2008 Toyota Prius recalls and problems
The 2008 Toyota Prius has 4 safety recalls and 1,498 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Toyota dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2008 Toyota Prius vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2008 Toyota Prius recalls
Recall 12V-537: Steering
Problem: Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2009 Prius vehicles manufactured August 5, 2003, through March 30, 2009. The affected vehicles have a steering intermediate extension shaft assembly built with metal splines that complete the connection from the steering wheel to the steering gear. These splines may have been manufactured with an insufficient hardness.
Risk: Over time, the splines may wear and eventually fail resulting in a loss of steering ability, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the extension shaft and replace it if it is one with insufficient hardness, free of charge. The recall began during December 2012. Owners may contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.
Recall 12V-536: Hybrid Propulsion System, Engine and Engine Cooling
Problem: Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2009 Prius vehicles manufactured August 6, 2003, through March 30, 2009 and FCHV-adv vehicles manufactured December 12, 2008, through September 13, 2011. During manufacturing, a scratch may have occurred inside of the electrically driven water pump at the coil wire. The coil wire may corrode at the scratched portion.
Risk: The corroded coil wire may break and the water pump could stop. The corroded coil wire could cause a short circuit between coil wires and a possible open fuse, creating a stall-like condition of the hybrid system while the vehicle is being driven. This may increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix: Toyota will notify its owners, and dealers will replace the electric water pump, free of charge. The recall began on January 17, 2013. Owners may contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.
Recall 10V-036: Equipment
Problem: Southeast toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 passenger vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims." these vehicles were sold without the requisite load carrying capacity modification labels.
Risk: A driver may overload a vehicle which may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will mail to consumers the corrected label or the customer will have the option for dealers to install the label free of charge. The safety recall began on may 27, 2010. Owners may contact southeast toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
Recall 09V-388: Vehicle Speed Control
Problem: Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2010 passenger vehicles. The accelerator pedal can get stuck in the wide open position due to its being trapped by an unsecured or incompatible driver's floor mat.
Risk: A stuck open accelerator pedal may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death.
Fix: Toyota filed an amended defect report on november 25, 2009, stating that dealers will modify the accelerator pedal and, on certain vehicles, alter the shape of the floor surface under the pedal. These changes address the risk of pedal entrapment due to interference with the floor mat. Redesigned accelerator pedals will become available beginning in april 2010 and dealers will replace any modified pedal with the new pedal if desired. Also, dealers will replace any genuine toyota or lexus all-weather floor mats with redesigned all-weather mats, or repurchase the previous mats from owners who do not want the new ones. Additionally, software modifications will be installed on camry, avalon and lexus es 350, is 350 and is 250 models that will ensure that the brake overrides the accelerator in the event both brake and accelerator pedals are applied. Toyota will begin mailing letters to owners on december 31, 2009. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331, lexus at 1-800-255-3987.
2008 Toyota Prius problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior Lighting | 583 | |
| Electrical System | 236 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 175 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 156 | |
| Service Brakes | 146 | |
| Service Brakes, Electric | 77 | |
| Structure | 69 | |
| Power Train | 57 | |
| Unknown or Other | 50 | |
| Engine | 49 | |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | 43 | |
| Air Bags | 42 |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 41
- Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 29
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module — 14
- Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 13
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 12
- Air Bags › Frontal — 7
- Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate — 6
- Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel — 5
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 51,300 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2008 Toyota Prius complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Toyota Prius years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2008 Toyota Prius have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2008 Toyota Prius: 12V-537 (steering), 12V-536 (hybrid propulsion system, engine and engine cooling), 10V-036 (equipment), 09V-388 (vehicle speed control). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2008 Toyota Prius?
Owners report exterior lighting problems most often (583 reports), followed by electrical system (236). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 51,300 miles.
Are Toyota recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Toyota dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.