2008 Toyota Prius
Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2008 Toyota Prius is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 218 on record.
2008 Toyota Prius at a glance
Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.
2008 Toyota Prius recalls 4
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.
Fix: 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.
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.
Fix: 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.
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.
Fix: 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 …
SOUTHEAST 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.
Fix: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.
Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.
2008 Toyota Prius common problems
The most-reported problem areas from 1,497 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.
2008 Toyota Prius MPG & running costs
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.
What's a 2008 Toyota Prius worth?
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 2008 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 ($6,584) with the same model 5 model-years older ($2,027), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
2008 Toyota Prius trims & engines on record
2008 Toyota Prius vehicles on record
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Other Toyota Prius model years
2008 Toyota Prius — frequently asked questions
Does the 2008 Toyota Prius have any safety recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for the 2008 Toyota Prius. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.
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 service brakes, electrical system, engine.
What gas mileage does the 2008 Toyota Prius get?
The U.S. EPA rates the 2008 Toyota Prius at about 46 mpg combined (48 city / 45 highway).
How much is a 2008 Toyota Prius worth?
Comparable 2008 Toyota Prius listings run roughly $4,000–$8,900, typically around $6,584 (from 215 vehicles).
Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.