2016 Toyota Prius recalls and problems
The 2016 Toyota Prius has 5 safety recalls and 156 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Toyota dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2016 Toyota Prius vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2016 Toyota Prius recalls
Recall 18V-579: Electrical System
Problem: 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.
Recall 18V-085: Air Bags
Problem: 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.
Recall 17V-658: Hybrid Propulsion System
Problem: 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.
Recall 16V-741: Parking Brake
Problem: 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 16V-672: Air Bags
Problem: 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.
2016 Toyota Prius problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility/Wiper | 40 | |
| Unknown or Other | 30 | |
| Electrical System | 20 | |
| Service Brakes | 18 | |
| Engine | 18 | |
| Power Train | 15 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 14 | |
| Structure | 11 | |
| Air Bags | 8 | |
| Tires | 7 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 6 | |
| Suspension | 5 |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 10
- Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery — 2
- Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices › Interior — 1
- Tires › Pressure Monitoring and Regulating Systems — 1
- Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 1
- Visibility › Windshield — 1
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Pump — 1
- Electrical System › Wiring › Fuses and Circuit Breakers — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 19,700 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2016 Toyota Prius complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Toyota Prius years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2016 Toyota Prius have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2016 Toyota Prius: 18V-579 (electrical system), 18V-085 (air bags), 17V-658 (hybrid propulsion system), 16V-741 (parking brake), 16V-672 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2016 Toyota Prius?
Owners report visibility/wiper problems most often (40 reports), followed by unknown or other (30). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 19,700 miles.
Are Toyota recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Toyota dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.