NHTSA vehicle safety data

2009 Toyota Prius Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2009 Toyota Prius has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns and 502 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 2009 Toyota Prius, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

Pre-purchase inspection checklist → Reliability & 5-year cost forecast →

2009 Toyota Prius owner complaints

Owners have filed 502 complaints with NHTSA about the 2009 Toyota Prius, describing incidents dated October 16, 2008 to April 25, 2026.

Most-cited components

Service Brakes 199 complaints
Exterior Lighting 111 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control 71 complaints
Electrical System 60 complaints
Engine 26 complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System 24 complaints

Of the 502 complaints on file, 64 report a crash and 4 a fire; across all 502 complaints, owners report 27 injuries and 2 deaths (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11744740 · Filed June 17, 2026
Dashboard Warning Lights: ABS, VSC, Parking Brake Light, Triangle with Exclamation Point, Codes: C1256 & C1391, Intermittent Audible Cabin Buzzing indicating critical pressure loss on start-up for about 10 seconds...then stops, not loss so much as anti-braking quick bursts at about 5 mph of stopping…
ODI #11736356 · Filed May 7, 2026
I own 2 2009 Toyota Prius. Both cars less than 175,000 miles and both have failed ABS modules. The ABS module in this vehicle is also the power brake booster. This failure can cause braking issues such as loss of braking or sudden brake application. Only known fix is replacement of the ABS brake…
ODI #11733751 · Filed April 25, 2026
Brake actuator is broken. Toyota knew about this problem and they had a warranty for 10 years or 150k miles. Mine only has 80k miles. The repair is half of what the car is worth. I thought a Toyota with such low miles would be dependable. Toyota knew that people have died from this problem with…

Read all 502 complaints

Owner-reported

2009 Toyota Prius mileage at failure

398 of the 502 complaints on file for the 2009 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
Service Brakes	Median 19,000 miles	Middle half 7,000–110,000 miles	Based on 152 complaints
Exterior Lighting	Median 80,000 miles	Middle half 60,000–100,000 miles	Based on 90 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control	Median 10,000 miles	Middle half 7,000–25,000 miles	Based on 59 complaints
Electrical System	Median 100,000 miles	Middle half 30,000–145,000 miles	Based on 49 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.

Most complaints NHTSA received since May 17, 2021 give no mileage. So that they aren't undercounted, each one received since then that gives a mileage also stands in for those that gave none, which can put a component's median above most of the mileages it is based on.

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 2009 Toyota Prius in 2 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

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

Occupant Sensing System Calibration

NHTSA #13V014000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Sensor/Control Module-Inactive · NHTSA notice

Reported January 16, 2013 · Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC

Potentially affected: 3,235 vehicles

Owners notified March 21, 2013

Defect description

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 year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

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.

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> .

LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS

NHTSA #10V035000 · Equipment — Other — Labels · NHTSA notice

Reported February 3, 2010 · GULF STATES TOYOTA, INC.

Potentially affected: 271,417 vehicles

Owners notified May 27, 2010

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.

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. DEALERS WILL ALSO CORRECT THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA AT 713-580-3300.

Notes

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> .

2009 Toyota Prius 4-DR.w/SAB

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 4, Passenger: 4

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 5, Passenger: 4

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated

Safety Technology

2 investigations

502 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2009 Toyota Prius.

Unknown or Other; Service Brakes; Forward Collision Avoidance

ODI #11744740

Incident: December 10, 2025 · Filed: June 17, 2026

Dashboard Warning Lights: ABS, VSC, Parking Brake Light, Triangle with Exclamation Point, Codes: C1256 & C1391, Intermittent Audible Cabin Buzzing indicating critical pressure loss on start-up for about 10 seconds...then stops, not loss so much as anti-braking quick bursts at about 5 mph of stopping v slowly and seamlessly coming to a stop. I contacted Toyota Corporate Case Management; they refused to escalate or remediate the issue due to vehicle mileage, despite being notified of the active brake pressure leak codes and the audible safety alarm.

Service Brakes

ODI #11736356

Incident: April 25, 2026 · Filed: May 7, 2026

I own 2 2009 Toyota Prius. Both cars less than 175,000 miles and both have failed ABS modules. The ABS module in this vehicle is also the power brake booster. This failure can cause braking issues such as loss of braking or sudden brake application. Only known fix is replacement of the ABS brake module which requires the Toyota Techstream service computer.

Service Brakes; Forward Collision Avoidance

ODI #11733751

Incident: March 24, 2026 · Filed: April 25, 2026

Brake actuator is broken. Toyota knew about this problem and they had a warranty for 10 years or 150k miles. Mine only has 80k miles. The repair is half of what the car is worth. I thought a Toyota with such low miles would be dependable. Toyota knew that people have died from this problem with their car. I need this car to get to work and get my kids to school. It’s older than 10 years so I am just screwed on something they knew was broken. Of course the sales person at the Toyota dealership did not tell us about it when he sold us the car

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

ODI #11729947

Incident: March 26, 2026 · Filed: April 8, 2026

The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact stated that the ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the extended warranty had expired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the extended warranty had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 174,000.

Unknown or Other

ODI #11686488

Incident: August 14, 2025 · Filed: September 10, 2025

Cooling system

Service Brakes

ODI #11679902

Incident: February 1, 2025 · Filed: August 11, 2025

The brake actuator is failing. It’s making unusual noises when stepping on the brakes. A new additional noise started in the last month which is the pump connected to the brake actuator. The technician told me the brakes are about to fail. Toyota used to cover this issue but stopped a few years ago. It’s a $3,000.00 job at the dealer.

Electrical System; Engine; Forward Collision Avoidance

ODI #11652330

Incident: February 11, 2025 · Filed: April 2, 2025

Breaking system failure do to ASB Actuator, breaks are locking and vehicle is engine braking.

Vehicle Speed Control; Unknown or Other

ODI #11647997

Incident: February 5, 2025 · Filed: March 12, 2025

When I am coming to a stop or need to put on my brakes my car will accelerate at a jump ahead pace As if to take off instead of slowing down and stopping. Regardless whether I’m turning a corner or I’m continuing straight when I have to Put on the brakes it speeds up instead.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic; Electrical System

ODI #11642706

Incident: July 1, 2024 · Filed: February 14, 2025

The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, extra effort was needed to stop the vehicle while depressing the brake pedal. In addition, the contact stated that the instrument panel intermittently went blank and failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the ABS and the instrument cluster needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 157,000.

Unknown or Other; Service Brakes; Forward Collision Avoidance

ODI #11629033

Incident: July 1, 2024 · Filed: December 5, 2024

In the 2009 Toyota Series II vehicle there are two parts for the brake actuator pump assembly which has been cycling about every 20 seconds for the past six months or more. There is an intermittent tone when depressing the brake pedal before starting the car (engine off). The Brake dash warning light is on continuously. Occasional loss of brake power in reverse causing the driver to re-apply the brakes to stop unwanted motion of the vehicle.

Other Toyota Prius model years

Check your 2009 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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