2010 TOYOTA PRIUS — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
N/A
Safety Rating
3,468
Owner Complaints
10
Recalls
44
Service Bulletins
2
Investigations
Overview of the 2010 TOYOTA PRIUS
The 2010 TOYOTA PRIUS has received a total of 3,468 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 12 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM, AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW, SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER. 44 technical service bulletins have been issued by Toyota Motor Corporation for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Service Brakes Hydraulic (751 complaints), Service Brakes (583 complaints), and Service Brakes Electric (502 complaints).
Recalls for the 2010 TOYOTA PRIUS
NHTSA has recorded 12 recalls for the 2010 TOYOTA PRIUS, potentially affecting up to 3,364,141 vehicles.
Recall 18V684000 — HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
| 807,329 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: If the hybrid system shuts down unexpectedly, it can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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...
View full details →Recall 16V487000 — AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
| 482,002 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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...
View full details →Recall 16V396000 — SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
| 7,749 vehicles affected
Defect: 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....
Consequence: If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: 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...
View full details →Recall 14V743000 — SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
| 3,233 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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...
View full details →Recall 14V053000 — HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM: INVERTER
| 698,457 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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...
View full details →Recall 14V053000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
| 698,457 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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...
View full details →Recall 13V235000 — SERVICE BRAKES
| 87,060 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
View full details →Recall 13V014000 — SEATS
| 3,235 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
View full details →Recall 13V014000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
| 3,235 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
View full details →Recall 10V036000 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
| 153,418 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: 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.
View full details →Recall 10V035000 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
| 271,417 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.
Remedy: 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...
View full details →Recall 10V039000 — SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
| 148,549 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCES MAY INCREASE RELATIVE TO A CUSTOMER'S EXPECTATION INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: 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...
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2010 TOYOTA PRIUS
3,468 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2010 TOYOTA PRIUS. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
Most Recent Complaints
On November 25, 2025, at approximately 11:45 p.m., our 2010 Toyota Prius experienced a braking system malfunction during normal operation. The brake pedal required significantly increased effort and the vehicle exhibited reduced braking performance, indicating a loss of brake power assist. The vehicle required increased stopping distance, creating an immediate risk of a collision. At the time of the failure, multiple warning indicators illuminated simultaneously, including the brake system warning, ABS warning, check engine light, battery warning, steering warning, tire pressure warning, and vehicle stability control/slip indicator. There were no warning lamps or abnormal symptoms prior to the failure. The failure was determined to involve the brake booster pump assembly, a component responsible for maintaining hydraulic brake assist pressure. This component is known to experience internal accumulator housing degradation, which can allow nitrogen gas migration into the brake fluid and result in partial or complete loss of brake assist. The affected component remains available for inspection. Following the incident, an authorized Toyota dealership inspected the vehicle and reproduced and confirmed the condition. Service records indicate the brake booster pump assembly had previously been replaced under a Toyota safety recall. Despite this prior recall repair, the same component failed again after approximately 41,000 miles of service, demonstrating that the recall remedy was ineffective. As a result of this failure, the vehicle was rendered unsafe to operate. Despite dealer confirmation that the malfunction involved a previously recalled safety component, corrective repairs were declined, with warranty limitations cited rather than addressing the repeat safety-related failure.
The color of my Prius 2010 starts with 070, blizzard white pearl. The body started peeling. I have visited Toyota dealer on 12/29/25 with this issue and got to know that this issue is well known but the service campaign was finished around June, 2025. I own this car from 2023, October and visiting Toyota dealers for services regularly, but never thought that this issue was a common issue by Toyota. Also, I have not heard anything from dealer. It is also true that the issue was not severe and even if it was, I was not attentive to that, apologize for my ignorance. However, it seems the issue is getting worse day by day. I did not receive any notice from Toyota about any campaign about this issue. My Toyota dealer recommended me to reach out to Toyota if any courtesy repair can be done on my vehicle. I reached out to Toyota, but seems to me they cannot do much. Can I get any help in this regards?
Car keeps throwing a C1391 Abnormal Leak in Accumulator code. The ABS, traction control, and brake lights are all illuminated. Hissing sound from brake pedal. Spongy feel when braking and incredibly soft braking as well, very hazardous to driving and stopping. This is a known issue with the 2010-2015 Prius, and a quick internet search shows thousands of other Prius owners who also have this issue with their vehicles. It’s a safety hazard and can be potentially life threatening. Toyota is not doing anything to rectify this potentially fatal issue that impacts thousands of vehicles and vehicle owners and their families. Estimated cost of repair is upwards of $4,000 and simply not affordable to most consumers. Actions needs to be taken IMMEDIATELY by Toyota to recall these vehicles and fix them.
The contact owns a 2010 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle jerked, and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. Additionally, the steering wheel seized, and the vehicle stalled. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, opened the hood, and disconnected and reconnected the battery terminals to reboot the vehicle. The contact stated that a yellow triangle warning light and the check engine warning light were illuminated. The message "Check Hybrid System" was displayed. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to exceed 65 MPH while driving. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to Auto Zone and O'Reilly's; however, no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer. The contact was informed that the failure might be an ABS system failure. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact stated that the failure first occurred years ago, and the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owns a 2010 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle jerked, and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. Additionally, the steering wheel seized, and the vehicle stalled. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, opened the hood, and disconnected and reconnected the battery terminals to reboot the vehicle. The contact stated that a yellow triangle warning light and the check engine warning light were illuminated. The message "Check Hybrid System" was displayed. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to exceed 65 MPH while driving. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to Auto Zone and O'Reilly's; however, no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer. The contact was informed that the failure might be an ABS system failure. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact stated that the failure first occurred years ago, and the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Safety Rating for the 2010 TOYOTA PRIUS
NHTSA has not yet tested the 2010 TOYOTA PRIUS in its New Car Assessment Program.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2010 TOYOTA PRIUS
Toyota Motor Corporation has issued 44 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2010 TOYOTA PRIUS. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
T-SB-0062-20 Rev — EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
TSB: Some 2004 ? 2020 model year Hybrid vehicles may exhibit an excessive buildup of dust, lint, or debris in the HV battery intake filter or cooling fan. The condition could reduce the efficiency of the HV battery cooling system. Perform the procedures outlined in this bulletin to address this...
T-SB-0098-12 Obs — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TB: OBSOLETE NOTICE August 11, 2020: This bulletin is no longer applicable and is now obsolete.
T-SB-0098-12 Obs — ENGINE
TB: OBSOLETE NOTICE August 11, 2020: This bulletin is no longer applicable and is now obsolete.
Updated ZHB Deal — EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
Dealer Package: Customer Support Program ZHB Expired October 31, 2019. Toyota has received a number of reports regarding the halogen head lamps on certain 2010 ? 2011 model year Prius vehicles. In these reports, customers have indicated that their vehicle?s halogen low beam headlamp bulb lifetime is shorter than expected....
Updated ZHB Deal — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:HIGH/LOW BEAM DIMMER SWITCH
Dealer Package: Customer Support Program ZHB Expired October 31, 2019. Toyota has received a number of reports regarding the halogen head lamps on certain 2010 ? 2011 model year Prius vehicles. In these reports, customers have indicated that their vehicle?s halogen low beam headlamp bulb lifetime is shorter than expected....
T-SB-0036-16_Rev — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TSB: REVISION NOTICE January 31, 2019 Rev1: ? The entire bulletin has been updated. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded. Some 2010 ? 2014 model year Prius and 2012 ? 2014 model year Prius V vehicles may exhibit a MIL ON condition with Diagnostic Trouble Codes...
T-SB-0079-18_Rev — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TSB: REVISION NOTICE November 21, 2018 Rev1: ? The Required Tools & Equipment section has been updated. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded. Some 2010 model year Prius and Prius Plug-in Hybrid vehicles may exhibit a condition where the brake, ABS, and/or TRAC warning light(s) are...
ZJB_Toyota POL18 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:ABS WARNING LIGHT
Customer Support Program Bulletin: Toyota has received reports indicating various brake system related warning lamps illuminate due to internal malfunctions.
ZE3_Toyota POL14 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Warranty Policy Bulletin: Toyota has received some reports indicating the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) located inside the inverter assembly of the hybrid system may fail. This condition is indicated by the hybrid system diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs): P0A94, P324E, P3004, and/or P0A1A. If one or more of these DTCs are...
ZE3-Toyota POL14 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Warranty Program Bulletin: Toyota has received some reports indicating the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) located inside the inverter assembly of the hybrid system may fail. This condition is indicated by the hybrid system diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs): P0A94, P324E, P3004, and/or P0A1A. If one or more of these DTCs are...
Showing 10 of 44 technical service bulletins.
NHTSA Investigations for the 2010 TOYOTA PRIUS
NHTSA has opened 2 investigations into potential safety defects in the 2010 TOYOTA PRIUS.
Investigation DP19004 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST Closed
Opened:
Brake Actuator Valve Wear
Investigation PE10006 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:HYDRAULIC Closed
Opened:
Braking Performance, Hybrid Vehicle
Other Model Years of the TOYOTA PRIUS
- 2005 TOYOTA PRIUS — 1,298 complaints
- 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS — 1,688 complaints
- 2007 TOYOTA PRIUS — 2,451 complaints
- 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS — 1,891 complaints
- 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS — 637 complaints
- 2010 TOYOTA PRIUS (current)
- 2011 TOYOTA PRIUS — 651 complaints
- 2012 TOYOTA PRIUS — 531 complaints
- 2013 TOYOTA PRIUS — 514 complaints
- 2014 TOYOTA PRIUS — 261 complaints
- 2015 TOYOTA PRIUS — 190 complaints
Other TOYOTA Models
- TOYOTA CAMRY — 23,209 total complaints
- TOYOTA COROLLA — 14,342 total complaints
- TOYOTA RAV4 — 11,737 total complaints
- TOYOTA SIENNA — 10,769 total complaints
- TOYOTA TACOMA — 10,512 total complaints
- TOYOTA TUNDRA — 8,997 total complaints
- TOYOTA HIGHLANDER — 6,663 total complaints
- TOYOTA 4RUNNER — 6,405 total complaints