VehicleVerdict

2017 Toyota Prius C problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 3 complaints on file for the 2017 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.

3

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2017 compare to other Prius C years?

Prius C NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 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, 2017 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Prius C years to avoid →

What are the most common 2017 Toyota Prius C problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags133%
Brakes133%
Speed Control133%

Does the 2017 Toyota Prius C have recalls?

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

17V295000Tires & WheelsMay 2, 2017 · 409 units

Defect

Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (Gulf States) is recalling certain 2017 4Runner , 86, Avalon, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla, Corolla iM, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius C, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Sienna and Yaris vehicles. The spare tire air pressure was not adjusted to the proper pressure as stated on the Tire Pressure Label.

Consequence

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

Remedy

Gulf States will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the spare tires, adjusting their pressure as necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 15, 2017. Owners may contact Gulf States customer service at 1-800-444-1074. Toyota's number for this recall is 17R2.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“The contact was driving a company-owned 2017 Toyota Prius C. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, another driver merging onto the highway attempted to cross multiple lanes of traffic, misjudged, and collided with the front passenger-side fender of the contact’s vehicle. As a result,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · February 22, 2024 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2017 TOYOTA PRIUS C. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE INADVERTENTLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS BEING DEPRESSED THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. THE CONTACT THEN SWERVED TO THE RIGHT AND HIT A CURB AS THE VEHICLE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · July 28, 2019 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2017 TOYOTA PRIUS C. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE INADVERTENTLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS BEING DEPRESSED THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. THE CONTACT THEN SWERVED TO THE RIGHT AND HIT A CURB AS THE VEHICLE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · July 28, 2019 · crash

2017 Toyota Prius C — common questions

Is the 2017 Toyota Prius C reliable?

The record is thin — 3 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2017 Toyota Prius C have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2017 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 2017 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 2017 Toyota Prius C?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2017 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.