Parts for your 2016 Toyota Prius-Exhaust mount

2016 Toyota Prius exhaust mounts — what they do and when to replace them

Referencing technical sources: Toyota’s Repair Manual (TIS) for the ZVW50-series Prius (Exhaust Pipe section) and Toyota’s Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) both list exhaust pipe “insulators” (rubber mounts) for the front pipe and rear muffler on the 2016 Toyota Prius. That means exhaust mounts are indeed fitted and relevant on this model.

On a 2016 Prius, the exhaust mounts are the tough little rubber insulators that suspend the exhaust from the underbody. Their job is to hold the pipe and muffler in the right spot while soaking up vibration so the cabin stays quiet and the system can move slightly as it heats and cools. Toyota labels these as “Insulator, Exhaust Pipe” (often No.1/No.2), and they sit on steel hangers at the muffler and along the pipe.

Because the Prius runs its engine on and off, any failed mount can be extra noticeable — a thunk on start-up, a rattle over bumps, or a droopy tailpipe. Rubber lives a hard life next to hot exhaust gear, by 8–10 years it’s common to see the insulators go hard, crack, or stretch. If a mount lets the system sag, it can stress welds, knock heat shields, or cook nearby plastics.

As part of routine servicing, it’s smart to eyeball the mounts every 10,000–20,000 km or at each service. Look for perishing, splits, elongation, or shiny rub marks where the system has been touching the body. A quick check after any kerb strike or speed-bump hit is worth it too.

• Symptoms to watch for:
  • Rattles or knocking from the rear under load or over bumps
  • Exhaust sitting off-centre or lower than usual
  • Excess vibration in the cabin when the engine cuts in

Replacement is straightforward for a workshop: support the exhaust, slip the old rubber off the pegs, and press on new genuine-quality insulators. A mist of silicone spray helps, avoid petroleum products that can attack rubber. If one mount has failed, replacing the set is good practice to keep the system level. Always tighten any brackets to the spec in the Toyota repair manual and double-check clearances to the bumper and heat shields.

DIYers should only work with the car safely supported and the exhaust cool. On a hybrid, keep the vehicle out of READY mode so the engine can’t start unexpectedly while hands are underneath.

Popular questions

Does a 2016 Toyota Prius have exhaust mounts?
Yes. The Prius uses rubber exhaust insulators (mounts) to suspend the pipe and muffler from the chassis. Toyota’s factory manual and parts catalogue list multiple insulators for the ZVW50 series, so they’re absolutely part of the car’s exhaust system.

What are the signs the exhaust mounts need replacing on a 2016 Prius?
Common giveaways are a rattly rear end over bumps, a thud when the engine starts, or the muffler sitting low or off-centre. On inspection, the rubbers may look cracked, hard, or stretched. Any contact marks on heat shields or the bumper are another clue.

How much does it cost to replace Prius exhaust mounts?
The rubber insulators are inexpensive parts, the cost is mostly labour. In Australia or New Zealand, expect a modest bill for supply and fit of one to three insulators, with price varying by workshop rates. If brackets or hangers are bent, that can add to the total.