRIVE VEHICLE WITHOUT REPAIR PERFORMED. TOYOTA WAS AWARE OF THIS SERIOUS BRAKE DEFECT IN THEIR VEHICLES AND ISSUED A WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM ZG1 TO CORRECT AT NO COST TO OWNERS. THE ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM ENDED 31 DECEMBER, 2017. MY VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH EXACT BRAKE FAILURE PROBLEM 2 MONTHS LATER ON 09 FEBRUARY, 2018. TOYOTA REFUSES TO CORRECT THIS CATASTROPHIC BRAKE FAILURE. REQUEST NHTSA TO ISSUE NEW DIRECTION FOR TOYOTA TO CORRECT THIS CATASTROPHIC BRAKE FAILURE FOR PRIUS VEHICLES BEYOND THE 31 DECEMBER, 2017 DATE.

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 21, 2020149,000 milesGA

WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET, AND ALSO UPON BACK ROADS, THE BRAKES IN MY 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS SEEMED TO GRAB. THERE WAS ALSO A LOUD NOISE UPON BRAKING. THIS ISSUE WORSENED AND THE DASH LIGHTS LIT UP. I TOOK TO LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE BRAKE ACTUATOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED DUE TO SAFETY ISSUE OF BRAKES GOING OUT IN THE FUTURE. (NOT IF BUT WHEN). I WAS TOLD WHEN THE BRAKES GO OUT, I AM TO PUSH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND THE VEHICLE WOULD COAST TO A STOP. THIS IS AN UNSAFE CONDITION AND COULD HAPPEN WHILE BRAKING FOR A RED LIGHT OR BRAKING TO AVOID HITTING A DEER. THE COST TO FIX THIS BRAKE ACTUATOR ISSUE WILL BE APPX $3000. UPON FURTHER RESEARCH, TOYOTA KNEW OF THE ISSUE AND OFFERED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY THAT EXPIRED DEC 2017. THERE ARE SEVERAL OTHER COMPLAINTS OF THIS SAME ISSUE WITH OTHER '06 PRIUS OWNERS OF THIS HAPPENING BEFORE AND AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRED IN DEC OF 2017. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE WHICH COULD CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH WHEN THE BRAKES DO STOP WORKING AND NEEDS TO BE A RECALL, NOT AN EXTENDED WARRANTY THROUGH TOYOTA THAT EXPIRES.

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 21, 2020177,000 milesCA

THE BRAKE BOOSTER IS MAKING LOTS OF CHIRPING NOISE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED. WHILE I AM NOT GETTING ANY VISUAL INDICATORS OF FAILURE AT THIS MOMENT I BELIEVE (DUE TO MY OWN RESEARCH) THAT WHEN I DO THERE IS A HIGH CHANCE OF ME GETTING INTO A CAR ACCIDENT. I HAVE READ ON PRIUSCHAT.COM THAT SEVERAL PEOPLE HAD BRAKE FAILURE DUE TO THE FAULTY PUMP WHICH CAUSED A CAR WRECK. THIS IS A DANGEROUS PREDICAMENT TO BE IN AND TOYOTA SHOULD EXTEND THEIR WARRANTY TO COVER THE FAULTY EQUIPMENT THEY HAVE INSTALLED ON THESE VEHICLES BEFORE SOMEONE GETS SERIOUSLY HURT OR DIES.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 14, 2020240,000 milesCA

KNOWN PROBLEM WITH COMBINATION METER - FOUND IT SEARCHING ONLINE ONCE I REALIZED THIS WAS THE PROBLEM. I BOUGHT MY CAR USED AND SINCE IT IS NO LONGER COVERED BY TOYOTA, IT DIDN'T COME UP IN SEARCH. HAVING ISSUES WITH THERE BEING NO DISPLAY ON THE DASH AND VEHICLE NOT SHUTTING OFF FOR THE ENTIRE TIME I HAVE HAD THE CAR. IT ONLY HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE FOR SURE! CAN'T SEE SPEED, GAS, GEARS...ANYTHING ABOUT CAR WHETHER CAR STATIONARY OR MOVING.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 27, 2020202,000 milesID

ACCORDING TO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP WHERE I HAVE MY CAR MAINTAINED, MY 2006 PRIUS IS IN NEED OF A NEW MOTHERBOARD. APPARENTLY THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS PRIOR TO SO MANY MILES ON THE VEHICLE BUT I HAVE MISSED THIS DEADLINE AS MY CAR DID NOT SHOW THESE SYMPTOMS PRIOR TO THE CUTOFF.. MY PRIUS WHEN TURNED ON DOES NOT TURN ON THE DASH BOARD FEATURES SO I HAVE NO IDEA HOW FAST I AM DRIVING. ONCE I REACH MY DESTINATION I AM UNABLE TO TURN MY CAR OFF. THE POWER BUTTON DOES NOT RESPOND, USUALLY FOR SEVERAL HOURS. IN THESE CASES I USUALLY LEAVE MY CAR ON IN THE PARKING LOT WHERE I AM AND RETURN OVER THE NEXT SEVERAL HOURS TO CHECK ON IT. IT TENDS TO TURN OFF AFTER TAKING THE CAR FOR A LONG DRIVE SEVERAL HOURS LATER. THIS OCCURS ABOUT TWICE A MONTH NOW.

Engine
Filed Mar 10, 2020237,000 milesCT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 64 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HARTFORD TOYOTA SUPERSTORE LOCATED AT (135 W SERVICE RD, HARTFORD, CT 06120) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BATTERY AND TWO IGNITION COILS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED WHILE THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT AND THE ESP FAULT WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO LYNCH TOYOTA LOCATED AT (179 TOLLAND TURNPIKE, MANCHESTER, CT 06042) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT INVERTER WATER PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 237,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Feb 29, 2020163,000 milesTX

ABS WARNING LIGHT ARE NOW ON. FEEL CAR IS LOSING BREAK CAPABILITY. NO ACCIDENT BUT DO NOT FEEL CONFIDENT WITH THE BRAKE CAPACITY. TODAY I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE ABS ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY (CODE C1391) NEED TO BE REPLACE. LOOKING IN THE INTERNET AND IT LOOKS A VERY COMMON DEFECT FOR PRIUS. THIS IS A PRIUS 2006 WITH 163.000 MILES. TOYOTA KNOW ABOUT THIS, EXTENDED WARRANTY, BUT I AM OUT OUT THIS EXTENSION. BUT THIS SYSTEM SHOULD PROPERTY WORK FOR THE LIFE OF THE CAR.

Service Brakes
Filed Feb 13, 2020176,000 milesMD

I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY 95 SOUTH, ALMOST TO DELAWARE, AT NIGHT IN THE RAIN, AFTER 4 HOURS ON THE ROAD, EVERYTHING STOPPED WORKING. I COULDN'T ACCELERATE, I HAD NO BRAKES, AND EVENTUALLY EVEN MY LIGHTS WENT OUT. THE ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WAS OUT. I WAS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, AND DON'T EVEN KNOW HOW I GOT OFF THE HIGHWAY, AND TO A GAS STATION. THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER COULDN'T EVEN JUMP THE BATTERY ENOUGH TO GET THE CAR IN NEUTRAL, AND HAD A DIFFICULT TIME GETTING IT UP ON THE FLATBED TO TOW IT HOME. I COULDN'T EVEN LOCK THE DOORS. I HAD A NEW KEY MADE AT THE DEALERSHIP ON 10/17/19 AND I WAS USING THAT KEY FOR HOURS DRIVING TO CT AND A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER I WAS HALF WAY HOME WHEN EVERYTHING IN THE CAR STOPPED WORKING. I WAS TOWED TO MY HOME IN MD BECAUSE I NEEDED TO BE ABLE TO UNPACK MY CAR AND COMPUTER BEFORE TAKING IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. WHEN THE SECOND TOW CAME THE NEXT DAY, I HANDED HIM THE KEY BY THE FRONT DOOR, WHICH WAS MY OLD KEY, AND HE WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR IN NEUTRAL RIGHT AWAY, AND AT THE DEALERSHIP THE CAR WORKED JUST FINE. THE ONLY DIFFERENCE WAS THE NEW KEY. THE TECHNICIAN FOUND THAT "THE IMMOBILIZER ECU HAS AN INTERMITTENT OPEN CIRCUIT FAILURE, CAUSING THE KEY TO BE SEEN AS UNAUTHORIZED AND STALL THE ENGINE." FROM JIM COLEMAN TOYOTA. APPARENTLY THERE IS A PART OF THE COMPUTER SYSTEM THAT SHUTS OFF ALL SYSTEMS IF IT DETECTS AN "UNAUTHORIZED" KEY--I.E. IF IT BELIEVES THE CAR IS BEING STOLEN. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS PROGRAM IN THIS CAR. I HAD BE

Electrical System
Filed Feb 6, 2020GA

HEADLIGHTS CONSTANTLY GO OUT. RESEARCH ONLINE PROVES PRIUS VEHICLES WITH HID BULB SYSTEMS HAVE BALLAST ISSUES CAUSING CONSTANT BLOWING OF EITHER BULBS OR BALLAST FAILURE. NOT ONLY IS SAFETY CONSTANTLY COMPROMISED, BUT IT IS ILLEGAL WHEN A HEADLIGHT GOES OUT DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jan 29, 202084,500 milesOH

WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON SIDE STREET TRAFFIC AT MAXIMUM 40 MPH THE RIGHT HEADLIGHT TURNED OFF AND I WAS PULLED OVER FOR A TRAFFIC VIOLATION. THE HEADLIGHTS WERE BOTH WORKING WHEN I LEFT MY HOUSE 10 MINUTES EARLIER. THEY WERE BOTH WORKING WHEN I LEFT WORK LATER THAT DAY. THE LIGHTS HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM BEFORE ON AND OFF FREQUENTLY ON THE HIGHWAY AND SIDE STREETS, BUT EVERY TIME I CHECK AFTER PULLING OVER AND TURNING THE CAR BACK ON BOTH LIGHTS ARE WORKING.

Steering
Filed Dec 7, 2019186,600 milesOR

LOSS OF VEHICLE STEERING CONTROL WHILE DRIVING. LUCKILY THE VEHICLE WAS JUST GOING DOWN THE DRIVEWAY AT LOW SPEED SO NO ONE WAS INJURED.*DT*JB

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Dec 3, 2019188,000 milesTN

THE WATER PUMP WENT OUT CAUSING THE HYBRID BATTERY TO DIE. PRESSING THE BREAK IS SUPPOSED TO RECHARGE THE BATTERY BUT THE BATTERY IS NOW COMPLETELY GONE

Service Brakes
Filed Nov 28, 2019202,500 milesVA

BREAKS, IBS AND OTHER LIGHTS CAME ON DURING A ROAD TRIP. BREAKS SIENGSGED AND I HAD TO PRESS HARDER AND 'PUMP' IN ORDER TO BREAK. TOOK TO MR. TIRE TO CHECK -AND REPLACED BREAKS AND FLUSH. LIGHTS STILL ON. TOOK TO THE DEALER- IBS ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY FAILURE. QUOTED REPAIR OVER $2400. APPARENTLY, SOME OWNERS OF THIS MODEL RECEIVED LETTER FOR WARRANTY AND EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY. DEALER DID NOT MENTION THIS OPTION AT ALL. HTTPS://ATTACHMENTS.PRIUSCHAT.COM/ATTACHMENT-FILES/2017/12/136422_PRIUS_2ND_GEN_-_BRAKE_ACTUATOR_WARRANTY_EXTENSION.PDF

Exterior Lighting
Filed Nov 8, 201996,500 milesCA

THE RIGHT SIDE HEAD LIGHT ON MY 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS WILL TURN OFF ON ITS OWN. IT WILL WORK AGAIN IF I SHUT ALL THE LIGHTS OFF AND TURN IT ON AGAIN. IT DOESN'T SEEM TO HAPPEN WHILE THE CAR IS STATIONARY, BUT WILL TURN OFF SOON AFTER THE CAR STARTS MOVING. IT DOESN'T MATTER IF IT IS ON A BUMPY ROAD, MOVING SLOWLY, OR ON A HIGHWAY. IT WILL TURN OFF WITHIN SECONDS TO SEVERAL MINUTES. I TOOK IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP AROUND JULY 8TH, 2019 WHEN I FIRST NOTICED THE PROBLEM. THEY SAID THERE WAS NO SIGNS OF ANY DAMAGE AND SAID THERE WASN'T ANYTHING THAT NEEDED TO BE DONE. SINCE THEN I HAVE JUST BEEN SWITCHING THE LIGHTS OFF AND BACK ON WHEN IT HAPPENS. BUT THEN LAST NIGHT ON NOVEMBER 7, 2019 BOTH LIGHTS WENT OUT WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A PUBLIC ROAD. IT HAPPENED AS I ACCELERATED AFTER A FULL BREAK.THANKFULLY TURNING THE LIGHTS OFF AND ON AGAIN WORKED. THE RIGHT SIDE TURNED BACK OFF AGAIN THAT NIGHT, BUT BOTH DID NOT SHUT OFF AGAIN AFTER THE INCIDENT.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Nov 5, 2019168,000 milesCA

THE HID HEADLIGHTS ARE BOTH OUT, AFTER BEING ON MAYBE 5 MINUTES. FROM EVERYTHING I HAVE READ ONLINE AND FROM MY MECHANIC, THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH MY MODEL OF CAR, THAT HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR YEARS. THE BALLAST IS FAULTY, AND WOULD NEED TO BE TESTED PRIOR TO REPLACING A HID LIGHT. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR MONTHS, AND I SIMPLY DO NOT DRIVE AT NIGHT AS A RESULT. WITH THE TIME CHANGE, THIS IS TO DIFFICULT.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Oct 7, 2019108,000 milesOH

HEAD LIGHTS RANDOMLY GO OUT WITHOUT WARNING. TURN SWITCH OF THEN ON AND THEY GO BACK ON FOR AWHILE. SOMETIMES ONE HEADLIGHT. SOMETIMES OTHER OR BOTH. NOT SAFE WHEN DRIVING IN DARK AND LIGHTS DISAPPEAR IN MOUNTAINS ON VACATION AT NIGHT!!!

Engine
Filed Oct 6, 2019VA

POA93 CODE . CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHILE I WAS DRIVING

Service BrakesCrash
Filed Sep 23, 2019280,000 milesNY

WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY CRUISING AT HIGHWAY SPEED I SUDDENLY RECEIVED A LOUD CONTINUOUS BEEP AND MY ABS , BRAKE , AND (!) ILLUMINATED. I ATTEMPTED TO STOP AND I HAD NO BRAKES EXCEPT WHEN THE PEDAL WAS ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR IT FELT AS IS IT WAS JUST PULLING THE REAR DRUMS. IT TOOK A WHILE TO STOP AND I SIDE SWIPED THE MEDIAN BARRIER TO AVOID A COLLISION WITH THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME AS TRAFFIC WAS BUILDING. I ASSUME IT WAS THE BRAKE ACTUATOR THAT THERE WAS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR ALMOST A DECADE LATER BUT NO RECALL. FOR SOMETHING SO DANGEROUS I CAN'T IMAGINE HOW THAT ISN'T A RECALL.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 20, 2019CT

BOTH OF MY HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT AT THE SAME TIME THE OTHER DAY NOW THE FACT THAT BOTH OF THEM WENT OUT AT THE EXACT SAME TIME ALREADY TELLS ME THAT ITS NOT THE BULB,BALLEST OR ANYTHING OTHER THEN AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE BECAUSE EVERYONE IS HAVING THIS PROBLEM AND THEY HAVE CHANGED BOTH BALLASTS AND BULBS AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED OVER AND OVER AGAIN, PLEASE MAKE THIS A RECALL BECAUSE IT IS VERY UNSAFE

Exterior Lighting
Filed Sep 7, 2019170,600 milesCA

RIGHT FRONT HEADLIGHT OCCASIONALLY GOES OUT. SOMETIMES IT WORKS WHEN I SWITCH THE LIGHTS ON AND OFF AND ON AGAIN BUT MOSTLY IT HAS ME DRIVING DOWN THE STREET AT NIGHT WITH ONLY THE LEFT HEADLIGHT VISIBLE. I'M SCARED TO DRIVE AT NIGHT, KNOWING THAT MY RIGHT HEADLIGHT WILL MOST LIKELY ACT UP AGAIN. I EVEN TOOK EVERYTHING APART TRYING TO GET TO THIS HEADLIGHT TO CHANGE THE BULB BUT FOUND THAT THE CURRENT BULB WAS WORKING FINE. PLEASE DO SOMETHING!!! I CANNOT STRESS HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO HAVE WORKING HEADLIGHTS AND I DEFINITELY DON'T WANT TO GET PULLED OVER BY A COP AND ISSUED A TICKET!!

Complaints 1-50 of 1,440, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2010
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20266100Routine
202516200Routine
202427400Routine
202321401Fatalities reported
202224100Routine
20216000Routine
202014000Routine
201930300Routine
201837100Routine
201791320Routine
2016155500Routine
2015166113Fatalities reported
2014210310Above average
2013414340Above average
2012424620Above average
2011522670Above average
20102,82310132Fatalities reported
2009502642Fatalities reported
20081,497467Fatalities reported
20072,004491Fatalities reported
2006 — this page1,440651Fatalities reported
20051,051641Fatalities reported
2004610620Above average
200399100Routine
2002167245Fatalities reported
2001165330Routine
20004000Routine

Compare every Prius year →

2006 Toyota Prius: questions buyers ask

Is the 2006 Toyota Prius a good car?

Going by the federal record, it is one of the Prius years to avoid: owners filed 1,440 complaints, 4.6 times as many as a typical Prius year. The most common complaint is about the headlights (62%).

What is the most common problem with the 2006 Toyota Prius?

The headlights: 888 of the 1,440 complaints (62%) are about it. The typical report comes at 48,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 2006 Toyota Prius have?

6 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Nov 14, 2012. The largest, 09V388000, covered 4,445,056 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 2006 Toyota Prius problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 50,000 miles. For the headlights the midpoint is 48,000 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 2006 Toyota Prius?

Yes, 3 times. The latest, DP22005 ("Pedestrian alert sounds"), was opened Jan 27, 2023 and closed Aug 7, 2023.

Are there service bulletins for the 2006 Toyota Prius?

The manufacturer filed 210 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the electrical system (46), the body and frame (27) and the engine (15). They include a warranty extension, ZG1_Dealer email, filed Apr 19, 2016. A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

1 death reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Nov 14, 2012. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.