2016 Toyota Prius
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than 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 | 2819 |
| 2011 | 515 |
| 2012 | 419 |
| 2013 | 398 |
| 2014 | 202 |
| 2015 | 159 |
| 2016 | 154 |
| 2017 | 91 |
| 2018 | 35 |
| 2019 | 28 |
| 2020 | 14 |
| 2021 | 6 |
| 2022 | 23 |
| 2023 | 18 |
| 2024 | 22 |
| 2025 | 15 |
| 2026 | 5 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
26% of complaints: visibility/wiper — 40 distinct reports on file.
12% of complaints: service brakes — 18 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
FEBRUARY 7, 2018 !01 FRWY NORTH APPROACHING SANTA ROSA/ PLEASANT VALLEY OFF RAMP ON THE DOWNGRADE OUT OF NEWBURY PARK AT 25 MPH IN THE RIGHT LANE. A.BRAKE LIGHTS ARE SEEN IN CAR AHEAD.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180215
AS I TOOK A HIGHWAY EXIT, FOLLOWING BEHIND OTHER CARS DOING THE SAME, MY PRIUS REFUSED TO BRAKE EFFICIENTLY WHEN ANOTHER CAR ABRUPTLY INVADED OUR LINE. IT FELT AS IF THE BRAKES MADE A SLIGHT RELEASE OR COULDN'T REACH A FULL STOP.
NHTSA ODI report, 20161012
11% of complaints: engine — 17 distinct reports on file.
11% of complaints: electrical system — 17 distinct reports on file.
9% of complaints: power train — 14 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Prius vehicles manufactured August 6, 2015, to October 3, 2016.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 16V741000 — check if this car was fixed
Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toyota Prius vehicles manufactured November 30, 2015, to June 14, 2016.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 16V672000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 17V658000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 18V085000 — check if this car was fixed
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Toyota Prius vehicles.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 18V579000 — check if this car was fixed
Pedestrian alert sounds
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2016 Toyota Prius — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for visibility/wiper issues (40 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (18 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (17 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 16V741000 (parking brake) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V672000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V658000 (hybrid propulsion system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V085000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V579000 (electrical system) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2016 Toyota Prius reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 Toyota Prius is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Toyota Prius?
The most-reported component is visibility/wiper, accounting for 26% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 Toyota Prius have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.