VehicleVerdict

2017 Toyota Prius problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2017 Toyota Prius sits mid-pack among Prius years: 127 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 212, with 3 recalls and one closed investigation. Complainants reported 13 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across visibility & wipers (17), engine (14), and brakes (14), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

127

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

20

Crash-involved

6

Fires reported

13

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2017 compare to other Prius years?

Prius NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted3,482 complaints2000: 4 complaints2001: 215 complaints2002: 201 complaints2003: 123 complaints2004: 737 complaints2005: 1,298 complaints2006: 1,690 complaints2007: 2,451 complaints2008: 1,894 complaints2009: 644 complaints2010: 3,482 complaints2011: 662 complaints2012: 537 complaints2013: 533 complaints2014: 273 complaints2015: 210 complaints2016: 215 complaints2017: 127 complaints2018: 45 complaints2019: 51 complaints2020: 23 complaints2021: 11 complaints2022: 28 complaints2023: 25 complaints2024: 31 complaints2025: 28 complaints2026: 5 complaints
Prius NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Prius years to avoid →

What are the most common 2017 Toyota Prius problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Visibility & Wipers1713%
Engine1411%
Brakes1411%
Speed Control1310%
Fuel System129%
Electrical System129%
Other119%
Steering76%
Body & Structure76%
Tires & Wheels54%
Transmission43%
Airbags32%
Seats32%
Lighting22%
Suspension11%
Seat Belts11%
Driver Assistance11%

Does the 2017 Toyota Prius have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

18V579000Electrical SystemSeptember 5, 2018 · 192,347 units

Defect

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Toyota Prius vehicles. A portion of the engine wire harness connected to the hybrid Power Control Unit (PCU), could contact the cover at this connection and wear, causing an electrical short circuit.

Consequence

An electrical short can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine wire harness assembly and replace it if damage is found. A protective sleeve or protective tape will be included to prevent any future damage. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is J0T.

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.

16V741000BrakesOctober 14, 2016 · 91,585 units

Defect

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Prius vehicles manufactured August 6, 2015, to October 3, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with a foot-operated parking brake system that has a parking brake cable that may disengage.

Consequence

If the parking brake cable disengages from the mechanism and the transmission is left in a gear other than 'Park' while the ignition is on and the driver leaves the vehicle, the vehicle may roll unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will install a clip at the parking brake cable end to prevent the cable from disengaging, free of charge. The recall began November 10, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is G01.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“JUST BOUGHT MY 2017 TOYOTA PRIUS NOT OVER 4 MONTHS AND MY WINDSHIELD HAVE 1 LARGE CRACKED AND A TINNY CHIPPED ON IT. AS I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY CRACKED WHEN A TINY ROCK HIT THE UPPER RIGHT SIDE I COULD SEE THE CRACK GETTING LONGER UNTIL IT NEARLY REACHED THE MIDDLE. I AM VERY WORRY ABOUT THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · September 1, 2017

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LONGO TOYOTA (3534 N PECK RD, EL MONTE, CA 91731, [PHONE]), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 1, 2019

“I WANT TO CHECK IF THERE IS A ISSUE WITH THE PRE COLLISION AND THE BRAKING ASSISTANCE FEATURES. MY PRIUS PRIME ROLL FORWARD DURING A IDLED STOP AND I DID NOT RECEIVE WARNING AND THE CAR DID NOT ASSIST STOP FEATURE DID NOT ENGAGE.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 11, 2017 · crash

“WE WERE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC SIGNAL GOING NORTH. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN, THE CAR IN FRONT OF US STARTED TO GO AND ALL OF THE SUDDEN, OUR CAR WENT INTO RAPID ACCELERATION. WE COULD NOT STOP THE CAR. IT CRASHED INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF US. WE TRIED JAMMING ON THE BREAKS AND TURNING OFF THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · January 19, 2019 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING ON I-75 THERE SEEMS TO BE A SPARK CAUSED FUEL TO LEAK AND BURN BACK TIRE AND THE TIRE ROLLED OFF THE FREEWAY PUTTING ALL THE FIVE PASSENGERS INTO A HAZARDOUS SITUATION ON THE I-75 FREEWAY. WE SMELLED SMELL OF TIRE AND GAS LEAK. FORTUNATELY, WE WERE ABLE TO PULL OFF THE FREEWAY. IT WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · December 22, 2017 · fire

2017 Toyota Prius — common questions

Is the 2017 Toyota Prius reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 127 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Prius year, with 3 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2017 Prius problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are visibility & wipers (17 complaints), engine (14 complaints), brakes (14 complaints).

Does the 2017 Toyota Prius have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2017 Toyota Prius. 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 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Toyota Prius years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Prius years to avoid are 2010, 2007, 2008, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2011, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015. The cleanest record among Prius years belongs to 2000.

How safe is the 2017 Toyota Prius?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2017 Toyota Prius earned an overall rating of 5 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.