THE TRACTION CONTROL OVERRIDE REPEATEDLY ENGAGES ARBITRARILY UNDER VARIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES, INCLUDING HITTING BUMPS/POTHOLES AT 35 MPH AND ACCELERATING FROM A STOP ON BOTH WET AND DRY ROADS. I HAVE SEEN REPORTS ONLINE OF PEOPLE EXPRESSING THEIR CONCERN ABOUT THIS FEATURE IN SNOW, BUT OUR PRIUS DOES IT FREQUENTLY. ASIDE FROM THE INCONVENIENCE, THIS IS A CLEAR SAFETY HAZARD WHEN ATTEMPTING TO PULL O…
2005 toyota Prius powertrain problems
severe 33 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500
Complaints
33
Recalls
0
Crashes
3
Avg fix
$2,500
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER WOULD LOCK UP, WHICH PREVENTED THE VEHICLE FROM MOVING OR CHANGING GEARS. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ONCE IN A TUNNEL WHILE IN TRAFFIC. THE ROAD CREW HAD TO MOVE THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. IT TOOK TWENTY MINUTES TO RE-ENGAGE THE GEAR SO THAT THE VEHICLE COULD MOVE AGAIN. USUALLY, IT WOULD TAKE TWENTY TO FORT…
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2005 toyota Prius?
It's a meaningful issue. 33 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities.
Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area.
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