2015 Toyota Prius: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 167 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes (47% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · 6 new complaints in the last 90 days · latest recall Jun 2020
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 167 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“I was rear-ended by a truck in my prius and my seat laid back on impact. I'm unaware if that was an intended thing or not but it potentially could have injured my neck. My car is currently in a storage lot awaiting the adjustor's inspection so it is available for inspection if needed. No warning lights were available and it hasn't been recreated by the dealer”Owner report · Seats · Jul 2026
“Pulling out of a parking stall, when put vehicle in drive, the engine revved up and accelerated - vehicle crashed, the brakes did not work- there was skid marks. Floor mats are factory OEM were installed properly. I did not hit the accelerator and I am in good health and mind. I have driving for over 30 years, never had and accident nor a ticket! - A county officer was at the seen and left me with vehicle that had to be towed away. The Vehicle is a total loss. I have insurance but felt that this incident need to be reported, There is no safety recalls and the vehicle was always property maintained”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2026
“The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the brake warning lights illuminated. The brakes were inoperable and entered manual mode. The contact stated that the brake warning lights were red and yellow. The vehicle was taken to Brake Masters, where it was diagnosed with brake actuator failure. The local dealer was contacted but did not provide assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 121,000.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jun 2026
Show 7 more owner reports
“Code C1391 200k miles All the warning signs for brake booster issue came up. The cost is too high and I just missed the Customer Support Program timelines because the code came up late. This needs to be a RECALL, based on how many people experience this issue consistently.”Owner report · Forward Collision Avoidance · May 2026
“My brake actuator and brake booster are failing. All of my dashboard lights have come on (brake, ABS, Traction Control, brake system warning light). Unfortunately, I am over 10 years and Toyota is saying that I need to pay out of pocket for the repairs. This is a known problem and should be covered. I was unaware of the known issue and my car didn't start having problems until after the 10 year mark. I am under 150,000 miles.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Mar 2026
“TOYOTA PRIUS ABS BRAKE PUMP ACTUATOR BOOSTER FAILING Making hissing noises and warning icon at only 10 years 9 month, 85,000 miles. Toyota extended warranty is NOT covering.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Mar 2026
“Brake Booster and ABS, Brake Master Cylinder went out in car without any lights or warning while driving the vehicle at a moderate speed on Freeway. I was able to avoid an accident and take the car to a repair shop in which at 119K miles and just at 10.5 yrs old the entire brake system had to be replaced/repaired.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Mar 2026
“On Feb. 19, 2026, I went to an auto repair store to change oil. I was told that I need to have rear brake pad and rotor replacement service because my car does not have it. The mechanic showed me and said that I only have the front brake work and it can cause safety issue.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Feb 2026
“The brake booster suddenly fails at 54k mile. Brake responds slower and need to push the brake pedal all the way It seems a lot of 2010-2015 Prius are facing this problem ABS light, skid light, and brake light was on when it happened, first appeared on Feb 6, 2026 Have to replace brake boost for ~$1500”Owner report · Service Brakes · Feb 2026
“Clear coat and paint is peeling, especially on the roof. Toyota is not acknowledging that this happening with the 2015 Prius seaglass pearl paint.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jan 2026
When filing, owners marked a crash in 30 of these complaints and injuries in 17 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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.
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.
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.
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.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2015 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Prius by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2015 Toyota Prius reliable?
NHTSA has 167 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2015 Toyota Prius. The most complained-about area is service brakes (47% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2015 Toyota Prius problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 34,000 miles or less.
Does the 2015 Toyota Prius have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning hybrid propulsion system. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.