Toyota Prius Plug-IN Hybrid Problems by Year
NHTSA has 68 owner complaints and 4 safety recalls on file for the Toyota Prius Plug-IN Hybrid, across 9 model years (2010–2026). The 2012 model year has the most complaints (25). The most reported problem area overall is service brakes.
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Toyota Prius Plug-IN Hybrid years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Prius Plug-IN Hybrid year: 2012, 2013, 2014. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
- 2012 Prius Plug-IN Hybrid: 25 complaints, 2 recalls
- 2014 Prius Plug-IN Hybrid: 13 complaints, 1 recall
- 2013 Prius Plug-IN Hybrid: 12 complaints, 1 recall
Model years with the fewest complaints
- 2011 Prius Plug-IN Hybrid: 1 complaint, 0 recalls
- 2025 Prius Plug-IN Hybrid: 2 complaints, 2 recalls
- 2026 Prius Plug-IN Hybrid: 4 complaints, 1 recall
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.
Most common Toyota Prius Plug-IN Hybrid problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service Brakes | 28 | 5 | 9 |
| Electrical System | 13 | 7 | 2 |
| Engine | 6 | 3 | 1 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 5 | 4 | 4 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Hybrid Propulsion System | 3 | 3 | 1 |
| Power Train | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Exterior Lighting | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Suspension | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Traction Control System | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Wheels | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Air | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Structure | 1 | 1 | 0 |
All Toyota Prius Plug-IN Hybrid model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Prius Plug-IN Hybrid | 4 | 1 | — | Electrical System | |
| 2025 Prius Plug-IN Hybrid | 2 | 2 | — | Electrical System | |
| 2016 Prius Plug-IN Hybrid | 0 | 0 | — | — | |
| 2015 Prius Plug-IN Hybrid | 5 | 1 | — | Service Brakes | |
| 2014 Prius Plug-IN Hybrid | 13 | 1 | — | Service Brakes | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2013 Prius Plug-IN Hybrid | 12 | 1 | 4★ | Service Brakes | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2012 Prius Plug-IN Hybrid | 25 | 2 | — | Service Brakes | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2011 Prius Plug-IN Hybrid | 1 | 0 | — | Hybrid Propulsion System | |
| 2010 Prius Plug-IN Hybrid | 6 | 1 | — | Service Brakes |
More from Toyota: all Toyota models · Toyota VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Toyota Prius Plug-IN Hybrid years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 2012 (25), 2013 (12), 2014 (13) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Prius Plug-IN Hybrid year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the Toyota Prius Plug-IN Hybrid?
Service Brakes, with 28 complaints across 5 model years.
How many recalls does the Toyota Prius Plug-IN Hybrid have?
4 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.