2019 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 | 2823 |
| 2011 | 517 |
| 2012 | 422 |
| 2013 | 409 |
| 2014 | 207 |
| 2015 | 164 |
| 2016 | 154 |
| 2017 | 91 |
| 2018 | 36 |
| 2019 | 30 |
| 2020 | 14 |
| 2021 | 6 |
| 2022 | 24 |
| 2023 | 19 |
| 2024 | 24 |
| 2025 | 16 |
| 2026 | 5 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
37% of complaints: service brakes — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
VEHICLE INVOLVED IN A ACCIDENT. VEHICLE BRAKE SYSTEM DID NOT WORK. DRIVER HAD FOOT ON BRAKE PEDAL. ANTI COLLISION BREAK SYSTEM DID NOT WORK, VEHICLE SLID FOR 20FT INTO A STOPPED FOR. 2019 PRIUS WAS GOING 35 MPH BEFORE RISK OF COLLISION WAS REALIZED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20210127
Also filed under AIR BAGS
20% of complaints: engine — 6 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
On Saturday [XXX], while shifting to reverse in a back alley to back up slowly, the car engine suddenly and loudly revved and shot backwards at accelerating speed.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240219
Also filed under ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Coolant is leaking into the catalytic converter. This seems to be a common issue. Toyota issued a technical service bulletin on XXX covering this exactly.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260826
13% of complaints: electrical system — 4 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
Frequency when I start car makes a very loud , painful high pitch noise for anywhere from 5-15 seconds
NHTSA ODI report, 20260713
Also filed under UNKNOWN OR OTHER
13% of complaints: air bags — 4 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
Vehicle was involved in a accident and it was a total loss and no airbags deployed There wasBodily injury due to this accident
NHTSA ODI report, 20231204
OUR PRIUS WAS INVOLVED IN FRONT TO PASSENGER SIDE COLLISION, WHICH TOTALED THE PRIUS, YET NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED DURING THE ACCIDENT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20191007
13% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing accelerator pedal.
CRASHSAFETY TIMELINE
Gulf States Toyota (GST) is recalling certain 2019 C-HR, 4Runner, Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Highlander, Land Cruiser, Prius, RAV4, Sequoia, Tacoma, Sienna, Tundra and Yaris vehicles.
Remedy: GST will notify owners, and dealers will provide corrected load carrying capacity modification labels, free of charge. The recall began May 24, 2019. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 19R1.
Campaign 19V244000 — check if this car was fixed
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2019 Lexus LS500, LC500, ES300h, UX250h, LS500h, Toyota Prius, RAV4 HV, 2019-2020 Toyota Prius Prime, and 2020 Corolla HV vehicles.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the brake booster pump, free of charge. The recall began September 20, 2019.
Campaign 19V544000 — check if this car was fixed
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2019 Prius vehicles. An electrical short circuit in the combination meter could occur, causing the speedometer, the odometer, and the fuel gauge to go blank.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the flash memory chip (ROM) production date, and if necessary, replace it along with the combination meter circuit board, free of charge. The recall began February 7, 2020.
Campaign 19V876000 — check if this car was fixed
Pedestrian alert sounds
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2019 Toyota Prius — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 19V244000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V544000 (electronic stability control (esc), service brakes) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V876000 (electrical system) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2019 Toyota Prius reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2019 Toyota Prius is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Toyota Prius?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 37% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2019 Toyota Prius have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-15 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.