Last updated: 2026-03-04

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 avgEst. Annual Cost
$408
Below avgMajor Repair Risk
11%
NHTSA Rating
5/5
Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues
5 recalls on record
Generation & Refresh (US)
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)
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
2019 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Score: 54/100
2019 BMW 5-Series
Score: 62/100
2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Score: 50/100
2019 BMW 4-Series
Score: 55/100
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)
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 soldSegment avg: 15.3
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.
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.
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.
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
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 10.7%
Safety Technologies
PHEV Powertrain
Rollover risk: 0.0%
Safety Technologies
Toyota Prius Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5Based 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
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.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
7 complaintsOwners 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.
SERVICE BRAKES
5 complaintsOwners 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
4 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
AIR BAGS (4 complaints)
AIR BAGS
4 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
WHEELS (4 complaints)
WHEELS
4 complaintsOwners 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.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (3 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
3 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
TIRES (3 complaints)
TIRES
3 complaintsOwners 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.
POWER TRAIN (2 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
2 complaintsOwners 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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (1 complaints)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 complaintThe 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 complaintThe 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.
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.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 78/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 77/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 79/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 82/100 | Excellent |
| 2022 | 78/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 76/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 77/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 78/100 | Good |
Toyota Prius Reliability Compared to Other Years
2019 Toyota Prius Reliability by Powertrain
The 2019 Toyota Prius is available with 2 powertrain options. Here's how they compare on reliability.
| Powertrain | Complaints | Recalls | Incidents* | Crash Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gas | 28 | 4 | 7 | 5 out of 5 |
| PHEV | 8 | 1 | 0 | N/T |
| Total | 36 | 5 | 7 |
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?
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Toyota Prius?
How many recalls does the 2019 Toyota Prius have?
Is the 2019 Toyota Prius expensive to maintain?
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
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.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
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.
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.
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