Toyota Hybrid Owners Discuss Reliability and Battery Length with Surprising Feedback

My feeling has always been that if I want true feedback on anything, it is best to ask those who are deeply involved in the topic or subject.

Like a Toyota hybrid vehicle, for example. Maybe a Toyota Prius or a Camry Hybrid or Highlander Hybrid or RAV4 Hybrid. You get the point.

I received so much feedback from a recent Torque News story on Toyota Hybrid battery cost and length I wrote that I had to follow up.

This time, on Toyota Prius and other hybrid reliability.

Toyota Prius reliability

I asked readers of my Torque News / Toyota News column and viewers of my “Toyotajeff” YouTube channel for their thoughts on Prius, Camry Hybrid, RAV4 Hybrid and other Toyota Hybrids.

Really good and insightful thoughts and comments.

Merlin wrote. “209,000 miles on my 2006 Prius still on original battery. I had a 210k 2005 Prius and one of the battery modules went bad and I replaced myself for $7 and car ran great. Ultimately the best thing to do is get a brand-new battery can't escape age for long.”

Kalpesh gave thoughts too. “Very informative post. I have 3rd Gen Prius III, 180,000 miles, traction battery runs good, mileage goes down from 51 to 45.6 over 10 years but runs good.”

“This is great news. Thanks. We have a 2013 Prius with less than 70,000 miles. It is reassuring to hear of folks with 200,000 or 300,000+ miles and still going strong. Love our Prius!” Exclaimed Frank.

Nicolas shared his insights. “I have a 2006 Highlander Hybrid AWD. I had the battery replaced for $1,650 US at Greentech Auto. They came to the parking lot of a business I stopped at and came with a rebuilt battery. That was nearly 3 years ago at 120,000 miles or 192,000 kilometers with a 2-year warranty. No problem since. Toyota's warranty was 10 years or 100,000 miles or 160,000 km on 2006 Highlanders sold in warm States. I suppose the cold weather takes some life out of the hybrid battery.”
RELATED:
- How long does Toyota Hybrid battery last, according to an expert.
- Why 2021 Toyota Prius uses both Lithium-ion and Nickel-Metal Hydride batteries.

Side note: the current Toyota hybrid battery warranty is now 10 years or 150,000 miles. Really strong and can give solid peace of mind for owners and their families.

More Toyota Hybrid feedback

Fred had a valuable maintenance suggestion to share. “Critical. Go to Toyota and get the filter for the fan inlet $14! It will really make a difference. You need to keep the cooling fan clean. It’s super simple to install right over top of the intake grill on the back door column. This generation didn’t have as much problem and gen2. But still get the filter unless it came with one installed. My 2011 did not. So, I slapped one on. If you have pets or have a really dirty environment in the car this is especially important. Poor cooling will definitely shorten battery life!”

Thanks for the tip Fred.

Randy is the epitome of Toyota loyalty. “Our Toyota family includes a 2007 Prius, 2008 Highlander Hybrid, and 2012 Prius. The 2007 and 2008 both have over 220,000 miles and no work on the hybrid systems. The 2012 is at 140,000 and nothing there either. Our next vehicle...if I can get my hands on one...will be a RAV Prime to replace the Highlander!”

“Swapped out hybrid battery at 256k miles. One cell was bad. Prius specialist mechanic said we should change whole battery out because in his experience when 1 cell fails another one would likely fail soon after, again and again.” Another practical tip Johnathan. Thanks for sharing.

YOU MAY ENJOY: My video shows how a Toyota Prius Prime works. I hope you find it interesting and helpful.

David commented. “I have a 2001 Prius with original hybrid battery. I've never had to repair or replace the hybrid battery. My uncle was the original owner of this car in Illinois until he sold it to me when he upgraded to 2nd generation Prius. Since then, it has been with me in Massachusetts and Vermont. Perhaps these colder climates have contributed to battery longevity.” Interesting theory David.

“I work as a delivery courier. My 2016 Prius C currently has 420,000 miles on it and the battery is fine. How you use the car seems to affect the battery lifespan.” Absolutely incredible story John. Keep it going.

Tony is having great luck so far. “I have a 2015 with 270k no battery issues!!! I have gone through 4 sets of tires and an oil change every 10k I would like to make it to 500k one day!!!!!!”

Time for your thoughts on Toyota Hybrid

I would love for you to share your stories about the vehicles you own. The best new stories come from car owners and fans themselves, I find.

It is fascinating.

What do you drive now and how many miles does it have so far? Tell me about its reliability.

Thanks for reading everyone. See you next story.

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