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 loose capacitor in the hybrid inverter that can shut down the hybrid system without warning, causing a sudden loss of drive power while the vehicle is moving.
Two separate recalls address the front passenger airbag, which can partially inflate on its own while driving, startling the driver and potentially striking a seated passenger. Both issues stem from the same manufacturing defect in the inflator and should be treated as one concern. On the electrical side, the wiring harness near the hybrid Power Control Unit can wear against a connector cover, exposing bare wires that can short and start a fire. A separate airbag sensor recall covers the side and curtain airbags, where pressure or acceleration sensors can fail and cause those airbags not to deploy in a crash. The parking brake also has a known issue: the cable can slip free of the rear caliper mechanism, leaving the brake unable to hold the car, which can cause it to roll away if the transmission is not in Park.
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.
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.
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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 →
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.
