MODEL
Toyota Prius Safety
NHTSA safety across every Toyota Prius model year we cover.
Across the 8 model years of the Toyota Prius we cover (2019 to 2026), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2026 at 95 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2019 at 84. 15 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Toyota Prius is a compact hybrid sedan that has defined fuel-efficient family transportation for over two decades. Spanning model years 2019 through 2025, it targets eco-conscious commuters and practical-minded buyers who want a sensible, low-footprint daily driver. The fifth-generation redesign brought sharper styling and a more performance-oriented personality, but safety remains a central part of the Prius identity.
The 2025 Toyota Prius achieves an Exceptional rating in our Safety Index, with a score of 92 out of 100. This reflects genuine advancements in crash-test performance. Side protection and rollover resistance each earned a perfect 5 out of 5 stars. Frontal protection received a solid 4 out of 5 stars; this result, while good, may be a point of comparison for consumers evaluating segment options. NHTSA data for the 2019 to 2025 model years records 14 recalls. This figure is notable given the vehicle's high sales volumes and its multi-generation span. Owner complaint data totals 126 submissions. These include 23 allegations of crashes, 14 of injuries, and 1 of a death. While these claims remain unverified, their presence, particularly those related to crashes, warrants attention. The absence of fire allegations provides a reassuring data point for a hybrid powertrain. The Prius presents a strong, though not unblemished, safety profile. The 2025 model year is the clear standout; buyers prioritizing crash-test performance should consider the newest generation within their budget.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally praise the redesigned Prius for transforming a once-frumpy commuter tool into a genuinely engaging and well-rounded compact. They tend to highlight the improved driving dynamics and striking exterior as evidence that the hybrid formula no longer demands aesthetic or driver-enjoyment compromises, while still acknowledging the model's core practicality and efficiency as central strengths.
- The 2025 Prius earns a 92 out of 100 NHTSA Safety Index, landing in the Exceptional band, making it the strongest safety pick within our 2019 to 2025 coverage window.
- Frontal crash protection is rated 4 out of 5 stars in the best-performing years, one step below perfect, so buyers cross-shopping for frontal impact strength should compare that figure directly against competitors.
- Fourteen recalls have been issued across the 2019 to 2025 model years. Before purchasing any used Prius, shoppers should run the VIN through NHTSA's free recall lookup tool to confirm all campaigns have been completed.
- Owner complaints include 23 crash allegations and 14 injury allegations across the covered years. These are unverified submissions, not confirmed defects, but the pattern is worth monitoring through NHTSA's complaint database for any emerging trends.
Most-recalled year on record: 2024 Toyota Prius with 4 recalls.