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2015 Toyota Prius problems

The most common problem on the 2015 Toyota Prius is brakes, typically around 41,000 miles. Its complaint count is close to a typical Prius model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
67/100
Owner complaints
167
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
324
Worst area
Brakes
Fuel economy
48-50mpg
Typical repair
$3,200

The worst 2015 Toyota Prius problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Brakes
    94
  • Electrical
    27
  • Transmission
    13
  • Driver assistance
    9
  • Fuel system
    9
  • Engine
    8
  • Acceleration
    7
  • Lights
    7
  • Airbags
    6
  • Body
    6
  • Visibility
    5
  • Seats
    3
  • Steering
    3
  • Suspension
    3
  • Seat belts
    2
  • Tires
    2
  • Wheels
    2

Specific symptoms reported on the 2015 Toyota Prius

ABS 48Brake failure 15Headlights 7Stalling 7Won't start 5

Trouble codes owners of the 2015 Toyota Prius mention

C1391 16

Recalls 1

Hybrid propulsion system: inverterReported June 24, 2020 · 266,638 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Prius and 2014-2017 Prius V vehicles not included in recall 18V‑684. Excessive voltage in the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) within the inverter may cause the hybrid system to shut down, causing the vehicle to stall while being driven.
Risk
An unexpected hybrid power system shut down may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will perform a software update for the hybrid system. If the vehicle has experienced an inverter failure with certain hybrid system faults related to this condition, the inverter assembly will be repaired or replaced, prior to software update. All repairs will be performed free of charge. This recall began July 24, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1‑888‑270‑9371. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TB10 / 20TA10.

Recall number 20V369000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 2015 Toyota Prius

Defect investigations

Brake Actuator Valve WearOpened November 22, 2023, still open

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received a petition dated September 19, 2023 from the owner of a 2012 Toyota Prius V requesting that ODI reevaluate its decision to deny DP19-004. In the letter, the petitioner reported experiencing an unexpected and complete loss of brake power while driving, accompanied by multiple dashboard warning lights. This petition is based on the petitioner's direct experience and assessment that ODI closed DP19-004 because its prompting petition was withdrawn by that petitioner. ODI will review the work conducted during DP19-004 and a review of any additional related complaints and crashes via a new defect petition The petition and related materials can be reviewed at under the following ODI number:11553736.

DP23005

Pedestrian alert soundsOpened January 27, 2023, closed August 7, 2023

the federal safety agency received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, the federal safety agency opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified the federal safety agency he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by the federal safety agency regarding the subject matter of the petition.

DP22005

Brake Actuator Valve WearOpened September 30, 2019, closed January 21, 2021

On September 19, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a defect petition from Mr. Roger Hogan requesting that the Agency investigate and recall certain Toyota Prius, Prius PHV, Camry Hybrid and Avalon Hybrid vehicles for a brake actuator valve wear condition covered under Toyota Customer Support Programs ZJB and ZKK (subject CSP?s). In support of his request, the petitioner identified 117 the federal safety agency complaints allegedly related to the subject CSP condition, including 60 reporting crashes. On September 30, 2019, ODI opened Defect Petition DP19-004 to evaluate the petitioner?s request for an investigation. In August 2020, the petitioner notified the Agency that he was withdrawing his petition. Because the petitioner has withdrawn the petition, we are denying the petition as moot and no further analysis of this petition is necessary.the federal safety agency is authorized to issue an order requiring notification and remedy of a defect if the Agency?s investigation shows a defect in the design, construction, or performance of a motor vehicle that presents an unreasonable risk to safety. 49 U.S.C. ?? 30102(a)(9), 30118. Because the petitioner has with withdrawn the petition, the petition is denied as moot. This action does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency notes that it is not required to receive a defect petition prior to opening a defect investigation and will take further action if warranted by future circumstances.

DP19004

Technical service bulletins for the 2015 Toyota Prius 324

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 324 bulletins for the 2015 Toyota Prius

2015 Toyota Prius fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
1.8L 4‑cyl Plug-in hybridFWD514950
1.8L 4‑cyl HybridFWD504648

What 2015 Toyota Prius owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Nov 7, 2026 · Brakes · MS

Abs, traction light on , and brake light on and the brake is not working good. Need to press it hard to apply brake . It happen with out a reason.i called toyota when i have a recall for that but they refused because it dont have any light sign on it but still it make a loud buzzing sound all time time when car runs and brakes also feels spongy .now recall is expired i have to replace by my self

Filed Oct 3, 2026 · Brakes, Driver assistance · CA

The brake booster pump has malfunctioned, exactly 1 year outside of the secondary coverage supplied in the voluntary customer support program for this exact issue, despite being under 150,000 miles. Now the car is unsafe to drive since the brakes are malfunctioning.

Filed Sep 17, 2026 · Brakes · CA

I am reporting an active, severe safety hazard regarding the braking system on my 2015 Toyota Prius ( Mileage: 79,000). The vehicle has been officially diagnosed by Toyota Culver City with Diagnostic Trouble Code DTC C1391, confirming an internal failure and lack of pressure within the brake booster/actuator assembly. This component defect causes an immediate compromise to the vehicle's braking efficiency and hydraulic pressure, causing a sudden loss of braking power and significantly increasing stopping distances.Toyota was fully aware of this dangerous defect and initiated Customer Support Program ZJB to address it. However, Toyota Brand Engagement Center (Case #260909002032) has explicitly admitted via recorded voicemail that they mailed the safety/defect notification only to a previous owner and failed to notify me. Because they did not cross-reference current registration data, I was never notified of the defect and was deprived of a preemptive remedy before their arbitrary 10-year calendar clock expired. At only 79,000 miles, this critical safety component has failed prematurely, creating an active hazard on public roads. Toyota is refusing to cover the $3,890 repair despite their documented failure to notify the current owner.

Filed Aug 31, 2026 · Brakes · HI

Problem: Brake Actuator is pulsing the Booster Pump to keep running intermittently, 5-10 seconds. Console lights lit up for ABS problem. Does not clear. Toyota Dealership Report: DCT C1391 Abnormal Leak: Monitored TEH Accumulator Pressure and its not holding pressure. Pump keeps running. Rec[ommend] Brake Actuator and Booster Pump Assembly [replacement].` ServCo Toyota dealership in Hawaii Report: Submitted Prior Authorization request with Toyota Hawaii Warranty. Request Denied for Goodwill Coverage on ABS Actuator and Booster Pump.

Filed Aug 26, 2026 · Brakes · NV

On XXX, I was driving my 2015 Toyota Prius with my family in the vehicle and approaching stopped traffic on dry pavement. An emergency vehicle was approaching from behind, so I began braking earlier than usual. When I applied the brakes, the vehicle did not stop normally. The front slowed/stopped while the rear of the Prius suddenly slid sideways toward the adjacent lane, bringing the rear passenger side dangerously close to another vehicle. Had I begun braking at my normal stopping distance, I believe a collision would have occurred. No crash or injuries occurred, but the incident was extremely dangerous. I drove the vehicle very slowly to Purrfect Auto Services, [XXX], where the brake/ABS system was diagnosed. I observed diagnostic code C1391. The shop has had the vehicle since XXX and has experienced repeated problems with used replacement brake-system components that were defective or would not function properly. The vehicle has remained unsafe to return to service while the shop works to obtain a properly functioning replacement part. I am reporting this because the sudden and unpredictable braking behavior created a serious risk to my family and other motorists. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Aug 11, 2026 · Brakes, Driver assistance · CA

Code DTC C1391 - Abnormal leak of accumulator pressure. Internal failure of the brake booster pump assembly, preventing the system from maintaining proper hydraulic pressure. This means the brakes don't work, putting the driver's and passengers' lives at risk. This DTC C1391 code and problem were reproduced and confirmed by an independent service center who specializes in 3rd generation priuses. There were warning lights that lit up when the brakes failed - the ABS, traction control, and brake light all lit up but only after the brakes had stopped working. This is a known manufacturer defect but toyota won't pay to fix it because they put a 10 year limit on first driven date or 150,000 miles. This prius only has 100k miles but toyota still won't stand behind their product even though they have admitted it was a manufacturing defect and they sold a defective product.

Filed Jul 28, 2026 · Seats · NC · crash · 1 injury

I was rear-ended by a truck in my prius and my seat laid back on impact. I'm unaware if that was an intended thing or not but it potentially could have injured my neck. My car is currently in a storage lot awaiting the adjustor's inspection so it is available for inspection if needed. No warning lights were available and it hasn't been recreated by the dealer

Filed Jul 15, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · CA · crash

Pulling out of a parking stall, when put vehicle in drive, the engine revved up and accelerated - vehicle crashed, the brakes did not work- there was skid marks. Floor mats are factory OEM were installed properly. I did not hit the accelerator and I am in good health and mind. I have driving for over 30 years, never had and accident nor a ticket! - A county officer was at the seen and left me with vehicle that had to be towed away. The Vehicle is a total loss. I have insurance but felt that this incident need to be reported, There is no safety recalls and the vehicle was always property maintained

Filed Jun 25, 2026 · Brakes · CA

The vehicle experienced a failure in the braking system involving the brake booster/brake actuator assembly. The vehicle displayed diagnostic trouble code C1391, which is associated with a malfunction of the brake booster pump/accumulator system on this model. The failed component is available for inspection upon request. The failure created a safety concern because the braking system warning lights illuminated and the vehicle’s brake assist system may not function properly. A malfunction of the brake actuator/booster system could increase stopping distance, reduce braking performance, and create a potential risk of a crash, especially during emergency braking situations. The problem has been confirmed through diagnosis showing the C1391 trouble code. The issue has been identified as a brake system malfunction requiring repair of the brake booster/actuator assembly. The vehicle has been inspected/diagnosed by a service professional. The vehicle has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives. Toyota/dealer inspection information is available if requested. I contacted Toyota regarding the issue, but they declined assistance because the extended warranty coverage expired approximately 7 months prior to the failure. Before the failure, the vehicle operated normally. The first symptoms occurred when multiple warning lights appeared while driving, including the ABS warning light, brake warning light, parking brake warning light (even though the parking brake was not engaged), and the traction control/slippery road warning light. These warning lights appeared suddenly, indicating a problem with the braking system.

Filed Jun 15, 2026 · Seats · 205,000 miles · IL · crash · 2 injuries

The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving and coming to a complete stop, the vehicle was rear-ended by another vehicle driving approximately 35-45 MPH. The contact stated that upon impact, the front driver's seat unexpectedly reclined and struck the rear passenger’s seat. The contact was concerned about the movement of the seat and stated that an occupant seated directly behind the driver's seat could have been injured. The rear bumper, trunk, and rear body structure sustained damage from the crash. The contact stated that the force of the impact caused the rear driver’s side body panels to flare outward and become deformed. No additional property damage had occurred from the crash. The vehicle remained in the roadway following the crash. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact sustained neck injuries, whiplash, and emotional trauma from the crash. Medical attention was sought. The Uber passenger inside the vehicle was also transported from the scene to seek medical attention and treatment; however, the extent of the injury was unknown. The contact considered the vehicle a total loss by the contact, but the vehicle was not declared a total loss. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 205,000.

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Questions about the 2015 Toyota Prius

Is the 2015 Toyota Prius reliable?

Owners have filed 167 complaints about the 2015 Toyota Prius, close to a typical Prius model year.

What is the 2015 Toyota Prius year score?

The 2015 Toyota Prius scores 67 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Toyota Prius: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2015 Toyota Prius?

Brakes, with 94 complaints, typically around 41,000 miles. Next is electrical (27).

How many recalls does the 2015 Toyota Prius have?

1 recall, covering hybrid propulsion system.

What year does the Toyota Prius have bad brakes?

The Toyota Prius model years with the most brakes complaints are 2010 (1,945 complaints), 2008 (391 complaints) and 2007 (331 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2015 Toyota Prius get?

Official estimates for the 2015 Toyota Prius range from 48 to 50 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.8L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid, FWD) gets 51 city and 49 highway.

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