Is the 2004 Toyota Prius reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 Toyota Prius is rated "worse than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Toyota Prius?

The most-reported component is exterior lighting, accounting for 30% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2004 Toyota Prius have?

6 recalls on file for this model year.

2004 Toyota Prius

◆ Worse than typical

2004 Toyota Prius
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 610
Recalls: 6
Investigations: 3
Top problem: Exterior lighting

Complaints per year

2004: 610 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2000	4
2001	165
2002	167
2003	99
2004	610
2005	1,051
2006	1,439
2007	2,003
2008	1,497
2009	502
2010	2,824
2011	521
2012	424
2013	411
2014	208
2015	166
2016	155
2017	91
2018	37
2019	30
2020	14
2021	6
2022	24
2023	20
2024	27
2025	16
2026	6

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Exterior lighting

30% · 185 reports

Most commonly citing headlights and switch.

Electrical system

30% · 184 reports

Most commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery and instrument cluster/panel.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Car was in motion, 55 MPH on highway going straight, had been driving one hour. Smoke started filling the rear hatchback area, coming from the driver's side of the cargo-area floor. Pulled over and flames came up. Doused it with water.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-12-06

The odometer on my 2004 Prius stops at 299,999. This is a known problem in the 04-05 models that was corrected in 2006. Leaves me unable to track miles for maintenance and other uses.

NHTSA ODI report, 2025-07-21

Engine and engine cooling

16% · 95 reports

Most commonly citing engine and gasoline.

CRASH

Service brakes

12% · 73 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and electric.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

When stopping suddenly sometimes the brakes on my 2004 Prius would not respond immediately as they should. They would release the calipers completely and the only way to stop would be to let off the brakes and press them again.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-09-25

Codes C1256 and C1391 ACC low pressure and abnormal leak of ACC press

NHTSA ODI report, 2025-09-24

Vehicle speed control

9% · 52 reports

Most commonly citing accelerator pedal.

CRASHINJURY

Safety timeline

6 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

▮
2004Complaint volume 610 complaints filed for this model year.
R

2004-12-20Exterior lighting04V558000 Certain passenger vehicles may be equipped with an improperly designed brake light switch. A silicon oxide build-up occurs on the contacts inside the brake light switch, which can make it inoperable.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake light switch. The recall began during December 2004. Owners should contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2005-05-31Preliminary evaluationClosed 2005-10-12 Engine stalling
R

2006-04-06Air bags06V096000 On certain vehicles, due to improper assembly of the air bag inflator, which is used in the side air bag, the curtain shield air bag, and the knee air bag assembly, some inflators were produced with…

Remedy: Dealers will replace the specific SRS air bag. The recall began on April 6, 2006. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-888-270-9371, Scion at 1-866-548-1851, or Lexus at 1-800-255-3987.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2006-06-09Steering06V188000 The intermediate shaft and sliding yoke in the electric power steering system can crack when large forces are applied and the connection may separate or the sleeve may fracture.

Remedy: Toyota will replace the steering intermediate shaft and inspect the sliding yoke and replace it if necessary. The recall began on June 9, 2006. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2009-12-31Vehicle speed control09V388000 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…

Remedy: 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.…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2012-12-20Steering12V537000 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…

Remedy: 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…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2013-01-17Engine and engine cooling, hybrid propulsion system12V536000 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.…

Remedy: 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…

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2013-02-21Defect petitionClosed 2020-04-08 Intermediate Steering Shaft Separation
I
2023-01-27Defect petitionClosed 2023-08-07 Pedestrian alert sounds

Buy-smart checklist

2004 Toyota Prius — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Exterior lighting: 185 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 184 reports on file for this year.
Engine and engine cooling: 95 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 04V558000 · Exterior lighting
Recall 06V096000 · Air bags
Recall 06V188000 · Steering
Recall 09V388000 · Vehicle speed control
Recall 12V537000 · Steering
Recall 12V536000 · Engine and engine cooling, hybrid propulsion system

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2004 Toyota Prius reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 Toyota Prius is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Toyota Prius?: The most-reported component is exterior lighting, accounting for 30% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 Toyota Prius have?: 6 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.