Toyota Prius years to avoid and best years
Newer Toyota Prius years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2012 has the most complaints per year, at 50 (686 complaints). From 2018 on, complaints per year fall. Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2021 at 1 (from 6 complaints), 2020 at 3 (from 14 complaints), and 2019 at 3 (from 30 complaints). The Toyota Prius 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet. On the 2012 Toyota Prius, 257 of 686 complaints name Service brakes.
Data as of .
2021
2020
2019
2025–26
Toyota Prius reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market Toyota Prius. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Too early | 0 | 0 | 1 | — | 53 |
| 2025 → Too early | 8 | 16 | 2 | Electrical system | 52 |
| 2024 → | 8 | 24 | 4 | Structure | 53 |
| 2023 → | 4 | 19 | 4 | Electrical system, Latches, locks, and linkages | 53 |
| 2022 → | 5 | 24 | 1 | Electrical system | 52.3 |
| 2021 → Fewest | 1 | 6 | 0 | Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine | 52.3 |
| 2020 → Fewest | 3 | 14 | 0 | Tires | 52.7 |
| 2019 → Fewest | 3 | 30 | 3 | Air bags | 52.7 |
| 2018 → | 7 | 36 | 1 | Exterior lighting | 54 |
| 2017 → | 21 | 91 | 3 | Visibility and wipers | 54 |
| 2016 → | 34 | 179 | 5 | Visibility and wipers | 54 |
| 2015 → | 11 | 165 | 1 | Service brakes | 49 |
| 2014 → | 17 | 237 | 3 | Service brakes | 49 |
| 2013 → | 23 | 409 | 3 | Service brakes | 49 |
| 2012 → Most | 50 | 686 | 6 | Service brakes | 49 |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- Liftback
- Oil
- SAE 0W-20 · 4.4 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 195/65R15, P215/45R17
Known issues for this generation
Recall 14V-053 covers certain model year 2010 through 2014 Prius vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) inside the inverter module may have transistors that become damaged from high operating temperatures, which can illuminate warning lamps and limit power. Recall 18V-684 covers certain 2010-2014 Toyota Prius vehicles (along with certain 2012-2014 Prius v vehicles in the same campaign). Excessive voltage in the IPM within the inverter may cause the hybrid system to shut down and the vehicle to stall while being driven. Dealers update software for the motor/generator control ECU and hybrid control ECU; Toyota states the 18V-684 updates are needed even if earlier inverter software campaigns were already performed. Recall 20V-369 covers certain 2013-2015 Prius vehicles not included in 18V-684, for the same IPM voltage condition; dealers perform a hybrid system software update.
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- Body styles
- Liftback
- Oil
- SAE 0W-16 (SAE 0W-20 may be used temporarily if 0W-16 is unavailable; replace with 0W-16 at the next oil change) · 4.4 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 195/65R15, P215/45R17
Known issues for this generation
Recall 18V-579 covers 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. An electrical short can increase the risk of a fire. Dealers inspect the engine wire harness assembly and replace it if damage is found, and install a protective sleeve or protective tape to prevent future damage.
- Body styles
- Liftback
- Oil
- SAE 0W-16 (SAE 0W-20 may be used temporarily if 0W-16 is unavailable; replace with 0W-16 at the next oil change) · 4.4 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 195/60R17, 195/50R19
Known issues for this generation
Recall 26V-049 covers certain 2023-2026 Prius vehicles (the campaign also lists Prius Prime and Prius Plug-in Hybrid models). Water may enter the rear door switch and cause a short circuit, allowing an unlocked rear door to open unexpectedly. A door that opens unexpectedly while the vehicle is moving or during a crash increases the risk of injury. Dealers modify the rear door switch circuits. Toyota states this recall expands and replaces NHTSA recall 24V-274, and that vehicles repaired under the previous recall need the new remedy.
Frequently asked questions
Which Toyota Prius years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2021 at 1 (from 6 complaints), 2020 at 3 (from 14 complaints), and 2019 at 3 (from 30 complaints).
Which Toyota Prius year has the most owner complaints?
2012 has the most complaints per year, at 50 (686 complaints). On the 2012 Toyota Prius, 257 of 686 complaints name Service brakes.
How do Toyota Prius owner complaints compare by year?
Newer Toyota Prius years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones. From 2018 on, complaints per year fall.
Which Toyota Prius years are too early to compare?
The Toyota Prius 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet.
What generation is a 2018 Toyota Prius?
4th generation (US model years 2016-2022).
What oil does a Toyota Prius hybrid take?
US manuals for recent Prius liftbacks specify about 4.4 qt with filter; viscosity is SAE 0W-20 on 2012-2015 models and SAE 0W-16 (with 0W-20 as a temporary substitute) on 2016+ models.
When did the fifth-generation Prius start in the US?
Fifth generation (XW60) US model years begin with 2023.