The air conditioning dye injection tool kit has been developed to aid in identifying the location of air conditioning refrigerant leaks. The procedures outlined in this Service Bulletin aid in locating, inspecting, and repairing refrigerant leaks.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2015 Toyota Prius electrical problems
severe Owners of the 2015 Toyota Prius have filed 20 NHTSA complaints about the electrical, typically surfacing around 31,070 miles at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
20
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2011 Prius | 64 |
| 2012 Prius | 79 |
| 2013 Prius | 45 |
| 2014 Prius | 34 |
| 2015 Prius (this page) | 20 |
| 2016 Prius | 22 |
| 2017 Prius | 11 |
| 2019 Prius | 4 |
3crashes
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 20 electrical complaints filed for the 2015 Toyota Prius, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
No new NHTSA electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 7 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
DP: The Data Communication Module (DCM) in the subject vehicles are equipped with software to identify the location of the vehicle using the Global Positioning System (GPS) to support features of the Safety Connect system. Due to incorrect programming in the DCM software, after November 2nd, 2019, the GPS coordinates for this system will be calculated incorrectly. This will cause the system to use incorrect vehicle coordinates if one of the system?s features is activated.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TI: TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR LIMITED SERVICE CAMPAIGN K0P CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM 19TE12 SAFETY CONNECT SYSTEM ? VEHICLE LOCATION INACCURATE CERTAIN 2013 ? 2019 MODEL YEAR 4RUNNER 2011 ? 2017 MODEL YEAR LAND CRUISER 2013 ? 2017 MODEL YEAR PRIUS 2012 ? 2017 MODEL YEAR PRIUS V 2016 ? 2017 MODEL YEAR MIRAI Updated 010/25/2023
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗DP: The Customer Confidence Program is a component of a class action settlement that includes several elements of coverage. The Customer Confidence Program provides coverage as it applies to the intelligent power module (IPM). The specific condition covered by this Customer Confidence Program 23TE02 is failure of the IPM located inside the inverter assembly of the hybrid system indicated by DTCs P0A7A and/or P0A78. If either of these DTCs are detected, various warning lamps on the instrument panel will also illuminate and the vehicle will enter Fail Safe Mode. Toyota will also provide coverage if the IPM has failed due to a thermal event regardless of what DTC is detected, or if the IPM has
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗DP: The Customer Confidence Program is a component of a class action settlement that includes several elements of coverage. The Customer Confidence Program provides coverage as it applies to the Intelligent Power Module (IPM). The specific condition covered by this Customer Confidence Program 23TE03 is failure of the IPM located inside the inverter assembly of the hybrid system indicated by DTCs P0A94, P0A1A, P324E, and/or P3004. If any of these DTCs are detected, various warning lamps on the instrument panel will also illuminate and the vehicle will enter Fail Safe Mode.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2015 Prius generates consistent complaints about electrical system failures across multiple subsystems. High-voltage inverter failure shows up at 50,000 miles requiring full replacement—one owner discovered a recall existed after paying out of pocket when Toyota initially denied it. Battery and charging troubles plague owners from the first few weeks of ownership: 12-volt batteries drain unexpectedly, charging cables trip home breakers, and persistent no-start conditions force owners to rely on daily charger use.
Owners report complete electrical power loss, loss of brake response, unintended vehicle startup, and mysterious acceleration events during low-speed maneuvers—all within the first three weeks to months of ownership. One vehicle caught fire under the hood during routine driving with no warning. Brake booster failures occur even beyond warranty periods, and cruise control behaves erratically on elevation changes, accelerating to dangerous speeds downhill.
Rodent damage appears twice in the cluster: owners claim Toyota uses soybean-based wire coatings that attract rodents, resulting in $2,800 to $5,000 repair bills. Infotainment systems malfunction intermittently—Bluetooth fails, radio and CD players don't respond, displays go dark. Headlights burn out repeatedly, and window switches fail. Screen glare makes navigation and audio readouts unreadable in sunlight.
Same Toyota Prius electrical reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2013 · 2014 · 2016 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
Inverter failure
High-voltage inverter malfunction causing loss of vehicle control and requiring replacement of inverter and associated parts.
When: 50,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Alarming dashboard message telling driver to pull over; Vehicle hard to control
Repairs/costs cited: Over $5,000 quoted by dealership; owner paid hybrid mechanic for replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota initially claimed no recall existed despite subsequent discovery of recall on 2015 Prius electrical system involving inverter
Rodent-damaged wiring harness
Electrical wiring harness coated with soybean-based material allegedly attractive to rodents, resulting in chewed wires and electrical system failure requiring extensive repairs.
When: December 2015 (5 months into ownership); again November 2021 (6 years later)
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of electrical system function; Multiple vehicle systems not working properly
Repairs/costs cited: $2,800 first repair (December 2015); $5,000 second repair (November 2021); parts availability delayed multiple weeks
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No disclosure by Toyota of soy-based wiring coating or rodent attraction risk
Complete loss of electrical power
Temporary total electrical system failure with loss of all power systems, including door locks, lighting, audio, and engine start capability, recovering spontaneously after approximately 10 minutes.
When: 8 years of ownership (2023 report on 2015 model)
Symptoms owners cite: Unable to lock doors via remote, handle, or interior switch; Complete loss of power (no lights, audio, or accessory power); Engine will not start; Brake pedal heavy/less responsive; Clock lost 10 minutes during outage; Full recovery after ~10 minutes
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner noted similar recalls exist for comparable Prius models/years but vehicle not included
Unintended acceleration and brake failure
Vehicle accelerated uncontrollably during low-speed parking maneuver despite multiple brake applications, resulting in total loss. Occurred at 3 weeks of ownership.
When: 3 weeks into ownership (2015 model)
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle jet-propelled forward when shifting from reverse to forward; Brakes did not respond to multiple applications; Vehicle accelerated 25 feet into wall; All airbags deployed
Repairs/costs cited: Total loss; all airbags deployed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota and insurance company attributed to driver error (accidental acceleration)
Brake booster warning indicator
Brake booster or brake booster pump defect causing brake warning lamp illumination without corresponding low brake fluid condition.
When: 35,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brake warning indicator illuminated during driving
Repairs/costs cited: Diagnostic test required before repair; vehicle not repaired per report
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Customer support program notification (ZJB) issued regarding brake booster/pump defect
Unintended vehicle startup and rollback
Vehicle engine and systems started unintentionally when passenger pressed push-to-start button in parked vehicle with no driver present, causing vehicle to roll backward without brake engagement.
Symptoms owners cite: Push-to-start button activated entire engine without brake pedal engagement; Vehicle released from park and rolled backward into parked car; No one in driver seat
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner notes this is reportedly a known defect in 2015 and older models
12-volt battery drain and charging circuit breaker trips
Main 12-volt battery failed repeatedly on new vehicle, and hybrid battery charging cable repeatedly trips circuit breaker in home electrical panel despite being a ground-fault outlet with 20-amp capacity.
When: First 3 weeks of ownership
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer recommended dedicated electrical line for charging
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer stated battery tested 'good' and would not replace; no advance notice of dedicated line requirement provided
Persistent starting failure and power loss while driving
Vehicle fails to start repeatedly regardless of parking conditions or temperature, with squishy brake feel and draining noise. Also experiences random loss of power while driving.
When: 5 months after purchase onwards
Symptoms owners cite: Will not start despite proper brake application; Brake pedal feels squishy with draining noise; Daily charger use required; Vehicle loses power and shuts off while driving; Vehicle started on its own in locked garage
Repairs/costs cited: Daily charger use required to operate vehicle
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer gave excuses ('you don't drive enough', 'don't leave keys in car')
Instrument cluster display failure
Left side of instrument panel goes dark intermittently, eliminating speed indication and causing cruise control to disengage.
Symptoms owners cite: Left side of instrument panel darkens; No speed indication visible; Cruise control tripped off; Recovers after engine shutdown and restart
Infotainment system malfunction
Multiple audio and Bluetooth functions fail intermittently, including phone connectivity, radio operation, and CD player control.
Symptoms owners cite: Bluetooth unable to answer incoming calls; Cannot dial out; Unable to change radio station or turn radio on/off; Cannot turn on CD or eject disk; Functions intermittently work after vehicle restart; All systems fail within a week
Engine compartment fire
Fire started under hood in right front of vehicle during routine driving with no prior warning. Fire completely destroyed vehicle.
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke first noticed by pedestrian; Fire under hood in right front area; No prior warning of any kind
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle total loss
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota investigating
Brake booster failure
Brake booster failure causing sudden total brake loss on highway. Occurred past Toyota's extended warranty coverage period (failed at 140,000 miles, past 10-year mark).
When: 140,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden total brake failure on highway
Codes mentioned: C1391
Repairs/costs cited: Not covered under extended warranty due to 10-year time limit despite mileage warranty implications
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Extended warranty program does not cover failure past 10 years despite safety-critical nature
Premature headlight bulb failure
Headlight bulbs fail repeatedly, requiring replacement 2-3 times per year over multiple years.
Symptoms owners cite: Headlight bulbs burn out frequently
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple replacement bulbs purchased; owner states hazard for night driving
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers report no recall or TSB available
Screen glare and readability
Navigation and audio screens become mostly unreadable in bright sunlight, potentially distracting driver.
Symptoms owners cite: Screen unreadable in bright sunlight; High glare conditions
Cruise control malfunction on elevation changes
Engine revs abnormally when idling on cruise control during elevation changes, and vehicle accelerates to dangerous speeds downhill while ignoring cruise control speed setting.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine revs during idle on cruise control on elevation changes; Vehicle accelerates to dangerous velocity on downhill while on cruise control; Ignores programmed cruise control speed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Reported to Toyota of North Hollywood three times but never addressed
Power window switch failure
Driver-side master power window switch failed with warmth felt on door panel, consistent with electrical resistance or component failure.
Symptoms owners cite: Window buttons on driver side master switch failed; Door felt warm
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner notes other Toyota Prius C models have had recalls for similar issues
Synthesized from 20 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
While driving, left side of instrument panel went dark. No speed indication and cruise control tripped off. Started car next day and instrument panel was normal. While sitting in driveway with engine running, engine stopped as normal for the hybrid prius, when the engine turned off, the left side of the instrument panel again went dark. Dimmer switch at full bright and nothing blocking mirror…
I bought this vehicle on July 3, 2015. When I took it in for an oil change in Dec. 2015, I was informed that there was a mice infestation and that the electrical wires and other systems were damaged, resulting in about $2,800 in repairs due to the mice chewing the wiring. I just took this vehicle back in on 29 Nov. 2021 because some of the systems weren't working properly, and they confirmed…
Window buttons on drivers side master power window switch failed. Felt warm on door. There have been recalls of other models of Toyota cars including Prius C.
Had electrical trouble with your 2015 Toyota Prius?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2015 Toyota Prius?
It's a meaningful issue. 20 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 8 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 3,200 and 35,000 miles, with the median around 31,070. A quarter of owners report trouble before 3,200; a quarter make it past 35,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2015/Toyota/Prius.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.