Research · Midsize Cars
2021 Toyota Prius PrimeRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 10 owner complaints for the 2021 Toyota Prius Prime. Most complaints involve electrical system (4) and service brakes (2). The EPA rates it 54 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Combined MPG
54mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
10
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$1,100est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2021 Toyota Prius Prime as of Nov 11, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 11, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
10 complaints filed with NHTSA · May 2021 – Mar 2026
- Electrical system4
- Service brakes2
- Fuel/propulsion system2
- Power train2
- Back over prevention1
- Forward collision avoidance1
- Service brakes, hydraulic1
- Vehicle speed control1
- Air bags1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Electrical system
4 reports1 crash
“Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2021 Toyota Prius Prime. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of the purchase, the vehicle mileage was 73,000. It was later discovered upon checking the vehicle history report with a Local dealer, the contact was informed that the mileage was 274,000.”
Service brakes
2 reports2 crashes
“I was slowly entering a handicapped parking place right in front of a business. The distance from the front of the parking space to the building wall was about 15 feet, one car length. I approached the place to stop in the parking spot when in a split second the car violently surged forward and would have crashed into the cinderblock wall had there not been a supporting post on the building and a metal frame with equipment which stopped the forward movement. The surge was explosive, almost like the acceleration of an airplane taking off. The whole incident took a second or two. There was no opportunity for any driver response to the surge. Had we not been using seatbelts, the front seat passenger & myself would have gone into the windshield and perhaps been killed or very seriously injured. Had I not been driving toward the building when the violent episode occurred, I likely would have hit someone in the parking area and killed or seriously injured people or crashed into park cars. Our injuries were relatively minor due to the seatbelts. The passenger will need therapy on her neck and back. A week later we are still emotionally stressed. There were no…”
Fuel/propulsion system
2 reports1 crash
“Rodents accessed and damaged the car because there essentials components are not protected.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 11, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
1 version rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Midsize Cars
- Engines
- 1.8L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid
- Transmissions
- Automatic (variable gear ratios)
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- EV range
- 640 mi (EPA)
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prius Prime Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 55 | 53 | 54 | $1,100 | 78 |
- 54mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5Toyota PRIUS PRIME 5 HB FWD
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 10.7%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 11, 2026Vehicle 15191
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2021 Prius Prime questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Toyota Prius Prime have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 11, 2026.
What are the most common 2021 Toyota Prius Prime problems?
Owners filed 10 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (4), service brakes (2), fuel/propulsion system (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2021 Toyota Prius Prime get?
The EPA rates the 2021 Toyota Prius Prime at 54 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).
How safe is the 2021 Toyota Prius Prime?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2021 Toyota Prius Prime 5 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 11, 2026