Which Toyota Prius Prime years should I avoid?

NHTSA complaint data points to 2017 and 2024 as the years to avoid, with complaint indexes of 100 and 86, the highest among the eight model years covered (2017-2024).

What is the best year for the Toyota Prius Prime?

2019 and 2023 are the best years based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, with complaint indexes of 0 and 14, the lowest in the lineup.

What problems are most common on the Toyota Prius Prime?

Across all years, Electrical System issues are most common at 24% of complaints, followed by Visibility & Wipers at 15%, Brakes at 13%, Engine at 12%, and Suspension/Wheels/Tires and Transmission & Powertrain each at 11%.

Does the 2024 Toyota Prius Prime have any recalls?

Yes, NHTSA lists four recall campaigns for the 2024 model year, including one for a rear door switch short-circuit risk from water intrusion and one for a Panoramic View Monitor software update.

Are 2018 and 2021 Prius Prime models risky?

They are marked Caution, with complaint indexes of 57 and 71, placing them between the Best years and the Avoid years of 2017 and 2024.

Toyota Prius Prime Best and Worst Years (2017–2024)

Toyota Prius Prime years to avoid are 2017 and 2024, with complaint indexes of 100 and 86, the two highest in the lineup. 2019 and 2023 are the best years, scoring 0 and 14. 2018 and 2021 warrant caution.

Avoid 2017 Avoid 2024 Best 2019 Best 2023

Model years: 8; 2017–2024
NHTSA complaints: 118
Recall campaigns: 6
Crashes reported: 22
Fires reported: 0
Top problem area: Electrical System

Prius Prime 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 Prime problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2017	Avoid	100	42	5	0	Visibility & Wipers	54	—
2018	Caution	57	16	4	0	Airbags	54	—
2019	Best	0	8	0	1	Suspension, Wheels & Tires	54	—
2020	Good	43	16	5	1	Visibility & Wipers	54	—
2021	Caution	71	10	4	0	Electrical System	54	5★
2022	Good	29	8	3	1	Engine	54	5★
2023	Best	14	6	0	4	Electrical System	50	5★
2024	Avoid	86	12	1	4	Electrical System	50	5★

Prius Prime years to avoid: what went wrong

2017 Toyota Prius Prime Index 100 · 42 complaints · 0 recalls

The 2017 Prius Prime has the highest complaint index (100) and the most complaints (42) of any model year. Visibility & Wipers issues lead at 21% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 7,000 miles. Electrical System problems follow at 19%, reported at a median of just 2 miles, suggesting defects present from delivery. Owners also reported Structure & Body failures, including an electric seat rail gear that broke, at a median of 1,500 miles. Some complaints describe crashes involving airbags that did not deploy and one case of unintended reverse acceleration after parking. No recalls are recorded for this year.

2024 Toyota Prius Prime Index 86 · 12 complaints · 4 recalls

The 2024 Prius Prime carries a complaint index of 86, the second highest of any year, with Electrical System problems making up 42% of its complaints. Four recall campaigns apply to this year, including one for a rear door switch that can short-circuit from water intrusion and one for a Panoramic View Monitor software update. Owners reported a liftgate opening on its own with cracked trim at 670 miles, melting side mirror trim in hot weather, and premature tire wear near 24,000 miles. One severe complaint described airbags failing to deploy and the steering wheel detaching during a head-on collision.

Most common Toyota Prius Prime problems (all years)

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

Electrical System28 (24%)
Visibility & Wipers18 (15%)
Brakes15 (13%)
Other15 (13%)
Engine14 (12%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires13 (11%)
Transmission & Powertrain13 (11%)
Structure & Body12 (10%)
Collision Avoidance & Cameras9 (8%)
Fuel System8 (7%)

Frequently asked questions

Which Toyota Prius Prime years should I avoid?: NHTSA complaint data points to 2017 and 2024 as the years to avoid, with complaint indexes of 100 and 86, the highest among the eight model years covered (2017-2024).
What is the best year for the Toyota Prius Prime?: 2019 and 2023 are the best years based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, with complaint indexes of 0 and 14, the lowest in the lineup.
What problems are most common on the Toyota Prius Prime?: Across all years, Electrical System issues are most common at 24% of complaints, followed by Visibility & Wipers at 15%, Brakes at 13%, Engine at 12%, and Suspension/Wheels/Tires and Transmission & Powertrain each at 11%.
Does the 2024 Toyota Prius Prime have any recalls?: Yes, NHTSA lists four recall campaigns for the 2024 model year, including one for a rear door switch short-circuit risk from water intrusion and one for a Panoramic View Monitor software update.
Are 2018 and 2021 Prius Prime models risky?: They are marked Caution, with complaint indexes of 57 and 71, placing them between the Best years and the Avoid years of 2017 and 2024.