2006 Toyota Prius Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

2006 Toyota Prius recalls

Most common 2006 Toyota Prius problems

Problem areas named in the 1,440 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem area	Reports
Exterior Lighting	947
Electrical System	153
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	101
Vehicle Speed Control	84
Service Brakes	73
Service Brakes, Electric	45
Air Bags	32
Unknown Or Other	25
Engine	25
Steering	22

What owners report

2026-10-27, Electrical System
The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to turn off intermittently, requiring that the power button to be pressed continuously until the vehicle turned off. In addition, the instrument cluster was inoperable often. The contact stated that a chime failed to engage while reversing. A triangle warning light was previously illuminated. The message "Tire Pressure Maintenance Needed" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the failure was primarily associated with the instrument cluster. The dealer determined that the instrument cluster and other unknown components needed to be replaced.

2026-05-07, Service Brakes
I was involved in an auto accident on 4/20/2026 @ 6:23 PM. I was driving a 2006 Prius and the vehicle in front of me stopped to make a left turn. I applied my brakes, which grabbed slightly and then released. I then had to hit the brakes hard and they did the same thing again. I ended up rear-ending the vehicle in front of me and had to go to the hospital. I’ve been out of work since the accident, and I feel this was not my fault DUE TO FAULTY BRAKING SYSTEM ON THIS VEHICLE. My vehicle was declared a total loss, by the insurance company After doing my own research I have found many accidents with this type of vehicle that has had rear end accidents with injuries and some fatalities. it als

2026-03-13, Service Brakes
I am looking to receive a little bit more assistance regarding my daughter's first car that she worked very hard for. It is a 2006 Toyota Prius. It was garage-kept and owned by an older couple who only put 85,000 miles on it. It is really a gem of a car. Soon after we registered the car, my daughter was out driving with her father. While going through a 4-way stop, she found that the brakes had failed and she was unable to stop at the intersection. Luckily, she was with her father, and he was able to give her verbal instruction to guide the both of them to safety. Upon further investigation, we learned that there was a recall on the Brake Actuator Assembly in 2016. Which is the part that

2025-10-06, Air Bags
The contact owned a 2006 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while slowly driving into an intersection and turning left at less than 3 MPH, the owner of a Ford F-150 coming from the driver's side of the vehicle at 35 MPH crashed into their driver's side door. The crash caused the vehicle to slide to a complete stop. None of the air bags deployed. The driver of the Ford F-150 stated that the sun created a glare, preventing them from noticing the red light they had driven through. The contact's vehicle was towed and deemed totaled by their insurance. A police report was filed. The contact received a broken rib, rotator cuff, whiplash, and back injuries. Medical attention was needed. The de

2025-01-02, Service Brakes
The following describes a near total failure of the brake system that accompanies and is triggered by routine aging of the battery. I believe this applies to multiple model years and editions of the Prius, based on reports by other owners on owners' discussion groups. I believe this should have the highest severity level. Here is what happens: An alarm is sounded, several warning lights ABS, VCS appear, and soon after that, the front brakes stop working. The rear brakes then prove ineffective and lock up. The happens with high frequency under any of the following conditions: (a) as the battery approaches 3yrs age, (b) it is excessively cold outside. (c) there is a higher than typi

2006 Toyota Prius questions

Does the 2006 Toyota Prius have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls for the 2006 Toyota Prius: Engine And Engine Cooling; Hybrid Propulsion System: Inverter; Steering; Steering:Gear Box:Shaft Sector; Equipment:Other:Labels; Vehicle Speed Control:Accelerator Pedal; Steering:Electric Power Assist System. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2006 Toyota Prius?

Based on 1,440 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Exterior Lighting (947), Electrical System (153), Service Brakes, Hydraulic (101).

How do I check if a recall on my 2006 Toyota Prius has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.