This page covers 5 recalls, 511 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2011 Toyota Prius.
48 mpg combined
4.9 L/100km
Midsize Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The dominant complaint pattern for the 2011 Prius centers heavily on the brake system, which accounts by far for the largest share of owner reports. Owners frequently describe the brake booster and its accumulator failing, often without prior warning, resulting in dramatically increased pedal effort, some report needing far more force than normal just to slow the car. When the booster fails, the regenerative braking system also stops functioning, and a cluster of warning lights typically illuminates at the same time, including ABS, traction control, and brake indicators. Owners describe hearing the booster pump cycling abnormally, buzzing or running every few seconds, as a symptom that often precedes full failure. Exterior lighting complaints are the second-most reported system, though at much lower volume. The brake booster issue appears across a wide mileage range, with reports coming in anywhere from around 80,000 miles to well beyond 100,000 miles.
511
Total Complaints
36
Crash-Related
7
Fire-Related
16
With Injuries
By System
The 2011 Toyota Prius has 5 recalls, the most serious being a curtain shield airbag inflator with a cracked weld that can eject fragments into the passenger cabin during a crash.
On the hybrid drivetrain side, two related recalls affect the inverter's Intelligent Power Module. Excessive voltage or high operating temperatures can damage the transistors inside the module, causing the hybrid system to either shut down entirely while driving or force the car into a reduced-power limp-home mode. A third inverter-adjacent issue involves the electrically driven water pump: a scratch from manufacturing can allow the pump's internal coil wire to corrode and eventually break, stopping the pump and leaving the hybrid system without cooling. There is also a fire risk tied to aftermarket heated front seats installed through Southeast Toyota distributors: if the copper strand heating element inside the seat is damaged, it can short circuit and start a fire.
At a glance
What can fail
A voltage problem in the inverter's Intelligent Power Module may cause the hybrid system to shut down unexpectedly, stalling the vehicle while driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the motor/generator control and hybrid control software at no cost to restore proper system function.
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A weld in the curtain shield air bag inflator may crack, causing one or both parts of the inflator to break away and eject into the passenger cabin.
What the fix does
Dealers will install retention brackets on the curtain shield air bags to prevent inflator parts from ejecting into the cabin.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The electrical wiring in aftermarket seat heaters with copper strand heating elements can be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed, potentially causing electrical issues.
What the fix does
Dealers will disconnect the seat heaters at no charge and refund the purchase price of the accessory.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Transistors in the inverter module's power component may overheat and fail, causing warning lights to appear and reducing engine power so the vehicle can only travel a short distance.
What the fix does
Dealers will update software in two engine control units to prevent overheating. If the inverter fails beforehand, dealers will repair or replace it at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The electrically driven water pump may have a scratch on the coil wire that occurred during manufacturing. This scratch can cause the coil wire to corrode over time.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the electric water pump at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
