Last updated: 2026-10-10

Toyota Prius

Toyota Prius Years to Avoid

9 scored model years (2018–2026) · model average 79/100

No Prius year is one to avoid. Every model year from 2018 to 2026 rates good or excellent, and what changes is the recall count and the number of owner complaints. The 2023 and 2024 years carry the most recalls, while 2021 is the year to buy.

Verdict

Avoid
No outlier years
Buy
2021 82/100
Model average
79/100
See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

What Are Common Toyota Prius Problems?

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

32 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2018, 2024

2019: Coolant leaks internally from the exhaust center pipe and drains the reservoir.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

28 complaints

Most reported in 2022, 2024, 2020

2022: A loud, ear-piercing screech from the speakers at startup is the most repeated complaint.

AIR BAGS

15 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2024

2018: Airbags fail to deploy in serious crashes.

SERVICE BRAKES

14 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2022, 2020

2019: Brake rotors groove, overheat, and corrode early.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

12 complaints

Most reported in 2020, 2018, 2022

2020: Frost forms on the inside of the windshield while the car is parked, and clearing it takes 20 minutes or more.

POWER TRAIN

12 complaints

Most reported in 2020, 2018, 2021

2020: The car accelerates on its own while creeping into a parking spot.

Best Toyota Prius Year to Buy Instead

82
ExcellentReliability score: 82 out of 100, rated Excellent

2021 Toyota Prius

The 2021 rates excellent, with no recalls and only 15 owner complaints. The 2023 and 2024 years each have 8 recalls, and 2022 has the highest complaint rate per vehicle sold. It has also been on the road long enough to trust. Its complaints include low-speed surges while parking, so test drive it carefully.

Score: 82/100 (Excellent)0 recalls15 complaints
View full 2021reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the 2021 Toyota Prius has 0 recalls on file. A VIN check confirms the recall work on the exact car and shows its accident, title, and service history.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Toyota Prius Years by Generation

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Toyota Prius years should I avoid?
None. Our analysis finds no model year well below the Prius's own average, and every year from 2018 to 2026 rates good or excellent. The 2023 and 2024 years rank lowest within the model, mainly because of their recall counts.
Are the 2023 and 2024 Toyota Prius bad years?
Not bad, but they are the weakest of a strong group. Each has 8 federal recalls and a good reliability rating. Check that every recall repair was done before you buy. If you want the cleanest record, the 2021 is the safer choice.
Which Toyota Prius years have transmission problems?
The data does not show transmission trouble as a pattern for any year. Transmission is not among the most reported problem areas. The 2021 has two power train complaints, and the most serious is a parked Prius Prime that rolled away after being shifted into park.
Is the 2026 Toyota Prius the most reliable year?
It rates excellent, but you should not treat it as the proven best. The 2026 has no recalls and no owner complaints, mostly because it has had little time on the road. Complaints build up over time, so the 2021 is the better-documented pick.
Which Toyota Prius year has the most complaints?
The 2018 has the most owner complaints, at 51. Adjusted for sales, the 2022 is highest at 8.7 complaints per 10,000 sold, driven by electrical system filings. Even so, both years rate good, so neither is a year to avoid.

How we score every Toyota Prius model year

Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.

See incorrect data? Report an issue