VehicleVerdict

2015 Toyota Prius C problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 24 complaints on file for the 2015 Toyota Prius C — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

24

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2015 compare to other Prius C years?

Prius C NHTSA complaints by model year, 2015 highlighted88 complaints2012: 88 complaints2013: 88 complaints2014: 53 complaints2015: 24 complaints2016: 16 complaints2017: 3 complaints2018: 9 complaints2019: 0 complaints
Prius C NHTSA complaints by model year, 2015 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Prius C years to avoid →

What are the most common 2015 Toyota Prius C problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other729%
Electrical System417%
Brakes313%
Airbags28%
Engine28%
Body & Structure28%
Tires & Wheels28%
Lighting14%
Seats14%

Does the 2015 Toyota Prius C have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

15V514000Tires & WheelsAugust 13, 2015 · 949 units

Defect

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2015 Toyota Prius C vehicles manufactured April 20, 2015, to June 30, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) may be improperly calibrated and, as a result, the TPMS may fail to warn the driver that the tire pressure is low. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."

Consequence

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

Remedy

SET will notify owners, and dealers will re-calibrate the TPMS, free of charge. The recall began on September 15, 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET15E.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I INSTALLED HUSKY WEATHERBEATER FLOOR LINERS, MODEL NUMBER 99501. THE DRIVER'S SIDE INTERFERES WITH THE TRAVEL OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL PREVENTING FULL TRAVEL. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN PREVENTING FULL ACCELERATION OF THE VEHICLE, ESPECIALLY IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · January 29, 2018

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 TOYOTA PRIUS C. AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, A MESSAGE INDICATING TO CHECK THE BRAKES AND ENGINE DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE DEALER DISCOVERED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE ELECTRICAL WIRES AND WIRING HARNESS CAUSED BY RODENTS. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 1, 2017

“THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE ABOUT A MONTH AFTER I BOUGHT THE CAR BUT THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN MAKING AN ODD NOISE. IT DOES NOT MATTER HOW FAST OR SLOW I AM GOING BUT IT MAKES THAT NOISE AND IT MAKES THE BRAKES SLIP AND NOT COME TO A FULL STOP FAST ENOUGH. I HAVE GONE TO TOYOTA 4-5 TIMES JUST FOR THIS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 1, 2015

“STAND STILL. ON 9.12.2015. DEALERSHIP NEVER NOTIFIED THAT I BECAME THE DRIVER. THEY ARE REFUSING TO FOLLOW THE MANUFACTURER WARRANTY THAT TOYOTA SALES. SOLD IN PRICE OF GIANT STICKER. WE ARE GOING ROUNDS. AS DRIVER .THE DASH BOARD HAS MAINTENANCE REQIR. THEY DIDN'T DO AN INSPECTION REPORT IN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 12, 2015

“Prius was rear-ended at highway speeds, forcing it into the vehicle ahead of it. Airbags did not deploy, & driver's seat failed to stay locked, moving forward then rearward during crash. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · October 22, 2022 · crash

2015 Toyota Prius C — common questions

Is the 2015 Toyota Prius C reliable?

The record is thin — 24 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2015 Prius C problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are other (7 complaints), electrical system (4 complaints), brakes (3 complaints).

Does the 2015 Toyota Prius C have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2015 Toyota Prius C. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2015 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 2015 Toyota Prius C?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2015 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.