Prius c (NHP10)
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
Every complaint of any kind (brakes, airbags, electrical and the rest) whose VIN names the engine, across all model years. The score above counts only engine, transmission and drivetrain complaints, so its figures for the same engine are smaller. Fire, injury and death figures count complaints that report one.
1NZ-FXE+1LM
1.5L 4-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 2 additional engine variants with limited data
Toyota Prius c Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
2ZR-FXE,1NM
1.8L 4-cyl / 96 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Battery & Propulsion Reliability
Hybrid (HEV)
Battery & propulsion complaint analysis for the 2012-2019 Toyota Prius c
The number of hybrid versions built is not on file, so this cannot be set against other hybrids per vehicle built.
What kind of battery complaint?
What the 111 battery-related complaints describe. One complaint can name more than one of these, so the shares add up to more than 100%. They describe what owners complained about, not how often the vehicle fails.
Hybrid system warnings, eCVT, motor-generator, hybrid transaxle.
Loss of power, drive unit, inverter, traction motor, DC-DC converter.
Low-voltage battery deaths, common on EVs and hybrids that use a 12V for accessories.
Regen brake feel, one-pedal driving, B-mode complaints.
Propulsion battery defects, capacity loss, BMS faults, replacement claims.
Battery fires, smoke, thermal runaway. Includes any complaint with fire reported.
Battery & propulsion recalls (1)
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.
Sample complaint excerpts
Hybrid Drivetrain
- [2013] While I was driving on the freeway the dash lit up with multiple lights. Simultaneously, I lost power to the car and could not accelerate and only break. The steering was tight and I could not steer correctly. Then a message that said, CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM STOP THE VEHICLE IN A SAFE PLACE IMMEDIATELY. The was slowing down and I had to pull over on the side of the freeway. There were no fluids leaki
- [2013] my 2013, Toyota Prius recently suffered a sudden hybrid system failure with DTC space P0A0F and a check hybrid system warning. This matches the symptoms described in NHTS a safety recall 20V369000. Your recall look up tool shows my Vin is not included. However, I have never received this recall repair, and my failure is identical to the documented safety issue. I am requesting help in getting Toyo
- [2013] Hybrid System fail safe. I was driving on the highway and the car started to slow down on its own. There were no warning signs. I was able to pull over in time. I turn my car off and when I try to start it, it stalled. I couldn't drive off. Three hours later Hybrid System Fail error appeared, stating for me to pull over. I could have gotten in an accident.
Electric Propulsion
- [2013] My 2013 Toyota Prius has a failed inverter/converter assembly, including the Intelligent Power Module (IPM). This component is critical for vehicle operation and designed to last the life of the car. Premature IPM shorting and inverter failure is a known defect acknowledged by Toyota through multiple recalls and service campaigns for other VINs with the same part number. My vehicle is giving codes
- [2013] The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Prius C. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. The contact stated that he and his wife were in the vehicle during the failure, and the vehicle was almost crashed into. The contact stated that he and his wife were left stranded in oncoming traffic. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that th
- [2013] failure of the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) within the inverter assembly
12V Auxiliary Battery
- [2013] The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Prius C. The contact stated that while his wife was attempting to cold-start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that on several occasions the vehicle was started; however, the instrument cluster and other electrical devices failed to operate as needed. The contact replaced the auxiliary battery. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoc
- [2013] The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that after several days of torrential rainfall, the contact noticed there was water in the tire and 12-volt battery compartment. After having a routine oil change at an independent mechanic, while the contact was driving, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The power steering warning light illuminated after the failure. The driver
- [2013] MY TOYOTA PRIUS WAS INVOLVED IN A HIT RUN ACCIDENT. YARK COLLISION COMPLETED WORK ON VEHICLE. WHEN PICKING UP CAR FROM YARK MY CAR WOULD NOT START SPOKE WITH ONE OF THE MECHANIC HE SAID MY BATTERY DIED AND I EXPLAINED TO THEM I HAD NO ISSUES ,PRIOR TO BRINGING MY CAR TO YARK I HAD JUST HAD DIAGNOSTIC TEST DONE AT TOYOTA. VEHICLE SAT AT MY RESIDENCE OVER NIGHT AND VEHICLE HAD DIED AGAIN. I CONTACTE
Regenerative Braking
- [2013] While driving on the highway, ABS, "Brake"/E-Brake, Traction Control Lights lit up all at the same time out of the blue. No prior engine lights/codes before this incident. During that trip, brakes felt more difficult to press, loss all brake regeneration for the hybrid battery but was still about to brake for that entire 100 miles trip. As of now, the car is still able to brake but it looks lik
- [2013] ABS, Brake, and Traction control lights are on alongside a constant beeping. I have lost regenerative braking and it now takes more effort upon the brake pedal to come to a complete stop. I am in fear that the brake system will go out completely, causing damage to myself or my children.
- [2013] Brake system failure. Traction control light, brake light, abs light, and brake system warning light all lit up on dash. The regenerative braking is no longer working or charging battery. Obvious loss of stopping power. Does not feel safe to drive at all. Toyota wants $3,000-$4,000 for the repair. Toyota should be held liable for these failures causing crashes and potential fatalities. This should
High-Voltage Battery
- [2013] "Cooling Performance of the Hybrid Battery is Low" warning light turns on every 4-5 months on my 2013 Toyota Prius. Apparently, Toyota issued a bulletin to Toyota Service Departments re: Engine/Hybrid System Section Hybrid/Battery Control System Market USA. This info was never disclosed and is costly to repair every 4-5 months due to excessive buildup of dust, lint, or debris in the HV battery i
- [2013] Without warning my 2013 prius C stalled on the freeway with a hybrid battery warning. When the car was shut off it had intermittent problems with starting. After jumping the car battery , it ran normally again for some time before the stalling problem persisted. The hybrid battery stopped running and I received a warning light. Diagnostics at my repair shop said it was an inverter issue.I see that
- [2013] I WAS DRIVING MY PRIUS 2013 MODEL IN A PARKING LOT ON 12/24/2019 WHEN ITABRUPTLY (WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING MESSAGES) SHUT DOWN WITH THIS MESSAGE: "CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM STOP THE VEHICLE IN A SAFE PLACE." MY CAR WOULD NOT MOVE AN INCH, DIDN'T GO INTO LIMP MODE AND DIDN'T GO INTO NEUTRAL EITHER.MY PRIUS HAD A 2ND RECALL SOFTWARE UPDATE IN 2019 AND ITWAS SUPPOSE TO PREVENT MY CAR FROM SHUTTING DOWNCOMP
Thermal Events
- [2013] Pulled out of the driveway drove about a 100 ft heard large clunking sound front end dropped down as if there was a flat tire pulled off the highway drove through the grass 100 ft back to my home the car started smoking from the engine compartment and burst into flames. Tried to extinguish with fire extinguishers and water hose while calling 911. Fire Department extinguished the fire. Car is a com
- [2013] I WAS DRIVING DOWN A CITY ROAD AT 25-30 MPH AT DUSK (5:15PM), AND WITH MY HEADLIGHTS ON. THE FIRST INDICATION OF A PROBLEM WAS THE SMELL OF BURNING RUBBER WHEN I TURNED ON THE HEATER. ASSUMING THE PROBLEM WAS WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE AHEAD OF ME, I TURNED OFF THE HEATER AND KEPT DRIVING. A MILE LATER, AS I WAS NEARING MY DESTINATION, I NOTICED SEVERAL WARNING LIGHTS TURN ON (SKID LIGHT AND EXCLAMATION
- [2014] ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 12, 2018 I FOUNT THE CAR SEAT SEVERELY SMOLDERING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE CARE WAS FILLED WITH BROWN SMOKE AND TOXIC FUMES. THE SEAT WAS COMPLETELY BURNED AND MELTED AND TOXIC RESIDUE. FIRE DEPARTMENT PUT OUT FIRE WITH WATER. CAR SEAT HEATER APPARENTLY DID NOT TURN OFF AND SMOLDERED ALL NIGHT. TOYOTA GIVING ME THE RUN AROUND, DELAYING INVESTIGATION AT LEAST 5 WEEKS OR MO
Source: classified from NHTSA complaint and recall data. "Battery-related" includes high-voltage propulsion battery, charging system, hybrid drivetrain, electric propulsion, regenerative braking, 12V auxiliary battery, and thermal-event complaints. Other complaints (suspension, steering, brakes, infotainment) appear in the engine and vehicle-level sections. The rate divides those complaints by the electrified versions built, from the production counts makers report to NHTSA, and it is not adjusted for age. Death and injury figures count complaints that report one, not the number an owner typed in.
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Toyota Prius c, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2012-2019 Toyota Prius c
On a used 2012-2019 Toyota Prius c, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the electrical system (65), the brakes (61) and the hybrid system (55). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-09. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 65 owner complaints on the 2012-2019 Toyota Prius c about the electrical system.
- On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 61 owner complaints on the 2012-2019 Toyota Prius c about the brakes.
- Drive slowly in a parking lot and note each time the engine starts and stops.Costly repair. NHTSA has 55 owner complaints on the 2012-2019 Toyota Prius c about the hybrid system.
- Accelerate hard once from a stop and once from 40 mph, and hold a steady highway speed.Safety. NHTSA has 49 owner complaints on the 2012-2019 Toyota Prius c about the electric drive system.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 27 owner complaints on the 2012-2019 Toyota Prius c about the engine.
- Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 22 owner complaints on the 2012-2019 Toyota Prius c about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
Recalls (4)
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.
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."
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.
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."
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2012-2019 Toyota Prius c complaints?
Owners have filed 209 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012-2019 Toyota Prius c. The systems they name most often are the electrical system, the brakes and the engine.
Is the 2012-2019 Toyota Prius c a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 209 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012-2019 Toyota Prius c. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2012-2019 Toyota Prius c have?
NHTSA has 209 owner complaints on file for the 2012-2019 Toyota Prius c as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2012-2019 Toyota Prius c?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls covering some 2012-2019 Toyota Prius c vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Toyota Prius c?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the electrical system, the brakes and the engine, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
Does the Prius c have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2012-2019 Toyota Prius c. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 209 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-18.