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
- 155
- Recalls
- 5
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Visibility/wiper
Campaigns on file for 2016
Opened by NHTSA
26% of complaints
Complaints per year
2016: 155 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 4 |
| 2001 | 165 |
| 2002 | 167 |
| 2003 | 99 |
| 2004 | 610 |
| 2005 | 1,051 |
| 2006 | 1,439 |
| 2007 | 2,004 |
| 2008 | 1,497 |
| 2009 | 502 |
| 2010 | 2,824 |
| 2011 | 522 |
| 2012 | 424 |
| 2013 | 414 |
| 2014 | 210 |
| 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.
Visibility/wiper
26% · 40 reportsElectrical system
13% · 20 reportsMost commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery and fuses and circuit breakers.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving at approximately 70 MPH, the steering wheel stopped operating and the vehicle began to shut down.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-04-10
Also filed under Hybrid propulsion system
Service brakes
12% · 19 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Show 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, 2018-02-15
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, 2016-10-12
Also filed under Air bags
Engine
11% · 17 reportsPower train
10% · 15 reportsShow complaint excerpts
I turned on my car in a flat parking lot, reversed out of my spot, and drove up to a traffic light to exit the parking lot. When the light turned green, I took my foot off the brake and tried to accelerate, but nothing happened.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-06
Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system and vehicle speed control
Safety timeline
5 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2016-11-10Parking brake16V741000 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.
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2016-11-10Air bags16V672000 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.
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2017-12-15Hybrid propulsion system17V658000 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.
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2018-03-30Air bags18V085000 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.
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2018-10-30Electrical system18V579000 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.
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I
2023-01-27Defect petitionClosed 2023-08-07 Pedestrian alert sounds
Buy-smart checklist
2016 Toyota Prius — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Visibility/wiper: 40 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 20 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 19 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 16V741000 · Parking brake
- Recall 16V672000 · Air bags
- Recall 17V658000 · Hybrid propulsion system
- Recall 18V085000 · Air bags
- Recall 18V579000 · Electrical system
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.