# Toyota Prius check engine light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week - **Owner complaints:** 19 - **Most complaints:** 2018 (5) - **Related recalls:** 1 - **Verdict:** This week ## Quick answer NHTSA has 19 owner complaints about the check engine light on the Toyota Prius (2015-2026 models), most for the **2018** model year (5). There is **1 recall** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Drive to a shop this week: With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. ## Toyota Prius check engine light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the check engine light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 1 | 166 | 1% | | 2016 | 4 | 181 | 2% | | 2017 | 4 | 145 | 3% | | 2018 | 5 | 52 | 10% | | 2019 | 2 | 39 | 5% | | 2020 | 1 | 30 | 3% | | 2023 | 1 | 27 | 4% | | 2024 | 1 | 42 | 2% | Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road. ## Toyota Prius recalls related to the check engine light **[21V734000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=21V734000)** (2022 models, reported 2021-09-22): A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will update the ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2021. Recall repairs are free at any Toyota dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What Toyota Prius owners report - "P2138 is the associated check engine code and the vehicle enters limp mode DURING TRAVEL. The check engine light (and subsequent problems) first appeared while in traffic on 2/10/2026." -- owner of a 2024 Toyota Prius, complaint filed 2026 - "In Phoenix heat (100F+), normal charging repeatedly sets the fault and check engine light. I verified by controlled testing: reduced-current charging in cool hours avoids the fault, but any normal charge in heat triggers it -- in factory configuration, no obstruction. I am forced to restrict charging to nighttime..." -- owner of a 2023 Toyota Prius, complaint filed 2026 - "Immediately after the crash, the dashboard displayed the following: "Check Engine (!) A malfunction in the electronic control of the engine, throttle, or automatic transmission has been detected. Contact your Toyota dealer to have your vehicle inspected." The car was towed and is now at a body shop selected by my..." -- owner of a 2020 Toyota Prius, complaint filed 2023 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the check engine light means The check engine light means the engine computer has stored a diagnostic trouble code for an emissions, engine or transmission fault. Common causes include a loose gas cap, a failing oxygen sensor, a worn catalytic converter, and misfires from plugs or coils. A steady light is usually not an emergency, but a flashing light means a severe misfire and you should reduce speed and get it checked right away. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Loose gas cap or EVAP system leak** (common) 2. **Failing oxygen sensor** (common) 3. **Catalytic converter efficiency below threshold** (common) 4. **Misfire from worn spark plugs or ignition coils** (common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Check engine light](/warning-lights/check-engine). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Toyota Prius check engine light? Yes. NHTSA lists 1 related recall (21V734000) covering 2022 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Toyota Prius years have the most check engine light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2016, 2017 and 2018 Prius model years have the most complaints mentioning the check engine light, with 5 for 2018. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Toyota Prius with the check engine light on? Drive to a shop this week. With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. If the light is flashing, the engine runs very rough, or the temperature or oil light also comes on, stop driving and have it checked. ### How do I check if my Toyota Prius has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Toyota dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner. ## Sources - [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis) - [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ## Other Toyota Prius warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/toyota-prius): 40 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/toyota-prius): 4 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/toyota-prius): 47 complaints - [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/toyota-prius): 22 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/toyota-prius): 24 complaints ## Check engine light on other models - [Ford Escape](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-escape): 2245 complaints - [Ford Edge](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-edge): 1380 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-silverado): 911 complaints - [Kia Soul](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/kia-soul): 785 complaints - [Hyundai Sonata](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-sonata): 731 complaints - [Hyundai Tucson](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-tucson): 705 complaints - [Chevrolet Malibu](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-malibu): 666 complaints - [Chrysler Pacifica](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chrysler-pacifica): 630 complaints - [Hyundai Santa Fe](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-santa-fe): 602 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/jeep-cherokee): 587 complaints ## Toyota Prius - [Toyota Prius specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/toyota-prius) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/toyota-prius Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.