Last updated: 2026-04-20
2022 Toyota Prius Reliability Report
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
8.7per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$408
Annual Fuel Cost
$1,050–$1,200
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues to Watch
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (6)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (3)
- SERVICE BRAKES (3)
Should You Buy the 2022 Toyota Prius?
At 78/100, the 2022 Toyota Prius lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading.
Owners log 29 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.
Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to electrical system (6). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
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
2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Reliability: 60/100
2022 BMW 5-Series
Reliability: 68/100
2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Reliability: 47/100
2022 BMW 4-Series
Reliability: 66/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 2 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (6)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (4)
Recall Overview
2
recalls on record
The 2022 Toyota Prius carries 2 recalls — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
8.7
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 17.9
Safety Incidents
6
Crashes
0
Fires
4
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
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.
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.
Buying a used 2022 Toyota Prius? Check its history first
Every 2022 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.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2022 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: 10.7%
Safety Technologies
Toyota PriusRepair 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.
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 2022 EPA label cycle.
Plug-in Hybrid trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prius Prime 1.8L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 55 | 53 | 54 | $1,100 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2022 Toyota Prius.
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
2022 Toyota Prius Common Problems by Component
29 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
6 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
4 complaintsOwners 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.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
3 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
SERVICE BRAKES (3 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
3 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
AIR BAGS (2 complaints)
AIR BAGS
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
VISIBILITY/WIPER (2 complaints)
VISIBILITY/WIPER
2 complaintsOwners 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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (2 complaints)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
2 complaintsOwners 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.
TIRES (1 complaints)
TIRES
1 complaintThe 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 complaintThe 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 complaintThe 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.
Best & Worst Toyota Prius Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Toyota Prius Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe 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 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.
| 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
2022 Toyota Prius Reliability by Powertrain
The 2022 Toyota Prius is available with 2powertrain options. Here's how they compare on reliability.
| Powertrain | Complaints | Recalls | Incidents* | Crash Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gas | 21 | 1 | 3 | 5 out of 5 |
| PHEV | 8 | 1 | 3 | 5 out of 5 |
| Total | 29 | 2 | 6 |
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?
What are the most common problems with the 2022 Toyota Prius?
How many recalls does the 2022 Toyota Prius have?
Is the 2022 Toyota Prius expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2022 Toyota Prius without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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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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