Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2021 Toyota Prius, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Fuel/propulsion system2
- Engine2
- Service brakes1
- Forward collision avoidance1
- Unknown or other1
- Wheels1
- Lane departure1
- Electrical system1
- Vehicle speed control1
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 0 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 16 2021 Prius vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died; 6 people died inside them, and 1 of the vehicles rolled over. This is a count, not a crash rate: it grows with the number of cars on the road.
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain)
New York safety inspections
At its first New York inspection the 2021 Toyota Prius failed the safety check 1.25% of the time — 32% more often than the average 2021 passenger car (0.95%). Median odometer at inspection: 28,507 miles.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
Registered new in Europe in 2021
4,578 new Toyota Prius cars were registered in the EU, Norway and Iceland in 2021; the largest markets were Spain (1,622), Germany (1,152), France (521).
- Average mass
- 1,558 kg
- Average CO₂
- 109 g/km (WLTP)
- Average power
- 73 kW
- Fuel type recorded
- Petrol 84% · Petrol/electric 16%
European Environment Agency, CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars · averages weighted by registrations; CO₂ is the type-approval value; fuel type as recorded at registration, where many non-plug-in hybrids appear as petrol · re-use permitted with acknowledgement
Real-world fuel consumption
111 Toyota Prius cars first registered in Europe in 2021 report their fuel use through the on-board meter. Petrol hybrid versions use 5.0 l/100 km on the road against 4.4 in the WLTP test (+13%).
| Fuel | Cars | On the road | WLTP | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol hybrid | 111 | 5.0 | 4.4 | +13% |
Litres per 100 km from the cars' own fuel meters (OBFCM), collected in 2024; the year is the year of first registration. All years together · European Environment Agency · CC BY 4.0
In the Netherlands
110 first registered in 2021 are on Dutch roads; 35% arrived later as imports. Median list price when new: €37,435.
Most common APK defects
- Bandenspanning niet op juiste waarde36
- Dimlicht onjuist afgesteld10
- Ruitenwisserinstallatie geeft onvoldoende zicht10
- Band onvoldoende profiel6
- Band(en) aanwezig met een profieldiepte van 1,6 t/m 2,5 mm5
- Bandenspanning op 1 as niet gelijk2
- Schijf-, trommelrem loopt niet vrij2
- Mechanische delen van het remsysteem vertonen slijtage1
Colours
RDW Open Data: registered vehicles and APK defects (CC0) · defect descriptions in the RDW's Dutch wording
In the United Kingdom
1,884 cars built in 2021 were licensed for the road at the end of 2025, and 58 more were declared off the road (SORN).
Department for Transport and DVLA, vehicle licensing statistics (table VEH0124, year of manufacture) · Open Government Licence v3.0
MOT test results in Great Britain
In 2023, 1,159 of these cars first registered in 2021 took their annual MOT test. 87% passed first time; among all cars first registered in 2021 the figure was 91%.
| Failed on | These cars | All cars from 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 5.9% | 2.9% |
| Tyres | 4.8% | 3.3% |
| Visibility | 1.7% | 1.6% |
| Suspension | 1.6% | 0.6% |
| Brakes | 1.0% | 1.3% |
| Body, chassis, structure | 0.5% | 0.3% |
DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, 2023 (Department for Transport) · Open Government Licence v3.0 · first tests only; a fix made at the test station within the hour still counts as a fail
In Finland
36 of these cars first registered in 2021 were in use in Finland on 30 Jun 2026, with an average of 66,000 km on the odometer at their last inspection.
Traficom (Finnish Transport and Communications Agency), open data on vehicles in use · CC BY 4.0
In New Zealand
401 2021 cars are on the New Zealand register; 78% arrived as used imports, 22% were sold new in New Zealand.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Motor Vehicle Register (March 2026) · CC BY 4.0
Crash-test ratings
NHTSA 5-star results for 2 variants; 2 of 2 rated variants score five stars overall. Rollover risk is the estimated chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Variant | Overall | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 Toyota PRIUS 5 HB AWD | ★★★★★ | 10.7 % |
| 2021 Toyota PRIUS 5 HB FWD | ★★★★★ | 10.7 % |
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
- Forward collision warning
- Standard
- Lane departure warning
- Standard
- Best overall rating
- 5 / 5
NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), api.nhtsa.gov · US federal work, public domain
Fuel consumption
Official Canadian test results for 2 variants: combined 4.5–4.8 L/100 km (about 49–52 mpg US), CO₂ 106–111 g/km.
| Variant | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prius · Mid-size · Regular gasoline | 4.4 | 4.7 | 4.5 |
| Prius AWD · Mid-size · Regular gasoline | 4.6 | 5.0 | 4.8 |
Litres per 100 km. Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings (open.canada.ca) · Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
No recall campaigns cover the 2021 Toyota Prius.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Toyota told its dealers about the 2021 Toyota Prius: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 11007455 | Some 2005 2024 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manual and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary |
| 11007445 | The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especially the horizonal areas of the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage can occur. This damage is the result of actual etching of the paint and appears as pitting or water spots. As acid rain droplets on the vehicle surface evaporate, the concentration strength of the acid increases, causing deeper and more rapid damage. This evaporation |
| 11007444 | To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before the vehicle is delivered to the customer. Consequently, the film should remain on the wheel for as long as possible. |
| 11007443 | Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage to the painted surfaces can occur. Acid rain damage can typically be identified on vehicles by the presence of stains on the paint surface that resemble hard water spots. Unlike water spots however, acid rain damage cannot be removed by regular washing procedures. Also, because acid rain can etch and soften the paint, |
| 11006161 | Some 2005 2024 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manual and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary |
| 11006151 | The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especially the horizonal areas of the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage can occur. This damage is the result of actual etching of the paint and appears as pitting or water spots. As acid rain droplets on the vehicle surface evaporate, the concentration strength of the acid increases, causing deeper and more rapid damage. This evaporation |
| 11006150 | To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before the vehicle is delivered to the customer. Consequently, the film should remain on the wheel for as long as possible. |
| 11006149 | Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage to the painted surfaces can occur. Acid rain damage can typically be identified on vehicles by the presence of stains on the paint surface that resemble hard water spots. Unlike water spots however, acid rain damage cannot be removed by regular washing procedures. Also, because acid rain can etch and soften the paint, |
| 11005153 | Toyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. |
| 11005149 | Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. This type of contamination can be identified by the presence of small, red or brown particles on the paint surface. These particles are often difficult to see on dark color paints but can be easily felt when brushing a hand across horizontal body surfaces such as the hood, roof, or deck lid. |
| 11005122 | Some 2005 2024 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manual and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary |
| 11005064 | Some 2005 2024 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manual and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary |
| 11003649 | The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especially the horizonal areas of the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage can occur. This damage is the result of actual etching of the paint and appears as pitting or water spots. As acid rain droplets on the vehicle surface evaporate, the concentration strength of the acid increases, causing deeper and more rapid damage. This evaporation |
| 11003647 | To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before the vehicle is delivered to the customer. Consequently, the film should remain on the wheel for as long as possible. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No. PD017-04. The entire bulletin has been updated. |
| 11003644 | Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage to the painted surfaces can occur. Acid rain damage can typically be identified on vehicles by the presence of stains on the paint surface that resemble hard water spots. Unlike water spots however, acid rain damage cannot be removed by regular washing procedures. Also, because acid rain can etch and soften the paint, |
| 11003636 | Some 2020 2024 Corolla HV, 2017 2022 Prius Prime, and 2016 2022 Prius vehicles equipped with a 2ZR-FXE engine may exhibit a MIL ON condition with Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P210015 (Throttle Actuator "A" Control Motor Circuit Short to Battery or Open), or P210019 (Throttle Actuator "A" Control Motor Circuit Current Above Threshold), or P211172 (Throttle Actuator "A" Control System Actuator Stuck Open) present. The Engine Control Module (ECM) (SAE term: Powertrain Control Module/PCM) logic has been modified to reduce the possibility of this condition. REVISION NOTICE April 17, 2024 Rev1 |
| 11003619 | Customers have expressed concerns about the performance of Qi Wireless Chargers. Wireless chargers on applicable vehicles are designed to work with Qi Certified devices only. MagSafe devices, that are not Qi Certified, may not charge as expected with Qi Wireless Chargers. |
| 11003602 | Some 2020 2024 Corolla HV, 2017 2022 Prius Prime, and 2016 2022 Prius vehicles equipped with a 2ZR-FXE engine may exhibit a MIL ON condition with Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P210015 (Throttle Actuator "A" Control Motor Circuit Short to Battery or Open), or P210019 (Throttle Actuator "A" Control Motor Circuit Current Above Threshold), or P211172 (Throttle Actuator "A" Control System Actuator Stuck Open) present. The Engine Control Module (ECM) (SAE term: Powertrain Control Module/PCM) logic has been modified to reduce the possibility of this condition |
| 11003594 | The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especially the horizonal areas of the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage can occur. This damage is the result of actual etching of the paint and appears as pitting or water spots. As acid rain droplets on the vehicle surface evaporate, the concentration strength of the acid increases, causing deeper and more rapid damage. This evaporation |
| 11003592 | To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before the vehicle is delivered to the customer. Consequently, the film should remain on the wheel for as long as possible. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No. PD017-04. The entire bulletin has been updated. |
| 11003589 | Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage to the painted surfaces can occur. Acid rain damage can typically be identified on vehicles by the presence of stains on the paint surface that resemble hard water spots. Unlike water spots however, acid rain damage cannot be removed by regular washing procedures. Also, because acid rain can etch and soften the paint, |
| 11003581 | Some 2020 2024 Corolla HV, 2017 2022 Prius Prime, and 2016 2022 Prius vehicles equipped with a 2ZR-FXE engine may exhibit a MIL ON condition with Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P210015 (Throttle Actuator "A" Control Motor Circuit Short to Battery or Open), or P210019 (Throttle Actuator "A" Control Motor Circuit Current Above Threshold), or P211172 (Throttle Actuator "A" Control System Actuator Stuck Open) present. The Engine Control Module (ECM) (SAE term: Powertrain Control Module/PCM) logic has been modified to reduce the possibility of this condition. REVISION NOTICE April 17, 2024 Rev1 |
| 11003564 | Customers have expressed concerns about the performance of Qi Wireless Chargers. Wireless chargers on applicable vehicles are designed to work with Qi Certified devices only. MagSafe devices, that are not Qi Certified, may not charge as expected with Qi Wireless Chargers. |
| 11003547 | Some 2020 2024 Corolla HV, 2017 2022 Prius Prime, and 2016 2022 Prius vehicles equipped with a 2ZR-FXE engine may exhibit a MIL ON condition with Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P210015 (Throttle Actuator "A" Control Motor Circuit Short to Battery or Open), or P210019 (Throttle Actuator "A" Control Motor Circuit Current Above Threshold), or P211172 (Throttle Actuator "A" Control System Actuator Stuck Open) present. The Engine Control Module (ECM) (SAE term: Powertrain Control Module/PCM) logic has been modified to reduce the possibility of this condition |
| 10253223 | This is to advise of various price adjustments that will affect Toyota Genuine Motor Oil and Long Life Coolant, effective March 1, 2024. These products are ordered through the Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) website. |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)
NHTSA investigations
Pedestrian alert sounds
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation