Last updated: 2026-03-04

78
GoodReliability score: 78 out of 100, rated Good
2022 Toyota Prius

2022 Toyota Prius Reliability Score & Common Problems

The 2022 Toyota Prius scores 78/100 ("Good"). With 2 recalls and 29 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

Recalls

2

Complaints

29

Complaint Rate

8.7

per 10k sold

Below avg

Est. Annual Cost

$408

Below avg

Major Repair Risk

11%

NHTSA Rating

5/5

Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity35%
69/100 (Good)

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs30%
80/100 (Excellent)

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact20%
88/100 (Excellent)

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity15%
82/100 (Excellent)

Breadth of reported problem categories

Consider

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

Top Issues

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (6)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (4)VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (3)

2 recalls on record

Should You Buy the 2022 Toyota Prius?

The 2022 Toyota Prius scores 78/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory.

With 29 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 electrical system (6). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.

Compared to the 2023 Toyota Prius, which scored 2 points lower. See also the 2021 Toyota Prius for an earlier comparison.

Pros

  • Acceptable reliability score
  • $118 cheaper to maintain than avg midsize cars
  • Low major repair risk (11%)
  • Low recall count

Cons

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Owners of the 2022 Toyota Prius report several issues related to the electrical... (6 complaints)
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER: Owners of the 2022 Toyota Prius report several distinct issues related to... (4 complaints)

Compare 2022 Toyota Prius With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

  • 2 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (6)
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER (4)
  • VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (3)
  • SERVICE BRAKES (3)
  • AIR BAGS (2)
  • VISIBILITY/WIPER (2)
  • ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (2)
  • TIRES (1)
  • SEAT BELTS (1)
  • INTERIOR LIGHTING (1)
  • POWER TRAIN (1)
  • ENGINE (1)
  • STEERING (1)
  • FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

2

recalls on record

The 2022 Toyota Prius has 2 recalls on record. This is a low count. Recalls are manufacturer-initiated fixes for safety or compliance issues and are repaired at no cost to the owner at authorized dealerships.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

8.7

per 10k sold

Segment avg: 16.5

LowAvgHigh
Low

Safety Incidents

Crashes

6

Fires

0

Injuries

4

Deaths

0

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

2022 Toyota Prius Recall Details

2 recalls have been issued for the 2022 Toyota Prius. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

21V7340002021-09-22

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022 Prius and Prius Prime vehicles. The Engine Control Unit (ECU) software may falsely detect an error and shut down the hybrid system, causing a loss of drive power.

Consequence

A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 21TB07/21TA07.

2022 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 (Yes)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 (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 2022 Toyota Prius

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

  • Verify brake booster and master cylinder assembly for functionality
  • Test for unintended acceleration with cruise control and turn signal
  • Inspect odometer for proper operation and verify mileage records
  • Check for loud noises from speakers at startup
  • Inspect hood latch for proper operation
  • Examine steering wheel for excessive heat spots
  • Test airbag deployment system
  • Inspect windshield and windows for spontaneous cracking or shattering

Check Any 2022 Toyota Prius's History Before You Buy

Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2022 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.

2022 Toyota Prius Common Problems by Component

29 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

6
4
3
3
6
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (6)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (4)VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (3)SERVICE BRAKES (3)AIR BAGS (2)VISIBILITY/WIPER (2)ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (2)TIRES (1)Other (6)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

6 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2022 Toyota Prius report several issues related to the electrical system. Complaints frequently mention problems with the Data Control Unit (DCU) and odometer functionality, with one owner noting a loud screeching noise at startup and another discovering discrepancies in odometer readings, suggesting inoperability. Multiple owners describe sudden, loud noises from the vehicle's speakers causing discomfort and potential hearing damage, with one case involving injuries. Additionally, there are reports of the steering wheel becoming excessively hot, and one instance of unintended acceleration leading to a crash, where the vehicle was unresponsive to braking. These issues occur at various mileages, with some noted as early as 206 miles, highlighting potential safety risks related to vehicle control and occupant comfort.

6 complaints total1 crash3 injuries

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

4 complaints

Owners of the 2022 Toyota Prius report several distinct issues related to vehicle components. One frequently mentioned problem involves the hood latch, which fails to work properly, requiring two people to open the hood and occurring around 54,490 miles. Another complaint highlights an air conditioning system emitting a mildew smell. Additionally, there is a report of the catalytic converter overheating, leading to the insulated sheathing under the hood catching fire or melting, indicating a potential safety risk. These issues may be of interest to potential buyers considering the vehicle's reliability and maintenance needs.

4 complaints total

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

3 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2022 Toyota Prius report issues related to unintended acceleration. One owner describes a crash occurring when the vehicle accelerated unexpectedly while attempting to park, despite the brake being applied, resulting in a collision with a wall. Another owner notes unintended acceleration from 25 MPH to 50 MPH, which occurred twice and required braking to stop. A third complaint involves the adaptive cruise control system, where the vehicle accelerates rapidly when a car cuts in front, posing a risk of collision. These issues are reported at mileages as low as 700 miles and up to 25,000 miles. Safety implications include potential crashes and loss of control, as evidenced by the crash report.

3 complaints total1 crash
SERVICE BRAKES (3 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

3 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2022 Toyota Prius report issues with the service brakes, primarily involving the brake booster system. Complaints frequently mention sudden loss of braking ability, with one owner experiencing abnormal noises and multiple warning lights before the vehicle became undrivable at around 12,500 miles. Another owner describes the vehicle failing to stop when the brake pedal is depressed, requiring extra pressure or turning off the hybrid system to halt the car, occurring at approximately 10,000 miles. A crash incident is reported where the vehicle continued to roll forward despite the brake being applied, leading to a rollover. These issues suggest potential safety implications, including loss of control and crash risks, particularly at lower mileage ranges.

3 complaints total1 crash
AIR BAGS (2 complaints)

AIR BAGS

2 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2022 Toyota Prius report issues related to airbag non-deployment during crashes. In two separate incidents, airbags did not deploy, with one resulting in a total vehicle loss and an injury. These complaints involve situations where the vehicle experienced crashes, including one where the car unexpectedly accelerated while braking, leading to significant property damage. The reports do not provide specific mileage details, but both incidents occurred in 2023. Potential buyers should be aware of these airbag deployment concerns, particularly in crash scenarios.

2 complaints total2 crashes1 injury
VISIBILITY/WIPER (2 complaints)

VISIBILITY/WIPER

2 complaints

Owners of the 2022 Toyota Prius report issues with the vehicle's glass integrity. One complaint describes a windshield cracking spontaneously while the vehicle is stationary with the defrost on, resulting in a 12-18 inch crack from the bottom middle part of the windshield. Another owner reports the driver's side window shattering unexpectedly while driving at 60 mph, with glass covering the driver and interior, but no evidence of an external impact. These incidents occur without warning and can pose safety risks, particularly at highway speeds. The complaints do not specify mileage, suggesting these issues can occur at various points in the vehicle's use.

2 complaints total
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (2 complaints)

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

2 complaints

Owners of the 2022 Toyota Prius report issues related to the hybrid propulsion system and engine cooling, with two main patterns emerging. One owner notes difficulty obtaining parts for a recall repair associated with these systems, without having experienced a failure themselves. Another owner describes a failure to accelerate as intended, accompanied by temporary illumination of multiple warning lights, occurring at approximately 12,000 miles. While no crashes or loss of control are reported, the symptoms include hesitation in acceleration and unresolved recall-related concerns. These reports could be relevant for potential buyers assessing the availability of recall repairs and performance reliability around the 12,000-mile mark.

2 complaints total
TIRES (1 complaints)

TIRES

1 complaint
2021-11-19

The rear passenger Dunlop Enasave 01 AS 195/65R15 tire on my 2022 AWD model Prius blew while I was driving 50 MPH down a residential highway. I ran over nothing, and the tire tread was completely separated from the rest of the tire and rim.

SEAT BELTS (1 complaints)

SEAT BELTS

1 complaint
2026-01-29

The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while attempting to use the front driver's side seat belt, the lap belt and the anchor bolt detached, rendering the seat belt unusable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the lap belt was reattached to the seat. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and advised the contact that a representative would return a call back. The failure mileage was approximately 34,600.

INTERIOR LIGHTING (1 complaints)

INTERIOR LIGHTING

1 complaint
2023-01-10

The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that the driver's side front power door lock button failed to illuminate during the night. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the model vehicle was not equipped with illumination for the driver's side front power door lock button. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 10.

When Do 2022 Toyota Prius Problems Start?

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

10,000–12,500 milesService brake failures
55,000–63,000 milesElectrical system failures
700–25,000 milesVehicle speed control issues

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
2022(selected)78/100-4Good229
202182/100+3Excellent015
202079/100+2Good130
201977/100-1Good536
201878/100Good351

2022 Toyota Prius Reliability by Powertrain

The 2022 Toyota Prius is available with 2 powertrain options. Here's how they compare on reliability.

Reliability comparison across powertrain options
PowertrainComplaintsRecallsIncidents*Crash Rating
Gas21135 out of 5
PHEV8135 out of 5
Total2926

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 2022 Toyota Prius reliable?
The 2022 Toyota Prius has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 78/100. It is reasonably reliable with 2 recalls and 29 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2022 Toyota Prius?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2022 Toyota Prius include: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (6 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (4 complaints), VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (3 complaints), SERVICE BRAKES (3 complaints), AIR BAGS (2 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2022 Toyota Prius have?
The 2022 Toyota Prius has 2 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2022 Toyota Prius expensive to maintain?
The 2022 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 78/100, 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