2008 Toyota Prius: common problems and reliability
One of the worst Prius years.
One of the Toyota Prius years to avoid. All Prius years
1,497 owner complaints, most about exterior lighting. 4 recalls.
Should I buy a 2008 Prius?The 2008 Toyota Prius has 1497 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are exterior lighting and service brakes.
Safety record for the 2008 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2008 Toyota Prius vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Prius years only. How we score it
Is 2008 a good year for the Prius?
Across the 26 Prius model years we track, complaint volume runs from 4 (2000) to 5,652 (2010). With 1,497 complaints, the 2008 Prius sits above the model's median of 502.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2008 Prius
steering
Campaign 12V537000Toyota 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.
engine and engine cooling
Campaign 12V536000Toyota 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.
vehicle speed control:accelerator pedal
Campaign 09V388000TOYOTA 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.
equipment:other:labels
Campaign 10V036000SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
What owners say across generations
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment across multiple generations, with the Prius consistently praised as the quintessential rational transportation appliance.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Prius. See the full Prius owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Prius listings typically run $12,797–$27,748.
Other Prius model years
Compare every Prius year side by side to see how 2008 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Prius against its rivals
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