2004 Toyota Prius
JTDKB20U803003227
Vehicle record for the 2004 Toyota Prius (VIN JTDKB20U803003227). Blue, hatchback, hybrid (petrol / electric). 6 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year. Free specifications, registration region and recall data.
Full vehicle history report
What a full report checks for VIN JTDKB20U803003227
A full report searches national title databases (NMVTIS) and licensed history providers for this VIN and shows whatever records are on file — not every vehicle has every record type. The decode, safety recalls and owner complaints above are always free.
History reports cover US-titled vehicles only. This car is registered in Ukraine, so title, salvage and odometer records from the US national title database (NMVTIS) don't apply to it. The registration record, specifications and recall data on this page are free.
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
🧾 Window sticker / build sheet → All 2004 Toyota Prius data →
What's a 2004 Toyota Prius worth?
What comparable 2004 Toyota Prius vehicles are listed for — a quick gut-check before you negotiate.
Is the seller's price fair? Get this exact VIN's current market value — retail, trade-in & loan value — in the full report.
See this car's exact value →MPG & running costs
U.S. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 2004 Toyota Prius.
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. Actual mileage varies with trim and driving conditions.
Crash-test safety ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2004 Toyota Prius.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program, tested as the 2004 Toyota Prius 4-DR.. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 2004 Toyota Prius costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($3,781) with the same model 3 model-years older ($1,692), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
Dimensions & weight
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2004 Toyota Prius. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
NHTSA defect investigations 3
Pedestrian alert sounds Closed
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that…
NHTSA #DP22005 · Electrical System · opened Jan 2023 · closed Aug 2023Intermediate Steering Shaft Separation Closed
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a January 2013 defect petition requesting that it open an investigation on Model Year (MY) 2004-2009 Toyota Prius vehicles to address a possible manufacturing safety defect related to the steering column intermediate shaft. During the defect petition evaluation, ODI: 1. Reviewed the petition and its enclosures; 2. Reviewed the subject steering system layout; 3. Exami…
NHTSA #DP13001 · Steering · opened Feb 2013 · closed Apr 2020ENGINE STALLING Closed
ODI OPENED PE05-029 BASED ON 33 REPORTS OF ALLEGED GASOLINE ENGINE STALLING ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES. THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE GASOLINE/ ELECTRIC HYBRID VEHICLES THAT CAN BE OPERATED IN GASOLINE OR ELECTRIC MODES, OR A COMBINATION OF BOTH DEPENDING ON THE POWER DEMAND. ALL REPORTS ALLEGE THAT THE GASOLINE ENGINE SHUT DOWN SUDDENLY WITHOUT WARNING. SOME OF THE COMPLAINANTS REPORTED THAT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO OPERATE…
NHTSA #PE05029 · Engine And Engine Cooling · opened May 2005 · closed Oct 2005An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.
Manufacturer service bulletins 226
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be free. Showing the 10 most recent of 226.
OBSOLETE NOTICE February 13, 2026: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0009-26.
Bulletin T-SB-0119-15 Rev2 · Engine · Feb 2026This bulletin includes basic procedures for performing a rescue charge on Ni-MH high voltage (HV) batteries. This bulletin should be used in conjunction with the applicable model and model year Repair Manual while performing a rescue charge. The GRX-5100 shoul…
Bulletin T-SB-0009-26 · Engine · Feb 2026Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid,…
Bulletin T-SB-0035-24 Rev2 · Structure · Dec 2024To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before th…
Bulletin T-SB-0038-24 Rev2 · Structure · Dec 2024The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especiall…
Bulletin T-SB-0039-24 Rev2 · Structure · Dec 2024Toyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. Follow the Removal Procedure in this bulletin to r…
Bulletin T-SB-0061-23 Rev2 · Structure · Dec 2024Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. This type of contamination can be identified by the presence of small, r…
Bulletin T-SB-0062-23 Rev2 · Structure · Dec 2024Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid,…
Bulletin T-SB-0035-24 Rev1 · Structure · Jul 2024To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before th…
Bulletin T-SB-0038-24 Rev1 · Structure · Jul 2024The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especiall…
Bulletin T-SB-0039-24 Rev1 · Structure · Jul 2024Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the PRIUS. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 6
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2004 Toyota Prius. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Electrical
Issue: This recall is for certain block heater kits installed on certain vehicles or sold as accessories at Toyota or Lexus dealerships. On certain vehicles, the engine block heater cable may not have enough heat protection and could be damaged by high temperatures. If this happens, the cable could short circuit while plugged in, and cause the wiring to overheat or melt. Note:…
Transport Canada #2021723 · Nov 2021Powertrain
On certain vehicles, the electrical water pump assembly, used to circulate coolant through the hybrid components, may fail. If this were to occur, coolant would stop circulating, illuminating various warning lights in the instrument panel of the vehicle. In certain cases, the water pump motor could short-circuit, causing the hybrid system to stop functioning and the engine to s…
Transport Canada #2012387 · Nov 2012Steering
On certain vehicles, the steering intermediate shaft splines may have been improperly hardened. If the steering wheel is held firmly on the steering lock while turning sharply at low speeds, the splines could deform and wear, causing a backlash in the steering system. The splines could also become fully stripped, resulting in a potential loss of control causing a crash resultin…
Transport Canada #2012388 · Nov 2012Other
On certain vehicles, the accelerator pedal may become stuck in the wide open position due to an unsecured or incompatible driver's floor mat. 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. Correction: Dealers will reconfigure the shape of the accelerator pedal.…
Transport Canada #2009290 · Oct 2009Steering
On certain vehicles, the connection at the intermediate shaft or the intermediate extension shaft may become loose or the intermediate shaft sleeve may develop a crack under certain operating conditions. The connection may separate or the shaft sleeve may fracture, which could result in the loss of steering control and an increased risk of a crash. Correction: Dealers will repl…
Transport Canada #2006129 · May 2006Electrical
On certain vehicles equipped with a light emitting diode (LED) stop lamp, there is a possibility that silicon oxide may be generated on the surface of the contact point inside the stop lamp switch. Consequently, current may not flow at the contact, causing the stop lamp to become inoperative. The loss of stop lamps would result in failure to warn following drivers that the vehi…
Transport Canada #2004409 · Nov 2004Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.
About the Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius is a car produced by Toyota since 1997 over five generations. The Prius has a hybrid drivetrain, called Hybrid Synergy Drive, which combines an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. Initially offered as a subcompact four-door saloon, it has been produced only as a compact five-door liftback since 2003.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.
Safety recall campaigns 6
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM: INVERTER
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.
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 Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.
NHTSA Campaign #12V536000 · 14/11/2012STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT SECTOR
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.
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 contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.
NHTSA Campaign #12V537000 · 14/11/2012VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
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.
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. THESE CHANGES ADDRESS THE RISK OF PEDAL ENTRAPMENT DUE TO INTERFERENCE WITH THE FLOOR MAT. REDESIGNED ACC
NHTSA Campaign #09V388000 · manufacturer #90L(TOYOTA)/90LG(LEX · 05/10/2009STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA Campaign #06V188000 · manufacturer #60C · 31/05/2006AIR BAGS
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 AN INSUFFICIENT AMOUNT OF THE HEATING AGENTS NECESSARY FOR PROPER AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. IN THIS CONDITION, THE EXPANSION FORCE OF THE GAS MAY BE INSUFFICIENT TO PROPERLY INFLATE THE AIR BAG WHEN THE SRS …
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.
NHTSA Campaign #06V096000 · manufacturer #60B 6LB · 03/04/2006EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
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.
NHTSA Campaign #04V558000 · manufacturer #SSC 40L/SSC 4LH · 22/11/2004Note: recall data comes from the U.S. NHTSA and covers the US-market version of this model. A car registered in Ukraine may have different campaigns — check with the manufacturer's local importer.
These are NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year, last checked 7 Oct 2026. They don't show whether this particular car has had the repair done — check this VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.
We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on all 610 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2004 Toyota Prius, here are the most-reported problem areas — and what to check before you buy.
💥 38 involved a crash 🔥 2 involved a fire 🚑 29 reported injuries
🔍 Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
🔍 Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
🔍 Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
🔍 Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
🔍 Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
🔍 Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 610
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 2004 Toyota Prius.
SERVICE BRAKES
Codes C1256 and C1391 ACC low pressure and abnormal leak of ACC press
NHTSA ODI #11689579ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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. This also has the problem with the entire digital dash going dark which means no speedometer or gas gauge. Making the vehicle almost unable to be driven safely at this point. I…
NHTSA ODI #11674939ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
During a hot period of summer, my drive selector decided to not stay in the drive position unless I held it there. I could make the initial selection of drive and then stop on the gas, but it would not stay unless I physically held the lever down in the drive position. I never had an issue with the reverse position; only drive. I could always get the car bac…
NHTSA ODI #11493255STEERING,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving 51 MPH, the vehicle experienced phantom braking and a loss of power steering assist with the engine overheating message displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was appro…
NHTSA ODI #11468633ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle lost power steering functionality but the contact was able to safely pull off of the road. The contact stated that the check engine warning light and other unknown warning lights were illuminated before the vehicle stalled. Additional…
NHTSA ODI #11460805VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I need your help to get Toyota to fix 2 items: -ABS Accumulator: I understand Toyota at one time had a recall on the ‘ABS Accumulator’, that may have expired. At that time, I did not have any issue, nor was I aware of the recall. Now the ‘ABS Accumulator’ has gone out and is really hurting the braking. I had to get new brakes & they get locked because of the…
NHTSA ODI #11459332SERVICE BRAKES
ABS failure. Won't pressurize. Anti-lock brakes quit working.
NHTSA ODI #11452343SERVICE BRAKES
Toyota has issued time-limited 'Warranty enhancement program ZG1' instead of working with the NHSTA to issue a comprehensive BRAKE ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY RECALL. ZG1 was explicitly in place only from April 2016 to Dec 2017, requiring dealer verification of an actual system failure prior to 31 Dec 2017. My failure occurred in 2021 and Toyota will not extend ZG1 fo…
NHTSA ODI #11441812+ 602 more complaints on record.
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