Sign inCreate free garage
Research · Midsize Cars

2009 Toyota PriusRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls and 502 owner complaints for the 2009 Toyota Prius. Most complaints involve exterior lighting (111) and service brakes, hydraulic (91). The EPA rates it 46 mpg combined.

Check a VINAdd to my garage
Combined MPG
46mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
6campaigns
Latest Jan 2013
Owner complaints
502
Top: exterior lighting
Fuel cost / yr
$1,400est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

6 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Air bags: sensor

Free remedy

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.

Air bagsReported Jan 16, 2013NHTSA 13V014000

Steering

Free remedy

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.

SteeringReported Nov 14, 2012NHTSA 12V537000

Engine and engine cooling

Free remedy

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.

Engine and engine coolingReported Nov 14, 2012NHTSA 12V536000
See all 6 recalls with remedies
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 4, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

502 complaints filed with NHTSA · Dec 2008 – Jun 2026
  1. Exterior lighting111
  2. Service brakes, hydraulic91
  3. Vehicle speed control71
  4. Service brakes63
  5. Electrical system60
  6. Service brakes, electric44
  7. Power train22
  8. Engine19
  9. Structure19

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Prius model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
2001170
2002193
2003111
2004610
20051,051
20061,440
20072,004
20081,497
2009502
20102,823
2011523
2012688
2013414
2014241
2015166
2016181
201791
201838
201930
202014
20216
202224
202321
202427
202516
Crashes reported
64
Fires reported
4
Injuries reported
27
Deaths reported
2
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 4, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Exterior lighting

111 reports1 crash
“Headlights intermittently go off, and I wound have to switch it off and on for light to come back on, but for few minutes until it does it again, and I drive Uber at night. I have searched the problem online, it seems to be a common problem on the second generation Prius from 04-09, I called few repair shops and they acknowledged the problem but did not have an answer to solve it.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 15, 2021Exterior lightingODI 11429147

Service brakes, hydraulic

91 reports11 crashes
“The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact stated that the ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the extended warranty had expired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the extended warranty had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 174,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 8, 2026Service brakes, hydraulicODI 11729947

Vehicle speed control

71 reports26 crashes
“When I am coming to a stop or need to put on my brakes my car will accelerate at a jump ahead pace As if to take off instead of slowing down and stopping. Regardless whether I’m turning a corner or I’m continuing straight when I have to Put on the brakes it speeds up instead.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 12, 2025Vehicle speed control, Unknown or otherODI 11647997
All 2009 Prius problemsSend a problem to a mechanic on findmechanic.ai
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 4, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

1 version rated by the EPA
EPA class
Midsize Cars
Engines
1.5L 4-cyl hybrid
Transmissions
Automatic (variable gear ratios)
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

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 4, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Prius
Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 1.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
484546$1,400193
  • Prius
    Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 1.5 L
    48 city · 45 hwy · $1,400/yr
    46
    mpg comb.
Estimate your fuel costCost of ownership
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 4, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2009 Toyota Prius as of Nov 4, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 4, 2026Vehicle 5346
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat 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.
09 —FAQ

2009 Prius questions

How many recalls does the 2009 Toyota Prius have?

6 safety recalls as of Nov 4, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2009 Toyota Prius problems?

Owners filed 502 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are exterior lighting (111), service brakes, hydraulic (91), vehicle speed control (71). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2009 Toyota Prius get?

The EPA rates the 2009 Toyota Prius at 46 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 4, 2026