Owners have filed 11 complaints
about the 2022 Toyota Prius Prime with NHTSA between 2021 and 2024.
The largest single group is the acceleration & cruise control.
Across this model's run it ranks 6 of 7 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 24
Against the median year of the Toyota Prius Prime. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
36.4% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — not reported
Too few complaints recorded a mileage to measure this.
How 2022 compares with every other Toyota Prius Prime
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2022 Toyota Prius Prime
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance
218.2%
1 crashes, 0 fires
Fuel & Propulsion
218.2%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 12,000 mi
Acceleration & Cruise Control
218.2%
Median failure at 700 miles
Other & Unspecified
19.1%
Brakes
19.1%
1 crashes, 0 fires
Steering
19.1%
Electrical System
19.1%
1 crashes, 0 fires
Engine & Cooling
19.1%
Median failure at 12,000 miles
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Nov 2021peak 3Jun 2024
NHTSA investigations into the 2022 Toyota Prius Prime
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
DP22005Opened 27 Jan 2023Closed 7 Aug 2023ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM
Pedestrian alert sounds
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after Marc...
Recalls on the 2022 Toyota Prius Prime
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20215791,112 units in Canada
Powertrain
Issue: On certain vehicles, a software problem with the hybrid vehicle electronic control unit (ECU) could cause the hybrid system to turn off if the shifter position is changed while driving. This could result in a loss of power to the wheels. Safety Risk: A loss of power to the wheels could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Toyota will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to update the hybrid vehicle ECU software.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Melbourne, FLCrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Prior to making a turn into a residential driveway, the vehicle throttled up and there was no response from the vehicle when the brakes were applied. The vehicle would not stop in motion. Based on my experience of this event, it is my firm belief that the vehicle shut down completely as a result to correct the throttle event, and the vehicle was not responsive to application of brake to bring the car to a stop. The safety and the safety of other was put at risk because the car would not come to a stop and the vehicle did not respond. If there would have been someone in the driveway, or this would have occurred on roadway, this would have caused catastrophic property damage, injury or death. The problem was not reproduced or confirmed by a dealer through a third party due to the fact that the independent inspection addressed only the hardware components of the vehicle and dismissed any examination of the ECU software or other software components in the vehicle. Manufacturer's reasoning was due to the fact that this was low impact (pulling into driveway) that the data recorder did not catch any relevant data. However, if the airbags would have deployed, sufficient data collected. This incident occurred on 5/30 at 206 miles in the same location where, (29) days prior to this event, I had pulled in / out of this same driveway under various conditions (other vehicles in driveway, empty driveway, etc) with no issue or incident. The engine throttled up prior to approaching my turn into the driveway, and the vehicle would not respond to the brakes. It was as if the vehicle shut down completely My new vehicle has been on order since October 2021, and was finally delivered to the dealership on 4/29/2022, which was six months later post to Toyota's active recall 21TB07/21TA07 issued for an identified Engine Control Unit (ECU) software in which the vehicle may falsely detect an error, shut down the hybrid system, causing a loss of drive power.
NHTSA complaint #11476065 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Melbourne, FLCrash
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Prior to making a turn into a residential driveway, the vehicle throttled up and there was no response from the vehicle when the brakes were applied. The vehicle would not stop in motion. Based on my experience of this event, it is my firm belief that the vehicle shut down completely as a result to correct the throttle event, and the vehicle was not responsive to application of brake to bring the car to a stop. The safety and the safety of other was put at risk because the car would not come to a stop and the vehicle did not respond. If there would have been someone in the driveway, or this would have occurred on roadway, this would have caused catastrophic property damage, injury or death. The problem was not reproduced or confirmed by a dealer through a third party due to the fact that the independent inspection addressed only the hardware components of the vehicle and dismissed any examination of the ECU software or other software components in the vehicle. Manufacturer's reasoning was due to the fact that this was low impact (pulling into driveway) that the data recorder did not catch any relevant data. However, if the airbags would have deployed, sufficient data collected. This incident occurred on 5/30 at 206 miles in the same location where, (29) days prior to this event, I had pulled in / out of this same driveway under various conditions (other vehicles in driveway, empty driveway, etc) with no issue or incident. The engine throttled up prior to approaching my turn into the driveway, and the vehicle would not respond to the brakes. It was as if the vehicle shut down completely My new vehicle has been on order since October 2021, and was finally delivered to the dealership on 4/29/2022, which was six months later post to Toyota's active recall 21TB07/21TA07 issued for an identified Engine Control Unit (ECU) software in which the vehicle may falsely detect an error, shut down the hybrid system, causing a loss of drive power.
NHTSA complaint #11476065 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mitchellville, MDCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
On June 28, 2022 at around 20:10 PM, while on vacation at a resort in the Laurentian Mountains in Quebec, Canada, I went down to charge the car at the only charging station at the resort. It was being used, so I returned to our cabin in the D building. As I approached the building, I pulled up to clear a car so that I could park beside it. I slowed and before I could put the car in reverse, the car rolled forward a few inches. My foot was already on the brake so I pressed it harder. But the car continued to roll forward. It wouldn’t stop. When it finally came to a stop on the edge of a rock wall, it slowly rolled off the edge and dropped about 20 feet and rolled over coming to rest upright. I have photos and a video of the location and aftermath. The consumer stated she opened up an investigation with Toyota.
NHTSA complaint #11473301 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Leander, TXCrash
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
The vehicle went into drive from neutral after being placed on a moving track (car wash). The forward collision system activated and the automatic brake deployed when the vehicle sensed moving parts in the car wash. From there, the car automatically went out of neutral and into drive with no action from the driver. The vehicle drove forward and struck another vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11464686 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 12,000 milesMadison, AL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Prius Prime. The contact stated while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated multiple unknown warning lights had been temporarily illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer however, the cause of the failure could not be determined. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V734000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Hybrid Propulsion System) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 12,000.
NHTSA complaint #11596391 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 12,000 milesMadison, AL
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Prius Prime. The contact stated while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated multiple unknown warning lights had been temporarily illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer however, the cause of the failure could not be determined. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V734000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Hybrid Propulsion System) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 12,000.
NHTSA complaint #11596391 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 700 milesEndicott, NY
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Prius Prime. The contact stated while driving at approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration, and the vehicle accelerated to 50 MPH before the contact was able to stop the vehicle by depressing the brake pedal. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred the following day. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 700.
NHTSA complaint #11544053 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Riverside, CA
STEERING
I don't feel safe to drive my vehicle on the highway because the steering wheel ( the front end) very weak so when I drive the car it pull me to the left and to the right i went to the dealership where I purchased the car to check the vehicle, the technician told me that the steering wheel very sensitive and they cannot do anything about. I called Toyota to let them know about the issue i have then Toyota told me the dealership will contact me within 24 hours and i am still waiting for more than a week. The issue is very serious and it's related to my life safety. Thanks
NHTSA complaint #11501805 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Huber Heights, OH
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
When adaptive cruise control is engaged and a car cuts in front of you the car will accelerate rapidly at first nearly hitting the car before it slows.
NHTSA complaint #11482812 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Huber Heights, OH
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
When adaptive cruise control is engaged and a car cuts in front of you the car will accelerate rapidly at first nearly hitting the car before it slows.
NHTSA complaint #11482812 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Melbourne, FLCrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Prior to making a turn into a residential driveway, the vehicle throttled up and there was no response from the vehicle when the brakes were applied. The vehicle would not stop in motion. Based on my experience of this event, it is my firm belief that the vehicle shut down completely as a result to correct the throttle event, and the vehicle was not responsive to application of brake to bring the car to a stop. The safety and the safety of other was put at risk because the car would not come to a stop and the vehicle did not respond. If there would have been someone in the driveway, or this would have occurred on roadway, this would have caused catastrophic property damage, injury or death. The problem was not reproduced or confirmed by a dealer through a third party due to the fact that the independent inspection addressed only the hardware components of the vehicle and dismissed any examination of the ECU software or other software components in the vehicle. Manufacturer's reasoning was due to the fact that this was low impact (pulling into driveway) that the data recorder did not catch any relevant data. However, if the airbags would have deployed, sufficient data collected. This incident occurred on 5/30 at 206 miles in the same location where, (29) days prior to this event, I had pulled in / out of this same driveway under various conditions (other vehicles in driveway, empty driveway, etc) with no issue or incident. The engine throttled up prior to approaching my turn into the driveway, and the vehicle would not respond to the brakes. It was as if the vehicle shut down completely My new vehicle has been on order since October 2021, and was finally delivered to the dealership on 4/29/2022, which was six months later post to Toyota's active recall 21TB07/21TA07 issued for an identified Engine Control Unit (ECU) software in which the vehicle may falsely detect an error, shut down the hybrid system, causing a loss of drive power.
NHTSA complaint #11476065 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Melbourne, FLCrash
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Prior to making a turn into a residential driveway, the vehicle throttled up and there was no response from the vehicle when the brakes were applied. The vehicle would not stop in motion. Based on my experience of this event, it is my firm belief that the vehicle shut down completely as a result to correct the throttle event, and the vehicle was not responsive to application of brake to bring the car to a stop. The safety and the safety of other was put at risk because the car would not come to a stop and the vehicle did not respond. If there would have been someone in the driveway, or this would have occurred on roadway, this would have caused catastrophic property damage, injury or death. The problem was not reproduced or confirmed by a dealer through a third party due to the fact that the independent inspection addressed only the hardware components of the vehicle and dismissed any examination of the ECU software or other software components in the vehicle. Manufacturer's reasoning was due to the fact that this was low impact (pulling into driveway) that the data recorder did not catch any relevant data. However, if the airbags would have deployed, sufficient data collected. This incident occurred on 5/30 at 206 miles in the same location where, (29) days prior to this event, I had pulled in / out of this same driveway under various conditions (other vehicles in driveway, empty driveway, etc) with no issue or incident. The engine throttled up prior to approaching my turn into the driveway, and the vehicle would not respond to the brakes. It was as if the vehicle shut down completely My new vehicle has been on order since October 2021, and was finally delivered to the dealership on 4/29/2022, which was six months later post to Toyota's active recall 21TB07/21TA07 issued for an identified Engine Control Unit (ECU) software in which the vehicle may falsely detect an error, shut down the hybrid system, causing a loss of drive power.
NHTSA complaint #11476065 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mitchellville, MDCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
On June 28, 2022 at around 20:10 PM, while on vacation at a resort in the Laurentian Mountains in Quebec, Canada, I went down to charge the car at the only charging station at the resort. It was being used, so I returned to our cabin in the D building. As I approached the building, I pulled up to clear a car so that I could park beside it. I slowed and before I could put the car in reverse, the car rolled forward a few inches. My foot was already on the brake so I pressed it harder. But the car continued to roll forward. It wouldn’t stop. When it finally came to a stop on the edge of a rock wall, it slowly rolled off the edge and dropped about 20 feet and rolled over coming to rest upright. I have photos and a video of the location and aftermath. The consumer stated she opened up an investigation with Toyota.
NHTSA complaint #11473301 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Leander, TXCrash
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
The vehicle went into drive from neutral after being placed on a moving track (car wash). The forward collision system activated and the automatic brake deployed when the vehicle sensed moving parts in the car wash. From there, the car automatically went out of neutral and into drive with no action from the driver. The vehicle drove forward and struck another vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11464686 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Northville, MI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Unable to heat cabin or AC remotely - see screenshots
NHTSA complaint #11441106 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.