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    GREEN CHOICE

    Toyota Prius

    EPA MPG: 52 mpg

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

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    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
    Common Trouble Spot

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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/Trim

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

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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)

    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.

    EV Battery

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

    Transmission Major

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

    Brakes

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

    Noises/Leaks

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

    Transmission Minor

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

    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.

    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.

    2016 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
    * Redesign year
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    Overall Reliability Verdict
    NA
    NA
    NA

    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Electric Motor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    EV Battery
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Cooling
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Electrical
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Drive System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Exhaust
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Suspension/Steering
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Brakes
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Build Quality
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Electrical Accessories
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Body Hardware
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Paint/Trim
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Noises/Leaks
    NA
    NA
    NA
    In-car Electronics
    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 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
    PARKING BRAKE
    Oct 14, 2016
    If the parking brake cable disengages from the mechanism and the transmission is left in a gear other than 'Park' while the ignition is on and the driver leaves the vehicle, the vehicle may roll unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Prius vehicles manufactured August 6, 2015, to October 3, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with a foot-operated parking brake system that has a parking brake cable that may disengage.
    What should you do:
    Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will install a clip at the parking brake cable end to prevent the cable from disengaging, free of charge. The recall began November 10, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is G01.
    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: 16V741000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 91585
    AIR BAGS
    Sep 16, 2016
    A front passenger air bag that unintentionally inflates can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
    Summary:
    Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toyota Prius vehicles manufactured November 30, 2015, to June 14, 2016. An air bag inflator manufacturing error may result in the inadvertent partial inflation of the front passenger air bag.
    What should you do:
    Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began November 10, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is G0W.
    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: 16V672000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 7817
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