100,000 mile plus member questions

I've noticed enough reports of inverter coolant pump failure, so that I would suggest that a Prius owner with 100K+ miles on the odometer consider a preventive replacement. This will help ensure continued longevity of the inverter which is an expensive part to replace.

It is reasonable to expect the front struts/rear shocks to require replacement at or before that mileage.

Beyond 100K miles, random failures of the traction battery, inverter, or transaxle may happen to an unlucky owner. Classic owners also have to worry about the electric steering gear and the catalytic converter with HCAC valve.

The engine is quite reliable if the 5K oil/oil filter change requirement is observed.

 

The bulk of the NHW20 problems were fixed in 2004/2005. There have been some reports suggesting 'cost saving' changes have had a few problems but no show stoppers. The traction battery was significantly improved in the NHW20 and a lot of 'lessons learned' applied. In fact, the NHW20 should be considered the 3d generation Prius after the NHW11 and NHW10.

I'm hoping the 2009, NHW20 has less mechanical changes as much as some software changes that could significantly improve performance. For example, a zero energy, foot off the gas coast, a cruise control that allows 2-3 mph changes for efficiency, and more fuel efficient ICE warm-up. A little more accelerator smoothing would be nice too. Also remove the 42 mph control law between EV possible and ICE must always run control laws.

I would not object to the inverter coolant pump being relocated between the grill and radiator housing on a sound dampening mount to the frame that also has a diaphram towards the front grill. The idea is to make a distinct noise towards the front and quiet the cabin and frame.

I would also like a backup audio alarm built into the tail light assembly so the lense serves as the diaphram but nothing is heard in the body of the car. If the backup lights come on, the audio alarm makes a modest noise. This completely eliminates the in-cabin noise and puts it where it might do some good.

Bob Wilson