2007 Toyota Prius

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 2,004 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the headlights. It has been recalled 4 times.

Avoid One of the Toyota Prius years to avoid: 6.4× the complaints of a typical Prius year. Which Toyota Prius years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
50,400 milesMedian miles at failure

1,716 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 30,000–40,000 miles.

Most common 2007 Toyota Prius problems

976 of the 2,004 complaints (49%) are about the headlights.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Exterior Lighting · headlights895
301
Electrical System169
200
Service Brakes · brakes117
1516
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · brakes115
1906
Structure › Body · body and frame89
432
Exterior Lighting › Headlights · headlights80
000
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration71
2619
Service Brakes, Electric · brakes50
501
Unknown or Other49
304
Air Bags · airbags33
24026

2007 Toyota Prius headlights problems

49% of all complaints

976 of the 2,004 complaints are about the headlights.

Share of the 976 headlights complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
48,125 mi
median of 890 reports
Peak year of filing
2009
335 headlights complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
3 · 0 · 1
in these complaints
Recalls on the headlights
None
“I CANT SEE THE ROAD. Who is in charge of allowing these new bright LED headlights? They make it very hard to see where I’m driving when they’re eye level with my car!! So all I see is a bunch of LED lights coming straight at me, which is very unacceptable because now I can’t see the road.”
Owner complaint, filed Feb 12, 2024
“The lights spontaneously turned off while driving on a cloudy night on an unlit section of interstate. While slowing the car down, it went onto gravel, semi-circled around and flipped over onto the lower median. No air bag deployed. No protection from shoulder seat belt. Head hit steering wheel, and I briefly lost consciousness. Tests showed skull and cervical fractures. The car was "totaled." I was planning a move.”
Owner complaint, filed Nov 10, 2023

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
2006: 1 complaints, 0 about the headlights'062007: 27 complaints, 4 about the headlights2008: 96 complaints, 71 about the headlights'082009: 385 complaints, 335 about the headlights2010: 517 complaints, 227 about the headlights'102011: 138 complaints, 80 about the headlights2012: 98 complaints, 49 about the headlights'122013: 133 complaints, 40 about the headlights2014: 150 complaints, 36 about the headlights'142015: 116 complaints, 36 about the headlights2016: 83 complaints, 32 about the headlights'162017: 61 complaints, 31 about the headlights2018: 72 complaints, 18 about the headlights'182019: 48 complaints, 11 about the headlights2020: 29 complaints, 2 about the headlights'202021: 15 complaints, 1 about the headlights2022: 10 complaints, 1 about the headlights'222023: 11 complaints, 1 about the headlights2024: 10 complaints, 1 about the headlights'242025: 2 complaints, 0 about the headlights2026: 2 complaints, 0 about the headlights'26Recall 09V388000 (throttle and acceleration)Recall 10V036000 (equipment)Recall 12V536000 (hybrid system)Recall 12V537000 (steering)NHTSA investigation DP22005NHTSA investigation DP13001NHTSA investigation PE09019
All complaintsAbout the headlightsRecall (red: the headlights)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 2007 Prius peaked in 2010, with 517 filed that year. No recall on file covers the headlights, the subject of 49% of the complaints. In 2026 owners filed 2 so far.

4 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Hybrid Propulsion System › Inverter12V536000
Filed Nov 14, 2012350,662 vehiclesToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Defect. Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2009 Prius vehicles manufactured August 6, 2003, through March 30, 2009 and FCHV-adv vehicles manufactured December 12, 2008, through September 13, 2011. During manufacturing, a scratch may have occurred inside of the electrically driven water pump at the coil wire. The coil wire may corrode at the scratched portion.

Risk. The corroded coil wire may break and the water pump could stop. The corroded coil wire could cause a short circuit between coil wires and a possible open fuse, creating a stall-like condition of the hybrid system while the vehicle is being driven. This may increase the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy. Toyota will notify its owners, and dealers will replace the electric water pump, free of charge. The recall began on January 17, 2013. Owners may contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.

Steering › Gear Box › Shaft Sector12V537000
Filed Nov 14, 2012669,705 vehiclesToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Defect. Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2009 Prius vehicles manufactured August 5, 2003, through March 30, 2009. The affected vehicles have a steering intermediate extension shaft assembly built with metal splines that complete the connection from the steering wheel to the steering gear. These splines may have been manufactured with an insufficient hardness.

Risk. Over time, the splines may wear and eventually fail resulting in a loss of steering ability, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the extension shaft and replace it if it is one with insufficient hardness, free of charge. The recall began during December 2012. Owners may contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.

Equipment › Other › Labels10V036000
Filed Feb 3, 2010153,418 vehiclesSoutheast Toyota Distributors, LLC

Defect. SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.

Risk. A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.

Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal09V388000
Filed Oct 5, 20094,445,056 vehiclesToyota Motor North America, Inc.

Defect. TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CAN GET STUCK IN THE WIDE OPEN POSITION DUE TO ITS BEING TRAPPED BY AN UNSECURED OR INCOMPATIBLE DRIVER'S FLOOR MAT.

Risk. A STUCK OPEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY RESULT IN VERY HIGH VEHICLE SPEEDS AND MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO STOP THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH, SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy. TOYOTA FILED AN AMENDED DEFECT REPORT ON NOVEMBER 25, 2009, STATING THAT DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND, ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, ALTER THE SHAPE OF THE FLOOR SURFACE UNDER THE PEDAL. THESE CHANGES ADDRESS THE RISK OF PEDAL ENTRAPMENT DUE TO INTERFERENCE WITH THE FLOOR MAT. REDESIGNED ACCELERATOR PEDALS WILL BECOME AVAILABLE BEGINNING IN APRIL 2010 AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE ANY MODIFIED PEDAL WITH THE NEW PEDAL IF DESIRED. ALSO, DEALERS WILL REPLACE ANY GENUINE TOYOTA OR LEXUS ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MATS WITH REDESIGNED ALL-WEATHER MATS, OR REPURCHASE THE PREVIOUS MATS FROM OWNERS WHO DO NOT WANT THE NEW ONES. ADDITIONALLY, SOFTWARE MODIFICATIONS WILL BE INSTALLED ON CAMRY, AVALON AND LEXUS ES 350, IS 350 AND IS 250 MODELS THAT WILL ENSURE THAT THE BRAKE OVERRIDES THE ACCELERATOR IN THE EVENT BOTH BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS ARE APPLIED. TOYOTA WILL BEGIN MAILING LETTERS TO OWNERS ON DECEMBER 31, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331, LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.

All 4 campaigns on file, newest first.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 3 name the 2007 Prius.

Pedestrian alert soundsDefect petition DP22005Closed
Opened Jan 27, 2023Closed Aug 7, 2023Led to recall 22V063000electrical system

NHTSA 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 NHTSA.gov 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 …

Intermediate Steering Shaft SeparationDefect petition DP13001Closed
Opened Feb 21, 2013Closed Apr 8, 2020steering

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a January 2013 defect petition requesting that it open an investigation on Model Year (MY) 2004-2009 Toyota Prius vehicles to address a possible manufacturing safety defect related to the steering column intermediate shaft.During the defect petition evaluation, ODI: 1.Reviewed the petition and its enclosures; 2.Reviewed the subject steering system layout; 3.Examined the Petition Vehicle?s history, including its repair history; 4.Reviewed and followed-up potentially related consumer complaints; 5.Assessed Safety Recalls 06V-188 and 12V-537; …

HEADLIGHT FAILUREPreliminary evaluation PE09019Closed
Opened Apr 17, 2009Closed Aug 27, 2009headlights

Odi opened this investigation after receiving reports that both headlights would go out, or extinguish while driving.the subject vehicles are equipped with high intensity discharge (hid) headlamps that operate on independent lamps and ecu's (electronic control units) for each headlight, meaning that each headlight runs independently of the other, and a failure in one lamp or ecu does not necessarily result in a failure of the other.during the investigation, a random sample of forty consumers was contacted by odi in a telephone survey to verify their experiences.the consumers stated in …

Technical service bulletins

219 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2007 Prius. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

equipment 67electrical system 43body and frame 39engine 16brakes 12tires 8airbags 6backup camera 4
ZG1_Dealer emailWarranty extensionApr 19, 2016brakes

Dealer email: In these vehicles, Toyota has received some reports where various brake system related warning lamps illuminate due to internal malfunctions of the Brake Actuator assembly. Although the Brake Actuator Assembly is covered by Toyota?s New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 3 years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at Toyota care about the …

ZG1_Dealer LetteWarranty extensionApr 19, 2016equipment

Dealer Letter: In these vehicles, Toyota has received some reports where various brake system related warning lamps illuminate due to internal malfunctions of the Brake Actuator assembly. Although the Brake Actuator Assembly is covered by Toyota?s New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 3 years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at Toyota care about the …

ZG1_Region emailWarranty extensionApr 18, 2016brakes

Region email: In these vehicles, Toyota has received some reports where various brake system related warning lamps illuminate due to internal malfunctions of the Brake Actuator assembly. Although the Brake Actuator Assembly is covered by Toyota?s New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 3 years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at Toyota care about the …

ZG1_Region LetteWarranty extensionApr 18, 2016brakes

Region Letter: In these vehicles, Toyota has received some reports where various brake system related warning lamps illuminate due to internal malfunctions of the Brake Actuator assembly. Although the Brake Actuator Assembly is covered by Toyota?s New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 3 years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at Toyota care about the …

ZTJ-Expired-DealService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSep 11, 2018headlights

Dealer Package: September 11, 2018 A watermark has been added to the Dealer Letter to indicate that ZTJ expired on September 10, 2018. Unlike halogen light bulbs which simply stop working at the end of their useful life, as the HID bulb nears the end-of-life it may exhibit a condition where the bulb may flicker or intermittently be inoperative. Toyota has …

POL-11-01Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMar 4, 2011headlights

TOYOTA: 2006-2009 PRIUS. WARRANTY INFORMATION FOR HEADLIGHTS. *RM

TC-09-018Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsDec 16, 2009headlights

TOYOTA: HID HEADLIGHT CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM. UNLIKE HALOGEN LIGHT BULBS WHICH SIMPLY STOP WORKING AT THE END OF THEIR USEFUL LIFE, AS THE HID BULB NEARS THE END OF LIFE IT MAY EXHIBIT A CONDITION WHERE THE BULB MAY FLICKER OR INTERMITTENTLY BE INOPERATIVE. CSC LETTER HAS BEEN REC'D. *PE

T-SB-0030-08Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMay 12, 2008headlights

HID HEADLIGHT SYSTEM - DIAGNOSTIC TIPS. *NJ UPDATED 6/17/08. *NJ

What owners reported

Newest filings
Steering
Filed Oct 23, 2026CA

In October 2026, my 2007 Toyota Prius experienced a serious mechanical steering failure at approximately 187,310 miles. The steering wheel could rotate without properly controlling the front wheels, resulting in a loss of steering control and creating a significant safety hazard. On October 6, 2026, an independent repair facility inspected the vehicle. Its written diagnosis, documented on an October 21 invoice, identified worn gearing at the intermediate steering shaft connection to the steering rack. The technician also identified a failed steering wheel spiral cable. The steering system has not been permanently repaired. This vehicle previously received Toyota's steering-related recall repair. I am concerned that the failure may be related to NHTSA Recall 12V537000, which addressed wear of steering shaft splines and the potential for complete loss of steering control. There is also a documented history of steering complaints. In May 2024, I reported abnormal steering noises to a Toyota dealership, which could not reproduce the problem. In July 2024, the dealership confirmed steering noises but attributed them to suspension components. In February 2025, the dealership confirmed noise originating from the steering column assembly and recommended replacing the steering column yoke assembly, potentially including both upper and lower intermediate steering shafts. I was not verbally informed of this recommendation. I am concerned that a vehicle previously repaired under a safety

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jan 15, 2026MD

2007 Toyota Prius touring edition WILL NOT TAKE ANY FUEL PROPERLY AND WILL OVERFILL AND "BURP" CAUSING GAS TO FLOW EXPLOSIVELY OUT OF THE FILLER NECK AND HOLE. Tank will not fill, at all, causing risk of running out of gas while on highway. FUEL GAUGE DOES NOT WORK AT ALL. FUEL TANK will not fill properly, if at all, overfills and burps causing fuel to blow out of the filler hole with force. THIS IS A FIRE HAZARD as gas can spill all over near the filler area and possibly catch fire. Stopping the filler hose will not help, as the tank refuses to take any gas, even when close to empty. People need to put gas in, not guess. The car will ONLY TAKE BARELY 2 gallons in winter without overflowing. THIS IS A LIFE SAFETY AND FIRE HAZARD AS THIS OVERFLOWING GAS AND REVERSE FUEL FLOW CAN IGNITE, or catch fire. THE BLADDER IN THE TANK STOPS WORKING AND WILL NOT ALLOW FUELING ANS SPITS FUEL BACK OUT OF THE FILLER NECK AND HOLE.

Service Brakes
Filed Jun 5, 2025AL

The brake actuator failed. When the car was diagnosed by the Toyota dealership, they identified the problem as an internal leak within the brake actuator. Luckily, nobody has been hurt attempting to drive the car, but it is still being driven to get it from home to the repair shop so anything is possible. The first symptom I could link to this was in 2023, when the car would not accelerate via the gas pedal after the brakes were pressed during cruise control. Turning off the car and turning it back on fixed the problem. Afterwards, the red brake symbol was turned on. From that point on, the brake light would only shine sometimes. leading me to believe there must not have been something wrong with the car, since nothing else happened after that. 2024 is when the red brake light and ABS symbol both lit up. The only information that I could find in the manual was to take the Prius to the Toyota dealership. I could not find details on the problem. I continued to drive the car regardless because there seemed to be no problem. After letting the car sit for a few months in 2025, I began driving it again, and it was fine. A month later, I turned on my car and was met with a loud beep that did not end. This was my final sign to take it to get repaired. The car has exceeded 200,000 miles. This fix is $3,205.40 at the dealership. My 2007 Toyota Prius is valued between $2k to $4k. The repair would cost more than simply buying another Prius.

Service Brakes
Filed Mar 26, 2025CA

Check engine light came on with codes C 1256 & C 1300. Primary issue is Brake actuator failure. Toyota is ignoring this known and repeated issue and it may lead to a dangerous/ deadly situation if brakes go out while driving.

Service Brakes
Filed Nov 5, 2024KS

Failing Brake Actuator Assembly. This is known issue by Toyota and they issued a brief warranty repair program, but have since stopped and refuse to fix the issue or provide assistance.

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Sep 28, 2024IL

After an Interstate highway drive and when then discovering my tire had been punctured by a screw or other object, but with still enough air in the tire to drive to a tire repair facility, I drove to have the puncture repaired. On repairing the puncture of the 185/65R15 tire, the repairman observed a portion of the tire’s steel belt to be visible on the inside of the tire. An immediate replacement of the tire was recommended, but this facility did not have an identical tire to provide. The facility emailed me a picture of the protruding steel belt. This writer has twice reported the matter to the tire’s manufacturer, but still no response since the first report on 09/24/2024. No party other than the tire repair facility has inspected the tire. This writer has recognized no noticeable effect of the defect, but the repair facility stated it could cause a blowout at any time.

Seat Belts
Filed Sep 20, 2024CO

The drivers seat belt receptacle spit out a spring and plastic part and it cannot buckle anymore.

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 26, 2024IN

2007 Toyota Prius Brake Actuator needs replaced. ABS, Parking Brake, VSC light came on 2 weeks ago when driving down a highway.

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 20, 2024NJ

There is a known, (by Toyota), issue with the ABS brake actuator in many Prius generations including the 2nd generation Prius that I own. My mechanic said it would cost @$3000 to fix. This as I said is and has been a known issue with these cars that affects the ABS braking and puts myself, my family and any one on the road near me in danger. Toyota was quietly replacing these under an unadvertised, extended warranty program. Mine is out of this so called warranty period but if this was a known issue and was corrected at no cost due to the fact Toyota knew there was an issue why was there never a recall on the affected models all with this same problem? I feel that this dangerous problem should be corrected by Toyota at no cost to the owners of their dangerous affected vehicles.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 10, 2024WA

Hatch release has melted, see NHTSA ID’s for example: 10511408, 10533059, 10504366, 10496197, 10448470, etc.

Unknown or Other
Filed May 2, 2024CA

Failing hybrid water pump at around 110,000 miles. This part was part of a recall in 2012 but my VIN is not included for the same issue.

Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 8, 2024TX

This complaint is about the problematic brake actuator for a Toyota Prius Hybrid. I started to hear frequent whirring noises from the front part of the vehicle a few month ago. Additionally, whenever my foot is on the brake, a mechanic sound appears. Recently, the whirring noise is becoming more frequent, on a approximately every 10-15 sec frequency. I took the car to the dealership last Friday, and the mechanics stated the issues being associated with the brake actuator. The dealership also stated that if repairs or replacement was recommended after diagnosis, the cost would be on the order of $2,000 to $3,000. I contacted my regular mechanic shop, and found out that they do not perform brake actuator repairs on a hybrid. This issue left me with limited choice for solution because it seems to be specialized and is expensive to fix, and most importantly, this issue could lead to a safety hazard for my future transportation.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Feb 12, 2024CA

I CANT SEE THE ROAD. Who is in charge of allowing these new bright LED headlights? They make it very hard to see where I’m driving when they’re eye level with my car!! So all I see is a bunch of LED lights coming straight at me, which is very unacceptable because now I can’t see the road. Making it a very obvious safety concern which is weird when I thought the government is supposed to be preventing stuff like this from happening. What the heck

Engine
Filed Jan 17, 2024HI

I keep replacing P1116 and it keeps coming back also I was driving up a hill when I lost power and the car wouldn't accelerate. It would turn on and go into gear but not go anywhere. I know it says my vin doesn't have recalls but why am I experiencing them

Exterior LightingCrash1 injured
Filed Nov 10, 2023LA

The lights spontaneously turned off while driving on a cloudy night on an unlit section of interstate. While slowing the car down, it went onto gravel, semi-circled around and flipped over onto the lower median. No air bag deployed. No protection from shoulder seat belt. Head hit steering wheel, and I briefly lost consciousness. Tests showed skull and cervical fractures. The car was "totaled." I was planning a move. Now I consider myself to be lucky to be alive. I am rewriting because of previous a NHTSA computer malfunction changing a serious injury to "NO" injury on the questionnaire.

Air BagsCrash
Filed Oct 17, 2023LA

Both headlights failed, one earlier, then the second, on a cloudy night on an unlit, deserted rural stretch of interstate highway. Driver started slowing down from 60 mph, looking for a place to pull over. An accident resulted--only the defective car was involved. No airbag was deployed. The driver was injured. (Full recovery--months.) The car was totaled.

Electrical System
Filed Oct 1, 2023CA

Combination meter often does not turn on when turning the car on. This means you cannot see a speedometer, any warning lights, fuel tank levels, or mileage. Also the trunk gets locked and is unable to open. Sometimes the car will not turn off. This has been happening on and off for over a year but has gotten increasingly worse. There are no warning signs. This can happen any time you turn on the car but might not always happen. It can also prevent you from turning off the car. When searching online, it seems this is a common problem with high mileage Priuses between 2005-2009 and so Toyota extended a warranty on it but did not tell all of the owners, most likely to get out of a recall.

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 5, 2023CA

Brake Actuator system (ABS) needs to be replaced with only 133K miles on my 2007 prius. I heard a sound and had a Toyota service center check for any issues. They told me it was the ABS system that needed to be replaced at a cost of $5K. The repair costs are greater than the car value. Toyota knows about this year, make, and model issue. I contacted Toyota Corporate about this this week and learned there was an extended warranty for this specific issue on my car. They refuse to honor the extended ABS system warranty even though I'm under 150K miles per the warranty. They told me a letter was sent to me about replacing it at no cost in 2017. I never received the letter nor did the Toyota service center I used at the time tell me about the issue. Additional Info: I am not driving the car since the dash lights have come on - red triangle, check engine, VSC and (!) symbol - with a circle inside the (). Noise checked at Toyota dealer service center and confirmed it's the brake actuator system No inspection by the manufacturer, police, insurance rep, or others The sound came first when pressing the brake pedal and then the lights came on after taking to the service center

Structure › BodyFire
Filed Aug 3, 2023VA

Catalytic converter is easily accessible and there should be a recall to have a safety operation and stop all these cars from being sold in the market because there is a rise in many thefts of the catalytic converter due to it being very easily accusable without any guard in place to prevent thieves from getting to it to remove and sell for parts. Spray paint can be cleaned off and vin numbers can be sanded down. simply trying that will not work. i was unaware that it was stolen off of the vehicle until i drove it a little ways to where the vehicle was then burning and i could smell it catching on fire

Electrical System
Filed Jul 18, 2023AZ

When the 12-volt battery in this car dies, there is NO warning light to indicate the battery is dead or is running low. The driver is given no warning or indication prior to the car being disabled. Once the battery dies, the vehicle immediately decelerates, there is no acceleration, the braking system becomes mostly disabled, and the power steering is not functional. The car becomes disabled, while being driven, without warning. When this event happens, there is a high pitched screaching alarm, and the majority of the dash lights turn on. None of which indicate there is an issue with the 12-volt battery. The large red triangle light with the exclamation mark comes on, as well the lights indicating that there is a problem with the brakes. Additional dash lights also turn on during this dangerous event. The rear view monitor screen states that there is an issue with the transmission. The reality that a minor 12- volt battery is responsible for disabling a vehicle is extremely dangerous, especially since it happens when the car is being driven. This is a serious issue. Toyota must include an indicator light that warns the driver the battery is low prior to the car being being disabled. Please investigate this matter, as it seems to be a common problem, based on online research. My safety was in jeopardy due to the fact that I was driving the car on a main road, with moderate traffic, and lost control of the car as it became disabled. To get my car off of the road required the as

Hybrid Propulsion System
Filed Jun 6, 2023160,000 milesDC

The contact owns a 2007 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while at a stop light, she attempted to drive however, the vehicle failed to exceed 25 MPH. The HC battery, ECU, and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the vehicle displayed DTC code: P3190 (Engine Failure). The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the hybrid battery was severely drained, and the mechanic retrieved DTC codes: P3000 and P0A80 for the hybrid battery pack. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to another independent mechanic, who replaced the battery, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000. The contact stated the vehicle was actually overfilled with oil at the mechanic's shop that performed the oil change, so that is what caused the issues with my vehicle.

Unknown or OtherCrash1 injured
Filed Apr 27, 2023OR

Unknown I had just financed the vehicle 2-3 days prior.

Visibility › Windshield
Filed Mar 13, 202390,000 milesVA

The contact owns a 2007 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving at 60 MPH, the front windshield became foggy while driving at night. The contact stated that the defogger was operational; however, there was an extended period before the windshield was cleared. The contact stated that the vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that a dealer informed him that the windshields were made of cheap material. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Mar 7, 2023172,000 milesCT

Due to water infiltration from a poorly manufactured hatchback, water is able to get inside the "Supply Assy, Brake Control Power" module in the trunk of the second generation Prius. This part ultimately shorts out and fails causing a loss of regenerative braking and a "brake warning light". Toyota seems to be aware of the problem as a replacement module is now sold in a "water proof sheet" (see attached). Toyota has also moved this module to a different location (away from the rear wall of the Prius) in other hybrid vehicles (such as in the Camry where it has been moved forward). I wonder if the hybrid batteries in the Prius also fail due to water infiltration in the rear sections of these cars.

Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 6, 2023PA

After pressing gas pedal almost all the way - it stuck for few seconds. I was able to stop by heavy braking. Has nothing to do with floor mats!

Exterior Lighting
Filed Nov 25, 2022DC

Toyota North America failed to notify me of the latent defect in the Headlight Operating System. I have had ongoing issues with the flickering of the lights for multiple years. I finally saved up enough money to try and fix the problem and spent $2854.34. After multiple failed attempts to get the problem fixed and having both headlights shut off simultaneously, I went to Alexandria Toyota in Virginia on October 20,2022 to get the problem diagnosed. The Automobile Status Report showed that the failed headlights were a direct result of the latent defect in the Headlight Operating System that was repaired free of charge in two separate Support Programs; one that ended in 2012, and the other in 2013. When I contacted Customer Support Service on October 24, 2022, to inquire when Toyota contacted me and where they sent the Support Program Information regarding the headlight issue, none of the three managers could tell me the date this was sent out, nor the address. I didn’t own the car in 2012, and never received the 2017 notice. If I had received this information, I would have brought my vehicle in at that time. I purchased this vehicle back in 2013 as a “Toyota Certified Vehicle” with the understanding that the 160-point quality assurance meant that this was a safe and reliable vehicle, and that any problems or latent defects were fixed. Toyota misrepresented themselves and are in contradiction with their own policy that states: “The TCUV policy prohibits the certification of any

Electrical System
Filed Nov 3, 2022CA

Instrument panel cluster failure. Panel goes black while driving and lose power. Vehicle won’t start or shut off. My vehicle was getting serviced at the dealership and they couldn’t start the vehicle. I was told the instrument panel cluster was the problem. I contacted Toyota Customer Service, and was told they were aware of the issue. They had issued an extended warranty and sent out a letter to all owners this warranty has expired in 2016. If you purchased your vehicle after 2016 you would not have received any notice regarding this. While driving you can’t see you speed, your gear selection, fuel level, lights and no warning lights. The warning is that your vehicle won’t start or shut off.

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 18, 2022TX

Toyota has admitted that their BRAKE ACTUATOR assembly on their 2007 Prius FAILS and they will fix it for no charge BUT ONLY IF YOU COMPLAIN. The brake actuator on my 2007 Prius is now failing and the braking system has become UNRELIABLE and UNSAFE. Toyota should replace my failing brake actuator with a new unit for no cost because this is a SAFETY ISSUE. I refuse to pay $3000 out of my own pocket to repair an item which has a long history of FAILING.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 19, 2022IA

Driver side light intermittently shut off until I turn the lights off and then they come back on for a little while and then I have to repeat the process

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Abs Warning Light
Filed Jul 5, 2022203,202 milesNC

The contact owns a 2007 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving the speed was unknown due to the instrument cluster being inoperable. On another occasion while driving approximately 45 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but failed to operate properly; however, on that occasion the instrument cluster was operating as designed. The vehicle stability control, ABS, and brake light warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with an actuator and brake booster failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 203,202.

Tires › Sidewall
Filed May 6, 2022AZ

PURCHASED 4 TRAVELSTAR UN99 205/55R16 91V STEEL BELTED RADIAL TIRES PROFESSIONALLY INSTALLED. IN LESS THAN 20 MILES OF DRIVING, NOTICED BULGE ON FRONT DRIVER OUTER SIDEWALL, DRIECTLY ABOVE THE VALVE STEM. NO DAMAGE TO RIM, NOTHING WAS RUN OVER OR HIT. SELLER OF TIRES WAS AUTOPLICITY REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING, CITING THAT A BULGE ON THE SIDEWALL USUALLY OCCURS DUE TO A POSSIBLE ROAD HAZARD, IMPROPER INFLATION, EXCESSIVE LOAD IMPACT, OR AN INSTALLERS ERROR AND IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY. THE SELLER DID NOT ASK FOR ANY PHOTOS PRIOR TO MAKING THIS DECISION. WE HAVECONTACTED AMAZON.COM, WHOM WAS THE DISTRIBUTOR FOR AUTOBLICITY. SHOULD THIS TIRE FAIL, THERE WOULD BE A LOSS OF CONTROL DUE TO ITS LOCATION OF THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE. THIS WOULD PUT BOTH THE DRIVER AND OTHER PERSONS IN THE AREA AT RISK. THIS BATCH OF TIRES NEEDS TO BE RECALLED.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 22, 2022FL

I was driving and all of my dashboard lights disappeared, I couldn't see anything. I was suddenly driving blind. I pulled over but the car would not turn off. I tried again and again, but it would just not turn off. I called Toyota corporate they asked how far I was to a Toyota dealer and told me to take it there immediately. They gave me a case number 220322000191. When I got to the dealer, they said I would have to pay $150 for a diagnosis. I left it there and am now reporting this. There should be a recall on these vehicles, this is extremely dangerous.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 15, 2022UT

The Dash display (shows the speedometer, warning lights, etc) won't come on, and the rear back up camera doesn't either. They seem to both stop at the same time on start up. The car seems to run fine otherwise.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Mar 10, 2022180,000 milesCA

The contact owned a 2007 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving approximately 30-35 MPH, the vehicle in front of her slammed on the brakes, causing her vehicle to crash into its rear end. The air bags failed to deploy. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact sustained a severe whiplash. The contact was able to exit the vehicle through the front passenger side window. The contact stated that her son transported her to the hospital, where she was informed that she had sustained a concussion and neck abrasion injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a collision shop, where it was totaled. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The failure mileage was approximately a 180,000. The VIN was not not available.

Service Brakes
Filed Feb 21, 2022IL

The abs actuator failed which caused the breaks to act up.also casue warning lights.and noise from the pump.it also can casue the hybrid battery to fail because it can't charge right

Electrical System
Filed Nov 20, 2021DC

After I had auxiliary battery replaced at a Toyota dealer 10/13/21, I started noticing that intermittently, when I turned the car on that the lights on my instrument panel would not be lit (can't see speed, odometer, gas gauge). Then noticed other strange things when the instrument panel was dark, such as the back-up camera would not work, had a hard time turning the car off, and back trunk hatch would not open. Took it back to dealer on 11/12/21, thinking problem was related to the battery replacement. First service advisor said that it was the combination meter...that they see it all of the time with Prius'. While waiting for my car, I googled "combination meter" and saw how ultimately dangerous its malfunction could be over time - e.g. the electrical braking system fails and you have to use your emergency brake to stop the car, which would be exceedingly dangerous at 65 mph. When checking out, my service rep agreed with me that it is a safety and Toyota issue, but there was nothing the dealer could do but replace it (at cost to me of $1100+). I took to a non-dealer who read the code - B1271: "Combination Meter ECU communication stopped. Called Toyota who told me it had not been recalled for safety, but there was a warranty enhancement program to cover the replacement of combination meters, which had expired for my car in 2016. There was nothing they could do except contact the customer relations rep at dealer where I am taking car to get fixed on 11/22/21. They took no res

Electrical System
Filed Oct 13, 2021CA

Instrument cluster panel goes completely out and blank, speedometer lost, and dash lights gone and causing other issues such as not being able to turn off vehicle, loss of cruise control, unable to open trunk, navigation screen unable to turn off, backup camera not functioning, front lights going on and off while driving at night.

Service Brakes
Filed Oct 5, 2021FL

Brake Actuator Re. Vin: [XXX] On 4/13/21 my Toyota Prius '07 was diagnosed by Toyota of Hollywood of a bad abs actuator that needs to be replaced. The fact of the matter is that about 28 months before that on 2/14/19 the Actuator assembly was replaced by Toyota of North Miami after being diagnosed first by Toyota of Hollywood. The reason I choose to do the job in north Miami is because it was less costly. My question is how can a genuine Toyota part fail in just 28 months.? Many Prius owners have been experiencing this safety issue since 2018. The warranty enhancement program ended before the fact in 2017. And there seem to be a misprint because how can the Secondary Coverage end on the same date as the Primary Coverage? (2017) When you use the date of first use of a 2007 Prius. Toyota needs to do another Recall for this safety problem. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 23, 2021VA

The hooks holding the driver's side carpet in place have popped loose, causing the carpet to slide around unpredictably. I'm fairly sure there was a recall a few years ago about this (we did take the car into the dealership at the time) but this is worse. I mentioned this to them circa 6/21, but they saw no active recalls then.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jul 13, 2021CO

Front right light keeps going out, if I turn it off and turn it back on it works. Had the bulb replaced, still having issues.

Service BrakesCrash
Filed Jul 7, 2021TX

Under hard braking (over 50% of the pedal) the front passenger wheel applies all the force to stop the car to that one tire causing it to lose traction and skid. Brakes are insufficient to properly stop the vehicle and no warning lights are illuminated on the dash. Actually more than half of the time the whole dash does nothing, no MPH, no gas gauge, nothing but a blacked out information less panel. Then to top it off the car only has one headlight bc it blows what ever headlight I put into the ballast. 3 of the most common failures for a 2007 and my Prius has a grand slam assortment of serious potential life threatening problems that should have been repaired (never should have been assembled with) by Toyota. Minor wreck when attempting to stop the car under not driving conditions. Thankfully no one was hurt and only had to replace the front hood, bumper and radiator and support but have deemed the car as not road worthy and unfit for any driving conditions.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 7, 2021FL

My car when stopped and running lunges forward

Air Bags
Filed Jul 3, 2021CA

Abs vsc brake light on

Service Brakes
Filed Jun 6, 2021VA

When turning car on the car beeps loudly for 10-15 seconds. The brakes will randomly lock up. They do not always work properly on hills.

Service Brakes
Filed Apr 22, 202185,000 milesIL

BRAKE ACTUATOR PUMP IS A KNOWN ISSUE ON THIS GENERATION PRIUS AND TOYOTA HAS STOP OFFERING A WARRANTY BEFORE I EVEN GOT THE VEHICLE.

Service Brakes
Filed Mar 8, 202165,000 milesGA

MY CAR HAS ONLY 65,000 MILES ON IT AND THE ABS ACTUATOR HAS FAILED. BEFORE GETTING IT REPAIRED, THERE WERE MANY INSTANCES WHEN THE BRAKING POWER WAS SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED. THIS IS CLEARLY A SAFETY ISSUE THAT TOYOTA IS AWARE OF, BUT NOT WILLING TO REPAIR. I AM SHOCKED THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO RECALL.

Suspension
Filed Feb 9, 202190,575 milesOH

DRIVER REAR COIL SPRING BROKE. ONE END OF IT SEEMS TO HAVE A CHUNK BROKEN OFF. I HAVE THE COIL SPRING. I HAD THE DEALER REPLACE THE SPRING SO I DO HAVE REPAIR INVOICE. I NOTICED THE CAR SITTING LOW ON DRIVER'S REAR CORNER WHILE SITTING IN MY GARAGE. I HAVE AN IDENTICAL MODEL, A 2009 PRIUS, SITTING NEXT TO THIS AFFECTED CAR, (A 2007 PRIUS). THE GARAGE FLOOR IS A FLAT CONCRETE SLAB.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 28, 202125,000 milesOR

DRIVER SIDE HEADLIGHT WHEN TURNED ON RANDOMLY GOES OFF I HAVE TO TURN THE LIGHTS OFF AGAIN AND THEN IT TURNS BACK ON BUT A LOT OF TIMES IT'LL KEEP TURNING OFF. IT'S BEEN DOING THIS FOR YEARS. I RARELY DRIVE MY CAR ONLY HAS 35K MILES ON IT.

EngineFire
Filed Jan 25, 2021140,000 milesGA

TL* THE CONTACT'S GIRLFRIEND OWNED A 2007 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS GIRLFRIEND WAS DRIVING AT 55 MPH, A GRAYISH SMOKE BEGAN TO EMIT FROM THE ENGINE WITHOUT WARNING. HIS GIRLFRIEND THEN IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER AND EXITED THE VEHICLE WITH HER SON AS THE SMOKE QUICKLY TURNED INTO FLAMES. THE FIRE SPREAD RAPIDLY AND THE VEHICLE EXPLODED. AS A RESULT, THE AUTHORITIES ARRIVED AT THE SCENE AND THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED; NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. DUE TO THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT REMAINED IN THEIR POSSESSION. THE DEALER NOR MANUFACTURER HAD YET TO BE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED DUE TO THE FIRE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 140,000. *LN *JB

Steering
Filed Jan 23, 2021145,000 milesMA

ON NOVEMBER 14, 2020, MY 2007 TOYOTA PRIUS HAD A LOSS OF STEERING THE STEERING WHEEL WAS NO LONGER CONNECTED TO THE FRONT WHEELS OF THE CAR. PARKING ON A CITY STREET ATLANTIC TOYOTA DID NOT PERFORM THE RECALL ON MARCH 12,2013 FOR THE COT RECALL THIS IS WHAT CAUSED THE LOSS OF STEERING. THE CAR WAS REPAIRED AT A PRIVATE GARAGE FOR THE LOSS OF STEERING AND THE PART THAT FAILED WAS THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE EXTENSION SHAFT THE PART THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED UNDER THE COT RECALL DONE AT ATLANTIC TOYOTA. (THE SHAFT REPLACEMENT DEPENDS ON WHETHER THE BOLT HOLE HAS A 'COUNTERSINK', ACCORDING TO THE TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED TO DEALERS, T-CP-C0T-A510-D. THE SHAFT THAT WAS REMOVED AND, IN MY POSSESSION, HAS A COUNTERSINK). HOW COULD THIS HAPPEN TOYOTA IDENTIFIED A DEFECTIVE PART AND ISSUED A RECALL I BROUGHT MY CAR TO A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND THE WORK WAS NOT DONE. WITH THE LOSS OF STEERING THERE IS A CONCERN ABOUT SAFETY AND CONFIDENCE IN THE VEHICLE, AND NOTHING IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN THAT. I AM SENDING THIS EMAIL TODAY BECAUSE WE KNOW THAT SOMETHING HAS GONE TERRIBLY WRONG. THE SYSTEM MEANT TO SAFEGUARD AGAINST FAULTY VEHICLES HAS FAILED, AND IT NEEDS TO BE FIXED.

Complaints 1-50 of 2,004, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2010
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20266100Routine
202516200Routine
202427400Routine
202321401Fatalities reported
202224100Routine
20216000Routine
202014000Routine
201930300Routine
201837100Routine
201791320Routine
2016155500Routine
2015166113Fatalities reported
2014210310Above average
2013414340Above average
2012424620Above average
2011522670Above average
20102,82310132Fatalities reported
2009502642Fatalities reported
20081,497467Fatalities reported
2007 — this page2,004491Fatalities reported
20061,440651Fatalities reported
20051,051641Fatalities reported
2004610620Above average
200399100Routine
2002167245Fatalities reported
2001165330Routine
20004000Routine

Compare every Prius year →

2007 Toyota Prius: questions buyers ask

Is the 2007 Toyota Prius a good car?

Going by the federal record, it is one of the Prius years to avoid: owners filed 2,004 complaints, 6.4 times as many as a typical Prius year. The most common complaint is about the headlights (49%).

What is the most common problem with the 2007 Toyota Prius?

The headlights: 976 of the 2,004 complaints (49%) are about it. The typical report comes at 48,125 miles.

How many recalls does the 2007 Toyota Prius have?

4 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Nov 14, 2012. The largest, 09V388000, covered 4,445,056 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 2007 Toyota Prius problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 50,400 miles. For the headlights the midpoint is 48,125 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 2007 Toyota Prius?

Yes, 3 times. The latest, DP22005 ("Pedestrian alert sounds"), was opened Jan 27, 2023 and closed Aug 7, 2023.

Are there service bulletins for the 2007 Toyota Prius?

The manufacturer filed 219 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the electrical system (43), the body and frame (39) and the engine (16). They include a warranty extension, ZG1_Dealer email, filed Apr 19, 2016. A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

1 death reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Nov 14, 2012. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.