What year Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, 2012 and 2014 are the years to avoid. 2012 has the highest complaint index (100) with 25 complaints, and 2014 follows with a complaint index of 83 and 13 complaints.

Which Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid year is the best?

2015 is rated Best, with only 5 complaints and a complaint index of 17, the lowest among model years with data.

What is the most common problem on the Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid?

Brakes are the top problem area across all years, accounting for 34 of 64 total complaints, or 53%.

Are there recalls on the 2012 and 2014 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid?

Yes. Both years are covered by a recall for an EV fuse in the hybrid battery that may fracture after repeated high-load driving. The 2012 model also has a separate recall for a curtain air bag weld issue.

Should I be cautious about the 2010 and 2013 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid?

Yes, NHTSA data marks 2010 and 2013 as Caution years, with complaint indexes of 50 and 67 respectively, both driven mainly by Brakes complaints.

Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid Best and Worst Years (2010–2025)

Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid 2012 and 2014 are the years to avoid, with complaint indexes of 100 and 83 and Brakes as the top issue in both. The 2015 model year is the best, with only 5 complaints and a complaint index of 17.

Avoid 2012 Avoid 2014 Best 2015

Model years: 7; 2010–2025
NHTSA complaints: 64
Recall campaigns: 4
Crashes reported: 10
Fires reported: 1
Top problem area: Brakes

Prius Plug-in Hybrid Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2010	Caution	50	6	2	0	1	Brakes	50	—
2011	No verdict	0	1	0	0	0	Fuel System	48	—
2012	Avoid	100	25	1	1	2	Brakes	50	—
2013	Caution	67	12	3	0	1	Brakes	50	4★
2014	Avoid	83	13	3	0	1	Brakes	50	—
2015	Best	17	5	1	0	1	Brakes	50	—
2025	No verdict	33	2	0	0	2	Electrical System	52	—

Prius Plug-in Hybrid years to avoid: what went wrong

2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid Index 100 · 25 complaints · 2 recalls

2012 is the worst-rated year, with 25 complaints and a complaint index of 100. Brakes account for 52% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 130,000. Owners describe loss of braking control, including a case where a hissing brake sound preceded warning lights. Electrical System issues, including inverter concerns tied to sudden power loss, made up 16% of complaints at a median mileage of 57,000. The year carries two recalls: an EV fuse that can fracture under repeated high-load driving, and a curtain air bag weld issue shared with related Prius models.

2014 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid Index 83 · 13 complaints · 1 recalls

2014 has a complaint index of 83, the second-worst for this model. Brakes are the top problem area at 54% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 138,541.5; owners report brake pedals traveling to the floor without stopping the vehicle, sometimes resulting in a rear-end crash. Electrical System complaints (23%) had a median mileage of 40,000. The model year is covered by the same EV fuse recall affecting 2012-2015 Prius Plug-in Hybrid vehicles, which can fracture after repeated high-load driving.

Most common Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Brakes34 (53%)
Electrical System13 (20%)
Engine12 (19%)
Other9 (14%)
Fuel System6 (9%)
Transmission & Powertrain3 (5%)
Structure & Body2 (3%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (3%)
Collision Avoidance & Cameras1 (2%)
Seat Belts1 (2%)

Frequently asked questions

What year Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid should I avoid?: Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, 2012 and 2014 are the years to avoid. 2012 has the highest complaint index (100) with 25 complaints, and 2014 follows with a complaint index of 83 and 13 complaints.
Which Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid year is the best?: 2015 is rated Best, with only 5 complaints and a complaint index of 17, the lowest among model years with data.
What is the most common problem on the Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid?: Brakes are the top problem area across all years, accounting for 34 of 64 total complaints, or 53%.
Are there recalls on the 2012 and 2014 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid?: Yes. Both years are covered by a recall for an EV fuse in the hybrid battery that may fracture after repeated high-load driving. The 2012 model also has a separate recall for a curtain air bag weld issue.
Should I be cautious about the 2010 and 2013 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid?: Yes, NHTSA data marks 2010 and 2013 as Caution years, with complaint indexes of 50 and 67 respectively, both driven mainly by Brakes complaints.