Catastrophic failure of some kind

Discussion in 'Prius v Technical Discussion' started by David Scott Dallas, Jun 8, 2026 at 11:51 PM.

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  1. David Scott Dallas

    David Scott Dallas Junior Member

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    First I’d like to thank anyone who reads this. Time is valuable and I appreciate it. 2013 Prius v. 195,000 miles. Just bought it. Got the title in the mail a few days ago. Wife was driving and sitting at a stop light. Started to go and there was a snapping sound and it wouldn’t go. She pulled over immediately, in seconds, and the lights on the dash came on. There is a big oil leak down the back side of the motor. It’s all draining down right where the oil filter and plug are. But it’s clearly coming from higher up. When I removed the panel these pieces of metal fell out. That doesn’t sound to me like a blown head gadget but what do I know. They seem like lightweight pot metal fragments. We had been having a noise when steering the car. Just a bump. She said the steering seemed fine as did the brakes. I can’t see anything obvious in the back of the motor. Any ideas what this could be?
     

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    #1 David Scott Dallas, Jun 8, 2026 at 11:51 PM
  2. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    Sounds like a blown head gasket bent a rod which broke a hole in the block. It happens. If that is the issue you need an engine. I would put a Hybrid Pit Rebuilt Gold in or a JDM used in Japan engine.

    I would take it back to the seller. These things don't happen overnight. They progress over months.

    Shudder video
    “Hey Walt… they want to wait and see if it gets worse…”
     
    #2 rjparker, Jun 9, 2026 at 12:48 AM
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  3. douglasjre

    douglasjre Senior Member

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    You're kidding me. You really have no clue?
     
    #3 douglasjre, Jun 9, 2026 at 1:18 AM
  4. David Scott Dallas

    David Scott Dallas Junior Member

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    That’s great advice. I say that because that’s what I was thinking. lol. Just wanted to check with the community. I have had probably 15 Priuses including the one in the driveway with 295,000 on it. Never had one have a head gasket problem before. Done a bunch of work on them though. Guess I’ve been lucky. God bless you for your help!
     
    #4 David Scott Dallas, Jun 9, 2026 at 1:52 AM
  5. ETC(SS)

    ETC(SS) The OTHER One Percenter.....

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    First step:
    Depending on how 'just' you bought it - you need to bring this to the attention of the seller.
    That's the best 'first step.'

    If the paperwork said "As Is-Where Is, No Warranty!" then you may or may not have additional purchase protections.
    If "Just bought it" means you bought it a few days ago you may have a valid claim.
    If it's been a few weeks or months - then I'd say that the "Change Engine" light probably just came on.

    It's like those signs on gravel trucks that say "Not Responsible For Broken Windshields."
    It very often depends on how fast you act, the size of the business, and how and how quickly you bring this issue to their attention.

    If some barely legal, privately owned gravel truck with mud conveniently smeared in all the right places roars by you at 80mph and your windshield gets sprayed with gravel, then THEY ARE RESPONSIBLE.
    If you call the highway patrol later in the week?
    You're going to be fixing the glass yourself. ;)

    Best of luck!
     
    #5 ETC(SS), Jun 9, 2026 at 6:15 AM
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  6. David Scott Dallas

    David Scott Dallas Junior Member

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    Maybe just don’t say anything.
     
    #6 David Scott Dallas, Jun 9, 2026 at 9:28 AM
  7. David Scott Dallas

    David Scott Dallas Junior Member

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    Thanks! I talked to the guy and he has a friend who is a mechanic. The guy I high tit from replaces Prius batteries. He has done the battery on this one. It also had new brakes, new tires and a new 12v battery. I talked to him and his friend rebuilds Prius motors and will switch ours with one the guy I bought it from paid for. So we are getting a rebuilt engine for $800 in labor. About to get it towed over there.
     
    #7 David Scott Dallas, Jun 9, 2026 at 9:32 AM
  8. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk MMX GEN III

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    You might want to chase the seller. Gen 3 (and the v) are very prone to head gasket failure, which culminates with such events. For starters check the engine coolant for evidence of a stop-leak product.
     
    #8 Mendel Leisk, Jun 9, 2026 at 9:34 AM
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  9. David Scott Dallas

    David Scott Dallas Junior Member

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    Thank you! There was a thick sludge that I thought might be stop leak for the head gasket. There was a good bit of it running down the back of the engine. Hard to imagine what else that would be from. The seller agreed to buy the new engine and I will pay for the labor to install it. $800. He’s a really nice guy. Thanks again for the advice.
     
    #9 David Scott Dallas, Jun 9, 2026 at 9:38 AM
  10. ETC(SS)

    ETC(SS) The OTHER One Percenter.....

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    I'm digging the good outcome.....

    Best of luck!!
     
    #10 ETC(SS), Jun 9, 2026 at 9:46 AM
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