Powered byNHTSA|EPA|Community Reports|Updated
HomeToyotaPriusYears to Avoid

Toyota Prius — Years to Avoid

Reliability breakdown of every Toyota Prius model year. Based on NHTSA owner complaints, federal recalls, and safety investigations.

Model Years
29
Years to Avoid
2010, 2008, 2007, 2006
Best Years
2024, 2023, 2021, 2000, 1998
2027
0 complaints0 recalls1 TSBs
2026
6 complaints1 recalls25 TSBs
2025
29 complaints2 recalls40 TSBs
2024Best Year
39 complaints4 recalls101 TSBs
2023Best Year
28 complaints4 recalls118 TSBs
2022
31 complaints1 recalls1 invest.131 TSBs
2021Best Year
11 complaints0 recalls1 invest.118 TSBs
2020
23 complaints0 recalls1 invest.147 TSBs
2019
54 complaints3 recalls1 invest.140 TSBs
2018
48 complaints1 recalls1 invest.201 TSBs
2017
127 complaints3 recalls1 invest.246 TSBs
2016
218 complaints5 recalls1 invest.302 TSBs
2015
220 complaints1 recalls3 invest.324 TSBs
2014
288 complaints3 recalls3 invest.427 TSBs
2013
556 complaints3 recalls3 invest.466 TSBs
2012
546 complaints6 recalls3 invest.461 TSBs
2011
669 complaints6 recalls3 invest.359 TSBs
2010Avoid
3,487 complaints10 recalls4 invest.387 TSBs
2009
644 complaints6 recalls2 invest.225 TSBs
2008Avoid
1,894 complaints4 recalls2 invest.222 TSBs
2007Avoid
2,452 complaints4 recalls3 invest.219 TSBs
2006Avoid
1,691 complaints6 recalls3 invest.210 TSBs
2005
1,298 complaints6 recalls3 invest.222 TSBs
2004
737 complaints6 recalls3 invest.226 TSBs
2003
123 complaints1 recalls1 invest.133 TSBs
2002
201 complaints2 recalls1 invest.136 TSBs
2001
215 complaints3 recalls1 invest.154 TSBs
2000Best Year
4 complaints0 recalls45 TSBs
1998Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls23 TSBs

How we calculate this

Each year receives a composite risk score based on NHTSA owner complaints, federal recalls, safety investigations, and technical service bulletins. Years scoring more than 2x the model's average are flagged as “years to avoid.” Years in the lowest risk bracket are marked as “best years.” All data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Which Toyota Prius Years Should You Avoid?

Based on federal safety data, the 2010, 2008, 2007, 2006 Toyota Prius are the most problematic years, with significantly higher rates of owner complaints, recalls, and safety investigations compared to other model years.

If you're shopping for a used Toyota Prius, consider the 2024, 2023, 2021, 2000, 1998 model years — these have the fewest reported issues relative to other years.

29 model years analyzed