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2016 Toyota Prius Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2016 Toyota Prius carries 5 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering inverter and wiring. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Windshield cracking from minor road debris impact.” 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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5 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM: INVERTER

Campaign #17V658000 · Oct 18, 2017

Issue: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2016 Prius vehicles. A capacitor within the hybrid system may not have been properly bolted to the inverter housing.

Risk: If the capacitor was not properly secured, vibrations from driving the vehicle may damage the capacitor, shutting down the hybrid system, causing a loss of motive power and increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inverter, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin by early December 2017. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is H0U.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Campaign #18V579000 · May 9, 2018

Issue: 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.

Fix: 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.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Campaign #16V672000 · Sep 16, 2016

Issue: Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toyota Prius vehicles manufactured November 30, 2015, to June 14, 2016. An air bag inflator manufacturing error may result in the inadvertent partial inflation of the front passenger air bag.

Risk: A front passenger air bag that unintentionally inflates can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began November 10, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is G0W.

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

Campaign #18V085000 · Jan 31, 2018

Issue: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2016 Toyota Prius and Lexus RX 350, RX 350 F Sport, RX 450h F Sport and RX 450h vehicles and 2015-2016 Lexus NX 200T, NX Turbo and NX 300h vehicles. The air bag pressure sensors and/or the acceleration sensors may fail causing the side/curtain shield air bags and/or the front air bags to not deploy in the event of a crash.

Risk: If the air bags fail to deploy in a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.

Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the sensors as necessary based on their serial numbers, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 12, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are JLA, J0F.

PARKING BRAKE

Campaign #16V741000 · Oct 14, 2016

Issue: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Prius vehicles manufactured August 6, 2015, to October 3, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with a foot-operated parking brake system that has a parking brake cable that may disengage.

Risk: If the parking brake cable disengages from the mechanism and the transmission is left in a gear other than 'Park' while the ignition is on and the driver leaves the vehicle, the vehicle may roll unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will install a clip at the parking brake cable end to prevent the cable from disengaging, free of charge. The recall began November 10, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is G01.

Recall data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2016 Toyota Prius.

Reported to NHTSA

Windshield cracking from minor road debris impact

VISIBILITY/WIPER

43 NHTSA complaints · 2016-10 → 2021-10

“2016 PRIUS SITTING IN THE DRIVEWAY DURING A RELATIVELY HOT DAY (~95 F TEMPERATURE), APPEARS TO HAVE A BIG CRACK. I LOOKED IT UP AND APPARENTLY TOYOTA IS UNDERGOING A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT OVER THE SAME ISSUE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11350840
“2 MONTHS AFTER GETTING THE PRIUS, I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 50 MPH ON A ELEVATED, SINGLE-LANE HIGHWAY OVERPASS WITH NO CARS IN FRONT OF ME WHEN I HEARD A CRACK AND NOTICED A CHIP IN THE WINDSHIELD ON THE PASSENGER SIDE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11002721
“WINDSHIELD CRACKED 12+ INCHES OVERNIGHT WITH NO CAUSE. VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN GARAGE. CRACK HAS SINCE GROWN TO 20+ INCHES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10945338

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Coolant loss from exhaust heat exchanger leak

ENGINE

7 NHTSA complaints · 2022-05 → 2025-08

“Overheating light began flashing while driving 5/21/22. Drove to Napa Auto Parts and saw coolant reservoir was empty. Bought anti-freeze and filled reservoir. Upon arrival at destination, reservoir was empty again. Filled it again”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11465810
“Found coolant leak from heat exchanger into exhaust pipe. Looks like, T-SB-0135-19”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11678347
“Shortly after having my Toyota serviced, I had an engine coolant warning sign appear. I checked and noted the coolant was gone. I bought coolant and filled the coolant tank. A week later, I see the light again. I have seen no leakage at all on the ground”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11480770

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Tire tread and sidewall separation

TIRES

9 NHTSA complaints · 2016-08 → 2024-08

“AT HIGHWAY SPEED TIRE TREAD SEPARATED COMPLETELY FROM SIDEWALL ON BOTH SIDES OF RIGHT REAR TIRE. VEHICLE: 2016 TOYOTA PRIUS TWO ECO. TIRES - MANUFACTURER: TOYO - MODEL: NANOENERGY A29 - DOT CODE: N39N SIZE:195/6515 TIRE - DATE OF MANUFACTURE: 1216 (DECEMBER 2016)”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11031356
“The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Prius equipped with Cooper Tires, Tire Line: Mastercraft, Tire Size: 195/65/15, DOT Number: (Not Available). The contacted stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle began to violently shake and vibrated”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11515151
“WE HAD AN UNEXPLAINED BLOWOUT IN A TIRE WITH LESS THAN 5000 MILES ON IT ON OUR PRIUS IV 2016 PURCHASED IN MAY. WE SAW NOTHING IN THE ROADWAY THAT WOULD HAVE CAUSED THIS. THE TIRE WAS RIPPED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10897341

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake booster and ABS warning malfunction

SERVICE BRAKES

16 NHTSA complaints · 2016-06 → 2026-06

“The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while the vehicle was on and running, the ABS and traction control warning lights illuminated, and the messages "Braking Power Low - Stop in a Safe Place”, “See Owner's Manual"”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11747244
“OVER THE PAST YEAR AND OVER 15,000 MILES OUR 2016 TOYOTA PRIUS FOUR TOURING HAS EXPERIENCED SUDDEN DISPLAYS OF WARNING MESSAGES AND LIGHTS REPORTING BRAKING POWER LOW - VISIT YOUR DEALER; BRAKING POWER LOW - STOP IN A SAFE PLACE - SEE OWNER'S MANUAL;”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11072880
“While driving vehicle on the freeway it stated braking power low, stop in a safe place, antilock brake system malfunction, pre-collision system malfunction, lane departure alert malfunction. I was almost in a major scary accident”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11585005

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bags fail to deploy during crash impact

AIR BAGS

7 NHTSA complaints · 2016-10 → 2022-04

“While going 70 MPH, I hid a feral hog. Although the front end of my car crumpled up, and we came to a sudden stop, the air bags did not deploy”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11461252
“Airbags failed to deploy upon impact with guardrail. Drivers side front corner hit the guardrail at approx. 45% angle at 50-60mph. The vehicle was inspected by an insurance rep. and was deemed a total loss. The car is available for inspection”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11418913
“WE WERE TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 70MILES AN HOUR ON A DIVIDED HIGHWAY. THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS ACTIVATED. MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING, I WAS THE PASSENGER. WE BOTH WERE WEARING OUR SEAT BELTS. MY HUSBAND SUFFERED SOME SORT OF MEDICAL INCIDENT CAUSING HIM TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10911046

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Loss of acceleration or stall from a stop

POWER TRAIN, ENGINE

13 NHTSA complaints · 2016-11 → 2025-01

“CAR DOES NOT ACCELERATE FROM A STOP WHEN PRESSING THE GAS PETAL WHILE CAR IS IN DRIVE. THIS SEEMS TO HAPPEN ONLY IN THE SUMMER MONTHS. WHILE PULLING UP TO A RED LIGHT I SLOWED THE CAR TO A STOP”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11350160
“AS I LEFT WORK MY INDICATOR SHOWED A FULL BATTERY ALL BARS IN BLUE. AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE COAST I NOTICED THE BATTERY STARTED TO QUICKLY DEPLETE, IN APPROX 8.6 MILES MY INDICATOR SHOWED 1 BLUE BAR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10923955
“When the battery cooling fan is running, the car is slow to accelerate or will not accelerate at all. The incident has happened multiple times over the past year when the temperatures are above 90”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11469085

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Unintended acceleration during low-speed maneuvers

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

7 NHTSA complaints · 2017-06 → 2021-04

“WHILE SLOWING AND PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE, IN FRONT OF THE DENTIST OFFICE WHERE MY WIFE HAD AN APPOINTMENT, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. IT JUMPED THE CURB, AND SHE STEERED HARD RIGHT TO AVOID THE BUILDING DIRECTLY IN FRONT OH THE PARKING SPACE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11413018
“SPONTANEOUS ACCELERATION INCIDENT. I WAS SLOWLY PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE IN A PARKING GARAGE. AS I STRAIGHTENED IT OUT TO COMPLETE THE MANEUVER, THE CAR TOOK OFF ON ITS OWN AND HIT THE WALL OF THE PARKING GARAGE THERE WAS SOME DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11372683
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE PLASTIC RIDGE ON THE CENTER CONSOLE CAUGHT THE DRIVER'S SHOE AND CAUSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO STICK TO THE FLOORBOARD OF THE VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10993174

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 1 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

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)

50 crashes 1990–2024

How the 50 occupant deaths break down

33

driver deaths

17

passenger deaths

50

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2016 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.

13

complaints mentioning a crash

0

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls 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 2016 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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