Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government
holds on this vehicle.
Owners have filed 207 safety complaints
about the 2014 Toyota Prius with the US government. Of those, 25 describe a crash, 1 mentions a fire, 15 people were injured and no death is recorded. 3 recall campaigns are open against it, covering the hybrid propulsion system.
The most complained-about system is the brakes,
named in 93 complaints, 45% of the total.
The typical failure was reported at 27,000 miles,
the median across the 99
complaints that gave
an odometer reading.
Compiled from NHTSA's complaint, recall and investigation files
· Covers January 2014 to September 2026 · How this is counted
What is on file
207 complaints on file
207
Complaints
25
Describe a crash
1
Mention fire
15
People injured
0
Deaths
A complaint is an unverified account by the person who filed it, not a
finding of fault. One complaint is one ODI number, which is how NHTSA counts
them.
A recall is the manufacturer conceding a defect, and the repair is free.
Whether one covers your particular car is a question only its VIN can
answer, because a campaign covers a production range rather than a
model year.
A further 1 defect
investigation is
open and unresolved.
Which system owners named
Complaints naming each system
SERVICE BRAKES 93 · 45%
93 45%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 33 · 16%
33 16%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 25 · 12%
25 12%
ENGINE 17 · 8%
17 8%
AIR BAGS 14 · 7%
14 7%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 14 · 7%
14 7%
STRUCTURE 9 · 4%
9 4%
VISIBILITY/WIPER 9 · 4%
9 4%
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) 8 · 4%
8 4%
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 8 · 4%
8 4%
STEERING 8 · 4%
8 4%
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 6 · 3%
6 3%
03877
Red marks a system with a recall campaign against it.
One complaint can name several systems, so these add up to more than 207.
When the complaints arrived
By the year NHTSA received them
By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures
happened. They peaked in 2024 at 27.
This is the year the complaint was filed, not the year the failure
happened. The range runs from 2014 to 2026, the last of them a part year, which is why its column is drawn faint.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA New Car Assessment Program
NHTSA crashes a car into a barrier and a pole and measures what
happens to the dummies inside. This is what it awarded the 2014 Toyota PRIUS, and it is a separate
question from what owners report going wrong later.
Test
5 HB FWD
Overall
Frontal crash
Frontal, driver
Frontal, passenger
Side crash
Side barrier
Side pole
Rollover
Chance of rollover
12.1%
Stability control standard Forward collision warning standard Lane departure warning standard
A dash means NHTSA did not rate that test for this vehicle.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Prius and 2014-2017 Prius V vehicles not included in recall 18V-684. Excessive voltage in the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) within the inverter may cause the hybrid system to shut down, causing the vehicle to stall while being driven.
The risk
An unexpected hybrid power system shut down may increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will perform a software update for the hybrid system. If the vehicle has experienced an inverter failure with certain hybrid system faults related to this condition, the inverter assembly will be repaired or replaced, prior to software update. All repairs will be performed free of charge. This recall began July 24, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TB10 / 20TA10.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing · up to 266,638 vehicles across all model years covered
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
18V684000 · October 4, 2018
The defect
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Toyota Prius and 2012-2014 Toyota Prius V vehicles. Excessive voltage in the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) within the inverter may cause the hybrid system to shut down, causing the vehicle to stall while being driven.
The risk
If the hybrid system shuts down unexpectedly, it can increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the motor/generator control electronic control unit (ECU) and the hybrid control ECU as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 22, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is J0V. Note: The software updates in this recall are needed even if the vehicle had the software previously updated under recalls 14V-053 or 15V-449.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing · up to 807,329 vehicles across all model years covered
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM: INVERTER
14V053000 · February 12, 2014
The defect
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2010 through 2014 Prius vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) inside the inverter module (a component of the hybrid system) contains transistors that may become damaged from high operating temperatures. If this occurs, various warning lamps will be illuminated on the instrument panel and the vehicle will have reduced power allowing it to only drive a short distance.
The risk
The vehicle may enter a fail-safe/limp-home mode that limits the drivability of the vehicle. The hybrid system could also shut down completely resulting in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Toyota will notify owners and dealers will update the software for both the motor/generator control electronic control unit (ECU) and the hybrid control ECU, free of charge. If an owner experiences a failure of the inverter before the vehicle receives updated software, the dealer will repair or replace the inverter assembly with a new one at no charge. The recall began on March 21, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing · up to 698,457 vehicles across all model years covered
Defect investigations
3 on file
An investigation means NHTSA has decided a pattern is worth examining. A
preliminary evaluation is often closed with no action; an engineering
analysis is the stage that usually precedes a recall.
Brake Actuator Valve Wear
DP23005
Still open defect petition · opened November 22, 2023
the hydraulic brakes
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received a petition dated September 19, 2023 from the owner of a 2012 Toyota Prius V requesting that ODI reevaluate its decision to deny DP19-004. In the letter, the petitioner reported experiencing an unexpected and complete loss of brake power while driving, accompanied by multiple dashboard warning lights. This petition is based on the petitioner's direct experience and assessment that ODI closed DP19-004 because its prompting petition was withdrawn by that petitioner. ODI will review the work conducted during DP19-004 and a review of any additional related complaints and crashes via a new defect petition The petition and related materials can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under the following ODI number:11553736.
Pedestrian alert sounds
DP22005
Closed defect petition · opened January 27, 2023 · closed August 7, 2023 · led to recall 22V063000
the electrical system
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. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.
Brake Actuator Valve Wear
DP19004
Closed defect petition · opened September 30, 2019 · closed January 21, 2021
the hydraulic brakes
On September 19, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a defect petition from Mr. Roger Hogan requesting that the Agency investigate and recall certain Toyota Prius, Prius PHV, Camry Hybrid and Avalon Hybrid vehicles for a brake actuator valve wear condition covered under Toyota Customer Support Programs ZJB and ZKK (subject CSP?s). In support of his request, the petitioner identified 117 NHTSA complaints allegedly related to the subject CSP condition, including 60 reporting crashes. On September 30, 2019, ODI opened Defect Petition DP19-004 to evaluate the petitioner?s request for an investigation. In August 2020, the petitioner notified the Agency that he was withdrawing his petition. Because the petitioner has withdrawn the petition, we are denying the petition as moot and no further analysis of this petition is necessary.NHTSA is authorized to issue an order requiring notification and remedy of a defect if the Agency?s investigation shows a defect in the design, construction, or performance of a motor vehicle that presents an unreasonable risk to safety. 49 U.S.C. ?? 30102(a)(9), 30118. Because the petitioner has with withdrawn the petition, the petition is denied as moot. This action does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency notes that it is not required to receive a defect petition prior to opening a defect investigation and will take further action if warranted by future circumstances.
In owners’ own words
Quoted from the complaint file
Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the
people who filed them, not findings of fault.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
3 injured · crash · towed · 64,000 miles
BRAKES COMPLETELY FAILED AND I REAR ENDED A CAR. I WAS STOPPING NORMALLY ON A CITY STREET. ACCORDING TO DASHCAM I WAS TRAVELING AT ABOUT 25MPH. THE CAR SLOWED TO ABOUT 12MPH WHEN THE BRAKES WENT DOWN TO THE FLOOR AND THE CAR ACCELERATED.
NHTSA complaint 11154835. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
AIR BAGS
2 injured · crash · towed
My 2014 Toyota Prius was in a T-bone accident, directly on the driver door and the side air bags did not deploy.
NHTSA complaint 11465834. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
SERVICE BRAKES
1 injured · crash · towed · 106,000 miles
IN NOV 22 2017 I PARKED MY CAR AT 1719 BRADER PL. SOUTH IN SEATTLE, WASHINGTON IN A CITY STREET. APPROXIMATELY AT 1500 PM, I PULED THE CAR FROM THE STREET PARKING I-ORDER TO PICK A PASSENGER ABOUT 4 FEET AND THE CAR ACCELERATED BY ITSELF TOWARD RIGHT INTO THE BUILDING COMPLEX ON RIGHT AND FLIPPED ON THE SIDE OF THE DRIVER SIDE. THE CAR WAS ON DRIVE BUT I WAS TRYING TO STOP TO PICK UP A PASSENGER, BUT FAILED TO STOP AND ACCELERATED AND TURNED AND FOUND MYSELF FLIPPED ON THE SIDE AS YOU CAN SEE ON PICTURE.
NHTSA complaint 11052847. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
AIR BAGS
1 injured · crash · towed · 82,000 miles
MY AIRBAGS DEPLOYED PRIOR TO IMPACT AT A SPEED OF LESS THAN 25 MPH. I APPLIED THE BRAKES VERY FORCEFULLY AND THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED PRIOR TO IMPACT. I HAD LITTLE FRONT END DAMAGE AND EVERY SINGLE AIRBAG DEPLOYED.
NHTSA complaint 11290363. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
SERVICE BRAKES
ABS and brake light are on. was on the freeway and when i pressed the brake the wheels got locked and the car made a 360 spin, it almost flipped over
NHTSA complaint 11763835. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
SERVICE BRAKES
While driving my 2014 Toyota Prius, the BRAKE, ABS, and vehicle stability/traction control warning lights illuminated. There was no crash, injury, or noticeable loss of braking before the warnings appeared, and there were no preceding symptoms. The vehicle was evaluated by Mac Haik Toyota in League City, TX, an authorized Toyota dealer. They diagnosed DTC C1391, “Abnormal Leak of Accumulator,” and determined that the brake booster and brake booster pump/accumulator assembly require replacement. The dealer advised that the vehicle cannot be driven and is considered down. The vehicle/components are available for inspection upon request. My safety concern is that this is a brake-system …
NHTSA complaint 11762180, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
SERVICE BRAKES
I am submitting this complaint regarding a serious safety concern involving the brake actuator/booster assembly on my 2014 Toyota Prius. My vehicle has experienced failure of this critical braking component and has been unable to be properly repaired since November due to difficulty obtaining the correct replacement parts. This involves a major safety system required for proper braking operation. Brake actuator/booster assembly. Diagnostic codes: B1206, B2321, C1252, C1253 C1256. Toyota previously acknowledged brake actuator concerns through Customer Support Program ZJB. However, my vehicle is outside the program limits despite experiencing what appears to be the same type of failure …
NHTSA complaint 11754349, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
SERVICE BRAKES
My car experienced a failing brake actuator/accumulator. The first sign was the ABS and break lights accompanied by a whoosing sound. The issue causes intermittent system wide break failure and renders the car undriveable. Toyota had an extended warranty for this issue but that offer was closed by the time my car had the failure even though it was still under 150,000 miles. I believe this is a significant safety issue and should rise to the level of a recall by Toyota.
NHTSA complaint 11751206. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
SERVICE BRAKES
Brake actuator had been making noises and it finally stopped working on 7/14/26. Thankfully my car was and stopped and parked. The car has 137k miles on it, one owner and no explanation of what caused this. There were no accidents, abuse, or failure to maintenance.
NHTSA complaint 11750234. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
SERVICE BRAKES
The traction control, abs, and emergency brake light came on. We checked and the code produced was C1391. There’s a humming noise every 10 or so seconds when idle. The humming noise is also present when braking. We did some research and this appears to be an issue with Toyota Prius. We called the dealership and were informed that this was not a known issue. Thank you.
NHTSA complaint 11748069. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's
lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. How
many repair attempts it takes, and how long you have to file, is set by
the state you bought in and by nothing on this page.
Complaints: NHTSA's ODI
complaint file, published October 2, 2026. One
complaint is one ODI number, which is how NHTSA counts them.
Recalls: NHTSA's recall
campaign API, newest campaign on this vehicle filed June 24, 2020.
Investigations: NHTSA's ODI
investigation file, published October 2, 2026.
A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by
us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that
sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.
G
Compiled and maintained by guarledes Independent developer and analyst