Case file · TOYOTA-PRIUS-2010-2015 · Field document

Toyota Prius 2010–2015 · Pre-purchase checklist

Bring this to the inspection. Every check below is specific to this generation's documented failure modes, not generic used-car advice.

1. Check 01

   Check the oil level on the dipstick cold, then ask when it was last topped up. A 2010–2012 car burning a quart every 1,000–2,000 miles is the single most common XW30 problem.

2. Check 02

   Ask whether the EGR valve, EGR cooler, and intake manifold have ever been cleaned, and at what mileage. Heavy carbon here causes rough idle/misfires and, left long enough, head-gasket failure.

3. Check 03

   Listen for a cold-start rattle for the first few seconds, a known symptom tied to oil starvation/carbon on these engines.

4. Check 04

   Confirm by VIN that the 2010 brake recalls (10V-039 and 13V-235) and the inverter (IPM) recalls 14V-053, 18V-684 and 20V-369 were performed on cars they cover (a Toyota dealer can check).

5. Check 05

   Get the hybrid battery health checked (Dr. Prius app or a shop with Techstream). A tired 12V or HV battery is normal wear at this age.

6. Check 06

   Watch the temp behavior and coolant level for any sign of inverter/electric water pump weakness on cars over 100k.

7. Check 07

   Scan for stored codes. P0AA6, P3000-series, or EGR/misfire codes tell you about hybrid and intake health before you buy.