2016 TOYOTA PRIUS Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2016 Toyota Prius. This model year has 177 NHTSA complaints β top issue: Visibility/Wiper.
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car β accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.
Worst 2016 Toyota Prius Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Visibility/Wiper
Uncategorized Issues
Electrical Faults
Considering a 2016 Toyota Prius?
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car β accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2016 Toyota Prius. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visibility/Wiper | 42 | β | β | β | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 37 | β | β | β | |
| Electrical Faults | 26 | 1 | β | β | |
| Brake System | 21 | 2 | β | β | |
| Engine Problems | 20 | 1 | β | β | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 17 | 5 | β | β | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 15 | β | β | β | |
| Structural Problems | 12 | β | β | β | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 11 | 7 | β | β | |
| Tire Issues | 9 | β | β | β | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 6 | β | β | β | |
| Suspension Failures | 5 | β | β | β | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 4 | β | β | β | |
| Wheel Issues | 4 | β | β | β | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 3 | 1 | β | β | |
| Steering Defects | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Hybrid Propulsion System | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 2 | 1 | β | β | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Visibility | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Equipment | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 1 | β | β | β |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2016 Toyota Prius. Type a keyword (e.g. βtransmissionβ, βstallingβ, βbrakesβ) to filter.
Showing 177 most recent complaints
The car has a very strong gas smell, especially when full.
Found coolant leak from heat exchanger into exhaust pipe. Looks like, T-SB-0135-19.
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.
The headlights are either too bright or aimed poorly that it blinds oncoming traffic, who frequently flash their high beams at me. This occurs without any load in back and without me using the high beams. Can Toyota either adjust the bulbs or place a film on the headlights to preβ¦
Water pump failed without warning and caused irreparable damage to the engine ("blown" engine requiring replacement). Vehicle began to stall and not respond to attempted acceleration while traveling on 4 lane divided highway, 55 mph speed limit. One "Maintenance Required" messaβ¦
Refer to TSB 0135-19 dealer denied repairing under the California emissions defect and performance warranty.
My car suddenly stopped in the middle of the road with message "Hybrid system stopped steering power low". Safety concern to this happen on the middle of road during rain or cold.
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 inβ¦
See attached document for complaint
Prinx HiCITY HH2 175/65R15 84H Bought this tire in November 2022. About 15000 miles into it, on Aug 6, 2024, the passenger front tire just busted. After swapping with the spare tire, and upon inspection, there was no nail nor it hit the curb, but the side wall is busted. Thisβ¦
During summer months when temperatures are above 100 degrees when accelerating from a complete stop I can hear the engine rev and the RPMs increase but the vehicle will move at 1-2 mph. Even if the accelerator is to the floor. After 3-4 seconds the tires will squeal and the vehicβ¦
Paint is starting to peel around trunk, clear coat has peeled off of black triangle areas by rear passenger windows on both sides of vehicle. Other 2016 Prius have had a paint recall. My vehicle needs to be included in the recall.
We were driving in San Diego and had driven oven a bit pothole. About 50 miles after driving over the pothole, the brakes stopped working. We were pressing down hard on the brake, but the brake was soft and did not do its job. We almost rear ended the car in front of us. We brougβ¦
While traveling on NHS CA 99 about 80 miles before taking exit 97, there were pieces of tire debri on the center lane. It couldnβt 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 β¦
Starting in about 2019, the exterior black panel behind the rear right mirror began peeling. Soon, the blue exterior paint on the car began to show damaged spots, lining up with the parts of the car most exposed to the sun: the roof most of all, but the top panel behind the rear β¦
While driving vehicle on the freeway it stated braking power low, stop in a safe place, antilock brake system malfunction, pre-collision system malfunction, lane departure alert malfunction. I was almost in a major scary accident.
The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving at approximately 70 MPH, the steering wheel stopped operating and the vehicle began to shut down. The contact stated that a yellow blinking light and a hybrid system malfunction warning light illuminated the iβ¦
Coolant is leaking. There were no indicator that coolant is low. Suddenly while trying to get on the freeway the car would not get up to speed regardless how much pressure was put on the pedals. On the way back home, all of a sudden the engine temperature light flashed on then ofβ¦
I reported issues with this car in 2018. Clicking sounds under the car which is still happening, peeling paint on exterior and inside door areas, substandard windshield that spread in a very unusual pattern when hit by a small rock. The NHTSA ID Number that was assigned to thesβ¦
We were driving kids to camp and the thermometer light went on. It was blinking for a while, then turned off and then turned steadily on. We weren't sure what to do, so we called our trusty mechanic who said "bring it in right now." We did and it turned out that this was a brokenβ¦
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2016 Toyota Prius.
Recalls for 2016 Toyota Prius
5 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2016 Toyota Prius. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
2016 Toyota Prius β FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2016 Toyota Prius reliable?βΎ
Severe Issues. The 2016 Toyota Prius has 177 NHTSA owner complaints, 13 crash-related, and 5 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Visibility/Wiper (42 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Toyota Prius?βΎ
#1: Visibility/Wiper (42 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (37 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (26 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2016 Toyota Prius?βΎ
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2016 Toyota Prius?βΎ
The 2016 Toyota Prius has 13 crash-related complaints and 0 fire reports out of 177 total NHTSA complaints. 8 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2016 Toyota Prius have any recalls?βΎ
Yes β 5 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2016 Toyota Prius. The largest issue: HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM: INVERTER. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2016 Toyota Prius?βΎ
The 2016 Toyota Prius has severe issues β review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Visibility/Wiper issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Toyota Prius reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Check Your Specific 2016 Toyota Prius
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car β accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.