TOYOTA PRIUS V · model year

2016 TOYOTA PRIUS V

24 NHTSA complaints, 10 crash reports, and 1 active recall for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2016TOYOTAPRIUS V carries 24 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 10 crashes, 0 fires, 5 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall Not Rated/5 rating, with Not Rated/5 front crash, Not Rated/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2016 PRIUS V is vehicle speed control with 4 filings, followed by electrical system (4) and air bags (4). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 1 active recall campaign, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 1 investigation file overlapping the 2016 PRIUS V, and 1 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

24
Complaints
10
Crashes
0
Fires
5
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

24 filings

Crashes Reported

10 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

NHTSA NCAP overall: Not Rated/5 — Not rated · Front: Not Rated/5 · Side: Not Rated/5 · Rollover: 4/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL4
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM4
AIR BAGS4
UNKNOWN OR OTHER3
SERVICE BRAKES3
ENGINE2
VISIBILITY/WIPER1
POWER TRAIN1
STRUCTURE:BODY1
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM1

Recalls (1)

20V36900024/06/2020

HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM: INVERTER

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 wh

Recent Complaints

20251213CrashSERVICE BRAKES

On [XXX] at [XXX] I was backing out of a driveway when my 2016 Prius V5 accelerated on its own. When I applied the brakes, nothing happened. I hit a curb, which flattened the front passenger tire. In order to get the car to stop, I took it out of gear and put it in neutral. The car finally came to a stop. My speed while backing out of the driveway was less than 5 mph. It accelerated to about 15 mph. I was told that because the tire flattened due to the force of impact with the curb, Toyota considered it an accident. Toyota had me complete an "Unintended Acceleration" form so they could investigate the situation. A case number ([XXX]) was assigned. I was also told that I needed to contact Toyota's Brand Engagement Center at (800) 331-4331. Toyota assigned Engineering Analysis Associates (EAA) to perform a thorough inspection and read out the Event Data Recorder (EDR) of my vehicle at Findlay Toyota. Anne Chapman with EAA did the inspection and sent a copy of the report to me on 09/15

20251213CrashVEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

On [XXX] at [XXX] I was backing out of a driveway when my 2016 Prius V5 accelerated on its own. When I applied the brakes, nothing happened. I hit a curb, which flattened the front passenger tire. In order to get the car to stop, I took it out of gear and put it in neutral. The car finally came to a stop. My speed while backing out of the driveway was less than 5 mph. It accelerated to about 15 mph. I was told that because the tire flattened due to the force of impact with the curb, Toyota considered it an accident. Toyota had me complete an "Unintended Acceleration" form so they could investigate the situation. A case number ([XXX]) was assigned. I was also told that I needed to contact Toyota's Brand Engagement Center at (800) 331-4331. Toyota assigned Engineering Analysis Associates (EAA) to perform a thorough inspection and read out the Event Data Recorder (EDR) of my vehicle at Findlay Toyota. Anne Chapman with EAA did the inspection and sent a copy of the report to me on 09/15

20250429ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Car was driving fine one day and then while driving down the interstate I had the Pre collision system malfunction error, Brake light came on, Cruise will not operate, ABS light is on. After much research it seems Prius V has a common issue with brake booster faulting.

20250429SERVICE BRAKES

Car was driving fine one day and then while driving down the interstate I had the Pre collision system malfunction error, Brake light came on, Cruise will not operate, ABS light is on. After much research it seems Prius V has a common issue with brake booster faulting.

20250429VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Car was driving fine one day and then while driving down the interstate I had the Pre collision system malfunction error, Brake light came on, Cruise will not operate, ABS light is on. After much research it seems Prius V has a common issue with brake booster faulting.

20241007FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Driving on the freeway the car stalled and was unable to accelerate. The issue seems identical to the 2020 recall. 2020-06-23 Recall no. 20V369000 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. I was told by the service center that my car is not on the recall list so they are unable to work it as a recall.

20240526STRUCTURE:BODY

While traveling on NHS CA 99 about 80 miles before taking exit 97, there were pieces of tire debri on the center lane. It couldn’t be spotted and my vehicle drove over it making a big thud sound. It shaked my vehicle and left my family scared. It could have been really dangerous if there was a vehicle right ahead or behind my car. This incident broke the front bumper and caused big dent on my right door. This is a big monetary hole in my pocket. This is big concern and should be immediately addressed to avoid incidents further. Kindly let me know if there is a way to file a claim with NHST

20230405POWER TRAIN

Driving on freeway my prius V started shaking violently from what appeared to be overheating of water pump failure or the coolant invertor pump. I believe this to be a known issue Toyota is aware of when I took my Prius into Camelback Toyota in Phoenix they said they could not recreate the issues. I know this was powertrain failure that could have caused me to crash on the freeway.

20220418CrashAIR BAGS

While going 70 MPH, I hid a feral hog. Although the front end of my car crumpled up, and we came to a sudden stop, the air bags did not deploy.

20210528CrashAIR BAGS

Airbags failed to deploy upon impact with guardrail. Drivers side front corner hit the guardrail at approx. 45% angle at 50-60mph. The vehicle was inspected by an insurance rep. and was deemed a total loss. The car is available for inspection.

20210420CrashVEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

WHILE SLOWING AND PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE, IN FRONT OF THE DENTIST OFFICE WHERE MY WIFE HAD AN APPOINTMENT, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. IT JUMPED THE CURB, AND SHE STEERED HARD RIGHT TO AVOID THE BUILDING DIRECTLY IN FRONT OH THE PARKING SPACE. SHE SIDESWIPED THE FRONT OF 2 VEHICLES PARKED NEXT TO THE SPACE SHE WAS MOVING INTO, AND THE CAR CONTINUED TOWARD THE STREET. IT HIT THE CURB GOING OUT OF THE PARKING LOT AND THE CAR FINALLY STOPPED. A PERSON CAME TO THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE CAR AND ASKED MY WIFE IF SHE WAS OK, AND SAID SHE SHOULD TURN THE CAR OFF - WHICH SHE DID.

Mileage: 70,000

20201201ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I PREVIOUSLY SENT IN A COMPLAINT BUT THERE HAVE BEEN DEVELOPMENTS AND I NEEDED TO EXPLAIN MORE CLEARLY. OUR TOYOTA HAS LESS THAN 18,000 MILES AND HAS BEEN VERY WELL TAKEN CARE OF. DESPITE THIS, OUR VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN IN OPERATION SINCE EARLIER THIS MONTH. IT STARTED BY FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS 2 WEEKS AGO AND THEN WOULDN'T START UP. SATURDAY WHEN I OPENED THE DRIVER DOOR TO GET SOMETHING OUT OF THE INOPERABLE VEHICLE, THIS INITIATED A VERY LENGTHY TERRIBLE SOUND COMING FROM UNDER HOOD ON DRIVER'S SIDE. IT SOUNDED LIKE SOMETHING WOULD EXPLODE UNDER THE HOOD. THIS HORRIBLE PROCESS APPEARANTLY DRAINED THE WHOLE BATTERY. IT HAS ABSOLUTELY NO SIGNS OF LIFE NOW. ALL OF THIS HAPPENED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY.

Mileage: 17,801

20201201ENGINE

I PREVIOUSLY SENT IN A COMPLAINT BUT THERE HAVE BEEN DEVELOPMENTS AND I NEEDED TO EXPLAIN MORE CLEARLY. OUR TOYOTA HAS LESS THAN 18,000 MILES AND HAS BEEN VERY WELL TAKEN CARE OF. DESPITE THIS, OUR VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN IN OPERATION SINCE EARLIER THIS MONTH. IT STARTED BY FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS 2 WEEKS AGO AND THEN WOULDN'T START UP. SATURDAY WHEN I OPENED THE DRIVER DOOR TO GET SOMETHING OUT OF THE INOPERABLE VEHICLE, THIS INITIATED A VERY LENGTHY TERRIBLE SOUND COMING FROM UNDER HOOD ON DRIVER'S SIDE. IT SOUNDED LIKE SOMETHING WOULD EXPLODE UNDER THE HOOD. THIS HORRIBLE PROCESS APPEARANTLY DRAINED THE WHOLE BATTERY. IT HAS ABSOLUTELY NO SIGNS OF LIFE NOW. ALL OF THIS HAPPENED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY.

Mileage: 17,801

20201201UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I PREVIOUSLY SENT IN A COMPLAINT BUT THERE HAVE BEEN DEVELOPMENTS AND I NEEDED TO EXPLAIN MORE CLEARLY. OUR TOYOTA HAS LESS THAN 18,000 MILES AND HAS BEEN VERY WELL TAKEN CARE OF. DESPITE THIS, OUR VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN IN OPERATION SINCE EARLIER THIS MONTH. IT STARTED BY FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS 2 WEEKS AGO AND THEN WOULDN'T START UP. SATURDAY WHEN I OPENED THE DRIVER DOOR TO GET SOMETHING OUT OF THE INOPERABLE VEHICLE, THIS INITIATED A VERY LENGTHY TERRIBLE SOUND COMING FROM UNDER HOOD ON DRIVER'S SIDE. IT SOUNDED LIKE SOMETHING WOULD EXPLODE UNDER THE HOOD. THIS HORRIBLE PROCESS APPEARANTLY DRAINED THE WHOLE BATTERY. IT HAS ABSOLUTELY NO SIGNS OF LIFE NOW. ALL OF THIS HAPPENED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY.

Mileage: 17,801

20201127UNKNOWN OR OTHER

OUR VEHICLE IS COMPLETELY INOPERABLE. THE BATTERY WORKS BUT THE VEHICLE FLASHES ALL KINDS OF WARNING LIGHTS AND WILL NOT START UP. WE BELIEVE THAT IT MAY BE DUE TO RODENTS AS TOYOTA DEALERSHIP POINTED OUT RODENT ISSUE IN CABIN AIR FILTER LAST TIME WE WENT THERE FOR SOME SAFETY RECALL. IT SEEMS TO BE A HUGE ISSUE WITH PRIUS AND WE WOULD HAVE NEVER BOUGHT ONE HAD TOYOTA BEEN UPFRONT WITH THE RODENT ISSUES THAT THEY HAVE WITH THEIR VEHICLES. ARE THERE ANY RECALLS OR CLASS ACTION SUIT RELATED TO THIS RODENT ISSUE AND THEIR USING SOY BASED WIRING AND FAILING TO CLOSE UP RODENT ACCESS TO CABIN AIR FILTER ETC.? THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME!

20190810ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I HAVE OWNED SEVERAL TOYOTA VEHICLES OVER THE YEARS - A TERCEL, A RAV4, A TACOMA AND A PRIUS V. RECENTLY I WAS HIT WITH A $1680 + REPAIR TO MY 2016 PRIUS V DUE TO 'RODENT DAMAGE' TO MY WIRING. THIS INCLUDED DAMAGE TO 3 OUT 4 BRAKE LINES, AN O2 SENSOR LINE, A FUEL LINE SENSOR AND POSSIBLY A FUEL PUMP WIRING HARNESS. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING AT 60MPH. I WAS DRIVING ON 1 WORKING BRAKE LINE!! MY CAR WAS IN THE TOYOTA SHOP FOR 3 DAYS. I'VE READ THAT TOYOTA DENIES RESPONSIBILITY FOR USING WIRING THAT ATTRACTS RODENT CHEWING. I HAVE BEEN FORCED TO TAKE THIS LOSS OF USE AND DAMAGE TO MY AUTO INSURANCE POLICY AND AM EXTREMELY CONCERNED THAT I WILL FACE THIS TYPE OF DAMAGE IN THE FUTURE WITH MORE CATASTROPHIC RESULTS LIKE AN ACCIDENT. THIS POSSIBILITY MAKES THE OWNERSHIP OF A MY PRIUS FINANCIALLY AND PRACTICALLY UNTENABLE!!! I CAN'T DEPEND ON MY PRIUS TO BE ABLE TO DRIVE ME TO MY WORK OR AND ANY OTHER DESTINATION SAFELY IF THE DESIGN OF THIS VEHICLE MAKES THE WIRING ACCESSIBL

Mileage: 27,500

20190702AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 TOYOTA PRIUS V. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V085000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. AVONDALE TOYOTA (10005 PAPAGO FWY, AVONDALE, AZ 85323) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. *BF

20181127CrashAIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED AND TOWED TO A BODY SHOP WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CALLED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 37,000.

Mileage: 37,000

20181126CrashVEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

WHILE PARKING MY VEHICLE AND SLOWING DOWN TO ENTER A PARKING SPACE, I EASED OFF THE BRAKE TO PULL INTO THE SPACE WHEN I HEARD THE ENGINE REV LOUDLY AND THEN THE CAR ACCELERATED AND CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE DESPITE ATTEMPTS TO PUMP THE BRAKES, RELEASE THE BRAKES WITHOUT TOUCHING ANY PEDAL AND ALSO TRYING TO PUT THE TRANSMISSION INTO PARK. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP AT ALL. I WAS AFRAID FOR MY LIFE AND TRIED EVERYTHING TO AVOID OTHER VEHICLES AND PEDESTRIANS AS THE CAR ACCELERATED GREATLY. I STEERED THE CAR TO TRY AND AVOID A SLIGHT EMBANKMENT AND CURVE BUT WITH THE RAPID SPEED OF THE CAR, IT BECAME HARD TO MANEUVER THE CAR. THE VEHICLE JUMPED THE CURB STRIKING A TREE AND THEN A CONCRETE POST. THE CAR CAME TO REST ON ITS SIDE AFTER IMPACT. THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS.

20181126CrashSERVICE BRAKES

WHILE PARKING MY VEHICLE AND SLOWING DOWN TO ENTER A PARKING SPACE, I EASED OFF THE BRAKE TO PULL INTO THE SPACE WHEN I HEARD THE ENGINE REV LOUDLY AND THEN THE CAR ACCELERATED AND CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE DESPITE ATTEMPTS TO PUMP THE BRAKES, RELEASE THE BRAKES WITHOUT TOUCHING ANY PEDAL AND ALSO TRYING TO PUT THE TRANSMISSION INTO PARK. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP AT ALL. I WAS AFRAID FOR MY LIFE AND TRIED EVERYTHING TO AVOID OTHER VEHICLES AND PEDESTRIANS AS THE CAR ACCELERATED GREATLY. I STEERED THE CAR TO TRY AND AVOID A SLIGHT EMBANKMENT AND CURVE BUT WITH THE RAPID SPEED OF THE CAR, IT BECAME HARD TO MANEUVER THE CAR. THE VEHICLE JUMPED THE CURB STRIKING A TREE AND THEN A CONCRETE POST. THE CAR CAME TO REST ON ITS SIDE AFTER IMPACT. THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS.

Compare 2016TOYOTAPRIUS V to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 1 Open

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2016 TOYOTA PRIUS V have?
The 2016 TOYOTA PRIUS V has 24 NHTSA complaints, 10 crashes, 0 fires, 5 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2016 TOYOTA PRIUS V?
The 2016 TOYOTA PRIUS V received an overall NHTSA safety rating of Not Rated/5, front crash rating of Not Rated/5, side crash rating of Not Rated/5, and rollover rating of 4/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2016 TOYOTA PRIUS V?
Yes, the 2016 TOYOTA PRIUS V has 1 recall(s). The most common affected component is HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM: INVERTER. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 TOYOTA PRIUS V?
The most-complained component for the 2016 TOYOTA PRIUS V is VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL with 4 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and AIR BAGS.
Is the 2016 TOYOTA PRIUS V safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2016 TOYOTA PRIUS V has an NHTSA safety rating of Not Rated/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.