2015 Toyota Prius Problems
Compared with other Toyota Prius years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
8/100 0.4× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.4× 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.
- 34 of its 166 complaints were filed by the end of 2017.
- Most reported problem: Brakes fail to slow or stop the car (73 complaints, median 29,407 mi).
- 1 recall campaign 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, 2018
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
- 166filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 30,000miles, 71 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns 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 · 50 city / 46 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2015 Toyota Prius (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often report brake system problems, including warning lights, a soft or long pedal, fluid leaks, and reduced or lost braking assistance; many of these complaints cluster around a brake booster / brake actuator component. Electrical and hybrid-related reports follow, including instrument panel and infotainment glitches and, in some cases, hybrid system shutdown messages later linked by owners to inverter problems. Complaints arrive at a wide range of mileages, from a few thousand miles to well over 100,000, and several describe brakes acting up on rough pavement, metal construction plates, or wet roads.
- Brakes
Brakes fail to slow or stop the car
- 73 complaints (44%)
- median 29,407 mi at 3.0 yrs old (23 state mileage)
- 14 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $3,000 (median of 15 quotes)
- filed 2015–2026
Complaints describe the brake pedal going to the floor or the car not slowing as expected while approaching a stop, sometimes on bumpy surfaces, metal road plates, or wet pavement, with several reporting collisions. A recurring pattern is brake warning lights and a warning sound along with a sudden loss of braking assist; some owners say the car seemed to gain speed as they pressed the pedal, while others attribute it to a loss of assist or fluid leak. Some report repeat events and tows, and some say a dealer quoted repairs for the booster or actuator assembly. Reported across a wide range, from under 1,000 miles to about 190,000, with many between 20,000 and 90,000.
What to check: During a test drive, brake firmly on an uneven or wet surface and note any warning lights, pedal sink, or unusual noises; ask for any brake-related service records.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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 result, my mother and I were involved in a minor car accident.”
NHTSA complaint #10872601, filed 2016-06, 12,700 miles“Was driving on the freeway at about 45 MPH when I car abruptly changed lanes in front of me. I immediately slammed on the breaks but the car did not come to a complete stop. It kept going forwards and was not decelerating fast enough. To avoid hitting the car in front of me I had to swerve to the right, which immediately caused the ESC to turn off and my car kept swerving.”
NHTSA complaint #10927047, filed 2016-11, 20,000 miles - Brakes
Brake booster / brake actuator noise and warning lights
Mentioned in 9 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners describe the ABS, traction control, slip and brake warning lights coming on, sometimes together, and a pedal that feels soft, travels far, or responds slowly. Several reports mention a grinding, whirring or buzzing noise from the brake booster or actuator area that runs repeatedly while driving or idling, and some say a dealer diagnosed a failing brake booster, brake booster pump, accumulator leak or actuator failure. Complaints also mention that a customer support program was referenced for the booster, with owners sometimes reporting repair coverage questions at the dealer. Reported from roughly 35,000 miles upward, with many in the 60,000-130,000 mile range and some above 150,000.
What to check: Ask whether brake booster or actuator repairs were done under any customer support program, and listen for a pump or booster that runs continuously or noisily during a test drive.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Toyota sent me a letter stating the brake booster may cause issues with my car and all my lights came on for this issue. Toyota told me to take car to dealer for repair under new warranty extension for brake booster issues. Dealer is now telling me it's not covered so I need to pay for repairs. I asked what I'm paying for and they stated new brake booster. What's going on here??”
NHTSA complaint #11204770, filed 2019-04, 60,000 miles“I bought this car brand new and have had it serviced regularly at a Greensboro Nc Toyota dealership. It has 127,000 miles on it. I starting hearing a grinding whirring noice a lot lately and determined it is a brake actuator/brake booster. Took it to the dealership and they confirmed it to be a brake booster going bad. Engages at least 4 times a minute. There is a customer support program for this repair from Toyota ZJB and covers the part up to 10 years or 150,000 miles. …”
NHTSA complaint #11512473, filed 2023-03, 127,000 miles - Electrical system
Hybrid system shutdown message and inverter-related repair
- 11 complaints (7%)
- median 45,000 mi at 5.5 yrs old (9 state mileage, few)
- filed 2018–2025
Owners report a 'check hybrid system, stop the vehicle in a safe place' message followed by loss of power or a stall while driving, sometimes with a jerk or drop in speed. Complaints describe tows and dealer diagnosis of the inverter or associated hybrid components, and some owners explicitly connect the event to the inverter recall campaign covering certain vehicles. Others say they were told their vehicle was not included in the recall even though the symptoms matched the described condition. Mostly reported between about 17,000 and 115,000 miles, often during highway or steady-speed driving.
Recall 20V3690003 related service bulletins
What to check: Check with a dealer whether the inverter recall or any related customer support program applies to the vehicle's VIN and whether it was completed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I was driving on the interstate when my car's hybrid system warning lights a came on , and the car slowed to a crawl. Luckily I was in the right lane and was able to pull off on the shoulder of the road. The car competely shut down. I've had it towed to two Toyota dearlships, (the same one twice),where I was told a number of different things. First, I was told there was water in the gas tank. There was no way that was true, since I had already driven 3/4's of a tank of gas, and I always fill my tank up. …”
NHTSA complaint #11330732, filed 2020-06, 94,501 miles“105k milage. Driving on highway at about 45mph and car suddenly jerk and slowed to about 10/15mph. Lost electric power, able to only continue driving on gas 10/15mph. Toyota had to replace the following which they indicate was not under warrently which cost $2642. Transister kit, powe plue kit, inverter d grease super long life cool gasket”
NHTSA complaint #11337953, filed 2020-07, 100,500 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Gear selector and shift malfunction warnings
- 8 complaints (5%)
- median 14,363 mi at 2.4 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2015–2020
Complaints describe the gear position jumping from drive to neutral on its own, the car refusing to move or to hold park, and in one case a shift malfunction message with a buzzer and a no-start condition. Owners report restarting or waiting as a workaround and taking the car to a dealer, where in some cases no fault codes were found. Reported from very low mileage up to about 90,000, with several cases under 25,000 miles.
What to check: Operate the shifter through all positions at a standstill and while parking, watch for warning messages, and confirm the car engages drive and reverse reliably.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The Prius was stationary, parked in the driveway of our house. My teenage daughter was in the car washing the windshield and windows on the inside and accidentally bumped the gearbox (shifter). The car went out of park and into neutral and rolled backward. The engine was not on. The car quickly rolled 20 feet into a tree and caused 6200$ damages to the rear of the car. Luckily no one was behind the car. …”
NHTSA complaint #11308647, filed 2020-02, 38,000 miles“My car 2015 Toyota Prius 2 I was at traffic light I put the gear shift on p postion when I move gear shift to d but it jumped to n by it self it cant to go even to p I tried turn off the car I wait few second I try again I get the same problem the gear shift jumped to postion n the police man come and I called my state farm roadside assistant to tow the car the police man try to help me and after about 10 or 15 minutes the car back to normal so I drive to my home but I wasn't feel safe actully”
NHTSA complaint #11110672, filed 2018-07, 90,000 miles - Electrical system
Headlight and instrument panel electrical glitches
- 19 complaints (11%)
- median 45,000 mi at 5.3 yrs old (9 state mileage, few)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2016–2026
Owners describe low beams that stop working intermittently at night or that aim too low, and headlamp and marker bulbs failing repeatedly. Others report the left side of the instrument cluster going dark while driving, taking the speed display and cruise control with it, then returning after a restart. Complaints also mention infotainment and Bluetooth units turning off or becoming unresponsive. Reported from about 2,000 miles up to roughly 115,000, with several cases in the 40,000-100,000 range.
What to check: Check all exterior lights and the automatic headlamp aim at night, and confirm the instrument cluster and screen stay lit while driving over a rough road.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Random electrical problems started happening. Bluetooth would not allow me to answer incoming phone. I could not call out. Unable to change radio station, turn on/off radio. Unable to turn on cd, or eject disk. Then radio will start working and am able to use bluetooth if I dial from my cell phone. All within a week. Last night ,I drove in silence. No radio, cd, bluetooth. Have maintenance appt. Tues., and stated problems w/ electrical system. Didn't matter if car was moving or stopped.”
NHTSA complaint #10824682, filed 2016-02, 33,888 miles“While driving, left side of instrument panel went dark. No speed indication and cruise control tripped off. Started car next day and instrument panel was normal. While sitting in driveway with engine running, engine stopped as normal for the hybrid Prius, when the engine turned off, the left side of the instrument panel again went dark. Dimmer switch at full bright and nothing blocking mirror for combination panel (instrument cluster).”
NHTSA complaint #11163999, filed 2018-12, 40,000 miles
Buying note. Brake-system complaints are the most common here, so have a used example inspected for booster and actuator condition and ask for brake service records. Also verify recall and customer support program status for the hybrid inverter by VIN before buying.
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 166 consumer complaints for the 2015 Toyota Prius. 71 of the complaints include a mileage, and 66% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 30,000 miles. Of all complaints, 29 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 17 an injury, 3 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 324 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 8 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.
- Brakes93 56%
- Electrical system27 16%
- Other or unknown15 9.0%
- Transmission and drivetrain13 7.8%
- Engine8 4.8%
- Exterior lighting7 4.2%
- Vehicle speed control7 4.2%
- Air bags6 3.6%
- Fuel system6 3.6%
Also reported: Body and structure (6), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (5), Hybrid propulsion system (3), Seats (3), Steering (3), Suspension (3), Seat belts (2), Tires (2), Wheels (2), Back-over prevention (rear camera) (1), Electronic stability control (1).
Example complaints
Brakes: “As I was driving our 2015 Toyota Prius at about 30 MPH on a surface street and going straight, we came upon a metal construction plate over the roadway surface and the brakes were automatically applied to the vehicle. There were no vehicles directly in front of me within 100 feet. The vehicle did not come to a complete stop, but this sudden action could have caused a collision.”
NHTSA complaint #11103923, filed 2018-06, 38,500 milesElectrical system: “Anytime I change elevations the engine seems to rev when it is idling on cruise control. On the downhill, the car will accellerate to ignore the speed on cruisecontrol to dangerous high velocity. I reported this to Toyota of north hollywood three times... It was never addressed.”
NHTSA complaint #11351905, filed 2020-08, 2,000 milesOther or unknown: “I received a long technical letter from Toyota with my VIN number warning me of a possible failure of the intelligent power module in my 2015 Prius. It says this is not a recall, but rather an advisement of a voluntary customer program that has been initiated for my vehicle. It says that if I have the included symptoms, to bring it in for evaluation, and a repair will be attempted, but if the problem is not the ipm, I will have to pay for the investigation. This sounds most unfair. I do not have the skills to make the necessary determination. …”
NHTSA complaint #11400147, filed 2021-03, 25,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “I entered my parked, stationary Prius, pressed my right foot on the brake pedal, disengaged the parking brake and pressed the on/off button to turn the car on. My foot remained on the brake pedal. The engine immediately raced and the car began to accelerate at high speed. I stomped on the brake pedal and the car kept moving. The sound of the engine was loud enough that people in nearby houses heard it. My car would not slow with my efforts to brake. I tried to shift into neutral and park but the car did not slow down. It raced across the street and plowed directly into a neighbor's stone wall. …”
NHTSA complaint #11219137, filed 2019-06, 50,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
66% of the 71 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 8,000 and 63,000 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 2015 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 2015 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2014: same overall rating; 2016: 5 stars overall. 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 2015 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 | 50 | 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…
Recall details for the 2015 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. 324 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 | 522 | 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 2015 Toyota Prius?
Owners of this model year most often report brake system problems, including warning lights, a soft or long pedal, fluid leaks, and reduced or lost braking assistance; many of these complaints cluster around a brake booster / brake actuator component. The issues reported most often: Brakes fail to slow or stop the car; Brake booster / brake actuator noise and warning lights; Hybrid system shutdown message and inverter-related repair.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2015 Toyota Prius have?
NHTSA recorded 166 consumer complaints for the 2015 Toyota Prius as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2015 Toyota Prius is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 93 complaints (56% of the total), followed by electrical system with 27.
Has the 2015 Toyota Prius been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2015 Toyota Prius do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2015 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 2015 Toyota Prius get?
The EPA rates the 2015 Toyota Prius (Prius, 1.8L 4-cyl · hybrid) at 48 mpg combined, 50 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 2015 Toyota Prius reported?
Among the 71 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 30,000 miles and the middle half falls between 8,000 and 63,000 miles; 66% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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.