Prius Battery Change is No Big Deal

2001 Prius 117,000 miles and they want $3,700 to replace battery.

My 2001 battery failed today at 70K miles and I was told the replacement would be $3700 installed... that's the $2299 quoted here PLUS installation and tax. I have the * asterisk model which is out of warranty in 8 years, not 10, because I was an early adopter and evangelist for Prius. I feel betrayed and duped.

My 2007 prius has 137,000 miles at the moment. The vehicle now running with the efficiency of 38 miles/gallon does it mean, I need to replace the new main battery?

Anyone know the weight of a 2nd generation battery pack? and, do you know how difficult it is to replace the battery pack? - is a forklift a necessity or just a couple of guys?

Battery is about 50lbs and located just behind the rear seat, making it easy out/in. I changed mine when I noticed drop in mileage and over night drain off and a constant engine charging and lack of power using my 100K old battery. So I concluded that the capacity of my 2004 was down and picked up a used 2007, which is an revised part #. Performance is back with 50+ mpg Lots of screws to remove and side kick panels with typical CPU wire plugs to pull. The orange disconnect makes it safe. Nothing needed on the ECM side. Only minor difficulty is the battery cables screws which are tight and on thin sheet and easy to mangle.

Does anyone know what they mean by "california-compliance state"? I live in WA with a 2001 120k Prius and looking at a battery replacement.

i prefer the VW TDI jetta it lasts a lot longer and it is alot cheaper to maintain

You know, Toyota Prius PHEV and the Toyota Prius 2010 is just a first step. The next step would be: 1.) PHEV in Toyota RAV4, Highlander and Camry 2.) Add Regenerative Brake System 3.) Add Solar Panels on the roof like (Prius 2010) 4.) Add Wind Turbine to the front grill and alternators to the wheels to recharge the batteries while the car is in motion. Points 1, 2, 3, 4 are all possible and can easily extend the driving range of the vehicle to over 3000 on a single charge and single tank fuel.

I have a 2002 Prius and just had the battery replaced at 113000 miles. It's alot of money all at once but I anticipated that when I bought the car. The battery has exceeded my expectations. I have really enjoyed this little car and intend to drive it for many more years. One other thing to consider is how well this vehicle has held it value.

I've always driven cars for as long as they had life left in them. I've had engines fail ('68VW at 50K miles), snap a crank shaft ('70 Rambler at 85K miles), throw a rod ('70 MGB at 60K miles) and sieze up ('87 GMC van at 55K miles). The VW and GMC were purchased new so I can vouch for good maintenance. I now own two Priuses (Prii?), a 2003 and a 2009, and tend to put 10K a year on them. If I have to buy a new battery pack after 10 or 12 years, it's better than rebuilding an engine after 6 or 7. If you don't want to have major repairs every decade or so, you'll have to buy a car with no moving parts....

I own a 2001 Prius with 100,000 miles and a 2004 with 167,000 miles. When I purchased the vechiles, I knew that the batteries would need replacement at some point. I get in excess of 40 MPG with both vechicles and repairs have been minimal (the 2001 has had the gas pedal and gas pump replaced) and the 2004 has been trouble free. With the money saved buying gas, SMOG inspections, travel in the HOV lanes and government rebates - the cars have been very economical. I've never had to have the brakes worked on - though I have had the brake fluid replaed. I am not looking forward to replacing the batteries, but I can accept this expense. Though I'm not a tree hugger - the idea of saving gas (a very valuable and limited resource) and minimizing pollution appeals to me. I'd like to buy the 3rd generation - but the HOV stickers are holding me back. in summary Keven - you made the right decision - hope you realize it. Regards!

No worries about the HOV stickers. In California the gold/yellow ones are set to expire. I don't know about the silver EV-only ones. Anyone else know?

No thanks, at those prices I will not buy a hybrid, period. Give me gas or diesel.

This message does not mention the difference in warranty coverege between the first generation and second generation Prius batteries. The first generation Prius batteries are only warranteed for 8 years/100,000 miles in California-compliance states. The second generation Prius batteries are warranteed for 10 years/150,000 miles in California-compliance states. I have a first generation Prius that has 122,000 miles and needs to have the hybrid battery replaced and I have to pay full price for the parts and labor. I have been working with Prius customer relations and the southern California Toyota Rep and district manager are not willing to to discount anything on the battery or on the labor. The cost for parts and labor to replace the hybrid battery is close to $3,700. At the moment I am not very happy with Toyota, and I will have to think long and hard before I buy car from Toyota; especially a hybrid.

Keven, Why don't you investigate e-Bay. The whole battery packs can often be had for as little as $500. Even junkyards carry them from wrecked Prius. It is certainly worth a shot even if you have to buy it cross-country and have it shipped. Rick

I just priced the 2002 HV battery, and it lists for 1800$+. Installation additional. Your dealer is ripping you off. Go somewhere else. I have a 2002 with 193000 and the original HV battery - Many parts in cars nowadays are in the thousands of dollar ranges - The tranny is about 5000+, the ICE is about 6000$, and of course those pesky little things like the exhaust system (incl cats), for the Prius runs about 1600$. So the HV battery is dropping in cost, and considering the life of it, is not out of line for a price.

Not only is the replacement battery expensive, its only guaranteed for ONE YEAR!!! How does one get around this rip-off???

Where did you find the I HV battery for $1800? I need one.