Prius (XW50)
Engine Reliability Ratings
1NZ-FXE+1LM
1.5L 4-cyl / 72 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
2ZR-FXE+1NM
1.8L 4-cyl / 96 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
2ZR-FXE,1NM
1.8L 4-cyl / 96 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
2 additional engine variants with fewer than 10 complaints not shown.
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Toyota Prius regardless of engine variant.
Recalls (10)
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022 Prius and Prius Prime vehicles. The Engine Control Unit (ECU) software may falsely detect an error and shut down the hybrid system, causing a loss of drive power.
Gulf States Toyota (GST) is recalling certain 2019 C-HR, 4Runner, Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Highlander, Land Cruiser, Prius, RAV4, Sequoia, Tacoma, Sienna, Tundra and Yaris vehicles. The text on the load capacity label may become illegible. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2019 Lexus LS500, LC500, ES300h, UX250h, LS500h, Toyota Prius, RAV4 HV, 2019-2020 Toyota Prius Prime, and 2020 Corolla HV vehicles. The brake booster pump may fail causing a deactivation of the Vehicle Stability Control system and a loss of braking assist. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2019 Prius vehicles. An electrical short circuit in the combination meter could occur, causing the speedometer, the odometer, and the fuel gauge to go blank. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Controls and Displays."
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2016 Toyota Prius and Lexus RX 350, RX 350 F Sport, RX 450h F Sport and RX 450h vehicles and 2015-2016 Lexus NX 200T, NX Turbo and NX 300h vehicles. The air bag pressure sensors and/or the acceleration sensors may fail causing the side/curtain shield air bags and/or the front air bags to not deploy in the event of a crash.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Toyota Prius vehicles. 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.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2016 Prius vehicles. A capacitor within the hybrid system may not have been properly bolted to the inverter housing.
Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (Gulf States) is recalling certain 2017 4Runner , 86, Avalon, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla, Corolla iM, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius C, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Sienna and Yaris vehicles. The spare tire air pressure was not adjusted to the proper pressure as stated on the Tire Pressure Label.
Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toyota Prius vehicles manufactured November 30, 2015, to June 14, 2016. An air bag inflator manufacturing error may result in the inadvertent partial inflation of the front passenger air bag.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Prius vehicles manufactured August 6, 2015, to October 3, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with a foot-operated parking brake system that has a parking brake cable that may disengage.
Alternatives in Compact Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2016-2022 Toyota Prius problems?
The 2016-2022 Toyota Prius has accumulated 1,115 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Electrical System, Brakes, Engine. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Toyota Prius engine is most reliable?
The 2016-2022 Toyota Prius was offered with 5 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 1.8L 4-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2016-2022 Toyota Prius a good used car?
The 2016-2022 Toyota Prius can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 1,115 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2016-2022 Toyota Prius have?
The 2016-2022 Toyota Prius has 1,115 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2016-2022 Toyota Prius?
There are 10 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2016-2022 Toyota Prius vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Toyota Prius?
Before buying a used Toyota Prius, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Electrical System, Brakes, Engine, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.
Does the Prius have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2016-2022 Toyota Prius. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 1,115 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-07.