2016 Toyota Prius V Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
57/100
#4 most-complained of 8 Prius V years
The 2016 Toyota Prius V has 16 NHTSA complaints, a Complaint Index of 57, and ranks 4th-worst out of 8 model years, earning a "Caution" verdict. Engine issues (31% of complaints) and airbag reports (25%) are the top concerns, with one recall for the fuel system.
- Complaints
- 16
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes / fires
- 6 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 2 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 41
- 43 city / 39 hwy
Top 2016 Toyota Prius V problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine5 (31%)
- Airbags4 (25%)
- Electrical System4 (25%)
- Brakes3 (19%)
- Other3 (19%)
- Fuel System1 (6%)
- Structure & Body1 (6%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (6%)
- Visibility & Wipers1 (6%)
What owners report
- Some owners report sudden unintended acceleration while slowing down to park, with the engine revving loudly and brakes failing to stop the car.
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy in multiple frontal and angled collisions, including impacts at 40 to 60 mph.
- Owners describe violent shaking on the freeway, suspected to be from an overheating water pump or coolant inverter pump.
- Electrical system complaints include dashboard warning lights flashing followed by the vehicle failing to start, reported at a median mileage of 22,650.5 miles.
- One owner reported a delayed airbag recall repair due to unavailable parts at a dealership.
2016 Toyota Prius V recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 20V369000Jun 24, 2020Fuel System266,638 vehicles
Hybrid propulsion system: inverter
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Prius and 2014-2017 Prius V vehicles not included in recall 18V-684. Excessive voltage in the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) within the inverter may cause the hybrid system to shut down, causing the vehicle to stall while being driven.
Risk: An unexpected hybrid power system shut down may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will perform a software update for the hybrid system. If the vehicle has experienced an inverter failure with certain hybrid system faults related to this condition, the inverter assembly will be repaired or replaced, prior to software update. All repairs will be performed free of charge. This recall began July 24, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TB10 / 20TA10.
2016 Toyota Prius V fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 43 MPG
- Highway
- 39 MPG
- Combined
- 41 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $1,600
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- 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.
2016 compared with other Prius V years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2016 Toyota Prius V reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2016 Prius V a Complaint Index of 57 and a "Caution" verdict, ranking it 4th-worst among the 8 model years with data. It has fewer complaints than the 2012 and 2013 model years but more than the 2015 and 2017 years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2016 Toyota Prius V?
- Engine problems make up 31% of complaints, followed by airbag issues at 25% and electrical system issues also at 25%. The median mileage at failure across all complaints is 22,650.5 miles.
- Does the 2016 Toyota Prius V have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists one recall, campaign 20V369000, covering excessive voltage in the Intelligent Power Module within the inverter. Toyota's remedy is a software update for the hybrid system performed by dealers.
- How does the 2016 Prius V compare to other years?
- With a Complaint Index of 57, the 2016 model falls between the 2014 model (71, Caution) and the 2015 model (43, Good). The worst years are 2012 (index 100, Avoid) and 2013 (index 86, Avoid).
- What is the fuel economy of the 2016 Toyota Prius V?
- EPA rates it at 41 mpg combined, 43 mpg city, and 39 mpg highway, with an annual fuel cost of $1,600.