Makes›Toyota›Prius›2007

2007 Toyota Prius

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2007 models.

Toyota Prius
Pictured: Toyota Prius 2.0 HEV Limited (V) – f 18112022. Photo: © M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Midsize Cars
Body styles
4dr Hatch FWD
Engines
1.5L 4-cyl
Horsepower
76 hp
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Hybrid
MPG (best)
46 combined · 48 city / 45 hwy
Length
175.6 in
Curb weight
2,943 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
3 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 46 MPG combined — 119% better than the average 2007 midsize car (21 MPG).
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.

Watch out for

  • Modest powerUp to 76 hp, versus about 140 hp for similar 2007 models.
  • Many owner complaints459 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 55 for similar models — most often about the exterior lighting.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 25 similar 2007 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2007 Toyota Prius is a midsize car offered with a 1.5L 4-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive.

It measures about 176 inches long and 68 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,943 lb.

EPA rates its most efficient version at 46 MPG combined (48 city / 45 highway), 119% better than the 2007 midsize car average of 21 MPG, for an estimated $1,450 a year in fuel.

It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 459 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the exterior lighting.

What changed for 2007

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2006 Prius — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2006; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2006 Prius →

Trims, performance & features

Engine76 hp1.5L 4-cyl hybrid
Engine–1.8L 4-cyl hybrid

Trims

NHW20LZVW41L

Built in: Toyota City, Aichi

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 2 2007 Prius configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr Hatch FWD175.6 in68.1 in58.3 in106.3 in58.3 / 57.5 in2,943 lb60/40

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Prius Hybrid1.5L 4-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)Front-Wheel Drive48 / 45 / 46+119%$1,450193
Save $4,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
21 MPG2007 Midsize Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2007 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2007 Toyota Prius under the current (2011+) test program.

Similar 2007 midsize cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2007 Toyota Prius (this car)46 MPGNot rated3
2007 Toyota Corolla31 MPGNot rated7
2007 Honda Civic42 MPGNot rated7
2007 Hyundai Elantra28 MPGNot rated4
2007 Ford Focus27 MPGNot rated0
2007 Mitsubishi Lancer26 MPGNot rated2
2007 Nissan Sentra28 MPGNot rated0

Recalls (3)

Hybrid Propulsion System › Inverter · Nov 14, 2012

NHTSA campaign 12V536000 · 350,662 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
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. The recall began on January 17, 2013. Owners may contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.
Steering › Gear Box › Shaft Sector · Nov 14, 2012

NHTSA campaign 12V537000 · 669,705 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
Over time, the splines may wear and eventually fail resulting in a loss of steering ability, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the extension shaft and replace it if it is one with insufficient hardness, free of charge. The recall began during December 2012. Owners may contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Feb 3, 2010

NHTSA campaign 10V036000 · 153,418 vehicles

Problem
SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
Risk
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. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2007 Toyota Prius is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

459Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
31Involved a crash
5Involved a fire
31Injuries reported
110,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Exterior Lighting163
Service Brakes108
Electrical System83
Unknown Or Other46
Structure › Body44
Engine25
Vehicle Speed Control21
Air Bags20
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
22/07: 222/08: 122/11: 223/02: 123/03: 223/04: 123/06: 123/07: 123/08: 123/09: 123/10: 223/11: 124/01: 124/02: 124/04: 124/05: 124/07: 124/08: 224/09: 224/11: 125/03: 125/06: 126/01: 126/10: 122/0723/0223/0623/0924/0124/0524/0925/06max 2

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2007 Toyota Prius buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Exterior Lighting — 163 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
  3. Service Brakes — 108 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
  4. Electrical System — 83 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 110,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2007 Toyota Prius. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Prius years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Prius55–Not rated00
2026 Prius57181.1 inNot rated110
2025 Prius57181.1 in★★★★★218
2024 Prius57181.1 in★★★★★427
2023 Prius57181.1 in★★★★★421
2022 Prius56178.7 in★★★★★124
2021 Prius56178.7 in★★★★★06
2020 Prius56178.7 in★★★★★014
2019 Prius56178.7 in★★★★★330
2018 Prius56178.7 in★★★★★137
2017 Prius56178.7 in★★★★★391
2016 Prius56178.7 inNot rated5155

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Toyota. How we calculate this →