Toyota Prius c problems
The Toyota Prius c (c stands for "city"), also known as the Toyota Aqua (Japanese: トヨタ・アクア, Hepburn: Toyota Akua); "aqua" is Latin for water) in Japan, is a full hybrid gasoline-electric subcompact/supermini hatchback manufactured and marketed by Toyota. The Prius c is the third member of the Prius family, and combines the features of a Yaris-sized car with a hybrid powertrain. The Prius c is priced lower than the conventional Prius and has a higher fuel economy in city driving under United States Environmental Protection Agency test cycles. The Prius c was ranked by the EPA as the 2012 most fuel efficient compact car when plug-in electric vehicles are excluded.
The production version of the Aqua was unveiled in the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show. The production Prius c was introduced in the U.S. at the January 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The Aqua was launched in Japan in December 2011 at a price of ¥1.69 million (US$21,700). Sales in several Asian markets began in January 2012. The Prius c was released in the U.S. and Canada in March 2012. Sales in Australia and New Zealand began in April 2012.
The Aqua is considered the most successful nameplate launch in Japan in the last 20 years. As of January 2017, the Aqua/Prius c is the second most sold hybrid of Toyota after the regular Prius, with 1,380,100 units sold worldwide. Japan as the market leader with 1,154,500 units sold through January 2017. The Aqua was the top selling new car in Japan for three years in a row, from 2013 to 2015.
The Prius C was discontinued in North America at the end of the 2019 model year. It was also discontinued in Australia in early 2020.
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Toyota Prius c model years
Common Toyota Prius c problems
The Toyota Prius C, the smallest and most economical car in the Prius family, has been known to have some common problems across various model years. This article will discuss these issues based on complaints from owners of this car.
2015-Present Prius C - Common Problems
Miscalibrated Tire Pressure Monitoring System: Soon after releasing the updated 2015 Prius C model, Toyota realized that the tire pressure monitoring system was not calibrated properly. This meant that the driver was not warned when a tire became dangerously low. Toyota issued a recall and had its dealers re-calibrate the system free of charge.
2012-2014 Prius C - Common Problems
Early Air Conditioner Compressor Failure: It's common for a Prius C owner to notice a loud noise and hot air coming out of their vents when they turn on the air conditioner. This is because the compressor, which is responsible for pumping cool air through the system, has prematurely failed. Replacing the compressor (part no. 88370-52012) will put your air conditioner back in working order.
Ineffective Windshield Positioning: Many 2014 Prius C owners reported a "prism" effect in their front windshield at night. The light source is replicated two or three times when seen through the windshield. Toyota dealers will try to fix this issue with Rain X, a type of windshield wiper blade designed to leave a water-repelling coat on the windshield while in use.
Intelligent Power Module (IPM) Malfunction: When the operating temperature gets high enough, the IPM – a module that manages mileage and power – can fail. That results in the engine stalling without warning or operating at a reduced power level. Toyota dealers are aware of this issue, and they will either update the software or replace the IPM.
Grabby Brakes in Wet Weather: It's not uncommon for the brakes on a 2012 Prius C to react aggressively during wet weather, which may result in a skid. The brake grabbing happens because the Prius C is equipped with regenerative brakes, which are different from standard mechanical brakes. They don't dry as quickly, so the brakes become more sensitive. Many Prius C owners find that braking more gently in the rain solves this problem.
Ineffectively Designed Headlamp Housings: Many 2012 Prius C owners have had to replace their headlight bulbs a few times. Many attribute this issue to the fact that the front light housings are designed in such a way that allow the plastic to degrade, leading to premature bulb failure. Prius C owners are waiting for Toyota to release redesigned headlamp housings.
TSBs (Technical Service Bulletins) for 2012-2017 Toyota Prius C
TSBs (Technical Service Bulletins) are notifications issued by the manufacturer to address specific issues with a vehicle. Here are some TSBs for the 2012-2017 Toyota Prius C:
- Alarm Triggering While Driving (199326, 2017-03-23)
- Buzzing Noise From LH Side Under Dash (198799, 2017-03-02)
- HVAC Evaporator Drain Hose Clogged Due to Insect Intrusion (198794, 2017-03-08)
- Abnormal Entune/Navigation Operation For Display Audio (Non-HDD Type) (195716, 2016-08-01)
- HV Battery Cooling Fan Maintenance for Severe Usage Vehicles (195322, 2016-07-07)
- High Voltage (HV) Battery Rescue Charge (HEV Workstation / GRX-5100) (192347, 2015-12-02)
- A/C System Diagnosis After Component Failure (189798, 2015-05-13)
- EV Charge Cable Plug Difficult to Insert or Remove (183534, 2014-02-28)
- Brake Pedal Force Gauge SST for Parking Brake (181285, 2013-09-09)
These TSBs address various issues, including alarm triggering, buzzing noise, HVAC evaporator drain hose clogged due to insect intrusion, abnormal Entune/Navigation operation, HV battery cooling fan maintenance, high voltage battery rescue charge, A/C system diagnosis after component failure, EV charge cable plug difficulty, and brake pedal force gauge for parking brake.
In conclusion, the Toyota Prius C has had some common problems reported by owners, including early air conditioner compressor failure, ineffective windshield positioning, intelligent power module malfunction, grabby brakes in wet weather, and ineffectively designed headlamp housings. Additionally, there are several TSBs for the 2012-2017 Toyota Prius C that address various issues, such as alarm triggering, buzzing noise, HVAC evaporator drain hose clogged due to insect intrusion, abnormal Entune/Navigation operation, HV battery cooling fan maintenance, high voltage battery rescue charge, A/C system diagnosis after component failure, EV charge cable plug difficulty, and brake pedal force gauge for parking brake.
How reliable is the Prius C?
The probability of a repair being a severe or major issue is 7% for the Toyota Prius C, compared to an average of 11% for subcompact cars and 12% for all vehicle models. The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of a vehicle.
What are the cons of Prius C?
Toyota Prius c Reliability Problems
Prius c owners have made 13 complaints over 8 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 10th in overall reliability out of 33 Toyota models , with some lights and hvac concerns.
How many miles will a Prius C last?
With regular maintenance, a Toyota Prius owner can expect to get between 200,000 and 250,000 miles out of their Prius, with some owners topping the 300,000-mile mark and going strong.
What is the most common problem of Toyota Prius?
A list of some of the most common issues Prius owners have to deal with.
- Bluetooth Echos During Calls. ...
- Musty and Moldy A/C. ...
- Unintended Acceleration. ...
- Rodents Chew Soy-Coated Wires. ...
- Prius Headlight Problems. ...
- Prius Brake Defects. ...
- Toyota Excessive Oil Consumption.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Toyota Prius c years
We have researched Toyota problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Toyota Prius c cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Toyota Prius c model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Toyota Prius c model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Toyota Prius c years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Toyota Prius c car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Toyota Prius c , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Service brakes problems
- Electrical system problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Engine problems
- Visibility/wiper problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Toyota Prius c vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Prius c model years
A total of 121 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Prius c model years
There were a total of 6 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Prius c model years
There were a total of 71 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Prius c model years
There were a total of 3 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 874 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Toyota Prius c . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Toyota Prius c vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Toyota Prius c 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-03
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-25
- VIN: JTDKN3DU4E0
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: I was driving on the highway during rush hour when a loud beeping noice began. My 15 year old cousin was in the passenger seat and began to check for the source of the beeping. I was driving 55mph on a busy highway with no safe shoulder stop. As I was preparing for the exit, the brakes suddenly became dysfunctional. The pedal was extremely hard to press down and I found myself unable to slow down the car in enough time to avoid hitting upcoming traffic. I found myself in an urgent, life threatening situation and needed to pull over into the emergency lane located before the exit. I could not just consider my safety, but that of other drivers and my 15 year old passenger. She is traumatized. I was able to get the car to stop with my entire weight on the pedal. Once stopped, I scrambled to find the reason for the sudden brake problem, checking if anything rolled under my foot, if the floor mat was loose, if the gear shift was wrong, even checked if I accidentally hit the emergency brake. Nothing was out of place. No new dash lights. I looked in the manual. I had no information. I went to jiffy lube and they performed a diagnostic test and informed me they are unable see all the codes with hybrids because Toyota’s computer can only see Just in August I went to Toyota for my oil change, nothing was said about the brakes needing to be fixed and how repairing them now would prevent the failure of the accumulator pump system. If I had known paying $400-$500 for the brakes then would prevent having to pay $3000 to replace a pump. I would have made that sacrifice and went outside of my budget. This is paramount information that should be disclosed to all Toyota customers that take their car in for care and pay. After further research, I STRONGLY BELIEVE TOYOTA EMPLOYEES PURPOSELY WITHHOLD INFORMATION FROM THEIR CUSTOMERS NOT INFORMING CONSUMERS ABOUT AVOIDING PUMP FAILURE AND THE NEED REPAIR THEIR BRAKES AND IS COMPLICIT IN ANY INCIDENT CAUSED BY PUMP FAILURE MAY CAUSE.
Toyota Prius c 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-16
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-22
- VIN: JTDKN3DU9E0
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: Without warning, my brakes completely stopped working and I was fortunate enough to be somewhere I was able to pull over without being killed. Toyota is aware of this issue, but put a 10 year timeline on the complementary repair, which is totally unacceptable, as owners were not notified directly about this program, therefore how could we know it existed, was a problem, and to go get it fixed within their arbitrary deadline? I could have died losing brakes on the freeway, or even could have killed or injured others. This is a known, and severe safety hazard, and Toyota is not taking responsibility. It is unconscionable. Hoping for a class action lawsuit. It was a $5500 repair in California, which was almost the value of the car. Absolutely brutal and horrendous business practices from this company. Shame on them. I hope this agency NHTSA will add this report to the pile of others who have reported this, and actually take meaningful action for those of us who have been put at risk, and ripped off in the process.
Toyota Prius c 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-22
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-22
- VIN: JTDKN3DU8D5
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: Took car in for repair because all the warning lights are on. The repair shop quoted $1200 for Anti lock braking actuator system which is defective. This is a huge safety issue and a costly repair from Toyota.
Toyota Prius c 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-11
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-15
- VIN: JTDKN3DU0E1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: My 2014 prius experienced a failing brake booster actuator assembly. I was driving when suddenly my traction control light came on and my brake pedal turned mushy. I pulled over to a parking lot and put my vehicle in park. As soon as I did this, the ABS and parking brake light both turned on. I had the vehicle towed to the Toyota dealership. They diagnosed the problem as an internal leak in the brake booster actuator assembly. This is a common problem with these vehicles, but instead of Toyota issuing a recall, they only did an extended warranty coverage of which my prius didn't fit the parameters. Now I am stuck with a vehicle that is unsafe to drive and a repair estimate of $3,900 because of one of their parts failing. This should clearly have been made a recall with the volume of prius owners experiencing this problem. What a disappointment after having 3 Toyotas for many years.
Toyota Prius c 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2023-03-22
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-14
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JTDKN3DU5F0
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,BACK OVER PREVENTION
- Summary: I want to sale
Toyota Prius c 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-24
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-12
- VIN: JTDKN3DU2E0
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: On [XXX] my brakes failed while driving, (brake booster and actuator) moving at 25 mph, all of a sudden lights ABS and brakes indicator light started flashing and beep. I was approaching a yellow light and attempting to slow down, my foot went to to floor and the were NO BRAKES. I used the EMG brake slow down me pulled into an empty parking lot. My vehicle is available for inspection at request. My safety was was put at risk due to having no control and coming very close to crashing into another car putting that driver at risks as well, but was blessed I was able to avoid an accident. This problem has been confirmed by Phillips Toyota in Leesburg FL #(352)728-3020. The vehicle components have not been inspected by others besides the dealer. I am 2 months over the 10yr customer support program at 102k miles. I have been complaining for the past YEAR to the dealer regarding strange noises like chirping, air deflating when pressing brakes, constant buzzing sounds from system even when car is off, and being propelled forward when going over gravel or railroad track surfaces of the ABS light goes on. This is on record and each time I’d ask, they’d mention it is the brake booster going but because there was no indicator lights or code coming up, they were unable to do anything. My last service in may 2024, I requested a diagnostic on the brake system, which I paid extra for, knowing the 10yr program was about to be expired in July. The dealer found no codes and assured me it was safe to drive and that if I were to see those warning light come on, that I was to drive the car straight to the dealer to inspect. Well, long story short, the lights came on, and immediately the were NO Brakes and I was completely out of control with no time to drive it safely to the dealer. I had it towed to the dealer and they quoted me $3000 to repair brake booster/actuator. I am working with Toyota corporate for compensation. This is a major safety issue that should be a RECALL! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Toyota Prius c 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-11
- VIN: JTDKN3DUXE0
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: The braking system is failing with the following codes I tested with the BlueDriver scanner. Code TypeCodeDescription ABS CodesC1241Low or high power supply coltage ABS CodesC1391Abnormal leak in accumulator Main BodyB1206P/W Master SW ECU Communication Stop Main BodyB2321D-Door Motor ECU Communication Stop Main BodyB2430LED Headlight LH Entry and StartU0142Mainbody Ecu Communication Circuit Entry and StartU0155Lost Communication with Instrument Panel Cluster Control Module The car is available for inspection. This puts the drivers, myself and fiance, at risk of catastrophic collision in the event that the brakes fail while driving. I will call Toyota to obtain a replacement of the system that has occurred with many other drivers. The vehicle has not been inspected by manufacturer yet but it is important to know that this is a serious problem that could kill people. The problem was identified when warning lights came up on the dashboard but there is also a sound coming from the brake actuator that shows a problem. The problem is due to manufacturer error, I have driven the vehicle normally.
Toyota Prius c 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2023-02-15
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-11
- VIN: JTDKN3DU5D1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: The car has been making an intermittent buzzing sound that I now have had diagnosed as a failing Brake Booster Actuator. This part is integral to safely stopping the car. Though the actuator has apparently been failing for months, there have not been any DTCs associated with it. I now find that there was a Customer Support Program regarding this issue which has since expired. It is referred to as "Customer Support Program ZJB" and it refers to T-SB-0024-19. Had I been notified of this, I would have had the brake issue corrected before the program expired.
Toyota Prius c 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-27
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-06
- VIN: JTDKN3DUXD1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: Brake Booster failed last February 2024 while driving. The mileage at that time was around 89,270. Found out there was customer service support program for this issue that run through 2023. Since I bought the car used from Honda of Capitola (2018), I didn’t get any notification or unaware of this CSP. And the issue came out only this year. Had I know about this letter, I could have this inspected by Toyota. This is very unusual to have a brake booster failed with less than 100K. Called Toyota for assistance but they said I’m passed the CSP service date. Paid $3343.22 to have the car fix last 3/27/24. There should be a recall of this problem as more and more Toyota owner are still having this same issue. Thank you.
Toyota Prius c 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-27
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-01
- VIN: JTDKN3DU7E1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: So my wife is pulling into our driveway with my little ones and notices the ABS, traction control and Brake light come on. I then had the vehicle looked at by a local Toyota dealership and they tell me I'm getting code C1391 and that it's a known issue. They then tell me I'm out of my extended customer support warranty time frame and I will have to pay. According to NHTSA this is a known defect on this vehicle and it affects more than 100k Toyota Prius vehicles. So basically, we've been driving around in a vehicle that the brakes may fail at any moment and potentially kill us all but is only addressed by the manufacturer when the known failure occurs. Even then, they only address it if the error occurs during their set time frame. It seems this has been brought to NHTSA's attention on a few occasions and nothing has been done. I would think brakes are something that warrants a recall on a known defect. Thankfully my wife and kids weren't doing 70mph down the highway when the brakes all of the sudden stopped working.
Toyota Prius c 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-26
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-26
- VIN: JTDKN3DU5E1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: The contact owns a 2014 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the brake master cylinder and the brake booster pump assembly had failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.
Toyota Prius c 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2016-03-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-14
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JTDKDTB3XD1
- Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: Immobilized failure due to combination of brake hose failure preventing hybrid control/shift actuator. Hybrid steering lock became disengaged and could not communicate with the certification ecu due constant power being disabled due to complete main body failure. Hybrid system cannot go back into park however ecm side did. Ecm was not receiving power as dealer coded main body as a plug in hybrid effectively disabling fuel systems (including emissions/fuel safety) causing full misclassification in the smart key certification process. Car starts, goes into ready and disables LIN comms alongside cutting main relay due to tailgate and fuel constant powers being cut while driving.
Toyota Prius c 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-12
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-14
- VIN: JTDKDTB34D1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: Driving on the highway at 70mph my warning lights for my ABS, traction control, and other brake related warning lights came on. My brakes became soft and hard to stop the car. Immediately brought to dealer who said that my booster accumulator was leaking and needed to replace both the accumulator and pump for over $3,500. This is a know. Issue with Toyota because they have a service bulletin that they wouldn’t honor because my car is more than 10 years old. This is a serious issue and someone is going to get badly hurt.
Toyota Prius c 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-09
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-11
- VIN: JTDKN3DU8E1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: This vehicle lost braking assist while in motion on a well known problem from TOYOTA. There has been class action lawsuits on this very fact. Toyota issued a customer service warranty for vehicles that have less than 150,000 and filed before March 2024! My car has 127k and failure was Sept 9 out of the warranty. I understand that there is a line if the sand however this needs to be a recall as it effects so many vehicles and it is dangerous! I am asking you urge them to make a recall for this! I have paid for this repair and am furious but I had to do it!
Toyota Prius c 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-08
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-08
- VIN: JTDKN3DUXD0
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: While driving my brake light, ABS light, and traction(?) light all came on at once. The brake felt like it had resistance and I have to push it a lot harder than normal to stop. I took it to get a diagnostic ran and received the code C1391. After looking more up for this, this is a very known issue for Priuses and I was never made aware of it. This is a safety concern for all Prius drivers and nobody is made aware until it becomes an issue.
Recalls Toyota Prius c
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the Toyota Prius c.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Toyota Prius c 2018
- Report Received Date: 2019-06-26
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Prius C vehicles. The DC-DC converter may fail resulting in the auxiliary battery no longer receiving power from the converter, which may cause a loss of drive.
- Consequence: A loss of drive increases the risk of crash.
- Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the DC-DC converter with a new one, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began August 23, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is K0K.
- Model: Toyota Prius c 2018
- Report Received Date: 2018-03-15
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
- Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018 Toyota Prius C vehicles sold in Puerto Rico. The front passenger air bag and recommended child occupant seating positions label may not have been attached during assembly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- Consequence: 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.
- Remedy: Toyota will notify owners and will mail the removable labels to all known owners of the subject vehicles, free of charge. The recall began on April 11, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is J0L.
- Model: Toyota Prius c 2017
- Report Received Date: 2017-05-02
- Manufacturer: Gulf States Toyota, Inc.
- Components: TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE
- Summary: 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.
- Model: Toyota Prius c 2015
- Report Received Date: 2015-08-13
- Manufacturer: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC
- Components: TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
- Summary: 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.
Latest negative Toyota Prius c car reviews
Latest positive Toyota Prius c car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2015
I purchased my silver Prius c One around 3 months ago and I am absolutely loving it! Since I mostly drive in the city, I am averaging an impressive 57 MPG without doing anything special. The interior of the car looks and feels very premium for an entry-level car, and I especially love the light gray seats which are super soft and comfortable. The color combination of the seats and dashboard/head unit looks amazing with the silver exterior color. Despite the car's small exterior, there is a surprising amount of space inside. I am also pleased that Toyota added a touch screen, softer interior materials, and LED headlights & taillights all standard for the 2015 model, which really give the car a premium feel. The price of $18,500 ON THE ROAD, free 2 year maintenance, rock-solid Prius reliability with a tried-and-true hybrid system make this car very hard to beat. The only reason I wouldn't recommend this car is if you do ALL of your driving on the highway - you'd be better off with a Corolla or Mazda3 for the same price. But even if you do mixed city/highway, this car is still fine - I have no problem getting this car up to 80-85 MPH. And if you do mostly city like me, the Prius c is the perfect car for congested, stop-and-go traffic areas like mine - not only for fuel efficiency, but more importantly for pollution (which can be 10 times less compared to other cars in these conditions). In conclusion, I could not have asked for a better car than my 2015 silver Prius c One :)
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Vehicle year: 2016
Unfortunately, I couldn't find this car in the budget category. However, I must say that the overall quality seems superior. The dashboard, seating, and workmanship are great. The ride and handling are pretty much what I expected from a gas-electric powered car. I would definitely recommend this car.
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Vehicle year: 2017
Hi there! I'm a recent college graduate in my 20s who works in the film industry and loves to drive across the country. When it comes to cars, I prioritize functionality and pragmatism. That's why I fell in love with my 2014 Prius C, which I affectionately call '-3P0'. It was the first new car I ever bought, and in just 12 months, I put 45,000 miles on it driving from Albuquerque to Los Angeles, Seattle to Oklahoma City, and more. Despite not being a luxurious ride, I always felt safe and the vehicle consistently performed as expected. Plus, the flawlessly integrated Bluetooth system was a massive boon on those long drives! If you take care of this car as instructed (and I don't mean hand-polishing your paint job once a week), but simply driving smart and providing regular maintenance, it'll work very hard for you. Let's talk about size for a moment. Inside, the fold-down seats provide you with substantial storage space for a vehicle in this class. Transporting grip equipment like tripods and steadicams is generally no problem as long as you organize your cases appropriately. And my *favorite* aspect of this car? PARKING! I'm simply smitten with the profile of this vehicle. Maybe it's because I'm a European living in the States, but I can't imagine driving a car larger than this and still being able to find parking in downtown LA--or almost anywhere in LA--on short notice during any given day. Now, for some exaggerated criticism. I've had friends tell me that driving this car is not unlike riding a large turtle (I, for one, happen to respect the longest-living mammal on this planet). Merging onto the highway? Either slam on that gas pedal and listen to your engine scream as the acceleration meter runs red, or stay in the green and ignore the scowls of zooming passerby's blaring their horns. But don't worry, it's not a big deal. At the end of the day, I absolutely loved my little C-3P0 and don't regret choosing it over the Yaris, Fiesta, Sonic, or Dart for one second.But since I'll be driving less in the future, I decided to trade him in for a fresh start. After looking at all the new 2016 models, including a very attractive crimson Scion iA, I drove off the dealership with another Prius C. I have no regrets (I mean, just look at that gorgeous front bumper). Now I just have to find a good name...
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Vehicle year: 2014
I recently traded in my 2006 Toyota Matrix XRS with 170k on the odometer for a Black 2013 Prius C One with black tinted glass and only 30,000 miles. It was a Toyota Certified Car, which gave me peace of mind and an extended warranty. Although it wasn't love at first sight, I liked the idea of saving money on maintenance and the awesome 20+mpg jump in MPG. The price was also within my range. As a commuter car, it has saved me a lot, even though I now have payments. I have even taught myself a few hybrid tricks to get better fuel mileage, and I now get between 50-60mpg with mixed highway/road driving. I love the fact that it tells me how much money in gas I have spent to drive to a place. The technology on the engine/hybrid system is awesomely advanced, but the rest of the car feels like a cheap economy car. However, I didn't really expect too much in terms of refinement, since it is a car like a Yaris. It has automatic windows, a bluetooth CD player, automatic AC, Steering wheel controls, and a CVT for convenience. Although it does not have Cruise Control, variable intermittent wipers, or a trunk light, it still has a lot of great features. The saving grace of the CD player is its bluetooth capability, which works better than higher end Volkswagens. It has clear sound, and it is easy to sync devices. Overall, I am very happy with my purchase and would recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable and efficient car.When I first got the car, I made a few upgrades to improve its performance and appearance. I changed all the lights on the interior and exterior to LED, put in HID headlights, and changed out the hubcaps to something a little better. The HID upgrade was great and the LED's really made the car stand out at night. The handling of the car is great! If I were to put sporty tires on the car, I'm sure it would be great at an Autocross. The turning radius is also great and has allowed me to get in and out of some tight spaces without issue. In the end, it serves its purpose and I'm hoping it will take me into the next decade without issue. **Update 10-2017** I've taken a ton of road trips in this car and it's been comfortable and reliable. It's allowed me to take some budget weekend trips that have included me sleeping in the car with the AC on. It's not the most comfortable, but I was able to get enough rest. A PriusC is great when it comes to sleeping overnight because the motor is just a glorified generator for the AC that turns on when needed to charge the battery. It turned on once every 15 minutes for an entire night and I don't feel it was bad on the car at all. I'm very glad they don't count hours on the car and that they stick with mileage! I've been a little wild with the car and have been racing it on tracks too - the handling is great and I can beat a lot of cars out there but the power simply isn't there. Not surprising to me, but the other drivers are super surprised at the cornering. After 80,000 this car is still ticking like day one without any issues. **Update in 4-2018** I haven't been doing as much mileage on it because I moved closer to where I work. The Prius C is still running great, and now I only have to fill it up once a month! Besides replacing the windshield wipers and almost needing tires there has been no problem and no maintenance necessary. It's a great car that I highly recommend to anyone in need of basic transportation.
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Vehicle year: 2012
I just put 500 miles on my Prius C Three and I'm happy to report that I'm getting exact EPA mileage, and then some! I have no regrets about trading my 2010 Toyota Matrix for it. While this subcompact may not be the best for racing, it's perfect for everyday driving. I have no problems merging in freeway traffic and its size and excellent steering allow me to maneuver in city traffic easily. The seats offer plenty of support and adjust in enough positions to allow me to drive comfortably. Even in the hot South Texas weather, the AC cools the interior quickly. This model is very well equipped for the price and I couldn't be happier with my purchase. This is truly an excellent little car that does everything it's supposed to do well.
Are you having problems with your Toyota Prius c?
Jermey Mayer 2025-09-23
Vehicle year: 2015
I purchased my Prius C a couple of years ago. It's a well-built car, but it can be slow to accelerate and a bit loud when the accelerator is pressed. One thing to keep in mind is that the MPG is heavily dependent on your speed. I mainly drive on the highway and have noticed that if I drive 75-80 mph, I only average about 40 mpg, whereas if I drive 55-60 mph, I can get over 50 mpg. I'm not sure how the reviewer on this site claimed to get 64 mpg. They must be driving really conservatively on the highway.
Ricardo Krajcik 2025-09-18
Vehicle year: 2012
At six foot four, I was worried about feeling cramped, but I was pleasantly surprised. Despite its 1.5-liter engine, the Prius C is not slow at all. While it may not have the acceleration of a sports car, it's more than enough for my daily commute. By driving carefully, I'm able to achieve over 60 mpg, which is fantastic. I also own a BMW 740i that I bought used for 1/3 of what I paid for the Prius C. When I need to go fast, I take it out, but for everyday use, I'm very happy with my little gas-sipper. The build quality is excellent, the ride is quiet, and there's plenty of room for groceries. I would definitely buy it again tomorrow!
Johnathan Smith 2025-09-04
Vehicle year: 2014
I purchased my Prius C a couple of years ago. It's a well-built car, but it can be slow to accelerate and a bit loud when the accelerator is pressed. One thing to keep in mind is that the MPG is heavily dependent on your speed. I mainly drive on the highway and have noticed that if I drive 75-80 mph, I only average about 40 mpg, whereas if I drive 55-60 mph, I can get over 50 mpg. I'm not sure how the reviewer on this site claimed to get 64 mpg. They must be driving really conservatively on the highway.
Reggie Douglas 2025-06-18
Vehicle year: 2014
Just a heads up, the interior of the car may not be up to everyone's standards considering the price. Additionally, if you need a 12v battery replacement, it can be a bit pricey at around $400 and only available at Toyota dealerships. Personally, I've had some issues with hybrids and have spent over $5000 in the last year, but I've had great experiences with older Toyotas and non-hybrids. My 2002 Ford Explorer may not be the most fuel-efficient, but it's been reliable with minimal repairs. It's also worth noting that for the battery replacement, you'll need to go to the dealership as it's not available at other stores. Remember the good old days when Tercels and Echos were bulletproof? Those were the days...
Kayden Donnelly 2024-11-28
Vehicle year: 2017
If you're looking for a car that's environmentally friendly, this one might be a good option. However, I had some trouble with the controls during my rental period. The pedals and steering wheel didn't provide much feedback, which made it difficult to brake smoothly. Additionally, the acceleration and handling left something to be desired. The ride was a bit rough and noisy, and the seats weren't very comfortable. Lastly, the car has a CVT which can be a bit loud. Overall, while this car may have some benefits, it may not be the best fit for everyone.