2008 Toyota Prius power train problems

“In temperatures above 95 degrees the vehicle shifts into neutral while driving, and you need to physically hold the shift lever in Drive or Reverse to keep it out of neutral. It won't go into park at all unless you restart. This could cause a fatal accident while driving, particularly on the freeway. It has not yet been confirmed since it only happens at very high temperatures, which is rare where I live (Seattle). There has been quite a lot of discussion on Reddit and other internet sites about this problem with Priuses, particularly the 2008 model. I have an appointment with my mechanic to replace the shift lever assembly, which appears to be the most commonly referenced fix. There are no warning lights, other messages, or symptoms before or while this is happening. The problem resolves when the air temperature goes back down.”

“The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, she heard a beeping sound, and the instrument cluster flashed the parking brake and a triangle symbol with an exclamation point was illuminated. The contact stated that the "Failure with Transmission - Pull Over and Shift to Park(P)” message was displayed. The contact stated that the shift indicator on the instrument cluster showed that the vehicle was shifted into park(P). The contact stated that the vehicle made an abnormal grinding sound and started losing motive power. The contact stated that the engine was still running however, the vehicle lost power steering and braking functionality. The contact stated that when she depressed the accelerator pedal the vehicle failed to respond. The contact pulled off the roadway and turned off and restarted the vehicle and the vehicle regained normal functionality; however, after driving for ten miles, the failure recurred. The contact drove the vehicle back to the residence and turned off and restarted the vehicle several times. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle had not…”

“AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SLIPS INTO NEUTRAL UNEXPECTEDLY, AND WHEN IT DOES, OFTEN YOU CAN'T GET IT OUT OF NEUTRAL WITHOUT TURNING CAR OFF. THIS HAS AN ELECTRONIC SHIFT SELECTOR. THIS APPEARS TO BE A RAMPANT PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR. DO AN INTERNET SEARCH ON 2008 PRIUS SLIPS INTO NEUTRAL AND YOU WILL SEE MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING THIS ISSUE. VERY DANGEROUS WHEN THIS HAPPENS ON THE HIGHWAY.”

“ON THE MORNING OF 11/14/18, VEHICLE (W. 112,000 MILES ON IT) FAILED TO START OR MOVE IN OUR DRIVEWAY. 12/5/18 ADVISED BY CASEYS, THETOYOTA DEALERSHIP IN .WILLIAMSBSURG VA., THAT THE CVT HAD FAILED AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $6500 - HAPPENS OCCASIONALLY!. SUBSEQUENTLY SOLD VEHICLE TO DEALER EMPLOYEE FOR SCRAP. I NOTE THE NHTSA IS CONSIDERING A RECALL ON THE CVT'S INSTALLED IN THE TOYOTA COROLLAS. SEEMS OVERDUE. GLAD FOR MY FAMILY THIS DID NOT HAPPEN WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION.”

“THE CAR FROM A STOP, IF YOU STEP ON THE GAS WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN THE CAR HESITATES REALLY BAD AND COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. I'VE TAKEN IT IN WHEN THE CAR HAD LESS THAN 10K MILES. THEY COULD NOT REMAKE THE PROBLEM. THE CAR HESITATES STILL AND HAS NOT CHANGED, IT CURRENTLY HAS 117K MILES. I BELIEVE THERE IS A SOFTWARE PROBLEM.”

“CAR SHIFT LEVER POPS OUT OF DRIVE POSITION AND REVERSE POSITION INTERMITTENTLY ON STARTUP. SEEMS TO HAPPEN WHEN INTERIOR OF CAR IS HOT AFTER SITTING IN SUN FOR A LONG PERIOD.”