2019 model year · 0+ owner reports · Updated April 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 0+ owner reports, the 2019 Toyota Prius has 3 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is Catalytic Converter Theft Vulnerability ($150-$3,000 repair). Across all issues, repair costs range from $150 to $3,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 2004-2025 Toyota Prius, the Toyota Prius is the single most targeted vehicle for catalytic converter theft in the United States. The Prius catalytic converter contains higher concentrations of precious metals (palladium, rhodium, platinum) than most vehicles because the hybrid system results in a cleaner-running engine that preserves the catalyst metals. The converter is also easily accessible under the vehicle and can be cut out with a battery-powered reciprocating saw in under 60 seconds. Thieves sell stolen converters for $100-$300 to recyclers who extract metals worth $500+. Gen 2 (2004-2009) and Gen 3 (2010-2015) Prius are the most targeted.
Install a catalytic converter anti-theft shield or cage ($150-$400 installed). Popular options include CatClamp, MillerCAT, and CatShield. These devices make the converter much harder and more time-consuming to steal. Park in well-lit areas and garages when possible. Engrave your VIN on the converter ($30-$50 at a muffler shop) to aid in recovery. Some owners install motion-activated alarms or cameras. If your converter is stolen, replacement costs $1,500-$3,000 for an OEM converter, or $500-$1,000 for an aftermarket CARB-compliant unit (required in California).
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2004-2025 Toyota Prius, the 12V auxiliary battery in the Prius is critical for powering the vehicle computer systems that must boot up before the hybrid system can start. Unlike conventional cars where a weak battery can still crank the engine, a dead 12V battery in the Prius means the vehicle will not start at all — no dashboard lights, no READY mode, nothing. The small 12V battery (typically a Group S46B24R) drains faster than in conventional vehicles because it powers always-on systems like the smart key receiver, security system, and clock. The battery typically lasts only 3-5 years, shorter than in conventional vehicles.
Replace the 12V auxiliary battery every 4-5 years as preventive maintenance. The battery is located in the right rear of the cargo area (not under the hood). OEM Toyota replacement costs $200-$300 installed at the dealer. Aftermarket AGM batteries (Optima Yellow Top, Odyssey) run $150-$250 and can be installed DIY in 15 minutes. If the battery dies, a jump start to the 12V terminal under the hood (or in the fuse box on Gen 4) will get the car started. Consider a battery tender/maintainer if the car sits for more than a week at a time.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2010-2020 Toyota Prius, the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system on Gen 3 and Gen 4 Prius models develops heavy carbon buildup that restricts the EGR cooler and causes the EGR valve to stick. The Prius engine runs in an extended Atkinson cycle and frequently operates at low temperatures due to the hybrid system shutting off the engine, which promotes carbon accumulation. The clogged EGR reduces engine efficiency, causes rough idle, misfires, and can trigger multiple DTCs. Short trips and city driving exacerbate the problem.
Remove and clean the EGR cooler and valve — this requires removing the intake manifold for access ($400-$800 in labor). The EGR cooler can be soaked in carbon cleaner and flushed. Replace the EGR valve if cleaning does not restore full function ($150-$300 for parts). Some shops use walnut blasting to clean the intake ports at the same time ($200-$400). To prevent recurrence, take the Prius on highway drives periodically (30+ minutes at highway speed) to raise engine temperature and burn off carbon deposits.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may cause the rearview camera to freeze or display a blank screen when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:SWITCHES/KNOBS/BUTTONS
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Prius Prime, 2023-2026 Prius, and 2025-2026 Prius Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. Water may enter the rear door switch and cause a short circuit, allowing an unlocked rear door to open unexpectedly.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:SWITCHES/KNOBS/BUTTONS
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Prius and Prius Prime vehicles. Water may enter the rear door switch and cause a short circuit, allowing an unlocked rear door to open unexpectedly.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain Toyota 2023 GR Supra, 2024 4 Runner, Corolla, Grand Highlander, Grand Highlander Hybrid, Land Cruiser Hybrid, Tacoma, Tacoma Hybrid, 2023-2024 BZ4X, Corolla Cross Hybrid, GR Corolla, GR86, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius Prime, Sequoia Hybrid, Tundra, Tundra Hybrid, Venza Hybrid, 2023-2025 Crown, and 2025 Camry Hybrid vehicles equipped with GST accessories. The load carrying capacity modification label may display inaccurate added weight values. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM):SOFTWARE
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022 Prius and Prius Prime vehicles. The Engine Control Unit (ECU) software may falsely detect an error and shut down the hybrid system, causing a loss of drive power.
Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.
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According to Au7o's analysis of 0+ owner reports, the 2019-2019 Toyota Prius has 3 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Catalytic Converter Theft Vulnerability, 12V Auxiliary Battery Drain and Failure, EGR Cooler and Valve Clogging with Carbon Deposits. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
The 2019-2019 Toyota Prius has 3 known issues documented across 0+ owner reports. 1 issue is rated critical: Catalytic Converter Theft Vulnerability. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known Toyota Prius issues range from $150 to $3,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Catalytic Converter Theft Vulnerability, typically costs $150-$3,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
The Toyota Prius is the single most targeted vehicle for catalytic converter theft in the United States. The Prius catalytic converter contains higher concentrations of precious metals (palladium, rhodium, platinum) than most vehicles because the hybrid system results in a cleane… Repairs typically run $150-$3,000. Severity: high.
The 12V auxiliary battery in the Prius is critical for powering the vehicle computer systems that must boot up before the hybrid system can start. Unlike conventional cars where a weak battery can still crank the engine, a dead 12V battery in the Prius means the vehicle will not… Repairs typically run $150-$300. Severity: medium.
The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system on Gen 3 and Gen 4 Prius models develops heavy carbon buildup that restricts the EGR cooler and causes the EGR valve to stick. The Prius engine runs in an extended Atkinson cycle and frequently operates at low temperatures due to the hyb… Repairs typically run $400-$1,500. Severity: medium.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
