Consumer Reports trouble spots on a 2004

aggriffin3 · 06-07-2007, 08:09 PM

Hi, I am new to the forum and hope I have as good a time in here as I do on the MG forum that I visit fequently. So much for the MG. We are considering a 2004-2005 Prius, and see Consumer Reports has worse than average Electrical and worse than average Fuel system? Is this something to be concerned about when considering the choice between the two yrs. Also, has anyone experienced the before mentioned faults to warrant such a bad rating for a Toyota? When I buy a car, I usually keep it for a long time. No need to buy a car that is destined to have problems in any area for quite some time.

Thanks

Newkie

(which stands for Newcastle Brown Ale)

prberg · 06-07-2007, 08:27 PM

No need to worry Newkie... the Prius has GREAT dependability. I had to have my computer re-programmed once but Toyota took care of it free of charge in about an hour. A VERY DEPENDABLE car, I would say you would have this car for 200-250k miles. Enjoy it (if you really are looking for feedback) and help save the planet and yourself some money!

-Peter B

Tempus · 06-07-2007, 08:48 PM

There was a TSB on the MFD (Touch Screen Display) and a TSB on the Fuel Filler Neck.

Bottom line, there really were problems with the electrical and fuel systems, and if you buy a used 04 or early 05, check to see that the appropriate fixes have been performed.

If they have, then those problems really are fixed, and there aren't any other major problems.

If the fixes haven't been applied I'd be a little more cautious, because some people have had the MFD fail after warrantee. Toyota has generally been pretty good (with prodding) in taking a share of the repair costs, but it is a valid concern.

mcbrunnhilde · 06-07-2007, 08:58 PM

If Toyotas in general DO have any vulnerability, it's in the electrical system. However, I believe Tempus is right on in outlining the problems that caused the lower rating in those two areas. BTW there was also a brake light recall, which (I think) was another electrical thing. The engine in the Prius has far fewer moving parts than a conventional gasoline engine, and I expect MUCH better overall reliability than any other car.

BTW 2004 was the first model year of the redesign, and EVERY car has more trouble in the first year. That's why I got the extended warranty on mine--the few problems that were known were expensive fixes. If I had purchased a subsequent year, I would probably NOT have gotten the warranty.

singingtiger · 06-07-2007, 10:43 PM

I agree with Tempus that the Consumer Reports rating may be based on the two concerns that the Technical Service Bulletins addressed. Yes make sure any 04 you may buy has had the service work done.

I own a 04 and usually see prices for these models actually higher than original cost. So if there were serious problems it is likely that the cost to buy one would be significantly lower.

Jack Kelly · 06-08-2007, 03:21 AM

I have an '04 and had problems in the MFD involving both the stereo and climate control sub-controls. Fixed by dealer in warranty, no problem since (now have 60K, problem at about 25).

I'll drive mine 'til one of us expires.

MegansPrius · 06-08-2007, 10:12 AM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Newkie @ Jun 7 2007, 07:09 PM) [snapback]457683[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

Hi, I am new to the forum and hope I have as good a time in here as I do on the MG forum that I visit fequently. So much for the MG. We are considering a 2004-2005 Prius, and see Consumer Reports has worse than average Electrical and worse than average Fuel system? Is this something to be concerned about when considering the choice between the two yrs. Also, has anyone experienced the before mentioned faults to warrant such a bad rating for a Toyota? When I buy a car, I usually keep it for a long time. No need to buy a car that is destined to have problems in any area for quite some time.

Thanks

Newkie

(which stands for Newcastle Brown Ale)
[/b]

For your reference, here's the Toyota Service Bulletin relevant to the 2004 MFD (i.e., display screen) malfunction.

hill · 06-08-2007, 10:27 AM

Newkie, consider this: The '04 was a brand new model. What car DOESN'T have issues right off the bat? Factoring in that. The twitchie computer screen (replaced for free) and a few fuel deliver lines? (replaced) Other manufacturers would count their blessing to only have such a few things go south, during the first go 'round. So, go ahead & buy ... knowing the odds are in your favor, as far as used cars go.
That being said, our '04 has had nearly 60K miles of near trouble free driving pleasure. Best, and most trouble free car I've ever owned (actually tied, with our Lexus SUV hybrid).
And welcome to PC

mikepaul · 06-08-2007, 10:35 AM

The Fuel Filler TSB was only for people (like me) who had complaints about filling up, not like the MFD TSB which was a weasel of a document about how to replace defective equipment they were going to let customers unknowingly drive around with until it was likely too late to use the warranty then charge a random amount between $0 and $3500 to have it fixed.

Sorry, needed to vent...

**efusco** · 06-08-2007, 10:48 AM

If you have a choice I'd choose a later production '04 or an '05, the very earliest production '04s are the ones which have had the most issues. While Toyota has addressed them well if the MFD hasn't been replaced in the one you're looking at it may be an expense you could incur early on.

Just realize that by "electrical" those are NOT issues with the hybrid electrical system.

There have also been some other subtle changes in the '05 from the '04 that may give you a little more confidence in it's dependability. All that said, if you can get a great deal on an '04 and can get a warranty of some sort to cover things like the MFD then it's still a great reliable car...I still love mine and it's working as well, and probably better, than the day I got it.

06-07-2007, 08:58 PM	#4
mcbrunnhilde Opera singin' Prius nut! Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 596 My Car: 2004 Prius Model: Package: #7 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	If Toyotas in general DO have any vulnerability, it's in the electrical system. However, I believe Tempus is right on in outlining the problems that caused the lower rating in those two areas. BTW there was also a brake light recall, which (I think) was another electrical thing. The engine in the Prius has far fewer moving parts than a conventional gasoline engine, and I expect MUCH better overall reliability than any other car. BTW 2004 was the first model year of the redesign, and EVERY car has more trouble in the first year. That's why I got the extended warranty on mine--the few problems that were known were expensive fixes. If I had purchased a subsequent year, I would probably NOT have gotten the warranty. __________________ Pat 2004 Salsa #7/AM "Gracie"

06-08-2007, 10:27 AM	#8
hill High Fiber Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: South OC So Cal & the Flathead Valley MT Posts: 3,887 My Car: 2004 Prius Model: Package: #9 Thanks: 15 Thanked 93 Times in 68 Posts Friends: 12	Newkie, consider this: The '04 was a brand new model. What car DOESN'T have issues right off the bat? Factoring in that. The twitchie computer screen (replaced for free) and a few fuel deliver lines? (replaced) Other manufacturers would count their blessing to only have such a few things go south, during the first go 'round. So, go ahead & buy ... knowing the odds are in your favor, as far as used cars go. That being said, our '04 has had nearly 60K miles of near trouble free driving pleasure. Best, and most trouble free car I've ever owned (actually tied, with our Lexus SUV hybrid). And welcome to PC __________________ I Prius Chat

06-08-2007, 10:48 AM	#10
efusco Troll Slayer Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Nixa, MO Posts: 17,254 My Car: 2004 Prius Model: Package: #9 Thanks: 50 Thanked 262 Times in 157 Posts Friends: 37	If you have a choice I'd choose a later production '04 or an '05, the very earliest production '04s are the ones which have had the most issues. While Toyota has addressed them well if the MFD hasn't been replaced in the one you're looking at it may be an expense you could incur early on. Just realize that by "electrical" those are NOT issues with the hybrid electrical system. There have also been some other subtle changes in the '05 from the '04 that may give you a little more confidence in it's dependability. All that said, if you can get a great deal on an '04 and can get a warranty of some sort to cover things like the MFD then it's still a great reliable car...I still love mine and it's working as well, and probably better, than the day I got it. __________________ Evan E. Fusco, MD "It's a damn poor mind that can only think of one way to spell a word." -Andrew Jackson

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06-07-2007, 08:09 PM	#1
aggriffin3 Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 14 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	Hi, I am new to the forum and hope I have as good a time in here as I do on the MG forum that I visit fequently. So much for the MG. We are considering a 2004-2005 Prius, and see Consumer Reports has worse than average Electrical and worse than average Fuel system? Is this something to be concerned about when considering the choice between the two yrs. Also, has anyone experienced the before mentioned faults to warrant such a bad rating for a Toyota? When I buy a car, I usually keep it for a long time. No need to buy a car that is destined to have problems in any area for quite some time. Thanks Newkie (which stands for Newcastle Brown Ale)

06-07-2007, 08:27 PM	#2
prberg Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Burbank, California Posts: 145 My Car: 2004 Prius Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	No need to worry Newkie... the Prius has GREAT dependability. I had to have my computer re-programmed once but Toyota took care of it free of charge in about an hour. A VERY DEPENDABLE car, I would say you would have this car for 200-250k miles. Enjoy it (if you really are looking for feedback) and help save the planet and yourself some money! -Peter B

06-07-2007, 08:48 PM	#3
Tempus Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Washington DC Posts: 1,693 My Car: 2004 Prius Model: Package: #9 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	There was a TSB on the MFD (Touch Screen Display) and a TSB on the Fuel Filler Neck. Bottom line, there really were problems with the electrical and fuel systems, and if you buy a used 04 or early 05, check to see that the appropriate fixes have been performed. If they have, then those problems really are fixed, and there aren't any other major problems. If the fixes haven't been applied I'd be a little more cautious, because some people have had the MFD fail after warrantee. Toyota has generally been pretty good (with prodding) in taking a share of the repair costs, but it is a valid concern.

06-07-2007, 10:43 PM	#5
singingtiger Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Boulder, Colorado Posts: 57 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	I agree with Tempus that the Consumer Reports rating may be based on the two concerns that the Technical Service Bulletins addressed. Yes make sure any 04 you may buy has had the service work done. I own a 04 and usually see prices for these models actually higher than original cost. So if there were serious problems it is likely that the cost to buy one would be significantly lower.

06-08-2007, 03:21 AM	#6
Jack Kelly Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 1,434 My Car: 2004 Prius Model: Package: #3 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	I have an '04 and had problems in the MFD involving both the stereo and climate control sub-controls. Fixed by dealer in warranty, no problem since (now have 60K, problem at about 25). I'll drive mine 'til one of us expires.

06-08-2007, 10:35 AM	#9
mikepaul Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Columbia, SC Posts: 1,742 My Car: 2004 Prius Model: Package: #9 Thanks: 1 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts Friends: 0	The Fuel Filler TSB was only for people (like me) who had complaints about filling up, not like the MFD TSB which was a weasel of a document about how to replace defective equipment they were going to let customers unknowingly drive around with until it was likely too late to use the warranty then charge a random amount between $0 and $3500 to have it fixed. Sorry, needed to vent...