Makes›Toyota›Prius›2009

2009 Toyota Prius

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2009 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 FWD
Engines
1.5L 4-cyl
Horsepower
76 hp
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Hybrid
MPG (best)
46 combined · 48 city / 45 hwy
Length
175.6 in
Curb weight
2,943 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
5 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 46 MPG combined — 113% better than the average 2009 midsize car (21.6 MPG).
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.

Watch out for

  • Modest powerUp to 76 hp, versus about 140 hp for similar 2009 models.
  • 5 recallsMore than similar models (about 2). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 24 similar 2009 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2009 Toyota Prius is a midsize car offered with a 1.5L 4-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive.

It measures about 176 inches long and 68 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,943 lb.

EPA rates its most efficient version at 46 MPG combined (48 city / 45 highway), 113% better than the 2009 midsize car average of 21.6 MPG, for an estimated $1,450 a year in fuel.

It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 178 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the exterior lighting.

What changed for 2009

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2008 Prius — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2008; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2008 Prius →

Trims, performance & features

Engine76 hp1.5L 4-cyl hybrid

Trims

NHW20L

Built in: Toyota City, Aichi · Kariya, Aichi

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2009 Prius configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr Hatch FWD175.6 in68.1 in58.3 in106.3 in58.3 / 57.5 in2,943 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 Hybrid1.5L 4-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)Front-Wheel Drive48 / 45 / 46+113%$1,450193
Save $4,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
21.6 MPG2009 Midsize Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2009 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2009 Toyota Prius under the current (2011+) test program.

Similar 2009 midsize cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2009 Toyota Prius (this car)46 MPGNot rated5
2009 Toyota Corolla30 MPGNot rated12
2009 Honda Civic42 MPGNot rated7
2009 Nissan GT-R18 MPGNot rated1
2009 Hyundai Elantra28 MPGNot rated4
2009 Ford Focus28 MPGNot rated0
2009 Mitsubishi Lancer25 MPGNot rated7

Recalls (5)

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.
Hybrid Propulsion System › Inverter · Nov 14, 2012

NHTSA campaign 12V536000 · 350,662 vehicles

Problem
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2009 Prius vehicles manufactured August 6, 2003, through March 30, 2009 and FCHV-adv vehicles manufactured December 12, 2008, through September 13, 2011. During manufacturing, a scratch may have occurred inside of the electrically driven water pump at the coil wire. The coil wire may corrode at the scratched portion.
Risk
The corroded coil wire may break and the water pump could stop. The corroded coil wire could cause a short circuit between coil wires and a possible open fuse, creating a stall-like condition of the hybrid system while the vehicle is being driven. This may increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix
Toyota will notify its owners, and dealers will replace the electric water pump, free of charge. The recall began on January 17, 2013. Owners may contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.
Steering › Gear Box › Shaft Sector · Nov 14, 2012

NHTSA campaign 12V537000 · 669,705 vehicles

Problem
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2009 Prius vehicles manufactured August 5, 2003, through March 30, 2009. The affected vehicles have a steering intermediate extension shaft assembly built with metal splines that complete the connection from the steering wheel to the steering gear. These splines may have been manufactured with an insufficient hardness.
Risk
Over time, the splines may wear and eventually fail resulting in a loss of steering ability, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the extension shaft and replace it if it is one with insufficient hardness, free of charge. The recall began during December 2012. Owners may contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.
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 2009 Toyota Prius is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

178Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
13Involved a crash
3Involved a fire
7Injuries reported
103,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Exterior Lighting64
Service Brakes55
Electrical System33
Engine14
Unknown Or Other14
Vehicle Speed Control8
Air Bags8
Structure › Body7
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
22/02: 122/06: 122/07: 122/09: 123/01: 223/05: 123/08: 123/09: 123/10: 123/12: 124/01: 124/03: 124/05: 224/08: 124/10: 324/12: 125/02: 125/03: 125/04: 125/08: 125/09: 126/04: 226/05: 126/06: 122/0222/0923/0823/1224/0524/1225/0426/04max 3

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2009 Toyota Prius buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Exterior Lighting — 64 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
  3. Service Brakes — 55 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
  4. Electrical System — 33 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 103,000 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 2009 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 →