Owners have reported 7 crashes and 2 injuries to NHTSA for the 2019 Toyota Prius. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints7
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners of the 2019 Toyota Prius frequently report issues related to the coolant system, with multiple complaints describing coolant leaking into the catalytic converter, leading to costly repairs exceeding $2000. These issues typically arise around 70,000 miles, with some owners noting that warning lights do not activate until the coolant is depleted. Additionally, a few complaints highlight rust perforation on the car's roof, potentially affecting airbags and electrical systems, as well as problems with the pedestrian warning sound being inaudible at low speeds. Safety concerns are noted in instances where the vehicle reportedly stalls in the rain or unexpectedly moves forward when in reverse gear, although no crashes or injuries are reported. These patterns suggest prospective buyers should be aware of potential high-cost repairs and safety implications related to these issues.
Owner complaints5
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners of the 2019 Toyota Prius frequently report issues with the braking system, including brake pulsation and rotor corrosion, often around the 11,000 to 20,000-mile range. Symptoms typically include pulsation in the brake pedal, squealing, grinding noises, and visible heat marks or rust on the rotors. Some complaints also describe electronic malfunctions, such as loss of brake boost and various warning lights, which dealers address by replacing components like the brake booster and master cylinder. Safety implications include potential loss of control due to erratic braking behavior and the inability to disable malfunctioning driver-assist systems, as reported by multiple owners. These issues suggest that prospective buyers should thoroughly inspect the braking system and inquire about any previous repairs or updates.
Owner complaints4
AIR BAGS
Owners of the 2019 Toyota Prius report that airbags frequently fail to deploy during crashes. Complaints describe situations where the vehicle is involved in both frontal and side collisions, yet airbags do not activate, even when significant vehicle damage occurs. In two instances, owners mention that the lack of airbag deployment coincides with brake system failures, including unintended acceleration and delayed stopping distances. Injuries are reported in two of the four crashes detailed. These issues are noted at varying mileages, with one specific report at approximately 78,000 miles. Safety implications are evident, as all complaints involve crashes, underscoring potential risks for used car buyers considering this model.
Severity signals: 4 crash, 0 fire, 2 injury reports
Owner complaints4
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners of the 2019 Toyota Prius report issues with the vehicle's electrical system, including unintended acceleration and braking failures, particularly during low-speed maneuvers such as parking or reversing. Two incidents involve crashes where the vehicle unexpectedly surged forward or backward, and brakes failed to respond, leading to collisions with other vehicles or structures. Another common issue involves the parking assist sensors, which activate erroneously during rain and continue to beep despite cleaning. Additionally, an owner reports the vehicle's doors locking unexpectedly while charging. These complaints arise at varying mileages, with one incident occurring at just over 1,000 miles, indicating potential early-stage electrical system issues. Safety implications are significant, given the reported loss of vehicle control and resulting crashes.
Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints4
WHEELS
Owners of the 2019 Toyota Prius report issues related to tire integrity and pressure, with several complaints describing unexpected blowouts and a lack of warning from tire pressure monitoring systems. Symptoms include a wobbling sensation while driving and sudden loss of tire pressure, often without any prior alert, leading to instability and potential loss of control. These issues are noted at varying mileages, from as low as 7,014 miles to over 44,000 miles. Additionally, owners express concern about the absence of a spare tire, which they find problematic in situations where the provided repair kit is inadequate. Safety implications are significant, as multiple reports involve loss of vehicle control, though no injuries are detailed.
Owner complaints3
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Owners of the 2019 Toyota Prius report issues related to vehicle speed control, with complaints frequently mentioning sudden unintended acceleration and complete loss of power. One owner describes an incident where applying the brake resulted in unexpected acceleration, leading to a minor crash with another vehicle while parking. Another owner reports a sudden stop from freeway speeds without warning, followed by a temporary inability to accelerate. Additionally, there are reports of dashboard failures, including loss of all indicators and controls, occurring at very low mileage. These issues present potential safety concerns, including loss of control and collision risk.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints3
TIRES
Owners of the 2019 Toyota Prius frequently report issues with the factory-installed tires, specifically Dunlop Enasave and Toyo NanoEnergy models. Common symptoms include noticeable vibrations or "warbling" while driving, with inspections revealing significant tire degradation such as exposed steel belting and tread separation. These issues typically arise around 27,000 to 44,000 miles. Safety implications are evident, as one owner experienced a tire blowout at highway speeds, though no crashes or injuries are reported. Buyers should be aware of potential premature tire wear and consider inspecting or replacing tires if purchasing a used model with similar mileage.
Owner complaints2
POWER TRAIN
Owners report issues with the power train of the 2019 Toyota Prius, particularly involving the exhaust heat-exchanger coolant pipe and the pre-collision system. Symptoms include a complete loss of coolant leading to potential engine overheating, power reduction, or shutdown, with one owner noting the coolant reservoir was found empty after warning lights flashed intermittently. Another owner describes a loud cranking noise from the engine and a missing pre-collision system sensor shortly after purchase. These issues occur at various timelines, with one owner experiencing problems within a month of ownership. Safety implications include the risk of engine shutdown while driving, which could endanger occupants and other road users, particularly during highway travel or intersection turns.
