How many electrical system complaints does NHTSA have for the 2016 Toyota Prius?

NHTSA lists 23 electrical system complaints for the 2016 Prius, which is 15% of the 154 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for electrical problems on the 2016 Toyota Prius?

Yes. Recall campaign 18V579000, reported in September 2018, covers 2016-2018 Prius vehicles where the engine wire harness near the hybrid Power Control Unit could contact its cover. It is not a do-not-drive or park-outside recall.

At what mileage do 2016 Prius electrical problems typically show up?

NHTSA data shows a median failure mileage of 31,000 miles for electrical system complaints on the 2016 Prius.

Did the 2016 Prius electrical issues cause any crashes or fires?

NHTSA records show 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries linked to the electrical system complaints for the 2016 Prius.

Is the 2016 Prius worse than other years for electrical complaints?

The 2016 Prius's electrical complaints are 15% of its total, lower than the 21% share seen for the 2011 model year and similar to several other years in the lineup.

2016 Toyota Prius Electrical System Problems

NHTSA lists 23 electrical system complaints for the 2016 Toyota Prius, 15% of its 154 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 31,000. A related recall (18V579000) covers engine wire harness damage near the hybrid Power Control Unit.

Electrical System complaints: 23; 15% of 154
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 31,000 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical electrical symptoms owners report

Owners report the instrument cluster or dashboard display going completely blank while driving, losing speed readout without warning.
Rodents reportedly chew through wiring and insulation, causing widespread electrical malfunctions and, in some cases, disabling the car.
The radio and navigation screen reportedly turn on and off repeatedly on their own.
Owners describe the vehicle stalling or losing power for several seconds while stopped at a light, with sporadic recurrence.
Some report the car hesitating or failing to move from a stop after rain or a car wash, accompanied by a loud engine noise and a rapid drop on the battery charge bar.
Bluetooth phone connections reportedly drop within seconds of pairing, resetting the display as if the car had just started.

When 2016 Toyota Prius electrical complaints were filed

First complaint Jul 22, 2016, latest Apr 11, 2025.

23 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jul 2016 to Apr 2025; peak Dec 2016 (4).

Electrical System recalls for the 2016 Toyota Prius

NHTSA 18V579000Sep 5, 2018Electrical System192,347 vehicles
Electrical system:wiring
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Toyota Prius vehicles. A portion of the engine wire harness connected to the hybrid Power Control Unit (PCU), could contact the cover at this connection and wear, causing an electrical short circuit.
Risk: An electrical short can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine wire harness assembly and replace it if damage is found. A protective sleeve or protective tape will be included to prevent any future damage. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is J0T.

Electrical System complaints by Prius model year

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

2010305 (11%)
2011109 (21%)
201284 (20%)
201361 (15%)
201437 (18%)
201533 (20%)
201623 (15%)
201712 (13%)
20187 (19%)
20194 (13%)
20202 (14%)
20211 (17%)
20227 (29%)
20235 (26%)
20246 (23%)
20257 (44%)

Frequently asked questions

How many electrical system complaints does NHTSA have for the 2016 Toyota Prius?: NHTSA lists 23 electrical system complaints for the 2016 Prius, which is 15% of the 154 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for electrical problems on the 2016 Toyota Prius?: Yes. Recall campaign 18V579000, reported in September 2018, covers 2016-2018 Prius vehicles where the engine wire harness near the hybrid Power Control Unit could contact its cover. It is not a do-not-drive or park-outside recall.
At what mileage do 2016 Prius electrical problems typically show up?: NHTSA data shows a median failure mileage of 31,000 miles for electrical system complaints on the 2016 Prius.
Did the 2016 Prius electrical issues cause any crashes or fires?: NHTSA records show 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries linked to the electrical system complaints for the 2016 Prius.
Is the 2016 Prius worse than other years for electrical complaints?: The 2016 Prius's electrical complaints are 15% of its total, lower than the 21% share seen for the 2011 model year and similar to several other years in the lineup.