VehicleVerdict

2015 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 6 complaints on file for the 2015 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.

6

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

2

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2015 compare to other Prius Plug-In Hybrid years?

Prius Plug-In Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2015 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, 2015 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Prius Plug-In Hybrid years to avoid →

What are the most common 2015 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes233%
Electrical System117%
Engine117%
Speed Control117%
Body & Structure117%

Does the 2015 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid have recalls?

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

17V718000Fuel SystemNovember 15, 2017 · 39,915 units

Defect

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2012-2015 Prius Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. The hybrid battery contains an Electric Vehicle (EV) fuse that may fracture after repeated high-load driving conditions such as climbing long hills.

Consequence

The failed fuse may cause the hybrid system to shut down resulting in the loss of power. Loss of power while driving at higher speeds can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EV fuse, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 8, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is H0R.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“UPON IMPACT TO DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT WHEEL, BRAKE FAILED (SEVERAL PUMPS TO FLOOR) WHILE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT FOOT PRESSURE. VEHICLE WAS MOVING WHEN IT WAS HIT BY ANOTHER PRIUS.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 30, 2016 · crash

“UPON IMPACT TO DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT WHEEL, BRAKE FAILED (SEVERAL PUMPS TO FLOOR) WHILE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT FOOT PRESSURE. VEHICLE WAS MOVING WHEN IT WAS HIT BY ANOTHER PRIUS.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · November 30, 2016 · crash

“The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that after his mother had driven uphill and had pulled into a gas station with him in the front passenger seat, the vehicle began to overheat. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that he saw smoke coming out…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 9, 2022

“The pearl white paint on my 2015 Toyota Prius plug in vehicle is starting to chip and delaminate. This poses a safetly hazard to the structural rigidity of the body which could rust, break down, and fail unexpectedly. I am requesting to hold Toyota, who has had paint issues with their vehicles in…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · July 1, 2024

2015 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid — common questions

Is the 2015 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid reliable?

The record is thin — 6 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2015 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2015 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 2015 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations 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.