Is the 2005 Toyota Prius reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2005 Toyota Prius is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 2005 Toyota Prius?

The most-reported component is exterior lighting, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2005 Toyota Prius have?

6 recalls on file for this model year.

2005 Toyota Prius

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2005 Toyota Prius
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 1,051
Recalls: 6
Investigations: 3
Top problem: Exterior lighting

Complaints per year

2005: 1,051 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2000	4
2001	165
2002	167
2003	99
2004	610
2005	1,051
2006	1,439
2007	2,003
2008	1,497
2009	502
2010	2,824
2011	521
2012	424
2013	411
2014	208
2015	166
2016	155
2017	91
2018	37
2019	30
2020	14
2021	6
2022	24
2023	20
2024	27
2025	16
2026	6

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Exterior lighting

33% · 348 reports

Most commonly citing headlights and flasher unit.

CRASH

Service brakes

27% · 283 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and electric.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

I am the first owner of this 2005 Prius and have kept up with all maintenance and recall issues. This is my first complaint.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-06-29

Also filed under Electronic stability control (esc)

11 months ago I had a brand new Toyota ABS brake actuator installed on my 2005 Prius. Less than a year later, it is failing again. Since I've driven the car more than 12,000 miles Toyota will not replace the part under warranty.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-16

Electrical system

17% · 179 reports

Most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel and ignition.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

I have a 2005 Toyota Prius. I got my car 8-23-2005 and on 10-13-2005 I was hit on the passenger side while making a left hand turn.

NHTSA ODI report, 2005-12-31

Headlight goes out repeatedly. Headlight works again after headlights are turned off then on again. Started with the same one headlight going out. Now the other. Sometimes both go out, including at night.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-06

Vehicle speed control

10% · 109 reports

Most commonly citing accelerator pedal and cruise control.

CRASHFIREINJURYDEATH

Engine and engine cooling

6% · 65 reports

Most commonly citing engine and cooling system.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Safety timeline

6 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

▮
2005Complaint volume 1,051 complaints filed for this model year.
I
2005-05-31Preliminary evaluationClosed 2005-10-12 Engine stalling
R

2006-04-06Air bags06V096000 On certain vehicles, due to improper assembly of the air bag inflator, which is used in the side air bag, the curtain shield air bag, and the knee air bag assembly, some inflators were produced with…

Remedy: Dealers will replace the specific SRS air bag. The recall began on April 6, 2006. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-888-270-9371, Scion at 1-866-548-1851, or Lexus at 1-800-255-3987.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2006-06-09Steering06V188000 The intermediate shaft and sliding yoke in the electric power steering system can crack when large forces are applied and the connection may separate or the sleeve may fracture.

Remedy: Toyota will replace the steering intermediate shaft and inspect the sliding yoke and replace it if necessary. The recall began on June 9, 2006. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2009-12-31Vehicle speed control09V388000 Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2010 passenger vehicles. The accelerator pedal can get stuck in the wide open position due to its being trapped by an unsecured or incompatible driver's…

Remedy: Toyota filed an amended defect report on November 25, 2009, stating that dealers will modify the accelerator pedal and, on certain vehicles, alter the shape of the floor surface under the pedal.…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2010-05-27Equipment10V036000 Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 passenger vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 110, "Tire selection and rims."

Remedy: Dealers will mail to consumers the corrected label or the customer will have the option for dealers to install the label free of charge. The safety recall began on May 27, 2010. Owners may contact…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2012-12-20Steering12V537000 Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2009 Prius vehicles manufactured August 5, 2003, through March 30, 2009. The affected vehicles have a steering intermediate extension shaft assembly…

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the extension shaft and replace it if it is one with insufficient hardness, free of charge. The recall began during December 2012. Owners may…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2013-01-17Engine and engine cooling, hybrid propulsion system12V536000 Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2009 Prius vehicles manufactured August 6, 2003, through March 30, 2009 and FCHV-adv vehicles manufactured December 12, 2008, through September 13, 2011.…

Remedy: Toyota will notify its owners, and dealers will replace the electric water pump, free of charge. The recall began on January 17, 2013. Owners may contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer…

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2013-02-21Defect petitionClosed 2020-04-08 Intermediate Steering Shaft Separation
I
2023-01-27Defect petitionClosed 2023-08-07 Pedestrian alert sounds

Buy-smart checklist

2005 Toyota Prius — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Exterior lighting: 348 reports on file for this year.
Service brakes: 283 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 179 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 06V096000 · Air bags
Recall 06V188000 · Steering
Recall 09V388000 · Vehicle speed control
Recall 10V036000 · Equipment
Recall 12V537000 · Steering
Recall 12V536000 · Engine and engine cooling, hybrid propulsion system

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2005 Toyota Prius reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2005 Toyota Prius is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Toyota Prius?: The most-reported component is exterior lighting, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2005 Toyota Prius have?: 6 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.