2nd Gen Hybrid Reliability.

[MarkATH10W]

Hi all.  My first gen hybrid blew up.  The 2nd gen hybrid re-appeared in 2011, Im trying to get a sense if they are as problem prone as the 1st gen, or if they are more reliable.  Are there many reports of malfunctions?  Its hard to tell on this forum as there is no subforums for 2nd gen alphard hybrids.

 

1) 1st gen had a belt type CVT.  I've heard that 2nd gen uses the standard toyota planetary gear type CVT.  is that correct?  I've seen pictures of 2nd gen CVT teardown which make it look like they have a belt type CVT

2) Are they underpowered?  the first gen definately had issues with large hills.

3) 1st gen hybrid battery packs seem to go flat and develop issues in a matter of weeks of non use, such as when you go away on vacation

4) 1st gen inverters seem to be a common problem.

 

Cheers,

 

Mark

[Rojie]

1 hour ago, MarkATH10W said:

Hi all.  My first gen hybrid blew up.  The 2nd gen hybrid re-appeared in 2011, I'm trying to get a sense if they are as problem prone as the 1st gen, or if they are more reliable.  Are there many reports of malfunctions?  Its hard to tell on this forum as there is no sub-forums for 2nd gen Alphard Hybrids.

 

1) 1st gen had a belt type CVT.  I've heard that 2nd gen uses the standard Toyota planetary gear type CVT.  is that correct?  I've seen pictures of 2nd gen CVT teardown which make it look like they have a belt type CVT

2) Are they underpowered?  the first gen definitely had issues with large hills.

3) 1st gen hybrid battery packs seem to go flat and develop issues in a matter of weeks of non use, such as when you go away on vacation

4) 1st gen inverters seem to be a common problem.

 

Cheers,

 

Mark

 

Hello Mark, 

 

I read all 'entries' on this Forum.

 

I think it fair to say that Gen 1 Hybrid problems do feature on the Forum. Both batteries and invertors.

It is apparent (here in the UK) that locating competent engineers to work on Hybrid issues can be quite challenging (to say the least).

 

However, what is extremely difficult to quantify is how many Gen 1 Hybrids run without issues, and continue to do so.

 

I do not read about 'many' Gen 2 Hybrid issues on this forum, but there are far less Gen 2 machines (in the UK) that have been imported (so far).

Of course, all owners may not be members of the Club either; and reporting issues if they have them.

 

My guess is, and it is a guess, as technology improves so does reliability, assuming there are no EV variants of Alphies or Vellies !

So Gen 2 should be more reliable than Gen 1; time will tell.

 

If you are considering a Gen 2 Hybrid purchase you should initially ensure you have the support services available locally should you need them.