Model year guide

2021 Toyota prius prime

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2021 Toyota prius prime is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1 on record.

2021 Toyota prius prime — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2021 Toyota prius prime at a glance

Owner complaints10
Combined54 mpg

Free: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2021 Toyota prius prime common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Back Over Prevention
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Forward Collision Avoidance
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

2021 Toyota prius prime MPG & running costs

Combined54 mpg
City55 mpg
Highway53 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$1,250
EPA size classMidsize Cars
TransmissionAutomatic (variable gear ratios)
Electric range640 mi
Charge time (240V)2 hours
Engine start-stopYes
Passenger volume91 cu ft
Cargo volume20 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$7,500 less

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2021 Toyota prius prime costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$6,250
Fuel only$6,250
Per mile$0.08

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2021 Toyota prius prime trims & engines on record

Engines
1.8L 4-cyl 96 hp

2021 Toyota prius prime vehicles on record

2021 Toyota prius prime 2021 Toyota prius primeJTDKAMFPXM3172221

Other Toyota prius prime model years

2020 2019 2018 2017

2021 Toyota prius prime — frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Toyota prius prime?

Across all 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, service brakes, fuel/propulsion system.

What gas mileage does the 2021 Toyota prius prime get?

The 2021 Toyota prius prime has a U.S. EPA estimate of 54 mpg combined (55 city / 53 highway).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.