When a Toyota Prius starts misfiring, losing coolant, or running rough, it may be more than just a head gasket issue.

In some cases, like the one we show in this video, a full cylinder head replacement is necessary. This Prius had suffered damage likely caused by overheating or valve failure, and we had to tear down the engine for a complete top-end rebuild.
If your Prius is showing similar symptoms, don’t wait. Delaying repairs on a hybrid can lead to more costly damage. Visit a trusted mechanic near me in Broken Arrow who understands both hybrid and traditional engine repairs.
👉 Watch: This video shows part of the cylinder head replacement process on a Toyota Prius after engine damage from overheating. Watch as we walk through the repair in our Broken Arrow shop.
What Causes Cylinder Head Failure on a Prius?
Common causes include:
- Overheating from a failed water pump or clogged radiator
- Oil starvation due to PCV or oil control issues
- Valve or timing component failure
Once the head is cracked or warped, it’s no longer safe to reuse. At that point, replacement is the only reliable option.
What to Replace Alongside the Cylinder Head
When performing a cylinder head replacement, we always recommend additional repairs while the engine is already disassembled. This saves labor costs and prevents future breakdowns. Here are the related services we often include:
- Head Gasket Replacement: A critical part of the job. We always use high-quality MLS gaskets.
- Timing Chain Replacement: Especially recommended if your Prius has 100,000+ miles.
- Water Pump Replacement: Replacing now prevents future coolant leaks and overheating.
- Thermostat Replacement: Helps avoid repeat overheating issues.
- Coolant Flush: Always included with major cooling system repairs.
- Valve Cover Gasket & Cam Seals: Easy to access while the head is off, and often due for replacement.
- Spark Plugs & Ignition Coils: Misfires stress the engine—new plugs help protect your investment.
- PCV Valve Replacement: Cheap insurance against future oil leaks and crankcase pressure issues.
- EGR System Cleaning: Gen 3 Prius models suffer from EGR clogging. We clean or replace it during head jobs.
Hybrid Engine Repair You Can Trust
At T Autocare Takedown, we’ve worked on countless Toyota Prius models, including full engine rebuilds and hybrid-specific repairs. Whether it’s a cylinder head, timing chain, or clogged EGR, we bring the experience and attention to detail you can count on.
Explore our Toyota Repair Services to see more of what we offer.
Book Your Prius Repair Today
📞 Call us: (539) 367-3738
📲 Text Us: (539) 352-5816
💻 Schedule online: autorepairba.com/appointments