NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Toyota Prius Safety Ratings
The 2021 Toyota Prius scores 91 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 6 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Toyota Prius shows zero recalls on record, a notable distinction. This clean record, combined with a strong NHTSA crash-test performance, contributes to an Exceptional NHTSA Safety Index of 91/100. By the data available, this vehicle presents one of the stronger safety profiles in its segment for the 2021 model year.
The 2021 Toyota Prius received a 5-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 91/100, sourced entirely from NHTSA federal safety 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 ranks 33 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 | 91 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 10.7% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 6 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 33 of 94 Sedans tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Toyota Prius?
The 2021 model year represents a meaningful step forward for the Prius in safety scoring. The NHTSA Safety Index climbed from 87/100 in the 2020 model year to 91/100 here, a four-point gain that moved the vehicle from the Strong band into the Exceptional band. That improvement is not cosmetic. The defect record sub-score of 19.5 out of a possible 20 reflects the clean recall slate, and the avoidance-tech sub-score of 10/10 reflects the fact that forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all come standard on this trim. Crash protection contributes 61 of a possible 70 points, anchored by the 5-star overall NHTSA rating. The 4-star frontal result and 4-star rollover result are the only figures keeping the crash-protection sub-score from a perfect mark, and neither represents a poor outcome in absolute terms. With only 6 unverified complaints on file and no recall activity whatsoever, the 2021 Prius's safety record as captured in federal data is notably clean for a vehicle now circulating in the used market.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Toyota Prius perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Toyota Prius earned a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Its side protection tests achieved a perfect 5 stars. Frontal crash protection and the rollover assessment each received 4 stars. NHTSA measured the rollover risk at 11 percent, with a "No Tip" dynamic test result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15847
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 have any recalls?
The 2021 Toyota Prius carries zero NHTSA recall campaigns on file. No park-outside advisory and no do-not-drive order has been issued for this model year. Shoppers should still run a VIN check through NHTSA's database before purchase, as recall records can be updated at any time.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Toyota Prius?
NHTSA has received 6 owner complaints for this model year, all unverified allegations. The most frequently reported components are the Fuel/Propulsion System and Engine, each cited twice. Single allegations also touch Vehicle Speed Control, Forward Collision Avoidance, Lane Departure, and the Electrical System. One crash is alleged; no fires, injuries, or deaths are reported.
6 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Toyota Prius?
Because this vehicle is now approximately five years old and trading on the used market, run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool before finalizing any purchase. Zero campaigns are on file now, but manufacturers can issue recalls after a vehicle changes hands, and confirming remedy completion protects the next owner.
- The 2021 Prius improved its NHTSA Safety Index by four points over the 2020 model year, crossing from the Strong band into the Exceptional band, driven largely by a near-perfect defect record sub-score of 19.5/20.
- Zero NHTSA recall campaigns are on file for this specific model year, a clean record that directly supports the 91/100 Safety Index and distinguishes 2021 from model years that carry active or unresolved campaigns.
- NHTSA's dynamic tip test returned a No Tip result for this model year, and the 11 percent rollover risk figure is the specific measured probability attached to this vehicle configuration.
- The six unverified owner complaints on file include two allegations each against the Fuel/Propulsion System and Engine, which used-market shoppers should note as areas to ask about, even though these are unconfirmed allegations and not established defects.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Toyota Prius places
The 2021 Toyota Prius qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Toyota Prius safety questions
Was the 2021 Toyota Prius crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Toyota Prius, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 91 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 2021 Toyota Prius crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 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 2021 Toyota Prius have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Toyota Prius 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?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 6 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 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 (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 15847), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Toyota Prius 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 33 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.