Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 2.0× | 2 | Electrical | Few |
| 2015 | 5 | −44% | 1 | Brake | Average |
| 2014 | 13 | 1.3× | 1 | Brake | Average |
| 2013 | 12 | typical | 1 | Brake | Average |
| 2012 | 25 | 2.1× | 2 | Brake | Caution |
| 2010 | 6 | typical | 1 | Brake | Average |
* Complaints compared with the median Prius Plug-In Hybrid year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid problems
Latest Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid recalls
Electrical system › Wiring › Switches/knobs/buttons
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Prius Prime, 2023-2026 Prius, and 2025-2026 Prius Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. Water may enter the rear door switch and cause a short circuit, allowing an unlocked rear door to open unexpectedly.
Remedy: Dealers will modify the rear door switch circuits, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed July 13, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
Back over prevention › Display function
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models.
Remedy: Dealers will update the parking assist software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
Hybrid propulsion system
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2012-2015 Prius Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. The hybrid battery contains an Electric Vehicle (EV) fuse that may fracture after repeated high-load driving conditions such as climbing long hills.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EV fuse, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 8, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
Air bags › Side/window
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Toyota Prius, 2010 and 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid, and 2011-2012 Lexus CT200h vehicles. A weld in the curtain shield air bag inflator may crack causing one or both portions of the inflator to eject into the passenger cabin.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will install retention brackets to the curtain shield air bags, free of charge. The recall began on October 17, 2016.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid should you avoid?
2012 — this year has the most complaints relative to other Prius Plug-In Hybrid years at the same age, led by brakes problems in the 2012.
What is the best year for the Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid?
2015 has the fewest complaints compared with other Prius Plug-In Hybrid years at the same age. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the brakes (33), electrical system (11) and engine & cooling (7). Brake complaints peak in the 2012 model year.
How many recalls has the Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid had?
4 recalls across 2010–2025. The model year with the most is 2012. See all Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.