VehicleVerdict

2015 Toyota Prius problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2015 Toyota Prius carries two red flags at once: 210 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Brake Actuator Valve Wear). It is one of the Prius years to avoid. Reports tied to this model year include 3 deaths and 30 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

The trouble concentrates in one system: brakes issues account for 42% of all reports (88 of 210), far ahead of electrical system at 27. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

210

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

3

Investigations · 1 open

51

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

30

Injuries

3

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2015 compare to other Prius years?

Prius NHTSA complaints by model year, 2015 highlighted3,482 complaints2000: 4 complaints2001: 215 complaints2002: 201 complaints2003: 123 complaints2004: 737 complaints2005: 1,298 complaints2006: 1,690 complaints2007: 2,451 complaints2008: 1,894 complaints2009: 644 complaints2010: 3,482 complaints2011: 662 complaints2012: 537 complaints2013: 533 complaints2014: 273 complaints2015: 210 complaints2016: 215 complaints2017: 127 complaints2018: 45 complaints2019: 51 complaints2020: 23 complaints2021: 11 complaints2022: 28 complaints2023: 25 complaints2024: 31 complaints2025: 28 complaints2026: 5 complaints
Prius NHTSA complaints by model year, 2015 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Prius years to avoid →

What are the most common 2015 Toyota Prius problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes8842%
Electrical System2713%
Other157%
Transmission136%
Fuel System94%
Speed Control73%
Engine73%
Lighting73%
Airbags63%
Driver Assistance63%
Body & Structure63%
Visibility & Wipers52%
Tires & Wheels42%
Steering31%
Suspension31%
Seats21%
Seat Belts21%

Does the 2015 Toyota Prius 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.

Open NHTSA investigations

DP23005

Brake Actuator Valve Wear

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received a petition dated September 19, 2023 from the owner of a 2012 Toyota Prius V requesting that ODI reevaluate its decision to deny DP19-004. In the letter, the petitioner reported experiencing an unexpected and complete loss of brake power while driving, accompanied by multiple dashboard warning lights. This petition is based on the petitioner's direct experience and assessment that ODI closed DP19-004 because its prompting petition was withdrawn by that petitioner. ODI will review the work conducted during DP19-004 and a review of any additional related complaints and crashes via a new defect petition The petition and related materials can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under the following ODI number:11553736.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“BRAKES FAILED TO SLOW OR STOP VEHICLE AT ?20 MPH; DRIVING ON A SIDE STREET. NO WARNING LIGHTS WERE ACTIVE THAT MORNING. CRASH INTO TELEPHONE PHONE RESULTED IN "TOTALED" CAR. THERE WAS BROKEN BRANCHES ON ROAD AND SOME MUD; CAR MAY HAVE SKIDDED. MY WIFE SAYS THE CAR SEEMED TO SPEED UP BEFORE THE CRASH”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 20, 2020 · crash

“During routine low speed suburban driving, a fire started under the hood in the right front of the car. The smoke was first noticed by a pedestrian so I pulled over, got out of the car, and called 911. I had no prior warning of any sort. The fire completely destroyed the car. This is being…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 13, 2021 · fire

“WHILE DRIVING IN A PARKING LOT, THE BRAKES WERE PRESSED TO SLOW DOWN THE CAR TO TURN INTO A PARKING LANE. HOWEVER, INSTEAD OF BRAKING THE CAR ACCELERATED. THE BRAKES WERE PRESSED AGAIN, AND THE CAR CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. THE CAR FINALLY STOPPED, APPROXIMATELY MIDWAY DOWN THE PARKING LANE. AS A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · June 4, 2016 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHEN THE VEHICLE'S GEAR SHIFTER PARK POSITION BUTTON WAS ACTIVATED, THE ENGINE WAS TURNED ON, AND THE VEHICLE WAS UNOCCUPIED, IT ACCELERATED FORWARD ON ITS OWN. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A ROCK. THE AIR BAGS HAD NOT DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 23, 2016 · crash

“My mom was involved in an accident in her 2015 Toyota Prius on April 19, 2022, which she advised lurched forward at a stop and when applying the brakes to stop the vehicle, she said was unresponsive, causing her to clip a vehicle and sending her vehicle into a ditch totaling her car and injuring…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · April 19, 2022 · crash

2015 Toyota Prius — common questions

Is the 2015 Toyota Prius reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 210 complaints put the 2015 model at #14 of 27 Prius years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Prius years to avoid.

What are the most common 2015 Prius problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (88 complaints), electrical system (27 complaints), other (15 complaints).

Does the 2015 Toyota Prius have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2015 Toyota Prius. 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 under NHTSA investigation?

Yes — an investigation remains open (Brake Actuator Valve Wear). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.

Which Toyota Prius years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Prius years to avoid are 2010, 2007, 2008, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2011, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015. The cleanest record among Prius years belongs to 2000.

How safe is the 2015 Toyota Prius?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2015 Toyota Prius earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

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.