Toyota Prius C problems by model year

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

NHTSA has 98 owner complaints and 4 recalls on file for the Toyota Prius C (2012–2019). The 2013 Prius C has the most serious complaints, most often about electrical system.

Complaints
98
Recalls
4
Model years
8
Worst year
2013

Complaints by model year

272012382013192014520155201612017320182019
NHTSA complaints per Toyota Prius C model year. Click a bar for details.

Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.

Worst Toyota Prius C years to buy

Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).

  1. 2013 Toyota Prius C — 38 complaints, 5 crashes; top problem: Electrical System
  2. 2012 Toyota Prius C — 27 complaints, 1 crash; top problem: Brakes

Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2019 (0 complaints).

Every Toyota Prius C model year

YearComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesRecallsTop problem
2019 Prius C00001—
2018 Prius C31012Engine
2017 Prius C11011Airbags
2016 Prius C50000Wheels & Tires
2015 Prius C52011Airbags
2014 Prius C191000Brakes
2013 Prius C385000Electrical System
2012 Prius C271000Brakes

Most common Toyota Prius C problem areas (all years)

  • Brakes
    39 complaints
  • Electrical System
    30 complaints
  • Engine
    14 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    8 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control
    7 complaints
  • Airbags
    6 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    6 complaints
  • Wheels & Tires
    5 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
    5 complaints
  • Steering
    4 complaints

Complaint trend

202020212022202320252026
Complaints about the Toyota Prius C received by NHTSA each month.

Toyota Prius C recalls

  • Recall 19V491000Jun 26, 2019464 vehiclesModel years 2018–2019

    Risk: A loss of drive increases the risk of crash.

  • Recall 18V176000Mar 15, 201819 vehiclesModel years 2018

    Risk: If the label is missing, occupants may not follow the proper restraint usage guidelines, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

  • Recall 17V295000May 2, 2017409 vehiclesModel years 2017

    Risk: A spare tire that is not inflated to the proper value may not perform as intended, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 15V514000Aug 13, 2015949 vehiclesModel years 2015

    Risk: If the vehicle is driven on underinflated tires, the tires may fail. Sudden tire failure increases the risk of a crash.

Other Toyota models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology