CarRecallWatchThe 2008 Toyota Prius has 4 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 1,497 complaints with NHTSA, including 152 crashes, 6 fires, 71 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Exterior Lighting (583 reports).
2008 Toyota Prius recalls
Most common 2008 Toyota Prius problems
Problem areas named in the 1,497 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Exterior Lighting | 583 |
| Electrical System | 236 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 175 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 156 |
| Service Brakes | 145 |
| Service Brakes, Electric | 77 |
| Structure | 69 |
| Power Train | 57 |
| Unknown Or Other | 50 |
| Engine | 49 |
What owners report
Water pump failed after replacement in 2013 with 30k miles, car had only 93k miles when failed again in 2016. The potentiometer part failed, there is corrosion in the part. Was in freeway when it failed. I have reported this to different representatives. I was charged more 1.5k for a replacement of a faulty part that should last more than 50k miles.
the cruise control was inop, technician said it was a clockspring failure, replaced the clockspring with a new part from walmart, then at times, the airbag failure light would come on, paid a technician to replace the replacement clockspring with an new one and the failure stopped, walmart is selling a part that could result in death
2008 Toyota Prius gen2 with 139k miles. ABS, Brake, parking brake, and Traction Control lights all illuminated while driving the other day. Potential is losing all electronically assisted braking function in the car. Problem has been confirmed by local independent service center. Independent service center pulled codes: C1256 Accumulator low pressure C1378 Capacitor Communication Malfunction C1391 Abnormal leak of ACC pressure all consistent with ABS accumulator failure. Recommending ABS modulator assembly replacement at $2742.66 Toyota had a warranty enhancement program that covered this component: Warranty Enhancement Program â ZG1 2006-2007 Model Year Highlander Hybrid & 2004-2009
Brake pedal became hard and vehicle was difficult to stop. ABS warning light appeared on dashboard. This is a problem that Toyota has addressed previously by extending the warranty period to 10 Years/150,000 miles. My vehicle has 122,000 miles on it but the 10 year extended warranty has expired. I took the vehicle to a local repair shop and they confirmed that there was a problem with the brake actuator assembly. Now, Toyota says it would cost over $3000 to remove and replace their already defective part.
In 2025 I decided to clean the hybrid battery fan. I removed the side panels and found that the fan to battery duct had never been installed. I am the original owner and no one had ever removed the inside panels or had reason to remove the duct. This has likely resulted in the overheated battery which now needs replacing even though I have only 161,000 miles on this car which I have always maintained without fail regarding oil changes and other maintenance tasks.
2008 Toyota Prius questions
Does the 2008 Toyota Prius have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for the 2008 Toyota Prius: Engine And Engine Cooling; Hybrid Propulsion System: Inverter; Steering; Steering:Gear Box:Shaft Sector; Equipment:Other:Labels; Vehicle Speed Control:Accelerator Pedal. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Toyota Prius?
Based on 1,497 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Exterior Lighting (583), Electrical System (236), Service Brakes, Hydraulic (175).
How do I check if a recall on my 2008 Toyota Prius has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.