MotorDeets

Toyota Prius c problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every Prius c from 2012 to 2019: 189 owner complaints and 5 recalls across 8 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2012 (63), 2013 (57), 2014 (32). Best fuel economy: 50 mpg combined (2016).

Toyota Prius c
Photo: RL GNZLZ from Chile · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Brakes57
Electrical51
Other / unknown35
Engine23
Airbags17
Speed control / throttle14
Exterior lights12
Transmission & drivetrain10

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
201206350
201305750
201403250
201511750
201601250
20171246
20182646
20191046

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the Toyota Prius c.

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Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
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FAQ

What is the worst year for the Toyota Prius c?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2012 (63), 2013 (57), 2014 (32).

How many recalls has the Toyota Prius c had?

Across 2012–2019, NHTSA lists 5 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).