2009 Toyota Prius Problems
What owners have reported about the 2009 Toyota Prius, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
Is the 2009 Toyota Prius a good year?
It's one of the worst years for the Prius. Owners have filed 502 complaints with NHTSA, the 4th most of 13 Prius model years. The most reported problems involve the brakes, lights and acceleration and speed control.
502 complaints 6 recalls, 1 crash risk 4th worst of 13 Prius years
Top 2009 Toyota Prius problems
Brake problems
199 complaints (40%) name the brakes, most often the control unit / module and antilock / traction control / electronic limited slip.
Lighting problems
111 complaints (22%) name the lights, most often the headlights.
Acceleration problems
71 complaints (14%) name the acceleration and speed control, most often the accelerator pedal.
Electrical problems
60 complaints (12%) name the electrical system, most often the instrument cluster / panel and starter assembly.
Which parts fail most
Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (393 of 502). The amber line is the middle value, about 32,000 miles.
When problems were reported
Complaints by the year the problem happened.
2009 Toyota Prius recalls
Sensor / control module-inactive
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. If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.
Fix: Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary.
Recall 13V014000 · Jan 2013Steering shaft may wear and fail
Crash riskThe steering shaft connecting the steering wheel to the steering gear may have been made with metal splines that are not hard enough. Over time they can wear and break, causing a loss of steering control and raising the risk of a crash.
Fix: The dealer will inspect the steering extension shaft and replace it if it is one of the under-hardened parts, at no cost to you.
Recall 12V537000 · Nov 2012Inverter
Can stallDuring 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. The corroded coil wire may break and the water pump could stop. The corroded coil wire could cause a short circuit between coil wires and a possible open fuse, creating a stall-like condition of the hybrid system while the vehicle is being driven. This may increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix: Toyota will notify its owners, and dealers will replace the electric water pump, free of charge.
Recall 12V536000 · Nov 2012Labels
110, "tire selection and rims." these vehicles were sold without the requisite load carrying capacity modification labels. A driver may overload a vehicle which may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will mail to consumers the corrected label or the customer will have the option for dealers to install the label free of charge.
Recall 10V036000 · Feb 2010Labels
110, "tire selection and rims." these vehicles were sold between september 1, 2005 and june 2, 2008 without the requisite load carrying capacity modification labels. This does not meet the standard requirements.
Fix: Dealers will mail to consumers the corrected label or the customer will have the option for dealers to install the label free of charge. Dealers will also correct the owner's manual.
Recall 10V035000 · Feb 2010Accelerator pedal
The accelerator pedal can get stuck in the wide open position due to its being trapped by an unsecured or incompatible driver's floor mat. A stuck open accelerator pedal may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death.
Fix: Toyota filed an amended defect report on november 25, 2009, stating that dealers will modify the accelerator pedal and, on certain vehicles, alter the shape of the floor surface under the pedal. These changes address the risk of pedal entrapment due to interference with the floor mat.
Recall 09V388000 · Oct 2009Get an email when your 2009 Toyota Prius gets a new recall
We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2009 Toyota Prius, you'll hear about it the same week.
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Prius years to avoid
Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.
2009 Toyota Prius problems by system
Common questions
Is the 2009 Toyota Prius a reliable year?
It's one of the worst years for the Prius. Owners have filed 502 complaints with NHTSA, the 4th most of 13 Prius model years. The most reported problems involve the brakes, lights and acceleration and speed control.
What are the most common 2009 Toyota Prius problems?
Owners most often report problems with the brakes, lights, acceleration and speed control and electrical system. 199 complaints (40%) name the brakes, most often the control unit / module and antilock / traction control / electronic limited slip.
At what mileage do 2009 Toyota Prius brakes problems start?
Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 7,000–78,000 miles, with a middle value near 17,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2009 Toyota Prius have?
6. Sensor / control module-inactive (13V014000); Steering shaft may wear and fail (12V537000); Inverter (12V536000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Should I buy a used 2009 Toyota Prius?
Ask for service records covering the brakes, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2024, 2019 and 2018 models, which have the fewest complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.