2016 Toyota Prius problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 179 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Toyota Prius, filed between 2016-02-08 and 2026-06-29. The most common problem areas are the visibility/wiper (42, 23%), electrical system (26, 15%) and service brakes (22, 12%). Owners reported 13 crashes and 8 injuries in these complaints. NHTSA lists 5 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2016 Toyota Prius complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visibility/wiper | 42 | 23% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown or other | 37 | 21% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 26 | 15% | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 22 | 12% | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| Engine | 19 | 11% | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Vehicle speed control | 17 | 9% | 5 | 0 | 1 |
| Power train | 15 | 8% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 12 | 7% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 11 | 6% | 7 | 0 | 4 |
| Tires | 9 | 5% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 6 | 3% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 5 | 3% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 4 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Wheels | 4 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seats | 3 | 2% | 1 | 0 | 1 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Visibility/wiper: 42 complaints
- 42 complaints of 179 (23%) name the visibility/wiper — the windshield, windows, mirrors, wipers and defrosters.
- 5 of them also name the structure; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Toyota Prius covers this system.
Electrical system: 26 complaints
- 26 complaints of 179 (15%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 7 of them also name the engine; owners reported 1 crash and 1 injury in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2016 Toyota Prius; the recall, campaign 18V579000, says: “A portion of the engine wire harness connected to the hybrid Power Control Unit (PCU), could contact the cover at this connection and wear, causing an electrical short circuit.”
Service brakes: 22 complaints
- 22 complaints of 179 (12%) name the service brakes — the foot-brake system: pads, rotors, calipers, lines and ABS.
- 5 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 2 crashes and 3 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Toyota Prius covers this system.
Engine: 19 complaints
- 19 complaints of 179 (11%) name the engine.
- 7 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 1 crash and 1 injury in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Toyota Prius covers this system.
Vehicle speed control: 17 complaints
- 17 complaints of 179 (9%) name the vehicle speed control — cruise control and accelerator/throttle control.
- 5 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 5 crashes and 1 injury in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Toyota Prius covers this system.
Power train: 15 complaints
- 15 complaints of 179 (8%) name the power train — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts and axles.
- 7 of them also name the engine; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Toyota Prius covers this system.
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 27 |
| 2017 | 45 |
| 2018 | 31 |
| 2019 | 12 |
| 2020 | 19 |
| 2021 | 11 |
| 2022 | 9 |
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2024 | 11 |
| 2025 | 6 |
| 2026 | 3 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names PRIUS, model year 2016. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2016 Toyota Prius recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Toyota Prius?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2016 Toyota Prius's most common problem areas are the visibility/wiper (42 of 179 complaints), electrical system (26 of 179 complaints) and service brakes (22 of 179 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2016 Toyota Prius have?
NHTSA has 179 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Toyota Prius, including 13 reported crashes.
Is there a recall for the 2016 Toyota Prius's problems?
NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2016 Toyota Prius; 1 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.