2004 Toyota Prius Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 2%of 610 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 69,566miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the visibility of the 2004 Toyota Prius, 2% of the 610 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 69,566 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.
“My 2004 Prius has a touch screen display that controls many functions including climate controls. On a recent morning I started my vehicle and got an error message saying no external connection to air conditioner at the same time I could not access heater, defrost, navigation, hybrid monitor or hands free phone. Fortunately, I had a rag in the car and could keep my window clean. After 20 minutes of driving, the radio cut out and then all controls came back. Another 10 minutes of driving and the controls cut back off. This problem now occurs each time I drive the vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #10505539, filed 2013-04, 118,000 miles“About 40% of the time, my Toyota Prius doesn't want to stop or slow down when the brakes are applied. Under these conditions, I have to apply the brakes hard and then the car will slow down. It feels like the car wants to run away when the brakes are applied. It exhibits this behavior in many circumstances: stopping at a stop light, slowing down on an expressway, or slowing down on a city street. Updated 11/23/09 the check engine light illuminated. The passenger front window switch wasn't opening or closing the window unless the master switch was used. The throttle body had to be cleaned. …”
NHTSA complaint #10292409, filed 2009-11, 68,000 miles“The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that the multi-display module for the heater and defroster units failed, causing the windshield defogger to fail. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who advised that the multi-display module needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified and stated that there were no recalls for the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 28,000. …”
NHTSA complaint #10492142, filed 2013-01, 28,000 miles“The driver's side hid headlight, intermittently, unpredictably and inexplicably shuts off. It will occasionally return to service on its own, but usually requires a cycling of the light's power switch before full function is restored. After which, the length of time before the light shuts off again varies from a few seconds to not at all. After researching this issue, it seems to be a rather systemic problem with the 2004-2009 Prius. …”
NHTSA complaint #10433094, filed 2011-10“With 34,000 miles on my 2004 Prius, the glass has developed severe pitting, not only on the windshield, but on their side windows as well. When the sun hits the windshield visibility is greatly reduced.”
NHTSA complaint #10209911, filed 2007-11Related service bulletins
- 10131993Dec 19, 2013This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0185-13.
- 10131988Dec 19, 2013The following procedures are recommended during routine maintenance or in the event of a customer concern for wiper performance.
- 10132136Oct 23, 2013The appearance of spots in tempered glass (when viewed at certain angles) is the result of the heat treating and quick quenching process during manufacturing.
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 17% |
| 2025 | 1 | 6% |
| 2024 | 1 | 4% |
| 2022 | 2 | 8% |
| 2019 | 1 | 3% |
| 2018 | 6 | 16% |
| 2017 | 17 | 19% |
| 2016 | 41 | 26% |
| 2015 | 5 | 3% |
| 2014 | 12 | 6% |
| 2013 | 8 | 2% |
| 2012 | 30 | 7% |
| 2011 | 13 | 2% |
| 2010 | 21 | 1% |
| 2009 | 2 | 0% |
| 2008 | 15 | 1% |
| 2007 | 27 | 1% |
| 2006 | 14 | 1% |
| 2005 | 15 | 1% |
| 2004 | 10 | 2% |
| 2002 | 1 | 1% |
| 2001 | 1 | 1% |
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 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 30, 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