Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Toyota Prius owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while she was sitting in the vehicle that was parked in the garage, the vehicle accelerated on its own and proceeded to move forward while the emergency brake was activated, and no warning light illuminated. The vehicle struck the contacts home going inside the home. The contact stated the vehicle was not on, but the vehicle started on its own once the vehicle was pulled from the inside of the home. The contact legs where stuck in between the front side door of the vehicle but did not seek any medical attention. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not towed. The dealer or the manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 168,000.
Power train over-engagement: when attempting to slow enough to make a 90 degree right turn, after letting off accelerator before applying the brake, the power train continued to engage, even during braking, for a few seconds causing extra inertia entering corner with definite loss of traction.* *there is no warning, very disconcerting, causing mild to severe anxiety. * this has happened at least 50 times in last 7 years of ownership. *happens in many stopping conditions: slow, fast (usually under 30mph) *irrespective of straight or changing direction other vehicle had been present, a collision would have been eminent. Icy condition vehicle could have ended off road.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Toyota Prius. While driving 55 MPH over a pothole, the contact lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle went airborne and the seat belt disengaged and caused the contact to be ejected from the vehicle. Additionally, the front driver side tire detached from the vehicle and the contact crashed into a ditch. The air bags failed to deploy. A police report was not filed and the contact sustained unknown injuries that required medical attention. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 220,000. Updated 2/24/15 updated 03/02/15
2006 Prius was arriving at work and pulling into a parking space. My foot was removed from gas, but accelerator stuck open. The car bounced over the concrete curb, over a snow bank and over a second curb into the university driveway. Car sustained $3800+ in body damage and another $370 in service repairs for brakes, tires, suspension and dash warning systems that erupted. Vehicle was recently repaired. Local dealer would not accept any responsibility or acknowledge any problems with the car. Final repair invoice states the vehicle floor-mats, ABS and pedal stroke sensors were all working properly. Claim was made to our insurance company [erie insurance].
From the time I purchased it new in 2006, while in park/stationary, it's normal for a Prius to shut off their gas engine while in idle.. However, when the gas engine comes back on to help charge the battery while in idle, it causes the car to jerk forward 1-2 inches. One time this bumped a person crossing the street that walked near my idling car. It happens every time. So the date below should have an option for everyday.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Toyota Prius. While the vehicle was at the dealer, it was placed in the drive position and independently moved to the neutral position. The contact also stated that the vehicle was placed in the reverse position and independently moved to the neutral position. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 189,930.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Toyota Prius. While driving 65 MPH, the gear unexpectedly shifted into neutral. The contact mentioned that the gear needed to be held in the drive position in order to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 220,000.
Baught the car off a private sale. Car is a complete bad condition fron the suspension tonthe motor makes strange noises air conditioner wont work tires fall from allighments seat beats are off burning a pil change in less then a week.no accidents no changes as is and have been using it for work.
We own a 2006 Toyota Prius. The car was purchased new,has been dealer maintained and is our primary vehicle. On January 26, 2010 at 2:05 pm my wife experience uncontrollable acceleration and despite attempting the strategies recommended by Toyota was involved in a crash causing her and others injury. The weather was clear, the road was dry and straight and my wife was approaching an intersection with plenty of unobstucted visibility. We had followed the initial recall instructions and had been in contact with the local dealer about any follow-up instructions pertaining to our vehicle. After the accident I contact, in person, the service manager at performance Toyota in Lincoln, ne. He stated our vehicle was not part of the most recent recall involving faulty gas pedals. …
My 2006 Toyota Prius was parked in a driveway. I powered it on then tried to put it in drive. The shift kept bouncing out of drive without my moving it, into n, r and finally back into drive at which point I released the hand brake, then eased my foot off the brake pedal. I did not pushed the accelerator pedal in order to turn onto the road slowly. But the car suddenly accelerated really fast. As it did so the red triangle 'problem - check engine' symbol came up on the dashboard. The car went across the road and into a neighbor's front yard where there was a lot of snow and a snowdrift by the road, and ran straight into the snowdrift which stopped it. I was then able to turn off the power. The foot brake had no effect. The car was heading on a line at right angles to the house and had there not been that snowdrift there, would have hit the house head-on. …
Transmission complaints in other Prius years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2006 Toyota Prius?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2006 Toyota Prius, 2% of the model year's 1,439 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Toyota Prius transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2006 Toyota Prius, though it has 6 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2006 Toyota Prius transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 82,000 miles, and 14% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 5 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.