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    GREEN CHOICE

    Toyota Prius

    EPA MPG: 52 mpg

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    The 2021 Prius is more reliable than other cars from the same model year.

    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2021 Toyota Prius owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    Exhaust

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

    What Owners Say

    Other/unsure

    ""Back closure of car should have option for automatic closure. Difficult for short, elderly individuals to reach high to pull trunk closed.""

    Anonymous, AZ (2021 Toyota Prius LE 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    ""not really serious problems: 1. there is a continuing problem with the locks not working correctly on the driver side. the key fob does not always unlock the door and the vehicle must be entered by the passenger side to unlock the driver door. 2. Occasionally, the cruise control will not engage while driving the vehicle. The next day works with no issue.""

    Anonymous, MI (2021 Toyota Prius Unsure 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    ""When the temperature is below zero for several days, the Prius has a very hard time starting. I try to start it, then I must wait. About 10 minutes before the vehicle actually starts. I park in an unheated detached garage. This is a new problem in the winter of 2024 2025. Ive taken it to my local mechanic and to the dealer And, since they do not let the car sit outside to get cold, they cannot seem to figure out the problem. Once the weather warmed up below zero, the car work just fine.""

    Anonymous, IL (2021 Toyota Prius LE 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "This 4-wheel drive road 1.5 lower than a regular Prius causing multiple ground clearance problems and parking lot issue caused damage."

    Anonymous, WA (2021 Toyota Prius XLE 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "Skid plate tornoff"

    Anonymous A., NM (2021 Toyota Prius LE 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    Brakes

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

    What Owners Say

    Premature brake wear

    "Brakes were replaced after 20K on the odometer. Brakes were replaced AGAIN after 45K miles."

    Anonymous, NY (2021 Toyota Prius Unsure 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    EV Battery

    Electric/hybrid battery pack failure, replacement or malfunction, or cooling.

    What Owners Say

    Electric/hybrid battery pack replacement

    ""The car's doors didn't unlock with the key fobs one day. After over-riding them, we got in the car but the ignition was dead. In fact, the battery needed to be replaced.""

    Anonymous, CA (2021 Toyota Prius XLE 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    Engine Major

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

    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.

    Climate System

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

    In-car Electronics

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

    Suspension/Steering

    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.

    Transmission Major

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

    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.

    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.

    Transmission Minor

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

    Noises/Leaks

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

    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.

    Paint/Trim

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

    Engine Minor

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

    Engine Cooling

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

    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.

    2021 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
    * Redesign year
    00
    01*
    02
    03
    04*
    05
    06
    07
    08
    09
    10*
    11
    12
    13
    14
    15
    16*
    17
    18
    19
    20
    21
    22
    23*
    24
    25
    Overall Reliability Verdict
    NA
    NA
    NA

    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Electric Motor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    EV Battery
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Cooling
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Electrical
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Drive System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Exhaust
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Suspension/Steering
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Brakes
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Build Quality
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Electrical Accessories
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Body Hardware
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Paint/Trim
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Noises/Leaks
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    In-car Electronics
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    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 about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 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.
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