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Toyota Prius: which year should you buy?

Across the 2011 to 2026 model years, the public record is strongest on the 2018 (92/100). Every year below is scored on its own NHTSA complaint and recall history. Pick the year, not just the nameplate.

Best years to target

2018 92 · 2022 90 · 2025 88 · 2019 88

Every model year, scored

Same math for every year (how we score). A neutral Unproven or Too New stamp means too few owner reports are on file to affirm the year, not that it’s clean.

202691/100
Too New

5 complaints · 1 recalls

202588/100
Buy

15 complaints · 2 recalls

202486/100
Buy

22 complaints · 4 recalls

202387/100
Buy

18 complaints · 4 recalls

202290/100
Buy

23 complaints · 1 recalls

201988/100
Buy

28 complaints · 3 recalls

201892/100
Buybest year

35 complaints · 1 recalls

201783/100
Buy

101 complaints · 3 recalls

201664/100
Caution

179 complaints · 5 recalls

201574/100
Buy

159 complaints · 1 recalls

201464/100
Caution

231 complaints · 3 recalls

201364/100
Caution

398 complaints · 3 recalls

201256/100
Caution

682 complaints · 6 recalls

201164/100
Caution

516 complaints · 6 recalls

Zeroing in on the 2018?

The full year-by-year verdict is free. When you’re ready to inspect and negotiate one specific car, the Full Report turns the 2018 Toyota Prius’s complaint breakdown and recall list into an inspection-ready, shareable PDF.

Recalls, complaint breakdown & inspection checklist, all in a shareable PDF

Cross-shopping a different nameplate? Compare the 2026 Toyota Prius head-to-head →

The fine print: each year’s verdict is computed from public NHTSA complaint and recall records for the Toyota Prius as a model, not for any individual car. A well-kept example of a weaker year can outlast a neglected strong one. Informational only, so always get a professional pre-purchase inspection.