2020 Toyota Prius reliability
NHTSA's file on the 2020 Toyota Prius holds 14 complaints after 7 years, a rate of 3 per year. That is fewer complaints per year than most Prius years here — under the median of the other years, which is 10. NHTSA has no recalls on file for this model year.
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14
3
0
7
The complaints owners file most often name Service brakes (4 of 14), then Electrical system (2) and Tires (2). Those filings include 6 that report a crash and 4 that report an injury.
The 2019 Prius has 30 complaints, 3 per year, and the 2021 has 6 complaints, 1 per year. The 2020 has about the same number of complaints per year as the 2019. The 2020 has more complaints per year than the 2021.
The complaint rate is complaints filed in this year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market 2020 Toyota Prius. How we count. Data as of .
Recalls (0)
No recalls on file with NHTSA for this model year.
Complaints by component (14 total)
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6
0
4
0
Complaints filed per year
Excerpts from recent NHTSA complaint filings
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"I TURNED LEFT INTO A PARKING SPACE IN MY 2020 PRIUS. I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE, AND MY CAR SHOT FORWARD. I COULDN'T STOP IT, AND IT HIT A CONCRETE POLE. IT ONLY TOOK 1 SECOND. IT SEEMS TOYOTA HYBRIDS ARE STILL HAVING THIS…"
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"I was the victim of an accident on [XXX]. The person of the other vehicle that collided with my vehicle after crossing at high speed and without stopping in the red light. The sensors of the anti-collision vehicle of my…"
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"About a year ago and again a few days ago, I was slowly moving my Prius forward when suddenly it accelerated at full speed. The first time I was pulling into a parking spot beyond which was a grassy area and then a…"
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"After heavy rains, the car says the park assist doesn't work, as well as the parking sensor system. There is a warning sign that says it doesn't work."
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"On May 16, 2023 I was slowly driving out of a market parking lot when the car suddenly accelerated, full throttle, and speeded across the street (Colusa Avenue, Berkeley, CA), crashing head on into a fence. Immediately…"
NHTSA crash ratings
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Toyota PRIUS 5 HB AWD | 5 stars | 4 stars | 5 stars | 4 stars |
| 2020 Toyota PRIUS 5 HB FWD | 5 stars | 4 stars | 5 stars | 4 stars |
Stars are how this vehicle did in NHTSA crash tests. They are a safety result, separate from the complaint record. Not rated means that test was not run for this version.
Fuel economy
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Combined | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prius | 1.8L, 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-wheel drive | 54 | 50 | 52 MPG | $1250 |
| Prius all-wheel drive | 1.8L, 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Part-time four-wheel drive | 52 | 48 | 50 MPG | $1300 |
| Prius Eco | 1.8L, 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-wheel drive | 58 | 53 | 56 MPG | $1150 |
Specs and fitment
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.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the 2020 Toyota Prius reliable?
NHTSA's file on the 2020 Toyota Prius holds 14 complaints after 7 years, a rate of 3 per year. That is fewer complaints per year than most Prius years here — under the median of the other years, which is 10. NHTSA has no recalls on file for this model year.
What are common problems with a 2020 Toyota Prius?
The complaints owners file most often name Service brakes (4 of 14), then Electrical system (2) and Tires (2). Those filings include 6 that report a crash and 4 that report an injury.
Is the 2020 Toyota Prius more reliable than the years next to it?
The 2019 Prius has 30 complaints, 3 per year, and the 2021 has 6 complaints, 1 per year. The 2020 has about the same number of complaints per year as the 2019. The 2020 has more complaints per year than the 2021.
Has the 2020 Toyota Prius been recalled?
NHTSA has no recalls on file for the 2020 Toyota Prius.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Toyota Prius?
Owners have filed 14 complaints about the 2020 Toyota Prius with NHTSA.
What mpg does a 2020 Toyota Prius get?
EPA-rated combined fuel economy for the 2020 Toyota Prius is 52.7 MPG. See the fuel economy table on this page for city and highway figures by engine and transmission.
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.