NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2022 Toyota Prius Safety Ratings
The 2022 Toyota Prius scores 88 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 23 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2022 Toyota Prius earned an overall 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's crash test ratings, a strong performance complemented by the inclusion of all three crash-avoidance technologies as standard equipment. Its NHTSA Safety Index score of 88 out of 100 places it firmly in the Strong safety band. Only one recall has been issued for this model year; prospective owners should confirm its resolution.
The 2022 Toyota Prius received a 5-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 88/100, based on federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 90 Sedans from 2022 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2022 Toyota Prius ranks 51 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 | 88 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 10.7% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 23 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 51 of 90 Sedans tested for 2022 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2022 Toyota Prius?
A decline in the defect record component brings the 2022 Prius to a Safety Index score of 88/100, placing it in the Strong band. This represents a three-point drop from the 2021 model year's 91/100 Exceptional rating. The crash protection component remains robust, contributing 61/70 points, bolstered by a 5-star overall NHTSA rating and a 5-star side impact result. Avoidance technology scores a full 10/10, as forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control are standard features. The 16.5 out of 20 points for the defect record reflects a specific ECU software recall in the engine control module, differentiating this model year from its predecessor. While the 23 owner complaints, including 4 alleged injuries and 3 alleged crashes, are modest in volume, the Electrical System stands out as the primary alleged problem category. The 2022 Prius demonstrates strong crash protection, but its safety assessment is notably influenced by a verifiable software recall.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2022 Toyota Prius perform in crash tests?
The 2022 Prius earned a 5 out of 5 star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Its side crash-test performance was perfect, scoring 5 out of 5 stars. Both frontal crash and rollover resistance received 4 out of 5 stars. The measured rollover risk for the Prius is 11 percent, and dynamic tip testing showed a No Tip result, a notable outcome for its hatchback AWD body style.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 16663
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2022 Toyota Prius have any recalls?
One recall campaign covers the 2022 Prius: an Engine Control Unit software defect affecting the ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING system. The ECU software issue was filed under NHTSA records and also applies to the Prius Prime. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is indicated in the available data, but shoppers should confirm remedy completion by VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM):SOFTWARE21V734000
Risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 21TB07/21TA07.
Reported 2021-09-22
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2022 Toyota Prius?
NHTSA has logged 23 unverified owner complaints for the 2022 Prius. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Electrical System with 6 reports, followed by Unknown Or Other at 5, Service Brakes at 4, and Engine, Air Bags, and Visibility/Wiper each with 2. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects.
23 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2022 Toyota Prius?
Any shopper considering this 4-year-old vehicle should run the VIN through NHTSA's free recall database before purchase. The ECU software recall must be confirmed as completed by a Toyota dealer. An open recall remedy is the single most actionable safety item to resolve at the point of sale.
- The 2022 Prius carries one active recall targeting Engine Control Unit software in the engine cooling and control system, a specific defect not present in every model year and one that used buyers must verify as remedied by VIN.
- The Safety Index dropped from 91/100 Exceptional in 2021 to 88/100 Strong in 2022, a year-over-year decline driven by the defect record component scoring 16.5 out of 20 rather than a crash-test regression.
- Side crash protection earned a perfect 5-star NHTSA rating for this model year, while frontal and rollover each landed at 4 stars, making the side structure the standout crash result for 2022 specifically.
- NHTSA has received 23 unverified complaints for this model year, with the Electrical System accounting for the largest single category at 6 alleged reports, a pattern worth monitoring through NHTSA's complaint database.
RANKINGSWhere the 2022 Toyota Prius places
The 2022 Toyota Prius qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2022 Toyota Prius safety questions
Was the 2022 Toyota Prius crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2022 Toyota Prius, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 88 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 2022 Toyota Prius crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2022 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 2022 Toyota Prius have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2022 Toyota Prius. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2022 Toyota Prius?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 23 owner complaints are on file for the 2022 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 (2022)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2022 Audi S5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2022 Infiniti Q50 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2022 Polestar 2 | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2022 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 16663), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Toyota Prius 2022.
- 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 51 of 90 in the Sedan class for 2022.
- 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.