CarBrief

The 2010 Prius has more NHTSA complaints than any other Prius model year, and most of them name the brakes[1][2][3]. It also gets 50 MPG combined from the EPA[4].

2,829owner complaints[1]
10recalls[3]
50MPG combined (EPA)[4]

Most reported problems

NHTSA lists 2,829 owner complaints for the 2010 Prius[1]. These are unverified reports, and 185 of them mention a crash, 13 a fire and 65 injuries[1]. Two deaths are reported[1]. One complaint can name more than one component group.

The largest groups are:

Component group Complaints
Brakes[2] 1,469
Service brakes, electric[5] 502
Speed control[6] 288
Electrical system[7] 193
Engine[8] 174
Exterior lighting[9] 149

In a sample of brake complaints we read, owners describe the brakes feeling like they let go, or the car lurching forward, when they brake over bumps, potholes or rough pavement[2]. That showed up in 8 of 12 texts[2]. In the service brakes, electric group, all 12 sampled texts describe brakes releasing briefly or the car surging forward while braking[5]. In the speed control sample, 8 of 12 texts mention a bump, pothole or manhole cover, and most of those describe a surge or the brakes letting go while braking[6].

The brake complaints come early in the car's life. The median mileage at failure is 6,000 for brakes[2] and 3,000 for service brakes, electric[5].

In the electrical system sample, 3 of 12 texts are about the instrument display, for example it being hard to read with polarized sunglasses[7]. Six of the 12 are braking complaints filed under this group too[7].

The engine group has 174 complaints and 5 fires, with a median of 95,094 miles[8]. It is a smaller group than brakes, so we do not call it a pattern.

Recalls

NHTSA lists 10 recalls for this model year[3]. Newest first:

Our data does not show whether a given car has had each recall done. Ask the seller for proof that each recall was done. We also cannot tell from our data whether recall 10V039 covers the braking behavior in the complaint sample.

Fuel economy

The EPA rates the 2010 Prius with the 1.8L 4-cylinder, Automatic (variable gear ratios), front-wheel drive, at 51 city, 48 highway and 50 combined MPG[4]. The EPA estimates annual fuel cost at $1,350[4]. That cost uses the EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the car was new.

Safety ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings list this car as not rated[20].

Engine and size

The EPA test car list rates the 1.8L 4-cylinder at 98 hp[21]. Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US cars[22].

Measure Value
Length[22] 176 in
Width[22] 69 in
Height[22] 58 in
Wheelbase[22] 107 in
Curb weight[22] 3,042 lb

How 2010 compares with other years

2001: 165 complaints, 3 recalls20012002: 167 complaints, 2 recalls2003: 99 complaints, 1 recalls2004: 610 complaints, 6 recalls20042005: 1,051 complaints, 6 recalls2006: 1,439 complaints, 6 recalls2007: 2,003 complaints, 4 recalls20072008: 1,497 complaints, 4 recalls2009: 502 complaints, 6 recalls2010: 2,829 complaints, 10 recalls2,82920102011: 522 complaints, 6 recalls2012: 449 complaints, 7 recalls2013: 426 complaints, 4 recalls20132014: 222 complaints, 4 recalls2015: 171 complaints, 2 recalls2016: 155 complaints, 5 recalls20162017: 91 complaints, 3 recalls2018: 37 complaints, 1 recalls2019: 30 complaints, 3 recalls20192020: 14 complaints, 0 recalls2021: 6 complaints, 0 recalls2022: 24 complaints, 1 recalls20222023: 21 complaints, 4 recalls2024: 27 complaints, 4 recalls2025: 18 complaints, 2 recalls20252026: 10 complaints, 1 recalls
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Prius model year. The 2010 is highlighted[3].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
20011653
20021672
2003991
20046106
20051,0516
20061,4396
20072,0034
20081,4974
20095026
20102,82910
20115226
20124497
20134264
20142224
20151712
20161555
2017913
2018371
2019303
2020140
202160
2022241
2023214
2024274
2025182
2026101

NHTSA has 2,829 complaints and 10 recalls on file for 2010[3]. That is the most complaints and the most recalls of any Prius year listed. The next highest complaint year is 2007 with 2,003, and the next highest recall year is 2012 with 7[3]. The neighboring years 2009 and 2011 have 502 and 522 complaints[3].

Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model only.

Should you buy a used 2010 Prius?

The 2010 Prius is rated at 50 MPG combined by the EPA[4]. It also has the heaviest complaint and recall record of any Prius year on file[3]. Brake feel over bumps is a recurring theme in the complaints we read[2][5]. Complaints are unverified, so treat them as a reason to test drive on rough pavement and ask questions. Ask for proof that the brake and hybrid system recalls were completed[10][14][15][17].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2010 Toyota Prius?
Brakes have the most complaints at 1,469 of 2,829[1][2]. In a sample we read, owners describe brakes letting go or the car surging over bumps[2][5].
How many recalls does the 2010 Toyota Prius have?
NHTSA lists 10[3]. They cover the hybrid system, brakes, air bags, seat heaters and tire labels[10][11][12][15][17][18].
What MPG does the 2010 Toyota Prius get?
The EPA rates it at 51 city, 48 highway and 50 combined[4].
Is the 2010 Prius worse than other Prius years?
It has the most complaints and recalls of any Prius year on file, with 2,829 complaints and 10 recalls[3]. Counts are not adjusted for sales.

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 2,829 owner complaints on file for the 2010 Toyota Prius (185 mention a crash, 13 a fire, 65 injuries, 2 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 1,469 complaints name the brakes component group (105 crashes, 0 fires, 29 injuries, median mileage at failure 6,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. Owner complaints and recalls for every Toyota Prius model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  4. EPA rating for Prius, 1.8L 4-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 51 city / 48 highway / 50 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $1,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  5. 502 complaints name the service brakes, electric component group (20 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 3,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  6. 288 complaints name the speed control component group (35 crashes, 1 fires, 11 injuries, median mileage at failure 4,350). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 193 complaints name the electrical system component group (6 crashes, 6 fires, 5 injuries, median mileage at failure 65,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 174 complaints name the engine component group (5 crashes, 5 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 95,094). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 149 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (3 crashes, 3 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 66,520). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. Recall 18V684, filed October 4, 2018: Hybrid Propulsion System. NHTSA recall database
  11. Recall 16V487, filed June 30, 2016: Air Bags › Side / Window. NHTSA recall database
  12. Recall 16V396, filed June 2, 2016: Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater / Cooler. NHTSA recall database
  13. Recall 14V743, filed November 19, 2014: Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater / Cooler. NHTSA recall database
  14. Recall 14V053, filed February 12, 2014: Electrical System › Software. NHTSA recall database
  15. Recall 13V235, filed June 5, 2013: Service Brakes. NHTSA recall database
  16. Recall 13V014, filed January 16, 2013: Seats. NHTSA recall database
  17. Recall 10V039, filed February 9, 2010: Service Brakes, Air › Antilock › Control Unit / Module. NHTSA recall database
  18. Recall 10V036, filed February 3, 2010: Equipment › Other › Labels. NHTSA recall database
  19. Recall 10V035, filed February 3, 2010: Equipment › Other › Labels. NHTSA recall database
  20. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  21. EPA Test Car List, 2010 Toyota Prius with 1.8L 4-cylinder: rated 98 hp. www.epa.gov
  22. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, PRIUS 4DR HATCH PREMIUM/TOURING/NAV: length 176 in, width 69 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 107 in, curb weight 3,042 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.