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2015 Toyota Prius

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2015 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

71 reports with mileage · 93 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 87 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 27 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 13 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

29 crash reports1 fire reports12 injury reports

What owners actually said

164 reports
90 miles · Jul 21, 2015
StructureCrash

I PULLED INTO MY DRIVEWAY TO PARK THE CAR. I PRESSED THE POWER OFF BUTTON TO TURN OFF THE CAR. THE SHIFT LEVER WAS IN THE DRIVE POSITION. THE CAR DISPLAY SAID GOODBYE BUT THE CAR DROVE FORWARD. I JAMMED ON THE BRAKE AND HIT A WAGON CAUSING $1300 DAMAGE. A CHILD OR ANIMAL COULD HAVE BEEN HIT. THE OWNER'S MANUAL STATES ON P.1…

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I PULLED INTO MY DRIVEWAY TO PARK THE CAR. I PRESSED THE POWER OFF BUTTON TO TURN OFF THE CAR. THE SHIFT LEVER WAS IN THE DRIVE POSITION. THE CAR DISPLAY SAID GOODBYE BUT THE CAR DROVE FORWARD. I JAMMED ON THE BRAKE AND HIT A WAGON CAUSING $1300 DAMAGE. A CHILD OR ANIMAL COULD HAVE BEEN HIT. THE OWNER'S MANUAL STATES ON P.188 THAT IF THE HYBRID SYSTEM OF THE CAR IS TURNED OFF WITH THE SHIFT LEVER IN A POSITION OTHER THAN PARK, THE CAR WILL BE TURNED TO ACCESSORY MODE.

NHTSA ODI #10735586

1,000 miles · Jul 17, 2015
StructureCrashInjury

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.…

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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 ODI #10734833

3,200 miles · Jun 6, 2015
Air BagsElectrical SystemService BrakesCrash

I WAS PULLING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE WHERE MY FRONT WAS UP AGAINST A BUILDING WITH A CAR ON EITHER SIDE OF ME. I REVERSED FOR ABOUT 25' WHERE A TELEPHONE POLE MANDATED THAT I MAKE A K-TURN TO GET OUT. AS I SWITCHED FROM REVERSE TO FORWARD, I SAW A SPARK AS THE CAR JET-PROPELLED FORWARD. I TRIED TO BREAK MULTIPLE TIMES, BUT THE C…

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I WAS PULLING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE WHERE MY FRONT WAS UP AGAINST A BUILDING WITH A CAR ON EITHER SIDE OF ME. I REVERSED FOR ABOUT 25' WHERE A TELEPHONE POLE MANDATED THAT I MAKE A K-TURN TO GET OUT. AS I SWITCHED FROM REVERSE TO FORWARD, I SAW A SPARK AS THE CAR JET-PROPELLED FORWARD. I TRIED TO BREAK MULTIPLE TIMES, BUT THE CAR ACCELERATED THE 25' INTO THE WALL. ALL AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, AND FLUID GUSHED OUT OF THE FRONT END. THE CAR WAS DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS. I WAS TOLD BY TOYOTA AND MY INSURANCE COMPANY THAT I MUST HAVE ACCIDENTALLY ACCELERATED INSTEAD OF REPEATEDLY BREAKING. I AM GRATEFUL THAT I HIT A WALL INSTEAD OF PEOPLE. SOMEONE COULD EASILY HAVE DIED HAD I HAD SWITCHED FROM REVERSE GEAR TO FORWARD IN LESS CONFINED LOCATION. THE ENTIRE ACCIDENT LASTED 2 SECONDS, WITH NO OPPORTUNITY TO PULL THE EMERGENCY BREAK OR GO INTO NEUTRAL. PS: I AM A HAPPILY MARRIED DOCTOR WITH BEAUTIFUL CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN, AND NOT AT ALL SUICIDAL. THIS THREE MONTH OLD 2015 PRIUS 3 FAILED BEFORE THE FIRST OIL CHANGE. I AM NOT SATISFIED WITH THE RESULTS.

NHTSA ODI #10723794

400 miles · Jan 28, 2015
Electrical SystemSteeringVehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury

A BRAND NEW:2015 ONLY DRIVEN FOR TWO DAYS, WENT OUT OF CONTROL AFTER COMPLETING RIGHT TURN. DRIVER STOPPED AT RED LIGHT. TURNED RIGHT WHILE ACCELERATING WITH FULL CONTROL OF VEHICLE. COMPLETED RIGHT TURN WHILE ACCELERATING TO ATTAIN HIGHWAY SPEED IN 45 MPH ZONE. UPON COMPLETION OF TURN DRIVER TURNED STEERING WHEEL LESS THAN…

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A BRAND NEW:2015 ONLY DRIVEN FOR TWO DAYS, WENT OUT OF CONTROL AFTER COMPLETING RIGHT TURN. DRIVER STOPPED AT RED LIGHT. TURNED RIGHT WHILE ACCELERATING WITH FULL CONTROL OF VEHICLE. COMPLETED RIGHT TURN WHILE ACCELERATING TO ATTAIN HIGHWAY SPEED IN 45 MPH ZONE. UPON COMPLETION OF TURN DRIVER TURNED STEERING WHEEL LESS THAN 2 INCHES TO DRIVERS RIGHT TO CONTINUE BEARING ON STRAIT COURSE DOWN HIGHWAY. IMMEDIATELY THEREAFTER STEERING WHEEL SHUDDERED, AND STEERING WHEEL ROTATED HARD TO THE RIGHT FOR WHAT SEEMED LIKE A 110 PLUS DEGREE ROTATION. THE PRIUS OUT OF CONTROL VEERED SHARPLY TO THE RIGHT AND SMASHED INTO CURB. DRIVER INJURED BACK, HAND, AND FOOT. ...UPDATED 03-11-15 *BF

NHTSA ODI #10679356

Official recalls

1

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.

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.