Yup I had the issue I'm going to agree with design flaw. Which should make it covered under warranty. I was told all the exact same things about a rock and it being a freak accident but seeing this many posts about the same issue, certainly confirm that is just plain ridiculous.
Most modern vehicles are vulnerable. Just squat down in front of them and look through the grill. Large rocks can easily strike the A/C condenser or the radiator, the plastic grill is that porous. For the last 15 years or so when I have purchased a new vehicle the first thing I've done is zip tie aluminum mesh to the inside of the plastic grill. Oh, and it's not the fins that cause the leak. They can be as thin as you like with no effect. It's the tubing that leaks.
Ditto, installed small mesh material behind upper and lower grill openings to prevent rock damage to inverter and engine radiators on the Prius, and Camry. Cheap insurance to prevent expensive damage.
A freak accident for sure, but not a design flaw by any stretch. If you've lived/driven in Colorado long, as in many other Western states as well, you have plenty of experience with rocks being kicked up into your car. It just goes with the territory (literally), I'm afraid.
welcome to priuschat! bummer. call toyota customer service and see if they'll help you out. if not, find a good mech and go with a savage unit. $536. for 3 1/2 hours, what the?
