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
3 of 12 total reports mention: tires, most commonly citing tread/belt and sidewall.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250816
See attached document for complaint
NHTSA ODI report, 20240821
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240809
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
Also filed under HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 of 12 total reports mentions: visibility/wiper.
1 of 12 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
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 tires issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (2 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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.