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2016 Toyota Prius VProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 16 owner complaints about the 2016 Toyota Prius V, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 1 safety recall, and for recall 20V-369 the manufacturer reports only 80% of affected cars repaired.

2016 Toyota Prius V
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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Lowest repair rate 80%Owner complaints168 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage37kAir bags, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through December 13, 2025. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.

Complaints by system

Where the 2016 Toyota Prius V has problems

16 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Air bags43
Electrical system41
Vehicle speed control43
Service brakes32
Engine21
Fuel/propulsion system10
Structure10
Visibility/wiper10
Power train10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

2016 Toyota Prius V recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

80%repaired · 2022 Q2

Hybrid propulsion system: inverter

Recall 20V-369 · Jun 24, 2020 · 266,638 vehicles · 214,626 repaired

Risk. An unexpected hybrid power system shut down may increase the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Toyota.

Best & worst years

2016 vs. every other Prius V year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Prius V median. How we score

'12'13'14'15'16'17'18
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

2016 Toyota Prius V safety ratings

2016 Toyota Prius V SW FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

  • Rollover: 4 stars (13.6% risk)
  • Stability control: Standard
  • Forward collision warning: Optional
  • Lane departure warning: Optional
In owners' words

What Prius V owners report

Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

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.
Complaint 11461252 · Apr 18, 2022
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.
Complaint 11418913 · May 28, 2021
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…
Complaint 11229029 · Jul 2, 2019

Own a 2016 Prius V?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.