Toyota2012–2017

Prius 1.8 PHEV: Common faults & known problems

Common faults & known problems

5 known faults documented in workshop bulletins. Of these, five concern the engine and fuel system. Symptoms, causes, repair steps and part numbers are shown where supplied.

Engine & fuel system

5 documented faults — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.

Unable to remove in-tank fuel pump

Overview

Affects
All models with in-tank fuel pump assembly retaining ring.
Remedy
Fit new part

Cause

Retaining ring for fuel pump assembly seized to fuel tank.

Repair

  1. Cut through retaining ring to enable removal from fuel tank. Avoid damaging fuel tank threads.
  2. Inspect fuel tank threads for damage. If fuel tank threads damaged or new retaining ring will not tighten: Fit new fuel tank.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 1.

Hybrid battery pack overheating

Foreign objects and/or debris in hybrid battery pack cooling fan reducing or stopping air flow. Fix: clean and lubricate.

Overview

Affects
All models, 2013→.
Remedy
Clean & lubricate

Symptoms

Engine malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminated. Hybrid drive system warning lamp illuminated.

Repair steps

  1. Remove and clean hybrid battery pack cooling fan.
  2. Fit hybrid battery pack air intake aperture filter.
  3. Check operation and condition of hybrid battery pack. Replace if necessary.

Parts

Parts listed in the bulletin
PartPart numberQty
FilterG92DH-470101

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 2.

Engine difficult to start after standing for 3hours or more

Affects All models with 1ZR-FE/1ZR-FAE/2ZR-FE/2ZR-FAE/2ZR-FXE/3ZR-FE/3ZR-FAE engine codes, →03/16.

Cause

Unsatisfactory design of injectors.

Repair

  1. Inspect production number on injectors If production number 0692, replace injectors.
Parts1 part
Parts listed in the bulletin
PartPart numberQty
Injector23209-391454

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 3.

Engine malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminated. Trouble code stored: P0401

EGR valve not operating properly due to build up of deposits. Fix: fit a modified part.

Overview

Affects
All models with 2ZR-FXE engine code, →12/12.
Fault codes
P0401
Remedy
Fit modified part

Repair steps

  1. Fit modified EGR valve.
  2. Re-route EGR valve wiring, leaving sufficient slack to allow for engine movement: Remove insulation tape from wiring harness Apply adhesive tape to area indicated.
  3. Re-program engine control module (ECM) with upgraded software. Note: To carry out an effective repair a software upgrade will be required - refer to manufacturer.

Parts

Parts listed in the bulletin
PartPart numberQty
EGR valve25620-371201
EGR valve gasket25685-370101

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 4.

Engine overheating

Overview

Affects
All models with 2ZR-FXE engine code.
Remedy
Fit modified part
Parts
1 part

Symptoms

Coolant loss with no signs of coolant leak. White smoke coming from exhaust.

Cause

Unsatisfactory design of cylinder head gasket.

Repair

  1. Carry out electrical, mechanical and component tests (as applicable) to eliminate any other possible cause(s).
  2. If no fault(s) found: Fit modified cylinder head gasket.
Parts1 part
Parts listed in the bulletin
PartPart numberQty
Cylinder head gasket11115-370801

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 5.

Glossary

Technical terms used in this guide.

MIL
Malfunction indicator lamp — the engine warning light on the dashboard
ECM
Engine control module — the electronic unit that manages the engine
Control Module
A control unit for one of the vehicle's systems (engine, gearbox, brakes, body, and so on)
EGR Valve
The valve that meters exhaust gas back into the intake
In-Tank Fuel Pump
The fuel pump mounted inside the fuel tank
Re-Program
Update the software on a control module using the manufacturer's diagnostic tool
Wiring Harness
The bundled cables that carry power and signals around the vehicle
Head Gasket
The seal between the cylinder head and the engine block

Frequently asked questions

What are the common faults with the Toyota Prius 1.8 PHEV?

This guide contains five workshop bulletins for the Toyota Prius 1.8 PHEV. Of these, five concern the engine and fuel system. Symptoms, causes, repair steps and part numbers are shown where supplied.

Does every Toyota Prius 1.8 PHEV have these faults?

No. These are patterns documented across the model by workshops, not predictions for an individual vehicle. Where a fault applies only to certain vehicles or VIN ranges, that is listed with the fault.

Can I check for Toyota Prius 1.8 PHEV faults myself?

Many of them. The documented symptoms can be seen, heard or felt during a test drive.

Related guides

Glossary term

See in the glossary →