NHTSA vehicle safety data

2006 Toyota Prius Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2006 Toyota Prius has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns and 1,440 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Toyota dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2006 Toyota Prius, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2006 Toyota Prius owner complaints

Owners have filed 1,440 complaints with NHTSA about the 2006 Toyota Prius, describing incidents dated January 1, 2006 to April 20, 2026.

Most-cited components

Exterior Lighting 941 complaints
Service Brakes 210 complaints
Electrical System 153 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control 84 complaints
Engine 45 complaints
Air Bags 30 complaints

Of the 1,440 complaints on file, 82 report a crash and 5 a fire; across all 1,440 complaints, owners report 48 injuries and 1 death (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11774062 · Filed October 27, 2026
The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to turn off intermittently, requiring that the power button to be pressed continuously until the vehicle turned off. In addition, the instrument cluster was inoperable often. The contact stated that a chime failed to…
ODI #11736448 · Filed May 7, 2026
I was involved in an auto accident on 4/20/2026 @ 6:23 PM. I was driving a 2006 Prius and the vehicle in front of me stopped to make a left turn. I applied my brakes, which grabbed slightly and then released. I then had to hit the brakes hard and they did the same thing again. I ended up rear-ending…
ODI #11724026 · Filed March 13, 2026
I am looking to receive a little bit more assistance regarding my daughter's first car that she worked very hard for. It is a 2006 Toyota Prius. It was garage-kept and owned by an older couple who only put 85,000 miles on it. It is really a gem of a car. Soon after we registered the car, my daughter…

Read all 1,440 complaints

Owner-reported

2006 Toyota Prius mileage at failure

1,234 of the 1,440 complaints on file for the 2006 Toyota Prius give the vehicle's mileage when the problem happened.

Mileage at failure by component, from owners' complaints to NHTSA
Component	Median	Middle half	Based on
Exterior Lighting	Median 50,000 miles	Middle half 35,000–65,000 miles	Based on 845 complaints
Service Brakes	Median 55,000 miles	Middle half 20,000–130,000 miles	Based on 155 complaints
Electrical System	Median 60,000 miles	Middle half 40,000–120,000 miles	Based on 125 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control	Median 45,000 miles	Middle half 25,000–90,000 miles	Based on 67 complaints
Engine	Median 105,000 miles	Middle half 60,000–150,000 miles	Based on 34 complaints

A component's median is its 50th percentile, and its middle half runs from its 25th to its 75th percentile.

Owners give the mileage themselves, often as a round number, and NHTSA doesn't check it. A complaint that names several components counts under each one, and mileages that can't be right, such as 999,999, or 50 miles on a five-year-old car, are left out.

These figures describe the complaints owners filed. They don't predict when a particular vehicle will have a problem, and vehicles that never had one aren't counted.

Mileage from NHTSA's complaints file of October 31, 2026. How these figures are worked out

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2006 Toyota Prius in 3 investigations. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Defect Petition DP22-005: Pedestrian alert sounds
Closed August 7, 2023
- Recall 22V-063
Defect Petition DP13-001: Intermediate Steering Shaft Separation
Closed April 8, 2020
Preliminary Evaluation PE09-019: HEADLIGHT FAILURE
Closed August 27, 2009

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

Steering Intermediate Extension Shaft may Fail

NHTSA #12V537000 · Steering · NHTSA notice

Reported November 14, 2012 · Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Potentially affected: 669,705 vehicles

Owners notified December 20, 2012 · Vehicles built August 5, 2003 – March 30, 2009 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2009 Prius vehicles manufactured August 5, 2003, through March 30, 2009. The affected vehicles have a steering intermediate extension shaft assembly built with metal splines that complete the connection from the steering wheel to the steering gear. These splines may have been manufactured with an insufficient hardness.

Safety consequence

Over time, the splines may wear and eventually fail resulting in a loss of steering ability, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the extension shaft and replace it if it is one with insufficient hardness, free of charge. The recall began during December 2012. Owners may contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Water Pump may Fail Causing a Vehicle Stall

NHTSA #12V536000 · Engine and Engine Cooling · NHTSA notice

Reported November 14, 2012 · Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Potentially affected: 350,662 vehicles

Owners notified January 17, 2013 · Vehicles built August 6, 2003 – March 30, 2009 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2009 Prius vehicles manufactured August 6, 2003, through March 30, 2009 and FCHV-adv vehicles manufactured December 12, 2008, through September 13, 2011. During manufacturing, a scratch may have occurred inside of the electrically driven water pump at the coil wire. The coil wire may corrode at the scratched portion.

Safety consequence

The corroded coil wire may break and the water pump could stop. The corroded coil wire could cause a short circuit between coil wires and a possible open fuse, creating a stall-like condition of the hybrid system while the vehicle is being driven. This may increase the risk of a vehicle crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Toyota will notify its owners, and dealers will replace the electric water pump, free of charge. The recall began on January 17, 2013. Owners may contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS

NHTSA #10V036000 · Equipment — Other — Labels · NHTSA notice

Reported February 3, 2010 · SOUTHEAST TOYOTA DISTRIBUTORS, LLC

Potentially affected: 153,418 vehicles

Owners notified May 27, 2010

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

PEDAL ENTRAPMENT

NHTSA #09V388000 · Vehicle Speed Control — Accelerator Pedal · NHTSA notice

Reported October 5, 2009 · TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Potentially affected: 4,445,056 vehicles

Toyota campaign 90L(TOYOTA)/90LG(LEX · Owners notified December 31, 2009

Defect description

TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CAN GET STUCK IN THE WIDE OPEN POSITION DUE TO ITS BEING TRAPPED BY AN UNSECURED OR INCOMPATIBLE DRIVER'S FLOOR MAT.

Safety consequence

A STUCK OPEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY RESULT IN VERY HIGH VEHICLE SPEEDS AND MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO STOP THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH, SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

Manufacturer remedy

TOYOTA FILED AN AMENDED DEFECT REPORT ON NOVEMBER 25, 2009, STATING THAT DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND, ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, ALTER THE SHAPE OF THE FLOOR SURFACE UNDER THE PEDAL. THESE CHANGES ADDRESS THE RISK OF PEDAL ENTRAPMENT DUE TO INTERFERENCE WITH THE FLOOR MAT. REDESIGNED ACCELERATOR PEDALS WILL BECOME AVAILABLE BEGINNING IN APRIL 2010 AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE ANY MODIFIED PEDAL WITH THE NEW PEDAL IF DESIRED. ALSO, DEALERS WILL REPLACE ANY GENUINE TOYOTA OR LEXUS ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MATS WITH REDESIGNED ALL-WEATHER MATS, OR REPURCHASE THE PREVIOUS MATS FROM OWNERS WHO DO NOT WANT THE NEW ONES. ADDITIONALLY, SOFTWARE MODIFICATIONS WILL BE INSTALLED ON CAMRY, AVALON AND LEXUS ES 350, IS 350 AND IS 250 MODELS THAT WILL ENSURE THAT THE BRAKE OVERRIDES THE ACCELERATOR IN THE EVENT BOTH BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS ARE APPLIED. TOYOTA WILL BEGIN MAILING LETTERS TO OWNERS ON DECEMBER 31, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331, LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.

Notes

TOYOTA RECALL NO. 90L/90LG.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

STEERING SHAFT FAILURE

NHTSA #06V188000 · Steering — Electric Power Assist System · NHTSA notice

Reported May 31, 2006 · TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Potentially affected: 170,856 vehicles

Toyota campaign 60C · Owners notified June 9, 2006 · Vehicles built August 5, 2003 – November 10, 2005 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT AND SLIDING YOKE IN THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING SYSTEM CAN CRACK WHEN LARGE FORCES ARE APPLIED AND THE CONNECTION MAY SEPARATE OR THE SLEEVE MAY FRACTURE.

Safety consequence

THIS COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.

Manufacturer remedy

TOYOTA WILL REPLACE THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT AND INSPECT THE SLIDING YOKE AND REPLACE IT IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 9, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

Notes

TOYOTA RECALL NO. 60C.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

AIR BAG INFLATOR

NHTSA #06V096000 · Air Bags · NHTSA notice

Reported April 3, 2006 · TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Potentially affected: 133 vehicles

Toyota campaign 60B 6LB · Owners notified April 6, 2006 · Vehicles built September 29, 2003 – December 1, 2005 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, DUE TO IMPROPER ASSEMBLY OF THE AIR BAG INFLATOR, WHICH IS USED IN THE SIDE AIR BAG, THE CURTAIN SHIELD AIR BAG, AND THE KNEE AIR BAG ASSEMBLY, SOME INFLATORS WERE PRODUCED WITH AN INSUFFICIENT AMOUNT OF THE HEATING AGENTS NECESSARY FOR PROPER AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. IN THIS CONDITION, THE EXPANSION FORCE OF THE GAS MAY BE INSUFFICIENT TO PROPERLY INFLATE THE AIR BAG WHEN THE SRS SYSTEM IS ACTIVATED DURING A CRASH.

Safety consequence

THIS MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE OCCUPANT IN THE INVOLVED SEATING POSITION IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SPECIFIC SRS AIR BAG. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 6, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-888-270-9371, SCION AT 1-866-548-1851, OR LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.

Notes

TOYOTA RECALL NO. 60B AND LEXUS RECALL NO. 6LB.CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

2006 Toyota Prius 4-DR.

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 4, Passenger: 4

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 4, Passenger: 4

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated

Safety Technology

3 investigations

1,440 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2006 Toyota Prius.

Electrical System

ODI #11774062

Incident: October 27, 2018 · Filed: October 27, 2026

The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to turn off intermittently, requiring that the power button to be pressed continuously until the vehicle turned off. In addition, the instrument cluster was inoperable often. The contact stated that a chime failed to engage while reversing. A triangle warning light was previously illuminated. The message "Tire Pressure Maintenance Needed" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the failure was primarily associated with the instrument cluster. The dealer determined that the instrument cluster and other unknown components needed to be replaced.

Service Brakes

ODI #11736448

Crash 1 injury

Incident: April 20, 2026 · Filed: May 7, 2026

I was involved in an auto accident on 4/20/2026 @ 6:23 PM. I was driving a 2006 Prius and the vehicle in front of me stopped to make a left turn. I applied my brakes, which grabbed slightly and then released. I then had to hit the brakes hard and they did the same thing again. I ended up rear-ending the vehicle in front of me and had to go to the hospital. I’ve been out of work since the accident, and I feel this was not my fault DUE TO FAULTY BRAKING SYSTEM ON THIS VEHICLE. My vehicle was declared a total loss, by the insurance company After doing my own research I have found many accidents with this type of vehicle that has had rear end accidents with injuries and some fatalities. it also shows not only this 2nd generation with this problem however the 3rd generation Prius as well. I have been out of work since the accident. I'm asking for a complete and thorough investigation into this and a satisfactory resolution to this so that it doesn't happen to anyone else. There were no warning indicators of any kind prior to the accident plus I had paid over 2000 dollars' worth of work and a set of 4 new tires put on this vehicle prior to this incident. Please advise and thank you.

Service Brakes

ODI #11724026

Incident: February 25, 2026 · Filed: March 13, 2026

I am looking to receive a little bit more assistance regarding my daughter's first car that she worked very hard for. It is a 2006 Toyota Prius. It was garage-kept and owned by an older couple who only put 85,000 miles on it. It is really a gem of a car. Soon after we registered the car, my daughter was out driving with her father. While going through a 4-way stop, she found that the brakes had failed and she was unable to stop at the intersection. Luckily, she was with her father, and he was able to give her verbal instruction to guide the both of them to safety. Upon further investigation, we learned that there was a recall on the Brake Actuator Assembly in 2016. Which is the part that has failed and almost caused my 16 year old daughter to crash the car she worked hard for. I contacted the Toyota Brand Engagement Center. It was stated to me that the recall has expired, however, I feel that the fact that a recall was issued means that it was recognized by Toyota that the vehicle was sold with a faulty brake system. This, in and of itself, is a hazard and could be fatal. This should be addressed and the brake system should be replaced as it is no fault to any owner regardless of the recall expiry date. We look forward to your timely response on how we can remedy this very serious safety issue. My daughter was super excited as she worked very hard to save up for her first Toyota and get it registered only to find that the brake system fails.

Air Bags

ODI #11691629

Crash 1 injury

Incident: September 7, 2025 · Filed: October 6, 2025

The contact owned a 2006 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while slowly driving into an intersection and turning left at less than 3 MPH, the owner of a Ford F-150 coming from the driver's side of the vehicle at 35 MPH crashed into their driver's side door. The crash caused the vehicle to slide to a complete stop. None of the air bags deployed. The driver of the Ford F-150 stated that the sun created a glare, preventing them from noticing the red light they had driven through. The contact's vehicle was towed and deemed totaled by their insurance. A police report was filed. The contact received a broken rib, rotator cuff, whiplash, and back injuries. Medical attention was needed. The dealer was not informed of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000

Electrical System; Service Brakes

ODI #11633585

Incident: December 2, 2024 · Filed: January 2, 2025

The following describes a near total failure of the brake system that accompanies and is triggered by routine aging of the battery. I believe this applies to multiple model years and editions of the Prius, based on reports by other owners on owners' discussion groups. I believe this should have the highest severity level. Here is what happens: An alarm is sounded, several warning lights ABS, VCS appear, and soon after that, the front brakes stop working. The rear brakes then prove ineffective and lock up. The happens with high frequency under any of the following conditions: (a) as the battery approaches 3yrs age, (b) it is excessively cold outside. (c) there is a higher than typical load on the 12V system from any of a variety of reasons. After installing a fresh new 12V battery, the above happens with much less frequency. There no warning on the dashboard to indicate that the condition of the 12V battery is not safe for operation of the vehicle. It seems clear that the route cause is that the brake control unit is configured within inadequate tolerance for the normal aging of the 12V battery, compounded by the absence of warning on the dash. This probably traces back to a poorly chosen LDO voltage regulator in the design of the brake control unit. Recommendation: Review the electrical designs for the brake control unit, all model years, replace as needed and update the dash board computer to provide warning when the battery condition is not sufficient for safe operation of the vehicle. I further recommend that this be done with all due haste, as the condition is quite dangerous. Qualifications: PhD Chemical Physics and Electrical Engineer

Electrical System; Vehicle Speed Control; Wheels

ODI #11632471

Incident: December 6, 2024 · Filed: December 26, 2024

The light up display for the odometer, fuel gauge, and speedometer does not always light up. When it is not lit, the cruise control and any warning and informative alarms/lights also do not work. This is a well-known issue among owners of these cars, related to the capacitors on the circuit board for the display being defective, and there is extensive documentation of it online. It may also have had a technical service bulletin released for the issue, but I'm not entirely sure. The light goes out intermittently and is not always consistently out. I did mention it to the service personnel when I took it in to get recalls repaired recently, and they didn't seem surprised or unaware of the issue. I did not ask them to diagnose or fix it, as I know I can get it done for a better deal elsewhere.

Exterior Lighting

ODI #11611394

Incident: August 28, 2024 · Filed: August 28, 2024

The right or left headlight will rabdomly turn off, and tyrn back there 8s no ryme or readon to it,and while driving at night it is cery dangerous, aparebtly its not just this car, this is a common issue and it needs to be fixed

Service Brakes

ODI #11604899

Incident: June 1, 2024 · Filed: July 27, 2024

The actuator failed. The car is no longer safe to drive. This is a known issue. The company refused to fix the issue or recall the car. The warning lights and a loud beep are present if the vehicle is started.

Steering; Vehicle Speed Control

ODI #11602992

Crash 1 injury

Incident: May 1, 2023 · Filed: July 17, 2024

The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the steering wheel erroneously steered to the left direction on its own. The contact used force to maneuver the vehicle however the steering wheel independently veered again to the left, right, left, and then back to the right. The vehicle crashed into a curb, and violently accelerated across 2 lanes of oncoming traffic where a van crashed into the vehicle head-on. The air bags deployed upon impact. The contact sustained 11 fractured bones (L1 through L5 lower lumbar, pelvic, pelvis, 11th rib, and sacrum) and received medical attention via trauma center where she remained for over 2 weeks. The other driver of the van sustained unknown injuries but did not receive any known medical attention. A police report was not on file for the incident. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 77,000.

Electrical System; Exterior Lighting; Engine

ODI #11580571

Incident: July 1, 2023 · Filed: April 2, 2024

One afternoon, in the Summer of 23, I entered my Toyota Prius to run some errands. Once I proceeded to power on the car, none of the dashboard lights illuminated. This included the gas gauge, speedometer & transmission indicator. Fortunately, I was only driving a few blocks down the road from my residence as I live in a small rural town with little congestion, little traffic and mostly two-lane roads. I can't imagine this occurring in a much larger metropolitan city. When I arrived at my destination, I discovered that my Prius wouldn't shut off. This dashboard malfunction was preventing the Toyota from powering off. I quickly completed my errands with my vehicle running during this entire ordeal. Finally, when I returned home, I frantically researched on YouTube regarding this issue and discovered many others who also were having these no-illuminating-dashboard problems. Some YouTubers offered workarounds but the solutions will be temporary as the problem will eventually worsen until the Prius owners have no working dashboard lights. From the way I understand it, this problem is nothing more than a small computer board that's behind the speedometer and this computer board has a small diode that tends to burn out on all kinds of Toyota Priuses when it reaches around 150,000 miles.

Other Toyota Prius model years

Check your 2006 Toyota Prius VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Toyota Prius at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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