2004 Toyota Prius Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 34about this part
- Share
- 6%of 610 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 73,318miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 34 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2004 Toyota Prius, 6% of the 610 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 73,318 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was entering a major highway from a parking lot when the engine suddenly accelerated at full speed. Visibility was good. There was a small pothole so I did touch the accelerator. Next I was in the middle of the highway & hit by a car going 65mph. I do not think I hit the accelerator rather than the brake although that was the only explanation at the time.”
NHTSA complaint #10319926, filed 2010-03, 37,294 miles“My Toyota Prius stalled while moving at about 35-40 MPH in city traffic in chandler, arizona. The emergency light came on and the engine quit. I was able to maneuver the car to the side of the road as it coasted, then we pushed it into a parking lot. I had the car towed to tempe Toyota (now power Toyota) and they re-programmed the on-board computer, and I haven't had a problem since.”
NHTSA complaint #10124209, filed 2005-06, 8,000 miles“I have a 2004 Prius. The shift lever began to stick in the select gear position instead of going back to the neutral position. When this happened, the park button would not work, causing the car to move forward if the brake was released. I called Toyota and complained twice. The gear select lever needs to be modified so it doesn't stick and the software changed to allow the park function to work when the car is stopped regardless of the position of the gear select lever.”
NHTSA complaint #10318454, filed 2010-03, 80,000 miles“The dash gear selector (common to 2004 - 2009 g2 Prius) began clicking when I changed gears (r-d-n) I researched the subject and learned that this can lead to the shifter locking in d or r, a hazardous condition. I also learned that some diy owners have discovered a warped dust plate in the shifter component. It causes this problem. Their solution is to remove the plate, trim it, and reassemble the part. Link 1 below is a google search that reveals the other two links I included. Not all of the hits are relevant. …”
NHTSA complaint #10475045, filed 2012-09, 69,135 miles“Twice my Toyota Prius has surged unexpectedly. I was coasting into a parking space both times, so was able to stomp on the brake and stop the car. When the first recall was issued I knew it wasn't the floor mat. Mine was the original one and was firmly attached. It did not move and entrap the pedal and I did not have my foot on the gas when the surges happened. I did not bother to report it at the time, as I am an older female and have been treated like an idiot at the dealership when I spoke with the service people. The car has been fine in every other way. …”
NHTSA complaint #10304126, filed 2010-02, 42,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10164330Jul 1, 2019TSB: REVISION NOTICE July 01, 2019 Rev2: ? Applicability has been updated to 2019 ? 2020 model year Toyota vehicles. ? The Techstream Preparation and Process Overview sections…
- 10134454Aug 24, 2015TechTip: Condition - The vehicle may be difficult to start or have an abnormally low or rough idle after the battery has been disconnected or power to the Engine ECM has been…
- 10109403Oct 16, 2014TSB: World Standard (WS) Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) was introduced to reduce maintenance costs and increase the mileage between scheduled maintenance checks. Here are…
- 10133836Feb 20, 2013This bulletin contains general vehicle pulling diagnosis and repair procedures along with specific information to help correct pulling complaints.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 13% |
| 2024 | 1 | 4% |
| 2023 | 3 | 14% |
| 2022 | 1 | 4% |
| 2020 | 1 | 7% |
| 2019 | 2 | 7% |
| 2018 | 2 | 5% |
| 2017 | 4 | 4% |
| 2016 | 15 | 10% |
| 2015 | 13 | 8% |
| 2014 | 6 | 3% |
| 2013 | 14 | 3% |
| 2012 | 21 | 5% |
| 2011 | 18 | 3% |
| 2010 | 79 | 3% |
| 2009 | 22 | 4% |
| 2008 | 54 | 4% |
| 2007 | 41 | 2% |
| 2006 | 22 | 2% |
| 2005 | 41 | 4% |
| 2004 | 34 | 6% |
| 2003 | 5 | 5% |
| 2002 | 9 | 5% |
| 2001 | 5 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2004 Toyota Prius
184 complaintsElectrical system
177 complaintsEngine cooling
89 complaintsBrakes
76 complaintsVehicle speed control
52 complaintsAir bags
18 complaintsOther or unknown
18 complaintsFuel system
13 complaintsSteering
10 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
10 complaintsEngine
9 complaintsElectronic stability control
8 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