2011 Toyota Prius Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 1%of 521 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 15,956miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2011 Toyota Prius, 1% of the 521 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 15,956 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.
“Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2011 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 145,000 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 227,000. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to Auto Zone and was informed that the catalytic converter had failed and needed to be replaced. …”
NHTSA complaint #11670893, filed 2025-07, 227,000 miles“Upon starting vehicle, a very loud knocking noise, accompanied by shaking occurred. At this time no failure/warning lights appeared on dashboard. Moved car forward approximately 15 feet, and placed car in park, knocking/shaking did not abate. Turned car off. The next day, the car, upon starting had the same loud knocking/shaking. It was audible from several feet away from the car. On the second time, it was accompanied by a warning light to put the car in park. Vehicle was towed to the dealership.”
NHTSA complaint #10433593, filed 2011-10, 8,106 miles“The car suddenly decelerated from 65 miles an hour to about 5 miles per hour while driving on a highway at night with the shoulder blocked due to road construction. This same problem was present in the 2004 Prius and was apparently the subject of NHTSA investigation. There was a recall issued on november 30, 2010 for 650,000 units of the 2010 Prius. Toyota has not been able to determine the cause of this problem in the earlier models and admits it doesn't know the cause of the problem in the 2011 Prius. …”
NHTSA complaint #10441676, filed 2011-12, 15,956 miles“Upon ice start up at times, there is a loud knocking noise emanating from engine compartment. Goes away after 10 seconds and car drives fine. Has occurred several times. Though there is a TSB issued, dealer would not fix unless issue is replicated despite showing them what my car did on video. Most noticeable after car was run for a very brief time hours before. Also notice the last few weeks, while driving vehicle, upon ice starting up, the engine is rough and the shift to ice is noticeable. Previously it was smooth. No codes have appeared and the car appears to run normal otherwise. …”
NHTSA complaint #10451014, filed 2012-03, 12,000 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.
- 10164926Aug 30, 2019Warranty Enhancement Program: Toyota has received reports of a rough idle and/or rattle noise from the transaxle at cold start due to a sticking Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR)…
- 10131893Mar 27, 2017TT: Rev2 Some Customers may complain about a Hybrid Vehicle Battery cooling system warning message. This warning message may appear when the HV Battery cooling system loses…
- 10132913Nov 16, 2016TSB: NOTE Service Bulletin No. T-SB-0168-16 ?2ZR-FXE Engine Oil Consumption Inspection Procedure? MUST be performed BEFORE continuing with the procedure in this bulletin. Some…
- 10132912Nov 16, 2016TSB: Some 2010 ? 2014 model year Prius, Prius V, and Prius PHV vehicles equipped with 2ZR-FXE engines may exhibit engine oil consumption. The piston and ring assembly has been…
- 10111614Aug 16, 2016Warranty Policy Bulletin (POL16-04): Toyota has received reports of a rough idle and/or rattle noise from the transaxle at cold start due to a sticking Exhaust Gas Recirculation…
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 2011 Toyota Prius
277 complaintsElectrical system
68 complaintsExterior lighting
48 complaintsEngine
47 complaintsAir bags
46 complaintsOther or unknown
30 complaintsVehicle speed control
28 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
18 complaintsElectronic stability control
16 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
13 complaintsFuel system
11 complaintsHybrid propulsion system
10 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2011 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