Toyota Prius c problems

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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.

photo of Toyota Prius c car production

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Toyota Prius c model years

toyota prius c 2018 photo
Prius c 2018
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6

2

25

4
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
toyota prius c 2017 photo
Prius c 2017
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95

1

21

3.9
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
toyota prius c 2016 photo
Prius c 2016
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156

0

27

2.4
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
toyota prius c 2015 photo
Prius c 2015
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106

1

27

2.6
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
toyota prius c 2014 photo
Prius c 2014
Toyota

178

0

24

3.2
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
toyota prius c 2013 photo
Prius c 2013
Toyota

333

0

19

3.3
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
toyota prius c 2012 photo
Prius c 2012
Toyota

0

0

16

3.2
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

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.

Toyota Prius c

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

  1. 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.

  2. Deonte Johns 2024-11-21

    Vehicle year: 2012

    My fiance bought a Prius C a few months ago and claims to love it. Despite this, she always finds a reason to take my 2012 Golf TDI instead. Unfortunately, I often get stuck with her car, which I find loud, annoying, and unrefined. As a car guy, I prefer something with a bit more power and style. However, I understand that everyone has different preferences when it comes to cars.

  3. Saige Kerluke 2024-11-18

    Vehicle year: 2018

    My previous car was a 2006 Yaris, but with over 200,000 kilometers, it was time to get a newer model. I absolutely love Toyota; I find they provide the most value for my money. I was lucky enough to purchase my 2018 Prius C, used, with only 6000 kms on it. Although it's not as peppy as my old Yaris, I find it roomier inside and appreciate the longer car length. I was excited that it had the electronics that my Yaris didn't, but I'm still learning how to use them. The bluetooth can be a bit glitchy, but it's not a major issue. I've had my Prius C for almost a year and I'm still figuring out the heating and cooling, but it's not a big deal. All this being said, my Prius C gets me to work and back, and that's the most important thing.

  4. Marco McGlynn 2024-10-20

    Vehicle year: 2018

    While the car does have great mileage in traffic and city driving, I would not recommend it for highway use. In my experience, the car's MPG falls short of the advertised amount when driving at speeds over 70 MPH. Additionally, the car's acceleration and power may not provide the safest driving experience. Even when fully pressing the accelerator, the car struggles to reach highway speeds and can lose momentum on hills. However, the car's performance in traffic is impressive.

  5. Carol Mayert 2024-09-09

    Vehicle year: 2018

    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.

Latest positive Toyota Prius c car reviews

  1. Kenneth Cummings 2025-04-19

    Vehicle year: 2017

    The Prius c is a fantastic car that is often overlooked. It is perfect for those who value parkability and fuel efficiency. Living in Los Angeles, I have found that the Prius c can fit into parking spaces that other cars simply cannot. This can make all the difference when trying to make an appointment on time. Despite its small size, the interior is spacious and comfortable, and the car drives with a wonderful center of gravity that gives it the feel of a much heavier car. Additionally, the Prius c is the highest mileage non plug-in hybrid car available, with an impressive average of 50 MPG under normal driving conditions. I have even achieved as high as 92.4 miles per gallon on a trip! Overall, I highly recommend the Prius c to anyone looking for a reliable and efficient car that is also fun to drive.If you're not familiar with the amazing definition of SULEV, I highly recommend looking it up or even calling a Toyota store to ask. It's one of the best reasons to get this car! I would love to see the Prius assembled in America, like many other Toyota vehicles. A great update would be to replace Entune with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In my opinion, fog lights are a safety feature and should be available on all trim levels.

  2. Marley Hettinger 2025-04-16

    Vehicle year: 2013

    I'm so glad to hear that you were able to find a great deal on a new 2013 Prius C Two for $17k! It sounds like you made a wise choice, especially since it has so many more features than the non-hybrids you were considering. The Two model seems to have all the features you could ask for, and it's great to hear that the fuel economy is living up to expectations. While some people have complained about a lack of power, it's good to know that you had no problem adjusting, even coming from a V6. It's also great to hear that the car is roomier than it appears, especially in the backseat, with plenty of headroom and trunk space. Overall, it seems like the Prius C Two is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a cheaper hybrid with great features and room. Thanks for sharing your experience with us!

  3. Unique Graham 2025-04-14

    Vehicle year: 2014

    I purchased my 2013 Prius C brand new over 3 years ago and it has been a reliable vehicle ever since. I have only needed to take it to the dealership for routine maintenance such as oil changes, tire rotations, and scheduled check-ups. Although I did have to replace one set of tires, I recently completed the 100K mile service (drain/fill coolants) and it is still running smoothly. It gets fantastic gas mileage, averaging 52-54 mpg in the summer and high 40s in the winter, even with my 50+ mile commute to work on a state highway with a 60 MPH speed limit and many rural villages to slow down for. The fold-down rear seats are a great feature, allowing me to haul a lot of cargo when needed. It can comfortably seat four adults for short trips, up to around 200 miles. While the interior finishes may not be top-of-the-line, it is a commuter vehicle and not a luxury car. Overall, I am very satisfied with my Prius C and plan to purchase another one in a few years when this one reaches 200K+ miles. It may not be the most exciting or sporty car to drive, but the electronics make it easy to be conscious of energy usage and engage in the energy savings game while driving.

  4. Jarrell Grady 2025-04-10

    Vehicle year: 2014

    I bought my 2013 Prius C 4 with 15k miles for 13k in 2018. I drive 850 miles nonstop twice a week at about 85 MPH up and down I-10 and I-99 from Sacramento CA to Phoenix AZ. Even in 120 degree heat through the Palm Springs to Phoenix AZ leg, the AC at 68 degrees keeps me cool as can be. I consistently get 40-43 MPG when measuring in 120 degree heat with AC at 68 degrees and cruise control at 85 MPH, which is excellent. When I'm in CA cruising at 70 MPH with a cooler 80 degrees, I consistently get the rated 50+ MPG. The drives take on average 13 hours non-stop and the Prius C-4 handles well at speed and on the rough CA freeways. It has great acceleration, passing, and braking. At 60 MPH, I get 60 MPG. Before my Prius, I was a hard-core old school V-8 guy, but the Toyota Prius is an engineering marvel! As a Ph.D. Physicist who designs rockets for a living, I think the Prius is a rocket scientist's dream car.

  5. Hassan Hodkiewicz 2025-04-08

    Vehicle year: 2015

    I was impressed with this car when a salesman did a demo that showcased its safety features. He had me take my hands off the steering wheel and slam on the brakes in the middle of an unoccupied street. The car stopped perfectly without swerving in any way. The interior is clean and neat and after two years is holding up well. Although I have two complaints, primarily the combined mileage of this car is 45 mpg, which has dropped slightly to around 43 mpg lately, possibly due to the summer weather and increased use of air conditioning. However, it still gets better mileage in warm weather than cold. The other complaint is the cargo room, which is less than my previous car, a 95 Honda Civic. This makes quite a difference if you go camping or ever carry lots of cargo. People's legs are a bit cramped in the minimal amount of leg room in the back seat. Despite these issues, this car has grown on me. It's smooth and quiet and gets better mileage than non-hybrid cars, but just barely. As of 2/2/2019, my average mpg is still 43-45, and although the car's calculations estimate higher mpg, I always calculate it myself and the actual mileage is always lower than the car says. Overall, I would still recommend it until hybrids get the 60 plus mpgs they should be getting by now.

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