2008 Toyota Prius Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 1%of 1,497 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 19,169miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2008 Toyota Prius, 1% of the 1,497 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 19,169 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“We bought the Prius on june 2008 and it has only 4023 miles but in last one month it broke down three times . First time the car stopped on highway a strong beep sound and then check engine light, vehicle stability control light and a big red alert triangle came up the car lost it's power completely and got stalled in the middle of hwy - pretty scary. Then on 6/2/2009 we noticed that we cannot open the hatch back door and the car is completely dead. …”
NHTSA complaint #10273545, filed 2009-06, 4,023 miles“This is a defect that I tried to resolve with the Toyota dealership. I had owned a 2004 Toyota Prius that got 45-50 mpg while driving in town and about 45 highway. I traded this car in for a 2008 Toyota Prius. In the 2008, I am lucky to get above 35 mpg in town and I get about 45 highway. My mileage on highway is much higher than in town which is not what Toyota advertises and I am not driving any differently than I did the 2004 Prius. So something wrong with the ECM in the car. …”
NHTSA complaint #10313546, filed 2010-02, 2,000 miles“While my 2004 Toyota Prius was in the shop for its 30,000 mile maintenance, my mechanic found that the water pump has been leaking coolant (photos available). The car has only 21,600 miles, and its water pump should last at least three times as long. My local berkeley Toyota dealer had three '04 Prius pumps on hand which is indicative that many Prius' are experiencing such a water pump failure. I'm writing to inform you of what appears to be a substandard part on 2004 Prius'.”
NHTSA complaint #10247752, filed 2008-11, 21,338 miles“On 31 december 2009 my 08 Prius was slowed down prior to turning into a driveway, when it suddenly accelerated. It went out of control and crashed into trees and a powerpole. The floor mat, that according to Toyota is supposed to cause this, was properly attached to the pegs in the floor, and in proper place even after the crash recently, on 6 april, 2010, I again experienced a sudden unexplained acceleration when going about 5/10 miles per hour. It lasted about four seconds and did not result in an accident.”
NHTSA complaint #10318464, filed 2010-03, 45,000 miles“I was driving n on broadway and crashed into a power pole several blocks from where I was going. I don't remember the crash or the events leading up to the crash due to a head injury. I was driving a 2008 Toyota Prius. I hadn't had any problems before the crash. My doctors are performing numerous tests to determine if there are any physical problems with me (so far nothing has shown up in the tests), but no one has considered whether or not there was a defect with the car that may have contributed to the accident.”
NHTSA complaint #10320609, filed 2010-03, 14,600 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10253223Mar 4, 2024This is to advise of various price adjustments that will affect Toyota Genuine Motor Oil and Long Life Coolant, effective March 1, 2024. These products are ordered through the…
- 10183281Oct 21, 2020TT: HVAC drain tube is found to be blocked/clogged.
- 10179698Aug 5, 2020TSB: Some 2003 ? 2020 model year Prius, Prius C, Prius V; 2006 ? 2019 model year Highlander Hybrid Vehicle; 2007 ? 2020 Camry Hybrid Vehicle; 2013 ? 2020 model year Avalon Hybrid…
- 10179602Aug 5, 2020TSB: Some 2003 ? 2020 model year Prius, Prius C, Prius V; 2006 ? 2019 model year Highlander Hybrid Vehicle; 2007 ? 2020 Camry Hybrid Vehicle; 2013 ? 2020 model year Avalon Hybrid…
- 10178524Jul 30, 2020TT: HVAC drain tube is found to be blocked/clogged.
- 10132091Oct 8, 2013Some 2004 ? 2009 model year Prius vehicles may exhibit a MIL ?ON? condition with Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0A80 or P0A7F stored due to dust or debris build-up in the HV…
- 10132204Aug 12, 2013For vehicles that are used under certain severe operating conditions, the HV Battery Cooling Fan may experience an excessive buildup of dust, lint, or other debris that can…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 4% |
| 2019 | 1 | 3% |
| 2018 | 3 | 8% |
| 2017 | 1 | 1% |
| 2016 | 1 | 1% |
| 2012 | 1 | 0% |
| 2011 | 5 | 1% |
| 2010 | 33 | 1% |
| 2009 | 7 | 1% |
| 2008 | 16 | 1% |
| 2007 | 17 | 1% |
| 2006 | 20 | 1% |
| 2005 | 64 | 6% |
| 2004 | 89 | 15% |
| 2003 | 11 | 11% |
| 2002 | 11 | 7% |
| 2001 | 18 | 11% |
Other parts of the 2008 Toyota Prius
579 complaintsBrakes
390 complaintsElectrical system
235 complaintsVehicle speed control
156 complaintsOther or unknown
92 complaintsBody and structure
68 complaintsFuel system
55 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
54 complaintsEngine
49 complaintsElectronic stability control
43 complaintsAir bags
41 complaintsSteering
18 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Toyota Prius
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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