Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
470–25K
1525–50K
1150–75K
875–100K
12100–150K
6150K+
99 reports with mileage · 108 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 93 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 33 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Engine. Review the 17 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
25 crash reports1 fire reports12 injury reports
What owners actually said
207 reports
125,000 miles · Jun 12, 2014
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
WHILE TRAVELING IN SLIPPERY CONDITIONS I ATTEMPTED TO NAVIGATE A RIGHT HAND TURN. THE CAR BEGAN TO SLIDE WHILE BRAKING INDICATING POSSIBLE SNOW BUILDUP IN FRONT OF TIRES. I ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE OUT OF THE SLIDE WHICH IS PROPER IN FRONT WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES. THE CARS DASH LIGHTS LITE UP AND THE SLIDE INDICATOR STARTED BEEPING.…
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WHILE TRAVELING IN SLIPPERY CONDITIONS I ATTEMPTED TO NAVIGATE A RIGHT HAND TURN. THE CAR BEGAN TO SLIDE WHILE BRAKING INDICATING POSSIBLE SNOW BUILDUP IN FRONT OF TIRES. I ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE OUT OF THE SLIDE WHICH IS PROPER IN FRONT WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES. THE CARS DASH LIGHTS LITE UP AND THE SLIDE INDICATOR STARTED BEEPING. THE CAR BECAME COMPLETELY UNRESPONSIVE TO THE GAS PROVIDING NO POWER WHATSOEVER. THE CAR SLID OVER THE CURB AND CRASHED INTO A HIGHWAY SIGN AND FINALLY CAME TO REST. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10597984
3,000 miles · May 20, 2014
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD REVERSE WHEN SHIFTED TO DRIVE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 3,002.
NHTSA ODI #10592866
Mileage unknown · May 13, 2014
Unknown Or Other
2014 TOYOTA PRIUS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE SAFETY FEATURES. *SMD THE CONSUMER BELIEVED BACK-UP CAMERAS SHOULD COME STANDARD ON VEHICLE. HE ALSO BELIEVED AUTO BRAKING SHOULD BE A STANDARD FEATURE. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10586968
Mileage unknown · Apr 28, 2014
Hybrid Propulsion System
2014 TOYOTA PRIUS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SOFTWARE RECALL NOTICE AND REQUESTS FINANCIAL COMPENSATION. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED TOYOTA AND THE DEALER KNOWINGLY SOLD HIM A DEFECTIVE VEHICLE, IN WHICH THEY WERE FULLY AWARE OF RECALL # 14V053000. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10584837
8,858 miles · Apr 12, 2014
Engine
WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS A SERIES OF YELLOW TRIANGLES SUDDENLY FLASHED ON THE DASHBOARD ALONG WITH SOME BEEPS. THE ENGINE THEN STALLED AND THE GAS PEDAL NO LONGER RESPONDED TO ANY INPUTS. DUE TO A COMBINATION OF SHEER LUCK AND DRIVER PRESENCE OF MIND THE CAR WAS STEERED TO THE SHOULDER OF THE HIGHWAY WHERE …
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WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS A SERIES OF YELLOW TRIANGLES SUDDENLY FLASHED ON THE DASHBOARD ALONG WITH SOME BEEPS. THE ENGINE THEN STALLED AND THE GAS PEDAL NO LONGER RESPONDED TO ANY INPUTS. DUE TO A COMBINATION OF SHEER LUCK AND DRIVER PRESENCE OF MIND THE CAR WAS STEERED TO THE SHOULDER OF THE HIGHWAY WHERE IT CAME TO A HALT. THE EXPERIENCE OF TRYING TO CONTROL A CAR WITH A STALLED ENGINE AND SAFELY STEER IT TO THE SHOULDER IN HEAVY TRAFFIC WAS TERRIFYING TO SAY THE LEAST. THE CAR WAS TAKEN STRAIGHT TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS LEFT FOR SERVICE. AFTER DIAGNOSIS A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER THE DEALER CALLED BACK AND SAID THAT THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE HAD FAILED WHICH IS WHY THE ENGINE HAD STALLED. THE CAR IS STILL WITH THE DEALER SINCE THE PART IS NOT AVAILABLE AND NEEDS TO BE SHIPPED FROM TOYOTA. THE DEALER CLAIMED THAT THIS WAS SUCH A RARE OCCURRENCE THAT THEY DID NOT HAVE THE PARTS AVAILABLE. THEY ALSO CLAIMED THAT THEY DID NOT KNOW ANYONE ELSE FOR WHOM THIS HAD HAPPENED. MAYBE SO BUT THIS WAS AN INCIDENT THAT COULD HAVE BEEN FATAL. THE FACT THAT NOBODY GOT KILLED IS JUST PLAIN LUCK. *JS
NHTSA ODI #10579397
45 miles · Feb 13, 2014
Visibility/wiper
WINDSHIELDS ON PRIUS MODELS 2010 AND HIGHER ARE AFFECTED. WHILE MOST OBVIOUS AT NIGHT, EXTERNAL LIGHT SOURCES VIEWED THROUGH THE FRONT WINDSHIELD CAN BE MIRRORED IN TRIPLICATE VIA A "PRISM" OR "REFRACTION" EFFECT. INTERIOR OCCUPANTS WILL WITNESS LIGHT SOURCES BEING REPLICATED 3 TIMES. THE RESULTING EFFECT CAN CREATE NAUSE…
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WINDSHIELDS ON PRIUS MODELS 2010 AND HIGHER ARE AFFECTED. WHILE MOST OBVIOUS AT NIGHT, EXTERNAL LIGHT SOURCES VIEWED THROUGH THE FRONT WINDSHIELD CAN BE MIRRORED IN TRIPLICATE VIA A "PRISM" OR "REFRACTION" EFFECT. INTERIOR OCCUPANTS WILL WITNESS LIGHT SOURCES BEING REPLICATED 3 TIMES. THE RESULTING EFFECT CAN CREATE NAUSEA OR DIZZINESS IN OCCUPANTS, AND IS EXPERIENCED WITH MAXIMUM EFFECT AT NIGHT DURING TRAFFIC WHEN THE ABILITY TO SAFELY NEGOTIATE ROADWAYS IS PARAMOUNT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10564240
358 miles · Jan 10, 2014
Visibility/wiper
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 TOYOTA PRIUS HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS, A PASSENGER PUT THEIR ARM OUT OF THE WINDOW AND IT ERRONEOUSLY CLOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 358.
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.
2014 Toyota Prius Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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