2014 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2014 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid ranks second-worst among 7 model years, with a complaint index of 83 and 13 complaints logged with NHTSA. Brakes are the top problem area, making up 54% of complaints, and the year carries 1 recall for a fuel system fuse.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 83/100
- #2 of 7 Prius Plug-in Hybrid years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 13
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 3
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Brakes
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 50
- 51 city / 49 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2014 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Brakes7 (54%)
- Electrical System3 (23%)
- Engine3 (23%)
- Fuel System3 (23%)
- Other2 (15%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras1 (8%)
- Seat Belts1 (8%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Brake pedal reportedly traveled to the floor at highway speed without stopping the vehicle, leading to a rear-end collision.
- Braking reportedly failed at moderate speed during another incident, again resulting in a crash into the vehicle ahead with no warning lights on.
- After a rear-end collision, ABS, traction control, and brake warning lights came on along with wheel speed sensor and brake fluid switch fault codes.
- Owners described sudden loss of power and dashboard warnings for the parking system and hybrid system while driving on a winding mountain road, with the car repeatedly losing power and shifting into neutral.
- A rear seat belt shoulder harness reportedly locked up while parked and would not release.
- Instrument panel and speedometer lighting reportedly stayed dim and unresponsive to brightness controls even at night.
2014 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 17V718000Nov 15, 2017Fuel System39,915 vehicles
Hybrid propulsion system
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.
Risk: 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.
Remedy: 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. Toyota's number for this recall is H0R.
2014 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 51 MPG
- Highway
- 49 MPG
- Combined
- 50 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $1,300
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular Gas and Electricity
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2014 compared with other Prius Plug-in Hybrid years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2014 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid reliable?
- It ranks second-worst of 7 model years for this model, with a complaint index of 83 and an Avoid verdict based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2014 Prius Plug-in Hybrid?
- Brakes are the top problem area, accounting for 54% of complaints (7 of 13), including reports of the pedal failing to stop the vehicle and resulting in crashes.
- Does the 2014 Prius Plug-in Hybrid have any recalls?
- Yes, one recall (campaign 17V718000) covers a hybrid battery EV fuse that could fracture after repeated high-load driving; Toyota replaces the fuse free of charge.
- How does the 2014 model compare to other Prius Plug-in Hybrid years?
- The 2014 model's complaint index of 83 is worse than 2010 (50), 2013 (67), and 2015 (17, rated Best), but better than 2012 (100, rated Avoid).
- What is the fuel economy of the 2014 Prius Plug-in Hybrid?
- EPA rates it at 50 mpg combined (51 city / 49 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $1,300.