2011 Toyota Prius
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2011 models.

- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Hatch Premium/Touring/Nav
- Engines
- 1.8L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid
- MPG (best)
- 48 combined · 49 city / 46 hwy
- Length
- 175.6 in
- Curb weight
- 3,042 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 6 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 48 MPG combined — 107% better than the average 2011 midsize car (23.2 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints417 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 41 for similar models — most often about the service brakes.
- 6 recallsMore than similar models (about 3). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 27 similar 2011 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2011 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 48 MPG combined (49 city / 46 highway), 107% better than the 2011 midsize car average of 23.2 MPG, for an estimated $1,400 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 6 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 417 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the service brakes.
What changed for 2011
- Best combined MPG down from 50 to 48
Compared with 2010; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2010 Prius →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Toyota City, Aichi · Kariya, Aichi
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2011 Prius configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Hatch Premium/Touring/Nav | 175.6 in | 68.9 in | 58.3 in | 106.7 in | 59.8 / 60.2 in | 3,042 lb | 60/40 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prius Hybrid | 1.8L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 49 / 46 / 48 | +107% | $1,400 | 185 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2011 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2011 Toyota Prius.
Similar 2011 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Toyota Prius (this car) | 48 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2011 Toyota Corolla | 30 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2011 Honda Civic | 41 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2011 Nissan GT-R | 17 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2011 Hyundai Elantra | 32 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2011 Ford Focus | 29 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer | 28 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
Recalls (6)
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.
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.
Not every 2011 Toyota Prius is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2011 Toyota Prius buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Service Brakes — 226 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Electrical System — 52 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 44 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 100,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2011 Toyota Prius. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Prius years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Prius | 55 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Prius | 57 | 181.1 in | Not rated | 1 | 10 |
| 2025 Prius | 57 | 181.1 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 18 |
| 2024 Prius | 57 | 181.1 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 27 |
| 2023 Prius | 57 | 181.1 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 21 |
| 2022 Prius | 56 | 178.7 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 24 |
| 2021 Prius | 56 | 178.7 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 6 |
| 2020 Prius | 56 | 178.7 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 14 |
| 2019 Prius | 56 | 178.7 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 30 |
| 2018 Prius | 56 | 178.7 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 37 |
| 2017 Prius | 56 | 178.7 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 91 |
| 2016 Prius | 56 | 178.7 in | Not rated | 5 | 155 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Toyota. How we calculate this →