In recent years, Toyota has dominated the automotive industry, particularly in the hybrid (HEV) segment. So, a good question that could pop up in some people’s minds is whether it’s always been like this or if the Japanese car brand just got lucky in the last five years. Without milking this question any further, the answer is yes: Toyota has practically always been that good. There are various car models and their histories that attest to this claim, especially regarding their rock-solid reliability, like the Prius.
The Toyota Prius could easily be considered the “Toyota Car” everyone knows. While it’s received some hate over the years for its quirky design, there’s no denying that the Toyota Prius is one of its most successful models. This is due to Toyota implementing its “three main ingredients” in the Prius: fuel efficiency, affordability, and, above all, reliability. While the Prius demonstrates most traits to the T, it’s its reliability that you’re probably not familiar with. Well, today, you’ll learn the best Prius years in terms of its reliability.
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2012 Toyota Prius
Reliability Score: 86/100
The 2012 Prius is part of the third generation, which spans 2010 through 2015. Toyota made a slight revamp of the Prius in 2012, with it receiving a minor facelift. It’s powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine producing 134 horsepower. The 2012 Prius comes in last place on the list, but it’s worth noting that it doesn’t rank last across all years and isn’t one of the Prius years to avoid. J.D. Power gave the 2012 Toyota Prius an 86 out of 100 reliability rating.
Reliability
You can expect an excellent annual repair cost of $391 for the 2012 Prius. Although the car has more frequent repairs than average for a Prius, most issues are minor and shouldn’t be a concern. For instance, the most common problems reported are related to the multi-functional display failing and incorrect fuel gauge reading. Some owners also report issues with the driver’s side wheel bearing, stalling, and hybrid transmission failure, but these are rare.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $391 (RepairPal)
- Total Recalls: 8
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2011 Toyota Prius
Reliability Score: 86/100
The 2011 Toyota Prius is also part of the third generation, using the same 1.8-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain as the 2012. The only significant change was that it was the year before the facelift, as well as its fuel economy. The 2010 and 2011 Prius offer 598 miles of range and 50 MPG. The 2011 Prius tied with the year above in reliability, with a rating of 86 out of 100. The reason the 2011 is seen as more reliable than the 2012 is that it received fewer recalls.
Reliability
For its ownership costs, you can expect an annual repair cost of $407. The common problems remain mostly the same as in the 2012 Prius, with the addition of a check engine light due to a three-way coolant control valve failure. Other less common issues include coolant pump failure, stalling due to debris in the mass air flow sensor, or hard starting if the car has been sitting for several days.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $407 (RepairPal)
- Total Recalls: 6
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2018 Toyota Prius
Reliability Score: 86/100
The 2018 Prius is part of the fourth generation, which uses a powertrain configuration similar to that of the previous generation. The 1.8-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine produces slightly less power with its 121 horsepower and torque, which can be either 105 or 120 pound-feet of torque. The 2018 makes it a three-way tie between the two years above, with its overall reliability rating matching 86 out of 100. The main difference is the number of recalls: the 2018 Prius was only involved in one.
Reliability
Since this is a relatively new Prius model, you can expect to spend $351 per year on repairs and maintenance, which is lower than average for a midsize car. Even the common problems reported are minor, related to freezing navigation systems and the car not starting due to power loss or unrepaired sensors. The only recall was for the engine wiring harness, which may chafe and short, and was fixed by adding a protective sleeve to the harness.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $351
- Total Recalls: 1
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2010 Toyota Prius
Reliability Score: 87/100
The 2010 Toyota Prius is the first year of the third generation and is nearly identical to the 2011 Prius discussed earlier. The third generation uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and a front-wheel drive system. The 2010 Prius raises the reliability rating up a notch with its 87 out of 100 score, though it is held back by its 10 recalls.
Reliability
When it comes to common problems, the 2010 Prius suffers from the same issues as the 2011 model, as mentioned earlier, including the center display failing and the fuel gauge reading incorrectly. Less common but serious issues you must look out for include hybrid transmission failure, premature tire wear, and battery charging issues. Overall, you can expect to spend around $392 per year on maintaining this car.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $392 (RepairPal)
- Total Recalls: 10
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2013 Toyota Prius
Reliability Score: 87/100
Another year from the third generation appears, and that would be the 2013 Prius. Spoiler alert: Every model year of the third-generation Prius sits in the top 10 for best year on a Prius, regarding its reliability. The 2013 Prius is nearly identical to the 2012 Prius, which introduced the facelift. The 2013 Prius ties with the year above, scoring an 87 out of 100 reliability rating. It cut the recalls by more than half compared to the 2010 Prius, with 2013 showing only three.
Reliability
RepairPal reports an average ownership cost of $423 per year, which is slightly higher than some models on this list. This model year carries over some of the issues from older models, including those related to the fuel gauge and center display, as well as more serious transmission issues. A few owners have also reported problems with the fuel tank liner, engine shaking, and intermittent starting issues.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $423 (RepairPal)
- Total Recalls: 3
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2014 Toyota Prius
Reliability Score: 87/100
The 2014 Toyota Prius is the second-to-last year of the third generation to receive a reliability rating on the list so far. The 2014 Prius brings another three-way tie with three years of the Prius receiving the same reliability rating. The 2013 matched the score with the two models above, with an 87 out of 100. Unlike the first three-way tie, the 2014 and 2013 recalls each have three recalls.
Reliability
The 2014 model did slightly better in terms of its annual repair cost, which is $416, making it a terrific used option today. Apart from the center display and fuel gauge issues plaguing these model years, the 2014 Prius has fewer common problems. Other issues, such as coolant pump failures, transmission failures, or low-gear stuttering, are rare.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $416 (RepairPal)
- Total Recalls: 3
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2007 Toyota Prius
Reliability Score: 88/100
The 2007 Toyota Prius is the first model on the list to come from the second generation. The second-gen Prius houses a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 110 horsepower and 82 pound-feet of torque. Like the models above, the 2004 to 2009 Prius used a CVT transmission and a front-wheel-drive system. This model year has a Great reliability rating of 88 out of 100, higher than some model years that followed. Only four recalls were noted, which is quite impressive given its age.
Reliability
The annual cost of the 2007 Prius is expected to sit around $382. Owners have reported many issues with this car, but apart from a few common ones, most problems are rare. This paints a picture that while the car is generally reliable, it’s still an old car, and you can expect to make slightly more frequent mechanic visits to fix age-related issues. Such issues include battery failure, faulty capacitors, oil burning, brake squeaking, and stalling.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $382 (RepairPal)
- Total Recalls: 4
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2008 Toyota Prius
Reliability Score: 88/100
Another second-generation Prius appears on the list, the 2008 Prius. The second-generation Prius underwent a facelift after two years, with the 2006 to 2009 models showcasing these changes. There is a lot of talk about the best Prius years and their reliability scores, and the 2008 model ties with the year above, with an 88 out of 100 reliability rating.
Reliability
Just like other older Prius models, the 2008 Prius suffers from more or less the same common problems, including multi-functional display failure, incorrect fuel gauge reading, and a failed three-way coolant control valve, along with the occasional coolant pump failure and driver’s side bearing noise. Other less common problems include braking issues, gas door spring malfunction, premature tire wear, and increased fuel consumption.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $368 (RepairPal)
- Total Recalls: 4
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2015 Toyota Prius
Reliability Score: 88/100
The 2015 Toyota Prius ranks second in reliability. It is the last year of the third-generation Prius, making every year of this generation eligible for the list. The 2015 Prius ties for third with the 2007 and 2008 models, earning an 88 out of 100 reliability rating. It landed in second place because of its two recalls.
Reliability
The annual repair cost of this car is among the highest for a Prius at $421 per year. Despite being a relatively newer car, it still suffers from the same fuel gauge and display issues reported in older models. Apart from that, owners have reported a couple of issues: an unresponsive gas pedal and, funnily enough, the horn honking unexpectedly, making it one of the most reliable Prius years.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $421 (RepairPal)
- Total Recalls: 2
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2009 Toyota Prius
Reliability Score: 89/100
Coming in at number one, the 2009 Toyota Prius secures the title as the most reliable Prius (so far). The 2009 Toyota Prius is the last year for the second generation and mirrors its older siblings. The Toyota Prius demonstrates its strong reliability, and even in the years that didn’t do too well, it still looked good on paper. If 75 is the lowest reliability rating on a Prius, then it’s “safe” to assume that this platform is beyond dependable and one of the best Prius years.
Reliability
The 2009 Prius ends the reliability ratings with a close-to-A grade, earning an 89 out of 100, making it the most reliable Prius year so far. Uncommon issues for this model include stalling or loss of power due to debris in the mass airflow sensor, a restricted hybrid battery cooling fan, an inverter coolant issue, and loud noise on start after extended inactivity. You can expect an annual repair and maintenance cost of $410 with this model.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $410 (RepairPal)
- Total Recalls: 6
Source: Toyota, RepairPal, J.D. Power, NHTSA