NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Toyota Prius Prime Safety Ratings
The 2021 Toyota Prius Prime scores 89 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 10 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
A five-star overall NHTSA crash rating anchors the 2021 Toyota Prius Prime's strong safety profile. This plug-in hybrid earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 89/100, supported by a complete absence of recalls and a low volume of owner complaints.
The 2021 Toyota Prius Prime received a five-star overall crash rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 89/100 based on NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 94 Sedans from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Toyota Prius Prime ranks 43 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 89 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 10.7% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 10 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 43 of 94 Sedans tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Toyota Prius Prime?
A spotless defect record stands as the most notable safety attribute for the 2021 Toyota Prius Prime. Zero recall campaigns contribute 17.5 out of 20 possible points to the Safety Index, a primary factor in its 89/100 "Strong" rating. This absolute score places the vehicle in the upper tier of models assessed. Crash protection data from NHTSA contributes 61 of 70 possible points. The vehicle achieved five stars overall and five stars in the side-impact category. Its four-star frontal and four-star rollover results modestly reduce the crash-protection sub-score but do not detract from the overall assessment. Avoidance technology scores a perfect 10 out of 10, reflecting standard inclusion of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control. Owner complaints remain low, with 10 on file, including four alleged Electrical System issues and three alleged Service Brakes reports. Two alleged injuries are noted, and no deaths are reported.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Toyota Prius Prime perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Toyota Prius Prime achieved a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with side protection also earning the agency's top five-star mark. Frontal crash protection was rated at four stars. The Prius Prime's rollover risk was assessed at 11 percent, resulting in a four-star rating after a "No Tip" outcome in the dynamic tip test. All crash-test categories received a rating.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15191
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Toyota Prius Prime have any recalls?
The 2021 Toyota Prius Prime has zero NHTSA recall campaigns on file. No components have been flagged, no park-outside advisory exists, and no do-not-drive order has been issued for this model year. A used-market shopper should still run a VIN check, as recall status can change after any vehicle leaves production.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Toyota Prius Prime?
NHTSA has logged 10 unverified owner complaints for this model year. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Electrical System with four reports and Service Brakes with three. Fuel/Propulsion System and Power Train each drew two alleged reports. All are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
10 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Toyota Prius Prime?
With zero recalls currently open, the 2021 model year stands apart. This five-year-old vehicle's clean recall record means remedy completion is not an immediate concern. However, any used-market shopper should conduct a free VIN lookup at NHTSA.gov to confirm this status before purchase, as new campaigns can emerge.
- Zero NHTSA recalls are on file for the 2021 model year specifically, a clean defect record that directly boosts the Safety Index to 89/100 Strong.
- NHTSA awarded the 2021 Prius Prime five stars overall and five stars in side-impact protection, with four-star results in frontal and rollover categories and a measured rollover risk of 11 percent.
- All three crash-avoidance technologies tracked by MotorCaliber, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, are standard on this model year, earning a perfect 10 out of 10 avoidance-tech sub-score.
- Ten unverified owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for this model year, with the Electrical System and Service Brakes drawing the most alleged reports; shoppers should review the full complaint detail at NHTSA.gov before purchase.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Toyota Prius Prime places
The 2021 Toyota Prius Prime qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Toyota Prius Prime safety questions
Was the 2021 Toyota Prius Prime crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Toyota Prius Prime, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 89 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Toyota Prius Prime crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Toyota Prius Prime earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 10.7%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Toyota Prius Prime have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Toyota Prius Prime as of Oct 1, 2026. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the Safety Index. Run your VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm the status is current.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Toyota Prius Prime?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 10 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Toyota Prius Prime. 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.
Other Prius Prime years
Rivals in Sedan (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Audi S5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2021 Cadillac CT5-V | 97/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Infiniti Q50 | 97/100 | not rated | 3 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15191), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Toyota Prius Prime 2021.
- 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 43 of 94 in the Sedan class for 2021.
- 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.