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2007 Toyota Prius Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2007 Toyota Prius has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 5 recurring issue clusters, led by “Brake actuator/ABS module failure.” Toyota's owner's manual splits service into Schedule 1 (severe) and Schedule 2 (normal). Most US drivers fall under Schedule 1 because it covers short trips, extreme temperatures, dusty roads, or heavy idling. The intervals below reflect Schedule 1 — the schedule Toyota recommends for typical real-world use.

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No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2007 Toyota Prius.

Reported to NHTSA

Brake actuator/ABS module failure

SERVICE BRAKES

65 NHTSA complaints · 2018-01 → 2025-06

“Failing Brake Actuator Assembly. This is known issue by Toyota and they issued a brief warranty repair program, but have since stopped and refuse to fix the issue or provide assistance”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11623731
“Toyota has admitted that their BRAKE ACTUATOR assembly on their 2007 Prius FAILS and they will fix it for no charge BUT ONLY IF YOU COMPLAIN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11479963
“I WAS ON MY WAY TO WORK NAVIGATING THROUGH BUSY TRAFFIC WHEN THE ABS SYSTEM FAILED IN MY VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11310480

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Combination meter/instrument panel display blackout

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

32 NHTSA complaints · 2018-01 → 2023-10

“Combination meter often does not turn on when turning the car on. This means you cannot see a speedometer, any warning lights, fuel tank levels, or mileage”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11547630
“COMBINATION METER DISPLAY FAILURE. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE IN WHICH THE INSTRUMENTATION PANEL AND CRUISE CONTROL CEASE TO FUNCTION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11138827
“STARTING MAY 2015 WHOLE DASHBOARD IN MY CAR SPORADICALLY GOES BLACK, I CAN'T SEE HOW FAST I WAS GOING OR HOW MUCH GAS I HAVE LEFT OR USE MY BACKUP CAMERA IN MY CAR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11064997

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Headlights intermittently shutting off while driving

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

42 NHTSA complaints · 2017-12 → 2024-02

“FRONT HEADLIGHT (BOTH) SOMETIMES ALL LIGHTS WILL GO OFF. MOST OF THE TIME IT IS ONE OR THE OTHER BUT I HAVE HAD IT HAPPEN WHERE BOTH COMPLETELY TURN OFF WHILE DRIVING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11150097
“ONE HEADLIGHT TURNS OFF RANDOMLY. EVERY NOW AND AGAIN TURNING THE LIGHTS OFF AND ON AGAIN WILL FIX THE PROBLEM, BUT WHEN YOU'RE DRIVING 70MPH DOWN A DARK HIGHWAY YOU DON'T WANT TO HAVE TO KEEP YOUR FINGERS CROSSED THAT THE LIGHTS WILL COME BACK ON”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11209804
“HEADLIGHTS ARE INTERMITTENT. SOMETIMES LEFT, SOMETIMES RIGHT, SOMETIMES BOTH WILL TURN OFF. SO FAR, TURNING THE THE SWITCH OFF THEN BACK ON CURES THE PROBLEM, BUT ONLY TEMPORARILY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11091617

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Melted rear hatch/trunk latch preventing access

STRUCTURE

7 NHTSA complaints · 2018-02 → 2024-07

“THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRIM AROUND THE TRUNK LATCH MELTED AND WAS STUCK TO THE VEHICLE, WHICH MADE IT IMPOSSIBLE TO OPEN THE TRUNK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11218562
“THE BACK LATCH TO THE TRUNK/HATCH IS DEFECTIVE. THE RUBBER EXTERIOR PART HAS MELTED AND IS ALL GOOEY AND STICKY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11115076
“THE RUBBER COVER TO THE EXTERNAL TRUNK LATCH HAS MELTED TO THE POINT WHERE IT IS EITHER GOOEY TO THE TOUCH IN WARM WEATHER OR FROZEN SOLID AND IMMOVABLE IN COLDER TEMPERATURES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11267228

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine stalling or loss of power while driving

ENGINE

4 NHTSA complaints · 2018-11 → 2020-08

“I WAS DRIVING MY CAR ON THE HIGHWAY IN HOUSTON (INTERSTATE-10) AND MY CAR SUDDENLY STOPPED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11351874
“WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED AND FAILED TO OPERATE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11151926
“WE ARE EXPERIENCING GROSS MALFUNCTIONING WITH THIS PRIUS THAT NOW HAS APPX. 76,000 MILES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11242682

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 5,000 mi

Replace 0W-20 full-synthetic oil and filter every 5,000 miles under Schedule 1, or 10,000 miles under Schedule 2. Toyota covers the first 2 oil changes through ToyotaCare.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 5,000 mi

Rotate tires every 5,000 miles. Toyota recommends rotation at every oil change to maximize tire life on FWD and AWD models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 5,000 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake every 5,000 miles. Toyota recommends measuring pad thickness at each service.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 36 months. Critical for the integrity of the ABS, VSC, and brake assist systems.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Earlier under Schedule 1 if driven on unpaved roads.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

Toyota labels ATF as 'lifetime fill' on most automatics, but recommends inspection and replacement every 60,000 miles under severe service. Use Toyota WS or Type-IV — no substitutes.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 120,000 mi

Toyota iridium-tipped spark plugs are rated for 120,000 miles. Earlier replacement reduces fuel economy and can cause misfires on direct-injection engines.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC)

Every 50,000 mi

Toyota SLLC (pink): first change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles. Do not substitute green or orange coolant — it will damage the cooling system seals.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 30,000 miles, sooner in dusty climates. Located behind the glove box on most Toyota and Lexus models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Serpentine / Drive Belt Inspection

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect the serpentine belt and tensioner every 60,000 miles. Toyota uses long-life EPDM belts that rarely fail before 100,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Timing Chain — No Replacement

On condition / lifetime

Toyota's 2AR-FE, 2GR-FKS, A25A-FKS, and most Toyota engines built since 2010 use a timing chain rated for the life of the engine. No scheduled replacement.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Pro only

Timing chains are normally lifetime. Listen for rattle on cold start — that's the actionable signal. Replacement is major work, quote separately.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

122 crashes 1990–2024

How the 122 occupant deaths break down

101

driver deaths

21

passenger deaths

122

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2007 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

124

complaints mentioning a crash

9

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2007 Toyota Prius reflects Toyota's published service intervals and the Maintenance Required Light system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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