Last updated: 2026-03-04

77
GoodReliability score: 77 out of 100, rated Good
2019 Toyota Prius

2019 Toyota Prius Reliability Score & Common Problems

The 2019 Toyota Prius scores 77/100 ("Good"). With 5 recalls and 36 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

2019 is 1 year after the facelift refresh.

Recalls

5

Complaints

36

Complaint Rate

5.2

per 10k sold

Below avg

Est. Annual Cost

$408

Below avg

Major Repair Risk

11%

NHTSA Rating

5/5

Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity35%
74/100 (Good)

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs30%
80/100 (Excellent)

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact20%
71/100 (Good)

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity15%
84/100 (Excellent)

Breadth of reported problem categories

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues

UNKNOWN OR OTHER (7)SERVICE BRAKES (5)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4)

5 recalls on record

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Refresh

2019 is 1 year after the facelift refresh.

  • Year 4 in the Fourth generation (XW50) (2016–2021).
  • Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
  • 4th generation Prius (US).

What this means for buyers

Post-refresh years tend to be among the most refined — updates have been applied and early kinks worked out.

Fourth generation (XW50)

2016redesign
2017
2018refresh
2019selected
2020
2021

Should You Buy the 2019 Toyota Prius?

The 2019 Toyota Prius scores 77/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2019 is 1 year after the facelift refresh.

With 36 owner complaints, some reported issues may need attention, but we don't yet see evidence of a single dominant failure mode.

A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to unknown or other (7). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.

Compared to the 2020 Toyota Prius, which scored 2 points higher. See also the 2018 Toyota Prius for an earlier comparison.

Pros

  • Acceptable reliability score
  • $118 cheaper to maintain than avg midsize cars
  • Low major repair risk (11%)
  • Below-average complaint rate for Sedan

Cons

  • Moderate recall count
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER issues reported (7 complaints)
  • SERVICE BRAKES issues reported (5 complaints)

Compare 2019 Toyota Prius With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

  • 5 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER (7)
  • SERVICE BRAKES (5)
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4)
  • AIR BAGS (4)
  • WHEELS (4)
  • VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (3)
  • TIRES (3)
  • POWER TRAIN (2)
  • ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (1)
  • SEAT BELTS (1)
  • VISIBILITY/WIPER (1)
  • STEERING (1)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

5

recalls on record

The 2019 Toyota Prius has 5 recalls on record. This is a moderate number. Each recall represents a safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships, regardless of warranty status.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

5.2

per 10k sold

Segment avg: 15.3

LowAvgHigh
Low

Safety Incidents

Crashes

7

Fires

0

Injuries

2

Deaths

0

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2019 Toyota Prius Recall Details

5 recalls have been issued for the 2019 Toyota Prius. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

19V2440002019-03-27

EQUIPMENT

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. The text on the load capacity label may become illegible. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Consequence

If the driver cannot read the label, they may unknowingly overload the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

19V4910002019-06-26

HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Prius C vehicles. The DC-DC converter may fail resulting in the auxiliary battery no longer receiving power from the converter, which may cause a loss of drive.

Consequence

A loss of drive increases the risk of crash.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the DC-DC converter with a new one, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began August 23, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is K0K.

19V5440002019-07-24

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC), SERVICE BRAKES

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. The brake booster pump may fail causing a deactivation of the Vehicle Stability Control system and a loss of braking assist. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."

Consequence

Deactivation of the vehicle stability control system or a loss of braking assist increases the risk of a crash.

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. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 and Lexus owners may contact Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are K1L/K0L. Lexus' numbers for this recall are K2F/KLF.

2019 Toyota Prius NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 4/5Passenger: 4/5

Rollover risk: 10.7%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver)Additional Air Bags (Seat Pan Air Bags)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)

PHEV Powertrain

Rollover risk: 0.0%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver)Additional Air Bags (Seat Pan Air Bags)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Toyota Prius Repair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$408

vs $526 avg for midsize cars

vs $652 avg for all vehicles

Repair Frequency

0.5

unscheduled repair visits per year

Severe Repair Probability

11%

chance of a major repair

Annual Cost Comparison

Prius
$408
Category Avg
$526
All Vehicles
$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

When Buying a Used 2019 Toyota Prius

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.

  • Inspect coolant system for leaks or low levels
  • Check brake rotors for corrosion or unusual wear
  • Examine tires for tread separation or exposed belting
  • Test for unintended acceleration or braking failures
  • Verify airbag deployment in crash history
  • Ensure all dashboard indicators and controls function properly
  • Confirm presence of a spare tire or adequate repair kit

Check Any 2019 Toyota Prius's History Before You Buy

Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2019 Prius in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Toyota Prius with a free VIN lookup.

Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.

2019 Toyota Prius Common Problems by Component

36 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

7
5
4
4
4
4
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (7)SERVICE BRAKES (5)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4)AIR BAGS (4)WHEELS (4)VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (3)TIRES (3)POWER TRAIN (2)Other (4)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

7 complaints

Owners of the 2019 Toyota Prius frequently report issues related to the coolant system, with multiple complaints describing coolant leaking into the catalytic converter, leading to costly repairs exceeding $2000. These issues typically arise around 70,000 miles, with some owners noting that warning lights do not activate until the coolant is depleted. Additionally, a few complaints highlight rust perforation on the car's roof, potentially affecting airbags and electrical systems, as well as problems with the pedestrian warning sound being inaudible at low speeds. Safety concerns are noted in instances where the vehicle reportedly stalls in the rain or unexpectedly moves forward when in reverse gear, although no crashes or injuries are reported. These patterns suggest prospective buyers should be aware of potential high-cost repairs and safety implications related to these issues.

7 complaints total

SERVICE BRAKES

5 complaints

Owners of the 2019 Toyota Prius frequently report issues with the braking system, including brake pulsation and rotor corrosion, often around the 11,000 to 20,000-mile range. Symptoms typically include pulsation in the brake pedal, squealing, grinding noises, and visible heat marks or rust on the rotors. Some complaints also describe electronic malfunctions, such as loss of brake boost and various warning lights, which dealers address by replacing components like the brake booster and master cylinder. Safety implications include potential loss of control due to erratic braking behavior and the inability to disable malfunctioning driver-assist systems, as reported by multiple owners. These issues suggest that prospective buyers should thoroughly inspect the braking system and inquire about any previous repairs or updates.

5 complaints total

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

4 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Toyota Prius report issues with the vehicle's electrical system, including unintended acceleration and braking failures, particularly during low-speed maneuvers such as parking or reversing. Two incidents involve crashes where the vehicle unexpectedly surged forward or backward, and brakes failed to respond, leading to collisions with other vehicles or structures. Another common issue involves the parking assist sensors, which activate erroneously during rain and continue to beep despite cleaning. Additionally, an owner reports the vehicle's doors locking unexpectedly while charging. These complaints arise at varying mileages, with one incident occurring at just over 1,000 miles, indicating potential early-stage electrical system issues. Safety implications are significant, given the reported loss of vehicle control and resulting crashes.

4 complaints total2 crashes
AIR BAGS (4 complaints)

AIR BAGS

4 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Toyota Prius report that airbags frequently fail to deploy during crashes. Complaints describe situations where the vehicle is involved in both frontal and side collisions, yet airbags do not activate, even when significant vehicle damage occurs. In two instances, owners mention that the lack of airbag deployment coincides with brake system failures, including unintended acceleration and delayed stopping distances. Injuries are reported in two of the four crashes detailed. These issues are noted at varying mileages, with one specific report at approximately 78,000 miles. Safety implications are evident, as all complaints involve crashes, underscoring potential risks for used car buyers considering this model.

4 complaints total4 crashes2 injuries
WHEELS (4 complaints)

WHEELS

4 complaints

Owners of the 2019 Toyota Prius report issues related to tire integrity and pressure, with several complaints describing unexpected blowouts and a lack of warning from tire pressure monitoring systems. Symptoms include a wobbling sensation while driving and sudden loss of tire pressure, often without any prior alert, leading to instability and potential loss of control. These issues are noted at varying mileages, from as low as 7,014 miles to over 44,000 miles. Additionally, owners express concern about the absence of a spare tire, which they find problematic in situations where the provided repair kit is inadequate. Safety implications are significant, as multiple reports involve loss of vehicle control, though no injuries are detailed.

4 complaints total
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (3 complaints)

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

3 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Toyota Prius report issues related to vehicle speed control, with complaints frequently mentioning sudden unintended acceleration and complete loss of power. One owner describes an incident where applying the brake resulted in unexpected acceleration, leading to a minor crash with another vehicle while parking. Another owner reports a sudden stop from freeway speeds without warning, followed by a temporary inability to accelerate. Additionally, there are reports of dashboard failures, including loss of all indicators and controls, occurring at very low mileage. These issues present potential safety concerns, including loss of control and collision risk.

3 complaints total1 crash
TIRES (3 complaints)

TIRES

3 complaints

Owners of the 2019 Toyota Prius frequently report issues with the factory-installed tires, specifically Dunlop Enasave and Toyo NanoEnergy models. Common symptoms include noticeable vibrations or "warbling" while driving, with inspections revealing significant tire degradation such as exposed steel belting and tread separation. These issues typically arise around 27,000 to 44,000 miles. Safety implications are evident, as one owner experienced a tire blowout at highway speeds, though no crashes or injuries are reported. Buyers should be aware of potential premature tire wear and consider inspecting or replacing tires if purchasing a used model with similar mileage.

3 complaints total
POWER TRAIN (2 complaints)

POWER TRAIN

2 complaints

Owners report issues with the power train of the 2019 Toyota Prius, particularly involving the exhaust heat-exchanger coolant pipe and the pre-collision system. Symptoms include a complete loss of coolant leading to potential engine overheating, power reduction, or shutdown, with one owner noting the coolant reservoir was found empty after warning lights flashed intermittently. Another owner describes a loud cranking noise from the engine and a missing pre-collision system sensor shortly after purchase. These issues occur at various timelines, with one owner experiencing problems within a month of ownership. Safety implications include the risk of engine shutdown while driving, which could endanger occupants and other road users, particularly during highway travel or intersection turns.

2 complaints total
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (1 complaints)

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 complaint
2025-05-27

The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Prius. The contact stated there was a coolant leak and the coolant level was low. There was no indication of coolant on the ground. The check engine and engine HOT warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to TSB: 0135-19. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that there was a coolant leak in the front exhaust pipe heat exchanger. The parts to repair the vehicle were on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

SEAT BELTS (1 complaints)

SEAT BELTS

1 complaint
2024-10-01

The issue is with the back middle seat belt. When the back right passenger seat, which is a 2/3 seat is placed down in order to accommodate long pieces of lumber, it remains stuck there as the seatbelt for the middle seat will not release. The seatbelt mechanism for the middle seat is located in the 2/3 seat which is stuck in the down position. Therefore, we cannot use the middle seat nor the back right seat because the seatbelt for the middle seat is locked in place and not releasing. So the back right seat is lying down and stuck there as the seatbelt for the middle seat is locked unable to release. Living alone, I rarely use the middle seat for passengers. Honestly, that seatbelt has probably only been used five times in five years. Obviously, this poses a Safety problem.

When Do 2019 Toyota Prius Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

70,000–95,000 milesCoolant system leaks
11,000–20,000 milesBrake rotor corrosion
27,000–44,000 milesTire degradation

Best & Worst Toyota Prius Years

Best Toyota Prius Years to Buy

The best Toyota Prius year is 2021 with a reliability score of 82/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2020 (79/100) and 2025 (78/100).

Toyota Prius Years to Avoid

No Toyota Prius years are statistical outliers in our data — all years score consistently.

See full Toyota Prius years-to-avoid analysis →

Toyota Prius Reliability Score Trend

Toyota Prius reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 78/100.

avg 78
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Toyota Prius reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201878/100Good
201977/100Good
202079/100Good
202182/100Excellent
202278/100Good
202376/100Good
202477/100Good
202578/100Good

Toyota Prius Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202677/100 (predicted)Predicted00
202578/100+1Good410
202477/100+1Good825
202376/100-2Good818
202278/100-4Good229
202182/100+3Excellent015
202079/100+2Good130
2019(selected)77/100-1Good536
201878/100Good351

2019 Toyota Prius Reliability by Powertrain

The 2019 Toyota Prius is available with 2 powertrain options. Here's how they compare on reliability.

Reliability comparison across powertrain options
PowertrainComplaintsRecallsIncidents*Crash Rating
Gas28475 out of 5
PHEV810N/T
Total3657

NHTSA tracks complaints separately for each powertrain configuration. Totals reflect the sum across all variants. N/T = Not tested by NHTSA.

* Incidents = crash + fire reports. A single complaint can include multiple incident types.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2019 Toyota Prius reliable?
The 2019 Toyota Prius has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 77/100. It is reasonably reliable with 5 recalls and 36 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Toyota Prius?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2019 Toyota Prius include: UNKNOWN OR OTHER (7 complaints), SERVICE BRAKES (5 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4 complaints), AIR BAGS (4 complaints), WHEELS (4 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2019 Toyota Prius have?
The 2019 Toyota Prius has 5 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2019 Toyota Prius expensive to maintain?
The 2019 Toyota Prius has estimated annual repair costs of $408/year, which is $118 less than the midsize cars average of $526. With a reliability score of 77/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

See incorrect data? Report an issue