BestCarRank
Toyota

2015 Toyota PRIUS PLUG-IN HYBRID

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Excellent Reliability

Quick Summary

The 2015 Toyota PRIUS PLUG-IN HYBRID has 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.3x the segment average of 18. The most common issue is brakes problems (33% of all complaints), specifically: upon impact to driver's side front wheel, brake failed (several pumps to floor) while vehicle accelerated without foot pressure. vehicle was moving when it was hit by another prius.. There is 1 recall issued for this model year.

2 crash reports

6

Total Complaints

1

Recalls Issued

/5

Safety Stars

0.3x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 5)

BRAKES

2 complaints
33%
  • UPON IMPACT TO DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT WHEEL, BRAKE FAILED (SEVERAL PUMPS TO FLOOR) WHILE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT FOOT PRESSURE. VEHICLE WAS MOVING WHEN IT WAS HIT BY ANOTHER PRIUS.
  • ABS/ brakes, traction control warning lights came on 5 days ago. Dealer stated DTC 1391 code detected and recommend brake actuator replacement and brake booster assembly. Toyota issued TSB 0024-19 for service.
Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 1 crashes

UPON IMPACT TO DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT WHEEL, BRAKE FAILED (SEVERAL PUMPS TO FLOOR) WHILE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT FOOT PRESSURE. VEHICLE WAS MOVING WHEN IT WAS HIT BY ANOTHER PRIUS.

— NHTSA complaint filing

Recalls (1)

HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM15/11/2017

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2012-2015 Prius Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. The hybrid battery contains an Electric Vehicle (EV) fuse that may fracture after repeated high-load driving conditions such as climbing long hills.

Risk: The failed fuse may cause the hybrid system to shut down resulting in the loss of power. Loss of power while driving at higher speeds can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EV fuse, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 8, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is H0R.

Charging Cost Calculator for 2015 Toyota PRIUS PLUG-IN HYBRID

Live EIA prices
Per year
$1,523
Per month
$127
Per mile
12.7¢
kWh/mi
0.67

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2015 Toyota PRIUS PLUG-IN HYBRID

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.
Full coverage / year
$1,817
Full coverage / month
$151
Liability only / year
$679
vs US avg
+9%
How this estimate is calculated
US base full-coverage premium$1674
× state (US)1.00x
× vehicle class (ev-mainstream)1.18x
× theft risk1.00x
× safety rating1.00x
× vehicle age0.92x
= Full coverage estimate$1817

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Toyota PRIUS PLUG-IN HYBRID Service Intervals

Oil change
10K mi / 12 mo
Tire rotation
5K mi
Brake fluid
30 months
Transmission fluid
60K mi
Engine coolant
100K mi
Spark plugs
120K mi
Cabin air filter
30K mi
Engine air filter
30K mi
Differential (AWD/4WD)
60K mi

0W-20 synthetic oil recommended. ToyotaCare covers first 2 years / 25K miles of scheduled maintenance for new vehicles. Hybrid battery: 10 yr / 150K miles warranty.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Toyota New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)
3 yr / 36K mi
Powertrain
5 yr / 60K mi
Hybrid/EV battery
10 yr / 150K mi
Corrosion (rust perforation)
5 yr / unlimited mi
Roadside assistance
2 yr / 25K mi

Hybrid battery is 10yr/150K miles for 2020+ hybrids. ToyotaCare (2yr/25K miles complimentary maintenance) is included.

These are the terms for a new Toyota. If you're buying a used 2015 PRIUS PLUG-IN HYBRID, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Toyota dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

EV Incentives for 2015 Toyota PRIUS PLUG-IN HYBRID

Updated 2026-07

Federal Tax Credit (Section 30D) — Expired 2025-09-30

Section 30D new clean vehicle credit ($7,500 max) expired for vehicles acquired after Sept 30, 2025 per Public Law (One Big Beautiful Bill Act). Vehicles acquired on or before that date remain eligible on the buyer's 2025 return. No federal purchase credit exists for post-9/30/2025 acquisitions.

State-Level Incentives (Still Active in 14 States)

CaliforniaUp to $12,000
Clean Cars 4 All
ColoradoUp to $5,000
Innovative Motor Vehicle Credit
ConnecticutUp to $4,250
CHEAPR (Connecticut Hydrogen and Electric Automobile Purchase Rebate)
DelawareUp to $2,500
Clean Vehicle Rebate
IllinoisUp to $4,000
Illinois EV Rebate Program
MarylandUp to $3,000
Excise Tax Credit for Plug-in Electric Vehicles
MassachusettsUp to $3,500
MOR-EV
New JerseyUp to $4,000
Charge Up New Jersey
New YorkUp to $2,000
Drive Clean Rebate
OregonUp to $7,500
Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate
PennsylvaniaUp to $3,000
Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Rebate Program
Rhode IslandUp to $2,500
DRIVEEV
TexasUp to $2,500
Light-Duty Motor Vehicle Purchase or Lease Incentive
VermontUp to $5,000
Incentive Program for New Electric Vehicles
See full state-by-state EV incentive details

Source: US Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center + state DOR / DEQ program pages. Program details and eligibility limits change frequently — always verify with the linked source before purchase.

Estimated Repair Costs

BRAKES(~50K mi)
$500
SPEED CONTROL(~50K mi)
$500
ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)
$500
ENGINE(~50K mi)
$500
BODY/STRUCTURE(~50K mi)
$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 6 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

  • BRAKES: UPON IMPACT TO DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT WHEEL, BRAKE FAILED (SEVERAL PUMPS TO FLOOR) WHILE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT FOOT PRESSURE. VEHICLE WAS MOVING WHEN IT WAS HIT BY ANOTHER PRIUS.

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • SPEED CONTROL: UPON IMPACT TO DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT WHEEL, BRAKE FAILED (SEVERAL PUMPS TO FLOOR) WHILE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT FOOT PRESSURE. VEHICLE WAS MOVING WHEN IT WAS HIT BY ANOTHER PRIUS.

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • ELECTRICAL: FAILED DOOR ACTUATOR CAUSING LOCKS TO NO LONGER SWITCH ON OR OFF.

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • ENGINE: The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that after his mother had driven uphill and had pulled into a gas station with him in the front passenger seat, the vehicle began to overheat. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that he saw smoke coming out from

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • RECALLS: Verify all 1 recall have been completed — free at any Toyota dealer
  • General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)

Toyota PRIUS PLUG-IN HYBRID — Year Comparison

How does 2015 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.

Full years-to-avoid analysis →

NHTSA Safety Rating

No NHTSA safety rating available

At a Glance

Complaints
6
Recalls
1
Fire reports
0
Crash reports
2
Injury reports
0
Segment avg
18

Check a Specific VIN

See recalls for YOUR 2015 Toyota PRIUS PLUG-IN HYBRID