Model year guide

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 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2008 Toyota Prius at a glance

Safety recalls4
Owner complaints1,497
Combined46 mpg
Typical price$6,584

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2008 Toyota Prius recalls 4

Steering NHTSA Campaign #12V537000 · 14/11/2012

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.

Engine And Engine Cooling NHTSA Campaign #12V536000 · 14/11/2012

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.

Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal NHTSA Campaign #09V388000 · 05/10/2009

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 …

Equipment:other:labels NHTSA Campaign #10V036000 · 03/02/2010

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.

Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.

2008 Toyota Prius MPG & running costs

Combined46 mpg
City48 mpg
Highway45 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$1,350

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2008 Toyota Prius worth?

Low
$4,000
Typical price
$6,584
High
$8,900

From 215 comparable 2008 Toyota Prius listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2008 Toyota Prius costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$6,750
Depreciation (5 yrs)$4,550
Total$11,300
Per mile$0.15

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

Trims
Base · Touring
Engines
1.5L 4-cyl 76 hp

2008 Toyota Prius vehicles on record

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.