2023 Toyota Mirai Safety Report

The 2023 Toyota Mirai currently presents a mixed safety picture, primarily due to its very low complaint volume but also a concerning reported fatality. With only 5 total NHTSA complaints, 0 crashes, and 0 injuries, the vehicle appears to have a low incidence of reported issues. However, one reported death is a significant concern that warrants further investigation, though details are scarce in the provided data. The most frequently cited complaint components include POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, and UNKNOWN OR OTHER, each with one complaint. This low volume makes it difficult to identify strong patterns. Recall history indicates two significant safety campaigns, both related to 'BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION'. These recalls address a critical safety feature: the rearview camera. A malfunctioning rearview camera, as described in both recalls for certain 2023 Mirai vehicles, can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle and increase the risk of a crash. Toyota has initiated these recalls to rectify this issue, highlighting a proactive approach to a known safety defect. NHTSA crash test ratings for the 2023 Toyota Mirai are not available (N/A) for Overall, Frontal, Side, or Rollover categories. This lack of independent crash test data makes it challenging to assess the vehicle's structural integrity and occupant protection performance in various collision scenarios. Therefore, while the complaint data is minimal, the absence of crash test ratings and the presence of a reported fatality mean a comprehensive safety assessment is incomplete without further information. Common complaint patterns, despite the low volume, include a 'sudden loss of power due to contaminated hydrogen fuel' and a 'vehicle auto shut off after one hour of idling' feature that did not display a warning, leading to a reported fatality. Another complaint notes a discrepancy in the advertised driving range versus actual range. These issues, particularly the power loss and the auto-shutoff warning, point to potential critical safety concerns related to the vehicle's unique fuel cell propulsion system and user interface.

Our recommendation: Given the low complaint volume but critical reported issues and lack of crash test data, potential buyers should prioritize verifying all recall repairs are completed and thoroughly understand the unique fuel cell system and its potential vulnerabilities before purchase.