Toyota Prius 2010–2015 problems by year and mileage
3rd generation (XW30)
NHTSA data through 18 October 20264,618 complaints, 3,205 with mileageMethod
Which year is yours? Tap it to see what breaks on it.
The 2010 Toyota Prius
Close- Median failure report
- 6,500 mi
- Complaints filed
- 2,829
- Recalls naming this year
- 10
Most reported on the 2010
- Hydraulic brake circuit849 reports · median 3,000 mi
- Brakes596 reports · median 93,000 mi
- Electronic brake control502 reports · median 3,000 mi
Recall areas Hybrid propulsion system · Air bags — side/window · Seats — front assembly
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2011 Toyota Prius
Close- Median failure report
- 76,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 522
- Recalls naming this year
- 6
Most reported on the 2011
- Brakes264 reports · median 80,000 mi
- Electrical system68 reports · median 81,000 mi
- Exterior lighting48 reports · median 68,000 mi
Recall areas Hybrid propulsion system · Air bags — side/window · Seats — front assembly
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2012 Toyota Prius
Close- Median failure report
- 56,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 449
- Recalls naming this year
- 7
† This median likely runs low (why).
Most reported on the 2012
- Brakes194 reports · median 78,000 mi
- Electrical system55 reports · median 45,000 mi
- Exterior lighting37 reports
Recall areas Hybrid propulsion system · Air bags — side/window · Seats — front assembly
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2013 Toyota Prius
Close- Median failure report
- 55,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 425
- Recalls naming this year
- 4
† This median likely runs low (why).
Most reported on the 2013
- Brakes239 reports · median 84,000 mi
- Electrical system55 reports · median 62,000 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise51 reports
Recall areas Hybrid propulsion system — inverter · Hybrid propulsion system
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2014 Toyota Prius
Close- Median failure report
- 30,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 222
- Recalls naming this year
- 4
† This median likely runs low (why).
Most reported on the 2014
- Brakes100 reports
- Electrical system35 reports
- Problems owners could not categorise27 reports
Recall areas Hybrid propulsion system — inverter · Hybrid propulsion system
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2015 Toyota Prius
Close- Median failure report
- 31,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 171
- Recalls naming this year
- 2
† This median likely runs low (why).
Most reported on the 2015
- Brakes91 reports
- Electrical system28 reports
- Problems owners could not categorise15 reports
Recall areas Hybrid propulsion system — inverter · Hybrid propulsion system
Check the VIN at NHTSA
Tiles: each year’s median failure mileage. † Median likely runs low (complaints filed after 2020). Latest: the 2011; earliest: the 2010, and the 2010 is 1 year older (part of the gap is age).
The short answer
“Is the 2010–2015 Toyota Prius reliable?”
- Median of reported failures
- 11,000 mi
- 90% of reports came by
- 135,000 mi
- Reports with mileage
- 3,205
- Recalls
- 13
Most reported
- Brakes32.1% of complaints · median 87,000 mi
- Hydraulic brake circuit19.4% of complaints · median 3,500 mi
- Electronic brake control10.9% of complaints · median 3,000 mi
Documented problems
- EGR System / Head Gasket2010–2015
- Engine (oil Consumption)2010–2014
- Brakes2010
- Inverter2010–2014
Owners filed 4,618 complaints with NHTSA about the 2010–2015 Toyota Prius; the brakes leads with 32.1% of them, and half of the 3,205 that record an odometer reading came by 11,000 miles — complaints, not a failure rate.
51% of complaints that record mileage fall within the first 12,000 miles, against 10.3 reports per 1,000 miles between 20,000 and 80,000. Failures clustered that early usually indicate a design or manufacturing problem rather than wear.
Before-you-buy checklist ↓At your mileage ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
How many miles does a 2010–2015 Toyota Prius last?
On the 2010–2015 Toyota Prius, half of the 3,205 complaints that record an odometer reading were filed by 11,000 miles and 90% by 135,000 miles (why that is not a lifespan).
247 reports came in past 150,000 miles and 63 past 200,000 — each one proof that a Prius reached that mileage, not that it failed there.
Figure 1 · Toyota Prius 2010–2015 · 3,205 reports with mileage
Mileage at failure
5,000-mile bins, 0 to 200,000 miles, linear scale; tallest bar 1,117 complaints
- First 12,000 miles — 51% of all failures
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 200,000+ — 63 complaints (2.0%), plotted separately
- 10%
- 429
- 25%
- 2,500
- Median
- 11,000
- 75%
- 85,000
- 90%
- 135,000
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–5,000 | 1,117 | 34.9% |
| 5,000–10,000 | 409 | 12.8% |
| 10,000–15,000 | 138 | 4.3% |
| 15,000–20,000 | 69 | 2.2% |
| 20,000–25,000 | 64 | 2.0% |
| 25,000–30,000 | 55 | 1.7% |
| 30,000–35,000 | 56 | 1.7% |
| 35,000–40,000 | 52 | 1.6% |
| 40,000–45,000 | 61 | 1.9% |
| 45,000–50,000 | 45 | 1.4% |
| 50,000–55,000 | 47 | 1.5% |
| 55,000–60,000 | 44 | 1.4% |
| 60,000–65,000 | 66 | 2.1% |
| 65,000–70,000 | 46 | 1.4% |
| 70,000–75,000 | 37 | 1.2% |
| 75,000–80,000 | 46 | 1.4% |
| 80,000–85,000 | 42 | 1.3% |
| 85,000–90,000 | 54 | 1.7% |
| 90,000–95,000 | 61 | 1.9% |
| 95,000–100,000 | 55 | 1.7% |
| 100,000–105,000 | 56 | 1.7% |
| 105,000–110,000 | 36 | 1.1% |
| 110,000–115,000 | 49 | 1.5% |
| 115,000–120,000 | 46 | 1.4% |
| 120,000–125,000 | 55 | 1.7% |
| 125,000–130,000 | 34 | 1.1% |
| 130,000–135,000 | 39 | 1.2% |
| 135,000–140,000 | 29 | 0.9% |
| 140,000–145,000 | 34 | 1.1% |
| 145,000–150,000 | 16 | 0.5% |
| 150,000–155,000 | 37 | 1.2% |
| 155,000–160,000 | 20 | 0.6% |
| 160,000–165,000 | 24 | 0.7% |
| 165,000–170,000 | 23 | 0.7% |
| 170,000–175,000 | 10 | 0.3% |
| 175,000–180,000 | 19 | 0.6% |
| 180,000–185,000 | 16 | 0.5% |
| 185,000–190,000 | 10 | 0.3% |
| 190,000–195,000 | 13 | 0.4% |
| 195,000–200,000 | 12 | 0.4% |
| 200,000+ | 63 | 2.0% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
Common Prius problems, and when they happen
Figure 2 · Toyota Prius 2010–2015
When each system fails
Bar: middle half of reports · notch: median · proportional (log) scale (how to read it)
- Electronic brake control502 reportsmedian 3,000middle half 1,000–5,500
- Hydraulic brake circuit897 reportsmedian 3,500middle half 1,000–7,500
- Throttle and speed control376 reportsmedian 5,000middle half 1,500–19,000
- Electrical system434 reportsmedian 59,000middle half 15,000–110,000
- Problems owners could not categorise265 reportsmedian 74,000middle half 20,000–103,000
- Brakes1,484 reportsmedian 87,000middle half 35,000–128,000
- Engine286 reportsmedian 98,000middle half 63,000–134,000
- Your odometer, once entered below
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first.
All systems in a table
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 1,484 | 32.1% | 87,000 | 35,000–128,000 |
| Hydraulic brake circuit | 897 | 19.4% | 3,500 | 1,000–7,500 |
| Electronic brake control | 502 | 10.9% | 3,000 | 1,000–5,500 |
| Electrical system | 434 | 9.4% | 59,000 | 15,000–110,000 |
| Throttle and speed control | 376 | 8.1% | 5,000 | 1,500–19,000 |
| Engine | 286 | 6.2% | 98,000 | 63,000–134,000 |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 265 | 5.7% | 74,000 | 20,000–103,000 |
| Exterior lighting | 260 | 5.6% | 68,000 | 35,000–105,000 |
| Airbag system | 196 | 4.2% | 50,000 | 10,000–80,000 |
| Transmission and driveline | 154 | 3.3% | 22,000 | 3,500–90,000 |
Known problems with the 2010–2015 Prius
EGR System / Head Gasket 2010–2015
The EGR cooler and intake-side EGR passages accumulate heavy carbon deposits, restricting flow and driving localized combustion heat that fails the head gasket between cylinders. Symptoms are cold-start misfire (P0300/P0301), coolant loss with no external leak, and rhythmic shake on startup. The EGR cooler itself can also leak coolant internally, producing near-identical symptoms at far lower repair cost. This is the defining failure mode of the generation.
Engine (oil Consumption) 2010–2014
Excessive oil consumption on the 2ZR-FXE traced to piston ring design, commonly one quart per 1,000-2,000 miles, which accelerates the EGR carbon fouling above.
Brakes 2010
ABS and regenerative braking handoff software could produce a momentary loss of braking response over bumpy or slick surfaces; the subject of Toyota's February 2010 recall, one of the highest-profile Prius actions.
Inverter 2010–2014
Inverter IGBT control software could allow the hybrid system to shut down while driving; covered by a 2014 Toyota recall spanning the generation.
Water Pump 2010–2015
Electric coolant pump failure causing overheating and hybrid system warnings.
Before you buy a 2010–2015 Prius: the 3-minute check
Generated from 3,205 mileage-tagged complaints, 13 recall campaigns, 5 documented problem areas.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 13 campaigns cover this generation.
- Ask for hydraulic brake circuit repair records. Reports on this area come at a median of 3,500 miles — on any car this age it already happened or never will; the question is whether it was fixed under warranty.
- Ask for electronic brake control repair records. Same question here: a median of 3,000 miles.
- Check EGR system / head gasket on 2010–2015 (most reported on 2010–2014) cars. What each looks like: Known problems.
- Check engine (oil consumption) on 2010–2014 cars.
- Check brakes on 2010 cars.
- Years differ here: from 171 to 2,829 complaints a year — compare them by model year.
- End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car.
Prius problems by mileage: where your car sits
Type your odometer, or read the table.
| System | Middle half of reports, mi | At 60k mi67% below | At 90k mi76% below | At 120k mi86% below | At 150k mi92% below | At 200k mi98% below |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 35,000–128,000 | in window | in window | in window | earlier | earlier |
| Hydraulic brake circuit | 1,000–7,500 | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Electronic brake control | 1,000–5,500 | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Electrical system | 15,000–110,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Throttle and speed control | 1,500–19,000 | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Engine | 63,000–134,000 | later | in window | in window | earlier | earlier |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 20,000–103,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
Figure 3 · Toyota Prius 2010–2015 · 3,205 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Steps at bin edges (how to read it)
- 60,000 mi — 67% of reports below
- 90,000 mi — 76% of reports below
- 120,000 mi — 86% of reports below
- 150,000 mi — 92% of reports below
- 200,000 mi — 98% of reports below
- Median (the 50% line)
- Your odometer, once entered
Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
2010–2015 Toyota Prius recalls (13)
NHTSA records 13 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation (what a recall is).
The campaigns cluster around the hybrid propulsion system (4), seats (3), equipment (3) (why one area can repeat).
Jun 2020 · 2013–2015 · Hybrid Propulsion SystemAn unexpected hybrid power system shut down may increase the risk of a crash.
The defect. Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Prius and 2014-2017 Prius V vehicles not included in recall 18V-684. Excessive voltage in the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) within the inverter may cause the hybrid system to…
What can happen. An unexpected hybrid power system shut down may increase the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will perform a software update for the hybrid system. If the vehicle has experienced an inverter failure with certain hybrid system faults related to this…
Oct 2018 · 2010–2014 · Hybrid Propulsion SystemIf the hybrid system shuts down unexpectedly, it can increase the risk of a crash.
The defect. Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Toyota Prius and 2012-2014 Toyota Prius V vehicles. Excessive voltage in the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) within the inverter may cause the hybrid system to shut down, causing…
What can happen. If the hybrid system shuts down unexpectedly, it can increase the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the motor/generator control electronic control unit (ECU) and the hybrid control ECU as necessary, free of charge. The recall began…
Nov 2017 · 2012–2015 · Hybrid Propulsion SystemThe failed fuse may cause the hybrid system to shut down resulting in the loss of power.
The defect. Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2012-2015 Prius Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. The hybrid battery contains an Electric Vehicle (EV) fuse that may fracture after repeated high-load driving conditions such as climbing long hills.
What can happen. The failed fuse may cause the hybrid system to shut down resulting in the loss of power. Loss of power while driving at higher speeds can increase the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EV fuse, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 8, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.…
Jun 2016 · 2010–2012 · Air BagsIf either portion of the curtain shield air bag inflator ejects into the passenger cabin, there is an…
The defect. Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Toyota Prius, 2010 and 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid, and 2011-2012 Lexus CT200h vehicles. A weld in the curtain shield air bag inflator may crack causing one or…
What can happen. If either portion of the curtain shield air bag inflator ejects into the passenger cabin, there is an increased risk of injury to vehicle occupants.
The free fix. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will install retention brackets to the curtain shield air bags, free of charge. The recall began on October 17, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota Customer Service…
Jun 2016 · 2010–2012 · SeatsIf damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
The defect. Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 RAV4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011…
What can happen. If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
The free fix. SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact…
Nov 2014 · 2010–2011 · SeatsDamage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and…
The defect. Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4…
What can happen. Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.
The free fix. SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge. The recall is expected…
Feb 2014 · 2010–2014 · Hybrid Propulsion SystemThe vehicle may enter a fail-safe/limp-home mode that limits the drivability of the vehicle.
The defect. Toyota is recalling certain model year 2010 through 2014 Prius vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) inside the inverter module (a component of the hybrid system) contains transistors that may become damaged from high…
What can happen. The vehicle may enter a fail-safe/limp-home mode that limits the drivability of the vehicle. The hybrid system could also shut down completely resulting in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a…
The free fix. Toyota will notify owners and dealers will update the software for both the motor/generator control electronic control unit (ECU) and the hybrid control ECU, free of charge. If an owner experiences a…
Jun 2013 · 2010 · Service BrakesAs nitrogen is released into the brake fluid, the brake pedal may have reduced hydraulic pressure.
The defect. Toyota is recalling certain model year 2010 Prius vehicles manufactured March 31, 2009, through October 9, 2009; and model year 2010 Lexus HS250h vehicles manufactured June 19, 2009, through October 9, 2009. Nitrogen gas from a component of the brake booster…
What can happen. As nitrogen is released into the brake fluid, the brake pedal may have reduced hydraulic pressure. Under certain circumstances, this condition could affect stopping distance and increase the risk of…
The free fix. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected brake booster pump assemblies. The recall began on August 7, 2013. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Apr 2013 · 2012 · EquipmentAn inaccurate label could lead to owners overloading their vehicles and tires.
The defect. Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2010-2013 Toyota Tundra, 2010-2012 RAV4, 2012 Toyota Sequoia, 2010-2011 Toyota Corolla, 2010-2011 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota FJ…
What can happen. An inaccurate label could lead to owners overloading their vehicles and tires. An overloaded vehicle can result in a tire failure which may result in a vehicle crash, personal injury, or property…
The free fix. Southeast Toyota will notify owners and provide a corrected label with instructions concerning its installation. A small group of the affected vehicles will need additonal remedies which are still…
Jan 2013 · 2010–2012 · SeatsIf the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may…
The defect. Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and…
What can happen. If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This…
The free fix. Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact…
Feb 2010 · 2010 · Service Brakes, AirVehicle stopping distances may increase relative to a customer's expectation increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. Toyota is recalling certain model year 2010 Toyota Prius and Lexus hs250h passenger vehicles. Customers have experienced inconsistent brake feel after ABS actuation during slow and steady application of the brakes on rough or slick road surfaces. Stopping…
What can happen. Vehicle stopping distances may increase relative to a customer's expectation increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will rewrite the programming of the ABS control unit free of charge. The safety recall began on march 3, 2010, and is expected to be completed in late march 2010. Owners may contact Toyota at…
Feb 2010 · 2010 · EquipmentA driver may overload a vehicle which may increase the risk of a crash.
The defect. Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 passenger vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "Tire selection and rims." These vehicles were sold without the requisite load carrying…
What can happen. A driver may overload a vehicle which may increase the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will mail to consumers the corrected label or the customer will have the option for dealers to install the label free of charge. The safety recall began on may 27, 2010. Owners may contact…
Feb 2010 · 2010 · EquipmentThis does not meet the standard requirements.
The defect. Gulf states Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "Tire selection and rims." These vehicles were sold between september 1, 2005 and june 2, 2008…
What can happen. This does not meet the standard requirements.
The free fix. Dealers will mail to consumers the corrected label or the customer will have the option for dealers to install the label free of charge. Dealers will also correct the owner's manual. The safety…
Crashes, fires and injuries owners reported
Out of 4,618 complaints against this generation, owners also reported:
- Crashes
- 370 (8.0%)
- Fires
- 29
- Injury reports
- 135
- Fatality reports
- 3
Prius problems by model year
The 2010 drew the most complaints of this generation, 2,829, most of them about the hydraulic brake circuit, and the 2015 the fewest, 171. A typical year drew about 437.
That makes the 2010 stand out at roughly 6.5 times a typical year (what a yearly count can and cannot say).
| Year | Complaints | With mileage | Median miles | Most reported | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 2,829 | 2,262 | 6,500 | Hydraulic brake circuit (849) | 10 |
| 2011 | 522 | 329 | 76,000 | Brakes (264) | 6 |
| 2012 | 449 | 252 | 56,000† | Brakes (194) | 7 |
| 2013 | 425 | 182 | 55,000† | Brakes (239) | 4 |
| 2014 | 222 | 106 | 30,000† | Brakes (100) | 4 |
| 2015 | 171 | 74 | 31,000† | Brakes (91) | 2 |
What Prius owners reported
The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving and pulling into a parking lot, there was a burning odor coming from the vehicle. The contact exited the vehicle but saw no fault with the vehicle. The contact was then notified by another person that the vehicle had caught on fire. The fire…
2013 · 139,000 miles · Electrical system
The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the ABS warning light illuminated. Minutes later, the vehicle started to brake and lurch forward with the accelerator pedal depressed. The contact stated that the vehicle spun out and crashed into the median. The contact’s chest struck…
2013 · 140,000 miles · Hydraulic brake circuit
The contact owned a 2012 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while making a left turn at 10 MPH, another vehicle crashed into the vehicle and t-boned the front passenger's side door of the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. There was no warning light illuminated. After the impact, the front windshield slowly…
2012 · 140,000 miles · Airbag system
The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS, traction control, and BRAKE warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled off on the off-ramp and became aware that extra effort was needed to depress the brake pedal. The vehicle was towed to the dealer…
2013 · 120,000 miles · Hydraulic brake circuit
Built from 3,205 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-10-20 · open data · how it is built
Other Prius generations
- Prius 2001–2003 317 reports with mileage, most about the steering
- Prius 2004–2009 5,987 reports with mileage, most about the exterior lighting
- Prius 2016–2022 268 reports with mileage, most about visibility/wiper