Federal safety data shows 5 recalls and 2,815 complaints for the 2010 Toyota Prius, a high safety profile overall. Check the known issues section below for the most common problem areas.

Recalls

2,815

Complaints

183

Crashes

Fires

Recall Findings

13V2350002013-05-06

SERVICE BRAKES

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.

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.

View at NHTSA

10V0390002010-09-02

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

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.

VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCES MAY INCREASE RELATIVE TO A CUSTOMER'S EXPECTATION INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

View at NHTSA

18V6840002018-04-10

HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM

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.

If the hybrid system shuts down unexpectedly, it can increase the risk of a crash.

View at NHTSA

View all 5 recalls

16V4870002016-30-06

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

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.

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.

View at NHTSA

14V0530002014-12-02

HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM: INVERTER

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.

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.

View at NHTSA

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Top Complaint Areas

Of 2,815 issues reported over 1 model years, service brakes, hydraulic problems are the most common for the 2010 Toyota Prius. A pre-purchase inspection should focus here first.

01Service Brakes, Hydraulic719

02Service Brakes451

03Service Brakes, Electric439

04Vehicle Speed Control170

05Exterior Lighting102

2,815 total across 1 model years (2010–2010)Full data at NHTSA.gov

Toyota Prius Fuel Economy

50mpg combined

51city

48hwy

$900/yr

The 2010 Toyota Prius is rated at 50 MPG combined. No surprises here regardless of which trim you pick.

Prius - Automatic (variable gear ratios)

50mpg

1.8L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

51 city48 hwy~$900/yr-1/10 Poor

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Where to Find 2010 Toyota Prius

35States

33%in top 3

California has the most inventory at 18%, with options spread across 35 states. Willing to ship? Your selection opens up significantly.

CACalifornia

75018%

TXTexas

3258%

FLFlorida

3057%

DCWashington DC

1955%

PAPennsylvania

1734%

GAGeorgia

1704%

MDMaryland

1624%

ILIllinois

1373%

MOMissouri

1333%

NCNorth Carolina

1263%

AZArizona

1243%

OROregon

1193%

DEDelaware

1153%

WAWashington

1052%

NYNew York

1042%

HI100

COColorado

892%

MNMinnesota

802%

NHNew Hampshire

782%

NJ71

MA68

OH64

MI60

OK49

TN48

UT44

IN43

RI39

AL38

WI38

NV27

KY26

CT26

VT24

NE22

Geographic distribution reflects all active listings for this model, not just 2010.

2010 Toyota Prius: Questions Buyers Ask

Pricing, reliability, and ownership answers

Is the 2010 Toyota Prius a good car to buy?

The 2010 Toyota Prius has its strengths and its watch-outs. 5 recalls have been issued, so verify completion with the dealer. Owners report service brakes, hydraulic as the area to watch most closely. Check the safety section for recall details and the pricing data to see if the numbers work for you.

Are there recalls on the 2010 Toyota Prius?

Yes, 5 recalls on record. The good news: recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Check the safety report for specifics, and always run the VIN before buying.

What's the gas mileage of the 2010 Toyota Prius?

The 2010 Toyota Prius delivers 50 MPG combined per EPA testing. The fuel economy breakdown has city and highway numbers.

What are common problems with the 2010 Toyota Prius?

Out of 2,815 owner complaints, service brakes, hydraulic issues lead the pack. Get a pre-purchase inspection that specifically covers this area. The known issues breakdown has all the details.

How does the 2010 compare to other Toyota Prius years?

Each Toyota Prius model year has different pricing, recall counts, and owner satisfaction patterns. Compare all available years on the Toyota Prius overview page.