2007 Toyota Prius
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 4 |
| 2001 | 165 |
| 2002 | 167 |
| 2003 | 99 |
| 2004 | 610 |
| 2005 | 1051 |
| 2006 | 1439 |
| 2007 | 2003 |
| 2008 | 1497 |
| 2009 | 502 |
| 2010 | 2822 |
| 2011 | 517 |
| 2012 | 422 |
| 2013 | 408 |
| 2014 | 205 |
| 2015 | 163 |
| 2016 | 154 |
| 2017 | 91 |
| 2018 | 36 |
| 2019 | 30 |
| 2020 | 14 |
| 2021 | 6 |
| 2022 | 24 |
| 2023 | 19 |
| 2024 | 23 |
| 2025 | 16 |
| 2026 | 5 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
53% of complaints: exterior lighting — 1068 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing headlights and brake lights.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
The lights spontaneously turned off while driving on a cloudy night on an unlit section of interstate. While slowing the car down, it went onto gravel, semi-circled around and flipped over onto the lower median. No air bag deployed.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231110
Both headlights failed, one earlier, then the second, on a cloudy night on an unlit, deserted rural stretch of interstate highway. Driver started slowing down from 60 mph, looking for a place to pull over.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231017
Also filed under AIR BAGS
17% of complaints: service brakes — 338 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and electric.
CRASH FIRE INJURY DEATHShow complaint excerpts
AFTER I NOTICED THAT THE SUV SUFFICIENTLY AHEAD OF ME IN THE SAME LANE WAS STOPPING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN, I STARTED SLOWING DOWN WITH PLENTY OF SPACE. I GLANCED FOR A SECOND TO MY RIGHT SIDE TO CHECK SAFETY AROUND ANOTHER SET OF HEADLIGHTS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171124
Also filed under STRUCTURE and UNKNOWN OR OTHER
12% of complaints: electrical system — 248 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery and instrument cluster/panel.
CRASH INJURY9% of complaints: structure — 186 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body and hatchback/liftgate.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK ON THE FRONTAGE ROAD ALONG I-5. MY TIRES HIT THE GRAVEL AND I LOST CONTROL. I WENT THROUGH THE GRASS ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD DOWN A DIP AND LANDED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR ON THE RAILROAD TRACKS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120626
Also filed under AIR BAGS
6% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 124 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing accelerator pedal and cruise control.
CRASH FIRE INJURY DEATHSAFETY TIMELINE
HEADLIGHT FAILURE
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 FL
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. THES
Campaign 09V388000 — check if this car was fixed
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 S
Campaign 10V036000 — check if this car was fixed
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 built
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 cont
Campaign 12V537000 — check if this car was fixed
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. D
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 E
Campaign 12V536000 — check if this car was fixed
Intermediate Steering Shaft Separation
Pedestrian alert sounds
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2007 Toyota Prius — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (1068 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (338 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (248 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 09V388000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 10V036000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 12V537000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 12V536000 (engine and engine cooling, hybrid propulsion system) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2007 Toyota Prius reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2007 Toyota Prius is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2007 Toyota Prius?
The most-reported component is exterior lighting, accounting for 53% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2007 Toyota Prius have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.