2014 Toyota Prius C problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 53 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.7 times the median Prius C year — the 2014 model ranks #3 of 8 Prius C years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across other (8), brakes (8), and engine (7), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.
53
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
1
Investigations
7
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
6
Injuries
0
Deaths
4
NCAP overall · of 5 stars
How does 2014 compare to other Prius C years?
What are the most common 2014 Toyota Prius C problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other | 8 | 15% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 8 | 15% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 7 | 13% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 7 | 13% | — flat |
| Speed Control | 4 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 3 | 6% | — flat |
| Steering | 3 | 6% | — flat |
| Lighting | 3 | 6% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 3 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 2 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 2 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 1 | 2% | new |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“ Cruise Control Not Working. Traction Control Light Active, Brake Light Active, And Light Active The cause was diagnosed by Toyota of Paris. TSB for C1391 Code abnormal leak in accumulator. The corrective action is to replace brake booster assembly with Master cylinder and Brake Booster pump…”
“ Cruise Control Not Working. Traction Control Light Active, Brake Light Active, And Light Active The cause was diagnosed by Toyota of Paris. TSB for C1391 Code abnormal leak in accumulator. The corrective action is to replace brake booster assembly with Master cylinder and Brake Booster pump…”
“I WAS DRIVING IN SAN FRANCISCO I HAD THREE PASSENGER WITH ME IN THE CAR AND WHEN I WAS GOING UP TO THE HILL THE CAR POWER STARTS GETTING WEAKER AND I WAS HEARING THAT CARES IN THE CAR I DON'T WANT TO GO UP THE HILL NOW I'M LIKE IT'S KEEPS GOING WEAKER AND WEAKER AND WEAKER AND ALL THE SUDDEN THE…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 TOYOTA PRIUS C. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH OR ABOVE, WHEN A LARGE VEHICLE PASSED, IT WOULD PULL THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE INTO ITS PATHWAY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE ALSO OCCURRED IN HIGH WIND CONDITIONS. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT HAD TO…”
“I LIVE IN DURANGO COLORADO. THE TRACTION CONTROL FUNCTION DEEMED TO BE DANGEROUS LAST WINTER. MY VEHICLE WAS SPINNING OUT ON ICE COVERED HIGHWAYS AND I COULD NOT TURN THIS FUNCTION OFF. NEWER VEHICLES HAVE THE ABILITY TO TURN THIS FUNCTION OFF IN ORDER TO AVOID THIS ISSUE. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. I…”
2014 Toyota Prius C — common questions
Is the 2014 Toyota Prius C reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 53 complaints put the 2014 model at #3 of 8 Prius C years. It is one of the Prius C years to avoid.
What are the most common 2014 Prius C problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are other (8 complaints), brakes (8 complaints), engine (7 complaints).
Does the 2014 Toyota Prius C have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2014 Toyota Prius C.
Is the 2014 Toyota Prius C under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Which Toyota Prius C years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Prius C years to avoid are 2012, 2013, 2014. The cleanest record among Prius C years belongs to 2019.
How safe is the 2014 Toyota Prius C?
In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2014 Toyota Prius C earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.