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GREEN CHOICE

Toyota Prius

EPA MPG: 52 mpg
Average Retail Price
$13,475

RECALL ALERT:
There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability

Overall Reliability
/ 100

We expect the 2025 Prius will be more reliable than the average new car. This prediction is based on data from 2023 and 2024 models.

The 2016 Toyota Prius has been recalled 5 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
/ 5
Common Trouble Spot
/ 5

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2016 Toyota Prius owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Catalytic converter

"Suddenly the car was producing excessive white exhaust and the heater stopped working. I made a service appointment and was told the problem was the catalytic converter."

Anonymous, CA (2016 Toyota Prius Three 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"Coolant leaked into catalytic converter so converter had to be replaced"

Anonymous, MN (2016 Toyota Prius Three 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"Coolant was coming out of the catalytic converter because of a crack in the heat exchanger attached to it. A repair requires a replacement of the entire catalytic converter system. There is a 30-day minimum back order period for the part, so my car will be parked next to the dealership for at least a month. I am using this as an opportunity to buy the Tesla Model Y."

Anonymous A., CA (2016 Toyota Prius Four 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
Exhaust leaks

"Coolant leaked into catalytic converter so converter had to be replaced"

Anonymous, MN (2016 Toyota Prius Three 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
Other/unsure

"Replace starter battery"

Anonymous, AB (2016 Toyota Prius ECO 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Electrical Accessories

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

/ 5

What Owners Say

12V battery

"battery discharged and did not provide warning"

Anonymous, CA (2016 Toyota Prius Three 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"Battery was dead upon trying to start it in garage at home. No lights left on or long time undriven, no prior warning. Happened twice a few months apart, started with jump both times. After second time I took it in (dealer service center) and they confirmed it had lost a cell and needed replacement, which I authorized. No problems other than those two times and no problems since replacement."

Anonymous, OR (2016 Toyota Prius Four 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"Never had an issue like this with 2006 Prius. Learned that the hybrid battery keeps the 12 volt battery charged when car is operating. Not driving 2016 a lot. Also, not sure it had a hybrid 12 volt battery in it when bought used from a dealer. Regular 12 volt car batteries can NOT be used in hybrids AND cannot be changed without connecting hybrid system to a special machine that holds all your hybrid system information intact while battery is changed. No home repair fixes anymore!!"

Anonymous, SC (2016 Toyota Prius 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
Keyless entry

"The door doesn't always respond to opening or closing completely. I have to make sure the key is in hand when exiting vehicle or I'm locked out. Or I have to enter car thru passenger side door, but must have key in hand. left key on passenger seat in garage. Went to get back in car and the door was locked. Luckily the window was down so I could reach in car to open the door."

Anonymous, SC (2016 Toyota Prius 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

/ 5

What Owners Say

A/C compressor

"Was blowing hot"

Anonymous, AZ (2016 Toyota Prius Two 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
Refrigerant leaks

"Covered manufacturers defect with one or more of the hoses for the engine coolant / antifreeze. Leaking."

Anonymous, OR (2016 Toyota Prius 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Traction control

"Car wouldn't start. I attached old analog amp gauge battery charger. I didn't realize the car was still on even though it didn't start. Amp gauge wildly swung from 0 to 8 amps & back. I pulled off charger- got hybrid system malfunction & traction control light. Hybrid light went away- traction control stayed on."

Anonymous, PA (2016 Toyota Prius ECO 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Paint And Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

"Paint or finish on rear window area trim peeling on both sides"

Anonymous, HI (2016 Toyota Prius Four Touring 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Fuel System/Emissions

Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Other emissions/fuel system problem

"Check engine light, code revealed potential gas cap problem. Dealer diagnosed, gas cap replaced."

Anonymous, WA (2016 Toyota Prius Three 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Body Hardware

Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Tailgate, hatch or trunk

"Pneumatic lift (?) failed so trunk wouldnt stay open without being held open"

Anonymous, HI (2016 Toyota Prius Four Touring 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Engine rebuild or replacement

"Engine quit running"

Anonymous, WA (2016 Toyota Prius ECO 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Display screen goes blank

"Navigation GPS stopped working 2 years ago. Software update did not fix. Maybe there was incipient mouse damage to wiring. Cost of annual GPS software update too exorbitant."

Anonymous A., IL (2016 Toyota Prius Three Touring 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Steering And Suspension

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

/ 5

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

/ 5

Brakes

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

/ 5

Noises And Leaks

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

/ 5

Transmission Minor

Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

/ 5

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

/ 5

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

/ 5

Engine Electrical

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

/ 5

2016 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

Reliability History
* Redesign year
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16*
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20
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Overall Reliability Verdict

POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Powertrain
Electric Motor
EV Battery
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Engine Electrical
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System/Emissions
Exhaust
Steering and Suspension
Brakes
Climate System
Build Quality
Electrical Accessories
Body Hardware
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
In-car Electronics
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for over 300,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2024 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical accessories. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Sep 05, 2018
An electrical short can increase the risk of a fire.
Summary:
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Toyota Prius vehicles. A portion of the engine wire harness connected to the hybrid Power Control Unit (PCU), could contact the cover at this connection and wear, causing an electrical short circuit.
What should you do:
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine wire harness assembly and replace it if damage is found. A protective sleeve or protective tape will be included to prevent any future damage. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is J0T.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 18V579000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 192347
AIR BAGS
Jan 31, 2018
If the air bags fail to deploy in a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
Summary:
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2016 Toyota Prius and Lexus RX 350, RX 350 F Sport, RX 450h F Sport and RX 450h vehicles and 2015-2016 Lexus NX 200T, NX Turbo and NX 300h vehicles. The air bag pressure sensors and/or the acceleration sensors may fail causing the side/curtain shield air bags and/or the front air bags to not deploy in the event of a crash.
What should you do:
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the sensors as necessary based on their serial numbers, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 12, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are JLA, J0F.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 18V085000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 48672
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
Oct 18, 2017
If the capacitor was not properly secured, vibrations from driving the vehicle may damage the capacitor, shutting down the hybrid system, causing a loss of motive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
Summary:
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2016 Prius vehicles. A capacitor within the hybrid system may not have been properly bolted to the inverter housing.
What should you do:
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inverter, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin by early December 2017. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is H0U.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 17V658000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 6
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