I am currently thinking about doing this. I keep reading all the horrors, the terror and fear stories and I believe I am starting to catch on. Currently sitting at 108k miles and thinking about doing my full EGR swap to new clean parts (I do not even know if they are dirty yet, haven't looked), or just trading in and getting the more tried-and-tested RX450h model. I have heard of plenty people getting to 300k without even having problems even on the "worst" 2010 prius that is infamous for the blown HG issue.
Any advice? I have a 2012 Premium.
Has anyone out there who got the head gasket replaced feel good about their choice instead if just buying a whole different car?

 

Got to at least look at that, and a cleaning is sufficient but idk how much the parts are. I need to check mine, but supposed to be a non-issue on my 2016.

I'm kind of new to the car but there are plenty of people here, and on more common prius forums with the 2012 setup going on for many miles. I guess, don't jump to conclusions. You may find pulling the parts or replacing will be all the car needs for another 100k+...(in addition to regular maintenance). That is generally what happens with the 3rd gen pruis...the run and run.

And remember, people on forums don't come to post all the things that DIDNT go wrong with their car. So somewhat common issues can sometimes appear inevitable, which isn't the case.

I get where you're coming from though I would be alert to the issue. I shopped 2016+ after reading about it. But wouldn't be too worried before I pulled the pipe (or piece on end of pipe more accessible, forget the name) and checked it out.

 

Ive been looking up Used CTs with high miles on Cargurus. What i’m doing is plugging the VIN numbers into Lexus drivers to run service records. Looks like all of the CTs with 120k and above for sale have “head gasket leaking” and the clogged EGR listen in the lexus dealer service.
And note that these were for most of the CTs that I saw for sale.

Seriously considering selling...

Will EGR renew prevent??

 

rereading my post i may have come off like I was underplaying the issue. Still I would look to see what you're condition is. Someone with more experience on this "fix-ability" likely will chime in but my understanding is taking care of the EGR issue will be rid of these worries. I get wanting to sell while you can still get full value without having to fix anything. But if the EGR is not serviced good chance that would come up during resale anyways.

 

In my strong opinion, I would advise to get out while you can! Detail the inside and outside of that car and put her up for sale!

You're taking a gamble that your '10 may be the lucky unicorn that outlasts the oil consumption, clogged EGR and HG failures.
I am at the halfway point of installing my low mileage used engine in my '10 Prius- I welcomed the challenge (as well as the lowest cost to keep this car going), putting in a little time before and after work to get this car running again, and it's beginning to have me wondering why I am spending so much time repairing a Prius as opposed to a fun, fast project car...

So if you don't mind swapping another engine yourself, keep it..otherwise get out while you can! LOL

 

The problem seems to be two-fold: localized heat and electrolysis eating away at the somewhat fragile headgasket.

One can probably minimize chances of failure by replacing coolant, servicing/cleaning egr, and regular oil changes.

I'm at about 59k. So I should probably think about replacing my engine coolant soon. Should be easy in maintenance mode.

 

So in my understanding the EGR helps keep cool the engine system. if it clogs and causes insufficient flow, then it causes a missfire on the cylinders, and this causes the blown head gasket?

I really love my CT and would hate HATE to get rid of it. But it is a serious shame Lexus and toyota has made a flawed engine design in such a like-able car. I am thinking about just keeping it, doing my OCI ever 3k miles, coolant is already changed, and just focusing on replacing my EGR soon.

 

The misfire is caused by a deteriorated headgasket, not the other way around. Headgaskets fail due to heat, "scrubbing," or deterioration. Sometimes all three.

 

The 2010's also have a serious issue with the piston rings.
In my case it was cheaper to just get a Gen4 engine than doing a HG and upgrading the piston rings etc
..and I cleaned my EGR system a little more than a year ago and saw last week when pulling it apart that the cooler was around 75% blocked

 

Oh no! You misunderstood me. I do not have a 2010 Prius,
I have a 2012 CT hatch.

I am wondering if these issues will cause me to have a horrible ownership experience, since hearing bad stories from CT owners as well.
I heard 2011 CT and prius got better piston and rings, and from what i understand they were further updated in 2014 (pistons) and 2015(pistons and rings).

I am terrified of running into these problems. I bought the car thinking i was getting into japanese reliability, and not some nightmare LOL.

 

Same Engine, same EGR system.

 

It would seem to me warmer climates have lesser problems than colder ones from what I've observed. Less chance at gum up which starts the snowball effect from there. I should probably check my EGR pipe this weekend out of curiosity. Though i'm afraid of it not re-sealing right when I reinstall it.

 

I thought the same when replying to this thread. Figured If I do I might as well have a new gasket to thoroughly clean and install fresh.

 

Also what I'm worried about. I am by no means trying to disassemble the mechanical parts on a hybrid engine. I just bought new EGR pipe,cooler, and valve with gaskets and Intake Manifold today. Toyota dealer near me is charging 289 dollars plus tax to do the labor.Would rather have them do it than me....

 

hi, did you replace a Prius or 200 CTh with the Gen4 engine? How much did the engine cost - years ago now?