CarRecallWatchThe 2011 Toyota Prius has 6 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 522 complaints with NHTSA, including 37 crashes, 7 fires, 17 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Service Brakes (265 reports).
NHTSA rates it up to 5 stars overall for crash safety, depending on the version.
2011 Toyota Prius recalls
Prius Hybrid System Can Shut Off While Driving, Raising Crash Risk
Excessive voltage in the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) inside the inverter can cause the hybrid propulsion system to shut down unexpectedly, which may stall the vehicle while it is being driven.
Side curtain airbag inflator may eject into cabin
A weld in the curtain shield airbag inflator can crack, which may cause one or both parts of the inflator to eject into the passenger cabin.
Aftermarket Seat Heaters May Short Circuit and Cause Fire
Certain vehicles were equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters that have a copper strand heating element.
Most common 2011 Toyota Prius problems
Problem areas named in the 522 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Service Brakes | 265 |
| Electrical System | 68 |
| Exterior Lighting | 48 |
| Engine | 47 |
| Air Bags | 46 |
| Unknown Or Other | 28 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 28 |
| Power Train | 18 |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 16 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 12 |
What owners report
I was driving the vehicle and a bunch of dash lights came on regarding traction control and stability and lost all brakes and almost caused an accident! The codes thrown showed a fluid level indicator and a leak in accumulator
I was driving on the highway when my 2011 Toyota Prius started beeping repeatedly, and as I approached the red light, my brakes were not operational. My car completely passed through the red light, narrowly missing what could have been a fatal accident for me and others on the road. I had to navigate to the furthest right lane, almost getting hit by others due to my speed and inability to stop my car. I was going at 50 mph through the intersection, and had to gradually lower my speed in the righthand lane. The Toyota dealership confirmed the issue with my brake accumulator, with a C1391 code. The only warnings were the brake light in the moment and the repeated beeping noise. To stop the car
2011 Toyota Prius with approximately 134,000 miles. The brake actuator/master cylinder has been diagnosed as malfunctioning and failing to maintain hydraulic pressure. The brake booster pump initially began cycling approximately every 10 seconds while the vehicle was in READY mode, stationary, and without the brake pedal being applied. The cycling subsequently increased to approximately every 3 seconds. The affected components remain installed and are available for inspection upon request prior to repair. Because this condition involves the braking system, I am concerned about the potential for reduced brake assistance or further brake system failure, as well as excessive wear on the booster
Coolant leak into the engine, confirmed by the Toyota servicing center. This may be a common problem with the Toyota Prius, causing early engine failure from a design defect.
I am filing this complaint to report an active, severe safety defect involving a sudden, un-warned loss of power braking assist due to a failing factory brake actuator/booster pump assembly. My vehicle is exhibiting the exact internal hydraulic seal failure, pressure drop, and audible hissing/sipping sound outlined in Toyota's prior technical service bulletins. Because the onboard ECU computer only triggers warning lights once a complete, catastrophic failure threshold is met, the system is currently masking the defect from the dashboard. However, the physical hardware is actively failing, requiring the high-pressure pump to run constantly to maintain braking pressure. This component failu
2011 Toyota Prius safety rating
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Toyota Prius 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ 5-star | 4 | 5 | 4 (12.1% rollover risk) |
2011 Toyota Prius questions
Does the 2011 Toyota Prius have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls for the 2011 Toyota Prius: Prius Hybrid System Can Shut Off While Driving, Raising Crash Risk; Side curtain airbag inflator may eject into cabin; Aftermarket Seat Heaters May Short Circuit and Cause Fire; Seats:Front Assembly:Seat Heater/Cooler; Electrical System:Software; Hybrid Propulsion System: Inverter. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Toyota Prius?
Based on 522 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Service Brakes (265), Electrical System (68), Exterior Lighting (48).
How safe is the 2011 Toyota Prius?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings program gives the 2011 Toyota Prius up to 5 out of 5 stars overall; ratings vary by version, see the table above.
How do I check if a recall on my 2011 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.