VehicleVerdict

2016 Toyota Prius V problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 24 complaints on file for the 2016 Toyota Prius V — 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.

24

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

10

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

5

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2016 compare to other Prius V years?

Prius V NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted289 complaints2011: 1 complaints2012: 289 complaints2013: 164 complaints2014: 118 complaints2015: 31 complaints2016: 24 complaints2017: 14 complaints2018: 3 complaints
Prius V NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Prius V years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Toyota Prius V problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Speed Control417%
Airbags417%
Electrical System417%
Other313%
Brakes313%
Engine28%
Fuel System14%
Body & Structure14%
Transmission14%
Visibility & Wipers14%

Does the 2016 Toyota Prius V have recalls?

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

20V369000Fuel SystemJune 24, 2020 · 266,638 units

Defect

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Prius and 2014-2017 Prius V vehicles not included in recall 18V-684. Excessive voltage in the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) within the inverter may cause the hybrid system to shut down, causing the vehicle to stall while being driven.

Consequence

An unexpected hybrid power system shut down may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will perform a software update for the hybrid system. If the vehicle has experienced an inverter failure with certain hybrid system faults related to this condition, the inverter assembly will be repaired or replaced, prior to software update. All repairs will be performed free of charge. This recall began July 24, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TB10 / 20TA10.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“WHILE SLOWING AND PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE, IN FRONT OF THE DENTIST OFFICE WHERE MY WIFE HAD AN APPOINTMENT, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. IT JUMPED THE CURB, AND SHE STEERED HARD RIGHT TO AVOID THE BUILDING DIRECTLY IN FRONT OH THE PARKING SPACE. SHE SIDESWIPED THE FRONT OF 2 VEHICLES…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · April 20, 2021 · crash

“Airbags failed to deploy upon impact with guardrail. Drivers side front corner hit the guardrail at approx. 45% angle at 50-60mph. The vehicle was inspected by an insurance rep. and was deemed a total loss. The car is available for inspection.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · April 25, 2021 · crash

“WHILE PARKING MY VEHICLE AND SLOWING DOWN TO ENTER A PARKING SPACE, I EASED OFF THE BRAKE TO PULL INTO THE SPACE WHEN I HEARD THE ENGINE REV LOUDLY AND THEN THE CAR ACCELERATED AND CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE DESPITE ATTEMPTS TO PUMP THE BRAKES, RELEASE THE BRAKES WITHOUT TOUCHING ANY PEDAL AND ALSO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 1, 2018 · crash

“OUR VEHICLE IS COMPLETELY INOPERABLE. THE BATTERY WORKS BUT THE VEHICLE FLASHES ALL KINDS OF WARNING LIGHTS AND WILL NOT START UP. WE BELIEVE THAT IT MAY BE DUE TO RODENTS AS TOYOTA DEALERSHIP POINTED OUT RODENT ISSUE IN CABIN AIR FILTER LAST TIME WE WENT THERE FOR SOME SAFETY RECALL. IT SEEMS TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · November 16, 2020

“WHILE PARKING MY VEHICLE AND SLOWING DOWN TO ENTER A PARKING SPACE, I EASED OFF THE BRAKE TO PULL INTO THE SPACE WHEN I HEARD THE ENGINE REV LOUDLY AND THEN THE CAR ACCELERATED AND CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE DESPITE ATTEMPTS TO PUMP THE BRAKES, RELEASE THE BRAKES WITHOUT TOUCHING ANY PEDAL AND ALSO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 1, 2018 · crash

2016 Toyota Prius V — common questions

Is the 2016 Toyota Prius V reliable?

The record is thin — 24 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 2016 Prius V problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are speed control (4 complaints), electrical system (4 complaints), airbags (4 complaints).

Does the 2016 Toyota Prius V have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2016 Toyota Prius V. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Toyota Prius V years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Prius V years to avoid are 2012, 2013, 2014. The cleanest record among Prius V years belongs to 2011.

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.