Toyota Prius Prime Problems by Year
NHTSA has 122 owner complaints and 6 safety recalls on file for the Toyota Prius Prime, across 8 model years (2017–2024). The 2017 model year has the most complaints (42). The most reported problem area overall is electrical system.
Toyota Prius Prime years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Prius Prime year: 2017. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
- 2017 Prius Prime: 42 complaints, 0 recalls
- 2020 Prius Prime: 16 complaints, 1 recall
- 2018 Prius Prime: 16 complaints, 0 recalls
Model years with the fewest complaints
- 2023 Prius Prime: 6 complaints, 4 recalls
- 2022 Prius Prime: 8 complaints, 1 recall
- 2019 Prius Prime: 9 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 Prime problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 27 | 8 | 4 |
| Visibility/wiper | 17 | 5 | 1 |
| Power Train | 13 | 5 | 3 |
| Service Brakes | 11 | 7 | 6 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 8 | 5 | 4 |
| Air Bags | 7 | 5 | 7 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 7 | 4 | 2 |
| Tires | 7 | 4 | 0 |
| Wheels | 7 | 3 | 0 |
| Engine | 6 | 3 | 1 |
| Steering | 6 | 4 | 1 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 5 | 4 | 0 |
| Structure | 5 | 3 | 1 |
| Exterior Lighting | 4 | 4 | 0 |
| Back Over Prevention | 3 | 3 | 1 |
| Seats | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| Suspension | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Visibility | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Equipment | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Hybrid Propulsion System | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Lane Departure | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 1 | 1 |
All Toyota Prius Prime model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Prius Prime | 15 | 4 | 5★ | Electrical System | More complaints than other years |
| 2023 Prius Prime | 6 | 4 | 5★ | Electrical System | |
| 2022 Prius Prime | 8 | 1 | 5★ | Forward Collision Avoidance | |
| 2021 Prius Prime | 10 | 0 | 5★ | Electrical System | Fewer complaints than other years |
| 2020 Prius Prime | 16 | 1 | — | Visibility/wiper | More complaints than other years |
| 2019 Prius Prime | 9 | 1 | — | Wheels | |
| 2018 Prius Prime | 16 | 0 | — | Unknown or Other | More complaints than other years |
| 2017 Prius Prime | 42 | 0 | — | Visibility/wiper | Far more complaints than other years |
More from Toyota: all Toyota models · Toyota VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Toyota Prius Prime years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 2017 (42) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Prius Prime 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 Prime?
Electrical System, with 27 complaints across 8 model years.
How many recalls does the Toyota Prius Prime have?
6 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.