2016 Toyota Prius Report
Known issues, recalls, running costs, and what to check before you buy.

Overall Score
Key Takeaways
- Exceptional fuel efficiency (52 MPG combined) remains the Prius's strongest suit.
- A high number of recalls, especially for airbags, necessitates verification of completed repairs.
- Windshield cracking is a widespread and costly concern for owners.
- Electrical system issues, including wiring harness concerns, pose a fire risk and require thorough inspection.
2016 Toyota Prius
Critical Failure Risk
The windshield is prone to cracking, often from minor impacts or spontaneously. This significantly impacts visibility and can be costly to repair.
Early detection can help you avoid a $100-$1,000 repair.
Safety & Bulletins
Owner Complaints
Performance & Efficiency
Reliability
Practicality
Who This Car Is For
Best for
Environmentally conscious drivers prioritizing fuel savings and a proven hybrid system.
+1 more buyer-fit notes in the full report
Avoid if
Drivers seeking a vehicle with a flawless reliability record or those unwilling to meticulously check for past repairs.
+1 more buyer-fit warnings in the full report
2016 Toyota Prius Reliability Analysis
Explore comprehensive reliability data including official safety recalls, consumer complaints, and common mechanical failures for the 2016 Toyota Prius.
Vehicle Specs
- Fuel Type
- Regular
- Transmission
- Automatic (variable gear ratios)
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Body Style
- Hatchback
- EPA Combined MPG
- 52
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Most Common Issues
1. Visibility
Most reportedUsage: 40 reports
2. Braking System
Usage: 17 reports
First Service Interval
- Oil Change (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation
Est. shop cost: $70 - $120
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FAQ
Is the 2016 Toyota Prius reliable?
The CarFocal Reliability Score for the 2016 Toyota Prius is 7.7/10. Reliability score is 7.7/10. NHTSA recalls: 7. Owner complaints: 211.
How practical is the 2016 Toyota Prius for daily use?
Practicality score is 5.0/10. EPA combined economy is 52 MPG.
What is the overall score for the 2016 Toyota Prius?
The CarFocal Overall Score for the 2016 Toyota Prius is 8.1/10. Overall score is 8.1/10 (Strong). Confidence 85%. Maintenance 8.1/10. Tuning 2.0/10. Practicality 5.0/10.
What does it cost to own and maintain a 2016 Toyota Prius?
Based on Carfocal's data, First listed service: - Oil Change (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation at 5,000 miles. Estimated first-year maintenance: $400 - $600. Repair prediction highlight: Windshield (estimated cost Min: $400 • Max: $800).
What engine is in the 2016 Toyota Prius?
Engine specs list 4 • 1.8.
What transmission does the 2016 Toyota Prius use?
According to CarFocal's specs for the 2016 Toyota Prius, transmission is Automatic (variable gear ratios). The paired drivetrain is Front-Wheel Drive.
What is the combined EPA MPG for the 2016 Toyota Prius?
EPA combined estimate is 52 MPG.
What driver assistance and safety features are available on the 2016 Toyota Prius?
1 standard driver assistance features. Key features include Tire Pressure Monitoring System.
What body style is the 2016 Toyota Prius?
According to CarFocal's specs for the 2016 Toyota Prius, body style is hatchback.
What drivetrain does the 2016 Toyota Prius use?
According to CarFocal's specs for the 2016 Toyota Prius, drivetrain is Front-Wheel Drive. Transmission is Automatic (variable gear ratios).
What are the NHTSA safety ratings for the 2016 Toyota Prius?
NHTSA ratings: Overall 5/5 • Frontal 4/5 • Side 5/5 • Rollover 4/5.
Is the 2016 Toyota Prius good for tuning?
Tuning potential is rated 2/10. The 2016 Toyota Prius is a fuel-efficiency champion, not a performance machine.
What are the most common visibility/wiper problems on the 2016 Toyota Prius?
Top complaint category: visibility/wiper (40 reports, 19% of complaints).
Are there open safety recalls on the 2016 Toyota Prius?
This model year has 7 official safety campaigns listed.