Last updated: 2026-04-20

2021 Toyota Prius
RELIABILITY SCORE: 82/100 (EXCELLENT)

2021 Toyota Prius Reliability Report

The 2021 Toyota Prius scores 82/100 ("Excellent") with a complaint rate below the segment average. Data shows a dependable ownership experience across 0 recalls and 15 owner complaints.

Recalls

0

Complaints

15

Complaint Rate

2.5per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$408

Annual Fuel Cost

$1,050–$1,200

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity74/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs80/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact100/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity79/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Buy

Strong reliability record — a solid choice for buyers.

Top Issues to Watch

  • FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (2)
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2)
  • POWER TRAIN (2)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Final Year

2021 is the last model year of the Fourth generation (XW50).

  • Final-year models are typically the most refined version of a generation.
  • 3 years after the last refresh (2018).
  • 4th generation Prius (US).

What this means for buyers

Final-year models are usually the most polished version of a generation, but resale value may dip as buyers anticipate the next redesign.

2016: Fourth generation (XW50) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2018: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

2021: This Model Year

2021 is the last model year of the Fourth generation (XW50).

Should You Buy the 2021 Toyota Prius?

The 2021 Toyota Prius earns an Excellent 82/100 reliability score. 2021 is the last model year of the Fourth generation (XW50).

At 2.5 per 10,000 vehicles sold, its complaint rate sits below the Sedan segment average, and most owners report a trouble-free ownership experience.

A solid choice for buyers prioritizing dependability, new or used.

Compared to the 2022 Toyota Prius, which scored 4 points lower. See also the 2020 Toyota Prius for an earlier comparison.

Pros

  • +Strong reliability score
  • +$118 cheaper to maintain than avg midsize cars
  • +Low major repair risk (11%)
  • +No recalls issued
  • +Below-average complaint rate for Sedan

Cons

  • FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE issues reported (2 complaints)
  • 5 crash incidents reported in owner complaints

Compare 2021 Toyota Prius With

Common Problem Categories

Other

HIGH RISK
  • FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (2)
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

0

recalls on record

No recalls are on record for the 2021 Toyota Prius — uncommon, and a strong signal of manufacturing quality.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

2.5

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 16.9

LowAvgHigh
Low

Safety Incidents

5

Crashes

0

Fires

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

NHTSA 5/5 Stars

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

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2021 Toyota Prius? Check its history first

Every 2021 Toyota Prius has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

2021 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: 5/5

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, Rear Seat)Knee (Driver)Additional Air Bags (Seat Pan Airbag)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (TBD)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)

PHEV Powertrain

Driver: 4/5Passenger: 5/5

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, Rear Seat)Knee (Driver)Additional Air Bags (Seat Pan Airbag)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (TBD)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 PriusRepair 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.

MPG & Annual Running Costs

Plug-in Hybrid

49–56 MPG

Running cost: $1,450–$1,600/yr

Fuel + repair

51–58 city / 47–53 hwy MPG

Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2021 EPA label cycle.

Plug-in Hybrid trims
TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
Prius Prime 1.8L 4-cylFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic (variable gear ratios)555354$1,100

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2021 Toyota Prius.

  • Test for unintended acceleration by accelerating and braking multiple times

  • Inspect cabin for carbon monoxide seepage signs or use a CO detector

  • Check rearview camera functionality, especially in reverse

  • Verify lane keeping assist and dynamic radar cruise control operation

  • Examine tires for defects or previous blowouts

  • Ensure brakes respond promptly and do not depress to the floor

2021 Toyota Prius Common Problems by Component

15 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

2
2
2
2
3
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (2)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2)POWER TRAIN (2)FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (1)VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (1)WHEELS (1)BACK OVER PREVENTION (1)Other (3)

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

2 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report issues with the 2021 Toyota Prius's forward collision avoidance systems, specifically related to the Lane Keeping Assist and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC). Complaints frequently mention the Lane Keeping Assist causing the vehicle to veer towards the edge of the lane or even out of it, requiring a vehicle restart to resolve the issue. The DRCC is reported to accelerate unexpectedly when a leading vehicle changes lanes, resulting in a collision with a stopped vehicle. These issues occur intermittently and without warning indicators, posing potential safety risks such as crashes and loss of lane control. No specific mileage or timeline patterns are evident from the complaints, but the incidents highlight concerns with the vehicle's automated driving features.

2 complaints total1 crash

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2021 Toyota Prius report incidents of unintended acceleration, with two complaints involving crashes and injuries. In both cases, drivers describe the vehicle accelerating without input from the accelerator pedal and the brakes failing to respond, leading to loss of control. One incident occurred as the vehicle was transitioning from electric to gasoline power, while the other did not specify any such transition. Both vehicles had relatively low mileage, around 27,000 miles, suggesting these incidents may occur early in the vehicle's life. The safety implications are significant, as these events resulted in crashes, injuries, and potential for more severe outcomes.

2 complaints total2 crashes2 injuries

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2021 Toyota Prius report issues related to carbon monoxide seeping into the cabin and problems with the accelerator. One owner describes experiencing carbon monoxide poisoning multiple times, with increasing levels of CO detected, making the vehicle undriveable at approximately 7,000 miles. Another owner reports a sticky accelerator that caused the vehicle to lurch forward, resulting in a crash into a wall and airbag deployment while parking. This incident marks the second occurrence for the owner, indicating a potential pattern. The safety implications include the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and loss of vehicle control leading to crashes.

2 complaints total1 crash
POWER TRAIN (2 complaints)

POWER TRAIN

2 complaints

Owners of the 2021 Toyota Prius report two distinct power train issues. One complaint describes rodent damage due to unprotected essential components, leading to potential operational disruptions. Another owner reports unintended vehicle movement after shifting into park, resulting in a minor collision, and also mentions the vehicle's failure to start while connected to a charger. This latter issue is noted at approximately 80,000 miles. These issues could have safety implications, particularly the unintended movement, which resulted in a collision. Buyers should be aware of these potential power train vulnerabilities when considering this vehicle.

2 complaints total
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (1 complaints)

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint
2023-10-31

When i am going down it's charging when the charge reaches 6 from 8 the engine starts working and stop changing at that point and the power continues comes from engine only without the hybrid battery and there are no codes

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (1 complaints)

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint
2024-09-14

The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 - 45 MPH, the vehicle independently accelerated. The brake pedal was depressed but failed to stop the vehicle immediately. The contact swerved around the vehicle in front and ended up on the opposite side of the roadway. The contact attempted to avoid oncoming traffic and swerving around all the other vehicles and ended up in a ravine. The contact's husband depressed the START/STOP button from the passenger’s side to turn off the vehicle, enabling the vehicle to come to a stop. The contact restarted the vehicle and continued to drive the vehicle to the dealer at slow speeds. The dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by the dealer. The failure mileage was 56,000.

WHEELS (1 complaints)

WHEELS

1 complaint
2021-03-23

WHILE DRIVING ON THE I 4 WE HAD A BLOWOUT ON THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE. THE CAR HAD LESS THAN 200 MILES ON IT SO IT WAS BRAND NEW. THE DEALERSHIP FOUND OBJECT IN THE TIRE THAT COULD HAVE CAUSE THE PROBLEM THE ONLY CONCLUSION I COULD COME TO IS THAT THIS TIRE WAS DEFECTIVE. THE DEALERSHIP SAID I COULD HAVE RUN OVER A LARGE OBJECT OR A LARGE POTHOLE, WHICH I DOUBT.

BACK OVER PREVENTION (1 complaints)

BACK OVER PREVENTION

1 complaint
2025-07-15

The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Prius Prime. The contact stated that while shifted into reverse(R), the rearview camera intermittently went black. No warning light was illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the rearview camera intermittently went black. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to an unknown NHTSA Campaign; however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 27,696.

SERVICE BRAKES (1 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint
2024-06-17

The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Prius Prime. The contact stated while driving 45–50 MPH and approaching a stop sign, the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond. The driver continued to pump the brake pedal, but the vehicle failed to respond and depressed to the floorboard. The vehicle accelerated, veered across the road, jumped the curb, and stopped. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and an engineer determined that the brakes were working properly. The failure mileage was approximately 34,000.

AIR BAGS (1 complaints)

AIR BAGS

1 complaintSafety-related
2022-11-03Crash reported

Brakes of my Toyota Pirius Prime did not work after I was hit on my right side. Brakes completlety was out. Also I was not able to run the car. The cars brakes should work even I got an accident to precent some further damage to other cars.

When Do 2021 Toyota Prius Problems Start?

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

27,000–56,000 milesUnintended acceleration
7,000 milesCarbon monoxide seepage

Best & Worst Toyota Prius Years

Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.

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).

Top Pick
82
Excellent

2021

(Current Model)

0Recalls
15Complaints
79
Good

2020

1Recalls
30Complaints
78
Good

2025

4Recalls
10Complaints

Toyota Prius Years to Avoid

No Toyota Prius years are statistical outliers in our data.

All model years score consistently well. The Toyota Prius maintains one of the highest industry standards for long-term durability across its entire production span.

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.

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
2021(selected)82/100+3Excellent015
202079/100+2Good130
201977/100-1Good536
201878/100Good351

2021 Toyota Prius Reliability by Powertrain

The 2021 Toyota Prius is available with 2powertrain options. Here's how they compare on reliability.

Reliability comparison across powertrain options
PowertrainComplaintsRecallsIncidents*Crash Rating
Gas6015 out of 5
PHEV9045 out of 5
Total1505

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 2021 Toyota Prius reliable?
Yes, the 2021 Toyota Prius is considered highly reliable with a score of 82/100 ("Excellent"). It has 0 recalls and a complaint rate below the segment average, placing it among the more dependable vehicles in its class.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Toyota Prius?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2021 Toyota Prius include: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (2 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2 complaints), POWER TRAIN (2 complaints), FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (1 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2021 Toyota Prius have?
The 2021 Toyota Prius has no recalls on record, which is a positive indicator.
Is the 2021 Toyota Prius expensive to maintain?
The 2021 Toyota Prius is expected to have below-average maintenance costs at $408/year, which is $118 less than the midsize cars average of $526. Its high reliability score of 82/100 and complaint rate below the segment average suggest that unexpected repairs are uncommon.

Don’t buy a 2021 Toyota Prius without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

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Look Up a VIN →

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.

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