RoadVitals

2016 Toyota Prius C

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
12
Latest Jun 3, 2026
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
0
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0

Overview

Our database contains 12 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2016 Toyota Prius C, most frequently naming the tires & wheels, brakes and electrical categories. 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 232 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Tires & wheels325.0%
  • Brakes325.0%
  • Electrical216.7%
  • Visibility18.3%
  • Exterior lighting18.3%
  • Driver assistance18.3%
  • Other / unspecified18.3%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

No recalls in our database for this model year

That does not guarantee a specific vehicle is unaffected — recalls are issued against VINs, and new campaigns are announced regularly. Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov.

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

DP22005ClosedDefect Petition

Pedestrian alert sounds

Opened Jan 27, 2023
Closed Aug 7, 2023

NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEMLed to recall 22V063000

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Brakes
Filed Jun 3, 2026

My name is [XXX] currently active duty military stationed in San Diego. Can you please check if my car VIN number [XXX] 2016 Toyota Prius C 103k miles still covered for brake booster malfunction code 1391. I have told they are extended warranty up to 10 yrs less 150k. Toyota dealer here seems not seeing any warranty coverage issues. Please help me look into this issues thank you. My contact number is [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11741935
Incident
Jun 3, 2026
Tires & wheels
Filed Aug 16, 2025

P 175/65r15 I was driving on a slight curve on the I-10 in El Paso, TX when the rear bumper exploded. The car started swaying and swerving then I pulled over. I then realized that the tread on the tire was gone floating across the highway. The trie was bare with no tread with the bumper around the tire was gone. The explosion also caused the tail light to break.

NHTSA ID
11681053
Incident
Jul 25, 2025
Tires & wheels
Filed Aug 21, 2024

See attached document for complaint

NHTSA ID
11609943
Incident
Jul 26, 2023
Tires & wheels
Filed Aug 9, 2024

Prinx HiCITY HH2 175/65R15 84H Bought this tire in November 2022. About 15000 miles into it, on Aug 6, 2024, the passenger front tire just busted. After swapping with the spare tire, and upon inspection, there was no nail nor it hit the curb, but the side wall is busted. This is a manufacturing quality issue.

NHTSA ID
11607627
Incident
Aug 6, 2024
Visibility
Filed Oct 20, 2022

The original windshield has a “rippling distortion” where the windshield has ripple/bubble from defective glass or installation mistakes, making seeing traffic signs or streets very hard. I just bought this vehicle and noticed the problem. It created poor road vision, especially at night. Toyota needs to recall and replace all these windshields before it causes more accidents due to poor visibility looking through the glass.

NHTSA ID
11490244
Incident
Oct 20, 2022
BrakesDriver assistance
Filed Feb 21, 2019

WHEN I AM IN THE PROCESS OF BRAKING AND HIT A ROUGH SPOT IN THE ROAD SUCH AS A POTHOLE, I ESSENTIALLY LOSE CONTROL OF THE CAR FOR A SPLIT SECOND. IT FEELS JERKY LIKE IT LURCHES FORWARD OR SHAKES SIDE TO SIDE. ITS NOT VERY PRONOUNCED BUT ENOUGH TO MAKE ME FEEL UNSAFE. THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME I AM BRAKING AND RUN OVER POTHOLES, SO ITS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT THAT ONLY HAPPENED ON ONE DAY, AND IT DOESN'T MATTER HOW HARD I'M BRAKING OR HOW FAST I'M GOING UNLESS I'M BARELY MOVING (THEN IT DOESN'T JERK).

NHTSA ID
11181608
Incident
Feb 21, 2019
Filed Dec 17, 2017

SINCE PURCHASE OF THE CAR, THE VEHICLE HAS SHIFTED FROM DRIVE TO NEUTRAL UPON BRAKING HARD. THIS HAS OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. THE CAR WILL NOT RETURN TO DRIVE WITHOUT TURNING OFF THE ENGINE AND RESTARTING. IT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. TOYOTA OF CARLSBAD COULDN'T REPRODUCE THE EVENT AFTER A FEW TRIES ON A TEST DRIVE, SO THEY WILL NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT HAVING A FATAL ACCIDENT WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. THE EVENTS HAPPEN RANDOMLY.

NHTSA ID
11055096
Incident
Dec 13, 2017
Mileage
19,700 mi
Filed Oct 30, 2017

WITH THE AUXILIARY BATTERY WELL CHARGED THE GAS ENGINE WILL TURN OFF WHEN VEHICLE COMES TO A STOP. IN ORDER TO TURN THE IGNITION KEY TO THE OFF POSITION AND REMOVE THE KEY IT IS NECESSARY TO MOVE THE SHIFT LEVER TO THE PARK POSITION. AT THE SAME TIME IT IS ADVISABLE TO SET THE PARKING BRAKE. IF DISTRACTED IT IS POSSIBLE TO OPEN THE DOOR AND LEAVE THE VEHICLE WITH THE ELECTRIC ENGINE STILL RUNNING. THERE IS NO ENGINE NOISE AT ALL. THERE IS NO SIGNAL, AUDIO OR LIGHT, TO INDICATE THE ENGINE IS STILL RUNNING. I HAVE HAD THIS OCCUR ON TWO OCCASIONS, ONCE DURING DAYTIME, WITH MY SON ACCOMPANYING ME, 09/07/2017, THE SECOND TIMEL ALONE, WHEN PARKING THE CAR IN MY GARAGE AT NIGHT, 09/13/2017. ON RETURN TO THE CAR, WITH MY SON, I SEARCH FOR MY KEYS AND FOUND THE CAR'S GAS ENGINE RUNNING, EMITTING THE NORMAL ENGINE NOISE, THE KEY NOT HAVING BEEN REMOVED AFTER PARKING. WHEN TURNING OFF AND REMOVING THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION, INSIDE LIGHTS AND DRIVE LIGHTS CONTINUE TO BE ON UNTIL THE DOOR IS CLOSED, AT WHICH TIME THE LIGHTS, INSIDE AND OUT, GO OFF AFTER A BRIEF PERIOD OF TIME. THE THREE ACTIONS, MOVING THE SHIFT LEVER, SETTING THE PARKING BRAKE AND TURNING OFF THE IGNITION ALL REQUIRE USE OF THE RIGHT HAND, WITH THE MOVING OF THE SHIFT LEVER BEING MANDETORY. WITH NO AUDIBLE ENGINE NOISE IT IS EASY TO OVERLOOK THE FACT THAT THE ENGINE IS STILL RUNNING. AN AUDIBLE BEEP OR FLASHING LIGHT WOULD ALERT THE DRIVER TO THE FACT THAT SOMETHING IS AMISS. OF COURSE AN UNLOCKED PARKED CAR WITH ENGINE RUNNING IS ALSO AN INVITATION TO CAR THEFT. THE CAR'S DOORS CANNOT BE LOCKED WITH THE KEY IN THE IGNITION, BUT THERE IS NO INDICATION THAT THE DOORS HAVE NOT LOCKED WITHOUT TESTING THE DOORS FROM THE OUTSIDE. NOT HAVING SUCCESSFULLY LOCKED THE DOORS CAN ALSO BE EASILY OVERLOOKED BY A DISTRACTED DRIVER.

NHTSA ID
11041440
Incident
Sep 7, 2017
Mileage
1,950 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

T-SB-0119-15 Rev2

ENGINE

OBSOLETE NOTICE February 13, 2026: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0009-26.

T-SB-0009-26

ENGINE

This bulletin includes basic procedures for performing a rescue charge on Ni-MH high voltage (HV) batteries. This bulletin should be used in conjunction with the applicable model and model year Repair Manual while performing a rescue charge. The GRX-5100 should be used wherever the Repair Manual references the Toyota Hybrid System (THS) charger.

T-SB-0055-24 Rev2

Some 2005 – 2026 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manual and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines.

T-SB-0058-23 Rev1

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The air conditioning dye injection tool kit has been developed to aid in identifying the location of air conditioning refrigerant leaks. The procedures outlined in this Service Bulletin aid in locating, inspecting, and repairing refrigerant leaks.

T-SB-0035-24 Rev2

STRUCTURE:BODY

Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage to the painted surfaces can occur. Acid rain damage can typically be identified on vehicles by the presence of stains on the paint surface that resemble hard water spots. Unlike water spots however, acid rain damage cannot be removed by regular washing procedures. Also, because acid rain can etch and soften the paint, normal buffing or polishing repair procedures should not be attempted. This can cause further damage and result in visible depressions in the paint surface. The following are the three major categories of acid rain damage: •Minor damage: requires only buffing to repair. •Moderate damage: usually requires neutralizing, color sanding, and buffing. •Severe damage: extending beyond 1/2 mil of clearcoat on a pearl, metallic, or solid color, requires neutralization, sanding, and repainting. In cases where acid rain damage is minor, neutralization and buffing with a liquid-type paint finessing product may provide an adequate repair. Only specially formulated products outlined in this bulletin should be used for that purpose. Unfortunately, other than minor damage, there is no simple method of determining the actual extent (depth) of acid penetration other than color sanding a representative affected area until there is no visible etching or depressions, followed by measuring the amount of paint removed with either a magnetic or digital-type film thickness gauge. The procedures in this bulletin are intended for use by qualified body/paint technicians and should not be attempted by inexperienced personnel. It is the dealer’s responsibility to protect and maintain the quality of the vehicle’s paint finish after receipt at the dealership prior to the first sale. Perform frequent vehicle washing, as often as daily, during high heat and humidity periods to minimize the potential for paint damage due to acid rain exposure. This is especially important in geographical areas known for high frequency and concentration of acid rain and industrial fallout.

T-SB-0038-24 Rev2

STRUCTURE:BODY

To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before the vehicle is delivered to the customer. Consequently, the film should remain on the wheel for as long as possible.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Toyota Prius C by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2021000
2020000
2019011
2018621
2017211
2016Viewing120142.4
2015171150.4
2014320150.0
2013560153.6
2012630253.7

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.