What year Toyota Prius C should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2012 and 2013 model years are the ones to avoid. The 2012 has the highest complaint index (100) with brakes as the top issue, and 2013 has a complaint index of 86 with electrical system problems dominating.

What is the best year for the Toyota Prius C?

The 2016 Toyota Prius C is the best year based on NHTSA data, with a complaint index of just 14 and only 12 total complaints, plus zero crashes, fires, or recalls.

Are there recalls on the Toyota Prius C?

Across all covered years (2012-2019), NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns total. The 2012 and 2013 avoid years had zero recalls each, while 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2019 each have at least one recall on record.

What is the most common problem area for the Toyota Prius C?

Across all years, Brakes account for 33% of complaints (63 total) and Electrical System issues account for 32% (61 total), making these the two most reported problem areas.

Is the 2013 Prius C's electrical issue serious?

Electrical System complaints make up 47% of all 2013 complaints, the largest share of any category that year, with a median failure mileage of 70,000 miles reported by owners.

Toyota Prius C Best and Worst Years (2012–2019)

Avoid the 2012 and 2013 Toyota Prius C: 2012 has the highest complaint index (100) and heavy brake complaints (46% share), while 2013 leads in electrical issues (47% share). The 2016 model is the best year, with a complaint index of just 14.

Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.

Avoid 2012 Avoid 2013 Best 2016

Model years: 8; 2012–2019
NHTSA complaints: 189
Recall campaigns: 4
Crashes reported: 26
Fires reported: 1
Top problem area: Brakes

Prius C Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Toyota Prius C problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2012	Avoid	100	63	8	1	0	Brakes	50	—
2013	Avoid	86	57	8	0	0	Electrical System	50	4★
2014	Caution	71	32	5	0	0	Engine	50	4★
2015	Caution	57	17	2	0	1	Electrical System	50	4★
2016	Best	14	12	0	0	0	Brakes	50	4★
2017	No verdict	29	2	2	0	1	Airbags	46	4★
2018	Good	43	6	1	0	2	Electrical System	46	4★
2019	No verdict	0	0	0	0	1	—	46	4★

Prius C years to avoid: what went wrong

2012 Toyota Prius C Index 100 · 63 complaints · 0 recalls

The 2012 Prius C ranks worst of all years, with a complaint index of 100 and 63 total complaints. Brakes are the dominant issue, making up 46% of complaints for the year, with a median failure mileage of 30,000 miles. Owners describe braking problems including brakes slamming down instead of applying gradually and ABS not functioning as expected. Electrical system complaints follow at 25% of the year's total, with a much higher median mileage of 95,007. NHTSA also lists 8 crashes and 1 fire tied to 2012 complaints, along with 8 reported injuries.”},{

2012 brakes problems →2012 electrical system problems →

2013 Toyota Prius C Index 86 · 57 complaints · 0 recalls

The 2013 Prius C ranks second-worst, with a complaint index of 86 and 57 total complaints. Electrical System problems dominate, accounting for 47% of the year's complaints at a median mileage of 70,000. Owners report the vehicle unexpectedly switching out of Ready mode while driving and not returning to Ready mode. Brakes are the second largest category at 32% share, with a median mileage of 39,850. NHTSA records 8 crashes tied to 2013 complaints, though no fires or deaths are listed.

2013 electrical system problems →2013 brakes problems →

Most common Toyota Prius C problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Brakes63 (33%)
Electrical System61 (32%)
Other36 (19%)
Engine35 (19%)
Airbags17 (9%)
Fuel System14 (7%)
Structure & Body12 (6%)
Transmission & Powertrain10 (5%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires9 (5%)
Steering8 (4%)

Frequently asked questions

What year Toyota Prius C should I avoid?: Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2012 and 2013 model years are the ones to avoid. The 2012 has the highest complaint index (100) with brakes as the top issue, and 2013 has a complaint index of 86 with electrical system problems dominating.
What is the best year for the Toyota Prius C?: The 2016 Toyota Prius C is the best year based on NHTSA data, with a complaint index of just 14 and only 12 total complaints, plus zero crashes, fires, or recalls.
Are there recalls on the Toyota Prius C?: Across all covered years (2012-2019), NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns total. The 2012 and 2013 avoid years had zero recalls each, while 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2019 each have at least one recall on record.
What is the most common problem area for the Toyota Prius C?: Across all years, Brakes account for 33% of complaints (63 total) and Electrical System issues account for 32% (61 total), making these the two most reported problem areas.
Is the 2013 Prius C's electrical issue serious?: Electrical System complaints make up 47% of all 2013 complaints, the largest share of any category that year, with a median failure mileage of 70,000 miles reported by owners.