My 2010 Toyota Prius keeps running out of oil (about once a month it is completely dry). It is not leaking because I have placed paper under it for several days and there is never oil on the paper.

Asked by kristy_money Jun 15, 2014 at 08:12 PM about the 2010 Toyota Prius

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Toyota Prius 2010 runs out of oil (dipstick is dry) about once a month.  I drive alot -
freeway mostly.  There is no leaking.  I am using full synthetic 0-20 oil that is
recommended by Toyota.  I have the oil professionally changed every 5000 miles.  What
could be causing my hybrid car to burn so much oil?

4 Answers

40

Mine does the same thing a.d a 2008 Prius! I now change the oil every 3000 miles aand still check it weekly...... it still goes low and i have add a little! It's a common problem so don't freak out like we did. Still a great car and we have 225,000!!!

4 people found this helpful.
50

As the vehicle gets older the 0-20 oil does not work, thus get the high mileage oil and it will last much longer as its slightly thicker.

5 people found this helpful.
40

My mechanic said there are two know causes. One the piston rings get sludge built up and don't seal properly or you have a defective PCV Valve. They both cause the car to use oil. I had this happen on both of my Priuses after about 130,000 miles.

3 people found this helpful.
80

My 2011 Prius has just started losing oil. Almost dry before I discovered. Got a yellow caution light that tipped me off. It would come on very briefly and keep, usually when cornering. No evidence of oil leak in garage or parking spots. Hoping there are no major issues and can just monitor oil level and keep driving.

8 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

Prius

Looking for a Used Prius in your area?

CarGurus has 193 nationwide Prius listings starting at $2,028.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    T_S_T
    Reputation
    1,560
  • #2
    Guru5WT6J
    Reputation
    1,390
  • #3
    TupeloMS
    Reputation
    1,320
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Toyota Corolla
142 Great Deals out of 2,244 listings starting at $2,699
Used Toyota Camry
48 Great Deals out of 1,142 listings starting at $4,795
Used Toyota Camry Hybrid
12 Great Deals out of 194 listings starting at $7,990
Used Honda Civic
188 Great Deals out of 4,003 listings starting at $440
Used Toyota RAV4
120 Great Deals out of 3,047 listings starting at $4,999
Used Honda Accord
50 Great Deals out of 974 listings starting at $2,995
Used Toyota Tacoma
46 Great Deals out of 728 listings starting at $8,995

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.