Toyota Prius recalls and complaints, 2015–2016, 2018, 2021, 2024
Every tracked model year in one table: NHTSA recalls, owner complaints and what they are about.
NHTSA lists 11 recall campaigns and 454 owner complaints for the Toyota Prius model years VinSnap tracks (2015–2016, 2018, 2021, 2024). The most-recalled systems are electrical system (3), hybrid propulsion system (3) and air bags (2). Owners complain most about the service brakes (122), electrical system (71) and visibility/wiper (55). The 2016 model year has the most complaints (179, next is 2015 with 170); raw counts are not adjusted for sales or years on the road. Complaints report 62 crashes, 1 fire, 33 injuries and 3 deaths.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA recalls and complaints databases
Toyota Prius recalls and complaints by model year
| Model year | Recalls | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 2 | 170 | 30 | 1 | 17 | 3 |
| 2016 | 5 | 179 | 13 | 0 | 8 | 0 |
| 2018 | 1 | 51 | 9 | 0 | 5 | 0 |
| 2021 | 0 | 16 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| 2024 | 4 | 38 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Recall and complaint counts per model year from NHTSA. Crash, fire, injury and death figures are what owners reported in their complaints, not confirmed findings. Year links open that year's specs, recall list and complaint breakdown.
Most-recalled systems
| System | Recall campaigns | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 3 | 2016, 2018, 2024 |
| Hybrid propulsion system | 3 | 2015–2016 |
| Air bags | 2 | 2016 |
| Back over prevention | 1 | 2024 |
| Equipment | 1 | 2024 |
| Parking brake | 1 | 2016 |
Most-complained-about components
| Component | Complaints | Share | Year with most |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service brakes | 122 | 27% | 2015 (90) |
| Unknown or other | 74 | 16% | 2016 (37) |
| Electrical system | 71 | 16% | 2015 (28) |
| Visibility/wiper | 55 | 12% | 2016 (42) |
| Power train | 35 | 8% | 2016 (15) |
| Vehicle speed control | 34 | 7% | 2016 (17) |
| Engine | 33 | 7% | 2016 (19) |
| Air bags | 27 | 6% | 2016 (11) |
| Structure | 25 | 6% | 2016 (12) |
| Exterior lighting | 20 | 4% | 2015 (7) |
A complaint can name more than one component, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Which NHTSA model names are counted
NHTSA files recalls and complaints under exact model names. This page adds up: PRIUS, PRIUS PLUG-IN HYBRID, PRIUS PRIME.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the Toyota Prius have?
NHTSA lists 11 recall campaigns across the Toyota Prius model years 2015–2016, 2018, 2021, 2024, most often for the electrical system (3), hybrid propulsion system (3) and air bags (2).
Which Toyota Prius year has the most complaints?
Of the years VinSnap tracks, the 2016 Toyota Prius has the most NHTSA complaints (179), ahead of the 2015 (170). Counts are not adjusted for how many were sold or how long they have been on the road.
What do Toyota Prius owners complain about most?
Across 2015–2016, 2018, 2021, 2024, NHTSA complaints most often name the service brakes (122 complaints), electrical system (71 complaints) and visibility/wiper (55 complaints).
Are Toyota Prius recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are done free of charge by franchised Toyota dealers. Recalls apply to specific build ranges, so check your VIN to see which campaigns cover your vehicle.