Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2010 Toyota Prius owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I purchased a certified used 2010 Toyota Prius from the east coasts number one certified used Toyota dealer. I was presented with papers showing all the checks performed with a certified used Toyota and that the vehicle I was purchasing had pass all the inspections. I test drove the vehicle during the day and did not use the headlights. Once I was home (over 3 hours away) I used the headlights for the first time in the next few days. The driver's side lights were very dim. I took the low beam bulb out and notice a lot of corrosion on the bulb and moisture in the headlamp assembly. I let it dry out and replaced both the drivers and passenger side low beam light bulbs. Over the summer I noticed a few time moisture would build up but would be gone within a few days. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Toyota Prius. While driving at an unknown speed, an abnormally loud noise was heard and then the sun roof shattered. The glass exploded and imploded when the failure occurred. There were no injuries. The dealer (arlington Toyota, 10939 atlantic blvd, jacksonville, fl 32225, [phone]) was notified and a diagnostic appointment was scheduled. The insurance company was also notified to inspect the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available. Contact states vehicle was traveling at 78mph and failure mileage was approximately 63,000.
I purchased a 2010 Toyota Prius, within a month I had to replace the fuel pump sensor (after it went out on the highway and the car died while driving it). Then 6 weeks after purchase I was driving down the highway again and the hood ripped up completely shattering the windshield while driving. I later learned both safety's on the hood latch were broken and missing parts. It also has an oil leak that will cost me $2,200 to repair when I only paid $6,000 for the car on top of many other minor issues.
Headlight would burn out a year after replacement. Manufacturer issued a variant of a recall intending to provide a fix for high rate of burnout. I took my car in to a dealership to receive the fix and the dealership caused a problem with the front windshield wiper apparatus. Wipers would now work if the headlights were off, but would no longer work once the headlights were turned on. This would occur whether stationary or moving.
Rear windshield wiper motor would not turn off, even after the fuse was pulled. The dealer said it was a problem with the windshield wiper motor. This occurred when the car was turned on and stopped when the car was turned off. The normal wiper controls on the wiper column did not work. Charge to replace it was $500.00
Vehicle was parked. When I returned to the vehicle, the rear window glass had spontaneously shattered/ exploded. There were no signs of vandalism. I understand that this is a problem with the type of glass that is used, and that this is not an uncommon occurrence. Examples May be found on youtube.
Driving on highway in moderate and heavy rain or snow affects the windshield shade and visibility to see the roadway clearly. The shade of the windshield is dull grey until driving on city streets or getting off the highway. Car dealers had no answers or solutions in the past.
The rear window on 2010 Toyota Prius , while driving at night,generates the vertical light bars attached to the source of light , ex: headlight of the following vehicle, thus image of the cars traffic on the busy highway is totally distorted by the presence of the these unwarranted light effects. This defect introduces the safety issue while driving in heavy traffic, the driver is presented with the light effects that totally blurs the back view .the issue is augmented if the rear window is tinted . The issue had been verified by round rock(texas) Toyota and appears to have been a test escape. However the dealership refused to address the problem arguing that there is insufficient field data that would justify action to be taken. …
I purchased a 2010 Prius level 4. Included in this package is an auto dimming rear view mirror with homelink. The auto dimming function does not work properly. It seems to be very distance dependent. There is a narrow focal range that the sensor reacts to. If a vehicle is to close or to far away the auto dimming function does not really dim very much. Considering how low the vehicle is this is incredible annoying and un-safe. Also this vehicle has split rear glass in the hatch back. The center bar I believe also blocks the light from headlights from reaching the sensor. If you tilt the mirror up so that you do not see the center bar (only the top portion of the rear glass), the mirror seems to work better. As a side note, I purchased a manual flip mirror with the correct part # for a 2010 Prius from my local Toyota dealer and the new mirror has a different mounting style.
My Toyota Prius has the problem that has been reported in the news. The vehicle has brake/stability control issues as soon as one of the wheels leave the suface of the road. The anti-lock "system" seems to be too aggressive and thereby is dangerous. There is nothing that the driver can do to avoid this. It is a traction-control/brake issue. Also, rear vision is about as bad as looking out the rear of the oscar mayer weiner mobile. The side mirrors need more rear vision.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Prius years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 2010 Toyota Prius?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 2010 Toyota Prius, 1% of the model year's 2,823 complaints. The component named most often is sun/moon roof assembly (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2010 Toyota Prius window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof recall for the 2010 Toyota Prius, though it has 10 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2010 Toyota Prius window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 33,000 miles, and 42% before 25,000 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.