Known Issues by Model

Model-specific known problems and repairs for Toyota, Nissan, Honda hybrids and EVs.

Chevrolet Bolt Clicking Noise From the Front? Often a Deteriorating Anti-Click Washer

Short version: A clicking or knocking noise from the front of a Chevrolet Bolt or Bolt EUV is usually not the axle, the CV joint,...

Chevrolet EVs and Hybrids: What We've Seen Servicing Them

Short version: This is our running list of what we actually see servicing Chevrolet's electric and hybrid models in Portland. The Bolt and Bolt EUV...

The Prius “Triangle of Death” With No Other Warning Lights (2004–2009): Check Your Oil

If the red triangle warning light comes on in your 2004–2009 Toyota Prius and no other lights are lit — no check engine light, no...

Buying a Used Kia Niro Hybrid? The Coolant Leak Hiding in the Exhaust

Short version: The first-generation Kia Niro hybrid (2017–2022) has a part most buyers have never heard of — an Exhaust Heat Recovery System, or EHRS,...

2004–2009 Toyota Prius HID Headlights: Bulbs, the TSB, and Fixing a Flicker

Short version: If the HID (xenon) headlight on your 2004–2009 Toyota Prius flickers, cuts out, turns a different color, or won’t come on at all,...

2005 Honda Element engine failure from a broken heater valve

Short version: A 2005 Honda Element lost cabin heat, then the engine quit near Hood River. A broken heater control valve had let the coolant...

Highlander Hybrid Brake System: Why One Fix Isn't Always Enough

Short version: A 2009 Highlander Hybrid’s brake warning came back two weeks after we replaced the ABS actuator pump for a C1256-141 accumulator low pressure...

Nissan Leaf Won't Charge? It Might Be the PDM (Power Delivery Module)

Short version: A 2016 Nissan Leaf that wouldn’t charge at all turned out to be a failed Power Delivery Module (PDM), a known failure point...

2016-2019 Toyota Prius Exhaust Heat Exchanger Failure

Short version: If your 2016-2019 Prius or 2017-2019 Prius Prime is losing coolant with no visible leak, the exhaust heat exchanger may be leaking coolant...

2010-2015 (Generation 3) Toyota Prius Head Gaskets

Short version: The 2010-2015 Gen 3 Prius (2ZR-FXE engine) has a well-documented head gasket weakness, with most failures between 130,000-200,000 miles—the classic tell is a...