NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Toyota Prius Safety Ratings
The 2026 Toyota Prius scores 95 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 5 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2026 Toyota Prius earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 95/100, placing it in the Exceptional band. Backed by five-star overall NHTSA crash protection and a near-perfect defect record score, this model year stands among the strongest safety performers in its class.
The 2026 Toyota Prius received a 5-star overall crash-test rating from NHTSA and a NHTSA Safety Index of 95/100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 72 Sedans from 2026 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2026 Toyota Prius ranks 17 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 | 95 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 10.2% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 5 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 17 of 72 Sedans tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Toyota Prius?
The 2026 Toyota Prius marks a measurable step forward in safety standing, with its NHTSA Safety Index climbing three points to 95/100 from the 2025 model year's already strong 92/100, both within the Exceptional band. What drives that gain is a near-perfect defect record component score of 18.5 out of 20, reflecting only a single recall campaign this model year. The crash protection component contributes 66 of a possible 70 points, anchored by that 5-star overall NHTSA rating and perfect frontal and side scores. The avoidance technology component scores a full 10 out of 10, with forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all listed as standard equipment on this trim. The one recall, covering electrical system wiring and switch components, is shared across several Prius variants and model years, which limits its weight against this specific vehicle's record. With only five reported complaints and no alleged fires, injuries, or fatalities, the complaint picture for this model year is notably thin, though those allegations remain unverified. Taken together, the 2026 data profile represents the strongest safety year this generation has posted.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Toyota Prius perform in crash tests?
The 2026 Toyota Prius achieved an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. This strong performance extends to its frontal and side impact protection, both of which also earned 5-star ratings. The rollover assessment presents a relative weak point, rated at 4 out of 5 stars, yet the vehicle did not tip in the dynamic test, and its measured rollover risk remains at 10 percent.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21651
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2026 Toyota Prius have any recalls?
One recall campaign covers the 2026 Prius, targeting the electrical system, specifically wiring, switches, knobs, and buttons. The campaign spans multiple Prius and Prius Prime model years. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the available data, but owners should verify remedy status by VIN through NHTSA.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:SWITCHES/KNOBS/BUTTONS26V049000
Risk: A door that unexpectedly opens while the vehicle is moving increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will modify the rear door switch circuits, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed July 13, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 26TB03 and 26TA03. This recall expands and replaces NHTSA recall number 24V274. Vehicles repaired under the previous recall will need to have the new remedy performed.
Reported 2026-01-28
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 Toyota Prius?
Five unverified consumer allegations have been reported to NHTSA for this model year. The top components named in these unverified reports are Exterior Lighting and the Electrical System, each cited twice, with one additional allegation involving Visibility and Wipers. One alleged crash is included in the filings.
5 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 Toyota Prius?
Any shopper considering this current model year should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool to confirm whether the electrical system wiring recall remedy has been completed. Remedy status varies by production date and dealer scheduling, so verification before purchase matters.
- The 2026 model year Safety Index of 95/100 is three points higher than the 2025 model year's 92/100, reflecting a stronger defect record component score of 18.5 out of 20.
- NHTSA awarded this model year 5 stars overall, 5 stars frontal, and 5 stars side, with the only sub-5-star result being a 4-star rollover rating and a measured rollover risk of 10 percent.
- One active recall targets electrical system wiring, switches, knobs, and buttons across multiple Prius model years including 2026; owners and buyers should confirm remedy completion by VIN at NHTSA.
- Five unverified complaints have been filed with NHTSA for this model year, with Exterior Lighting and the Electrical System each appearing twice among the alleged problem components.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Toyota Prius places
The 2026 Toyota Prius qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 Toyota Prius safety questions
Was the 2026 Toyota Prius crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 Toyota Prius, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 95 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 2026 Toyota Prius crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 Toyota Prius earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 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 10.2%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2026 Toyota Prius have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2026 Toyota Prius. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2026 Toyota Prius?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 5 owner complaints are on file for the 2026 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 (2026)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Acura Integra | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2026 Acura Integra Type-S | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Honda Accord | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus IS 350 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Subaru Impreza | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 21651), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Toyota Prius 2026.
- 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 17 of 72 in the Sedan class for 2026.
- 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.