The Lemon Index
202020224th generation
One of the most reliable · most complaints: engine
Fewest complaints of its generation (4th generation).
5 owner complaints, first 3 years 49–56 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2021 Chevrolet Bolt 2722021 Tesla Model 3 4892021 Kia Forte 44
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
When problems show up
No complaints for this year listed a mileage, so we can't say when problems show up.
Questions to ask the seller
- Any oil burning, leaks or check-engine lights? Ask for oil-change records.
- Any fuel smell, stalling or hard starts? On a hybrid or EV, any reduced-power warning or battery work?
- Toyota sent dealers 118 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “When used in conjunction with the Repair Manual, these Blind Spot Monitor, Forward Recognition…”?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Toyota's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 5 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
In owners' words
The car accelerated without my foot on the accelerator, brake did not respond, and I had to drive through grass and a rock-filled ditch until after about 10 seconds the car returned to my control.
2021 Toyota Prius owner · NHTSA complaint 11526893
Fixes owners look up most.
From 200 YouTube videos · 19.9M views · 2016–2022 Toyota Prius
Most-watched topics
- Infotainment, battery & electrical441K views
Toyota Prius (2016-2022): Hybrid Battery Air Filter Replacement.Morozov Automotive · 173K views · 5 videos - Cooling system234K views
2018 Toyota Prius Losing Coolant & Smoking... The REAL Problem Solved(Not Engine)The Solutionist · 207K views · 2 videos - Oil changes & service134K views
How to Change Engine Oil and Filter Toyota Prius 2016-2023 | EASY!2CarPros · 40K views · 5 videos - Heat, A/C & blend door111K views
2017 Prius Losing Coolant? White Smoke EASY FIX-Heater Exchange Bypass hoses at CATALYTIC CONVERTER!DIYBigGuy · 42K views · 3 videos
Show 2 more
- Gauges, lights & wiring54K views
How To Reset The Oil Life On 2016 - 2022 Toyota Prius - Clear Maintenance Required Soon LightPYR Automotive · 54K views - Spark plugs & ignition coils21K views
2016 Toyota Prius spark plug replacement (EASY AND SIMPLE!!!)Jabo The Mechanic · 21K views
Before you buy, watch
Toyota Prius Plus 2015-2019 | EVERYTHING you need to know... | should YOU buy one??Car and Driving - Car Reviews · 63K views
Toyota Prius 4th Gen 2016 to 2021 common problems, issues, defects, recalls and complaintsHOWSTUFFINMYCARWORKS · 30K views
Used 4th Gen Prius (2016-2022) Still a Smart Buy? Common Problems & ReliabilityAnother Lap · 26K viewsViews show how many people looked up each fix, not how often it breaks. Videos belong to their creators; we link to them. The 2021 is the same generation.
Costs are the middle (median) of the dollar amounts people say out loud in these videos, so one wild number can't swing it. They aren't verified bills or sales; real prices depend on year, miles, condition and where you live. Tap Hear it to jump to the moment.
Problems Toyota told dealers about
Toyota sent dealers 118 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- When used in conjunction with the Repair Manual, these Blind Spot Monitor, Forward Recognition…
- This is to advise of various price adjustments that will affect Toyota Genuine Motor Oil and…
- Some 2020 2024 Corolla HV, 2017 2022 Prius Prime, and 2016 2022 Prius vehicles equipped with a…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 0
No safety recalls on record.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Government investigations
- ClosedPedestrian alert sounds2023
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota PRIUS 5 HB AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Toyota PRIUS 5 HB FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Toyota PRIUS PRIME 5 HB FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $1,150–$1,300 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 1.8L 4-cyl.
Every Toyota Prius year. 2021 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average, too new (2023+: a partial score, marked “partial”) or too few complaints to score. #1, #2… = that year's YouTube rank among the 24 Toyota Prius years with enough videos (#1 = the year owners and reviewers talk about most positively). It is not a reliability rank.
Embed this chart
Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2021 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/toyota-prius/?y=2021" title="Toyota Prius reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="767" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/toyota-prius/2021/">Lemon Index</a> (2021 Toyota Prius reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2021 Toyota Prius reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew less than a sixth as many complaints as the average car filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 9; 100 is average, lower is better). 2021 is one of the better years of a model that draws 1.8× the average car's complaints.
What are the most common 2021 Toyota Prius problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (40%), wheels (20%) and fuel system (20%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2021 Toyota Prius have?
None: NHTSA has no safety recalls on record for it.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Toyota Prius get?
49 to 56 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2021 Toyota Prius safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
Does the 2021 Toyota Prius have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2021 Toyota Prius cost in fuel a year?
About $1,150 to $1,300 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2021 Toyota Prius have?
1.8L 4-cyl.
Is there a better Toyota Prius year than the 2021?
Not nearby: the 2021 drew the fewest complaints per car sold of the Toyota Prius years within 3 model years of it.
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works