What Toyota Prius owners have reported to NHTSA, the service bulletins the manufacturer sent dealers, and any federal defect investigations, by model year. See Toyota Prius safety recalls or check your VIN.
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA, by the model year of the vehicle. A high count can also mean a popular year, so compare it with how many were sold.
| Year | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injured | Deaths | TSBs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 2026 | 10 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 27 |
| 2025 | 18 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 38 |
| 2024 | 38 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 99 |
| 2023 | 25 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 118 |
| 2022 | 32 | 7 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 131 |
| 2021 | 16 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 122 |
| 2020 | 30 | 11 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 147 |
| 2019 | 38 | 7 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 140 |
| 2018 | 59 | 10 | 1 | 8 | 0 | 201 |
| 2017 | 147 | 22 | 2 | 12 | 0 | 246 |
| 2016 | 182 | 14 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 302 |
| 2015 | 211 | 35 | 1 | 20 | 3 | 377 |
| 2014 | 334 | 38 | 5 | 20 | 0 | 464 |
| 2013 | 604 | 59 | 5 | 34 | 0 | 497 |
| 2012 | 730 | 74 | 6 | 53 | 3 | 496 |
| 2011 | 523 | 37 | 7 | 17 | 0 | 359 |
| 2010 | 2,828 | 185 | 13 | 65 | 2 | 387 |
The vehicle systems named most often in Toyota Prius complaints (one complaint can name several).
In the owners’ own words, as filed with NHTSA. Unverified reports; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.
I was driving on the highway when my 2011 Toyota Prius started beeping repeatedly, and as I approached the red light, my brakes were not operational. My car completely passed through the red light, narrowly missing what could have been a fatal accident for me and others on the road. I had to navigate to the furthest right lane, almost getting hit by others due to my speed and inability to stop my car. I was going at 50 mph through the intersection, and had to gradually lower my speed in the righthand lane. The Toyota dealership confirmed the issue with my brake accumulator, with a C1391 code. The only warnings were the brake light in the moment and the repeated beeping noise. To stop the car…
When I started my car this morning, the red BRAKE light, ABS warning light and anti-slip light were all illuminated. The car does still stop but the brakes are very spongy and there's a clicking noise under the hood. I only moved the car out of the driveway to allow other cars to leave. The brake fluid is not low. This is the problem listed under Toyota's Customer Support Program Notice ZJB but it is past the coverage expiration date. There should not be an expiration date on a known manufacturer issue. If this had happened while I was on the highway driving to work, I could have had a serious accident.
2011 Toyota Prius with approximately 134,000 miles. The brake actuator/master cylinder has been diagnosed as malfunctioning and failing to maintain hydraulic pressure. The brake booster pump initially began cycling approximately every 10 seconds while the vehicle was in READY mode, stationary, and without the brake pedal being applied. The cycling subsequently increased to approximately every 3 seconds. The affected components remain installed and are available for inspection upon request prior to repair. Because this condition involves the braking system, I am concerned about the potential for reduced brake assistance or further brake system failure, as well as excessive wear on the booster…
The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving and pulling into a parking lot, there was a burning odor coming from the vehicle. The contact exited the vehicle but saw no fault with the vehicle. The contact was then notified by another person that the vehicle had caught on fire. The fire department extinguished the fire and informed the contact that the windshield washer fluid reservoir was melted in half with burned wires nearby. The fire department stated that the fire was caused by the electrical wiring on the passengerâs side near the coolant reservoir under the hood. The vehicle was not destroyed and was towed back to the residence. A bystander who helped …
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH and depressing the brake pedal there was a buzzing sound coming from the vehicle and the brake warning light illuminated. The contact stated that after inspecting the vehicle, the brake fluid level was very low. The vehicle was taken to a service center where it was diagnosed and DTC: C1391; was retrieved. The contact was informed that a leak in the brake accumulator had caused the brake master cylinder and hydraulic power brake accumulator to fail and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was scheduled to be repaired by the service center. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure via telephone. The contact…
12V battery failed when vehicle was only 9 months old, stranding me on a cold day in January. No warning of dying battery prior to failure. Required a tow to dealer, where battery failure was confirmed. Replaced under warranty. This standard Toyota battery is under powered to sustain electronic functions of car.
The 2023 Toyota Prius Prime features fixed, non-adjustable rear suspension geometry. My vehicle arrived from the factory with the Right Rear Camber out of specification (-2.2°, max spec limit is -2.0°). Because the rear camber is non-adjustable and cannot be corrected, it caused rapid, unseen inner tread wear down to the steel cords by 20,000 miles, creating a severe tire blowout risk. Authorized Toyota dealership Ourisman Fairfax Toyota inspected the vehicle under RO #6195543/1 and verified that the camber is out of spec and that there is NO external physical damage to the suspension. Toyota Corporate closed my case and refused to address or reimburse the defect under the 3yr/36k Basic Wa…
I was sideswiped and then t-boned by a semi truck on a highway, then spun out into the median. None of the airbags deployed. Driver's side incurred a lot of damage and the car is presumed to be declared totaled
Repair instructions and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about known issues. A TSB is not a recall, and the repair is usually free only while the car is under warranty; ask your dealer for the bulletin number.
OBSOLETE NOTICE August 20, 2026: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0051-26.
This bulletin includes basic procedures for performing a rescue charge at battery on high voltage (HV) Ni-MH and Li-ion batteries.
This bulletin contains the PDS procedures that apply specifically to the 2027 model year Prius and Prius PHV vehicles
2026 model year Toyota vehicles are equipped with driver side floor mat retainers to secure the floor mat in the correct position. In addition, some models may also utilize retainers for passenger side and rear seat floor mats. During Pre-Delivery Service (PDS), follow the appropriate Installation Procedure to attach the driver side, and if applicable, the passenger side and rear seatfloor mats to the vehicle carpet using the floor mat retainers.
During the manufacturing process, tires are mounted on the vehicle as matched sets to help reduce conditions such as pulling or drifting. If the wheels are replaced or refinished before vehicle delivery, it is important that the tires remain on the vehicle in the same location and in the same direction of rotation.
A battery in a stored vehicle is subject to conditions that can reduce its performance and service life. These conditions include storage period, temperature, parasitic drain, and battery load. Because of these factors, battery inspection and maintenance are required in order to ensure proper operation and optimal battery life.
Long-term or off-site storage requires special care to maintain vehicle condition. The following guidelines should be performed to minimize vehicle component/part degradation due to extendedvehicle storage conditions. Long-term storage can affect a vehicleâs systems and components. Any problems that are found should be corrected immediately.
Pre-Delivery Service (PDS) is a critical step in satisfying our new car customers. Customer feedback indicates the following areas deserve special attention when performing PDS: ⢠Careful inspection for paint chips/scratches and body dents/dings. ⢠Proper operation of electrical accessories (including interior light, clock, and radio reset). ⢠Interior cleanliness. ⢠Proper function of mechanical systems. The PDS process helps identify potential vehicle concerns before customer delivery. After completing the PDS process, maintain accurate PDS records by ensuring the required docume
Some Customers for the above vehicles may have complaint of the following: unable to charge the vehicle using the supplied level 1 or 2 charger. Additionally, most will indicate one or more of the LEDs on the charger will illuminate at the time of no charge. Charging at other stations is still possible.
Some Customers for the listed vehicles may have complaint of the following: unable to charge the vehicle using the supplied level 1 or 2 charger. Additionally, most will indicate one or more of the LEDs on the charger will illuminate at the time of no charge. Charging at other stations is still possible.
OBSOLETE NOTICE February 27, 2026: This bulletin is no longer applicable and is now obsolete.
This bulletin includes basic procedures for performing a rescue charge on Ni-MH high voltage (HV) batteries. This bulletin should be used in conjunction with the applicable model and model year Repair Manual while performing a rescue charge. The GRX-5100 should be used wherever the Repair Manual references the Toyota Hybrid System (THS) charger.
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opens these when complaints point to a possible safety defect. Many end in a recall.
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received a petition dated September 19, 2023 from the owner of a 2012 Toyota Prius V requesting that ODI reevaluate its decision to deny DP19-004. In the letter, the petitioner reported experiencing an unexpected and complete loss of brake power while driving, accompanied by multiple dashboard warning lights. This petition is based on the petitioner's direct experience and assessment that ODI closed DP19-004 because its prompting petition was withdra
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-spe
On September 19, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a defect petition from Mr. Roger Hogan requesting that the Agency investigate and recall certain Toyota Prius, Prius PHV, Camry Hybrid and Avalon Hybrid vehicles for a brake actuator valve wear condition covered under Toyota Customer Support Programs ZJB and ZKK (subject CSP?s). In support of his request, the petitioner identified 117 NHTSA complaints allegedly related to the subject CSP condition, including 60 reporting c
On January 3, 2013, NHTSA received a letter (ODI No. 10487746) from Ms. Jessie A. Powell petitioning the agency to investigate drivability and braking concerns in the subject vehicle.The petition expressed two concerns: 1. The first software problem was when the vehicle shifted from battery to motor and caused such impact, I initially believed the vehicle had been struck in the rear.2. The next more alarming problem was NO BRAKES. The brake pedal traveled to the floor and a dashboard warning lig
The subject vehicles are the first model year of a new design generation of the Prius model line.The vehicles are powered by a hybrid drive system that uses both a regenerative braking system, which converts vehicle momentum into electrical energy to be stored in onboard batteries, and a hydraulic brake system more typical of the brake system used on non-hybrid vehicles.As is the case for other similarly designed hybrid vehicles the interaction and management of the two braking systems during AB
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation public data (complaints, manufacturer communications, investigations), model years 2010 and later. Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA.
In complaints filed with NHTSA for model years 2010–2027, owners most often name: service brakes, service brakes, hydraulic, electrical system. 5,825 complaints are on record.
No. A complaint is an unverified report from an owner. A technical service bulletin (TSB) is the manufacturer telling dealers how to fix a known issue; it is not a safety recall and is usually covered only under warranty. A recall is a formal safety action, and its repair is free.
File a vehicle safety complaint at NHTSA.gov. NHTSA reads every report, and patterns of complaints are what open defect investigations and, eventually, recalls.
