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2019 40k Head Gasket Failure!?

Discussion in 'Gen 4 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Juan V, May 31, 2022.

  1. Juan V

    Juan V New Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Austin TX
    Vehicle:
    2019 Prius
    Model:
    LE
    2019 Prius 1.8L 40k miles....

    well maintained by local dealership

    grey smoke from tail pipe during road trip.

    2 days after road trip, "hybrid system malfunction, see dealer" pops up, lots more smoke.

    under hood, found coolant reservoir empty. refilled, no leaks found. engine accelerates very rough and sounds ugly. coolant low again after drive down street. oil on dip stick looks normal.

    having it towed to dealership for diagnostic tomorrow am.

    i am experienced mechanic so it should be something i can fix?
     
    #1 Juan V, May 31, 2022
  2. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    Most likely leaking in the heat exchanger in the exhaust system. We're starting to see more and more of this in gen 4, but I think yours might be a record for lowest miles and newest model.

    If it overheard, you might also have a warped head which would account for the rough running.

    Either way, the dealer should be able to chase it down quickly and it should be under the drive train warranty.
     
    #2 jerrymildred, Jun 1, 2022
    dacoobob likes this.
  3. Juan V

    Juan V New Member

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    Vehicle:
    2019 Prius
    Model:
    LE


    Thanks for sharing! I watched videos about it and you're likely right about coolant leak in heat exchanger. Very thankful dealer will handle under warranty.
     
    #3 Juan V, Jun 2, 2022
    jerrymildred likes this.
  4. Juan V

    Juan V New Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Austin TX
    Vehicle:
    2019 Prius
    Model:
    LE
    Forgot to mention, that the hybrid malfunction light went away after I refilled the empty coolant tank. Hoped the problem was gone but engine misfired and shook badly when accelerated.

    Towed to dealership, bad news and good. More tests needed but verified a much dreaded internal coolant leak. Good news is repairs will be covered under powertrain warranty.

    Will share update when available.
     
    #4 Juan V, Jun 2, 2022
    jerrymildred likes this.
  5. Sonic_TH

    Sonic_TH Active Member

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    Mar 18, 2020
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    Location:
    Puerto Rico
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius c
    Model:
    One
    Any updates?
     
    #5 Sonic_TH, Jun 2, 2022
    douglasjre likes this.
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