Most common 2021 Toyota Prius Prime problems
Share of the 10 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Toyota Prius Prime complaints by model year
Best Prius Prime years: 2019, 2023, 2021. Compare all years →
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2021 Toyota Prius Prime:
Pedestrian alert sounds
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles.
What 2021 Toyota Prius Prime owners say
Electrical system
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Prius Prime. The contact stated that after the vehicle was shifted into park, the key was removed and the contact stepped away from the vehicle, when the vehicle inadvertently started to roll away. As a result, the vehicle rolled into the neighbor's driveway and grazed another vehicle then stopped. Additionally, the contact stated that while the vehicle was on the charger port, the vehicle failed to start. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised to take the vehicle in to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacture was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2021 Toyota Prius Prime. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of the purchase, the vehicle mileage was 73,000. It was later discovered upon checking the vehicle history report with a Local dealer, the contact was informed that the mileage was 274,000.
Brakes
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Prius Prime. The contact stated while driving 45-50 MPH and approaching a stop sign, the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond. The driver continued to pump the brake pedal, but the vehicle failed to respond and depressed to the floorboard. The vehicle accelerated, veered across the road, jumped the curb, and stopped. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and an engineer determined that the brakes were working properly. The failure mileage was approximately 34,000.
Brakes of my Toyota Pirius Prime did not work after I was hit on my right side. Brakes completlety was out. Also I was not able to run the car. The cars brakes should work even I got an accident to precent some further damage to other cars.
2021 Toyota Prius Prime engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid | CVT | FWD | 55 / 53 / 54 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2021 Toyota Prius Prime a good car?
Based on 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2021 Prius Prime rates average: 17% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Prius Prime at the same age. It is one of the best Prius Prime years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2021 Toyota Prius Prime?
The electrical system — 4 complaints, 40% of all complaints for this model year, most often about instrument panel › speedometer/odometer. Next are the brakes (3) and transmission & drivetrain (2).
How many recalls does the 2021 Toyota Prius Prime have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2021 Toyota Prius Prime. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Toyota Prius Prime?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2019, 2023 and 2021. See the full Toyota Prius Prime years comparison.
At what mileage do 2021 Toyota Prius Prime problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 34,000 miles; 60% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.