2016 Toyota Prius V Safety Report

The 2016 Toyota Prius V presents a mixed safety picture, with a notable recall concerning its hybrid propulsion system and a significant number of consumer complaints, particularly regarding visibility and braking. While NHTSA crash test ratings are not available for overall, frontal, or side impact, the vehicle received a 4-star rollover rating. The single recall (20V369000) affects the hybrid propulsion system's inverter, which, if it experiences excessive voltage, can lead to an unexpected hybrid power system shut down, increasing the risk of a crash. This recall is critical as several complaints directly reference similar issues, such as the car stalling on the freeway or the hybrid system shutting down, mirroring the recall's described consequence. Consumer complaints total 166, with 14 crashes and 8 injuries reported, but no fatalities or fires. The most frequent complaint category is 'VISIBILITY/WIPER' with 32 reports, often citing issues with headlights blinding oncoming traffic or windshield cracking. 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER' accounts for 20 complaints, followed by 'SERVICE BRAKES' with 9, and 'AIR BAGS' and 'VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL' each with 8. The braking complaints include instances of brake failure or reduced effectiveness, sometimes after hitting potholes, and issues with the pre-collision system and ABS. Airbag complaints include non-deployment in a crash, which is a serious safety concern. Vehicle speed control complaints include unintended acceleration and stalling, which are directly related to crash risk. Engine-related complaints, though fewer at 6, include severe issues like water pump failure leading to engine damage and overheating. Power train complaints (4) also describe acceleration issues, particularly in hot weather, where the vehicle struggles to move. The presence of a recall addressing a critical power train component, coupled with consumer reports of stalling and acceleration problems, suggests a potential systemic vulnerability in the hybrid system. The lack of comprehensive crash test data from NHTSA makes it difficult to fully assess the vehicle's crashworthiness beyond its rollover performance, but the reported airbag non-deployment incidents are concerning.

Our recommendation: Given the critical recall and numerous complaints regarding braking, unintended acceleration, and hybrid system reliability, potential buyers should ensure all recalls are completed and have a thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on the hybrid system, brakes, and engine.