Classic Prius Repairs

[Patrick Wong]

Originally Posted by ea8631

... there aren't any new car that attract me (include the new prius), and it is hard to find a good condition classic prius with gps these days (I don't want to go thru the retrofit gps system again since the pics will speak for itself):

OMG, that picture is amazing. Guess that just using an aftermarket GPS with suction cup mount would be too easy for you!

The other photo of your car's exterior is great. A beautiful car, I wish I still owned my silver 2001.

Hmm, maybe there's a business in smuggling Prius traction batteries across the border into Canada. Anyway, glad that your car is running well again.

[ea8631]

^ yeah...if only the aftermarket system can provide the maintance reminder and can still function even if I'm going thru a tunnel or some area didn't have sat reception. Even though it already 7 years old, I still love my prius.

Yeah....not just the traction battery, even other parts as well. I just got a brand new steering rack from a US dealership for CAD $1100 shipped (the same part from a Canadia dealer they quote me for around CAD$4000!!!! That's CAD$2900 difference!!!!!!!!).

[kocho]

Patric - why not add to the poll the catalytic converter failure? It is a majorly expensive repair if done by the dealer, lead only by transaxle/traction battery replacements interms of cost ($2-$2.5K or so for the converter).

I've had mine fail at 118K. My cost was $450 for a salvaged unit. And I read about such failures by other posters on the net...

[Patrick Wong]

Originally Posted by kocho

Patric - why not add to the poll the catalytic converter failure?...

Hi Kocho,

Thanks for checking in and voting.

Yes, I forgot about the catalytic converter and you are right that this is a significant Classic failure item. However its too late for me to add items to the poll, so I hope that people will continue to reply with their comments regarding whatever "other" failures their cars had.

[bwilson4web]

You might consider getting the Dept. of Energy fleet reports on Prius Classic and making 'faux' accounts using the VIN numbers to put in their data. If I remember correctly, one had a power steering failure. Then there is the Canadian taxi company.

I put my data in but know directly of three failed batteries: (1) Huntsville last summer, (2) SC in Nov./Dec. and (3) FL in Nov./Dec. whom I continue to work with. The FL user is just replacing the failed modules.

Then Florian has a friend in Germany who needed module(s) replaced in his pack.

Bob Wilson

[tochatihu]

Originally Posted by Patrick Wong

...I wish I still owned my silver 2001...

Been waiting for that shoe to drop

[FL_Prius_Driver]

8729-Tires replaced due to very rapid edge wear (Recall).

36268-Replaced Fuel Tank/Canister/Engine Computer(Huh?) under warranty due to Engine Check light/codes reporting Bladder Leak. P3191,P3101(id code 205)

49286-Service Campaign for Battery Junction Sealing (Recall)

56874-Rear Right Wheel Bearing replaced due to noise/failing ($356 non-warranty) Transaxle drain and fill (my request-$50)

68129-Got Triangle of Death (first time) due to engine stalling while backing out of parking space. Drove to dealer and left overnight. Could not find problem, even with "TOD" still active. Reset and did not apply diagnostic $$ charge-Thanks.

75071-12V Battery went bad ($290 non-warranty). Prius sites showing secret screen to monitor 12V battery is most welcome.

82880-Car lost most power while driving down interstate. Went to dealer, got gas pedal/sensor replaced ($543 non-warranty)

83411-TOD went on, but with no change in car behavior at all. Took to dealer and had HV battery replaced under warranty. P3000, P3006 - Uneven charge in HV battery.

85546-Replace rear tires with Goodyear Regatta 2s due to cupping of left rear tire. ($186)

[tochatihu]

FL, I suggest that you need a suspension alignment and maybe shims in the rear? You may have paid a bit much for the rear bearing assembly. On the other hand I have read up to $700 for the accelerator pedal assembly, so maybe it all balances out.

Bob, you need to advertise your accel pedal rebuilding here - somebody in need may visit this thread.

Patrick it would be most useful to somehow put the known transaxle failures into this framework, so we could begin to tentatively compare the various failure rates.

If this project becomes very complete, it could be used to generate Prius cost per mile of 'extra repairs', along with statistics. That would be very interesting and superior to the anecdotal 'one-vehicle' numbers that I and a few others have posted.

[Patrick Wong]

Originally Posted by tochatihu

...Patrick it would be most useful to somehow put the known transaxle failures into this framework, so we could begin to tentatively compare the various failure rates...

Hi Doug,

Well, if I were to do that, it would artificially skew the %s in the poll results. Now that G1 has its own little sub-forum, I am hoping that more Classic owners will see and reply to the poll!

[Patrick Wong]

Classic owners: a reminder, please respond to the poll if you haven't yet had an opportunity to do so.
Thanks!