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Transmission replacement at 80K on 2017 V

Discussion in 'Prius v Technical Discussion' started by Asilem617, Nov 27, 2024.

  1. Asilem617

    Asilem617 New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 27, 2024
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    Location:
    Massachusetts
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Four Touring
    Hello,
    First time poster here. We have a 2017 V with 80000 miles on it. Did all maintenance as scheduled. Had some issues a while back with Oil pan and gaskets but replaced them.

    Car has been making a whirring noise when accelerating. Brought it to the dealer and they spent 20 minutes with it, diagnosed as needs full transmission replaced. Didn't get an error code but assessed something was making the noise in the transmission. Has anyone experienced anything like this? We don't want to spend $6000 on replacing it if this isn't actually the issue (that was the full quote with labor and parts).

    Any advice?
     
  2. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    Location:
    Texas Hill Country
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    The transaxles are very reliable. I would try to find an independent hybrid shop for a second opinion. If it needs replacement I would get somebody to swap it for a used transaxle. The Prius v is slightly different than a standard gen3 transaxle, so I would get one from a v, preferably a 15-17 model.
     
    BiomedO1 likes this.
  3. BiomedO1

    BiomedO1 Senior Member

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    Vehicle:
    2021 Prius Prime
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    Get a second opinion.
    As stated earlier, those transmission/transaxles are pretty stout. You may have fractured the flex plate, between the engine & tranny. Did they check the ATF fluid level?
    If this was me, I'd find an independent shop to do a used transmission swap. I'm not a big fan of putting used parts into cars, but I would make an exception in this case, again, it's rare for those to fail. You shouldn't have an issue finding one, since they rarely fail. You may just be one of the unlucky few that has a failure.

    Hope this helps.
     
  4. Kenny94945

    Kenny94945 Active Member

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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2016 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Four
    Yep, 2nd opinion.

    FWIW
    Whirling noise while accelerating would lead me too, to drive axles, bearings, trans.
    Yet any whirling could be related to spinning engine/ chassis parts, such as the accessory belt area.

    If you can DIY here's my 2 cents.
    Lift the car.
    Place in gear, use some throttle, and while under the car, listen.
    Turn the car off, place in neutral, then feel, grasp plus spin, the rims for loose bearings.
    Also, look for a torn axle boot or bent axles.
    Lastly, drain the trans fluid and look for debris.

    Biomed, above has some great comments about a used trans.
    Guess that comes down to budget, the difference between the new and used quote.
    If the difference is $2K, should you go new?
    Also the car value decision; [(current value $15K(?) after $6K trans $21K], so, what's an entire replacement car cost?

    Good luck with your decision.
     
    BiomedO1 likes this.