'08 Prius problems

[Atty]

So our '08 Prius (41k miles) is having some problems. Its been a good little commuter but I think its age is showing?

List of problems:
-Gas cut off randomly engages. Tank could be completely empty and the trip computer could show we've done 400+ miles but it will only let me pump a gallon or two at a time then cut off.

-Gas read out isn't working very well. Yesterday on my way to work it gave me the low fuel warning so I pulled into a gas station to fill up. Put 4 gallons in (almost half a tank) and from then until even now, the gas gauge still read empty.

-Fuel efficiency has steadily decreased from the high 40's and low 50's to struggling to stay about 41. Same driving habits.

-One of the speakers (or maybe an air vent?) in the back is constantly on. When the radio is off you can just hear a static noise (or maybe just extremely high air pressure from a vent?) from the back. No idea.

-The trunk release handle has seriously melted, completely. It is just a pile of goop hanging onto the latch.

-The volume nob only works when it wants to.

Wut do? The majority of that I can live with, except the fuel consumption and the gas tank problem.

Anyone ever heard of this stuff? Or clue to the gas tank problem? Toyota looked at it (for free...) and said there was no issue they could find. :-\

 

[JCH13]

Sounds like you might have a fuel tank evap related issue. FTR: a 2008 should not be "showing it's age" with only 41k miles.

 

[Atty]

Yeah, I know it shouldn't, but all these problems in the last 10k miles or so.

More importantly, how would I check a "fuel tank evap" issue and confirm it?

 

[AdamK47]

That's typical Toyota quality for ya.

 

[PricklyPete]

Sounds like you might have a fuel tank evap related issue. FTR: a 2008 should not be "showing it's age" with only 41k miles.

My exact thoughts. 41K is barely braking it in for a 2008 model.

 

[JCH13]

Yeah, I know it shouldn't, but all these problems in the last 10k miles or so.

More importantly, how would I check a "fuel tank evap" issue and confirm it?

Got an ODBII code reader? This is the sort of thing that should trip an engine light. Alternatively, you should hear some sort of hissing when you open the cap to your gas tank, it should be under vac when operating and hold that vac for a while.

 

[woodie1]

That's typical Toyota quality for ya.

Yep, wonder if they'll ever sell as many cars as GM or Ford.

 

[Kroze]

Yep, wonder if they'll ever sell as many cars as GM or Ford.

Toyota is terrible and went bankrupted in 2008, I think its subsidiary brand Scion have the audacity to asked the government for a bail-out. They should stop making POS substandard cars that no one want to buy and should look up to GM & Chrysler as their role models.

 

[Atty]

D: