NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
The engine wire harness connected to the hybrid Power Control Unit can wear against its cover and short circuit.
This page covers 8 recalls, 153 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2016 Toyota Prius.
52 mpg combined
4.5 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
Visibility and wiper complaints dominate what 2016 Prius owners report, with the largest share of complaints centered on the headlights. Owners consistently describe the low-beam headlights as aimed too high or too bright, causing oncoming drivers to flash their high beams in response, a pattern reported across a wide range of driving conditions and without any cargo load. Brake system complaints are the second most-reported category, with owners describing brake actuator and booster pump failures that trigger dashboard warnings including "Braking Power Low" and ABS malfunction alerts, sometimes recurring in the same vehicle. Engine complaints appear less frequently but include water pump failures that owners say led to engine replacement, as well as a fuel smell reported near a full tank and coolant leaks traced to the heat exchanger. The headlight aim issue stands out as the single most consistent thread across this model year's complaint set.
153
Total Complaints
8
Crash-Related
4
With Injuries
By System
The 2016 Toyota Prius has 8 recalls, the most serious being a wiring harness near the hybrid Power Control Unit that can wear through its insulation, expose bare wires, and start a fire.
A separate hybrid system recall involves a capacitor inside the inverter that may not have been properly secured. Road vibrations can then damage the capacitor over time, shutting down the hybrid system entirely and leaving the driver without drive power while in traffic. On the airbag side, two recalls address the front passenger airbag inflator, which can partially inflate without warning while the vehicle is moving, potentially startling the driver or striking the front passenger. There is also a recall covering the airbag pressure and acceleration sensors, which can fail and prevent the side curtain and front airbags from deploying in a crash, removing a key layer of protection when it is needed most. Two recalls cover the foot-operated parking brake: the cable can slip free from the mechanism, making the parking brake unable to hold the car. If a driver leaves the vehicle in any gear other than Park with the ignition on and the parking brake has failed, the car can roll away on its own. Prior repair attempts did not fully resolve this issue, which is why it appears across more than one filing.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine wire harness connected to the hybrid Power Control Unit can wear against its cover and short circuit.
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Driver Assistance
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 →
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the wire harness and replace it if damaged, then add protective sleeve or tape to prevent future wear.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The connector cover on the hybrid Power Control Unit can rub against the wiring harness, wearing through the insulation. Exposed wires could short circuit and cause a fire.
What the fix does
Dealers will check the wiring for damage and install protective tape or replace the harness with a new one that includes a protective sleeve.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Air bag pressure and acceleration sensors may fail, preventing side, curtain shield, and front air bags from deploying during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the faulty sensors at no cost based on serial number verification.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A capacitor in the hybrid system may not be properly fastened to the inverter housing, which could cause it to fail.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the inverter at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The parking brake cable in the foot-operated parking brake system may come loose and disengage, potentially causing the brake to fail.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a clip at the parking brake cable end to prevent it from disengaging.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The parking brake cable can slip off the lever at the rear brake caliper, making the parking brake not work. If this happens and the transmission isn't in Park while you leave the vehicle running, it could roll away.
What the fix does
A clip will be installed where the parking brake cable connects to the rear brake caliper lever to keep it from slipping off.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A manufacturing error in the front passenger air bag inflator may cause it to partially inflate unexpectedly.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag assembly at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A defect in the passenger airbag inflator may release stored compressed gas, causing the airbag to partially inflate unexpectedly. This could startle the driver while driving or contact a front passenger, increasing injury risk.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the front passenger airbag assembly.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
