VehicleVerdict

2019 Toyota Prius Prime problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 11 complaints on file for the 2019 Toyota Prius Prime — 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.

11

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2019 compare to other Prius Prime years?

Prius Prime NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 highlighted46 complaints2017: 46 complaints2018: 20 complaints2019: 11 complaints2020: 23 complaints2021: 19 complaints2022: 11 complaints2023: 3 complaints2024: 14 complaints
Prius Prime NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Prius Prime years to avoid →

What are the most common 2019 Toyota Prius Prime problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Tires & Wheels545%
Electrical System218%
Brakes19%
Latches & Locks19%
Other19%
Steering19%

Does the 2019 Toyota Prius Prime have recalls?

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

19V544000BrakesJuly 24, 2019 · 6,925 units

Defect

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2019 Lexus LS500, LC500, ES300h, UX250h, LS500h, Toyota Prius, RAV4 HV, 2019-2020 Toyota Prius Prime, and 2020 Corolla HV vehicles. The brake booster pump may fail causing a deactivation of the Vehicle Stability Control system and a loss of braking assist. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."

Consequence

Deactivation of the vehicle stability control system or a loss of braking assist increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the brake booster pump, free of charge. The recall began September 20, 2019. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 and Lexus owners may contact Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are K1L/K0L. Lexus' numbers for this recall are K2F/KLF.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“PASSENGER SIDE BEHIND THE DRIVER'S SEAT'S TIRE BLEW OUT. STARTED TO DRIVE AND CAR WAS MOVING SLOWER AND EVENTUALLY HAD TO PULL OVER BECAUSE CAR FELT UNSTABLE. WAS NOT GIVEN AN ALARM THAT THE TIRE WAS BLOWN AND FLAT. WAS DRIVING LESS THAN 30MPH, IN A STRAIGHT, FLAT STREET.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · July 24, 2020

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TOYOTA PRIUS PRIME. WHILE CHARGING THE VEHICLE'S BATTERY, THE DOORS ABRUPTLY LOCKED ON THEIR OWN. THE CONTACT CALLED ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE TO HAVE THE DOORS UNLOCKED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 22, 2019

“I've have to take my 2019 Prius Prime (with 20,000 miles total) in twice for brake issues in 6 weeks. Each time the dealer had to deal with a rotor heat issue. The first service was on 3/29/2021, the initial reason for appt was hearing squealing from the front. Upon inspection dealer found major…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · March 29, 2021

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TOYOTA PRIUS PRIME. WHILE CHARGING THE VEHICLE'S BATTERY, THE DOORS ABRUPTLY LOCKED ON THEIR OWN. THE CONTACT CALLED ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE TO HAVE THE DOORS UNLOCKED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Latches & Locks · August 22, 2019

“WHEN I DRIVE THE VEHICLE ON THE FREEWAY, IT FEELS UNSTABLE. IT GOES LEFT AND RIGHT. THE VEHICLE IS BRAND NEW. WE JUST BOUGHT IT LAST WEEK. TIRE PRESSURE IS GOOD AND THE DEALERSHIP SAID THERE IS NO RECALL ON THE CAR.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · August 25, 2019

2019 Toyota Prius Prime — common questions

Is the 2019 Toyota Prius Prime reliable?

The record is thin — 11 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2019 Prius Prime problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are tires & wheels (5 complaints), electrical system (2 complaints), latches & locks (1 complaints).

Does the 2019 Toyota Prius Prime have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2019 Toyota Prius Prime. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2019 Toyota Prius Prime under NHTSA investigation?

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

Which Toyota Prius Prime years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Prius Prime years to avoid are 2017. The cleanest record among Prius Prime years belongs to 2023.

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.