YearToAvoid

2017 Toyota Prius C Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

No verdict

Complaint Index

29/100

#6 most-complained of 8 Prius C years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2017 Toyota Prius C has a Complaint Index of 29, ranking 6th out of 8 model years, with 2 complaints, 1 recall, and no do-not-drive recalls. Top reported problem area is airbags.

Complaints
2
Recalls
1
Crashes / fires
2 / 0
Injuries / deaths
2 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
4 / 5 ★
EPA combined MPG
46
48 city / 43 hwy

Top 2017 Toyota Prius C problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Airbags1 (50%)
  2. Brakes1 (50%)
  3. Engine1 (50%)

What owners report

  • Owners report a crash where another vehicle merging onto the highway struck the front passenger-side fender of the Prius C, causing it to hit a shoulder barrier and become airborne.
2017 Toyota Prius C complaints: complaints filed per month2Aug 2019Aug 2025
3 complaints filed with NHTSA from Aug 2019 to Aug 2025; peak Aug 2019 (2).

2017 Toyota Prius C recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 17V295000May 2, 2017Suspension, Wheels & Tires409 vehicles

    Tires:temporary/emergency spare tire

    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.

    Risk: 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.

2017 Toyota Prius C fuel economy and fuel cost

City
48 MPG
Highway
43 MPG
Combined
46 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$1,400
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Regular
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2017 compared with other Prius C years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)025507510020122013201420152016201720182019
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2015Caution5717150
2016Best1412050
2017No verdict292146
2018Good436246
2019No verdict00146

All Toyota Prius C years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2017 Toyota Prius C reliable?
NHTSA data shows the 2017 Prius C has a Complaint Index of 29 with only 2 complaints logged, ranking 6th out of 8 model years for reported problems.
What is the top problem area for the 2017 Prius C?
Airbags account for 50% of reported complaints, tied with Brakes and Engine, each also at 50% share among the small complaint pool.
Does the 2017 Prius C have any recalls?
Yes, NHTSA lists 1 recall (campaign 17V295000) covering suspension, wheels, and tires, related to spare tire pressure; it is not a do-not-drive recall.
How does the 2017 Prius C compare to other years?
With a Complaint Index of 29, the 2017 model ranks better than the 2012-2015 model years (indexes 57-100) but worse than the 2016 model year, which scored 14 and is rated Best.
What is the fuel economy of the 2017 Prius C?
The 2017 Prius C gets 46 MPG combined (48 city/43 highway) with an estimated annual fuel cost of $1,400 per EPA data.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.