Toyota Prius Years to Avoid
We analyzed 1910 owner complaints and 30 safety recalls registered with the NHTSA to determine which Toyota Prius model years are lemons and which are safe to purchase.
Years to Avoid
Model year 2012 had the highest spike in defects, particularly in braking system.
Best Years to Buy
Significantly lower defect frequency, few recalls, and refined mechanicals.
Braking System
The #1 source of driver complaints on this vehicle. Inspect this subsystem thoroughly during pre-purchase inspection.
Toyota Prius Complaints & Defects by Model Year
Official consumer safety reports filed with the NHTSA. Click any year for the complete breakdown.
Toyota Prius Model Year Comparison Table
Detailed breakdown by model year showing complaint totals, safety recalls, and reliability verdicts.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Defect Score | Verdict | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Toyota Prius | 687 | 6 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2013 Toyota Prius | 414 | 3 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2014 Toyota Prius | 240 | 3 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2015 Toyota Prius | 166 | 1 | 88/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2016 Toyota Prius | 180 | 5 | 77/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2017 Toyota Prius | 91 | 3 | 62/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2018 Toyota Prius | 37 | 1 | 20/100 | Safe to Buy | Report → |
| 2019 Toyota Prius | 30 | 3 | 35/100 | Exercise Caution | Report → |
| 2020 Toyota Prius | 14 | 0 | 13/100 | Safe to Buy | Report → |
| 2021 Toyota Prius | 6 | 0 | 2/100 | Safe to Buy | Report → |
| 2022 Toyota Prius | 24 | 1 | 16/100 | Safe to Buy | Report → |
| 2023 Toyota Prius | 21 | 4 | 28/100 | Exercise Caution | Report → |
Buying a Used Toyota Prius: Key Reliability Insights
What are the Toyota Prius years to avoid?
Based on official NHTSA safety defect data, the Toyota Prius model years to avoid are 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017. These years exhibit significantly higher rates of owner complaints, recurring braking system issues, and federal safety recalls.
What is the best year to buy for a used Toyota Prius?
The most reliable used model year for the Toyota Prius is 2021 (as well as 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022), which recorded the lowest defect score and minimal safety recalls on record.
What are the most common problems with the Toyota Prius?
The most frequently reported component issues for the Toyota Prius are Braking System, Electrical System, Unknown Or Other. Owners reported premature component wear and software calibration glitches to federal investigators.
How many total recalls have been issued for the Toyota Prius?
Between 2012 and 2023, the NHTSA has published 30 safety recall campaigns and recorded 1910 official owner complaints for the Toyota Prius.