Structure Problem on the 2007 TOYOTA PRIUS
Car problem(s) with the 2007 TOYOTA PRIUS.
This database includes information received by NHTSA from consumers either directly or as recorded by the Vehicle Safety Hotline. This information may be used by NHTSA during the investigation process.
You may file your own complaint by calling the NHTSA Monday-Friday 8am to 8pm at (888) 327-4236, TTY: (800) 424-9153. You can also file your complaint online.
Problem with Structure
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May 10, 2013 - Los Angeles, CA - Body
THE RUBBER COVER TO THE EXTERNAL TRUNK LATCH HAS MELTED TO THE POINT WHERE IT IS EITHER GOOEY TO THE TOUCH IN WARM WEATHER OR FROZEN SOLID AND IMMOVABLE IN COLDER TEMPERATURES. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE, AT TIMES, DUE TO THE INFLEXIBILITY OF THE RUBBER I AM UNABLE TO OPEN THE TRUNK AND, THUS, ACCESS THE SPARE, ANY OF MY REPAIR TOOLS, OUR EARTHQUAKE KIT, FLARES, JUMPERS, ETC. THERE IS NO ALTERNATIVE INTERNAL METHOD FOR OPENING THE HATCHBACK/TRUNK. TOYOTA NEEDS A RECALL OF THIS DEFECTIVE PART AS THE COST TO REPAIR IT IS EXORBITANT, QUOTED TO ME AS $352.
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Apr 22, 2013 - Pitttsburgh , PA - Body
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE REAR HATCH DOOR SEAL FAILED AND ALLOWED WATER TO PENETRATE THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR BOARD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE DEALER DENIED ASSISTANCE WITH THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 86,000.
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Apr 12, 2013 - Astoria, OR - Body
THE PLASTIC WELD PROCESS OR OTHER TYPE OF GLUING PROCESS USED TO MAKE THE VEHICLES EXTERIOR FRONT AND REAR TURN SIGNAL, BRAKE AND BACK UP LIGHT LENSE ASSEMBLIES OR HOUSINGS FAILS. ALL FOUR, TWO FRONT AND TWO REAR, EXTERIOR COMBINATION LIGHT LENSE ASSEMBLIES SUFFER THIS PREMATURE AND SERIOUS FAILURE. WHEN THESE EXTERIOR LENSES BEGIN TO FAIL THEY ALLOW WATER INTRUSION FROM THE EXTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THIS ALLOWS MOISTURE TO PENETRATE INTO AREAS OF THE LENSE ASSEMBLY WHICH SUPPORT ALL OF THE LIGHT BULBS USED TO WARN OR SIGNAL OTHER DRIVERS OR PEDESTRIANS. AT A VERY MINIMUM THIS PROBLEM RESULTS IN PREMATURE BULB FAILURE FOR ALL OF THE SIGNALING SYSTEMS SPECIFIED ABOVE. RESEARCHING YOUR SITE THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPORTED TO YOU MANY TIMES AND TOYOTA MOTOR CORP. IS ALSO AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM. WHAT YOU DON'T SEEM TO BE AWARE OF IS THE MOST SERIOUS CONCERN RESULTING FROM THIS PROBLEM; IF THE RIGHT (PASSENGER SIDE) REAR LENSE SUFFERS THIS PROBLEM AND BEGINS LEAKING, THE WATER RUNS OR DRAINS DIRECTLY INTO THE INTERIOR 12VDC STARTER BATTERY WELL. THIS BATTERY WELL IS AS DEEP, OR DEEPER THAN THE FACTORY INSTALLED 12VDC STARTER BATTERY IS TALL AND CAN RESULT IN WATER OVERTOPPING THE BATTERY. THIS CAUSES SHORTING/GROUNDING ACROSS THE POSITIVE/NEGATIVE 12VDC STARTER BATTERY TERMINALS. THIS PREVENTS THE OPERATOR FROM STARTING THE VEHICLE AND CUTS OFF POWER TO ALL 12VDC ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS INCLUDING EMERGENCY FLASHERS. IT COULD EASILY RESULT IN SERIOUS DAMAGE TO THE 12VDC STARTER BATTERY AND MANY EXPENSIVE 12VDC ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS OR SYSTEMS. THIS PROBLEM IS MORE SERIOUS IN AREAS THAT RECEIVE HIGH AMOUNTS OF RAINFALL. I CALLED A TOYOTA AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP, LUM'S AUTO CENTER, AND REPORTED MY CAR WOULDN'T START. THEY SUGGESTED I BRING IT IN. AFTER 4 DAYS THEY WERE UNABLE TO FIND THE PROBLEM. NO DIAGNOSTIC CODES WERE LOGGED. THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM NEEDING IMMEDIATE ATTENTION!
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Mar 25, 2013 - Holiday , FL - Body
REAR DOOR OPENER !! RUBBER MELTED AND BLOCK DOOR OPENER (LOCK UNLOCK SYSTEM) .
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Mar 20, 2013 - Metairie, LA - Structure
AFTER ONLY ABOUT 3 YEARS USE, THE RUBBER COVER ON THE HATCH RELEASE HANDLE (THE EXTERIOR HANDLE OF THE REAR HATCH) OF OUR 2007 TOYOTA PRIUS, MELTED INTO A STICKY TARRY BLACK RUBBERY GOOEY MESS. I CAN BEST DESCRIBE IT AS BEING A VISCOUS BLACK GLOB LIKE ROOFING TAR. TO OPEN THE HATCH, YOU HAVE TO TOUCH THIS BLACK GOO EACH TIME, WHICH MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO OPERATE THE HATCH RELEASE. WE BELIEVE THIS MELTING PROCESS STARTED AT ABOUT THE 2 YR. MARK. I THOUGHT THAT THIS MIGHT BE A SINGULAR ISSUE, BUT HAVE FOUND THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO SEVERAL CAR OWNERS, PARTICULARLY IN FLORIDA. I LIVE IN LOUISIANA . TOYOTA KNOWS ABOUT THIS, AND IS SELLING THE ENTIRE WIRING HARNESS FOR $600, AND HAS DONE NOTHING ABOUT RECALLING THIS. FROM A SAFETY PERSPECTIVE, THIS MEANS YOU CAN EXPERIENCE EXTREME DIFFICULTY OPENING THE REAR HATCH (A LIFE SAFETY ACCESS POINT), AND WILL GET STICKY BLACK TAR ON YOU FROM THE MELTED DOWN RUBBER COVER OF THE EXTERIOR HATCH RELEASE HANDLE. TO ME, THIS IS BOTH A SERIOUS LIFE SAFETY ISSUE AND A SERIOUS QUALITY DEFECT THAT TOYOTA IS OPTING TO IGNORE AND ONLY FIXING ON VEHICLES WITH EXTENDED WARRANTIES, SINCE THE FAILURE APPEARS TO OCCUR AT AROUND THE 3 YEAR MARK (IE AFTER 3 YEARS OF EXPOSURE TO THE BRIGHT SUN IN LOUISIANA, FOR EXAMPLE). I AM AWARE OF THE OUTSTANDING WORK DONE BY NHTSA ON OTHER SAFETY ISSUES, INCLUDING THE PROBLEM WITH RUSTY FRAMES ON 02 ISUZU AXIOMS, AND I FIND THIS PROBLEM TO BE SIMILAR IN NATURE, SO I AM ASKING FOR YOUR AGENCY TO TAKE A LOOK AT THESE INSTANCES AND ALSO TO INQUIRE FROM TOYOTA WHY THEY ARE NOT RECALLING THESE HANDLES THAT ARE MELTING IN THE SUN!!! IT'S OUTRAGEOUS. I THINK A DOOR HANDLE OR HATCH HANDLE SHOULD BE MADE TO LAST MORE THAN 3 YEARS. AND NOW MY TRUNK WON'T OPEN AND IT IS ABOUT DETACH FROM THE CAR BECAUSE OF THE EXTRA PULLING NEEDED TO OPEN IT. WHY HAS IT NOT BEEN RECALLED? IT SHOULD BE MANDATORY. THEY TOLD ME I WOULD HAVE TO PAY OVER $600 TO DO IT AT THE DEALER, BUT THEY SHOULD PAY FOR IT.
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Mar 12, 2013 - West Hartford, CT - Body, Tailgate
TAIL GATE LIFTERS FAILED TO COMPLETELY LIFT THE TAIL GATE. NOT NOTICING THE TAIL GATE WAS SLIGHTLY LOWER THAN NORMAL, THE DRIVER, WHILE STANDING ON THE GROUND TO REMOVE GROCERIES FROM THE BACK, LEANED INTO BACK OF VEHICLE AND STRUCK THE TOP OF HER HEAD ON THE TAIL GATE, SUSTAINING A CONCUSSION. SYMPTOMS INCLUDED NAUSEA, HEADACHES AND DIFFICULTY CONCENTRATING, LEAVING HER UNABLE TO COMPLETE HER NORMAL TASKS FOR THE DAY. THE SYMPTOMS LASTED 2 DAYS. DRIVER'S HUSBAND CAME OUT AND IMMEDIATELY CONFIRMED THAT TAILGATE HAD FAILED TO OPEN COMPLETELY AND HE DETERMINED IT WAS NO LONGER OPENING COMPLETELY, REPRESENTING A PARTIAL BUT DANGEROUS FAILURE OF THE LIFTING MECHANISM. THE TIME WAS APPROXIMATELY 4 PM; THE TEMPERATURE WAS APPROXIMATELY 48 DEGREES. WHAT MAKES IT PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS AND PERNICIOUS IS THAT THE MECHANISM THAT USED TO OPEN THE TAIL GATE ALL THE WAY UP, PROVIDING AMPLE HEAD CLEARANCE, WAS NOW LEAVING THE TAIL GATE OPEN BUT WITH REDUCED HEADROOM. THE MECHANISM THAT USED TO PROVIDE SUFFICIENT HEAD CLEARANCE SO ONE COULD STAND BEHIND THE VEHICLE AND LEAN INTO THE REAR WAS NOW ONLY PARTIALLY OPENING THE TAIL GATE, TO A POINT LOW ENOUGH TO CAUSE A CONCUSSION BUT NOT LOW ENOUGH TO BE NOTICEABLE. THE CHANGE FROM HAVING AMPLE HEADROOM TO NOT HAVING ENOUGH HEADROOM CREATED A TRAP.
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Mar 07, 2013 - Bethesda, MD - Structure
THE PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED WHENEVER THE DONUT TIRE IS BEING USED ON THE VEHICLE AS A TEMPORARY REPLACEMENT FOR A FLAT TIRE - THIS HAS OCCURRED ON BOTH THE TWO OCCASIONS THAT IN WHICH I HAVE HAD TO USED THEM BOTH TIMES ON THE FRONT TIRES, ONCE ON THE LEFT TIRE AND THE SECOND OCCASION, MOST RECENT ON THE LEFT. APPARENTLY, THE DONUT TIRE BECAUSE OF ITS SMALLER DIAMETER CAUSES THE CAR'S SLIP DIFFERENTIAL SYSTEM TO ACTIVATE (SURMISED BY THE ICON I SEE ON THE DASH WHEN THIS OCCURS), OFTEN FOR PERIODS OF HALF THE DRIVING TIME - WHAT THEN HAPPENS IS THAT THERE IS A TOTAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER TO THE DRIVE CHAIN, THE CAR CANNOT ACCELERATE OR EVEN MAINTAIN SPEED - IT ESSENTIALLY COASTS OR SLOWS. THIS OCCURS EVEN WHEN/IF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS DEPRESSED TO TRY TO FEED POWER TO THE WHEELS - THE ENGINE IS UNRESPONSIVE. INTERMITTENTLY, THE POWER IS RESTORED, AND THEN THE CYCLE BEGINS AGAIN. ALTHOUGH I HAVE NOT HAD AN ACCIDENT DUE TO THIS LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, I CONSIDER MYSELF LUCKY NOT TO HAVE. USE OF A DONUT TIRE IS THE ONLY OPTION OPEN TO TEMPORARILY REPLACING A FLAT TIRE. I THINK THAT THIS SYSTEM'S RESPONSE TO USE OF THE DONUT TIRE (WHICH IS MANUFACTURER'S SUPPLIED) IS A DEFECT THAT IS DANGEROUS. A DRIVER MUST BE ABLE TO MAINTAIN AND CONTROL VEHICLE SPEED TO PREVENT AND/OR REMEDY A DANGEROUS SITUATION. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
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Feb 01, 2013 - Modiin, ID - Body, Trunk Lid
2007 PRIUS TRUNK HATCH RELEASE RUBBER PIECE MELTED AND I HAD TO REPLACED IT WITH MY OWN MONEY IN TOYOTA DEALER.
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Jan 26, 2013 - Richmond, VT - Structure
THE RUBBER REAR HATCH RELEASE BUTTON (WIDE RUBBER PIECE WHICH ACTIVATES AN ELECTRICAL SWITCH) FIRST BECAME STICKY AND BLACK RUBBER WOULD STICK YOU YOUR HAND. THEN THE RUBBER PIECE HARDENED AND BECAME SO HARD (AND CRACKED) THAT THE REAR HATCH RELEASE DOES NOT WORK. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE IN ADDITION TO MAKING THE TRUNK UNUSABLE. TOYOTA OWNERS OF THIS MODEL YEAR FREQUENTLY REPORT THIS PROBLEM IN ALL CLIMATES, TOYOTA CLEARLY HAS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT IN THE RUBBER MATERIAL THEY USED FOR THIS MODEL YEAR AND SHOULD PERFORM THESE REPAIRS FOR NO CHARGE.
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Nov 12, 2012 - Warwick, RI - Body
THE RUBBER TRUNK RELEASE IS CRACKED, MELTED AND DOES NOT FUNCTION IN COLD WEATHER. IT IS A STICKY GOOEY MESS IN HOT WEATHER. THE ESTIMATE TO REPLACE IT IS $187. IT IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY. THE DEALER CLAIMS IT IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE. I THINK THAT IF YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO OPEN A DOOR TO YOUR CAR, IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE. HOW, FOR INSTANCE WOULD I BE ABLE TO REMOVE MY SPARE TIRE IN THE EVENT OF A FLAT TIRE. BIG SAFETY ISSUE. WHAT IF I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE ONLY ACCESSIBLE WAY OUT WAS THE HATCHBACK? BIG SAFETY ISSUE. REALLY.
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Nov 05, 2012 - Los Angeles, CA - Body
RELEASE BUTTON FOR 2007 TOYOTA PRIUS HATCHBACK HAS DEFECTIVE RUBBER, WHICH DETERIORATES PREMATURELY AND LEAKS HYDRAULIC FLUID USED TO ACTUATE THE DOOR RELEASE. AFTER A WHILE, DOOR WILL NOT OPEN, AND REQUIRES REPLACEMENT OF RELEASE MECHANISM.
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Nov 04, 2012 - Franklin, TN - Body, Trunk Lid
THE REAR TRUNK RELEASE HAS MELTED AND THE TRUNK CANNOT OPEN OR IF IT DOES REQUIRES MUCH EFFORT. POSES A SAFETY ISSUE.
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Oct 10, 2012 - Ca, CA - Structure
AFTER ONLY ABOUT 1 YEAR OF OWNING MY PRE-OWNED 2007 PRIUS, THE RUBBER COVER ON THE HATCH RELEASE HANDLE (THE EXTERIOR HANDLE OF THE REAR HATCH) MELTED INTO A STICKY TARRY BLACK RUBBERY GOOEY MESS. I CAN BEST DESCRIBE IT AS BEING A VISCOUS BLACK GLOB LIKE ROOFING TAR. TO OPEN THE HATCH, YOU HAVE TO TOUCH THIS BLACK GOO EACH TIME, WHICH MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO OPERATE THE HATCH RELEASE. I THOUGHT THAT THIS MIGHT BE A SINGULAR ISSUE, BUT HAVE FOUND THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO SEVERAL CAR OWNERS, PARTICULARLY IN FLORIDA AND CALIFORNIA. I LIVE IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AND NOTICED AN INCREASE AFTER A PARTICULARLY HOT SPELL. TOYOTA KNOWS ABOUT THIS, AND IS SELLING THE ENTIRE WIRING HARNESS FOR $96 PLUS REPAIR COSTS, AND HAS DONE NOTHING ABOUT RECALLING THIS. FROM A SAFETY PERSPECTIVE, THIS MEANS YOU CAN EXPERIENCE EXTREME DIFFICULTY OPENING THE REAR HATCH (A LIFE SAFETY ACCESS POINT), AND WILL GET STICKY BLACK TAR ON YOU FROM THE MELTED DOWN RUBBER COVER OF THE EXTERIOR HATCH RELEASE HANDLE. TO ME, THIS IS BOTH A SERIOUS LIFE SAFETY ISSUE AND A SERIOUS QUALITY DEFECT THAT TOYOTA IS OPTING TO IGNORE AND ONLY FIXING ON VEHICLES WITH EXTENDED WARRANTIES, SINCE THE FAILURE APPEARS TO OCCUR AT AROUND THE 3-5 YEAR MARK (IE AFTER 3 YEARS OF EXPOSURE TO THE BRIGHT SUN IN CA FOR EXAMPLE). I AM AWARE OF THE OUTSTANDING WORK DONE BY NHTSA ON OTHER SAFETY ISSUES, INCLUDING THE PROBLEM WITH RUSTY FRAMES ON 02 ISUZU AXIOMS, AND I FIND THIS PROBLEM TO BE SIMILAR IN NATURE, SO I AM ASKING FOR YOUR AGENCY TO TAKE A LOOK AT THESE INSTANCES AND ALSO TO INQUIRE FROM TOYOTA WHY THEY ARE NOT RECALLING THESE HANDLES THAT ARE MELTING IN THE SUN!!! IT'S OUTRAGEOUS. I THINK A DOOR HANDLE OR HATCH HANDLE SHOULD BE MADE TO LAST MORE THAN 3 YEARS.
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Oct 10, 2012 - Ca, CA - Body, Door
AFTER ONLY ABOUT 1 YEAR OF OWNING MY PRE-OWNED 2007 PRIUS, THE RUBBER COVER ON THE HATCH RELEASE HANDLE (THE EXTERIOR HANDLE OF THE REAR HATCH) MELTED INTO A STICKY TARRY BLACK RUBBERY GOOEY MESS. I CAN BEST DESCRIBE IT AS BEING A VISCOUS BLACK GLOB LIKE ROOFING TAR. TO OPEN THE HATCH, YOU HAVE TO TOUCH THIS BLACK GOO EACH TIME, WHICH MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO OPERATE THE HATCH RELEASE. I THOUGHT THAT THIS MIGHT BE A SINGULAR ISSUE, BUT HAVE FOUND THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO SEVERAL CAR OWNERS, PARTICULARLY IN FLORIDA AND CALIFORNIA. I LIVE IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AND NOTICED AN INCREASE AFTER A PARTICULARLY HOT SPELL. TOYOTA KNOWS ABOUT THIS, AND IS SELLING THE ENTIRE WIRING HARNESS FOR $96 PLUS REPAIR COSTS, AND HAS DONE NOTHING ABOUT RECALLING THIS. FROM A SAFETY PERSPECTIVE, THIS MEANS YOU CAN EXPERIENCE EXTREME DIFFICULTY OPENING THE REAR HATCH (A LIFE SAFETY ACCESS POINT), AND WILL GET STICKY BLACK TAR ON YOU FROM THE MELTED DOWN RUBBER COVER OF THE EXTERIOR HATCH RELEASE HANDLE. TO ME, THIS IS BOTH A SERIOUS LIFE SAFETY ISSUE AND A SERIOUS QUALITY DEFECT THAT TOYOTA IS OPTING TO IGNORE AND ONLY FIXING ON VEHICLES WITH EXTENDED WARRANTIES, SINCE THE FAILURE APPEARS TO OCCUR AT AROUND THE 3-5 YEAR MARK (IE AFTER 3 YEARS OF EXPOSURE TO THE BRIGHT SUN IN CA FOR EXAMPLE). I AM AWARE OF THE OUTSTANDING WORK DONE BY NHTSA ON OTHER SAFETY ISSUES, INCLUDING THE PROBLEM WITH RUSTY FRAMES ON 02 ISUZU AXIOMS, AND I FIND THIS PROBLEM TO BE SIMILAR IN NATURE, SO I AM ASKING FOR YOUR AGENCY TO TAKE A LOOK AT THESE INSTANCES AND ALSO TO INQUIRE FROM TOYOTA WHY THEY ARE NOT RECALLING THESE HANDLES THAT ARE MELTING IN THE SUN!!! IT'S OUTRAGEOUS. I THINK A DOOR HANDLE OR HATCH HANDLE SHOULD BE MADE TO LAST MORE THAN 3 YEARS.
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Oct 09, 2012 - Glen Allen, VA - Body
THE RUBBER ON THE HATCH ENTRY DETERIORATED SO SEVERELY THAT IT COATED MY FINGERS WITH A HOT TARRY MESS THAT BURNED MY FINGERS AND STUCK THERE, CONTINUING TO BURN. THE HATCH ALSO BECAME VIRTUALLY IMPOSSIBLE TO OPEN AND SEVERAL TIMES, ESPECIALLY IN COLDER WEATHER WOULD NOT OPEN AT ALL. THIS IS ALSO A SAFETY HAZARD SINCE ENTRY TO THE VEHICLE FROM THE REAR BECOMES IMPOSSIBLE AT SUCH TIMES. SINCE I AM HANDICAPPED AND ON DISABILITY (SERIOUS HEART, LUNG AND BACK PROBLEMS) I NEED TO BE ABLE TO PLACE EQUIPMENT AND PURCHASES IN THE HATCH AREA, BUT I OFTEN CANNOT ACCESS THE AREA. TOYOTA IS WELL AWARE THAT THIS PART IS DEFECTIVE, BUT HAS REFUSED TO COOPERATE WITH TOYOTA OWNERS. THEREFORE, I AM ASKING THE NHTSA TO CONSIDER THE SAFETY ISSUES CAUSED BY THIS DEFECTIVE PART AND TAKE ACTION TO FORCE TOYOTA TO REPLACE OR REPAIR THIS DEFECTIVE PART.
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Sep 24, 2012 - Long Beach, CA - Structure
WE HAVE HAD SOME UNSEASONABLY HOT WEATHER HERE RECENTLY; ON THE DAY IN QUESTION THE CAR THERMOMETER SAID IT WAS 91 DEGREES IN FULL SHADE. THE RUBBER GASKET COVERING THE HATCH OPENING SWITCH WAS ATTACHED WHEN I PARKED. WHEN I CAME BACK, IT LOOKED LIKE THE GASKET HAD LITERALLY MELTED OFF ONE OF THE SCREWS; THE COVERING WAS JUST HANGING ON TO SCREW ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE BY A FEW GOOEY THREADS. THAT LEFT A MELTED, TAR-LIKE RESIDUE ON THE HATCH OPENING SWITCH. NOW THE SWITCH IS COVERED IN GUNK AND NEARLY INOPERABLE. THE PRIUS DOES NOT HAVE A TRUNK RELEASE, AND WITHOUT A REPAIR THE HATCH IS NEARLY INACCESSIBLE. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE THE HATCH ON THE PRIUS IS A SAFETY ACCESS POINT (THE LARGEST ON THE VEHICLE); THE HATCH IS ALSO THE ONLY WAY TO ACCESS THE BATTERIES STORED IN THE REAR IN CASE OF FIRE OR ACCIDENT. WHEN I GOOGLED THE ISSUE, I FOUND MULTIPLE REPORTS IN HOT WEATHER AREAS OF EXACTLY THE SAME ISSUE, BUT I FOUND NO OFFICIAL RESPONSE FROM TOYOTA. MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM, ESPECIALLY HERE IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, AND DEALERSHIPS KEEP THE PART ON HAND IN HOT WEATHER FOR EXACTLY THIS REASON.
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Sep 03, 2012 - Fairview, TX - Body
THE RUBBER COVERING ON THE REAR HATCH OPENING MECHANISM IS MELTING. I HAVE TWO OTHER MODEL YEAR PRIUS VEHICLES (2004 AND 2006) AND THIS HAS NOT OCCURRED ON THOSE - ONLY ON THIS 2007 CAR. IT IS BECOMING DIFFICULT TO OPEN THE HATCH AND IT WILL PROBABLY FAIL COMPLETELY SOON.
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Aug 31, 2012 - Boerne, TX - Frame And Members, Underbody Shields
THE CAR WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION NORTH OF SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS. THE COLLISION ENDED UP BEING A TOTAL LOSE OF THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE FRAME BEING SPLIT, FIREWALL BENT AND A BROKEN WINDSHIELD. MY CONCERN IS THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE AIRBAGS NOT DEPLOYING WITH AN IMPACT OF THIS NATURE COULD INCREASE THE LIKELIHOOD OF INJURIES. I BELIEVE A FAILURE OF SAFETY EQUIPMENT OF THIS NATURE SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED TO PREVENT POSSIBLE FUTURE INJURIES OR FATALITIES.
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Aug 29, 2012 - Chesapeake, VA - Body, Hatchback/Liftgate
THE HATCH RELEASE ON THE HATCHBACK MELTED MAKING THE HATCHBACK NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO OPEN. AS SAFETY EQUIPMENT SUCH AS FLARES, SPARE TIRES, AND FLAGS ARE KEPT IN THE HATCH UNDER THE FLOORING, NOT BEING ABLE TO ACCESS THEM IN AN EMERGENCY IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE.
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Aug 18, 2012 - Ellicott City, MD - Structure
THE TRUNK HANDLE HAD MELTED OFF, MAKING ACCESS TO THE SPARE TIRE IMPOSSIBLE IN THE HEAT.
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Aug 16, 2012 - Raleigh, NC - Body
THE SWITCH SUB-ASSEMBLY, LUG (PART# 84905-47010) PART FOR THE REAR DOOR HANDLE STARTED TO MELT. BLACK TAR LIKE MATERIAL WOULD GET ON YOUR HANDS AND UNDER THE FINGERNAILS. THE ENTIRE PART WAS DECOMPOSING AND THE DOOR LOCK WOULD NOT WORK AS IT SHOULD. SEARCHED THE INTERNET AND FOUND MANY OTHER 2007 PRIUS CARS DOING THE SAME THING. CALLED TOYOTA, AND THEY SAID DURING PRODUCTION THEY USED AN ADHESIVE FOR INSULATION. THIS ADHESIVE, WHEN EXPOSED TO HEAT (NORMAL SUMMER CONDITIONS), WOULD EMIT CHEMICALS THAT WOULD CAUSE THE RUBBER TO MELT, OR DECOMPOSE. TOYOTA SAID THAT THEY WOULD DO NOTHING, AND OFFERED TO CLEAN THE RUBBER. I TOLD THEM IT IS LIKE TAR NOT RUBBER! THIS IS NOT A COSMETIC PROBLEM, IT COULD LEAD TO MORE DAMAGE TO THE CAR. I PURCHASED A NEW PART FOR $84.31, AND WILL INSTALL IT. ALSO CONTACTING THE BBB.
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Jul 27, 2012 - Macon, GA - Body, Tailgate
THE TAILGATE SWITCH HAD A RUBBER COVER THAT IS MELTING AND BECOME NONFUNCTIONAL AT TIMES. ACCORDING TO TOYOTA SERVICE DEPARTMENT, THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON MANY PRIUS. THE BREAKDOWN STARTS AFTER WARRANTY RUNS OUT IN MANY CARS.
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Jul 13, 2012 - Los Angeles, CA - Body
I WAS DRIVING IN HEAVY TRAFFIC ABOUT 20 OR 25 MPH THE CARS IN FRONT OF ME STOPPED, WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKE NOTHING HAPPENED, MY CAR CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. THE TIME WAS ABOUT 2:30PM JULY 10/2012 THE CAR HAD JUST BEEN SERVICED BY A TOYOTA DEALER ON JUNE 28TH/2012 FOR THE 30,000 MILE CHECK UP. WE LIVE IN WEST LOS ANGELES.
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Jul 10, 2012 - Honolulu, HI - Structure
ON THE TRUNK IS A DOOR LATCH WITH A PLASTIC COVER. THE PLASTIC COVER HAS MELTED OR IS DISINTEGRATING. THERE ARE MANY POSTS ON GOOGLE IF YOU SEARCH FOR THE TERMS "PRIUS TRUNK LATCH MELT". CONSIDERING I DON'T DRIVE VERY OFTEN MY CAR IS ALMOST ALWAYS COVERED IN THE GARAGE. PLUS I LIVE IN HAWAII SO HEAT SHOULDN'T BE TOO MUCH OF AN ISSUE LIKE OTHER STATES. THIS ISN'T MY PICTURE BUT IT SHOWS WHAT MINES LOOKS LIKE. HTTP://PRIUSCHAT.COM/ATTACHMENTS/P1000894-JPG.22615/.
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Jun 26, 2012 - Grimes, CA - Body
ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK ON THE FRONTAGE ROAD ALONG I-5. MY TIRES HIT THE GRAVEL AND I LOST CONTROL. I WENT THROUGH THE GRASS ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD DOWN A DIP AND LANDED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR ON THE RAILROAD TRACKS. I BEGAN TO ROLL AND ROLLED THE CAR FROM SIDE TO SIDE AT LEAST 15 TIMES. A ROW OF TREES IS WHAT STOPPED ME. THE ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING AND I WAS STILL BUCKLED IN THE DRIVERS SEAT. I HAD TO KICK OUT THE WINDSHIELD IN ORDER TO GET OUT OF THE CAR. I WENT TO EMERGENCY THAT NIGHT WHERE I WAS X-RAYED AND CHECKED OUT. I ENDED UP WITH ONLY MAJOR BRUISING ON THE LEFT SIDE OF MY BODY, THE CHP THAT RESPONDED WAS SURE I WAS DEAD. THEY TOLD ME THEY EXPECTED TO SEE A DEAD BODY IN THE CAR. I BARELY ESCAPED WITH MY LIFE AND THE AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED IN THE CAR.
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May 29, 2012 - Fleming Island, FL - Structure
MY 2007 TOYOTA PRIUS' REAR HATCHBACK LATCH RUBBER COVERING HAS MELTED INTO BLACK GOO. EVERY TIME I OPEN THE HATCH IT GETS ALL OVER MY FINGERS. I ASKED MY DEALER IF TOYOTA HAD RECALLED THE LATCH AND WAS TOLD NO. I DIDN'T HAVE IT REPLACED THEN BECAUSE IT IS VERY EXPENSIVE. HOWEVER I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE AND AM GOING TO GET IT REPLACED BEFORE THE LATCH FAILS TO OPEN. IT IS GOING TO COST $257! THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND A DEFECT ISSUE, NOT A NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR ITEM. TOYOTA HAS KNOWN ABOUT THIS AND DONE NOTHING TO FIX IT BY ISSUING A RECALL. SHAMEFUL.
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May 17, 2012 - Sherman Oaks, CA - Body, Trunk Lid
THE TRUNK HINGE HAS MELTED, IT LOOKS LIKE THE PLASTIC ON THE HINGE HAS COME APART THUS NOT ALLOWING THE TRUNK TO CLOSE. I'VE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER TWICE NOW WITH THE SAME PROBLEM.
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May 16, 2012 - Austin, TX - Body
AFTER ONLY ABOUT 4 YEARS USE, THE RUBBER COVER ON THE HATCH RELEASE HANDLE (THE EXTERIOR HANDLE OF THE REAR HATCH) OF OUR 2007 TOYOTA PRIUS, MELTED INTO A STICKY TARRY BLACK RUBBERY GOOEY MESS. I CAN BEST DESCRIBE IT AS BEING A VISCOUS BLACK GLOB LIKE ROOFING TAR. TO OPEN THE HATCH, YOU HAVE TO TOUCH THIS BLACK GOO EACH TIME, WHICH MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO OPERATE THE HATCH RELEASE. WE BELIEVE THIS MELTING PROCESS STARTED AT ABOUT THE 3 YR. MARK. WE LIVE IN TEXAS WHERE TEMPERATURES WERE EXTREMELY WARM LAST SUMMER. APPARENTLY TOYOTA KNOWS ABOUT THIS, AND IS SELLING THE ENTIRE WIRING HARNESS FOR $96 PLUS REPAIR COSTS, AND HAS DONE NOTHING ABOUT RECALLING THIS. FROM A SAFETY PERSPECTIVE, THIS MEANS YOU CAN EXPERIENCE EXTREME DIFFICULTY OPENING THE REAR HATCH (A LIFE SAFETY ACCESS POINT), AND WILL GET STICKY BLACK TAR ON YOU FROM THE MELTED DOWN RUBBER COVER OF THE EXTERIOR HATCH RELEASE HANDLE. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL INSTANCES WHERE I WAS NOT ABLE TO GET THE HATCH OPEN ON AN EXTREMELY HOT DAY. TO ME, THIS IS BOTH A SERIOUS LIFE SAFETY ISSUE AND A SERIOUS QUALITY DEFECT THAT TOYOTA IS OPTING TO IGNORE AND ONLY FIXING ON VEHICLES WITH EXTENDED WARRANTIES, SINCE THE FAILURE APPEARS TO OCCUR AT AROUND THE 3 YEAR MARK (IE AFTER 3 YEARS OF EXPOSURE TO THE BRIGHT SUN IN FLORIDA FOR EXAMPLE). I AM AWARE OF THE OUTSTANDING WORK DONE BY NHTSA ON OTHER SAFETY ISSUES, INCLUDING THE PROBLEM WITH RUSTY FRAMES ON 02 ISUZU AXIOMS, AND I FIND THIS PROBLEM TO BE SIMILAR IN NATURE, SO I AM ASKING FOR YOUR AGENCY TO TAKE A LOOK AT THESE INSTANCES AND ALSO TO INQUIRE FROM TOYOTA WHY THEY ARE NOT RECALLING THESE HANDLES THAT ARE MELTING IN THE SUN!!! IT'S OUTRAGEOUS. I THINK A DOOR HANDLE OR HATCH HANDLE SHOULD BE MADE TO LAST MORE THAN 3 YEARS.
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May 04, 2012 - Southlake, TX - Body, Tailgate
2007 TOYOTA PRIUS - TAILGATE SWITCH MELTED AND MAKES OPENING THE TAILGATE DIFFICULT AND MESSY.
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Feb 25, 2012 - Spring, TX - Body
VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW IN 2007 IN HOUSTON, TX. IN SUMMER OF 2010 THE RUBBERIZED COVER TO THE BACK LATCH BEGAN TO MELT AND HAS BECOME MALFORMED DURING HOT WEATHER. THIS HAS RESULTED IN DIFFICULTY OPENING THE BACK HATCH DOOR, SINCE THE MALFORMED RUBBER HAS MADE IT, AT TIMES, ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO PRESS WITH ENOUGH FORCE ON THE PORTION OF THE HANDLE REQUIRED TO RELEASE THE LATCH. INABILITY TO OPEN DOORS ON A VEHICLE IS OBVIOUSLY A SAFETY CONCERN. THE HANDLE CONTINUES TO MALFORM DURING HOT WEATHER, RESULTING IN AN ONGOING CHANGE IN THE SHAPE OF THE HANDLE COVER THAT SOLIDIFIES INTO THIS SHAPE FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE YEAR (COOLER WEATHER) - MAKING IT EVEN MORE DIFFICULT TO OPEN THE DOOR SINCE THE RUBBER IS FAR STIFFER IN ITS NORMAL STATE. AS A SEPARATE ANNOYANCE, WHEN IN THE MELTED STATE, THE HANDLE LEAVES A TAR-LIKE SUBSTANCE ON YOUR HANDS WHENEVER TOUCHING THE HANDLE.
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Feb 19, 2012 - Nashville, TN - Body, Hatchback/Liftgate
REAR HATCH DOOR LATCH FAILURE, STARTING WITH SOFTENING AND DEFORMATION OF THE RUBBER-LIKE COVER AND PROGRESSING TO LATCH NOT OPENING, ESPECIALLY IN COLD WEATHER.
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Feb 08, 2012 - Ocean View, DE - Body
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT HE RUBBER COVER ON THE HATCH RELEASE LATCH WAS MELTED AND MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO OPEN THE HATCH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED TO THE CONTACT THAT THE HATCH RELEASE ASSEMBLY WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.
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Jan 04, 2012 - Warrenton, VA - Structure
THE REAR HATCH RELEASE ON MY 2007 TOYOTA PRIUS HAS BEGUN TO DETERIORATE AND TURN INTO A RUBBERY AND STICKY BLACK MESS. THIS ISSUE INTERFERES WITH THE USE OF THE HATCH AS THE RUBBER NOT ONLY GETS ON YOUR FINGERS BUT APPEARS TO BE BLOCKING THE RELEASE MECHANISM. THE DETERIORATION STARTED DURING THE SUMMER OF 2011. THE ISSUE HAS WORSENED AND YESTERDAY I WAS UNABLE TO OPEN THE REAR HATCH WHATSOEVER.
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Dec 12, 2011 - Navarre, FL - Body
THE REAR HATCH RELEASE HAS BECOME INOPERABLE DUE TO A DETERIORATED RUBBER COVER. FIXING THE PROBLEM REQUIRES REPLACEMENT OF THE ENTIRE RELEASE ASSEMBLY. THE AREA FOR THE SPARE TIRE AND HYBRID BATTERY ARE INACCESSIBLE UNTIL THE LATCH IS REPLACED.
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Nov 05, 2011 - Miami, FL - Body
I STARTED TO NOTICE THE BACK HATCH HANDLE GETTING STICKY NEAR THE 3 YEAR MARK, WHICH WAS ABOUT A YEAR AGO. IT HAS BECOME PROGRESSIVELY WORSE WHERE THE BLACK STICKY TAR WILL GET HOT & MARK MY HANDS SO I DECIDED TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY SAID THAT IT WOULD COST AROUND $330 TO FIX. AFTER SEARCHING AROUND IT SEEMS THAT THIS IS A VERY RECURRENT PROBLEM THAT IF MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO OPEN THE HATCH BACK, WHICH MIGHT RESULT IN INJURY OR EVEN DEATH. I HOPE THAT TOYOTA RECALLS THIS KNOWN ISSUE OF THEIRS SOON.
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Oct 11, 2011 - Lakeland, TN - Body
THE REAR DOOR LATCH RUBBER COVER HAS TURNED TO A GOO, AND MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO OPEN THE REAR HATCH DOOR.
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Oct 11, 2011 - Lakeland, TN - Body, Door
THE REAR DOOR LATCH RUBBER COVER HAS TURNED TO A GOO, AND MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO OPEN THE REAR HATCH DOOR.
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Oct 10, 2011 - Mongtgomery, TX - Body, Hatchback/Liftgate
HATCHDOOR HANDLE RELEASE PLATE MELTING. JUST LIKE THE MULTIPLE REPORTS OF THIS SAME PROBLEM ALREADY REPORTED AT THIS WEBSITE. MAJORITY OF MY CAR MILES WERE ACCUMULATED IN MICHIGAN; MELTING OCCURRED JUST RECENTLY IN TEXAS. WHEN CALLING THE DEALERSHIP PARTS DEPT THEY IMMEDIATELY GUESSED THE PROBLEM. MELTING. DUE TO PREVIOUS CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS. ESTIMATED PART ($97) AND INSTALLATION ($100). GUESS I SHOULD BE THANKFUL MY TIRES AND OTHER CAR PARTS AREN'T MELTING!
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Oct 03, 2011 - Roswell, GA - Body
THE HATCHBACK HANDLE ON MY 2007 TOYOTA PRIUS HAS MELTED OVER TIME. THIS CAUSES THE LATCHING MECHANISM TO FAIL, WHICH IS A POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD IN THAT IT LEAVES THIS DOOR VIRTUALLY INACCESSIBLE DURING AN EMERGENCY. EACH TIME I TRY TO OPEN THE REAR DOOR, MELTED RUBBER STICKS TO MY HAND. THIS CAR HAS PERFORMED SATISFACTORILY OTHERWISE, BUT THE HANDLE FAILURE CONSTITUTES A MANUFACTURING DEFECT.
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Sep 23, 2011 - Austin, TX - Structure
THE RUBBER COVER ON THE REAR EXTERIOR HATCH LATCH MELTED AND IS LIKE TAR. BIG STICKY MESS EVERY TIME I USE THE HATCH WHICH IS OFTEN.THE LATCH NOW ALSO STICKS SOMETIMES. DEALER WANTS $260 TO FIX IT. WHY ISN'T TOYOTA COVERING THIS OBVIOUS DEFECT?
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Sep 13, 2011 - Ca, CA - Structure
AFTER ONLY ABOUT 3 YEARS USE, THE RUBBER COVER ON THE HATCH RELEASE HANDLE (THE EXTERIOR HANDLE OF THE REAR HATCH) OF OUR 2007 TOYOTA PRIUS, MELTED INTO A STICKY TARRY BLACK RUBBERY GOOEY MESS. I CAN BEST DESCRIBE IT AS BEING A VISCOUS BLACK GLOB LIKE ROOFING TAR. TO OPEN THE HATCH, YOU HAVE TO TOUCH THIS BLACK GOO EACH TIME, WHICH MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO OPERATE THE HATCH RELEASE. WE BELIEVE THIS MELTING PROCESS STARTED AT ABOUT THE 2 YR. MARK. I THOUGHT THAT THIS MIGHT BE A SINGULAR ISSUE, BUT HAVE FOUND THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO SEVERAL CAR OWNERS, PARTICULARLY IN CALIFORNIA. TOYOTA KNOWS ABOUT THIS, AND IS SELLING THE ENTIRE WIRING HARNESS FOR $200 PLUS REPAIR COSTS, AND HAS DONE NOTHING ABOUT RECALLING THIS. FROM A SAFETY PERSPECTIVE, THIS MEANS YOU CAN EXPERIENCE EXTREME DIFFICULTY OPENING THE REAR HATCH (A LIFE SAFETY ACCESS POINT), AND WILL GET STICKY BLACK TAR ON YOU FROM THE MELTED DOWN RUBBER COVER OF THE EXTERIOR HATCH RELEASE HANDLE. TO ME, THIS IS BOTH A SERIOUS LIFE SAFETY ISSUE AND A SERIOUS QUALITY DEFECT THAT TOYOTA IS OPTING TO IGNORE AND ONLY FIXING ON VEHICLES WITH EXTENDED WARRANTIES, SINCE THE FAILURE APPEARS TO OCCUR AT AROUND THE 3 YEAR MARK (IE AFTER 3 YEARS OF EXPOSURE TO THE BRIGHT SUN IN CALIFORNIA FOR EXAMPLE).
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Jul 23, 2011 - Austin, TX - Structure
2007 TOYOTA PRIUS, BACK HATCH RELEASE, RUBBER PIECE. THIS PIECE HAS DETERIORATED AND IT DIFFICULT TO OPEN BACK HATCH. I HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM FOR ABOUT 1 YEAR. I HAVE DONE RESEARCH AND SEE THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM IN THESE 2007 TOYOTA VEHICLES. I BELIEVE THIS TO BE A HAZARD AND WOULD THINK TOYOTA WOULD HAVE RECALLED THIS PIECE AS THERE ARE SO MANY COMPLAINTS.
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Jul 20, 2011 - Plano, TX - Body, Hatchback/Liftgate
AFTER ONLY ABOUT 4 YEARS USE, THE RUBBER COVER ON THE HATCH RELEASE HANDLE (THE EXTERIOR HANDLE OF THE REAR HATCH) OF OUR 2007 TOYOTA PRIUS, MELTED INTO A STICKY TARRY BLACK RUBBERY GOOEY MESS. I CAN BEST DESCRIBE IT AS BEING A VISCOUS BLACK GLOB LIKE ROOFING TAR. TO OPEN THE HATCH, YOU HAVE TO TOUCH THIS BLACK GOO EACH TIME, WHICH MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO OPERATE THE HATCH RELEASE. WE BELIEVE THIS MELTING PROCESS STARTED AT ABOUT THE 2 YR. MARK. I THOUGHT THAT THIS MIGHT BE A SINGULAR ISSUE, BUT HAVE FOUND THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO SEVERAL CAR OWNERS IN TEXAS. TOYOTA KNOWS ABOUT THIS, AND IS SELLING THE ENTIRE WIRING HARNESS FOR $96 PLUS REPAIR COSTS, AND HAS DONE NOTHING ABOUT RECALLING THIS. FROM A SAFETY PERSPECTIVE, THIS MEANS YOU CAN EXPERIENCE EXTREME DIFFICULTY OPENING THE REAR HATCH (A LIFE SAFETY ACCESS POINT), AND WILL GET STICKY BLACK TAR ON YOU FROM THE MELTED DOWN RUBBER COVER OF THE EXTERIOR HATCH RELEASE HANDLE. TO ME, THIS IS BOTH A SERIOUS LIFE SAFETY ISSUE AND A SERIOUS QUALITY DEFECT THAT TOYOTA IS OPTING TO IGNORE AND ONLY FIXING ON VEHICLES WITH EXTENDED WARRANTIES, SINCE THE FAILURE APPEARS TO OCCUR AT AROUND THE 3 YEAR MARK I AM AWARE OF THE OUTSTANDING WORK DONE BY NHTSA ON OTHER SAFETY ISSUES, INCLUDING THE PROBLEM WITH RUSTY FRAMES ON 02 ISUZU AXIOMS, AND I FIND THIS PROBLEM TO BE SIMILAR IN NATURE, SO I AM ASKING FOR YOUR AGENCY TO TAKE A LOOK AT THESE INSTANCES AND ALSO TO INQUIRE FROM TOYOTA WHY THEY ARE NOT RECALLING THESE HANDLES THAT ARE MELTING IN THE SUN!!! IT'S OUTRAGEOUS. I THINK A DOOR HANDLE OR HATCH HANDLE SHOULD BE MADE TO LAST MORE THAN 3 YEARS. PLEASE REVIEW THESE FORUM COMMENTS OF OTHER INCIDENTS: HTTP://PRIUSCHAT.COM/FORUMS/GEN-II-PRIUS-CARE-MAINTENANCE-TROUBLESHOOTING/71647-2007-PRIUS-TRUNK-HATCH-RELEASE-RUBBER-PIECE-MELTED-4.HTML
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Jun 30, 2011 - Richardson, TX - Structure
THE REAR HATCH RELEASE ON MY 2007 TOYOTA PRIUS HAS BEGUN TO DECOMPOSE AND TURN INTO A RUBBERY, GOOEY MESS. IT INTERFERES WITH THE USE OF THE HATCH AS THE GOO NOT ONLY GETS ON THE FINGERS BUT APPEARS TO BE BLOCKING THE RELEASE MECHANISM.
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May 31, 2011 - Tampa, FL - Structure
I BOUGHT A SCION IN '06, MY FIRST CAR I'VE EVER BOUGHT. IT WAS WONDERFUL, EXCEPT THAT I LIVE IN FLORIDA AND THE RUBBER PIECE ON MY TRUNK HANDLE MELTED. IT MELTED SO MUCH THAT, TO THIS DAY, THERE IS A HUGE GLOB OF RUBBER ON MY LICENSE PLATE. WELL, YESTERDAY I TRADED IN MY SCION FOR A PRIUS. I AM HAVING THE SAME ISSUE WITH THE HANDLE! EVERY TIME I OPEN MY TRUNK, I GET BLACK GUNK ON MY HANDS. UPON RESEARCH, I FOUND THAT A LARGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE ARE EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM WITH THEIR TOYOTAS. I EMAILED TOYOTA AND ADDRESSED THEM WITH THE ISSUE. THEY WROTE IT OFF AS GREASE DRIPPING FROM THE HANDLE, WHEN IF YOU LOOK AT MY CAR, IT IS CLEAR THAT THERE ARE GLOBS OF MELTED RUBBER EVERYWHERE. THEY TOLD ME IT COULD EASILY BE WIPED OFF AND I CAN'T EVEN SCRAPE IT OFF OR WASH IT OFF WITH SOAP AND WATER! I EVEN SENT THEM LINKS TO FORUMS WITH PAGE AND PAGES OF COMPLAINTS WITH THE SAME ISSUE AND THEY STILL WON'T ADDRESS IT. THEREFORE, I DECIDED TO REPORT IT HERE. THIS COULD POTENTIALLY TURN INTO A SAFETY ISSUE, IF THE RUBBER CONTINUES TO MELT CAUSING THE TRUNK TO BE INOPERABLE.
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Apr 11, 2011 - Chicago, IL - Structure
I HAVE A 2007 PRIUS AND 2-3 YEARS AFTER PURCHASE, THE RUBBER PIECE UNDER THE HATCHBACK MELTED, MAKING SO THAT IT WAS A STICKY BLACK MESS AND IT WOULDN'T OPEN. IT NOW DOESN'T OPEN AT ALL AND I CAN NOT GET INTO MY TRUNK, RECENTLY HAD A BATTERY REPLACED AND MY CAR WAS STRANDED, THE AAA GUY HAD TO CRAWL TO THE BACK W/ SEATS DOWN FROM THE SIDE OF THE CAR. I COULD NOT GET TO MY TRUNK IF I HAVE A FLAT TIRE IN THE FUTURE. I AM OUT OF WARRANTY . MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT TOYOTA IS MAKING OWNERS PAY 300+ TO FIX THIS DESPITE THE FACT THAT IT IS OBVIOUSLY A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. PLEASE ASSIST WITH THIS SAFETY CONCERN ON ALL PRIUS VEHICLES.
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Feb 02, 2011 - Gainesville, FL - Body, Door
AFTER ONLY ABOUT 3 YEARS USE, THE RUBBER COVER ON THE HATCH RELEASE HANDLE (THE EXTERIOR HANDLE OF THE REAR HATCH) OF OUR 2007 TOYOTA PRIUS, MELTED INTO A STICKY TARRY BLACK RUBBERY GOOEY MESS. I CAN BEST DESCRIBE IT AS BEING A VISCOUS BLACK GLOB LIKE ROOFING TAR. TO OPEN THE HATCH, YOU HAVE TO TOUCH THIS BLACK GOO EACH TIME, WHICH MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO OPERATE THE HATCH RELEASE. WE BELIEVE THIS MELTING PROCESS STARTED AT ABOUT THE 2 YR. MARK. I THOUGHT THAT THIS MIGHT BE A SINGULAR ISSUE, BUT HAVE FOUND THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO SEVERAL CAR OWNERS, PARTICULARLY IN FLORIDA. WE ALSO LIVE IN FLORIDA. TOYOTA KNOWS ABOUT THIS, AND IS SELLING THE ENTIRE WIRING HARNESS FOR $96 PLUS REPAIR COSTS, AND HAS DONE NOTHING ABOUT RECALLING THIS. FROM A SAFETY PERSPECTIVE, THIS MEANS YOU CAN EXPERIENCE EXTREME DIFFICULTY OPENING THE REAR HATCH (A LIFE SAFETY ACCESS POINT), AND WILL GET STICKY BLACK TAR ON YOU FROM THE MELTED DOWN RUBBER COVER OF THE EXTERIOR HATCH RELEASE HANDLE. TO ME, THIS IS BOTH A SERIOUS LIFE SAFETY ISSUE AND A SERIOUS QUALITY DEFECT THAT TOYOTA IS OPTING TO IGNORE AND ONLY FIXING ON VEHICLES WITH EXTENDED WARRANTIES, SINCE THE FAILURE APPEARS TO OCCUR AT AROUND THE 3 YEAR MARK (IE AFTER 3 YEARS OF EXPOSURE TO THE BRIGHT SUN IN FLORIDA FOR EXAMPLE). I AM AWARE OF THE OUTSTANDING WORK DONE BY NHTSA ON OTHER SAFETY ISSUES, INCLUDING THE PROBLEM WITH RUSTY FRAMES ON 02 ISUZU AXIOMS, AND I FIND THIS PROBLEM TO BE SIMILAR IN NATURE, SO I AM ASKING FOR YOUR AGENCY TO TAKE A LOOK AT THESE INSTANCES AND ALSO TO INQUIRE FROM TOYOTA WHY THEY ARE NOT RECALLING THESE HANDLES THAT ARE MELTING IN THE SUN!!! IT'S OUTRAGEOUS. I THINK A DOOR HANDLE OR HATCH HANDLE SHOULD BE MADE TO LAST MORE THAN 3 YEARS. PLEASE REVIEW THESE FORUM COMMENTS OF OTHER INCIDENTS: HTTP://PRIUSCHAT.COM/FORUMS/GEN-II-PRIUS-CARE-MAINTENANCE-TROUBLESHOOTING/71647-2007-PRIUS-TRUNK-HATCH-RELEASE-RUBBER-PIECE-MELTED-4.HTML [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
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Apr 28, 2010 - Belmont, MA - Structure
TL CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 48 MPH, THE BRAKES SUDDENLY LOCKED UP AND SWAYED TO THE LEFT SIDE WHEN HE DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE AXLE AND DRIVER SIDE BODY BUT IT WAS UNKNOWN IF THE DEALER REPAIRED THE BRAKE SYSTEM. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE RAIN WAS A FACTOR IN THE FAILURE AS IT CAUSED THE COMPUTER CHIP FOR THE BRAKE PEDAL TO MALFUNCTION. THE BRAKING SYSTEM FOR THE VEHICLE FAILED PERIODICALLY IN RAINY WEATHER. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 35,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 60,000.
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Apr 25, 2009 - L'ile Bizard, 00 - Structure
1. AFTER I OPENED THE AUTOMATIC ELECTRIC GARAGE DOOR AND WAITED FOR MY WIFE TO ENTER FROM OUR HOME AND SEAT HERSELF IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT I STARTED THE VEHICLE, GEARED IT INTO REVERSE TO PREPARE TO BACK OUT OF OUR ATTACHED INDOOR GARAGE. 2. AS I STARTED TO BACK UP, PROCEEDING NOT MORE THAN ABOUT 18 INCHES, WE HEARD A LOUD EXPLOSIVE SOUND ACCOMPANIED BY A TREMOR AND SHATTERING GLASS AT THE SAME MOMENT. IMMEDIATELY I SHUT OFF THE ENGINE AND BOTH OF US EXITED THE VEHICLE. WE DISCOVERED THAT THE RIGHT REAR GAS PRESSURIZED STRUT HAD EXITED WITH SUCH FORCE THROUGH THE REAR HATCHBACH TRUNK LID WINDOW SHATTERING THE GLASS AND THE IMPACT OF THE STRUT HAD DAMAGED THE METAL RAILING OF THE GARAGE DOOR. HAD ANYONE BEEN IN THE PATH OF THE STRUT THEY COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE WAS AT LEAST TWO FEET INSIDE THE OPEN GARAGE DOOR. THE REAR TRUNK LID DID NOT COLLIDE WITH ANY PART OF THE GARAGE DOOR. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. 3. UPON MY INSISTENCE THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO OUR DEALER FOR INSPECTION. AND EVENTUALLY REPAIRED. I HAVE MOST OF THE OLD PARTS AT MY HOME.
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Mar 15, 2007 - Santa Fe, NM - Structure
TL*- THE CONTACT PURCHASED A 2007 TOYOTA PRIUS ON FEBRUARY 28, 2007 WITH 4 MILES FROM BEAVER TOYOTA OF SANTA FE NEW MEXICO. THE DAY AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING OVER 40 MPH IT DID NOT DRIVE STRAIGHT, IT MOVED LEFT TO RIGHT. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND WAS TOLD THAT THIS WAS HOW THE VEHICLE DROVE. THE SERVICE MANAGER EXPLAINED THAT THESE VEHICLES HAD MANY COMPLAINTS BECAUSE OF THE WAY THE VEHICLE WAS AERODYNAMICLY MADE, THE VEHICLE TENDED TO MOVE FROM SIDE TO SIDE GOING OVER 40 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20, AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 300 MILES. UPDATED 04/09/07.
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