VehicleVerdict

2010 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 8 complaints on file for the 2010 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

8

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

4

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2010 compare to other Prius Plug-In Hybrid years?

Prius Plug-In Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2010 highlighted31 complaints2010: 8 complaints2011: 1 complaints2012: 31 complaints2013: 18 complaints2014: 21 complaints2015: 6 complaints2016: 0 complaints2017: 13 complaints2018: 1 complaints2025: 3 complaints2026: 5 complaints
Prius Plug-In Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2010 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Prius Plug-In Hybrid years to avoid →

What are the most common 2010 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes338%
Electrical System113%
Engine113%
Fuel System113%
Other113%
Speed Control113%

Does the 2010 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

16V487000AirbagsJune 30, 2016 · 482,002 units

Defect

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Toyota Prius, 2010 and 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid, and 2011-2012 Lexus CT200h vehicles. A weld in the curtain shield air bag inflator may crack causing one or both portions of the inflator to eject into the passenger cabin.

Consequence

If either portion of the curtain shield air bag inflator ejects into the passenger cabin, there is an increased risk of injury to vehicle occupants.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will install retention brackets to the curtain shield air bags, free of charge. The recall began on October 17, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota Customer Service Department at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is Toyota G0U, and Lexus GLJ.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 TOYOTA PRIUS PLUG-IN HYBRID. WHILE REVERSING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE CONTACT RELEASED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO SWITCH THE VEHICLE INTO DRIVE. SUDDENLY, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED BACKWARDS AND DROVE INTO A NEIGHBOR'S YARD. THE VEHICLE SPUN OUT OF CONTROL EVEN WITH THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 4, 2018 · crash

“THIS RECALL NO LONGER APPEARS ON YOUR WEBSITE: 2010-2014 PRIUS RECALL HTTPS://WWW.CONSUMERREPORTS.ORG/CRO/NEWS/2014/02/TOYOTA-RECALLS-1-9-MILLION-PRIUS-HYBRIDS-FOR-SHUTDOWN-RISK/INDEX.HTM”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 13, 2018 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 TOYOTA PRIUS PLUG-IN HYBRID. WHILE REVERSING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE CONTACT RELEASED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO SWITCH THE VEHICLE INTO DRIVE. SUDDENLY, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED BACKWARDS AND DROVE INTO A NEIGHBOR'S YARD. THE VEHICLE SPUN OUT OF CONTROL EVEN WITH THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · November 4, 2018 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 TOYOTA PRIUS PLUG-IN HYBRID. WHILE REVERSING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE CONTACT RELEASED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO SWITCH THE VEHICLE INTO DRIVE. SUDDENLY, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED BACKWARDS AND DROVE INTO A NEIGHBOR'S YARD. THE VEHICLE SPUN OUT OF CONTROL EVEN WITH THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · November 4, 2018 · crash

2010 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid — common questions

Is the 2010 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid reliable?

The record is thin — 8 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2010 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2010 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2010 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Prius Plug-In Hybrid years to avoid are 2012. The cleanest record among Prius Plug-In Hybrid years belongs to 2016.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.