2008 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
- 1,497
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- Exterior lighting
Campaigns on file for 2008
Opened by NHTSA
39% of complaints
Complaints per year
2008: 1,497 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
39% · 583 reportsMost commonly citing headlights and concealment devices.
Service brakes
27% · 399 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic and electric.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH, the brakes failed when pressed causing the vehicle to crash into the rear end of a second vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-02-26
Also filed under Air bags and seat belts
Electrical system
16% · 236 reportsMost commonly citing instrument cluster/panel and interior/under dash.
Show complaint excerpts
I was in an automobile accident in feb of 2015 I hot another vehicle going approximately 15MPH no air bags were deployed and the police officer and body shop both were surprised no air bags deployed.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-03-17
Also filed under Air bags and fuel/propulsion system
Vehicle speed control
10% · 156 reportsMost commonly citing accelerator pedal and cruise control.
Structure
5% · 69 reportsMost commonly citing body and hatchback/liftgate.
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2008Complaint volume 1,497 complaints filed for this model year.
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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.…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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2013-02-21Defect petitionClosed 2020-04-08 Intermediate Steering Shaft Separation
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2023-01-27Defect petitionClosed 2023-08-07 Pedestrian alert sounds
Buy-smart checklist
2008 Toyota Prius — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Exterior lighting: 583 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 399 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 236 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- 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 →FAQ
- Is the 2008 Toyota Prius reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Toyota Prius is rated "significantly worse".
- What are the most common problems with the 2008 Toyota Prius?
- The most-reported component is exterior lighting, accounting for 39% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2008 Toyota Prius have?
- 4 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.