Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
650–25K
2025–50K
1750–75K
2375–100K
31100–150K
18150K+
174 reports with mileage · 235 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Service Brakes. Review the 229 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 51 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Engine. Review the 37 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
39 crash reports3 fire reports19 injury reports
What owners actually said
409 reports
89,000 miles · Feb 6, 2019
Engine
ENGINE RATTLE/KNOCKING NOISE ON FIRST MORNING START UP ON OCCASION. CAR IS PARKED OUTSIDE IN A DRIVEWAY IN LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA. PREVIOUS DATES UNKNOWN (MAYBE HAPPENED 4 OTHER TIMES). LOG STARTED 11/26/18 SINCE THE NOISE WAS REALLY BAD THAT DAY. 11/26/18 AT 6 A.M. CAR SAT IN DRIVEWAY FOR 2 DAYS. THE NOISE WAS REALLY BAD,…
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ENGINE RATTLE/KNOCKING NOISE ON FIRST MORNING START UP ON OCCASION. CAR IS PARKED OUTSIDE IN A DRIVEWAY IN LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA. PREVIOUS DATES UNKNOWN (MAYBE HAPPENED 4 OTHER TIMES). LOG STARTED 11/26/18 SINCE THE NOISE WAS REALLY BAD THAT DAY. 11/26/18 AT 6 A.M. CAR SAT IN DRIVEWAY FOR 2 DAYS. THE NOISE WAS REALLY BAD, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THE NEXT DAY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AUTOMATICALLY CAME OFF. 1/22/19 AT 6 A.M. CAR SAT IN DRIVEWAY FOR 2 DAYS. THE NOISE WAS BAD BUT NOT AS BAD AS 11/26/18. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DID NOT COME ON. 2/1/19 AT 6 A.M. CAR SAT IN DRIVEWAY OVERNIGHT. SLIGHT NOISE. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DID NOT COME ON. I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL OTHER COMPLAINTS ONLINE. SOME HAVE SAID ITS THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. THE DEALER HAS REQUESTED I TAKE MY CAR IN FOR THE RECALL (RECALL NO. 18V684) TO SEE IF IT FIXES THE PROBLEM BUT I'M GOING TO REQUEST THEY DIG INTO THIS FURTHER. I HAVE APPROXIMATELY 92,000 MILES.
NHTSA ODI #11174763
129,000 miles · Feb 5, 2019
Seat Belts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT WAS LOOSE AND DID NOT HAVE ANY TENSION. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO GERMAIN TOYOTA OF NAPLES (13315 TAMIAMI TRAIL N, NAPLES, FL 34110, (239) 301-3156) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE SEAT BELT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN RE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT WAS LOOSE AND DID NOT HAVE ANY TENSION. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO GERMAIN TOYOTA OF NAPLES (13315 TAMIAMI TRAIL N, NAPLES, FL 34110, (239) 301-3156) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE SEAT BELT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT WAS NOT ABLE TO ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 129,000.
NHTSA ODI #11174529
120,000 miles · Feb 2, 2019
Service Brakes
BRAKE ACTUATOR WENT BAD AFTER RECENT (SERVICE APPT 1/26/19) INSTALL OF NEW 12 VOLT BATTERY AND SOFTWARE UPDATE DUE TO NHTSA RECALL #18V-684. WHILE TRAVELING DOWN THE HIGHWAY ON 1/30/19 LIGHTS CAME ON FOR BRAKE, ABS AND SKID CONTROL. VEHICLE WAS NOT BRAKING AT THE TIME. CONDITION CAUSED REDUCTION OF BRAKE CONTROL. THE NEXT DAY WH…
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BRAKE ACTUATOR WENT BAD AFTER RECENT (SERVICE APPT 1/26/19) INSTALL OF NEW 12 VOLT BATTERY AND SOFTWARE UPDATE DUE TO NHTSA RECALL #18V-684. WHILE TRAVELING DOWN THE HIGHWAY ON 1/30/19 LIGHTS CAME ON FOR BRAKE, ABS AND SKID CONTROL. VEHICLE WAS NOT BRAKING AT THE TIME. CONDITION CAUSED REDUCTION OF BRAKE CONTROL. THE NEXT DAY WHILE AGAIN TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY AT HIGHWAY SPEED TO TOYOTA DEALER FOR SERVICE, THE LIGHTS WENT OFF AND BRAKES WORKED PROPERLY. SERVICE WAS NOT ABLE TO RESET CODE AND I WAS TOLD THAT MEANS THE BRAKE ACTUATOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. I WAS QUOTED $3,400 FOR REPAIR
NHTSA ODI #11173721
Mileage unknown · Jan 9, 2019
EngineHybrid Propulsion System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V684000 (HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM). THE CONTACT CALLED FREDERICK CHEVROLET AT 717-406-1727 (LOCATED AT 1505 QUENTIN RD, LEBANON, PA 17042) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V684000 (HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM). THE CONTACT CALLED FREDERICK CHEVROLET AT 717-406-1727 (LOCATED AT 1505 QUENTIN RD, LEBANON, PA 17042) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. *TT*JB
NHTSA ODI #11166043
Mileage unknown · Jan 7, 2019
Hybrid Propulsion System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V684000 (HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM); HOWEVER, THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT H…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V684000 (HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM); HOWEVER, THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #11164995
90,000 miles · Dec 15, 2018
Structure
SUN ROOF EXPLODED / SHATTERED WHILE DRIVING ON THE FWY. AT 70 MPH. NO TRAFFIC AROUND, CLEAR DAY ABOUT 70 DEG F. AFTER HEARING THE EXPLOSION, I PULLED OVER AND FOUND THE GLASS HAD SHATTERED AND IT APPEARED THAT IT WAS CAUSED BY PRESSURE FROM INSIDE AS THE SHAPE OF THE SHATTERED GLASS WAS BOWED OUTWARDLY. NO APPARENT IMPACT FROM …
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SUN ROOF EXPLODED / SHATTERED WHILE DRIVING ON THE FWY. AT 70 MPH. NO TRAFFIC AROUND, CLEAR DAY ABOUT 70 DEG F. AFTER HEARING THE EXPLOSION, I PULLED OVER AND FOUND THE GLASS HAD SHATTERED AND IT APPEARED THAT IT WAS CAUSED BY PRESSURE FROM INSIDE AS THE SHAPE OF THE SHATTERED GLASS WAS BOWED OUTWARDLY. NO APPARENT IMPACT FROM ANY FOREIGN OBJECT.
NHTSA ODI #11161713
95,000 miles · Dec 14, 2018
Service Brakes
UNUSUAL LOUD CLICKING AND SCREECHING SOUND AS WELL AS VIBRATION FEELING UNDER THE BRAKE PEDAL WHILE PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL AND BRAKES DON'T FEEL POWERFUL ENOUGH DESPITE JUST GETTING NEW BRAKE PADS AT THE DEALERSHIP AND THERE IS MUCH LONGER DISTANCE NEEDED FOR BRAKING AND BRINGING TO A FULL STOP. THIS HAS PROGRESSIVELY INCREASE…
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UNUSUAL LOUD CLICKING AND SCREECHING SOUND AS WELL AS VIBRATION FEELING UNDER THE BRAKE PEDAL WHILE PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL AND BRAKES DON'T FEEL POWERFUL ENOUGH DESPITE JUST GETTING NEW BRAKE PADS AT THE DEALERSHIP AND THERE IS MUCH LONGER DISTANCE NEEDED FOR BRAKING AND BRINGING TO A FULL STOP. THIS HAS PROGRESSIVELY INCREASED SINCE LAST NOTICED ABOUT 11-12 MONTHS AGO WHEN THE ODOMETER WAS AROUNT 95000 MILES. IT STARTED SPONTANEAOUSLY ON ITS OWN. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT OR IMPACT OF ANY KIND.
NHTSA ODI #11161417
58,150 miles · Dec 10, 2018
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Fuel/propulsion System
CAR STALLS OUT AND WON'T ACCELERATE
NHTSA ODI #11160621
Mileage unknown · Dec 10, 2018
Unknown Or Other
TOYOTA HAS ISSUED A RECALL WITH NO REMEDY. THEY SAY THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THE CAR COULD STALL AT HIGH SPEEDS AND INCREASE THE LIKELIHOOD OF A CRASH. I HAVE SMALL CHILDREN AND PLAN TO TRAVEL OVER THE HOLIDAYS. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS CAR. WE HAVE FOLLOWED THE PREVIOUS RECALL NOTICES.
NHTSA ODI #11157341
134,000 miles · Dec 7, 2018
Engine
THE ENGINE TERRIBLY SHAKES AND GOT A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE DURING AN INITIAL STATIONARY COLD START IN THE MORNING DURING WINTER. IT HAPPENED 3 TIMES THIS DECEMBER 2017.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Prius and 2014-2017 Prius V vehicles not included in recall 18V-684. Excessive voltage in the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) within the inverter may cause the hybrid system to shut down, causing the vehicle to stall while being driven.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An unexpected hybrid power system shut down may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will perform a software update for the hybrid system. If the vehicle has experienced an inverter failure with certain hybrid system faults related to this condition, the inverter assembly will be repaired or replaced, prior to software update. All repairs will be performed free of charge. This recall began July 24, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TB10 / 20TA10.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Toyota Prius and 2012-2014 Toyota Prius V vehicles. Excessive voltage in the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) within the inverter may cause the hybrid system to shut down, causing the vehicle to stall while being driven.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the hybrid system shuts down unexpectedly, it can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the motor/generator control electronic control unit (ECU) and the hybrid control ECU as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 22, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is J0V. Note: The software updates in this recall are needed even if the vehicle had the software previously updated under recalls 14V-053 or 15V-449.
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2010 through 2014 Prius vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) inside the inverter module (a component of the hybrid system) contains transistors that may become damaged from high operating temperatures. If this occurs, various warning lamps will be illuminated on the instrument panel and the vehicle will have reduced power allowing it to only drive a short distance.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The vehicle may enter a fail-safe/limp-home mode that limits the drivability of the vehicle. The hybrid system could also shut down completely resulting in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners and dealers will update the software for both the motor/generator control electronic control unit (ECU) and the hybrid control ECU, free of charge. If an owner experiences a failure of the inverter before the vehicle receives updated software, the dealer will repair or replace the inverter assembly with a new one at no charge. The recall began on March 21, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Hybrid Propulsion System: Inverter
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2010 through 2014 Prius vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) inside the inverter module (a component of the hybrid system) contains transistors that may become damaged from high operating temperatures. If this occurs, various warning lamps will be illuminated on the instrument panel and the vehicle will have reduced power allowing it to only drive a short distance.
Consequence: The vehicle may enter a fail-safe/limp-home mode that limits the drivability of the vehicle. The hybrid system could also shut down completely resulting in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners and dealers will update the software for both the motor/generator control electronic control unit (ECU) and the hybrid control ECU, free of charge. If an owner experiences a failure of the inverter before the vehicle receives updated software, the dealer will repair or replace the inverter assembly with a new one at no charge. The recall began on March 21, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Electrical System:software
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2010 through 2014 Prius vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) inside the inverter module (a component of the hybrid system) contains transistors that may become damaged from high operating temperatures. If this occurs, various warning lamps will be illuminated on the instrument panel and the vehicle will have reduced power allowing it to only drive a short distance.
Consequence: The vehicle may enter a fail-safe/limp-home mode that limits the drivability of the vehicle. The hybrid system could also shut down completely resulting in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners and dealers will update the software for both the motor/generator control electronic control unit (ECU) and the hybrid control ECU, free of charge. If an owner experiences a failure of the inverter before the vehicle receives updated software, the dealer will repair or replace the inverter assembly with a new one at no charge. The recall began on March 21, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
3
DP23005 · Brake Actuator Valve Wear
Opened Nov 22, 2023 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received a petition dated September 19, 2023 from the owner of a 2012 Toyota Prius V requesting that ODI reevaluate its decision to deny DP19-004. In the letter, the petitioner reported experiencing an unexpected and complete loss of brake power while driving, accompanied by multiple dashboard warning lights. This petition is based on the petitioner's direct experience and assessment that ODI closed DP19-004 because its prompting petition was withdrawn by that petitioner. ODI will review the work conducted during DP19-004 and a review of any additional related complaints and crashes via a new defect petition The petition and related materials can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under the following ODI number:11553736.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received a petition dated September 19, 2023 from the owner of a 2012 Toyota Prius V requesting that ODI reevaluate its decision to deny DP19-004. In the letter, the petitioner reported experiencing an unexpected and complete loss of brake power while driving, accompanied by multiple dashboard warning lights. This petition is based on the petitioner's direct experience and assessment that ODI closed DP19-004 because its prompting petition was withdrawn by that petitioner. ODI will review the work conducted during DP19-004 and a review of any additional related complaints and crashes via a new defect petition The petition and related materials can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under the following ODI number:11553736.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received a petition dated September 19, 2023 from the owner of a 2012 Toyota Prius V requesting that ODI reevaluate its decision to deny DP19-004. In the letter, the petitioner reported experiencing an unexpected and complete loss of brake power while driving, accompanied by multiple dashboard warning lights. This petition is based on the petitioner's direct experience and assessment that ODI closed DP19-004 because its prompting petition was withdrawn by that petitioner. ODI will review the work conducted during DP19-004 and a review of any additional related complaints and crashes via a new defect petition The petition and related materials can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under the following ODI number:11553736.
DP22005 · Pedestrian Alert Sounds
Opened Jan 27, 2023 · Closed Aug 7, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:propulsion System
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.
DP19004 · Brake Actuator Valve Wear
Opened Sep 30, 2019 · Closed Jan 21, 2021
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist
On September 19, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a defect petition from Mr. Roger Hogan requesting that the Agency investigate and recall certain Toyota Prius, Prius PHV, Camry Hybrid and Avalon Hybrid vehicles for a brake actuator valve wear condition covered under Toyota Customer Support Programs ZJB and ZKK (subject CSP?s). In support of his request, the petitioner identified 117 NHTSA complaints allegedly related to the subject CSP condition, including 60 reporting crashes. On September 30, 2019, ODI opened Defect Petition DP19-004 to evaluate the petitioner?s request for an investigation. In August 2020, the petitioner notified the Agency that he was withdrawing his petition. Because the petitioner has withdrawn the petition, we are denying the petition as moot and no further analysis of this petition is necessary.NHTSA is authorized to issue an order requiring notification and remedy of a defect if the Agency?s investigation shows a defect in the design, construction, or performance of a motor vehicle that presents an unreasonable risk to safety. 49 U.S.C. ?? 30102(a)(9), 30118. Because the petitioner has with withdrawn the petition, the petition is denied as moot. This action does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency notes that it is not required to receive a defect petition prior to opening a defect investigation and will take further action if warranted by future circumstances.
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