2014 Toyota Prius Problems
Compared with other Toyota Prius years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
34/100 0.7× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.7× that of a typical Toyota Prius year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 51 of its 210 complaints were filed by the end of 2016.
- Most reported problem: Brake pedal sinks or feels soft; braking effort rises (75 complaints, median 77,000 mi).
- 3 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Open NHTSA investigationBrake Actuator Valve Wear
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2017
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 210filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 27,000miles, 99 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 4 / 5stars overall
- EPA fuel economy
- 48 mpgcombined, 1.8L 4-cyl · hybrid FWD · 49 city / 46 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2014 Toyota Prius (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe brake problems: a pedal that feels soft, sinks toward the floor, or requires heavy effort, sometimes accompanied by ABS and brake warning lights and, in some cases, a bang from a rear-wheel skid-control valve. A second, smaller group reports hybrid-system shutdowns and warning messages, with dealers sometimes pointing to the inverter or the high-voltage battery. Many brake complaints arrive at higher mileage, while electrical and visibility complaints tend to be reported much earlier in the car's life.
- Electrical system
Hybrid system shuts down; reduced power or stall
- 42 complaints (20%)
- median 56,700 mi at 4.5 yrs old (24 state mileage)
- 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $3,080 (median of 8 quotes)
- filed 2014–2026
Complaints describe the car losing motive power, sometimes at highway speed and sometimes shortly after starting, with warning messages such as a check hybrid system alert and multiple dashboard lamps. Owners report coasting to the shoulder and, in several cases, a restart after waiting or cycling the power. Where a diagnosis was made, the inverter assembly or the high-voltage battery was named; other complaints note the dealer could not reproduce the fault because no codes were stored. Spread from under 10,000 miles to beyond 150,000, with several reports on hot days or at highway speeds.
Recall 20V369000Recall 18V684000Recall 14V0530007 related service bulletins
What to check: Ask whether the inverter-related recalls and any related service campaign or coverage program were completed for this VIN, and have a shop scan for stored hybrid-system codes. During a test drive, watch for warning lamps or a sudden drop in power.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I was going down the highway at about 70 MPH when all the sudden the Prius lost power. The Prius dropped down to about 55 MPH. After a short period of time the power picked up. I got off the highway and took the back roads. It was a very hot day.”
NHTSA complaint #11151409, filed 2018-11, 66,000 miles“I was traveling on an interstate highway using cruise control and going about 72mph. The Prius suddenly shut down. At first I thought I had bumped the cruise control so I tried resetting it but nothing happened. I stepped on the gas and nothing happened I continued to slow down. Made it to the side of the highway where I sat wondering what had happened. After shutting the car down I restarted it and it seemed to be ok so I continued my trip. Never forgot the episode.”
NHTSA complaint #11139354, filed 2018-10, 50,000 miles - Brakes
Brake pedal sinks or feels soft; braking effort rises
- 75 complaints (36%)
- median 77,000 mi at 6.9 yrs old (15 state mileage)
- 5 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $3,400 (median of 21 quotes)
- filed 2014–2026
Owners describe pressing the brake pedal and finding it mushy, traveling close to the floor, or needing much more force than usual to slow the car. Some say the ABS and brake warning lights came on around the same time, and a red brake light appearing at startup is mentioned by several. Dealers and shops in the complaints variously diagnosed the brake booster pump assembly, the master cylinder, or a rear brake actuator valve, while in other cases no cause was found or the problem could not be reproduced. Reported across a wide mileage range, from a few thousand miles up to well past 100,000, with many clustered between roughly 60,000 and 100,000 miles.
What to check: Have a shop check the brake booster pump assembly and master cylinder, and scan for stored ABS codes rather than relying on warning lights alone. On a test drive, press the pedal firmly at low speed and note any softness or delay, and check whether the pedal is stiff right after a cold start.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“When I start the car and it becomes idle the brake pedal becomes stiff and gets stuck. I have to put the car back in park and restart it for the brake to work properly. This doesn't happen all the time but happens enough for me to be concerned. I took it to two Toyota dealers and they couldn't duplicate it and couldn't find a problem but it is still happening. This only happens when I start car not while driving.”
NHTSA complaint #11222977, filed 2019-06, 77,000 miles“On august 28,2020 we were driving in heavy rain for 1 1/2 hrs to fayetteville. Our brake ABS and engine light came on. We assumed the lights would go off, when we did not drive it doing the night, but next morning it came back on. We carried to mechanic shop today sept. 1, 2020. They could not read any errors and said need to carry in to a Toyota dealer. We have not set up apt. Just left vm. Hopefully they will call us back today”
NHTSA complaint #11352569, filed 2020-09, 102,500 miles - Other or unknown
Brakes release or pedal goes down with unexpected
- 33 complaints (16%)
- median 21,000 mi at 1.9 yrs old (19 state mileage)
- 13 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2014–2026
A group of complaints describes the car moving when the driver expected it to stay put: the brake pedal going soft or to the floor while parking or creeping in traffic, with the car lurching forward or backward and in some cases hitting another vehicle or a building. Owners say the traction and ABS lamps were sometimes lit and sometimes not, and that dealers could not duplicate the event or find codes afterward. Mostly reported at low speed, in parking lots and stop-and-go traffic, from a few hundred miles up to around 60,000.
What to check: Test the car at crawling speed in an empty lot, braking repeatedly from a few mph, and ask whether any prior owner reported unintended movement or a low pedal to the dealer. A pre-purchase inspection should include a scan for ABS and hybrid codes.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Brakes completely failed and I rear ended a car. I was stopping normally on a city street. According to dashcam I was traveling at about 25mph. The car slowed to about 12mph when the brakes went down to the floor and the car accelerated.”
NHTSA complaint #11154835, filed 2018-11, 64,000 miles“I pulled my 2014 Toyota Prius slowly out of a parking slot in a small parking lot turning it the direction I wanted to go on a very slight slant downhill. Before I could put it in drive from reverse it started rolling downward on its own. When I went to apply the brakes, they were squishy and did not engage. I tried several times to get them to engage but they never did. I went to put the emergency brake on but it is located so high up it was difficult to get my foot up there quickly. …”
NHTSA complaint #10704553, filed 2015-04, 13,000 miles - Air bags
Airbags fail to deploy or deploy unexpectedly
- 14 complaints (7%)
- median 7,000 mi at 1.9 yrs old (11 state mileage)
- 12 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2014–2022
Several complaints describe collisions in which the front, side, or knee airbags did not deploy, and seat-belt pretensioners did not take up slack. In a smaller number, owners report the opposite: airbags firing before impact at low speed or after a hard stop, and one owner noticed the steering-wheel cover bulging where the airbag sits. Complaints also mention the dealer declining to inspect unless a fault could be reproduced. Reports range from brand-new vehicles with a few hundred miles to ones above 80,000 miles, mostly in crash or near-crash situations.
What to check: Ask whether the car has been in a reported collision and whether airbag and seat-belt pretensioner work was done, and watch for an airbag light or a visibly bulging steering-wheel cover at inspection.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Traveling on a highway, changed lanes to avoid in accident, car behind me changed lanes too. Car behind failed to slow down and smashed trunk and pushed me into a steel guard rail. Side, front, and knee air bags did not deploy. Seat belt pretensioners did not engage. Nor did head restraints.”
NHTSA complaint #11361547, filed 2020-09, 75,000 miles“My airbags deployed prior to impact at a speed of less than 25 MPH. I applied the brakes very forcefully and the airbags deployed prior to impact. I had little front end damage and every single airbag deployed.”
NHTSA complaint #11290363, filed 2019-12, 82,000 miles - Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
Headlights too dim for night driving
- 9 complaints (4%)
- median 17,050 mi at 4.0 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
- filed 2014–2024
Owners describe headlights that illuminate only a short distance ahead, making night driving difficult even though other drivers can see the car. Some report the lights burned out and were replaced by the dealer, with little improvement afterward. Related complaints point to multiple reflections of oncoming lights through the windshield at night, and others to windshields that crack and spread quickly from a small impact. Mostly reported between roughly 10,000 and 65,000 miles, and some within the first few hundred miles for the windshield reflection concerns.
What to check: Drive the car after dark before buying and check both low and high beams against a wall for aim and brightness, and look for chips or existing cracks in the windshield.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Prius windshield is prone to crack when traveling on highway. I was traveling on highway when a tiny rock hit the lower right side of my windshield. Then I could see the tiny crack getting longer until it nearly reached the middle in a matter of two minutes. Prius owner should not have to put up with this expensive and dangerous defect.”
NHTSA complaint #11098503, filed 2018-05, 41,500 miles“Musty smell in vehicle, sick w/ respiratory symptoms, including distress after using air conditioning or heating system or defrosters. I brought my car to dealer for 5000 mile service and manager told me the there is mold inside the air conditioner and heating and all vented air system. …”
NHTSA complaint #10678985, filed 2015-01, 5,100 miles
Buying note. Have any 2014 Prius you are considering inspected with the brakes as the priority: a brake-fluid and booster pump check plus an ABS code scan, since owners most often report a soft or sinking pedal. Also confirm that the inverter-related recalls and any associated coverage programs were completed for the specific VIN before purchase.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 210 consumer complaints for the 2014 Toyota Prius. 99 of the complaints include a mileage, and 63% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 27,000 miles. Of all complaints, 26 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 15 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 427 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 11 Toyota Prius model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 34 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Brakes103 49%
- Electrical system33 16%
- Other or unknown27 13%
- Engine17 8.1%
- Air bags14 6.7%
- Vehicle speed control14 6.7%
- Body and structure9 4.3%
- Steering8 3.8%
Also reported: Exterior lighting (6), Forward collision avoidance (6), Transmission and drivetrain (6), Fuel system (5), Hybrid propulsion system (5), Seats (4), Seat belts (2), Tires (2), Equipment (1), Suspension (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Brakes: “On a winter day my car slid down a steep road and would not stop while breaking, both front fender flares broke off causing the car to act like it was on a sled. The car eventually stopped after I placed it in neutral and then slid again and then it finally stopped. I almost killed myself.”
NHTSA complaint #11064519, filed 2018-01, 27,000 milesElectrical system: “We flew to sea tac (seattle wa ) airport from slc ut. We planned on attending a family gathering and rented a car from hertz. We have owned a 2006 Prius and asked if they might have a new model to rent for comparison on our part, which they did, however it turned out to be a Prius c, which was not at all like our Prius. The traffic on the freeway was stop and go slow on a multi lane freeway and were on an inner lane. …”
NHTSA complaint #10703006, filed 2015-03, 16,249 milesOther or unknown: “I was driving on a freeway off ramp when the power just stopped. It did not slow but stopped and I managed to pull over. The warning signals all came on and so I could not look up the problem. Since then they say there is a problem with the inverter but the dealer will not fix it even though we are under the original warranty as well as buying an extra certified platinum warranty for $2000!”
NHTSA complaint #11084469, filed 2018-04, 25,000 milesEngine: “Headlights and cabin lights failed to turn off when remote lock was activated. Lights were then turned off manually. Five hours later, in the parking lot, the car was nearly completely dead. Last time it happened, we left it and it recharged itself. This time, it did not recharge itself; it was completely dead the next day. We had to have it towed to the dealership, who jumped it and let it sit overnight. They say it now has no problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10884290, filed 2016-07, 19,483 milesMileage when problems were reported
63% of the 99 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 3,200 and 77,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2014 Toyota Prius. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prius · hatchback FWD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 · 12.1% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2014 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2013: 5 stars overall; 2015: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2014 Toyota Prius version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prius FWD | 1.8L 4-cyl · hybrid | CVT | 49 | 46 | 48 | $1,400 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 20V369000Jun 24, 2020Hybrid propulsion system › InverterCovers: Toyota Prius 2013–2015, Prius V 2014–2017
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…
- 18V684000Oct 4, 2018Hybrid propulsion systemCovers: Toyota Prius 2010–2014, Prius V 2012–2014
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Toyota Prius and 2012-2014 Toyota Prius V vehicles. Excessive voltage in the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) within the inverter may cause the hybrid system to shut down, causing…
- 14V053000Feb 12, 2014Electrical system › SoftwareCovers: Toyota Prius 2010–2014
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2010 through 2014 Prius vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) inside the inverter module (a component of the hybrid system) contains transistors that may become damaged from high…
Recall details for the 2014 Toyota Prius → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- DP23005Brake Actuator Valve WearOpen · Nov 22, 2023
- DP22005Pedestrian alert soundsClosed · Jan 27, 2023
- DP19004Brake Actuator Valve WearClosed · Sep 30, 2019
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 427 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11029893Feb 13, 2026Engine. This bulletin includes basic procedures for performing a rescue charge on Ni-MH high voltage (HV) batteries. This bulletin should be used in conjunction with the applicable model and model year…
- 11029892Feb 13, 2026Engine. OBSOLETE NOTICE February 13, 2026: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0009-26.
- 11028712Jan 7, 2026Other or unknown. Some 2005 – 2026 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and…
- 11020657Jun 13, 2025Electrical system. The air conditioning dye injection tool kit has been developed to aid in identifying the location of air conditioning refrigerant leaks. The procedures outlined in this Service Bulletin aid in…
- 11012744Dec 6, 2024Body and structure. The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these…
- 11012743Dec 6, 2024Body and structure. To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the…
- 11012742Dec 6, 2024Body and structure. Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle…
- 11012735Dec 5, 2024Body and structure. Toyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail…
- 11012727Dec 3, 2024Body and structure. Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. This type…
- 11007455Jul 29, 2024Body and structure. Some 2005 – 2024 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and…
Other model years of the Toyota Prius
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6 | 1,100 | 1 | 5 | 54 | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 16 | 12,450 | 2 | 5 | 52 | — | Too new |
| 2024 | 27 | 3,000 | 4 | 5 | 54 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 21 | 15,205 | 4 | 5 | 54 | — | Too new |
| 2022 | 24 | 34,600 | 1 | 5 | 52 | — | Rising |
| 2021 | 6 | 5,200 | 0 | 5 | 52 | — | Not enough data |
| 2020 | 14 | 12,850 | 0 | 4–5 | 52 | — | Not enough data |
| 2019 | 30 | 5,500 | 3 | 5 | 52 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2018 | 37 | 10,000 | 1 | 5 | 56 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2017 | 91 | 14,000 | 3 | 5 | 56 | 28 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2016 | 155 | 19,600 | 5 | 5 | 56 | 55 · Typical | Falling |
| 2015 | 166 | 30,000 | 1 | 4 | 48 | 8 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2014 | 210 | 27,000 | 3 | 4 | 48 | 34 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2013 | 414 | 54,425 | 3 | 5 | 48 | 44 · Typical | Rising |
| 2012 | 424 | 50,000 | 6 | 4–5 | 48 | 80 · More | Rising |
| 2011 | 521 | 76,000 | 6 | 5 | 48 | 72 · More | Stable |
| 2010 | 2,823 | 6,419 | 10 | — | 50 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2009 | 502 | 30,000 | 6 | — | 46 | 100 · More | Stable |
| 2008 | 1,497 | 51,176 | 4 | — | 46 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2007 | 2,004 | 50,050 | 4 | — | 46 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 1,439 | 50,000 | 6 | — | 46 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 1,051 | 76,854 | 6 | — | 46 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2004 | 610 | 72,436 | 6 | — | 46 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 99 | 71,000 | 1 | — | 41 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 167 | 70,200 | 2 | — | 41 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 165 | 60,574 | 3 | — | 41 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Toyota Prius model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2014 Toyota Prius?
Owners of this model year most often describe brake problems: a pedal that feels soft, sinks toward the floor, or requires heavy effort, sometimes accompanied by ABS and brake warning lights and, in some cases, a bang from a rear-wheel skid-control valve. The issues reported most often: Hybrid system shuts down; reduced power or stall; Brake pedal sinks or feels soft; braking effort rises; Brakes release or pedal goes down with unexpected.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2014 Toyota Prius have?
NHTSA recorded 210 consumer complaints for the 2014 Toyota Prius as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2014 Toyota Prius is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 103 complaints (49% of the total), followed by electrical system with 33.
Has the 2014 Toyota Prius been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2014 Toyota Prius do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2014 Toyota Prius 4 out of 5 stars overall. Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2014 Toyota Prius get?
The EPA rates the 2014 Toyota Prius (Prius, 1.8L 4-cyl · hybrid) at 48 mpg combined, 49 city and 46 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $1,400 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2014 Toyota Prius reported?
Among the 99 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 27,000 miles and the middle half falls between 3,200 and 77,000 miles; 63% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.