NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Toyota Prius PHEV Safety Ratings
The 2026 Toyota Prius PHEV scores 94 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 5 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2026 Toyota Prius PHEV achieved a five-star overall NHTSA crash rating, contributing to its NHTSA Safety Index of 94/100, which positions it in the Exceptional band. This model year's strong safety profile is further supported by a near-perfect defect record sub-score and the inclusion of all three crash-avoidance technologies as standard features.
The 2026 Toyota Prius PHEV received a five-star overall crash rating and a 94/100 Safety Index according to NHTSA crash test and federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 72 Sedans from 2026 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2026 Toyota Prius PHEV ranks 26 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 94 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 9.2% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 5 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 26 of 72 Sedans tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Toyota Prius PHEV?
The 2026 Toyota Prius PHEV enters the federal safety record with a 94/100 Safety Index, placing it in the top-tier Exceptional band. Its crash protection sub-score of 65 out of 70 reflects strong performance in NHTSA's star ratings, with three of the four tested categories achieving the maximum rating. The frontal crash category received a lower rating. The vehicle’s avoidance technology sub-score reached a perfect 10 out of 10, attributed to the standard inclusion of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control on this trim. The defect record sub-score of 18.5 out of 20 is particularly strong for a current model year. One recall campaign has been issued, focusing on electrical system wiring and switch components across the broader Prius family. Additionally, NHTSA has received only five consumer allegations to date, with Exterior Lighting and Electrical System components being the most frequently cited in these unverified reports. This combination of robust crash-test results, comprehensive standard avoidance technology, and minimal early complaint activity underpins its Exceptional safety designation for the 2026 model year.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Toyota Prius PHEV perform in crash tests?
The 2026 Toyota Prius PHEV achieved a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. While its frontal crash protection scored a respectable four out of five stars, the vehicle excelled in other key areas. Side impact protection and rollover resistance both earned the maximum five-star rating. The Prius PHEV demonstrated a low rollover risk of nine percent, with dynamic testing resulting in "No Tip."
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21652
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2026 Toyota Prius PHEV have any recalls?
One recall has been issued for this model year, targeting the electrical system, specifically wiring, switches, knobs, and buttons. The campaign covers certain 2023-2026 Prius and related plug-in variants. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is indicated in the available data, but owners should verify remedy status by VIN through NHTSA.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:SWITCHES/KNOBS/BUTTONS26V049000
Risk: A door that unexpectedly opens while the vehicle is moving increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will modify the rear door switch circuits, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed March 26, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated June 30, 2026 - July 14, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 26TB03 and 26TA03. This recall expands an
Reported 2026-01-28
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 Toyota Prius PHEV?
Five unverified consumer allegations have been reported to NHTSA for this model year. The top components cited are Exterior Lighting and the Electrical System, each with two reported allegations, plus one involving Visibility and Wipers. One alleged crash is included. These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects.
5 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 Toyota Prius PHEV?
An open recall on the electrical system wiring remains a critical concern for this current model year vehicle. Prospective owners are strongly advised to verify, via the VIN, that the necessary remedy has been applied by a dealership, whether purchasing new or used.
- The 2026 model year carries one open recall covering electrical system wiring, switches, knobs, and buttons, shared across a multi-year Prius and Prius Plug-in family. Remedy completion should be confirmed by VIN before purchase.
- NHTSA awarded this model year a five-star overall rating, with side and rollover categories each reaching five stars and the frontal category scoring four stars, the single gap in an otherwise top-tier crash result.
- The NHTSA Safety Index of 94/100 in the Exceptional band is supported by a perfect avoidance technology sub-score of 10/10, reflecting forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control as standard equipment on this trim.
- Five unverified consumer allegations have been reported to NHTSA for this model year, with Exterior Lighting and Electrical System components each appearing twice. One alleged crash is included among those reports, all of which remain unverified allegations.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Toyota Prius PHEV places
The 2026 Toyota Prius PHEV qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 Toyota Prius PHEV safety questions
Was the 2026 Toyota Prius PHEV crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 Toyota Prius PHEV, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 94 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2026 Toyota Prius PHEV crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 Toyota Prius PHEV earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 5 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 9.2%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2026 Toyota Prius PHEV have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2026 Toyota Prius PHEV. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2026 Toyota Prius PHEV?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 5 owner complaints are on file for the 2026 Toyota Prius PHEV. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Rivals in Sedan (2026)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Acura Integra | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2026 Acura Integra Type-S | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Honda Accord | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus IS 350 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Subaru Impreza | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 21652), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Toyota Prius PHEV 2026.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 26 of 72 in the Sedan class for 2026.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.