Brake actuator / pump assembly failure
ABS, brake, and traction control warning lights; compromised braking capability
Check engine light: Off
This is the dominant NHTSA-reported problem for this generation by complaint volume: brake actuator/pump assembly failures producing ABS, brake, and traction control warning lights, with owners describing compromised braking capability. It was previously covered under Toyota's "Customer Support Program ZKC", but multiple current complaints describe Toyota denying coverage despite acknowledging the underlying defect. This is a braking-system fault, mechanical/hydraulic rather than engine-based, so it doesn't reliably trigger a check-engine light — watch for the warning lights described above instead.
70,000 – 150,000 mi
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Oil cooler hose / pipe failure
Rapid oil loss, potential engine seizure
Check engine light: On
Oil cooler hose and pipe failures causing rapid oil loss, with some complaints describing potential engine seizure and fire risk. Take this seriously: rapid, unexpected oil loss can destroy an engine quickly. A sudden oil-pressure drop like this typically triggers a warning light or check-engine light.
Some NHTSA complaints describe fire risk. This problem is not tied to a specific recall campaign.
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Power liftgate / rear hatch failure
Motor failure, bent hinges, hatch sticking open or closed
Check engine light: Off
Power liftgate motor failures, bent hinges, and the hatch sticking open or closed. This is a mechanism/electrical fault, not an engine issue, so it doesn't trigger a check-engine light — but the repair cost is notably high for a body/convenience feature.
$3,000 – $5,400
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Airbag Light Due to Problematic Center Airbag Sensor
Airbag warning light due to a problematic center airbag sensor
Check engine light: Off
Airbag warning light due to a problematic center airbag sensor. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 68 owner reports on file.
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Check engine light from a hose off the air filter housing
Check engine light caused by a hose coming off the air filter housing
Check engine light: On
Check engine light caused by a hose coming off the air filter housing. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 64 owner reports on file.
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Check engine light from a failed oxygen sensor
Check engine light due to a failed oxygen sensor component
Check engine light: On
Check engine light due to a failed oxygen sensor component. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 62 owner reports on file.
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Ignition Coil May Fail After 100,000 Miles
Ignition coil failure, typically after 100,000 miles
Check engine light: Off
Ignition coil failure, typically after 100,000 miles. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 53 owner reports on file.
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Check engine light from a failed EVAP purge control valve
Check engine light due to a failed EVAP purge control valve
Check engine light: On
Check engine light due to a failed EVAP purge control valve. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 17 owner reports on file.
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Rough idle and backfiring with the check engine light on
Rough idle and engine backfiring with the check engine light on
Check engine light: On
Rough idle and engine backfiring with the check engine light on. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 11 owner reports on file.
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The most serious problem for this generation is a brake actuator/pump assembly failure that can compromise braking capability — it was previously covered under Toyota's "Customer Support Program ZKC," the same goodwill program already documented on the Prius, but owners report being denied coverage under it. Owner complaints also describe oil cooler hose and pipe failures, some mentioning fire risk. Take both seriously.