Owners have filed 31 complaints
about the 2022 Toyota Prius with NHTSA between 2021 and 2026.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 19 of 25 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 — 2
Against the median year of the Toyota Prius. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
38.7% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 97
57% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
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
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Electrical System
619.4%
Median failure at 114,000 miles
Other & Unspecified
516.1%
1 crashes, 0 fires
Brakes
516.1%
2 crashes, 0 fires · median 65,500 mi
Airbags
39.7%
3 crashes, 0 fires
Engine & Cooling
39.7%
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
26.5%
Seat Belts
13.2%
Median failure at 34,600 miles
Tires
13.2%
Fuel & Propulsion
13.2%
Lights
13.2%
Median failure at 10 miles
Acceleration & Cruise Control
13.2%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 25,000 mi
Body & Structure
13.2%
1 crashes, 0 fires
Transmission & Drivetrain
13.2%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
114.3%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
114.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
228.6%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
114.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
114.3%
150,000+ miles
114.3%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Frontal crash test
Side barrier crash test
Side pole crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2022 Toyota PRIUS 5 HB AWD
10.7% risk
2022 Toyota PRIUS 5 HB FWD
10.7% risk
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.
Oct 2021peak 3Jul 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2022 Toyota Prius
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
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.
United States — NHTSA
21V734000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM):SOFTWARE
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022 Prius and Prius Prime vehicles. The Engine Control Unit (ECU) software may falsely detect an error and shut down the hybrid system, causing a loss of drive power.
Risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
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.
Durham, NCCrash
AIR BAGS
Brake
NHTSA complaint #11749255 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Durham, NCCrash
STRUCTURE:BODY
Brake
NHTSA complaint #11749255 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Durham, NCCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
Brake
NHTSA complaint #11749255 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 25,000 milesOmaha, NECrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The contact owned a 2022 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while idled forward into a parking space at the local car wash, the brake pedal was depressed to stop but the vehicle erroneously accelerated forward and crashed into a brick wall where it came to a stop. During the crash, the air bags did deploy and no injuries were reported. The vehicle was destroyed and later towed to an undisclosed location. No police report was filed. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 25,000.
NHTSA complaint #11637566 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tustin, CA3 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Extremely loud, ear-piercing noise from speakers when the vehicle is started. Lasts about two to three seconds. My ears have been damaged by it. My young boys cried while in their car seats and said that their ears hurt. Noise occurs randomly. Dealer states that they can't do anything since it is not reproducible. I offered to record the noise when I enter the car. I would have to have my cell phone ready to do this every time I start the car. Dealer said they will not accept recordings or videos. It has to occur in the presence of their technician. I filed a complaint with Toyota corporate. They said it's up to the dealer. No help there. Internet forums are filled with these random high-pitched noises on late model Toyotas: [XXX] module and/or amplifier are the specified culprits in TSBs. However, since my particular year and model is not listed, they will not investigate or do anything. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11553332 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tustin, CA3 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Extremely loud, ear-piercing noise from speakers when the vehicle is started. Lasts about two to three seconds. My ears have been damaged by it. My young boys cried while in their car seats and said that their ears hurt. Noise occurs randomly. Dealer states that they can't do anything since it is not reproducible. I offered to record the noise when I enter the car. I would have to have my cell phone ready to do this every time I start the car. Dealer said they will not accept recordings or videos. It has to occur in the presence of their technician. I filed a complaint with Toyota corporate. They said it's up to the dealer. No help there. Internet forums are filled with these random high-pitched noises on late model Toyotas: [XXX] module and/or amplifier are the specified culprits in TSBs. However, since my particular year and model is not listed, they will not investigate or do anything. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11553332 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Durham, NCCrash
AIR BAGS
Brake
NHTSA complaint #11749255 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Durham, NCCrash
STRUCTURE:BODY
Brake
NHTSA complaint #11749255 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Durham, NCCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
Brake
NHTSA complaint #11749255 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 121,000 milesMinneapolis, MN
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving, depressed the brakes, brake pedal became stiff and had to apply extra force to apply the brakes. The issue occurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it bent brake pedal and the bracket was bent. The vehicle was not repaired at the time of the report. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 121,000.
NHTSA complaint #11741774 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2022 Toyota Prius. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 29,909. At the time of the registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 173,000.
NHTSA complaint #11723906 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 34,600 milesMesa, AZ
SEAT BELTS
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while attempting to use the front driver's side seat belt, the lap belt and the anchor bolt detached, rendering the seat belt unusable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the lap belt was reattached to the seat. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and advised the contact that a representative would return a call back. The failure mileage was approximately 34,600.
NHTSA complaint #11714567 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,000 milesSaint Augustine, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Prius. While attempting to start the vehicle using the Push to Start feature, the vehicle made a loud screeching sound. The contact drove the vehicle to a dealer, where the failure was diagnosed as a failure with the Data Control Unit (DCU). The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
NHTSA complaint #11712974 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Prius. The contact purchased the vehicle from a private seller online. The contact stated that the sales advertisement indicated that the odometer mileage was 63,000. The contact stated that when he went to the local Department of Motor Vehicles to register the vehicle, the contact was informed that there was no current odometer information for the VIN. In addition, the contact was informed that there was never any odometer information reported for the VIN. The contact was informed that the first owner purchased the vehicle brand new in 2022. The contact then purchased a Bumper VIN report, which indicated that the odometer was last reported at 209,000 miles. The contact later purchased a Clear VIN report, which indicated that no odometer information had ever been reported for the VIN. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic for inspection. The contact was informed that the odometer was inoperable. The contact was informed that the odometer had not rolled since the vehicle was brought in. In addition, the contact stated that the seller had informed the contact that the vehicle was purchased from an auction. The contact researched and confirmed that the auction recorded the odometer at 209,000. In addition, the contact did not receive the pink slip or the title.
NHTSA complaint #11704569 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Phoenix, AZ
SERVICE BRAKES
My 2022 Toyota Prius (approx. 12,500 miles) suddenly displayed multiple warning lights while driving, made abnormal noises, and lost the ability to move. The vehicle remained powered on but could not drive and had to be towed to a Toyota dealership. The dealer diagnosed a failed brake booster with master cylinder assembly and quoted ~$4,230 for repair. This is a safety-critical component that should not fail at such low mileage. Toyota has previously acknowledged premature brake booster failures in earlier Prius models (2010–2015) and issued Customer Support Program POL18-03, extending coverage to 10 years/150,000 miles for the same component. I believe my 2022 Prius experienced the same type of defect, but Toyota refuses assistance. A sudden failure of the brake booster system while driving poses a serious crash and injury risk.
NHTSA complaint #11687677 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Buda, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My 2022 Prius LE hood latch does not work. It does not click and hood stays locked. They told me at Walmart that the hood latch is probably corroded somewhere or defective. It takes two people to open the hood. My vehicle has 54,490mi. This has happened twice now in 2 months. I have not purchased an extended warranty and this is something that should not be happening until over 100,000 miles. I've had this happen on another vehicle that was a Honda but that was because it had a lot of mileage on it. This is just a poorly manufactured defective part that Toyota decided to go cheap on and not make sure it functions past 50,000 mi. I contacted Toyota customer experience and they said that my warranty was expired and they will not be covering it. I told them that they need to make an exception because if I need to change my oil I need access to the engine. I should not be having to deal with this at such a young age of a vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11678882 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Buda, TX
ENGINE
My 2022 Prius LE hood latch does not work. It does not click and hood stays locked. They told me at Walmart that the hood latch is probably corroded somewhere or defective. It takes two people to open the hood. My vehicle has 54,490mi. This has happened twice now in 2 months. I have not purchased an extended warranty and this is something that should not be happening until over 100,000 miles. I've had this happen on another vehicle that was a Honda but that was because it had a lot of mileage on it. This is just a poorly manufactured defective part that Toyota decided to go cheap on and not make sure it functions past 50,000 mi. I contacted Toyota customer experience and they said that my warranty was expired and they will not be covering it. I told them that they need to make an exception because if I need to change my oil I need access to the engine. I should not be having to deal with this at such a young age of a vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11678882 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bridgeton, NJ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While driving, one spot on the left side of my steering wheel suddenly got very hot. There are now two small circular indentations where the steering wheel covering has melted. This has happened at least 3 times in the last week or so. I have scheduled service on 8/4/25 at my local Toyota dealership (Vineland, NJ) to check it. I am not parking it next to my house in case it decides to catch fire. My vehicle was involved in a collision back in May 2024 and was fixed by Caliber Collision Vineland-XD 3181 S DELSEA DR VINELAND, NJ. Both driver's side and passenger's side front fenders had some damage, and the hood was pushed a bit from the passenger's side to the driver's side. Was not moving fast, maybe 5 MPH, when hit by someone driving at an unsafe speed. Maybe that and loosened a wire, maybe not. Reporting due to fire possibility.
NHTSA complaint #11677945 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 25,000 milesOmaha, NECrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The contact owned a 2022 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while idled forward into a parking space at the local car wash, the brake pedal was depressed to stop but the vehicle erroneously accelerated forward and crashed into a brick wall where it came to a stop. During the crash, the air bags did deploy and no injuries were reported. The vehicle was destroyed and later towed to an undisclosed location. No police report was filed. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 25,000.
NHTSA complaint #11637566 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tustin, CA3 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Extremely loud, ear-piercing noise from speakers when the vehicle is started. Lasts about two to three seconds. My ears have been damaged by it. My young boys cried while in their car seats and said that their ears hurt. Noise occurs randomly. Dealer states that they can't do anything since it is not reproducible. I offered to record the noise when I enter the car. I would have to have my cell phone ready to do this every time I start the car. Dealer said they will not accept recordings or videos. It has to occur in the presence of their technician. I filed a complaint with Toyota corporate. They said it's up to the dealer. No help there. Internet forums are filled with these random high-pitched noises on late model Toyotas: [XXX] module and/or amplifier are the specified culprits in TSBs. However, since my particular year and model is not listed, they will not investigate or do anything. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11553332 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tustin, CA3 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Extremely loud, ear-piercing noise from speakers when the vehicle is started. Lasts about two to three seconds. My ears have been damaged by it. My young boys cried while in their car seats and said that their ears hurt. Noise occurs randomly. Dealer states that they can't do anything since it is not reproducible. I offered to record the noise when I enter the car. I would have to have my cell phone ready to do this every time I start the car. Dealer said they will not accept recordings or videos. It has to occur in the presence of their technician. I filed a complaint with Toyota corporate. They said it's up to the dealer. No help there. Internet forums are filled with these random high-pitched noises on late model Toyotas: [XXX] module and/or amplifier are the specified culprits in TSBs. However, since my particular year and model is not listed, they will not investigate or do anything. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11553332 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Palm Beach Gardens, FLCrash
AIR BAGS
My husband and I rented a car from Avis on June 19, 2023. THe car they we selected was not available so they picked a prius out of the lot and gave it to us. On the morning of June 20, I was slowly turning into the driveway at [XXX] , my foot on the brake the whole time to slow to a stop so I could park parallel to my realtor's car. My realtor, [XXX] , witnessed the slow speed, as did many of the neighbors, as it was a quiet residential street. I continued to depress the brake but instead of stopping, our rental car, a Toyota Prius, suddenly lurched forward through the garage door! At no time did I lift my foot from the brake from the time I slowed the vehicle to enter the driveway. My husband can attest to this. In fact, he told me he was about to remove his seat belt, as he expected we would come to a stop. THe car ended up crashing through the back wall of the garage causing extensive damage. The air bags did not deploy either. I cannot explain why the vehicle would suddenly accelerate while my foot remained on the brake. I am now being sued by the homeowners insurance company. Fortunately no one was hurt nor killed. I filed a claim initially with avis two days later and asked for a report or dcm download of the brake system. Their ins. co. is named Sedgwick and I have followed up with their reps and no one can tell me if the brakes were checked and what was found. I have never been in a crash in my life and this is extremely upsetting. No one is getting back to me. Can you please help? [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11545375 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Palm Beach Gardens, FLCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
My husband and I rented a car from Avis on June 19, 2023. THe car they we selected was not available so they picked a prius out of the lot and gave it to us. On the morning of June 20, I was slowly turning into the driveway at [XXX] , my foot on the brake the whole time to slow to a stop so I could park parallel to my realtor's car. My realtor, [XXX] , witnessed the slow speed, as did many of the neighbors, as it was a quiet residential street. I continued to depress the brake but instead of stopping, our rental car, a Toyota Prius, suddenly lurched forward through the garage door! At no time did I lift my foot from the brake from the time I slowed the vehicle to enter the driveway. My husband can attest to this. In fact, he told me he was about to remove his seat belt, as he expected we would come to a stop. THe car ended up crashing through the back wall of the garage causing extensive damage. The air bags did not deploy either. I cannot explain why the vehicle would suddenly accelerate while my foot remained on the brake. I am now being sued by the homeowners insurance company. Fortunately no one was hurt nor killed. I filed a claim initially with avis two days later and asked for a report or dcm download of the brake system. Their ins. co. is named Sedgwick and I have followed up with their reps and no one can tell me if the brakes were checked and what was found. I have never been in a crash in my life and this is extremely upsetting. No one is getting back to me. Can you please help? [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11545375 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Nashua, NH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem is with what Toyota calls the Combination meter of the Instrument Cluster. Problem is that displayed icons are washed out and/or unreadable under conditions of normal sunny skies. (There is no problem during darkness or overcast skies). Specifically, (going from left to right), "Headlight high beam indicator," "Shift position indicators," "Cruise control indicator," and Passenger Air Bag status indicators are washed out or unreadable. The result is that important safety information is denied to the driver. Toyota of Nashua has inspected my concerns and agrees my observations are accurate but further states this situation is the same for all 2022 Priuses and no safety recall or service bulletin has been issued by Toyota.
NHTSA complaint #11522794 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hobart, IN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My air conditioner smells like mildew
NHTSA complaint #11516669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,000 milesPhiladelphia, PA
SERVICE BRAKES
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that on two separate occasions while shifted into reverse, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop. The contact stated that he applied extra pressure and turned off the hybrid power system to stop the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact was concerned that the failure could cause an accident or potential injury. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.
NHTSA complaint #11509383 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mountain Brook, AL
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Started vehicle in driveway to warm up for a minute. Sitting in vehicle with front defrost turned on medium fan, 75 degrees settings. After a few minutes, while still in park, I heard the windshield crack and noticed that a 12-18 inch crack appeared from the bottom middle part of the windshield.
NHTSA complaint #11505174 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10 milesBoise, ID
INTERIOR LIGHTING
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that the driver's side front power door lock button failed to illuminate during the night. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the model vehicle was not equipped with illumination for the driver's side front power door lock button. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 10.
NHTSA complaint #11502268 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Harbert, MI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The catalytic converter appears to be overheating, causing the insulated sheathing in the hood to catch fire and/or melt. I discovered the defect this morning when I opened the hood to refill the windshield wiper fluid.
NHTSA complaint #11493036 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cincinnati, OH
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
2022 TOYOTA PRIUS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE ACCELERATES FOR A FEW SECONDS WHEN THE TURN SIGNAL IS ACTIVATED WHILE THE CRUISE CONTROL IS ACTIVE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED.
NHTSA complaint #11473374 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Willow, AKCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
Airbags never deployed front or side. Vehicle equipped and activated SOS system did not work. vehicle was a total loss and I nearly died in the process
NHTSA complaint #11458517 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
