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2014 Toyota Prius

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2014 Toyota Prius do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 164.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

99 reports with mileage · 108 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Service Brakes. Review the 93 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 33 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 17 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

25 crash reports1 fire reports12 injury reports

Steering complaints

8 reports
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Mileage unknown · Feb 5, 2024
Electrical SystemExterior LightingSteering

I was dropping my daughter off at school and the car completely shut down on me and turned off in the middle of an intersection. I have just had brakes and oil changed but ever since I got the car codes keep popping up and when checked it’s all good. Front lights keep glitching and even with new brakes there is still a bad sound…

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I was dropping my daughter off at school and the car completely shut down on me and turned off in the middle of an intersection. I have just had brakes and oil changed but ever since I got the car codes keep popping up and when checked it’s all good. Front lights keep glitching and even with new brakes there is still a bad sound. My dash computer thing keeps going in and out. It happens a lot more when it rains and makes a sizzling sound I’m afraid to drive it in the rain. I’m besides myself how the car turned off on me and my child we couldn’t move I could accelerate and we almost got hit then another light came on and I couldn’t even turn my wheel. Very dangerous

NHTSA ODI #11569995

Mileage unknown · May 2, 2023
Electrical SystemService BrakesSteering

Good Evening, I'm writing to request a callback in regards to my 2014 Toyota Prius which is subject to a recall. "The involved vehicles were designed to enter a failsafe driving mode in response to certain hybrid system faults. Toyota has found that in rare situations, the vehicle may not enter a failsafe driving mode as intend…

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Good Evening, I'm writing to request a callback in regards to my 2014 Toyota Prius which is subject to a recall. "The involved vehicles were designed to enter a failsafe driving mode in response to certain hybrid system faults. Toyota has found that in rare situations, the vehicle may not enter a failsafe driving mode as intended. If this occurs, the vehicle could lose power and stall. While power steering and braking would remain operational, a vehicle stall while driving at higher speeds could increase the risk of a crash." I recently just moved back to South Florida, I was living in NJ for a few years and had the Inverter malfunction earlier this February, 2023, forcing the car to enter the fail safe mode described giving me the warning to "Check Hybrid System, Stop the Vehicle in a Safe Place". The car was at Toyota Universe, Little Falls, NJ for about 45 days, since this was going to take the complete replacing of the inverter and an update of some sort of software. After receiving the car back around March 17th, I moved back to Florida about 2 weeks later. This evening around 5:30 returning from work, the car stalled again while I was driving surrounded by dense traffic, wouldn't accelerate with all lights flashing. Thankfully I was able to pull over slowly into a parking lot after which my steering wheel locked, and my car was no longer able to be put into Drive or Reverse. Car was only able to shift into Neutral and Park. This was the most terrifying experience of my life had something worse happen in the middle of traffic. I have dropped off my car to the dealership parking lot and will be checking it in first thing in the morning. I'd like to ascertain what I should expect from Toyota Manufacturing should this issue be unfixable? I am more than happy to let them attempt fixing it, but I also need to live a normal life and don't feel the need to be responsible for a manufacturing defect putting my life in jeopardy every time I go drive.

NHTSA ODI #11520152

57,900 miles · Jul 9, 2022
SteeringSuspension

Lost steering on car while driving. Shop noted right control arm completely corroded through and broken axle. Entire undercarriage rusted and corroded. Available for inspection. Sudden loss of steering is a risk factor for serious injury or death. Problem has been looked at by two independent service centers who have agreed …

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Lost steering on car while driving. Shop noted right control arm completely corroded through and broken axle. Entire undercarriage rusted and corroded. Available for inspection. Sudden loss of steering is a risk factor for serious injury or death. Problem has been looked at by two independent service centers who have agreed on problem. Has not been inspected by manufacturer, whom I have contacted over 8 times regarding this issue, or by any other party. There were no warning signs or symptoms prior to failure.

NHTSA ODI #11473058

130,000 miles · Apr 3, 2018
Power TrainSteering

VEHICLE STALL . SHOW 'CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM ' STOP THE VEHICLE IN A SAFE PLACE' DEALER SAID PROBABLY INVERTER IPM FAILED.

NHTSA ODI #11083178

7,000 miles · Mar 9, 2018
Steering

TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL MORE THAN QUARTER TURN. RATTLING, CLICKING NOISE IS APPARENT OUT OF CENTER STEERING CONSOLE. TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL MORE THAN 360 DEGREES. THERE ARE SEVERAL RATTLES AND CLICKS IN THE WHEEL. DRIVING IS NOT AFFECTED. IT FEELS AS IF SOMETHING IS LOOSE INSIDE THE AIRBAG. THE MAIN CONCERN IS A FEELING O…

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TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL MORE THAN QUARTER TURN. RATTLING, CLICKING NOISE IS APPARENT OUT OF CENTER STEERING CONSOLE. TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL MORE THAN 360 DEGREES. THERE ARE SEVERAL RATTLES AND CLICKS IN THE WHEEL. DRIVING IS NOT AFFECTED. IT FEELS AS IF SOMETHING IS LOOSE INSIDE THE AIRBAG. THE MAIN CONCERN IS A FEELING OF LOOSENESS NEAR THE AIRBAG CENTER. THE VEHICLE CAN BE STATIONARY IN MOTION. IT DOES NOT MATTER IF THE VEHICLES IN MOTION. THE ONLY THING IN MOTION IS THE STEERING WHEEL.

NHTSA ODI #11078355

21,000 miles · Dec 14, 2017
Steering

AS I TRIED TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN AT A VERY BUSY INTERSECTION, I HEARD A STRANGE NOISE AND TOTALLY LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEELING. I TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL 360 DEGREES ALL THE WAY, AROUND AND AROUND, BUT THE CAR KEPT GOING STRAIGHT... AFTER A MINUTE OR SO, THE COORDINATION BETWEEN THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE WHEELS RE-EST…

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AS I TRIED TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN AT A VERY BUSY INTERSECTION, I HEARD A STRANGE NOISE AND TOTALLY LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEELING. I TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL 360 DEGREES ALL THE WAY, AROUND AND AROUND, BUT THE CAR KEPT GOING STRAIGHT... AFTER A MINUTE OR SO, THE COORDINATION BETWEEN THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE WHEELS RE-ESTABLISHED AND I COULD MANAGE TO DRIVE TO A NEARBY PARKING LOT. THE SITUATION HAPPENED AGAIN IN THE PARKING LOT BEFORE IT CAME BACK TO NORMAL. WE TOOK THE CAR TO A LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND LEFT IT THERE FOR 2 DAYS. HOWEVER, TECHNICIANS SAID THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATION THE ISSUE MEANING THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY PROBLEM WITH IT. THEY TOLD US THAT IT IS PROBABLY THE ELECTRICITY PART! WE ARE VERY UNSATISFIED WITH THE ANSWER AND VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE UNSAFE CONDITION IT MAY CAUSE.

NHTSA ODI #11054636

1,500 miles · Sep 24, 2014
Service BrakesSteering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE DROVE OVER A POTHOLE, WHICH CAUSED THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE TO ELEVATE. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING AND BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MIL…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE DROVE OVER A POTHOLE, WHICH CAUSED THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE TO ELEVATE. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING AND BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,500. THE CONSUMER STATED HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, FOR ERRATIC STEERING WHEN GOING AROUND CURVES AT MODERATE SPEEDS. THE SAME MORNING, WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE WENT OVER A DIP IN THE PAVEMENT. THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WENT AIRBORNE AS IF, IT WAS ON A HYDRAULIC LIFT. THE CONSUMER HAD NO CONTROL OF THE STEERING OR BRAKING. WHAT SAVED HIM WAS THE LEFT REAR BRAKE AND THE TIRE JERKED ON THE PAVEMENT AND PULLED THE VEHICLE BACK STRAIGHT. HE EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE FOR A SECOND TIME. UPDATED 10/29/14 UPDATED 11/21/14*CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE DOESN'T OCCUR WITH MULTIPLE PEOPLE IN THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER REFUSED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE ALONE.*JS

NHTSA ODI #10638772

1,100 miles · Sep 17, 2014
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY LOOSE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SWAY ABNORMALLY. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER WHEN MAKING A TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY LOOSE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SWAY ABNORMALLY. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER WHEN MAKING A TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,100.

NHTSA ODI #10636921

Official recalls

3

20V369000 · Hybrid Propulsion System: Inverter

Jun 24, 2020

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An unexpected hybrid power system shut down may increase the risk of a crash.

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.

18V684000 · Hybrid Propulsion System

Oct 4, 2018

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the hybrid system shuts down unexpectedly, it can increase the risk of a crash.

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.

14V053000 · Electrical System:software; Hybrid Propulsion System: Inverter

Feb 12, 2014

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Hybrid Propulsion System: Inverter

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.

Consequence: 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.

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.

Electrical System:software

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.

Consequence: 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.

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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

3

DP23005 · Brake Actuator Valve Wear

Opened Nov 22, 2023 · No close date supplied

Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist

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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components

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.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist

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.

DP22005 · Pedestrian Alert Sounds

Opened Jan 27, 2023 · Closed Aug 7, 2023

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:propulsion 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.

DP19004 · Brake Actuator Valve Wear

Opened Sep 30, 2019 · Closed Jan 21, 2021

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist

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.