What are the most common problems with the 2016 Toyota Prius?

Exceptional fuel efficiency (52 MPG combined) remains the Prius's strongest suit.

How many recalls does the 2016 Toyota Prius have?

The 2016 Toyota Prius currently has 7 recalls on file. Review the full recall report to see affected components and available remedies.

Is the 2016 Toyota Prius a good buy used?

Verdict: Recommended. 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. The hybrid system is generally durable, but specific component recalls exist. Always verify service history, open recalls, and maintenance records before purchasing.

What maintenance costs should I expect for the 2016 Toyota Prius?

Refer to the maintenance cost guide for interval schedules, DIY difficulty ratings, and typical repair cost ranges for the 2016 Toyota Prius.

2016 Toyota Prius Report

Known issues, recalls, running costs, and what to check before you buy.

Updated May 30, 2026Ryan Davis8 sources analyzed5 Critical Recalls

Overall Score

Our Verdict

Recommended

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.

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Overview

2016 Toyota Prius

The 2016 Toyota Prius, a redesigned model, offers exceptional fuel economy, achieving an EPA-estimated 52 MPG combined. It boasts a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. However, this generation has faced a notable number of recalls (7) and a substantial volume of owner complaints (211), with key areas of concern including airbag systems, the parking brake, and electrical wiring. The prevalence of windshield cracking is a significant issue for owners, impacting visibility and potentially ownership costs. While Toyota's hybrid powertrain is generally robust, these issues temper its overall reliability assessment.

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.

Open Maintenance Analysis →

Safety & Bulletins

Recall Campaigns7

Service Bulletins157

Campaign counts apply to this model year, not your VIN's repair status. Check your VIN with NHTSA.

Full Recall History →

Owner Complaints

211

Visibility/Wiper40

Detailed Issue Breakdown →

Performance & Efficiency

Fuel Efficiency

Combined

MPG

City

MPG

Highway

MPG

Full Vehicle Specifications ↓

Reliability

Practicality

Buyer Fit

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

Specs

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 reported

Usage: 40 reports

2. Braking System

Usage: 17 reports

See all common issues in the maintenance guide

First Service Interval

- Oil Change (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation

Est. shop cost: $70 - $120

5,000 mi

Unlock the full maintenance guide for every scheduled service interval and cost forecast.

Full pre-purchase inspection checklist

Complete maintenance schedule (6 service intervals)

Repair forecasts with mileage and cost context

Full buyer-fit guidance and who should avoid it

Full specs and trim-level context

7 recall campaign details & remedy notes

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FAQ

Is the 2016 Toyota Prius reliable?

The CarFocal Reliability Score for the 2016 Toyota Prius is 7.2/10. Reliability score is 7.2/10. 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 8.0/10. Overall score is 8.0/10 (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.