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2015 Sudden Mileage Drop

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Fuel Economy' started by wtravisl, Sep 17, 2019.

  1. wtravisl

    wtravisl New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 17, 2019
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    Location:
    Texas
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    I drive a 2015 4, purchased new in late 2015, that currently has about 50k miles. Around 4 months ago, I noticed a couple of things:

    - A sudden drop of around 6-8 MPG (display). It doesn't seem to be weather dependent. I'm in Texas, the a/c is always running. If anything, it seems like the MPG might be creeping even lower than when first detected. This is based primarily on a very frequent drive I make, about 60 miles, predominantly highway in the country with very little traffic or variability. I always reset the trip computer at the outset. From 2015 until early 2019, I always clocked 50.5 to 51.5. Now it's consistently 43-44. Same conservative, coasting-heavy driving style.

    - There's an odd feeling & sound, noticed especially when coasting. It's difficult to describe, but I'd say it's like 'friction' or a very high-freq vibration. This could be imagination, but it seems like the car isn't rolling as freely as it used to. It's subtle.

    Dealer has [allegedly] checked for issues twice, and hasn't found anything. They [allegedly] checked alignment & brakes. They drove it and 'couldn't get it to replicate the issue I was having'. I hate that place and am obviously suspicious of their competence and/or honesty, but it still has a service agreement with them (never again), I'm not DIY and don't know where else to go. This is in Austin.

    My wife also drives this car and confessed to hitting a curb (or two) around the time that these issues started. We lost one of the plastic trim pieces on the rear wheel well. But again, the dealer checked alignment within a week or two of that incident and said it was still within tolerance.

    Tire pressure is checked semi-regularly and stays close to 40psi.

    Any thoughts are appreciated.
     
  2. Jchoi808

    Jchoi808 Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Mililani, HI
    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Advanced
    I'm interested in this thread as I feel i'm having a similar situation. However for me I swapped out my stock 15" wheels for some 17" FRS wheels. Been meaning to swap it back to test but been lazy... This all happened about the same time for me.
     
  3. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    Feel all the wheels after an extended drive, see if any feel markedly warmer. The fronts should be slightly warm, the rears barely above ambient temp, if it's normal. Any recent brake work?

    @Jchoi808 17" rims would definitely lower mpg.
     
    jerrymildred and bisco like this.
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
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    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    welcome!
    could be a bearing, or a bent front axle. try getting up to 30 mph on a quiet road and put her in neutral to see if the noise goes away or not.

    anyone check the oil level air filters and tire pressures lately?

    might not be too soon to peak into the egr pipe, idk.
     
  5. Robert Holt

    Robert Holt Senior Member

    Joined:
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    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    You could use a good, Prius-savy independent mechanic!
    But given that friction feeling, I would suggest that you have a mechanic put it on a lift and spin each of the wheels to check for a dragging brake. If no dragging brake, then I would have them really thoroughly check the alignment, which should include caster, camber, toe-in/toe-out. If that is also negative, then I think he/she should start checking the drive train for anything that would increase resistance such as low engine or transmission lubricants, etc. Good luck!
     
  6. Jchoi808

    Jchoi808 Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Mililani, HI
    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Advanced
    Yup, understood. However, I did see a immediate decrease after putting on the 17's it has gotten worse since.
     
    RMB and Mendel Leisk like this.