Quick Facts About Hybrid Batteries
- Hybrids have battery warranties lasting at least eight years or 100,000 miles, as United States law requires.
- Hybrid battery replacement typically costs around $4,000 and varies by vehicle, and a refurbished battery pack is less expensive.
- Prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures can cause damage and shorten battery lifespan.
Whether you plan to buy a used hybrid or you already own one, consider the hybrid battery. That’s because the propulsion battery pack in a hybrid vehicle isn’t like the 12-volt battery under the hood of a gas-powered car, and it can’t be replaced for $100 at the local auto parts store.
Instead, a failed hybrid car battery can cost thousands of dollars to replace, which can be a big deal to a shopper who bought a hybrid to save money. But before you get too worried, we’ve provided some tips on when to expect the battery to fail and ways to avoid a huge bill.
- When Will It Fail?
- Signs Your Battery is Going Bad
- Battery Replacement Options
- Check Battery Warranty
- Do Your Homework
When Will a Hybrid Battery Fail?
This is the most important question posed by hybrid owners and drivers considering a used hybrid. Unfortunately, answering it isn’t easy — largely because each case seems different. Some drivers experience failure at 70,000 miles, while others can make it to 200,000 miles without issue.
In our experience, hybrid batteries start to become a risk when they’re 10 to 15 years old, and they’ve covered 120,000 to 150,000 miles. Yes, some owners will do a lot better than that. There are reports of batteries lasting well into the 200,000-mile range. But we wouldn’t suggest counting on those reports as the norm, especially if you’re considering a used hybrid and on a budget.
Signs Your Battery Is Going Bad
Like many automotive issues, a hybrid will likely show signs that its battery is going bad. It’s rare for a hybrid battery to just unexpectedly stop working one day. You might hear reports of those occasions because it doesn’t happen often. Instead, batteries slowly degrade over time. Paying attention to the symptoms can help you plan for battery replacement.
If you have a plug-in hybrid, be aware of your charging habits. Taking longer to recharge than it used to may indicate a battery problem. Similarly, a noticeable change in how rapidly it discharges signals a growing battery issue.
Keep track of gas consumption in your hybrid. If you notice that the car burns through a tank of gas faster than it used to and you aren’t achieving the expected range, take the vehicle to a service center for a battery health assessment. However, plenty of other factors can affect a car’s fuel efficiency.
Other signs of battery degradation include experiencing reduced acceleration and hearing increased engine noise.
Battery Replacement Options
There are a few options when the battery fails. Unfortunately, those options don’t involve driving the car since the battery is crucial to the drivetrain. That means you can’t just rewire it to run on gasoline alone, as some thrifty drivers hope.
Your first option is, of course, to purchase a new battery. In our experience, this can cost around $4,000 (give or take $1,500) plus labor and taxes. It costs more for some models; less for others. If you take this route, you’ll likely get a decade or more out of the new battery.
Another option is to buy a refurbished or rebuilt battery. While a dealer is unlikely to perform this job, spend some time searching on the internet, and you’ll find many third parties who will. They rebuild batteries by replacing dead cells with new ones. While rebuilt batteries may not last as long as the originals, they’re also much cheaper. If you take the remanufactured hybrid battery route, prepare to pay $1,000 to $2,500 plus installation. As with new batteries, refurbished units can have significant price differences depending on the manufacturer and warranty coverage.
Your third option is to purchase a used battery, which typically comes from a hybrid that suffered an accident. This is the cheapest alternative but also the riskiest since there are few guarantees that the battery will work until it’s installed and paid for.
Is It Worth It to Replace a Hybrid Battery?
Consider your options when making the decision to replace a hybrid’s battery. Installing a new, refurbished, or used battery can restore your car’s efficiency and performance. However, battery health is only one of the many factors contributing to a vehicle’s lifespan.
Replacement is undoubtedly worth it if the faulty battery is the only problem with the car. Some owners might decide to pass on replacing the battery if the aging hybrid is increasingly experiencing unrelated issues. On the other hand, a shopper can find a good deal on an older hybrid model and rejuvenate it with a battery replacement.
RELATED: Hybrid Cars: Pros and Cons
Check Battery Warranty
One piece of advice we give shoppers concerned about hybrid battery failure is to check their vehicle’s battery warranty. Most hybrid cars come with the federally mandated 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranty or even a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty from the carmaker. In contrast, hybrid vehicles sold in several U.S. states must have battery warranties guaranteed up to 150,000 miles.
States with more extended warranty requirements for “clean” cars are known as CARB states for adopting California Air Resources Board standards. If you purchased and titled your new car in one of those states, you might be able to get your battery replaced under warranty for free. CARB states require all EVs and hybrids to offer battery warranty coverage for 10 years or 150,000 miles. Toyota has implemented similar warranty terms for all of its electrified vehicles.
Do Your Homework
Hybrid cars have many benefits, and we wouldn’t advise a shopper to run away from one just because of potential battery pitfalls. But we certainly advise doing your homework, even if that means negotiating a lower price to account for potential battery failure.
Read Related Articles:
- Electric Car vs. Hybrid vs. Plug-in Hybrid Car: Which is Best for You?
- Used Electric Car Buying: Is Mileage Important?
- Should I Buy a Hybrid Car in 2024?
Editor’s Note: This article has been updated since its initial publication.
I have a Hybrid 2013 Kia Optima EX w/92k miles. So far so good, going on 3rd 700 CCA H6R which is about right for my usage. Any experiences on this model?
I bought a 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid with 115,000 on it in 2010. I have around 170,000 miles on it.. I bought it used of course. I’m starting to have some problems with slow acceleration from a light or stop sign, but it still gets me home. I’ve had a small about of problems, but getting worried now.
I have a 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid with 155,000 miles and still going strong. So far so good. We are talking about replacing the pack just because we feel it is time but we are not in any rush.
We have a 2013 Ford C-Max hybrid with gas, not the plug in that we purchased as a certified used from a Ford dealer. Aside from poor traction in snow it is a great car. We have just over 80K miles and very low cost to maintain. Cannot find any rebuilder of these batteries, Fords seem rare in general, I suppose there is a reason. Anyone have one of these still going at 120K? It is paid o off and want to keep it going for low mileage local use.
2009 Ford Escape Hybrid Limited Edition. 80K miles. Battery died 2019 – car is in operable. Battery only lasted 10 years. Ford dealer quoted $7K to replace.
We found out through a hybrid forum that Ford installs a drop dead date on their batteries no matter what condition they are in. We purchased all of the programming, connected to the car, found the date and deleted it. The car immediately started working again. Spoke to our local dealer and they said there was no such thing and that we just had to replace the battery. NOT TRUE!!
How’d you figure out the right programming to remove the drop dead date? This was very helpful.
What programming and how did you do it??
Have a 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid with 278,00 miles with original hybrid battery still going strong. Hope this post is not the kiss of death, but I’m 84, and this car has been by far the best I have owned. 40 mpg. over the life of the car so far, and only a few repairs.
Hello,
Did you ever end up purchasing this? I’m looking at the exact same car with 90,000 and I’m concerned about the battery failing soon after purchase
Don’t be fooled, or lulled by the hype, Take note of the battery warranty. My Peugeot 3008 2013 Hybrid 4, is just 6 years old and has only done 53,000 miles and required a new battery, The warranty is only 5 years or 60,000 miles. The initial quote was £7,500. After some protracted negotiation reduced to £3591.
My 2014 Toyota Camry Hybrid is still going trouble free at 208,000. I haven’t even changed the brake pads! Only the oil & filter, engine air filter, and spark plugs have been replaced. I still get 45 mpg just like always. I believe this car will outlast me! The battery percentage still reaches full green bars on occasion. If the battery one day does fail it can be replaced by a reasonably adept DIYer like myself using YouTube as a guide.
I have a 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid (I bought new from the dealer back then. It only has 27,000 miles on it. I was told yesterday the battery will cost 10k. With tax and labor out the door cost $11,187. I am retired and don’t drive much. I just don’t know if sinking this much money into it will be benificial to me or the car.
I haven’t had to replace a hybrid battery yet. My wife’s 2008 RX400H has just under 200K miles. So far the best option I have found for battery replacement is Green Bean Battery.
I haven’t had to replace a hybrid battery yet. My wife’s 2008 RX400H has just under 200K miles. So far the best option I have found for battery replacement is Green Bean Battery.
I’m looking at a 2012 Lincoln MKZ hybrid, it already has 83k miles on it. Does anyone have any experience with these cars? Should I avoid it or take the chance. I took the chance on my 2009 Chevy Tahoe hybrid at just over 100k miles and it’s still going strong at just over 231k.
I’m considering a 2013 Tahoe Hybrid myself, Erica. I’m glad to hear your 2009 has over 231k Miles! That’s great! Have you had to replace the battery yet at all?
Ford has had to settle for less than advertised, real world driving MPGs but that is an insignificant factor compared to the quality and reliability that I’ve experienced. I own a 2013 MKz Hybrid, black pearl with black interior. It has the panoramic roof and technology package and it’s amazing. With 110,000 hard miles it still looks and runs great. The exterior has a few chips in the paint but they are largely unnoticeable. The interior has held up very well as I drive it for Uber and Lyft Lux and Lux Black. It is averaging 39.1 over its lifetime but I’ve had the (1000 mile) average up to 41.5 for long stretches.
I luking for hybrid batery for, prius 2011, do you have and haw mash?
Looking for Lexus 450h hybride Barteries to replace mine. Open to all options please
You could check EnnoCar hybrid battery replacement, hope it help
I have a 2006 Camry Hybrid with just under 106k miles and the Hybrid battery has died, Dealer want’s to charge $4,800 pre-tax with a new battery that has only a 1 year warranty. I found a specialty shop that will replace for $3,700 and provide a 36 month warranty. Regardless of the price, it’s a tough pill to swallow when the cars KBB value is $3,500 or so….
The cost of a new car will be much more and with that few miles this car can last a long time.
I supposed if you checked out EnnoCar hybrid car battery replacement, it would save you a lot
So last week my 2010 Altima Hybrid battery died. I’ve driven the car over 225K miles since purchases and I absolutely love the vehicle. Does anyone know of the third party groups that are referenced above? I’d love to continue driving her but I’m not willing to pay the over $7K that my local dealership quoted me. Thanks in advance.
2005 Accord Hybrid bought new, with 180k+ still on original battery, gas mileage has been the same.
I bought my 2010 Prius new (147 miles on the OD.) it is now 245,000 miles. The hybrid battery light came on 3 weeks ago. 3 bad modules. Having all 3 modules replaced for $1,000. Glad to pay it. Really dont want another car note AND it has more than paid for the replacement cost in Fuel cost savings.
I turned in my 2015 ford fusion to dealer , they kept the vehicle for 10 days
what if the battery just goes down fast and the millage is bad.
I have a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid and it now has 120K miles on it, the only problem I have had was the battery cables going to the hybrid motor had to be cleaned, that happened when the car had 80K miles on it, I will be selling the car soon to buy another one, I have to say after seeing the cost to replace the hybrid battery my next car will be a Hyundai Sonata Hybrid they have a lifetime warranty on the battery, can’t beat that.
“I have to say after seeing the cost to replace the hybrid battery my next car will be a Hyundai Sonata Hybrid they have a lifetime warranty on the battery, can’t beat that.” — Make sure you buy a brand new Hyundai hybrid because the lifetime warranty only applies to the original owner.
warranty doesnt cover battery degradation only battery failure and they decide which to consider it
I have a 2008 Toyota Camry that I purchased in 2010 with 29,000 miles on it. The car now has 242,000 miles on it and I have not had issues with the battery. I have had a water pump replaced, the rear hub replace ($840 – yikes), and the motor rebuilt at 210,000 (warranty rebuild). I will be passing the car to my son who turns 16 next year. I would have no reservations in purchasing another hybrid Camry.
How did you get the engine rebuilt at 210k? Did you get one of those extended warranties on your vehicle from a 3rd party insurer?
At my Toyota dealership in Granbury Tx we see Prius model cars with over 300,000 miles on a daily basis that all have original hybrid batteries. People that live here commute into the DFW area so they use the hybrids to save money. Of all Prius sold in the last 14 years less than 3% have had the hybrid batteries replaced. Almost all that have been replaced are in extreme cold climate area’s like in Canada . The most amazing thing is the only thing they come in for is an oil change and maybe some wiper blades or an air filter. The Prius is superbly reliable and superbly efficient !!!
I jumped on this site because I just got news from my California Prius repair shop that my battery on a 2010 Prius w/ 165,000 miles on it (purchased the car used w/ 85,000 miles) needs a new battery – dealer will charge $3,500 to replace. Yikes. You say that this has not been your experience? that normally in warmer cliamtes, they don’t breakdown at 165K miles? Do you think replace at this price the only option? Thanks for any thoughts you might have.
I’ve been driving my 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid for 5 years. I got a great deal on it at 102,000 miles, in my opinion because of the paranoia about the batteries in these cars. Do the research and decide for yourself. I’m still driving it at 210,000 miles and it gets just as good fuel economy today as it did when I bought it. Battery failures are far more rare than most other kinds of major mechanical failures, by an order of magnitude that should allow most buyers to rest easy. But… I have to admit it – I kind of like the paranoia as it allows me to continue to get great deals on these cars. I’ve purchased two Escapes and one Fusion hybrid now and they’re all excellent, trouble free vehicles. These vehicles are a steal on the used market.
Glad to hear that Corey, as I just purchased on 05 Escape Hybrid myself at 155K miles and WAS afraid of when the battery might die on me and cost a lot in repairs. You are the 3rd person I know who praises these cars as still running great at over 200K miles.
Corey, Thank you for this information. I had wondered if this might be true. Hard to find used Ford hybrids in NC. We had our 2013 Ford C-Max look up everything about 5 months after we got it as a certified used vehicle and I think they had to replace batteries or at least some modules, it was a recall and I found on various forums that this was happening to people driving on the interstate. Ours was parked in our drive over Easter weekend. It locked up out and the dealer ended up having to tow it in and do all that work at no cost. Have had a recurrent issue with a fuse that controls the radio, maybe once every 2 months you have to remove it and put it back in, again a common issue I read. Please see my post above about getting rebuilt batteries if needed. Will look to see what is out there in the used Ford hybrid market. Cannot find any hybrid battery rebuilders for C-Max in our area.l Thanks for your valuable experience.