2019 Toyota Prius

30 complaints on file, page 1 of 2.

1. Filed Aug 26, 2026Failure Aug 26, 2026LOS Angeles, CAEngine

   Coolant is leaking into the catalytic converter. This seems to be a common issue. Toyota issued a technical service bulletin on XXX covering this exactly. Some 2016–2019 Prius and 2017–2019 Prius Prime vehicles may exhibit low coolant level, MIL on with DTC P148F00, and/or poor heater performance due to coolant leakage at the front exhaust pipe heat exchanger. The front exhaust pipe with heat exchanger assembly has been updated. The repair is listed as a 1.5-hour remove-and-replace of the front exhaust pipe assembly, and the diagnostic procedure involves unbolting the rear exhaust pipe from the front pipe at the mating flange when everything is cold and inspecting for coolant leakage into the exhaust from the heat exchanger. The full TSB is on NHTSA's site: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

   NHTSA complaint 11759842
2. Filed Jul 13, 2026Failure Jul 12, 2026Chandler, AZElectrical system, Unknown or other

   Frequency when I start car makes a very loud , painful high pitch noise for anywhere from 5-15 seconds

   NHTSA complaint 11749970
3. Filed Jan 6, 2026Failure May 1, 2024Beverly, MAUnknown or other

   Body of car has rust perforation starting from the inside working out. This is on the roof, so water incursion will effect airbags and electrical system. FIrst noticed rust bubbles a few years ago, but did not think much of it. Now two body shops have said roof panel needs to be replaced. This is big stuff!

   NHTSA complaint 11709126
4. Filed Oct 28, 2025Failure Oct 28, 2025Gardena, CAService brakes

   See Attachment

   NHTSA complaint 11695974
5. Filed Oct 11, 2025Failure Oct 1, 2023Gardena, CAAutomatic emergency braking, Assist, Service brakes

   Since October 2023, my 2019 Toyota Prius has developed severe and unpredictable driving behavior after a regular brake service, which may have triggered or coincided with a software or ECU update. The car, which had been driving smoothly since I bought it in 2021, suddenly began showing false braking, steering interference, and lane instability — as if the car were trying to “correct” problems that didn’t exist. These interventions often happen on highways or during turns, creating serious safety risks for both driver and passengers. I’ve spent months and thousands of dollars replacing parts, performing alignments, and recalibrating sensors, including at Toyota dealerships. The problem persists because it is software-based, not mechanical. I discovered that in mid–2023, the NHTSA announced upcoming rules requiring Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection by 2029. Around that same time, reports from multiple drivers (Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, Ford, Subaru) began to appear describing the exact same issues. It seems manufacturers began silently updating vehicles to meet anticipated compliance standards. However, this introduced overly sensitive and malfunctioning driver-assist systems. The most alarming part is that the driver cannot fully disable these features — the “off” button only reduces their intervention. This means when the system malfunctions, the driver is forced to operate an unsafe vehicle. As a professional rideshare driver, this problem destroyed my ability to work. Passengers reported me for unsafe driving because of the car’s erratic behavior. I eventually lost my vehicle and income. I believe this is a systemic safety defect linked to premature or unregulated implementation of AEB software. Drivers deserve the right to fully disable malfunctioning systems that endanger lives. This is not just a car issue — it’s a public safety crisis that must be urgently investigated.

   NHTSA complaint 11692652
6. Filed Aug 6, 2025Failure Jul 3, 2025Roswell, GAUnknown or other

   Coolant system failed because coolant was leaking into catalytic converter. Two mechanics in two different states (one a Toyota dealer) claimed this is defect with 2019 Prius and results in repair costing more than $2000.00 because of this design flaw. Warning light did not come on until coolant was gone.

   NHTSA complaint 11678811
7. Filed Jun 17, 2025Failure May 27, 202595,000 milesRex, GAEngine and engine cooling

   The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Prius. The contact stated there was a coolant leak and the coolant level was low. There was no indication of coolant on the ground. The check engine and engine HOT warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to TSB: 0135-19. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that there was a coolant leak in the front exhaust pipe heat exchanger. The parts to repair the vehicle were on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11667430
8. Filed May 28, 2025Failure May 22, 2025Winder, GAEngine, Fuel/propulsion system, Power train

   Exhaust heat-exchanger coolant pipe (part of the hybrid cooling loop) on my 2019 Toyota Prius is the system that failed. Safety risk: complete loss of coolant can cause sudden engine overheating and possible power reduction or shutdown while the vehicle is moving. I transport two young children daily; an unexpected stall on a highway or during an intersection turn would put all occupants and surrounding traffic at risk. AutoNation Toyota Mall of Georgia (dealer) inspected the car on 22-May-2025, confirmed the leak, and advised the vehicle is unsafe to drive until the pipe is replaced. Repair estimate is $2,249 parts & labor to replace the front exhaust pipe that is on back order, no ETA. Toyota Corporate (Brand Engagement, Case # 250522002498) is aware; they escalated the file to their Parts Department because the replacement pipe is back-ordered with no estimated arrival date. No other agencies or insurers have inspected the vehicle. Two days before the dealer visit, the warning symbol began flashing briefly at breaking then for longer intervals while driving. On the morning of 22-May-2025 the lamp was flashing more often and longer prompting the service appointment. Dealer found the coolant reservoir completely empty. No prior warning messages had appeared.

   NHTSA complaint 11663559
9. Filed Oct 16, 2024Failure Jul 31, 2024Manassas, VAService brakes, Vehicle speed controlCrash

   * I was pulling into a parking space at a slow speed. When I applied the brake the car accelerated causing the car to scrape the car next to the space. The car then stopped. * The acceleration was out of my control and the brakes did not stop it. Fortunately there was no person in front of me. * The Tow truck operator who came to get the car experienced the same issue when pulling into the bay at the dealer. I do not know about the manufacturer during their inspection as they did not provide me with that information. * Toyota had an inspection performed and that report was submitted to Toyota on August 20. We just received notification from Toyota that they found no problem with the car. * No warning lights noted.

   NHTSA complaint 11620209
10. Filed Oct 5, 2024Failure Oct 1, 2024Goshen, OHSeat belts

    The issue is with the back middle seat belt. When the back right passenger seat, which is a 2/3 seat is placed down in order to accommodate long pieces of lumber, it remains stuck there as the seatbelt for the middle seat will not release. The seatbelt mechanism for the middle seat is located in the 2/3 seat which is stuck in the down position. Therefore, we cannot use the middle seat nor the back right seat because the seatbelt for the middle seat is locked in place and not releasing. So the back right seat is lying down and stuck there as the seatbelt for the middle seat is locked unable to release. Living alone, I rarely use the middle seat for passengers. Honestly, that seatbelt has probably only been used five times in five years. Obviously, this poses a Safety problem.

    NHTSA complaint 11618223
11. Filed Apr 24, 2024Failure Apr 8, 2024Fairfax, VAElectrical system, Automatic emergency braking, Service brakesCrash

    I was idling at a parking space and went to turn off my car. The vehicle surged forward and the BRAKE sign came on. I pushed my brake to the floor and nothing happened. I was moving toward a brick wall so I put in in reverse and the car surged backwards. The BRAKE sign came on and I pushed the brake to the floor and again nothing happened and I ended up hitting the car behind me. I immediately took my car to the dealership where they kept it for 3 days and said they could find nothing wrong and it was safe to drive. I just got it back from having the body work done and am afraid to drive it as this might happen again or worse. I am reporting it to let you know and to see if this has occurred and been reported as happening in this make and model previously. I also have 2 witnesses to what happened.

    NHTSA complaint 11585051
12. Filed Feb 19, 2024Failure Feb 17, 2024Minneapolis, MNElectrical system, Engine, Service brakesCrash

    On Saturday [XXX], while shifting to reverse in a back alley to back up slowly, the car engine suddenly and loudly revved and shot backwards at accelerating speed. I slammed on brakes which did not respond at all, thus forcing me to attempt to shift gears which also failed to stop the acceleration. Car only stopped because it went up a curb and hit the corner of a parked vehicle in a neighbors driveway. If I had been on busier street and not a back alley this could have resulted in numerous vehicle collisions and unimagined fatalities. Car is being towed on [XXX] to Advanced Collision Repair on 4511 Central Ave, Columbia Heights, for diagnostic assessment. There were no warning lamps, messages or other indicators prior to this terrifying lack of vehicle control . This was first episode since purchasing car approx one year ago. Incident was captured on neighbor’s home camera. Other neighbor heard the revving and ran out due to spontaneously loud revving of an engine. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

    NHTSA complaint 11572747
13. Filed Dec 4, 2023Failure Nov 11, 2023Carlisle, PAAir bagsCrash1 injured

    Vehicle was involved in a accident and it was a total loss and no airbags deployed There wasBodily injury due to this accident

    NHTSA complaint 11558272
14. Filed Nov 10, 2023Failure Oct 1, 2023Marysville, WATires

    This complete set of Dunlop Enasave 01 A/S 195 / 65 R 15 91S tires has failed in a short span of time. At the beginning of October, we noticed a slight warbling while driving at any speed. An inspection by Les Schwab tires revealed exposed steel belting on the inside of one of the tires, although a quick check found all four tires were failing. A subsequent inspection by our local Toyota dealership found the same problem, with the additional information that the cords had snapped on all four tires. It is relevant to note that these tires only have 44K miles on them, and that the vehicle is garage kept and not exposed to abnormal conditions.

    NHTSA complaint 11554546
15. Filed Nov 9, 2023Failure Oct 1, 2023Marysville, WAWheels

    The vehicle has started to exhibit a wobbling feeling when driving, similar to when there is a bubble or blister in the tire. At only 4 years old, and with only 44K miles, we knew this shouldn't be the problem. An inspection by Les Schwab Tires, as well as the Toyota dealership where we purchased the vehicle new confirmed that all four tires are damaged, i.e. the "cords snapped" on the belt, exposing the nylon and steel belts, and putting the vehicle in danger of a blow-out on all four tires. We first noticed this around the beginning of October.

    NHTSA complaint 11554435
16. Filed Sep 19, 2023Failure Sep 13, 2023Scituate, MATires, Pressure monitoring and regulating systems

    Re: Front left and right Toyo Tires (195/65R15 ) Having passed MA state inspection at the end of August my husband and I headed out for a 500 mile road trip. I purposely went back to the station that did the inspection and asked if the tires looked okay for this trip. I was assured they would be fine. But 100 miles into the trip the front end was shimmying so badly my husband's leg in the passenger seat was vibrating. He didn't sleep that night and said, "I think we should look into new tires if we're going to continue." I found a Town Fair Tire store in Northhampton, MA and booked an appointment. On arrival one of the specialists came out to inspect the tires I wanted to change out and he stopped in his tracks to shake his head in disbelief. His words were, "You have been driving on secondary rubber and just last evening a woman was towed in with her Prius, same year, same mileage but she had blown a tire because of the poor tread." That was all I had to hear. It would be different if it was just me but here were two of us with 34,000 miles on our Prius' and horribly worn out tires. What's the likelihood of that? I am sick thinking that Toyota stuck such cheap tires on a car which could have threatened our lives. Greed is what drives these decisions and it has to stop!

    NHTSA complaint 11545467
17. Filed Aug 18, 2023Failure Aug 1, 2023Cedar Lake, INVisibility/wiper

    This happened about 3 weeks ago. I drove to work on local roads with no incidents of debris hitting windshield - no visible cracks. After my shift I spotted about a three foot crack in the middle of windshield leading down to passenger side. No warnings or symptoms of a problem. Although car is 2019, I have less than 16000 miles on it & most of my driving is highway & local roads. I’ve read that 2016-2017 Prius had this issue with lawsuit pending which also stated safety concerns over early warning detection system failing due to windshield cracks. Toyota (on phone) said it would cost 1200 to replace. I bought the extended warranty but it doesn’t cover the windshield. No inspection done except by coworkers.

    NHTSA complaint 11539346
18. Filed Apr 12, 2023Failure Mar 17, 2023Glendale, WIUnknown or other

    A few weeks ago, at around 10pm, when I was driving on the freeway, my car’s engine temperature warning light suddenly on. The next day, I immediately sent my car to the dealer for a check up, the report stated ‘’ coolant reservoir very low. Pressure tested system found exhaust center pipe leaking coolant internally’’. I was surprised by the problem as I only drove this car for around 3.5 years with 70,000 miles, after talking with friends and doing research, I just realized that was problems for many Toyota owners. I was told by the dealer, the total cost for repair is over $2000 as my warranty had already expired. I believed this is the problem of Toyota, as the part is at flaw and the sudden overheating of engine is really scary. It might endanger people life and property.

    NHTSA complaint 11516804
19. Filed Jan 30, 2023Failure Jan 24, 202378,000 milesElk Grove, CAAir bags, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Accelerator pedalCrash

    The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while at a complete stop, another vehicle crashed into the rear of the vehicle and the vehicle began to accelerate unintendedly. The air bags failed to deploy. The brake pedal was depressed but failed to respond. The contact stated that he was able to prevent a crash by avoiding several vehicles while continuously depressing the brake pedal. The brake pedal responded; however, there was 62-100 ft. stopping distance delay. The contact veered to the side of the road for a moment. The contact stated that as he restarted the vehicle, the vehicle operated as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. There was no police report filed. There was no injury sustained. The contact was able to drive to his workplace. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11504545
20. Filed Jun 9, 2022Failure Jun 8, 2022Chatsworth, GAWarnings, Electrical system

    Whenever it rains the warning message clean parking assist sensor comes on while you are driving. Even after you clean the sensors the warning continues to beep contiously. You can press the back button but it will not stop. Also proximity sensor comes on with this incident. After the rain stops the problem stops.

    NHTSA complaint 11468535