Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2007 Toyota Prius owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2007 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while at a stop light, she attempted to drive however, the vehicle failed to exceed 25 MPH. The HC battery, ECU, and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the vehicle displayed DTC code: P3190 (Engine Failure). The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the hybrid battery was severely drained, and the mechanic retrieved DTC codes: P3000 and P0A80 for the hybrid battery pack. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to another independent mechanic, who replaced the battery, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000. …
I was driving and all of my dashboard lights disappeared, I couldn't see anything. I was suddenly driving blind. I pulled over but the car would not turn off. I tried again and again, but it would just not turn off. I called Toyota corporate they asked how far I was to a Toyota dealer and told me to take it there immediately. They gave me a case number 220322000191. When I got to the dealer, they said I would have to pay $150 for a diagnosis. I left it there and am now reporting this. There should be a recall on these vehicles, this is extremely dangerous.
I keep replacing P1116 and it keeps coming back also I was driving up a hill when I lost power and the car wouldn't accelerate. It would turn on and go into gear but not go anywhere. I know it says my vin doesn't have recalls but why am I experiencing them
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Toyota Prius. While driving approximately 55 MPH, the check engine indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing, but the technician was unable to diagnose the cause of the failure. Seventeen days later, the failure recurred and the vehicle was taken to another dealer who performed an oil change and checked the tire pressure. One week later, the failure recurred and the tire gauge indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the technician recommended that the hybrid battery might be the cause of the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the hybrid battery needed to be replaced with a 12-volt regular battery. The battery was not replaced. Two hours later, while the contact was driving, the failure recurred and the check engine indicator started to blink. …
Tl* the contact's girlfriend owned a 2007 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while his girlfriend was driving at 55 MPH, a grayish smoke began to emit from the engine without warning. His girlfriend then immediately pulled over and exited the vehicle with her son as the smoke quickly turned into flames. The fire spread rapidly and the vehicle exploded. As a result, the authorities arrived at the scene and the fire was extinguished. A fire report was filed; no injuries were reported. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it remained in their possession. The dealer nor manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle was destroyed due to the fire. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Takata recall. My car won't shut off. They say the instrument panel cluster needs replaced. It has been on back order for 13 days so my car is useless. I can't drive it. I paid either 23,000 or 28,000 for it and have kept it maintained. The Toyota place says they have another lady that's been waiting 3 days less than mine. I called california Toyota. They can't tell me anything - but today told me it might be on back order. This is a safety issue. A car that won't shut off is a danger. It could kick into gear. It could damage the motor. A car that you can't tell how much gas is in it can be a problem as well. I can't drive it. The speedometer won't work. This is a problem with safety as if you can't tell what speed you are going you risk tickets. The Toyota place in birmingham has replaced 30 of these instrument clusters. …
2007 Prius 144K miles when problem 1st occurred. Car serviced regularly - oil changed every 3500 miles. Master warning light would come on randomly when turning or going up/down hill at highway speeds. Computer diagnostics run repeatedly (at Toyota and at local mechanic) nothing ever found. 12/2016 brought car to Toyota service couldn't find anything initially. 2+ hours later told oil is very low which made no sense; no oil spot in garage, car passed inspection and wasn't due for an oil change . Was told the 'oil warning indicator' was lit despite the fact that the oil warning light never came on. Ever. (oil indicator should come on when car is started and remain on -briefly if the oil is low. It does not.) told tech that only the master light comes on and the circumstances. Never given an explanation. Problem has gotten progressively worse. …
On May 16, 2015, while driving my second-generation 2007 Toyota Prius on the freeway, I experienced a sudden loss of power, along with the illumination on the instrument panel of the malfunction indicator light, master warning light and hybrid warning light. I was able to maneuver the car to the side of the road and summon emergency help. A nearby Toyota dealership replaced the hybrid inverter water pump, which fixed the problem. However, the dealership did not advise me of a safety recall. Toyota customer experience center today stated that the original hybrid inverter water pump was replaced on April 7, 2011, under Toyota limited service notice a0n; hence, Toyota refused my phone request for reimbursement of my May, 2015, repair expense. …
We are experiencing gross malfunctioning with this Prius that now has appx. 76,000 miles. It is a serious matter of concern for the safety of our lives. Very briefly, the following are only some examples: mrs, (owner) experienced the engine suddenly stalling crossing an intersection while driving down a busy hill and planning to go up another hill. Mrs. (owner) at two different times could not restart the Prius after completing errands. Mrs. (owner) was backing the car out of the garage and was fully in the street when the car stopped functioning, leaving her in the car in the middle of the street, perpendicular to traffic without the ability to restart the car. Mr. (owner's husband) also experienced the engine not functioning (stalling) while driving. Redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 U.S.c. 552(b)(6)
I was driving my car on the highway in houston (interstate-10) and my car suddenly stopped. I was almost rear-ended due to the car stopping suddenly without the ability to accelerate. There was only a narrow shoulder and I had to wait for the tow truck. The issue is the inverter pump which was a recall in 2011 (12V536000) and the Toyota dealership told me to call Toyota us hq. After two weeks, multiple phone calls, and zero follow through from Toyota, I am still without a functioning car. The total lack of care and accountability from Toyota is appalling and frankly reckless. This is a known issue on the car and I want to make sure this does not happen to someone else. My wife and I are blessed that we were able to walk away from the stall on the highway unscathed; however, this can happen to someone else at night and perhaps that person(s) will not be so lucky.
Engine complaints in other Prius years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2007 Toyota Prius?
NHTSA has 54 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2007 Toyota Prius, 3% of the model year's 2,003 complaints. The component named most often is engine (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2007 Toyota Prius engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2007 Toyota Prius, though it has 4 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 2007 Toyota Prius engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 101,000 miles, and 16% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 2 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling 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.