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Toyota Prius Mk3 (XW30) (2009-2015) reliability

At a glance

Toyota Prius Mk3 (XW30) built around 2015: about average at the MOT

Toyota Prius Mk3 (XW30) models built around 2015 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.

Looking at a Toyota Prius Mk3 (XW30) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

19% of MOT tests on Toyota Prius Mk3 (XW30) models built around 2015 ended in a fail (retests included), against 22% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Toyota Prius Mk3 (XW30) models built around 2015 involves the tyres.

Toyota Prius Mk3 (XW30)
excellent reliability2009-2015HatchbackHYBRID ELECTRIC / PETROL / ELECTRICITY / UNKNOWN

Based on 82,870 tests of Prius models registered 2009-2015.

About 1 in 75 Prius Mk3 (XW30) MOTs (1.4%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2015 (10 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 16,286 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.

About 1 in 25 Prius Mk3 (XW30) MOTs (4.2%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2015 (10 years old).

Based on 16,286 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk3 (XW30) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
9,33718.3%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
16,28618.7%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
11,14819.8%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
10,56921.3%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
9,86523.5%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
9,65224.8%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
12,15025.6%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
3,86326.1%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 16 years old.

How the Prius Mk3 (XW30) compares

At each age below, see how the Prius Mk3 (XW30) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 126,955 tests across 17 Toyota models, built around 2015 (10 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateToyota average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
9,33718.3%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
16,28618.7%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
11,14819.8%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
10,56921.3%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
9,86523.5%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
9,65224.8%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
12,15025.6%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
3,86326.1%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.

Brake pads

High priority

Ask when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other hatchbacks to compare

Other hatchbacks, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Prius Mk3 (XW30).

  1. 1

    Mini

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    16.2%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.6%

    Lower fail rate: 16.2%, against 18.7% for the Toyota Prius Mk3 (XW30), both built around 2015.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate, share still registered and recalls only.

    50,061 MOT tests on cars built around 2015

  2. 2

    Suzuki SX4

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    20.7%

    No clear edge over the Toyota Prius Mk3 (XW30) on these figures.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    6,115 MOT tests on cars built around 2015

  3. 3

    Fiat 500

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    25.9%

    No clear edge over the Toyota Prius Mk3 (XW30) on these figures.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    3,408 MOT tests on cars built around 2015

  4. 4

    MG 3

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    25.1%
    Still registered at 10 years
    88.1%

    No clear edge over the Toyota Prius Mk3 (XW30) on these figures.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate, share still registered and recalls only.

    2,512 MOT tests on cars built around 2015

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

How many are still registered

94%of all Toyota Prius cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · About typical

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

35 recalls in all

15 of the 35 Prius Mk3 (XW30) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 5 Critical
  • 10 more

Top concerns

  • Incorrectly installed covers could prevent the seat-mounted side airbag from deploying
  • Engine wire harness connected to hybrid vehicle power control unit could contact cover
  • Airbag may incorrectly deploy

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

How Prius Mk3 (XW30) cars have aged

How Prius Mk3 (XW30) cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

0%10%20%6810121416Age at MOTBuilt around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 14.5% (6,600 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 13.6% (8,408 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 16.4% (8,585 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 17.0% (8,535 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 17.4% (7,554 tests, 2025 data)2015Built around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 16.0% (6,372 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 15.9% (6,995 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 18.1% (7,304 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 18.4% (6,488 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 18.1% (5,579 tests, 2025 data)2014Built around 2013, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 17.5% (6,752 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2013, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 17.3% (6,950 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2013, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 18.1% (6,561 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2013, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 20.4% (5,410 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2013, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 21.2% (5,428 tests, 2025 data)2013Built around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 18.5% (7,010 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 18.9% (6,119 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 19.9% (5,390 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 21.6% (5,222 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 22.6% (5,353 tests, 2025 data)2012Built around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 21.3% (5,713 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 22.9% (4,890 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 23.9% (4,933 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 24.4% (4,833 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 24.2% (4,730 tests, 2025 data)2011Built around 2010, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 23.8% (7,767 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2010, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 23.6% (7,623 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2010, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 24.6% (7,607 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2010, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 25.4% (7,376 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2010, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 25.0% (7,251 tests, 2025 data)2010Built around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 23.9% (4,456 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 24.5% (4,383 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 25.2% (4,232 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 25.1% (4,032 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 26.1% (3,863 tests, 2025 data)2009
First registered around 2015First registered around 2014First registered around 2013First registered around 2012
Mk3 (XW30) variants compared

Prius Mk3 (XW30) variants built around 2015

The fail rate for each Prius Mk3 (XW30) variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Hybrid electric

  • PRIUS18.8%14,977 tests
  • PRIUS PLUS15.4%550 tests
All generations of this modelPlenty of data

Most common issues on Toyota Priuses of this age

This list covers every Toyota Prius built around 2015, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk3 (XW30) on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    15.7%
    Advisory: 3,113Fail: 374 (11% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    6.9%
    Advisory: 1,319Fail: 163 (11% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    6.9%
    Advisory: 1,148Fail: 227 (17% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    5.1%
    Advisory: 976Fail: 111 (10% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    4.8%
    Advisory: 915Fail: 27 (3% of the times it was found)

Based on 16,286 tests

Looking at a Toyota Prius Mk3 (XW30) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2015 (10 years old), the Toyota Prius Mk3 (XW30) (2009-2015) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 16,286 10-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 82,870 MOT tests on Toyota Priuses first registered between 2009-2015. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.