2004 Toyota Prius Equipment Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 1%of 610 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 18,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the equipment of the 2004 Toyota Prius, 1% of the 610 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 18,500 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have a 2004 Toyota Prius. Since 2004, my headlights have gone out 5 times. The right headlight has gone out 3 times and the left 2 times. The last time I replaced the right headlight, it did not last 12 months.”
NHTSA complaint #10384542, filed 2011-02, 20,000 miles“Regarding my 2004 Toyota Prius: the 'multi-information display, I.e., computer display, does not function frequently, at which time a message saying the air conditioner is disconnected. Simultaneously, when this message appears, the radio instantly turns off. When this occurs access to the computer is impossible, controls of the air conditioner system are unavailable except through those on the steering wheel which continue to function. The computer function later randomly is restored for brief to long periods but remains subject to random failure again. This failure has existed for years. …”
NHTSA complaint #10313582, filed 2010-02, 25,000 miles“Consumer stated while traveling 40 MPH all of a sudden , the lights illuminated on the dashboard and then everything shut off. The consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealer and they said it was a computer glitch regarding the release of gas to the engine. Just before a loss of power the dvd navigation system went completely out about 2 miles before everything else. The dvd navigation system failed as well.”
NHTSA complaint #10121438, filed 2005-06, 6,800 miles“2004 Toyota Prius with navigation system problems customer states that now the AC and defroster does not work and the dealership fixed it thank you to the dealership note**nar**cc the consumer stated from time to time the radio would turn off and it would have to be turned back on manually. Then the display began to act erratically . The audio off would appear on the screen and the radio was still playing . The climate control became unresponsive and the screen displayed check the connection of the air condition . …”
NHTSA complaint #10199162, filed 2007-08, 29,000 miles“Started my 2004 Toyota Prius and placed vehicle into reverse to back out of parking space at daughter's school. Car died while backing, blocking traffic, and would not restart. Orange light glowed on the starter button. This is 7:45pm. Called original dealer in washington pa for advice. No help. Looked in owner's manual for advice. No help. Called local dealer in charlottesville va. No help. A male teacher opened the hood and fuse cover to ensure that all fuses were snug and secure. Nothing. …”
NHTSA complaint #10124564, filed 2005-06, 17,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10251070Jan 22, 2024OBSOLETE NOTICE January 22, 2024: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0057-18.
- 10244113Aug 17, 2023TSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most…
- 10238157May 30, 2023TSB: The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered…
- 10213902May 31, 2022TSB: This bulletin includes basic procedures for performing a rescue charge on Ni-MH high voltage (HV) batteries. This bulletin should be used in conjunction with the applicable…
- 10210376Mar 9, 2022OBSOLETE NOTICE Month 09, 2022: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0014-22.
- 10207946Jan 12, 2022POL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Toyota. This information must be kept…
- 10203532Oct 1, 2021TT: Some customers may encounter Bluetooth® connectivity concerns such as: ?Difficulty to pair the phone. ?Intermittent Bluetooth® failure to connect to the vehicle when first…
- 10188913Feb 3, 2021TSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most…
- 10183185Oct 14, 2020TSB: Some 2004 ? 2020 model year Hybrid vehicles may exhibit an excessive buildup of dust, lint, or debris in the HV battery intake filter or cooling fan. The condition could…
- 10182983Oct 12, 2020TT: Some customers may encounter Bluetooth® connectivity concerns such as: ?Difficulty to pair the phone. ?Intermittent Bluetooth® failure to connect to the vehicle when first…
Equipment: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 1 | 1% |
| 2014 | 1 | 0% |
| 2013 | 2 | 0% |
| 2012 | 4 | 1% |
| 2011 | 4 | 1% |
| 2010 | 15 | 1% |
| 2009 | 7 | 1% |
| 2008 | 8 | 1% |
| 2007 | 22 | 1% |
| 2006 | 18 | 1% |
| 2005 | 8 | 1% |
| 2004 | 7 | 1% |
| 2003 | 4 | 4% |
| 2001 | 4 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2004 Toyota Prius
184 complaintsElectrical system
177 complaintsEngine cooling
89 complaintsBrakes
76 complaintsVehicle speed control
52 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
34 complaintsAir bags
18 complaintsOther or unknown
18 complaintsFuel system
13 complaintsSteering
10 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
10 complaintsEngine
9 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Toyota Prius
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology