VehicleVerdict

2020 Toyota Prius Prime problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 23 complaints on file for the 2020 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.

23

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

9

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2020 compare to other Prius Prime years?

Prius Prime NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 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, 2020 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Prius Prime years to avoid →

What are the most common 2020 Toyota Prius Prime problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Visibility & Wipers626%
Speed Control313%
Electrical System313%
Transmission313%
Tires & Wheels29%
Brakes29%
Lighting14%
Airbags14%
Body & Structure14%
Driver Assistance14%

Does the 2020 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.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 TOYOTA PRIUS PRIME. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE PURCHASED AND INSTALLED A DASHBOARD COVER IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING, THE DASHBOARD COVER SHIFTED AND BLOCKED THE SENSOR FOR THE BACK OVER PREVENTION CAMERA, ALLOWING THE DISPLAY SCREEN TO GO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · October 26, 2020 · crash

“The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Prius Prime. The contact stated that while coasting her vehicle into a parking spot at 2 MPH, the vehicle independently accelerated forward with her foot lightly on the accelerator pedal. The vehicle jumped the curb and crashed into two vehicles. The contact was…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 21, 2022 · crash

“I WAS GOING TO PARK MY CAR IN PARKING LOT OF MY APARTMENT. I PUSHED THE BAKER, THE CAR DIDN'T DECREASE THE SPEED OR STOP, BUT ACCELERATED. IT WAS JUST OUT OF CONTROL AND CRASHED TO THE WALL. THE SENSOR SYSTEM DIDN'T DO ANY JOB, NOT EVEN A WARNING.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · November 25, 2020 · crash

“The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Prius Prime. The contact stated that while coasting her vehicle into a parking spot at 2 MPH, the vehicle independently accelerated forward with her foot lightly on the accelerator pedal. The vehicle jumped the curb and crashed into two vehicles. The contact was…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 21, 2022 · crash

“THE OUTER SIDE OF MY R FRONT PASSENGER TIRE BLEW OUT IN TWO PLACES,(NOT NEAR THE TREAD AREA) WHILE DRIVING ON A GOOD HIGHWAY ROAD SURFACE APPROX 50 MPH. 3400 MILES TOTAL ON THE ODOMETER. NO BUMP WHEN I HEARD THE TIRE POP.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · February 12, 2021

2020 Toyota Prius Prime — common questions

Is the 2020 Toyota Prius Prime reliable?

The record is thin — 23 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 2020 Prius Prime problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are visibility & wipers (6 complaints), transmission (3 complaints), speed control (3 complaints).

Does the 2020 Toyota Prius Prime have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2020 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 2020 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.