What maintenance does a Prius need at 100,000 miles?
At 100,000 miles, a Toyota Prius typically requires a comprehensive service to keep both the gasoline engine and hybrid system running smoothly. Key items include oil and filter changes, coolant replacements, CVT fluid, brake fluid, filters, tires, and a battery health check; exact needs depend on model year and usage.
Beyond the basics, this milestone often triggers a scheduled refresh of fluids and wear parts to prevent leaks, corrosion, and drivetrain wear. Always consult your owner's manual for your specific generation's maintenance schedule and use Toyota's service intervals as a guide.
Core maintenance items you should address by 100,000 miles
The following checklist covers routine items and wear components commonly targeted around this milestone. Your exact needs can vary by generation and climate; use this as a practical guide and verify against Toyota's schedule in your owner's manual.
- Oil and filter change with synthetic 0W-20 oil, typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months.
- Engine coolant replacement, usually around 100,000 miles (inspect hoses and connections).
- Inverter coolant replacement, commonly at or near 100,000 miles (per the owner's manual).
- CVT/transaxle fluid change, often recommended between 60,000 and 100,000 miles depending on model and driving conditions.
- Brake fluid flush or replacement every 2–3 years to maintain braking performance and prevent moisture buildup.
- Tire rotation and tread depth check; alignment if there is uneven wear.
- Brakes inspection (pads and rotors) for wear and performance; replace pads if thickness is worn.
- Engine air filter replacement and cabin air filter inspection/replacement as needed (cabin filter frequently every 15,000–30,000 miles).
- 12V auxiliary battery health check and replacement if showing signs of weakness (typical life several years, varies by climate and usage).
- Spark plugs—inspect and plan replacement if not already done (many Prius models require around 120,000 miles; address early if there are signs of misfire or reduced efficiency).
- Hybrid battery health check and diagnostic system evaluation to ensure no abnormal performance or degradation is present.
- Windshield wipers and fluid levels topped up, plus general fluid level checks (washer fluid, etc.).
Completing these items by 100,000 miles helps preserve fuel efficiency and reliability, and can prevent more costly repairs later on.
Generation-specific notes
Gen 2 and Gen 3 Priuses (roughly 2004–2015 models)
Most owners find spark plugs are due around 120,000 miles, so plan replacement near that interval if not already done. CVT fluid is commonly scheduled somewhere between 60,000 and 100,000 miles. Engine coolant and inverter coolant are typically refreshed by 100,000 miles. Always verify with the official maintenance schedule for your exact year and model.
Gen 4 and Gen 5 Priuses (roughly 2016–present models)
Maintenance windows are broadly similar to earlier generations, with some modern Priuses placing greater emphasis on battery system diagnostics and more frequent cabin air filter changes due to cabin air quality requirements. Spark plug replacement commonly around 120,000 miles. Check your owner's manual for the precise intervals for CVT fluid, inverter coolant, and engine coolant for your specific configuration.
What to do next
For a 100,000-mile service, start by reviewing your owner’s manual for your exact generation’s intervals. If you’re unsure when a service was last performed, treat the next maintenance as a comprehensive refresh: replace fluids (engine coolant, inverter coolant, CVT fluid, brake fluid), swap in new filters (engine and cabin), rotate tires, inspect brakes, check the 12V battery, and assess hybrid battery health. A trusted mechanic or Toyota service center can tailor the plan to your driving conditions and climate.
Summary
Reaching 100,000 miles on a Prius is a solid milestone that signals a preventive service is due. Prioritize oil changes, coolant refreshes, CVT fluid, brake fluid, filter changes, tire maintenance, and a battery health check. While exact intervals vary by generation, consulting the owner’s manual and scheduling a comprehensive inspection can help sustain efficiency and prevent costly repairs down the line.
