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Toyota Prius

EPA MPG: 52 mpg

RECALL ALERT:
There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability

Overall Reliability

The 2016 Prius is more reliable than other cars from the same model year.

The 2016 Toyota Prius has been recalled 5 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2016 Toyota Prius owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

Loose exterior trim or moldings

"Improper repairs of both front and back bumpers not disclosed by car lot."

Anonymous, MO (2016 Toyota Prius Four 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"Front under guard needed to be replaced."

Anonymous, NY (2016 Toyota Prius Four Touring 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"The front bumper and the undercarriage shield are prone to being scraped and coming loose because the car is so low to the ground that they scrape the road when going through dips in the road or speed bumps even when going at extremely slow speeds"

Anonymous, SC (2016 Toyota Prius Four 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"can't keep the wheel wells connected to the front bumper side trim."

Anonymous A., UT (2016 Toyota Prius Three Touring 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"Car side mirror housings are cheaply made and do not hold up."

Anonymous, MO (2016 Toyota Prius Four 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
Other paint & trim problem

"Black panels near rear window faded and discolored then after that came the paint peeling on roof"

Anonymous, CA (2016 Toyota Prius Unsure 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

"Trim by rear windows plastic started to peel off. Two years after purchase. After four years paint on the hood, peeling and paint on the spoiler and roof faded."

Anonymous A., FL (2016 Toyota Prius Unsure 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

""The paint suffered from the sun and I happily had it repainted. I love this car; my wife had leather seats ordered for the dealer to arrange before delivery to us; it has a 6 CD player, power windows etc and its fun to drive, which is something to say since my 2 previous cats were a vette and a Mercedes. The only repair we had to do was fix the 6 CD placer in which someone had loaded 7 CDs and replace a catalytic converter some asshole stole.""

Anonymous A., CA (2016 Toyota Prius Four 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"The black trim at window roof edge fading and peeling"

Anonymous, (2016 Toyota Prius One 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

""Black overpaint behind rear window completely flaked off over a period of two or three years. Also, paint on wheels is peeling.""

Anonymous A., FL (2016 Toyota Prius Four Touring 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"The paint on the rear spoiler and deck and faded significantly. It does not look good. Because of the age of the vehicle i knew Toyota would not do anything about the paint issue"

Anonymous A., CA (2016 Toyota Prius Three Touring 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

""Paint began chipping, peeling on roof where roof and front windshield meet. Took car to auto paint repair shop. Black panels between rear window and side windows also peeled and were repainted.""

Anonymous, NC (2016 Toyota Prius Three 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

""Car is not garage kept so the exposed areas, hood, top, and rear upper panel were faded and clear coat pealed. Cost to repaint was $2500""

Anonymous A., FL (2016 Toyota Prius Three 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

What Owners Say

Automatic climate control

"The humidity attached to the windshield had to be replaced. In replacing it, the windshield was broken and had to be replaced."

Anonymous, VA (2016 Toyota Prius Unsure 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
Blower (fan) motor

"On the driver side of the vehicle the AC Blower does not work. Repair was quoted at $2000."

Anonymous, CA (2016 Toyota Prius Three 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
Other climate system problem

""AC would blow hot air. Dealer said air mix damper control failed, and system low by .12 grams.""

Anonymous A., OR (2016 Toyota Prius Four Touring 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"Something about the filters."

Anonymous, NJ (2016 Toyota Prius Two 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
Refrigerant leaks

"Coolant tube to hybrid transmission melted due to closeness to hot exhaust system."

Anonymous, WA (2016 Toyota Prius Three 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Body Hardware

Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

What Owners Say

Other body problem

"Front bumper too low, scrapes on driveways and curbs."

Anonymous, CA (2016 Toyota Prius Unsure 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"The sun gave the thin plastic coating on trim parts a beating even though we paid extra at purchase for some kind of magic coating to prevent that kind of occurrence."

Anonymous A., CA (2016 Toyota Prius Four 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
Seat belts

"one of the seat belts stopped working. I took it to the dealer and the service writer fixed it in 10+ minutes for free"

Anonymous A., CA (2016 Toyota Prius Three Touring 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Brakes

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

What Owners Say

Calipers

"Calipers and pads rusted and had to be replaced at 80000 miles."

Anonymous A., WI (2016 Toyota Prius Four Touring 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
Other brakes problem

"One episode when the breaks didnt engage when backing up"

Anonymous, IL (2016 Toyota Prius ECO 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"Already answered. We have only one Prius"

Anonymous, IL (2016 Toyota Prius ECO 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Fuel System/Emissions

Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

What Owners Say

Fuel injection system

"There was a leak of antifreeze in the catalytic converter. I wouldn't have known but I suddenly had no heat in the car. It took some investigating before it was found."

Anonymous A., OR (2016 Toyota Prius Four 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
Other emissions/fuel system problem

""Have twice had to pay $700 to replace a small bit of fuel line from the fuel tank that gets chewed through by rodents and Toyota claims. They can't protect that part from rodent damage. Clearly, this is a serious design flaw.""

Anonymous A., MD (2016 Toyota Prius Unsure 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"Gas pump shut off when tank was not full. Some type of sensor inside gas tank needed replacement"

Anonymous, NY (2016 Toyota Prius Two 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Electrical Accessories

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

What Owners Say

12V battery

""After my wife sat in the car for about three hours, the car would not start. It was jump started by AAA. The Toyota dealer found that the 12 volt battery, which was about 4 years old but had a 7 year warrantee, did not pass one of the load tests.""

Anonymous A., IL (2016 Toyota Prius Four 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

""The 12 volt battery will be completely depleted in a matter of a couple of weeks if the car is not driven. Even if one is careful about keeping everything, electrical turned off and unplugging any electrical devices that are unpluggable, the battery will be drained unless the car is driven frequently. Considering all of the battery in this vehicle, this is an absurd situation.""

Anonymous A., MD (2016 Toyota Prius Unsure 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

What Owners Say

Display screen goes blank

"It started a few years ago. When starting up the car, the infotainment screen would not come on for several minutes, finally coming on by itself. During this time, the radio would not operate and no other information could be displayed. This happens once in about three months. Sometimes, if I select "audio", the screen would display stations and the radio would operate. I never had this episodic problem addressed or fixed."

Anonymous, VA (2016 Toyota Prius Three Touring 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"If after starting the car, if you shift into reverse, the display will show backup camera. Then when you shift into forward, the display will go blank. Touching any button will restore the display to normal. However, if you shift into forward after initial start, display works normal and any additional shifts into reverse and back to forward, also continue to work normal."

Anonymous, MN (2016 Toyota Prius Three 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

What Owners Say

Problem(s) fueling the tank

"I could not fill tank with Fuel. It turned out to be a faulty valve in the fuel tank. the repair cost was $960 (parts and labor)"

Anonymous A., FL (2016 Toyota Prius Three 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Noises/Leaks

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

Squeaks or rattles

"For the past couple of years squeaks from under/in dash have increased and occasional wind whistles from around the windshield."

Anonymous, CA (2016 Toyota Prius Four 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

EV Battery

Electric/hybrid battery pack failure, replacement or malfunction, or cooling.

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

Engine Electrical

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

Transmission Minor

Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

Suspension/Steering

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

2016 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

Reliability History
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Overall Reliability Verdict
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Powertrain
Electric Motor
EV Battery
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Engine Electrical
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System/Emissions
Exhaust
Suspension/Steering
Brakes
Climate System
Build Quality
Electrical Accessories
Body Hardware
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
In-car Electronics
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Sep 05, 2018
An electrical short can increase the risk of a fire.
Summary:
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Toyota Prius vehicles. A portion of the engine wire harness connected to the hybrid Power Control Unit (PCU), could contact the cover at this connection and wear, causing an electrical short circuit.
What should you do:
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine wire harness assembly and replace it if damage is found. A protective sleeve or protective tape will be included to prevent any future damage. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is J0T.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 18V579000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 192347
AIR BAGS
Jan 31, 2018
If the air bags fail to deploy in a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
Summary:
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2016 Toyota Prius and Lexus RX 350, RX 350 F Sport, RX 450h F Sport and RX 450h vehicles and 2015-2016 Lexus NX 200T, NX Turbo and NX 300h vehicles. The air bag pressure sensors and/or the acceleration sensors may fail causing the side/curtain shield air bags and/or the front air bags to not deploy in the event of a crash.
What should you do:
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the sensors as necessary based on their serial numbers, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 12, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are JLA, J0F.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 18V085000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 48672
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
Oct 18, 2017
If the capacitor was not properly secured, vibrations from driving the vehicle may damage the capacitor, shutting down the hybrid system, causing a loss of motive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
Summary:
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2016 Prius vehicles. A capacitor within the hybrid system may not have been properly bolted to the inverter housing.
What should you do:
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inverter, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin by early December 2017. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is H0U.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 17V658000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 6
PARKING BRAKE
Oct 14, 2016
If the parking brake cable disengages from the mechanism and the transmission is left in a gear other than 'Park' while the ignition is on and the driver leaves the vehicle, the vehicle may roll unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Summary:
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Prius vehicles manufactured August 6, 2015, to October 3, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with a foot-operated parking brake system that has a parking brake cable that may disengage.
What should you do:
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will install a clip at the parking brake cable end to prevent the cable from disengaging, free of charge. The recall began November 10, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is G01.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 16V741000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 91585
AIR BAGS
Sep 16, 2016
A front passenger air bag that unintentionally inflates can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Summary:
Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toyota Prius vehicles manufactured November 30, 2015, to June 14, 2016. An air bag inflator manufacturing error may result in the inadvertent partial inflation of the front passenger air bag.
What should you do:
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began November 10, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is G0W.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 16V672000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 7817
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