Makes›Toyota›Prius›2010

2010 Toyota Prius

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2010 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 Premium/Touring/Nav
Engines
1.8L 4-cyl
Horsepower
132 hp
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Hybrid
MPG (best)
50 combined · 51 city / 48 hwy
Length
175.6 in
Curb weight
3,042 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
10 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 50 MPG combined — 125% better than the average 2010 midsize car (22.2 MPG).
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints925 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 64 for similar models — most often about the service brakes.
  • 10 recallsMore than similar models (about 3). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 25 similar 2010 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2010 Toyota Prius is a midsize car offered with a 1.8L 4-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive.

It measures about 176 inches long and 69 inches wide on a 107-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,042 lb.

EPA rates its most efficient version at 50 MPG combined (51 city / 48 highway), 125% better than the 2010 midsize car average of 22.2 MPG, for an estimated $1,350 a year in fuel.

It has 10 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 925 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the service brakes.

What changed for 2010

  • Engine added: 1.8L 4-cyl
  • Engine dropped: 1.5L 4-cyl
  • Best combined MPG up from 46 to 50

Compared with 2009; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2009 Prius →

Trims, performance & features

Engine–1.8L 4-cyl hybrid
Engine132 hp1.8L 4-cyl

Trims

ZVW30LL/LE

Built in: Toyota City, Aichi · Kariya, Aichi · Blue Springs, Mississippi

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2010 Prius configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr Hatch Premium/Touring/Nav175.6 in68.9 in58.3 in106.7 in59.8 / 60.2 in3,042 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 Hybrid1.8L 4-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)Front-Wheel Drive51 / 48 / 50+125%$1,350178
Save $5,250Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
22.2 MPG2010 Midsize Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2010 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2010 Toyota Prius under the current (2011+) test program.

Similar 2010 midsize cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2010 Toyota Prius (this car)50 MPGNot rated10
2010 Toyota Corolla30 MPGNot rated15
2010 Honda Civic42 MPGNot rated8
2010 Nissan GT-R17 MPGNot rated0
2010 Hyundai Elantra29 MPGNot rated4
2010 Ford Focus28 MPGNot rated0
2010 Mitsubishi Lancer26 MPGNot rated7

Recalls (10)

Hybrid Propulsion System · Oct 4, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V684000 · 807,329 vehicles

Problem
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Toyota Prius and 2012-2014 Toyota Prius V vehicles. Excessive voltage in the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) within the inverter may cause the hybrid system to shut down, causing the vehicle to stall while being driven.
Risk
If the hybrid system shuts down unexpectedly, it can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the motor/generator control electronic control unit (ECU) and the hybrid control ECU as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 22, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is J0V. Note: The software updates in this recall are needed even if the vehicle had the software previously updated under recalls 14V-053 or 15V-449.
Air Bags › Side/Window · Jun 30, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V487000 · 482,002 vehicles

Problem
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Toyota Prius, 2010 and 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid, and 2011-2012 Lexus CT200h vehicles. A weld in the curtain shield air bag inflator may crack causing one or both portions of the inflator to eject into the passenger cabin.
Risk
If either portion of the curtain shield air bag inflator ejects into the passenger cabin, there is an increased risk of injury to vehicle occupants.
Fix
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will install retention brackets to the curtain shield air bags, free of charge. The recall began on October 17, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota Customer Service Department at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is Toyota G0U, and Lexus GLJ.
Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler · Jun 2, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V396000 · 7,749 vehicles

Problem
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.
Risk
If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix
SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.
Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler · Nov 19, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V743000 · 3,233 vehicles

Problem
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 Rav4 and 4Runner. The affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.
Risk
Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.
Fix
SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge. The recall is expected to began in January 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.
Electrical System › Software · Feb 12, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V053000 · 698,457 vehicles

Problem
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2010 through 2014 Prius vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) inside the inverter module (a component of the hybrid system) contains transistors that may become damaged from high operating temperatures. If this occurs, various warning lamps will be illuminated on the instrument panel and the vehicle will have reduced power allowing it to only drive a short distance.
Risk
The vehicle may enter a fail-safe/limp-home mode that limits the drivability of the vehicle. The hybrid system could also shut down completely resulting in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Toyota will notify owners and dealers will update the software for both the motor/generator control electronic control unit (ECU) and the hybrid control ECU, free of charge. If an owner experiences a failure of the inverter before the vehicle receives updated software, the dealer will repair or replace the inverter assembly with a new one at no charge. The recall began on March 21, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Service Brakes · Jun 5, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V235000 · 87,060 vehicles

Problem
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2010 Prius vehicles manufactured March 31, 2009, through October 9, 2009; and model year 2010 Lexus HS250h vehicles manufactured June 19, 2009, through October 9, 2009. Nitrogen gas from a component of the brake booster pump assembly could leak into the brake fluid.
Risk
As nitrogen is released into the brake fluid, the brake pedal may have reduced hydraulic pressure. Under certain circumstances, this condition could affect stopping distance and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected brake booster pump assemblies. The recall began on August 7, 2013. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Seats · Jan 16, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V014000 · 3,235 vehicles

Problem
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. 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.
Risk
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. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
Service Brakes, Air › Antilock › Control Unit/Module · Feb 9, 2010

NHTSA campaign 10V039000 · 148,549 vehicles

Problem
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 TOYOTA PRIUS AND LEXUS HS250H PASSENGER VEHICLES. CUSTOMERS HAVE EXPERIENCED INCONSISTENT BRAKE FEEL AFTER ABS ACTUATION DURING SLOW AND STEADY APPLICATION OF THE BRAKES ON ROUGH OR SLICK ROAD SURFACES. STOPPING DISTANCES MAY BE INCREASED COMPARED WITH A CUSTOMER'S EXPECTATION FOR A GIVEN PEDAL FORCE.
Risk
VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCES MAY INCREASE RELATIVE TO A CUSTOMER'S EXPECTATION INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix
DEALERS WILL REWRITE THE PROGRAMMING OF THE ABS CONTROL UNIT FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 3, 2010, AND IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN LATE MARCH 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331 AND LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Feb 3, 2010

NHTSA campaign 10V035000 · 271,417 vehicles

Problem
GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 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.
Risk
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. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA AT 713-580-3300.
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 2010 Toyota Prius is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

925Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
50Involved a crash
10Involved a fire
27Injuries reported
98,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Service Brakes473
Engine118
Electrical System117
Exterior Lighting103
Unknown Or Other76
Air Bags66
Fuel/Propulsion System49
Vehicle Speed Control31
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/09: 624/10: 624/11: 124/12: 525/01: 1025/02: 425/03: 225/04: 525/05: 525/06: 425/07: 425/08: 225/09: 225/10: 225/11: 225/12: 426/02: 226/03: 426/04: 126/05: 126/06: 126/08: 226/09: 126/10: 124/0924/1225/0325/0625/0925/1226/0426/08max 10

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2010 Toyota Prius buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 10 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Service Brakes — 473 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
  3. Engine — 118 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Electrical System — 117 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 98,000 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 2010 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 →