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    Toyota Prius

    EPA MPG: 56 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There are 6 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    The 2006 Prius has about average reliability compared to other cars from the same model year.

    The 2006 Toyota Prius has been recalled 6 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2006 Toyota Prius owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    What Owners Say

    Backup or other camera/sensors

    "When the dash is dark, no backup camera."

    Anonymous, NC (2006 Toyota Prius None 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Display screen goes blank

    "Screen will be fine one time and dark the next. Or dark one time and fine the next. Some times the car does not want to shut down so I must hold the button down till it shuts off. 10- 15 sec."

    Anonymous, NC (2006 Toyota Prius None 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "display screen no longer functions and we opted not to repair due to cost."

    Anonymous, NY (2006 Toyota Prius None 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "The screen going blank started about 2 years ago. While driving on the freeway, the screen will go blank about every 10 miles for about 5 seconds. This will also occur at slower speeds occasionally. Having this problem fixed will cost more than the car is worth. The diagnostic work alone costs $3000. The entire dash board needs to be removed just to look for the problem. Then thousands more for parts. And a possible entire dash board replacement."

    Anonymous, OR (2006 Toyota Prius None 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "Fix in progress. Problem intermittent and can still use car. Difficult to turn off engine, but can so far."

    Anonymous, LA (2006 Toyota Prius None 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "screen would randomly fail upon startup. expensive to replace."

    Anonymous, TX (2006 Toyota Prius None 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "over the course of the year the display ceases to function. I think it is related to the steering column. it is getting worse but still manageable."

    Anonymous A., CA (2006 Toyota Prius None 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Hardware replacement

    "The MFD stopped working in May. Cost of obtaining a new replacement was prohibitive and was advised to install a used display, which I did myself for minimal cost."

    Anonymous, CA (2006 Toyota Prius None 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Other in-car electronics problem

    ""When you click on things on the touch screen they don't register. Often when you click at the very top of the screen it selects things at the bottom of the screen, but nothing else is clickable. Sometimes it works, other times it doesn't. We do not plan on fixing this issue since we can make the car work fine without it.""

    Anonymous A., CA (2006 Toyota Prius None 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "The tire gauge does not reset (even though it has been replaced) after filling tires."

    Anonymous A., CA (2006 Toyota Prius None 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    EV Battery

    Electric/hybrid battery pack failure, replacement or malfunction, or cooling.

    What Owners Say

    Electric/hybrid battery pack malfunction (didn't need replacement)

    "The Prius wasn't being driven often enough, which caused the system to generate an error code. After being driven and the battery charged a few times, the code went away and it works fine now."

    Anonymous, CA (2006 Toyota Prius None 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Electric/hybrid battery pack replacement

    "Battery was broken so we got a refurbished battery from a Prius specialist"

    Anonymous, WA (2006 Toyota Prius None 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "this is the 2nd rebuilt battery that we put in about 6-7 months ago. the original battery lasted about 15 years. the first replacement only lasted 5-6 years. This past winter the car needed hybrid battery replacement as it was not holding its charge. Just prior to this we needed fuel pump replacement when our car stalled and would not restart ."

    Anonymous, MN (2006 Toyota Prius None 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "Original hybrid battery died and was replaced by Manhattan Toyota"

    Anonymous, NY (2006 Toyota Prius None 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "The hybrid battery pack died suddenly without warning. Luckily the car was home when this happened so I was not stranded somewhere."

    Anonymous, OR (2006 Toyota Prius None 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "it was replaced with no effort."

    Anonymous A., CA (2006 Toyota Prius None 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Other/unsure

    ""Cluster gauge module went bad causing initially intermittent issues that eventually became permanent including difficulty turning off car, loss of instrument, and not recording mileage.""

    Anonymous, GA (2006 Toyota Prius None 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "Intermittent failure to start for about 5 months. Remained undiagnosed by mechanics. Spontaneous resolution for past 7 months"

    Anonymous, CT (2006 Toyota Prius None 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "There was an issue with the electrical system where the dash wouldnt light up. Couldnt replicate it reliably and found a workaround."

    Anonymous, CA (2006 Toyota Prius None 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "For the past several years, the device that controls the dashboard lights and allows the car to turn off fails occasionally. Sometimes I turn on the car and the dashboard is completely dark. Sometimes I go to turn off the car and it does not shut off. In order to fix this problem the part cost about $900. An easy fix considering Ive had very few problems with this car in general."

    Anonymous, CA (2006 Toyota Prius None 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    What Owners Say

    A/C compressor

    "The car is a Hybrid - I couldnt find that on the model. I bought the car a month ago from my best friend and they maintain their cars well. The AC has not worked since about 2015 and I bought it that way. My friends took it in to see about fixing the AC and repair would cost about $7000 CAD - probably more than the car is worth. Awesome car overall. I may get the AC fixed. (Hoping it wont cost that much)."

    Anonymous A., AB (2006 Toyota Prius None 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Refrigerant leaks

    "Started in August and caused the AC to blow HOT air instead of cold."

    Anonymous A., MD (2006 Toyota Prius None 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    Fuel System/Emissions

    Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

    What Owners Say

    Fuel pump

    "During a winter sub zero cold snap the car started ok but then the engine turned off and would not restart. our mechanic right away said it was the fuel pump. the problem was solved after it was replaced. we also had the gas tank replaced at the same time as we were told it was the only way the problem could be fixed. this was the only time we ever experienced this problem"

    Anonymous, MN (2006 Toyota Prius None 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Other emissions/fuel system problem

    "Tank assembly has rust and let's air in"

    Anonymous, NC (2006 Toyota Prius None 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    Body Hardware

    Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

    What Owners Say

    Other body problem

    "Headlight covers clouded with age, Began gradually, but interferes with night driving making left turns. Haven't resolved the problem."

    Anonymous A., MD (2006 Toyota Prius None 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    What Owners Say

    Antilock braking system (ABS)

    "The complete ABS system had to be replaced after multiple dashboard error codes were displayed."

    Anonymous, NC (2006 Toyota Prius None 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    What Owners Say

    CV joint

    ""Leaking, so I replaced it""

    Anonymous A., FL (2006 Toyota Prius None 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    Electrical Accessories

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

    What Owners Say

    12V battery

    "It just needed to be replaced."

    Anonymous, CA (2006 Toyota Prius None 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    Engine Electrical

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

    Noises/Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    Suspension/Steering

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    Paint/Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

    2006 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
    * Redesign year
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    Overall Reliability Verdict
    NA
    NA
    NA

    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Electric Motor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    EV Battery
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Cooling
    NA
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    NA
    NA
    Engine Electrical
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Drive System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Exhaust
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Suspension/Steering
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Brakes
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Build Quality
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Electrical Accessories
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Body Hardware
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Paint/Trim
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Noises/Leaks
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    In-car Electronics
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
    Nov 14, 2012
    The corroded coil wire may break and the water pump could stop. The corroded coil wire could cause a short circuit between coil wires and a possible open fuse, creating a stall-like condition of the hybrid system while the vehicle is being driven. This may increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
    Summary:
    Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2009 Prius vehicles manufactured August 6, 2003, through March 30, 2009 and FCHV-adv vehicles manufactured December 12, 2008, through September 13, 2011. During manufacturing, a scratch may have occurred inside of the electrically driven water pump at the coil wire. The coil wire may corrode at the scratched portion.
    What should you do:
    Toyota will notify its owners, and dealers will replace the electric water pump, free of charge. The recall began on January 17, 2013. Owners may contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12V536000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 350662
    STEERING
    Nov 14, 2012
    Over time, the splines may wear and eventually fail resulting in a loss of steering ability, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
    Summary:
    Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2009 Prius vehicles manufactured August 5, 2003, through March 30, 2009. The affected vehicles have a steering intermediate extension shaft assembly built with metal splines that complete the connection from the steering wheel to the steering gear. These splines may have been manufactured with an insufficient hardness.
    What should you do:
    Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the extension shaft and replace it if it is one with insufficient hardness, free of charge. The recall began during December 2012. Owners may contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12V537000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 669705
    EQUIPMENT
    Feb 03, 2010
    A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
    Summary:
    SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
    What should you do:
    DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.
    For more information:
    OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 10V036000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 153418
    VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
    Oct 05, 2009
    A STUCK OPEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY RESULT IN VERY HIGH VEHICLE SPEEDS AND MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO STOP THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH, SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
    Summary:
    TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CAN GET STUCK IN THE WIDE OPEN POSITION DUE TO ITS BEING TRAPPED BY AN UNSECURED OR INCOMPATIBLE DRIVER'S FLOOR MAT.
    What should you do:
    TOYOTA FILED AN AMENDED DEFECT REPORT ON NOVEMBER 25, 2009, STATING THAT DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND, ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, ALTER THE SHAPE OF THE FLOOR SURFACE UNDER THE PEDAL. THESE CHANGES ADDRESS THE RISK OF PEDAL ENTRAPMENT DUE TO INTERFERENCE WITH THE FLOOR MAT. REDESIGNED ACCELERATOR PEDALS WILL BECOME AVAILABLE BEGINNING IN APRIL 2010 AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE ANY MODIFIED PEDAL WITH THE NEW PEDAL IF DESIRED. ALSO, DEALERS WILL REPLACE ANY GENUINE TOYOTA OR LEXUS ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MATS WITH REDESIGNED ALL-WEATHER MATS, OR REPURCHASE THE PREVIOUS MATS FROM OWNERS WHO DO NOT WANT THE NEW ONES. ADDITIONALLY, SOFTWARE MODIFICATIONS WILL BE INSTALLED ON CAMRY, AVALON AND LEXUS ES 350, IS 350 AND IS 250 MODELS THAT WILL ENSURE THAT THE BRAKE OVERRIDES THE ACCELERATOR IN THE EVENT BOTH BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS ARE APPLIED. TOYOTA WILL BEGIN MAILING LETTERS TO OWNERS ON DECEMBER 31, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331, LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.
    For more information:
    TOYOTA RECALL NO. 90L/90LG.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 09V388000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 4445056
    STEERING
    May 31, 2006
    THIS COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.
    Summary:
    THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT AND SLIDING YOKE IN THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING SYSTEM CAN CRACK WHEN LARGE FORCES ARE APPLIED AND THE CONNECTION MAY SEPARATE OR THE SLEEVE MAY FRACTURE.
    What should you do:
    TOYOTA WILL REPLACE THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT AND INSPECT THE SLIDING YOKE AND REPLACE IT IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 9, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
    For more information:
    TOYOTA RECALL NO. 60C.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 06V188000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 170856
    AIR BAGS
    Apr 03, 2006
    THIS MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE OCCUPANT IN THE INVOLVED SEATING POSITION IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
    Summary:
    ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, DUE TO IMPROPER ASSEMBLY OF THE AIR BAG INFLATOR, WHICH IS USED IN THE SIDE AIR BAG, THE CURTAIN SHIELD AIR BAG, AND THE KNEE AIR BAG ASSEMBLY, SOME INFLATORS WERE PRODUCED WITH AN INSUFFICIENT AMOUNT OF THE HEATING AGENTS NECESSARY FOR PROPER AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. IN THIS CONDITION, THE EXPANSION FORCE OF THE GAS MAY BE INSUFFICIENT TO PROPERLY INFLATE THE AIR BAG WHEN THE SRS SYSTEM IS ACTIVATED DURING A CRASH.
    What should you do:
    DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SPECIFIC SRS AIR BAG. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 6, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-888-270-9371, SCION AT 1-866-548-1851, OR LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.
    For more information:
    TOYOTA RECALL NO. 60B AND LEXUS RECALL NO. 6LB.CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 06V096000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 133
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