2019 Toyota Prius Safety Report

2019 Toyota Prius: Low complaint volume, but serious issues with unintended acceleration, brake failure, and airbag non-deployment reported.

28Complaints
3Recalls
65/100Reliability Score
2Injuries
Most reported components: Unknown Or Other (5)Service Brakes (2)Vehicle Speed Control,Service Brakes (2)Air Bags (2)Tires (2)Service Brakes,Lane Departure,Forward Collision Avoidance (1)Engine And Engine Cooling (1)Power Train,Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System (1)Seat Belts (1)Electrical System,Service Brakes,Forward Collision Avoidance (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2019 Toyota Prius

The 2019 Toyota Prius presents a mixed safety picture, with a relatively low number of NHTSA complaints (28 total) but several concerning patterns. While there are no official NHTSA crash test ratings available for this specific model year, the complaint data highlights potential issues. A significant concern is the recurring theme of unintended acceleration and brake system malfunctions, with multiple reports describing the vehicle surging forward or backward unexpectedly and brakes failing to respond. This is particularly alarming given the two reported injuries associated with the complaints. Additionally, there are multiple reports of airbags failing to deploy in collisions, which is a critical safety system failure. The recall history for the 2019 Prius includes three separate campaigns. One recall addresses an electrical short circuit in the instrument cluster, which could lead to a blank display and loss of critical information like vehicle speed. Another recall pertains to the electronic stability control system, where a software issue could deactivate the system or cause a loss of braking assist, increasing crash risk. The third recall is for incorrect load capacity labels, which could lead to vehicle overloading and increased crash risk. These recalls indicate known manufacturing or design flaws that could impact safety. Beyond the recalls, common complaint patterns include issues with the engine and cooling system, specifically coolant leaks and catalytic converter problems, with some owners reporting significant repair costs. Tire failures, including exposed steel belting and wobbling, are also noted. The overall safety picture suggests that while the 2019 Prius has a low volume of complaints, the nature of some of these complaints, particularly those related to unintended acceleration, brake failure, and airbag non-deployment, raises serious safety concerns that potential buyers should be aware of.

Reliability Score

The 2019 Toyota Prius receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2019 Toyota Prius

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2019 Toyota Prius:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Unintended Acceleration/Brake Failure
Multiple reports of the vehicle accelerating unexpectedly, often while braking or at low speeds, with brakes failing to respond. Two injuries reported.		 High Occasional unknown miles
Airbag Non-Deployment
Several complaints detail airbags failing to deploy in collisions, including incidents where the vehicle was totaled.		 High Occasional unknown miles
Coolant System Leaks/Engine Issues
Reports of coolant leaks, often into the catalytic converter, leading to engine overheating and costly repairs (over $2000).		 Medium Occasional 40000-60000 miles
Instrument Cluster Electrical Short
Subject of a recall; an electrical short can cause the speedometer and odometer to go blank, obscuring critical driving information.		 Medium Rare unknown miles
Electronic Stability Control (Esc) Malfunction
Subject of a recall; software issue can deactivate ESC or cause loss of braking assist, increasing crash risk.		 High Rare unknown miles
Tire Failure/Premature Wear
Complaints of tires exhibiting wobbling, exposed steel belting, and premature failure at relatively low mileage.		 Medium Occasional 40000-50000 miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2019 Toyota Prius:

Unknown Or Other 17% of complaints

General complaints not fitting specific categories, including rust perforation on the roof.

Service Brakes 7% of complaints

Issues with brake pedal pulsation, failure to respond, and unintended acceleration during braking.

Vehicle Speed Control,Service Brakes 7% of complaints

Complaints specifically linking unintended acceleration with brake system malfunction.

Air Bags 7% of complaints

Reports of airbags failing to deploy in collisions.

Tires 7% of complaints

Premature tire wear, wobbling, and exposed steel belting.

Engine And Engine Cooling 3% of complaints

Coolant leaks, engine overheating, and catalytic converter issues.

Power Train,Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System 3% of complaints

Complaints related to the hybrid system, including coolant leaks affecting the exhaust heat-exchanger.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2019 Toyota Prius

Is the 2019 Toyota Prius safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2019 Toyota Prius has a low number of total complaints (28), but several reports detail serious safety issues including unintended acceleration, brake failure, and airbags not deploying in crashes. There are also three recalls addressing electrical, stability control, and labeling issues. While no official crash test ratings are available, these reported failures are significant concerns.

What are common problems with the 2019 Toyota Prius?

The most reported issues for the 2019 Toyota Prius include 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER' complaints (17.8%), followed by 'SERVICE BRAKES' (7.1%) and 'VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES' (7.1%) which often involve unintended acceleration. 'AIR BAGS' (7.1%) failing to deploy and 'TIRES' (7.1%) with premature wear are also common. Engine and cooling system problems, particularly coolant leaks, are also noted.

Has the 2019 Toyota Prius been recalled?

Yes, the 2019 Toyota Prius has been subject to three recalls. These include recalls for an electrical short in the instrument cluster, a software issue affecting the electronic stability control system and braking assist, and incorrect load capacity labels.

Are there any issues with unintended acceleration in the 2019 Toyota Prius?

Yes, NHTSA complaints for the 2019 Toyota Prius include multiple reports of unintended acceleration, where the vehicle surged forward or backward unexpectedly, often accompanied by brake failure. These incidents have been linked to two reported injuries.

What should I look out for when buying a used 2019 Toyota Prius?

When considering a used 2019 Toyota Prius, pay close attention to the brake system and any history of unintended acceleration. Verify that all three recalls (instrument cluster, ESC, and labels) have been addressed. Also, inspect the engine for coolant leaks and check the tires for unusual wear or damage.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the reports of unintended acceleration, brake failure, and airbag non-deployment, thoroughly investigate the vehicle's service history for recall compliance and any related repairs before purchasing a 2019 Toyota Prius.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2019 Toyota Prius

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2019 Toyota Prius. The data includes 28 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 3 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 2 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.