What the Toyota Prius VIN decoder shows
The Prius family includes the regular Prius, the larger Prius v, the small Prius c and plug-in versions. On an older hybrid, the generation and recall history matter a lot. Our decoder shows:
- Generation and model year: NHW11, XW20, XW30, XW50 or XW60.
- Version: Prius, Prius v, Prius c, Prius Plug-in, Prius Prime or Prius Plug-in Hybrid.
- Drivetrain: front-wheel drive or AWD.
- Assembly plant: from the first three characters and character 11.
- Open safety recalls: including the inverter and hybrid system recalls.
Toyota Prius generations in the US
Toyota also sold related models in the US: the Prius v wagon (2012–2017), the Prius c (2012–2019), the Prius Plug-in Hybrid (2012–2015), the Prius Prime (2017–2024) and the Prius Plug-in Hybrid again from 2025.
| Generation | US model years | Body | Main US trims |
|---|---|---|---|
| XW60 | 2023–present | 5-door liftback | LE, XLE, Limited, Nightshade (2025) |
| XW50 | 2016–2022 | 5-door liftback | Two, Three, Four (to 2018); L Eco, LE, XLE, Limited (from 2019); AWD-e from 2019 |
| XW30 | 2010–2015 | 5-door liftback | Two, Three, Four, Five |
| XW20 | 2004–2009 | 5-door liftback | Base, Touring (from 2007) |
| NHW11 | 2001–2003 | 4-door sedan | One trim |
Which Prius do you have? Models and engines
A badge can be changed or removed. The VIN cannot. Compare what the decoder shows with this table:
| Version | US model years | Powertrain |
|---|---|---|
| Prius Plug-in Hybrid / Prime (XW60) | 2023–present | 2.0L plug-in hybrid, 220 hp, up to 44 miles electric range (Toyota estimate) |
| Prius (XW60) | 2023–present | 2.0L hybrid (M20A), about 196 hp, FWD or AWD |
| Prius Prime (XW50) | 2017–2022 | 1.8L plug-in hybrid, 25 miles EPA electric range |
| Prius (XW50) | 2016–2022 | 1.8L hybrid (2ZR-FXE), 121 hp; AWD-e from 2019 |
| Prius (XW30) | 2010–2015 | 1.8L hybrid (2ZR-FXE), 134 hp |
| Prius Plug-in Hybrid | 2012–2015 | 1.8L plug-in hybrid, 6 miles EPA electric range |
| Prius v | 2012–2017 | 1.8L hybrid, 134 hp |
| Prius c | 2012–2019 | 1.5L hybrid (1NZ-FXE), 99 hp |
| Prius (XW20) | 2004–2009 | 1.5L hybrid (1NZ-FXE), 110 hp |
How to read a Toyota Prius VIN
Every Prius has a 17-character VIN. Here is an example:
JTD KARFU 3 J 3 123456
Example VIN for illustration only.
| Characters | In this VIN | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| 1–3 · WMI | JTD | Toyota Motor Corporation, Japan (passenger car). |
| 4–8 · Vehicle descriptor | KARFU | Toyota’s codes for the body, engine, series, drivetrain and restraint system. |
| 9 · Check digit | 3 | A calculated value that confirms the VIN is valid. It can be a number from 0 to 9 or the letter X. |
| 10 · Model year | J | The model year: J is 2018. |
| 11 · Plant code | 3 | The Toyota assembly plant. |
| 12–17 · Serial number | 123456 | The unique production number of that vehicle. |
Prius WMI codes and plants
| WMI | Built by | Which Prius |
|---|---|---|
JTD | Toyota Motor Corporation, Japan | Japan-built Prius models. |
JTN | Toyota Motor Corporation, Japan | Another Toyota Japan passenger car code. |
Source: NHTSA vPIC (JTD and JTN = Toyota Motor Corporation, passenger car). Every US Prius is built in Japan.
Toyota Prius model year codes
The 10th character shows the model year:
| Code | Year | Code | Year | Code | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2001 | A | 2010 | K | 2019 |
2 | 2002 | B | 2011 | L | 2020 |
3 | 2003 | C | 2012 | M | 2021 |
4 | 2004 | D | 2013 | N | 2022 |
5 | 2005 | E | 2014 | P | 2023 |
6 | 2006 | F | 2015 | R | 2024 |
7 | 2007 | G | 2016 | S | 2025 |
8 | 2008 | H | 2017 | T | 2026 |
9 | 2009 | J | 2018 |
Hybrid battery warranty: check the year
Toyota extended the hybrid battery warranty to 10 years or 150,000 miles starting with the 2020 model year, and it transfers to later owners. Models before 2020 have 8 years or 100,000 miles. The VIN’s model year tells you which warranty applies, and the in-service date from a Toyota dealer tells you how much is left.
Toyota Prius recalls
Recalls are issued for specific VINs, so two Priuss of the same year can have different results. Repairs for safety recalls are free at any Toyota dealer, even if you are not the first owner. Important Prius campaigns include:
- Brake software (2010): 2010 Prius were recalled because the ABS software can change brake feel on rough or slippery roads.
- Inverter and hybrid system (2014–2020): 2010–2015 Prius and 2012–2017 Prius v were recalled in several campaigns because inverter parts can overheat, reduce power or shut down the hybrid system.
- Steering shaft (2012): 2004–2009 Prius were recalled for the steering intermediate shaft.
- Wire harness (2018): 2016–2018 Prius were recalled because a wire harness can be damaged and create a fire risk.
- Rear door switch (2024–2026): 2023–2026 Prius, 2023–2024 Prius Prime and 2025–2026 Prius Plug-in Hybrid were recalled because water can short a switch and let a rear door open.
Enter the VIN above to see every recall on record for that exact vehicle and whether it is still open.
Common Toyota Prius problems by generation
These are issues that owners and mechanics often report. They don’t affect every vehicle, but they are worth checking on a used one:
| Generation | Often reported | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| XW60 (2023–) | Rear door switch recall | Recall completed |
| XW50 (2016–2022) | Few mechanical trends | Hybrid battery health, recalls completed |
| XW30 (2010–2015) | Oil consumption on 2010–2014 models (Toyota bulletin replaces pistons and rings); sticking EGR valve on 2010–2012 models (Toyota program ZF3); inverter recalls | Oil level, rough cold idle, inverter recall done |
| XW20 (2004–2009) | Age of the hybrid battery and parts | Hybrid battery health check |
Where to find the VIN on a Toyota Prius
- Dashboard: on the driver’s side, visible through the lower windshield.
- Driver’s door pillar: on the label on the B-pillar when the door is open.
- Documents: title, registration and insurance card.
Buying a used Toyota Prius: checklist
- The VIN on the dashboard, door pillar and title all match.
- The version from the VIN matches the listing (Prius, Prime, v or c; FWD or AWD).
- No open safety recalls, especially the inverter recalls on 2010–2015 models.
- No salvage, flood or rebuilt title brand, and odometer readings that go up steadily.
- A hybrid battery health check by a Toyota dealer or hybrid specialist.
- On a 2010–2014 Prius, check oil use.
- On a Prime or Plug-in Hybrid, normal charging and electric range.
- A pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic you trust.
Before you buy, run a full vehicle history check to see title brands, accidents, odometer readings and past sales, or see a sample report.
Options and window sticker
The VIN shows the model, engine, drivetrain, plant and year. Packages, paint color and dealer-installed accessories are stored in Toyota’s build record, not fully in the VIN. A Toyota dealer can look them up by VIN.
Toyota Prius VIN FAQs
Where is the VIN on a Toyota Prius?
On the driver’s side of the dashboard, visible through the windshield, and on the label on the driver’s door pillar. It is also on the title, registration and insurance card.
What does a Toyota Prius VIN start with?
Every US Prius is built in Japan, so the VIN starts with JT, usually JTD (Toyota Motor Corporation).
How do I know which Prius generation I have?
Check the model year (10th character). 2023 and newer is the XW60, 2016–2022 is the XW50, 2010–2015 is the XW30, 2004–2009 is the XW20 and 2001–2003 is the first US Prius.
Is the Prius Prime the same as the Prius Plug-in Hybrid?
Yes, it is the same plug-in family. Toyota called it Prius Plug-in Hybrid in 2012–2015, Prius Prime in 2017–2024, and Prius Plug-in Hybrid again from 2025.
How long is the Prius hybrid battery warranty?
10 years or 150,000 miles for 2020-and-newer models, and 8 years or 100,000 miles for earlier ones.
Does my Toyota Prius have an open recall?
Enter the VIN at the top of this page. We check NHTSA records and show any recall that applies to that exact vehicle.
Is the Toyota Prius VIN decoder free?
Yes. Decoding the specs and checking recalls is free with no sign-up. A full vehicle history report is a separate paid option.
Other Toyota models
See all codes in the Toyota VIN decoder.
Similar hybrids
Sources: NHTSA (VIN standards, WMI codes and recalls) and Toyota model information. Recall data updated October 8, 2026. HistoryByVIN is not affiliated with Toyota. Toyota and the Toyota logo are trademarks of their owner.