YearToAvoid

2010 Toyota Prius Fuel System Problems

NHTSA lists 99 Fuel System complaints for the 2010 Toyota Prius, 4% of all complaints filed for that year, with a median failure mileage of 104,000. Two related recalls (18V684000 and 14V053000) cover inverter software that can affect the hybrid drive system, though not fires directly.

Fuel System complaints
99
4% of 2,822 complaints
All complaints this year
2,822
Crashes reported
2
Fires reported
2
Injuries reported
1
Median mileage
104,000 mi
Related recalls
2

Typical fuel system symptoms owners report

  • Some owners report a strong gasoline odor at low speed with no leak found on inspection.
  • Several describe the hybrid system shutting down or losing power unexpectedly while driving, sometimes with a "check hybrid system" warning.
  • Owners report shaking or shuddering when the car transitions between electric and gas power, in one case accompanied by smoke from the vents.
  • A few complaints describe the vehicle lunging or surging forward when braking over a bump or pothole.
  • One owner reported fuel economy far below the EPA-rated figures despite dealer inspection finding no cause.

When 2010 Toyota Prius fuel system complaints were filed

First complaint Feb 3, 2010, latest Mar 6, 2026.

2010 Toyota Prius fuel system complaints: complaints filed per quarter62010 Q12013 Q12014 Q32017 Q22018 Q42020 Q22022 Q12024 Q4
99 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2010 Q1 to 2026 Q1; peak 2018 Q3 (6).

Fuel System recalls for the 2010 Toyota Prius

  1. NHTSA 18V684000Oct 4, 2018Fuel System807,329 vehicles

    Hybrid propulsion system

    Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Toyota Prius and 2012-2014 Toyota Prius V vehicles. 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: If the hybrid system shuts down unexpectedly, it can increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the motor/generator control electronic control unit (ECU) and the hybrid control ECU as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 22, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is J0V. Note: The software updates in this recall are needed even if the vehicle had the software previously updated under recalls 14V-053 or 15V-449.

  2. NHTSA 14V053000Feb 12, 2014Fuel System698,457 vehicles

    Hybrid propulsion system: inverter

    Toyota is recalling certain model year 2010 through 2014 Prius vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) inside the inverter module (a component of the hybrid system) contains transistors that may become damaged from high operating temperatures. If this occurs, various warning lamps will be illuminated on the instrument panel and the vehicle will have reduced power allowing it to only drive a short distance.

    Risk: The vehicle may enter a fail-safe/limp-home mode that limits the drivability of the vehicle. The hybrid system could also shut down completely resulting in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Toyota will notify owners and dealers will update the software for both the motor/generator control electronic control unit (ECU) and the hybrid control ECU, free of charge. If an owner experiences a failure of the inverter before the vehicle receives updated software, the dealer will repair or replace the inverter assembly with a new one at no charge. The recall began on March 21, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

Fuel System complaints by Prius model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 200531 (3%)
  2. 200621 (1%)
  3. 200730 (1%)
  4. 200858 (4%)
  5. 200924 (5%)
  6. 201099 (4%)
  7. 201121 (4%)
  8. 201217 (4%)
  9. 201324 (6%)
  10. 201410 (5%)
  11. 20159 (5%)
  12. 20166 (4%)
  13. 201712 (13%)
  14. 20182 (6%)
  15. 20191 (3%)
  16. 20201 (7%)
  17. 20212 (33%)
  18. 20221 (4%)
  19. 20230 (0%)
  20. 20240 (0%)
  21. 20251 (6%)

Frequently asked questions

How many fuel system complaints does the 2010 Toyota Prius have?
NHTSA lists 99 Fuel System complaints for the 2010 Prius, which is 4% of the 2,822 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a fuel system recall for the 2010 Toyota Prius?
Yes. Two recalls, campaigns 18V684000 and 14V053000, cover the inverter's Intelligent Power Module and involve a software update to the motor/generator control electronic control unit.
At what mileage do these fuel system problems typically show up?
NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 104,000 at the time these failures were reported.
Did any 2010 Prius fuel system complaints involve fires or crashes?
NHTSA records show 2 crashes, 2 fires, and 1 injury associated with Fuel System complaints on the 2010 Prius.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.