Avoid: 2014, 2013, 2012, 2010, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005 (lowest Year Scores on complaints per year on the road, crash reports and recalls)
Best: 2003 · Best recent: 2023
23 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade
Across 25 model years, the Toyota Prius has 19,747 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 106 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are service brakes and exterior lighting. 2010 drew the most complaints (5,652), 2021 the fewest of the years on the road 3+ years (16).
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Toyota Prius vehicles (US, public record). Typical used asking price $12,797–$27,748.
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 18 |
| 2024 | 40 |
| 2023 | 26 |
| 2022 | 32 |
| 2021 | 16 |
| 2020 | 30 |
| 2019 | 39 |
| 2018 | 59 |
| 2017 | 426 |
| 2016 | 508 |
| 2015 | 557 |
| 2014 | 884 |
| 2013 | 1,634 |
| 2012 | 1,724 |
| 2011 | 522 |
| 2010 | 5,652 |
| 2009 | 502 |
| 2008 | 1,497 |
| 2007 | 2,003 |
| 2006 | 1,439 |
| 2005 | 1,051 |
| 2004 | 610 |
| 2003 | 111 |
| 2002 | 193 |
| 2001 | 174 |
Highest: 2010 (5,652 complaints). Lowest: 2021 (16).
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment across multiple generations, with the Prius consistently praised as the quintessential rational transportation appliance.
Expected lifespan of over 10 years, with replacement costs cited from $1,700 to over $3,300 USD for a new OEM pack.
Described as an appliance, not engaging or sporty.
Repair cost cited at $1,800+ USD.
Cited at ~$250 USD per headlight to fix.
Can cause sudden shutdown, repair cost cited at ~$1,000 USD.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Prius. Individual model years are broken down above.
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