First time owner. Is this normal?

Discussion in 'Prius v Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by HalfPacked, May 19, 2026 at 4:11 PM.

  1. HalfPacked

    HalfPacked New Member

    Joined:
    Yesterday
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    Location:
    USA
    Vehicle:
    2014 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Two
    I just purchased a 2014 Prius V, and I suspect it's not running quite right.

    It seems like the gas engine is always running unless I'm stopped, going downhill, or moving very slowly through a parking lot. Like 15 mph.

    It also engages as soon as I start moving from a stop, even if I'm accelerating gently.

    Additionally, I took about 5 minutes after starting the car to get myself situated before pulling out. In that time the battery indicator on the dash went from full to about 1/3. The air conditioner was running and my phone was charging, but it's still a faster drain than I would've expected.

    I plugged in an OBD2 scanner and it came back with no codes. Is this expected behavior or should I get it looked at?
     
    #1 HalfPacked, May 19, 2026 at 4:11 PM
  2. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2008
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    Location:
    Texas Hill Country
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    Normal. Its not much of an ev only car.

    The key factors when normal are the battery charges most of the way only when driving. It will not fully charge while motionless in Ready. Second a good high voltage battery will allow the engine to stop at lights without forcing it to start.

    Hybrid AC compressors run on high voltage battery power which gives you ac when in Ready regardless if the engine is running. However it will discharge the battery fairly quickly if not moving, forcing the engine on. But normally not at a traffic light if the battery has good capacity.
     
    #2 rjparker, May 20, 2026 at 12:30 AM
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