Toyota Prius Years to Avoid
Every Prius model year ranked by owner complaints filed with NHTSA, with recalls and the top problem for each year.
Updated Oct 17, 2026.
Which Prius years should you avoid?
The 2010, 2008 and 2011 Prius have the most NHTSA complaints. Adjusted for how long each year has been on the road, the 2019, 2018 and 2017 models have the fewest problems.
Complaints by model year
Total complaints. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing.
Every year at a glance
| Year | Complaints | Per year | Recalls | Top problem |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 27 | 9 | 4 | Lights |
| 2019 | 30 | 4 | 3 | Brakes |
| 2018 | 37 | 4 | 1 | Wipers and Visibility |
| 2017 | 91 | 9 | 3 | Wipers and Visibility |
| 2016 | 155 | 14 | 5 | Wipers and Visibility |
| 2015 | 166 | 14 | 1 | Brakes |
| 2014 | 208 | 16 | 3 | Brakes |
| 2013 | 412 | 29 | 3 | Brakes |
| 2012 | 424 | 28 | 6 | Brakes |
| 2011 | 521 | 33 | 6 | Brakes |
| 2010 | 2,823 | 166 | 10 | Brakes |
| 2009 | 502 | 28 | 6 | Brakes |
| 2008 | 1,497 | 79 | 4 | Lights |
"Per year" divides complaints by the years since that model year went on sale, so new and old years compare fairly. Highlighted rows have the most complaints.
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Common questions
What is the worst year for the Toyota Prius?
The 2010 Prius, with 2,823 complaints. Its most reported problem area is the brakes.
What is the best year for the Toyota Prius?
Among years with at least three years of owner reports, the 2019 Prius has the fewest complaints per year on the road.
Which Toyota Prius years should I avoid?
Be most careful with the 2010, 2008 and 2011 models. Check service records and recall work before buying.