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
- 12
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2016: 12 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 64 |
| 2013 | 56 |
| 2014 | 33 |
| 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.
Service brakes
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, 2019-02-21
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, 2016-08-19
Tires
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, 2025-08-16
See attached document for complaint
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-08-21
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, 2024-08-09
Electrical system
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, 2016-12-15
Also filed under Hybrid propulsion system
Visibility/wiper
1 of 12 total reports mentions: visibility/wiper.
Vehicle speed control
1 of 12 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
I
2023-01-27Defect petitionClosed 2023-08-07 Pedestrian alert sounds
Buy-smart checklist
2016 Toyota Prius C — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Service brakes: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Tires: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.