Undriveable After Servicing

Was the car completely unable to accelerate, even using the accelerator pedal, or might the problem have been only with cruise control?

Exactly how was the problem diagnosed? What were the diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), what further troubleshooting was done, and what were the findings?

A drivability problem such as you describe is more likely to have its cause in the hybrid system than in the brakes, but there’s only one way to find out for sure: by using a Toyota Techstream diagnostic system, or equivalent, to read the DTCs stored in the car’s computers.

Yes. Without much more evidence to the contrary, I’d assume that an older car with some known problems developed more after driving a while at freeway speeds. No one in a service department has an incentive to have tampered with your car—indeed, they earn more if you keep it and pay for the repairs.

 

skip the water pump and belt for now. have them evaluated by an independent mech. they might need replacing.
you can check the inverter pump by looking for movement in the reservoir.

brake pump is common, you'll probably need a hybrid battery at some point, but you've got a sweet little ride there.
unless you're looking for something newer, i would invest in it,but get a second opinion. there are some good indy hybrid shops in la.

 

Doesn't matter who caused what the ABS pump has failed as you surmised and if your at the dealer mercy to get that repaired that's like $3000.
And sounds like it needs lots of other attention too.

 

its all just speculation without trouble codes, smells a bit like hybrid problems eg hv leak

 

Hi. how old is the 12Vbattery in the rear of the car? I had similar problems on my wifes 08. A new 12V battery from Orielys solved a lot of them. $200 and about an hour swap in the parking lot with the service guy. The LCD going dark is the combination meter. I had them repaired at texas hybrid batteries dot com and the turnaround was quick and well worth it. I actually did both our Prii and the same time. removing the dashboard is not to difficult. You tube video from Boulder Co hybrids. Watch it with a mechanically inclined friend and you can do it together.
Invertor pump is $158.00 from Amazon. Also watch a You Tube Video to repace it. Moderate level of ability. an 07 with 96K is a rare find. I would keep her on the road. Let us know how you make out. Good luck.

 

Amazing enough my local Toyota dealer/bandito is selling the factory battery now for $222 out the door. Shocking I tell shocking!,

Dont forget your DVM!