You'll struggle to find a hybrid car more reliable than the Toyota Prius. Since its introduction in 1997 and across all five generations, the best-selling hybrid has reliably served drivers for years and hundreds of thousands of kilometers. In the Prius, Toyota's exceptional designs and technologies that lend it its longevity and dependability are on proud display, such as having fewer moving parts that can fail and long-lasting battery packs backed by Toyota's 10-year / 240,000 km warranty.
As bulletproof as the Prius might be, with every year of driving, the likelihood of part failure (no matter how low) rises. Additionally, some model years of the Prius are more likely to develop faulty parts. You might need a complete replacement to get the parts back into shape when they break down. Or in the case of consumables, when they wear down or get depleted. There's no avoiding replacing parts on your Prius, so it's best to be prepared before the need arises. Read until the end to learn the different sources of Prius parts, the essentials, which parts run out the fastest, and where to find the best deals on them.
Sourcing Prius Parts (OEM vs. Aftermarket)
The components that came with your Prius directly from Toyota are known as OEM or Original Equipment Manufacturer parts. Parts made by third-party manufacturers and usable in the vehicle are known as "aftermarket" parts. Whether you are looking for new or used Toyota Prius parts, they will typically fall into one of these two categories.
For those who aim to restore the original level of performance to their Toyota Prius, we recommend investing in OEM parts. Because of the more stringent levels of manufacturing, you'll likely get more use out of an OEM replacement. Aftermarket parts might offer greater customization options, but not only are they not covered by Toyota's warranty, they could also void the warranty or even damage your vehicle when installed. Finally, aftermarket parts are not guaranteed to be cheaper than OEM parts, so you might be paying less for better fit and quality with OEMs.
What Are the Most Important Parts of Your Prius?
The following parts are the most important as they contribute to your Prius's safety and performance. Make sure these are always in good working condition.
Engine
The engine is its primary power source, burning fuel to produce the mechanical energy to drive your Prius. It can be as expensive as it is complicated, with repairs being notorious for their exceptionally high cost due to the need for replacement parts and specialist mechanics.
A common problem reported by 2010 and 2011 Prius drivers is excessive fuel consumption from a faulty timing cover gasket at the front of the engine. Sometimes, fixing the timing cover gasket solves the issue, but you may need to replace the entire engine in some instances.
Transmission
Your Prius uses an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (eCVT), which provides a continuous range of gear ratios to allow the engine to operate in its most efficient range. It transfers power from the engine to the wheels to keep the engine in its power band, allowing it to run efficiently. The transmission sees constant usage and, consequently, high wear and tear. Like the engine, repairing this complicated equipment can cost more than buying a replacement.
Lights
Your lights help you see, be seen, and convey your driving intentions. Ensure you replace damaged lights or blown bulbs to ensure your road safety.
The high-intensity discharge headlights of the second generation Prius (2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009) are known to work intermittently or fail prematurely. For "lucky" drivers, the problem would be isolated to just a single headlight, with the fix being a swap of the bulb. It may also be a problem with the ballast (which powers the HID bulb) or wiring. Otherwise, you may need to replace the whole lighting system.
Brakes
The brakes provide a reliable way to slow your Prius down or bring it to a safe and complete stop. Brake parts such as pads and rotors wear down faster than others and must be replaced regularly. In contrast, parts like the master cylinder, calipers, and wheel cylinders could develop leaks and cause poor braking. You can purchase most of these parts individually if ever the need arises.
Many 2016 and 2017 Priuses were recalled due to parking brakes that would sometimes be inoperable. To maintain the proper functioning of the brake cable, clips were installed on top of the dust boots. This solution effectively fixed the issue.
Battery
The battery and the high-voltage hybrid battery pack make your Prius start. Slow engine cranking and an illuminated Battery/Charging warning light may indicate that your battery is nearing the end of its life.
Which Prius Parts Wear Out the Fastest?
Consumables
Parts and materials such as brake pads and windscreen wiper blades that wear down and run out as you use them are known as "consumables". It would be best to replenish or replace these parts before they have depleted or degraded to the point where they could cause harm to your Prius.
Water Pump
Coolant is cycled through the coolant system between the radiator and the engine by the water pump. The process involves the coolant absorbing heat from the engine and releasing it into the air, thus keeping the engine cool and preventing it from overheating. The water pump has a lifespan ranging from 97,000 km to 145,000 km, depending on the quality of the part, driving conditions, and maintenance.
Suspension
Priuses are designed for driving, but putting too much weight in the car, driving on rough roads, and adding high mileage to your odometer can all hurt your Prius's suspension.
Ten years is generally the upper limit of your suspension's lifespan. Parts of your Prius may need replacement within five to eight years, especially if you've used it heavily.
Are Prius Parts Expensive?
Not only is a Prius inexpensive to run thanks to its exceptional fuel efficiency, but parts are also affordable and comparable to other non-hybrid Toyotas.
Where to Buy Genuine Prius Parts Online
If you're buying OEM parts, you can shop at your country's authorized Toyota dealers and OEM parts retailers. Authentic second-hand parts can be a less expensive alternative, so if you want to save, you can purchase them here at BE FORWARD Auto Parts.
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