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Toyota Prius: which year to buy? Recalls and complaints by year

Of 27 model years of the Toyota Prius on record, 2017 has the most owner complaints at NHTSA (40, most often about engine). 2010 has the most recall campaigns (10).

How to read this

Each row counts what official sources have on record for that model year: recall campaigns and owner complaints filed with NHTSA, and how many of those complaints mention a crash, a fire or an injury. We do not rate reliability. Fewer complaints can also mean fewer cars sold or a newer car, so open the year before you decide. 🇺🇸 Local data

Year Recalls Complaints Crash, fire or injury Most reported Combined
2027 0 0 0 — 53 MPG
2026 0 0 0 — 53 MPG
2025 2 16 2 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 53 MPG
2024 4 27 4 UNKNOWN OR OTHER 53 MPG
2023 4 20 1 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 53 MPG
2022 1 24 5 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 49 MPG
2021 0 6 1 FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 49 MPG
2020 0 14 6 UNKNOWN OR OTHER 50 MPG
2019 3 30 7 SERVICE BRAKES 50 MPG
2018 1 37 5 UNKNOWN OR OTHER 52 MPG
2017 3 40 9 ENGINE 52 MPG
2016 5 40 3 ENGINE 52 MPG
2015 1 40 3 SERVICE BRAKES 48 MPG
2014 3 40 0 SERVICE BRAKES 48 MPG
2013 3 40 3 SERVICE BRAKES 48 MPG
2012 6 40 2 SERVICE BRAKES 48 MPG
2011 6 40 2 SERVICE BRAKES 48 MPG
2010 10 40 2 SERVICE BRAKES 50 MPG
2009 6 40 1 SERVICE BRAKES 46 MPG
2008 4 40 5 SERVICE BRAKES 46 MPG
2007 4 40 6 SERVICE BRAKES 46 MPG
2006 6 40 6 SERVICE BRAKES 46 MPG
2005 6 40 2 SERVICE BRAKES 46 MPG
2004 6 40 2 SERVICE BRAKES 46 MPG
2003 1 40 4 STEERING 41 MPG
2002 2 40 3 STEERING 41 MPG
2001 3 40 7 STEERING 41 MPG

Recalls: NHTSA campaigns only, so a defect also recalled in Canada is not counted twice. Stars: NHTSA overall rating. Fuel economy: EPA.

All years of the Toyota Prius

Questions

Which Toyota Prius year has the most complaints?
Of 27 model years of the Toyota Prius on record, 2017 has the most owner complaints at NHTSA (40, most often about engine).
Which Toyota Prius year has the most recalls?
2010 has the most recall campaigns (10).
Which Toyota Prius years have no complaints or recalls on record?
2027, 2026. That can also mean fewer cars sold or a newer car, not only a better one.
How is this comparison made?
We count, for each model year, the recall campaigns and owner complaints filed with NHTSA, and how many complaints mention a crash, a fire or an injury. We do not rate reliability: raw counts also depend on how many cars were sold and how old they are.