Last updated: 2026-03-04

Toyota Prius

0 Toyota Prius Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Toyota Prius average of 78/100

All Toyota Prius years score consistently around the model average of 78/100 — no years are statistical outliers. The best year is 2021 82/100 and the weakest is 2023 76/100.

Verdict

All Toyota Prius years score consistently around the model average of 78/100 (76–82 range) — no years are statistical outliers. The best is 2021 82/100 and the weakest is 2023 76/100.

See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

What Are Common Toyota Prius Problems?

Top reported issues across all Toyota Prius model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

32 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

28 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

AIR BAGS

15 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

SERVICE BRAKES

14 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

VISIBILITY/WIPER

12 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2020, 2022

POWER TRAIN

12 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

Best Toyota Prius Year to Buy Instead

78
GoodReliability score: 78 out of 100, rated Good

2018 Toyota Prius

The 2018 Toyota Prius has good reliability. There are 3 recalls and 51 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Toyota Prius. Severity signals include 10 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Visibility Wiper (5), Unknown Or Other (5), Air Bags (5).

Score: 78/100 (Good)3 recalls51 complaints
View full 2018 reliability report →

All Toyota Prius Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Toyota Prius Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 2018–2025 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Toyota Prius years should you avoid?
All Toyota Prius years in our database score consistently around the model average of 78/100. No years are statistical outliers, though some are stronger than others.
What is the best year for the Toyota Prius?
The best year for the Toyota Prius is 2021, with a reliability score of 82/100 ("Excellent"). It has 0 recalls and 15 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Toyota Prius have?
Across all years in our database, the Toyota Prius has a total of 31 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Toyota Prius worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2021 model year, which scores 82/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 78/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Toyota Prius problems?
The most common Toyota Prius problems are unknown or other (32 complaints), electrical system (28 complaints), air bags (15 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Toyota Prius reliable long-term?
The Toyota Prius has an average reliability score of 78/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which Toyota Prius generation is most reliable?
The most reliable Toyota Prius generation is the Fourth generation (XW50) with an average score of 79/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
How much does it cost to maintain a Toyota Prius?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the Toyota Prius is $408 based on independent repair cost databases. This is below the category average, making it relatively affordable to maintain.
Is the 2021 Toyota Prius a good used buy?
Yes, the 2021 Toyota Prius is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 82/100 ("Excellent"). It has 0 recalls and 15 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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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