KnownCarProblems2010 Toyota Prius Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 2,823 complaints with NHTSA about the 2010 Toyota Prius, most often about the brakes (52% of complaints, typically around 6,000 miles). It is the most complained-about Prius model year since 2000 and has 10 recalls.
Most common 2010 Toyota Prius problems
Brakes
1,466 complaints · 52%Half of these problems showed up before 6,000 miles. Parts named most often: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, antilock, foundation components.
The contact owns a 2010 Toyota Prius. Occasionally when he drivers over a rough terrain or speed bumps when attempts to apply the brakes, the brakes will not function for several seconds. The vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealership. The current and failure mileages were 6000. Updated 01/29/10 updated 02/01/10.
Braking irregularity on icy surfaces, vehicle feels like rear wheels skid 4-8 feet then all wheels grab when normal braking for a stop sign. Enough deceleration to have seatbelt grab and dog projected into front seat area from rear cargo platform. Same feeling as if brakes were locked up while moving on solid ice and…
Service Brakes, Electric
502 complaints · 18%Half of these problems showed up before 3,000 miles.
I have a 2010 Prius. When I go over small bumps while breaking, the brakes stop working and the car accelerates for a bit. Disconcerting.
2010 Toyota Prius. Going downhill and approaching a stop sign. My foot is steady on the brake and I am gradually coming to a stop. Then, I inadvertently go over a bump in the road and the Prius lunges forward. I had to immediately slam hard on the brakes in order to keep the car from going into the intersection.…
Speed control
287 complaints · 10%Half of these problems showed up before 4,500 miles. Parts named most often: accelerator pedal.
I have been driving my 2010 Prius for almost 6 months now and have experienced the car jerking forward and for a few seconds speeding up as if the brake doesn't work. This happens specifically if a pothole or bump in the road is hit and I'm braking. Mostly when slowing down by hitting the brake. I actually noticed…
Tl contact owns a 2010 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that when slowing down and making a right turn, the vehicle accelerated; however, it has never occurred when he made a left turn. He was driving approximately 10 MPH. The failure mileage was 4000 and the current mileage was 5000. Updated 03/12/10. Updated 09/21/10
Electrical
192 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 65,000 miles. Parts named most often: instrument cluster/panel, 12v/24v/48v battery, ignition, horn.
Vehicle was stopped at a red light with engine running. Engine suddenly stopped and would not restart. A check hybrid signal appeared on the dashboard and vehicle would not move in the middle of a busy intersection. It had to be towed.
My commute is 62 miles, one way. Tonight I realized my low beam headlights were not working. My high beams work. I drove the 62 miles with my high beams on. The fuses were fine. It is odd that both low beam lights were out at the same time but the high beams were fine. I searched online some and there were numerous…
Engine
173 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 95,000 miles. Parts named most often: engine, cooling system.
Driving the car at 40 MPH went it suddenly stopped. Was able to coast to the side of the road. Found out today that the water pump caused the inverter to become non-working which caused the engine to shut down. Very dangerous. Lucky I was not on the interstate.
Two occurrences. Was driving 65 MPH when suddenly car began to lose power. Was unable to regain any power but was able to coast to stop on shoulder. Pressed the on/off button to off. Waited a few seconds and pushed it on. Was then able to drive again. However about 3 miles later at 25 MPH the same thing happened. Both…
Lights
150 complaints · 5%Half of these problems showed up before 65,000 miles. Parts named most often: headlights, turn signal, brake lights.
2010 Toyota iv Prius: returning home at night in a dark, rural country area of pennsylvania. Windy, two-lane road with frequent opposing traffic. Left front headlight goes out making it very difficult to see with remaining headlight. Switched to high beams which worked ok until opposing traffic appeared and had to…
Driving home from dinner, my driver's side headlight went out again. I turned off my headlights, then back on and both lights came back on. There is definitely something wrong with the electrical system supporting the lighting. This is a safety hazard and it now has me nervous every time I get on the road that both…
Other or unspecified
108 complaints · 4%Half of these problems showed up before 73,500 miles.
Tire blew out on the freeway without warning. It was a general altimax rt43 size 195/65 15.with about 9300 miles on it. Tire has several blown out section in the sidewall.
On march 4th 2015 at 8:00 am, my wife was trying to change a parking spot into another about 50 feet away in the same church parking lot. She started the engine and the car was put on drive. Within a fraction of a second, the car accelerated beyond control. She could not steer or stop the car. The car jumped a curb…
Air bags
84 complaints · 3%Half of these problems showed up before 60,500 miles. Parts named most often: on-off switch assembly, frontal, sensor.
The SRS warning light (airbag icon) lit up after pulling my 2010 Prius out of the driveway on april 4, 2014. We tested whether the seatbelt had anything to do with it, or whether it made a difference if someone was seated in the passenger seat or not. Neither seemed to make any difference. The car was purchased august…
I had just pulled into the garage and was at a complete stop when the car surged forward and slammed into to the back of the garage, I would tip overattempted to stop the car with the brakes and they were not working so I shifted the car to reverse and it speed out of the garage up an embankment into a fence. It. Was…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2010 Toyota Prius recalls
Hybrid system: hybrid propulsion system
Risk: If the hybrid system shuts down unexpectedly, it can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the motor/generator control electronic control unit (ecu) and the hybrid control ecu as necessary, free of charge. The recall began january 22, 2019. Owners may contact toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is j0v. Note: the software updates in this recall are needed even if the vehicle had the software previously updated under recalls 14v-053 or 15v-449.
Full defect summary
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 the vehicle to stall while being driven.
Air bags: side/window
Risk: If either portion of the curtain shield air bag inflator ejects into the passenger cabin, there is an increased risk of injury to vehicle occupants.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will install retention brackets to the curtain shield air bags, free of charge. The recall began on october 17, 2016. Owners may contact toyota customer service department at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is toyota g0u, and lexus glj.
Full defect summary
Toyota motor engineering & manufacturing (toyota) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 toyota prius, 2010 and 2012 toyota prius plug-in hybrid, and 2011-2012 lexus ct200h vehicles. A weld in the curtain shield air bag inflator may crack causing one or both portions of the inflator to eject into the passenger cabin.
Seats: seat heater/cooler
Risk: If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Set will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on july 14, 2016. Owners may contact set customer service at 1-866-405-4226. Set number for this recall is set16b.
Full defect summary
Southeast toyota distributors, llc (set) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4runner, highlander, sequoia, and sienna, 2005-2010 avalon and tundra, 2006-2008 camry solara, 2006-2010 highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 rav4 and tacoma, 2007-2010 fj cruiser, 2007-2011 camry hybrid, 2009-2010 venza, 2010-2012 prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.
Seats: seat heater/cooler
Risk: Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.
Fix: Set will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge. The recall is expected to began in january 2015. Owners may contact set customer service at 1-866-405-4226.
Full defect summary
Southeast toyota distributors, llc (set) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 prius and corolla, 2009-2011 venza, 2006-2010 avalon, 2007-2010 fj cruiser, 2005-2011 sienna and sequoia, 2006-2011 tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, camry, highlander, tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 rav4 and 4runner. The affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.
Hybrid system: inverter
Risk: The vehicle may enter a fail-safe/limp-home mode that limits the drivability of the vehicle. The hybrid system could also shut down completely resulting in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners and dealers will update the software for both the motor/generator control electronic control unit (ecu) and the hybrid control ecu, free of charge. If an owner experiences a failure of the inverter before the vehicle receives updated software, the dealer will repair or replace the inverter assembly with a new one at no charge. The recall began on march 21, 2014. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Full defect summary
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 operating temperatures. If this occurs, various warning lamps will be illuminated on the instrument panel and the vehicle will have reduced power allowing it to only drive a short distance.
Brakes: service brakes
Risk: As nitrogen is released into the brake fluid, the brake pedal may have reduced hydraulic pressure. Under certain circumstances, this condition could affect stopping distance and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected brake booster pump assemblies. The recall began on august 7, 2013. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Full defect summary
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2010 prius vehicles manufactured march 31, 2009, through october 9, 2009; and model year 2010 lexus hs250h vehicles manufactured june 19, 2009, through october 9, 2009. Nitrogen gas from a component of the brake booster pump assembly could leak into the brake fluid.
Seats
Risk: If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.
Fix: Southeast toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on march 21, 2013. Owners may contact southeast toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
Full defect summary
Southeast toyota distributors, llc (set) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 tacoma, 4runner, camry, camry hybrid, prius, and rav4; model year 2009-2010 avalon, fj cruiser, and highlander hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year corolla, sienna and tundra; model year 2009-2013 highlander and venza; model year 2012 prius v; and model year 2010-2012 sequoia. During modification by set to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest dvd systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.
Brakes: control unit/module
Risk: Vehicle stopping distances may increase relative to a customer's expectation increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will rewrite the programming of the ABS control unit free of charge. The safety recall began on march 3, 2010, and is expected to be completed in late march 2010. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331 and lexus at 1-800-255-3987.
Full defect summary
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2010 toyota prius and lexus hs250h passenger vehicles. Customers have experienced inconsistent brake feel after ABS actuation during slow and steady application of the brakes on rough or slick road surfaces. Stopping distances may be increased compared with a customer's expectation for a given pedal force.
Equipment: labels
Risk: This does not meet the standard requirements.
Fix: Dealers will mail to consumers the corrected label or the customer will have the option for dealers to install the label free of charge. Dealers will also correct the owner's manual. The safety recall began on may 27, 2010. Owners may contact gulf states toyota at 713-580-3300.
Full defect summary
Gulf states toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims." these vehicles were sold between september 1, 2005 and june 2, 2008 without the requisite load carrying capacity modification labels.
Equipment: labels
Risk: A driver may overload a vehicle which may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will mail to consumers the corrected label or the customer will have the option for dealers to install the label free of charge. The safety recall began on may 27, 2010. Owners may contact southeast toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
Full defect summary
Southeast toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 passenger vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims." these vehicles were sold without the requisite load carrying capacity modification labels.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Brake actuator valve wear
Summary
The office of defects investigation (odi) has received a petition dated september 19, 2023 from the owner of a 2012 toyota prius v requesting that odi reevaluate its decision to deny dp19-004. In the letter, the petitioner reported experiencing an unexpected and complete loss of brake power while driving, accompanied by multiple dashboard warning lights. This petition is based on the petitioner's direct experience and assessment that odi closed dp19-004 because its prompting petition was withdrawn by that petitioner. Odi will review the work conducted during dp19-004 and a review of any additional related complaints and crashes via a new defect petition the petition and related materials can
Pedestrian alert sounds
Summary
Nhtsa received a petition on or about july 18, 2022, requesting that federal motor vehicle safety standard (fmvss) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the united states. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under odi number 11486072. Fmvss 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 kg or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after march 1, 2021.on january 27, 2023, NHTSA opened defect petition (dp) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matt
Brake actuator valve wear
Summary
On september 19, 2019, the office of defects investigation (odi) received a defect petition from mr. Roger hogan requesting that the agency investigate and recall certain toyota prius, prius phv, camry hybrid and avalon hybrid vehicles for a brake actuator valve wear condition covered under toyota customer support programs zjb and zkk (subject csp?s). In support of his request, the petitioner identified 117 NHTSA complaints allegedly related to the subject csp condition, including 60 reporting crashes. On september 30, 2019, odi opened defect petition dp19-004 to evaluate the petitioner?s request for an investigation. In august 2020, the petitioner notified the agency that he was withdrawing
Braking performance, hybrid vehicle
Summary
The subject vehicles are the first model year of a new design generation of the prius model line.the vehicles are powered by a hybrid drive system that uses both a regenerative braking system, which converts vehicle momentum into electrical energy to be stored in onboard batteries, and a hydraulic brake system more typical of the brake system used on non-hybrid vehicles.as is the case for other similarly designed hybrid vehicles the interaction and management of the two braking systems during ABS braking is complex and requires a sophisticated control system.in a february 9, 2010 defect information report, toyota advised the agency of its plans to conduct a safety recall to address inconsist
Questions about the 2010 Toyota Prius
- What are the most common problems with the 2010 Toyota Prius?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: brakes (1,466 complaints, typically around 6,000 miles); service Brakes, Electric (502 complaints, typically around 3,000 miles); speed control (287 complaints, typically around 4,500 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2010 Toyota Prius have?
- 10 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from October 4, 2018 (hybrid system). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2010 a bad year for the Toyota Prius?
- It is the most complained-about Prius model year since 2000, with 2,823 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.