NHTSA & EPA data · updated October 21, 2026

2021 Toyota Prius recalls, problems & safety ratings

Quick answer

NHTSA lists 0 recalls for the 2021 Toyota Prius and 6 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are fuel/propulsion system (2), engine (2), vehicle speed control (1). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 49–52 mpg combined, depending on engine.

The 2021 has the fewest owner complaints of any Prius model year from 2012 to 2025. It has 0 recalls vs. an average of 2.6 per model year.

Free. Shows whether a recall applies, plus specs, problems and ratings for your exact vehicle.

Recalls 0

Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2021 Toyota Prius. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.

No recalls are on file with NHTSA for the 2021 Toyota Prius.

Common problems

From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.

Most-reported problem areas

Fuel/propulsion system2
Engine2
Vehicle speed control1
Forward collision avoidance1
Lane departure1
Electrical system1
Service brakes1
Unknown or other1

By the numbers

6owner complaints filed
1involved a crash
0involved a fire
0injuries reported

Recent owner reports

02/23/2026 · Fuel/propulsion system

When i am going down it's charging when the charge reaches 6 from 8 the engine starts working and stop changing at that point and the power continues comes from engine only without the hybrid battery and there are no codes

09/18/2024 · Vehicle speed control

The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 - 45 MPH, the vehicle independently accelerated. The brake pedal was depressed but failed to stop the vehicle immediately. The contact swerved around the vehicle in front and ended up on the opposite side of the roadway. The contact attempted to avoid oncoming traffic and swerving around all…

07/14/2023 · Forward collision avoidance,lane departure

The Lane keeping assist used in radar cruise control mode during some drive cycles will attempt to maintain the vehicle position to the far extreme of the lane and in some cases actively veer out of the lane. My safety ant others can be put at risk when the vehicle behaves outside of its design parameters like this. To solve the issue the vehicle must be pulled over, turned off…

Safety ratings

2021 Toyota PRIUS 5 HB AWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★

2021 Toyota PRIUS 5 HB FWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★

Fuel economy

EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2021 Toyota Prius.

Prius

Auto (variable gear ratios) · 4 cyl · 1.8 L

54city
50hwy
52combined

Regular

Prius AWD

Auto (variable gear ratios) · 4 cyl · 1.8 L

51city
47hwy
49combined

Regular

Other model years

Compare every Toyota Prius year

Questions

How many recalls does the 2021 Toyota Prius have?

NHTSA lists 0 recalls for the 2021 Toyota Prius. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Toyota Prius?

Based on 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are fuel/propulsion system (2), engine (2), vehicle speed control (1).

Is the 2021 Toyota Prius safe?

The 2021 Toyota Prius earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.

Is the 2021 a good year for the Toyota Prius?

The 2021 has the fewest owner complaints of any Prius model year from 2012 to 2025. It has 0 recalls vs. an average of 2.6 per model year.

What gas mileage does the 2021 Toyota Prius get?

EPA ratings for the 2021 Toyota Prius range from 49 to 52 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.

Own a 2021 Toyota Prius in South Carolina?

Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.

Related vehicles

Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: PRIUS, Prius.

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