Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government
holds on this vehicle.
Owners have filed 165 safety complaints
about the 2015 Toyota Prius with the US government. Of those, 29 describe a crash, 1 mentions a fire, 17 people were injured and 3 deaths are recorded. One recall campaign is open against it, covering the hybrid propulsion system.
The most complained-about system is the brakes,
named in 88 complaints, 53% of the total.
The typical failure was reported at 30,000 miles,
the median across the 71
complaints that gave
an odometer reading.
Compiled from NHTSA's complaint, recall and investigation files
· Covers January 2015 to September 2026 · How this is counted
What is on file
165 complaints on file
165
Complaints
29
Describe a crash
1
Mention fire
17
People injured
3
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.
Complaints more than doubled year on year: 49 in the twelve months to 2026-Q2, against 22 in the twelve before.
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 88 · 53%
88 53%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 27 · 16%
27 16%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 15 · 9%
15 9%
POWER TRAIN 13 · 8%
13 8%
ENGINE 8 · 5%
8 5%
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 7 · 4%
7 4%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 7 · 4%
7 4%
AIR BAGS 6 · 4%
6 4%
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 6 · 4%
6 4%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 6 · 4%
6 4%
STRUCTURE 6 · 4%
6 4%
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 4 · 2%
4 2%
03877
Red marks a system with a recall campaign against it.
One complaint can name several systems, so these add up to more than 165.
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 2025 at 40.
This is the year the complaint was filed, not the year the failure
happened. The range runs from 2015 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 2015 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
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.
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
3 deaths · 3 injured · crash · 1,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2015 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE ANOTHER DRIVER WAS OPERATING THE VEHICLE AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE ROOF COLLAPSED ON THE DRIVER AND TWO PASSENGERS. THERE WERE TWO FATALITIES UPON IMPACT AND THE THIRD PASSENGER WAS AIRLIFTED TO A HOSPITAL. THE DOCTOR DIAGNOSED THAT THE THIRD PASSENGER WAS BRAIN DEAD, WHICH LED TO HER DEATH DUE TO THE ROOF COLLAPSING ON HER HEAD. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED AWAY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000. UPDATED 9/25/15 *LN UPDATED 11/28/2017*CN
NHTSA complaint 10734833. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
AIR BAGS
2 injured · crash · towed · 70,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2015 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HER HUSBAND WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE REAR-ENDED THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. AS RESULT THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE ROLLED OVER MULTIPLE TIMES CRASHING INTO A DITCH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ONLY THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER SUSTAINED FRACTURES TO THE RIGHT ARM, WRIST, PELVIS, RIBS AND STERNUM AS WELL A FEW BUMPS AND BRUISES ON LOWER LEG AND CHIN. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION, MULTIPLE FACIAL FRACTURES AND LACERATIONS AND A BROKEN NOSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SHE BELIEVES THAT THE .DRIVER SIDE SEAT …
NHTSA complaint 11244474, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
SERVICE BRAKES
2 injured · crash · towed
My mom was involved in an accident in her 2015 Toyota Prius on April 19, 2022, which she advised lurched forward at a stop and when applying the brakes to stop the vehicle, she said was unresponsive, causing her to clip a vehicle and sending her vehicle into a ditch totaling her car and injuring her passenger and her. I would like to have this investigated and hold Toyota responsible. This could have been much worse and lives could have been lost. She is now without means of transportation, and she is now possibly responsible for damages to property and bodily injury because of this. Through my research I have discovered multiple class action lawsuits brought against Toyota for the same …
NHTSA complaint 11462365, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
SEATS
2 injured · crash · towed · 205,000 miles
The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving and coming to a complete stop, the vehicle was rear-ended by another vehicle driving approximately 35-45 MPH. The contact stated that upon impact, the front driver's seat unexpectedly reclined and struck the rear passenger’s seat. The contact was concerned about the movement of the seat and stated that an occupant seated directly behind the driver's seat could have been injured. The rear bumper, trunk, and rear body structure sustained damage from the crash. The contact stated that the force of the impact caused the rear driver’s side body panels to flare outward and become deformed. No additional property damage …
NHTSA complaint 11744174, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
SERVICE BRAKES
I am reporting an active, severe safety hazard regarding the braking system on my 2015 Toyota Prius ( Mileage: 79,000). The vehicle has been officially diagnosed by Toyota Culver City with Diagnostic Trouble Code DTC C1391, confirming an internal failure and lack of pressure within the brake booster/actuator assembly. This component defect causes an immediate compromise to the vehicle's braking efficiency and hydraulic pressure, causing a sudden loss of braking power and significantly increasing stopping distances.Toyota was fully aware of this dangerous defect and initiated Customer Support Program ZJB to address it. However, Toyota Brand Engagement Center (Case #260909002032) has …
NHTSA complaint 11765138, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
SERVICE BRAKES
Problem: Brake Actuator is pulsing the Booster Pump to keep running intermittently, 5-10 seconds. Console lights lit up for ABS problem. Does not clear. Toyota Dealership Report: DCT C1391 Abnormal Leak: Monitored TEH Accumulator Pressure and its not holding pressure. Pump keeps running. Rec[ommend] Brake Actuator and Booster Pump Assembly [replacement].` ServCo Toyota dealership in Hawaii Report: Submitted Prior Authorization request with Toyota Hawaii Warranty. Request Denied for Goodwill Coverage on ABS Actuator and Booster Pump.
NHTSA complaint 11760825. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
SERVICE BRAKES
On XXX, I was driving my 2015 Toyota Prius with my family in the vehicle and approaching stopped traffic on dry pavement. An emergency vehicle was approaching from behind, so I began braking earlier than usual. When I applied the brakes, the vehicle did not stop normally. The front slowed/stopped while the rear of the Prius suddenly slid sideways toward the adjacent lane, bringing the rear passenger side dangerously close to another vehicle. Had I begun braking at my normal stopping distance, I believe a collision would have occurred. No crash or injuries occurred, but the incident was extremely dangerous. I drove the vehicle very slowly to Purrfect Auto Services, [XXX], where the brake/ABS …
NHTSA complaint 11759804, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
SERVICE BRAKES
Code DTC C1391 - Abnormal leak of accumulator pressure. Internal failure of the brake booster pump assembly, preventing the system from maintaining proper hydraulic pressure. This means the brakes don't work, putting the driver's and passengers' lives at risk. This DTC C1391 code and problem were reproduced and confirmed by an independent service center who specializes in 3rd generation priuses. There were warning lights that lit up when the brakes failed - the ABS, traction control, and brake light all lit up but only after the brakes had stopped working. This is a known manufacturer defect but toyota won't pay to fix it because they put a 10 year limit on first driven date or 150,000 …
NHTSA complaint 11756229, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
SEATS
1 injured · crash · towed
I was rear-ended by a truck in my prius and my seat laid back on impact. I'm unaware if that was an intended thing or not but it potentially could have injured my neck. My car is currently in a storage lot awaiting the adjustor's inspection so it is available for inspection if needed. No warning lights were available and it hasn't been recreated by the dealer
NHTSA complaint 11753382. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
crash · towed
Pulling out of a parking stall, when put vehicle in drive, the engine revved up and accelerated - vehicle crashed, the brakes did not work- there was skid marks. Floor mats are factory OEM were installed properly. I did not hit the accelerator and I am in good health and mind. I have driving for over 30 years, never had and accident nor a ticket! - A county officer was at the seen and left me with vehicle that had to be towed away. The Vehicle is a total loss. I have insurance but felt that this incident need to be reported, There is no safety recalls and the vehicle was always property maintained
NHTSA complaint 11750516. 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