NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 Toyota Prius Safety Ratings
The 2019 Toyota Prius scores 84 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 3 recalls, and 28 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2019 Toyota Prius 5 HB AWD registered a NHTSA Safety Index of 84 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. This assessment is based on a solid NHTSA crash-test performance and its recall record. Three recall campaigns were issued for this model year. For consumers considering this vehicle in the used market, completing all recall remedies is essential to ensure the intended safety foundation is intact.
The 2019 Toyota Prius 5 HB AWD received an overall 5-star NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 84 out of 100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 119 Sedans from 2019 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2019 Toyota Prius ranks 63 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 | 84 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 10.7% |
| Recalls on file | 3 |
| Owner complaints | 28 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 63 of 119 Sedans tested for 2019 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 Toyota Prius?
The 2019 Toyota Prius 5 HB AWD earns a "Strong" Safety Index rating of 84 out of 100. Its crash protection scores 61 out of 70, reflecting a perfect overall and side-impact crash-test score. Its perfect 10 out of 10 for avoidance technology acknowledges the standard inclusion of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control. The defect record score, 13 out of 20, is the softest component of this year's index for this model, directly influenced by three active recall campaigns. Among these, an ESC recall stands out, addressing a safety-critical active-safety system. A second recall for an instrument cluster electrical short circuit adds another substantive concern. The 28 owner complaints, with 11 reports alleging brake issues, bear monitoring as unverified allegations.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2019 Toyota Prius perform in crash tests?
The 2019 Toyota Prius earned an overall 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. Side impact protection received a perfect 5-star rating, while frontal and rollover protection each scored 4 out of 5 stars. The vehicle's rollover risk was assessed at 11 percent, and it achieved a "No Tip" result in the dynamic tip test. All crash-test categories were rated.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13205
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2019 Toyota Prius have any recalls?
Three recall campaigns cover this model year. The most safety-relevant involves the electronic stability control system, shared with several Lexus and Toyota models. A second recall addresses an electrical short circuit risk in the instrument cluster. A third, issued by Gulf States Toyota, concerns labeling on vehicles distributed through that regional distributor. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the available data, but buyers should verify remedy completion by VIN.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL19V876000
Risk: A blank main display will not show important information like vehicle speed or fuel level. Driving with an inoperative display can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the flash memory chip (ROM) production date, and if necessary, replace it along with the combination meter circuit board, free of charge. The recall began February 7, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 19TA21 and 19TB21.
Reported 2019-12-11
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)19V544000
Risk: Deactivation of the vehicle stability control system or a loss of braking assist increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the brake booster pump, free of charge. The recall began September 20, 2019. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 and Lexus owners may contact Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are K1L/K0L. Lexus' numbers for this recall are K2F/KLF.
Reported 2019-07-24
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS19V244000
Risk: If the driver cannot read the label, they may unknowingly overload the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GST will notify owners, and dealers will provide corrected load carrying capacity modification labels, free of charge. The recall began May 24, 2019. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 19R1.
Reported 2019-03-27
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2019 Toyota Prius?
Owners have filed 28 unverified complaints with NHTSA for this model year. The most frequently alleged problem component is Service Brakes, cited in 11 reports. Other alleged issues involve Unknown or Other causes, the Engine, Forward Collision Avoidance, Vehicle Speed Control, and Air Bags. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects.
28 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 Toyota Prius?
Any shopper considering this 7-year-old vehicle should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool before purchase. All three recall campaigns, including the ESC and instrument cluster electrical campaigns, may or may not have been remedied on a specific unit. Confirm completed repair documentation with the seller.
- The ESC recall issued in 2019 covers this Prius alongside multiple Lexus and Toyota models, making it a broad campaign targeting an active safety system that directly affects crash avoidance.
- The instrument cluster electrical short circuit recall is specific to 2019 Prius vehicles and represents a distinct electrical risk that should be verified as remedied on any individual unit.
- The defect record sub-score of 13 out of 20 is the weakest component of this year's 84-point index, pulled down by the three recall campaigns and distinguishing this model year from a hypothetical recall-free version of the same vehicle.
- Service Brakes is the single most alleged problem component in owner complaints for this model year, appearing in 11 of 28 unverified NHTSA reports, a concentration worth noting when inspecting a used example.
RANKINGSWhere the 2019 Toyota Prius places
The 2019 Toyota Prius qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2019 Toyota Prius safety questions
Was the 2019 Toyota Prius crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2019 Toyota Prius, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 84 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 2019 Toyota Prius crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2019 Toyota Prius 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 2019 Toyota Prius have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2019 Toyota Prius. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 Toyota Prius?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 28 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 Toyota Prius. 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 years
Rivals in Sedan (2019)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Acura RLX Sport | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi Rs5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi S4 | 98/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2019 Tesla Model S 60d | 98/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 13205), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Toyota Prius 2019.
- 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 63 of 119 in the Sedan class for 2019.
- 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.