2004 Toyota Prius: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2004 Toyota Prius?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2004 Toyota Prius than on all cars registered in 2004.

• Headlights2.1× usual
  Toyota Prius

  28.1% All 2004 cars

  13.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.3%, against 4.9% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

• Number plates1.8× usual
  Toyota Prius

  11.4% All 2004 cars

  6.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.1%, against 0.7% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

• Chassis rust or damage2.2× usual
  Toyota Prius

  7.9% All 2004 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.9%, against 1.1% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Link ball joint covers2.6× usual
  Toyota Prius

  6.9% All 2004 cars

  2.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.4%, against 1.5% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Steering swivel joints3.3× usual
  Toyota Prius

  3% All 2004 cars

  0.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0.1% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

Common 2004 Toyota Prius MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2004 Toyota Prius MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Lights and electrics
  47% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Suspension
  46% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Brakes
  36% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Tyres
  31% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Rust and bodywork
  15% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  12% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Known faults on the 2004 Toyota Prius

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Stalling software recall

  All versions

  Mainly in the USA, some cars stalled and wouldn't restart because of faulty engine software. Toyota recalled the affected cars and fixed it.

  At the viewing: Run the free DVSA recall check on the reg.

  Source: What Car?: Toyota Prius (2003-2009) reliability

• Brake light recall

  All versions

  UK cars were recalled because the rear brake light could malfunction.

  At the viewing: Have someone check the brake lights work.

  Source: What Car?: Toyota Prius (2003-2009) reliability

• Ex-fleet wear

  All versions

  Many were council or company pool cars and may not have been well maintained.

  At the viewing: Check the service history and the V5C for fleet ownership.

  Source: What Car?: Toyota Prius (2003-2009) reliability

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2004 Toyota Prius

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2004 Toyota Prius as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the number plates? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2004 Toyota Prius as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the chassis rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2004 Toyota Prius as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?