2015 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
BestComplaint Index
17/100
#6 most-complained of 7 Prius Plug-in Hybrid years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2015 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid ranks 6th of 7 model years with a complaint index of 17, making it the Best year of the lineup. It has 5 complaints, 1 recall, and 1 crash reported to NHTSA.
- Complaints
- 5
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes / fires
- 1 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 50
- 51 city / 49 hwy
Top 2015 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Brakes2 (40%)
- Engine2 (40%)
- Electrical System1 (20%)
- Structure & Body1 (20%)
What owners report
- Brakes required several pumps toward the floor before engaging, with one case tied to a crash, reported around 57,000 miles.
- ABS, brake, and traction control warning lights illuminated together, with dealers pointing to a diagnostic code and recommending brake actuator and booster replacement.
- Exterior paint reported chipping and delaminating, raising owner concern about long-term body corrosion.
- The engine reportedly overheated with the check engine light on and smoke seen coming from under the hood near the passenger side, at 70,464 miles.
2015 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.
2015 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.
2015 compared with other Prius Plug-in Hybrid years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2015 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid reliable?
- Among Prius Plug-in Hybrid model years, 2015 ranks 6th of 7 with a complaint index of 17, the lowest (best) score in the lineup, earning a Best verdict relative to other years.
- What problems does the 2015 Prius Plug-in Hybrid have?
- NHTSA lists 5 complaints for 2015, split evenly between brakes and engine issues (2 each, 40% share each), plus one electrical system and one structure & body complaint.
- Does the 2015 Prius Plug-in Hybrid have a recall?
- Yes, one recall (campaign 17V718000) covers 2012-2015 Prius Plug-in Hybrid vehicles for an EV fuse in the hybrid battery that could fracture after repeated high-load driving. It is not a do-not-drive recall.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2015 Prius Plug-in Hybrid?
- EPA rates it at 50 mpg combined (51 city / 49 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $1,300.
- How does 2015 compare to the worst Prius Plug-in Hybrid year?
- The 2012 model year is worst with a complaint index of 100 and 25 complaints, versus the 2015 model's index of 17 and 5 complaints.