2016 Toyota Prius C
Only 12 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 12 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 63 |
| 2013 | 56 |
| 2014 | 32 |
| 2015 | 17 |
| 2016 | 12 |
| 2017 | 2 |
| 2018 | 6 |
| 2019 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 12 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
3 of 12 total reports mention: service brakes.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190221
BRAKES, I HAVE ANTI LOCK BRAKES, BUT IF I HAVE TO PRESS THE BRAKE THE LEAST BIT HARD IT LOCKS UP. I HAVE TALKED TO THE DEALER ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND HE SAYS ITS NORMAL. THEY ALSO GRAB WHEN I PUT THEM ON.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160819
2 of 12 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 TOYOTA PRIUS C. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, A RUBBER ODOR EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT NO FAILURE WAS DETERMINED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20161215
1 of 12 total reports mentions: visibility/wiper.
1 of 12 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
1 of 12 total reports mentions: tires.
Show complaint excerpts
See attached document for complaint
NHTSA ODI report, 20240821
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
Pedestrian alert sounds
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2016 Toyota Prius C — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility/wiper issues (1 reports on file for this year).
FAQ
Is the 2016 Toyota Prius C reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Toyota Prius C?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 Toyota Prius C have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.