Toyota

Prius c

Compact Cars · model years 2012 to 2020

The verdict

Best year: 2020. complaints: 0, below this model's typical 12; recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file.

Worst year: 2012. complaints: 63, about 5.3x this model's typical 12; recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file.

Year by year

Year by year summary for the Toyota Prius c
Year	Trims	MPG	Fuel cost	Recalls	Complaints	Investigations	TSBs	Top complaints
2012	1Hybrid	50	$1,250	0	63	2	237	SERVICE BRAKES 30%, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 16%, UNKNOWN OR OTHER 9%
complaints: 63, about 5.3x this model's typical 12 recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file injuries reported in NHTSA complaints: 8 complaints reporting a fire: 1 Score: 27 of 100, where higher is better.
2013	1Hybrid	50	$1,250	0	57	1	247	ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 25%, SERVICE BRAKES 18%, ENGINE 8%
complaints: 57, about 4.8x this model's typical 12 recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file injuries reported in NHTSA complaints: 2 Score: 38 of 100, where higher is better.
2014	1Hybrid	50	$1,250	0	32	1	203	SERVICE BRAKES 15%, UNKNOWN OR OTHER 15%, ENGINE 13%
complaints: 32, about 2.7x this model's typical 12 recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file injuries reported in NHTSA complaints: 4 Score: 36 of 100, where higher is better.
2015	1Hybrid	50	$1,250	1	17	1	186	UNKNOWN OR OTHER 27%, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 19%, ENGINE 12%
complaints: 17, above this model's typical 12 recalls: 1, this model typically has none on file injuries reported in NHTSA complaints: 1 Score: 56 of 100, where higher is better.
2016	1Hybrid	50	$1,250	0	12	1	177	UNKNOWN OR OTHER 25%, SERVICE BRAKES 19%, TIRES 19%
complaints: 12, in line with this model's typical 12 recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file Score: 80 of 100, where higher is better.
2017	1Hybrid	46	$1,350	1	2	1	140	AIR BAGS 33%, SERVICE BRAKES 33%, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 33%
complaints: 2, below this model's typical 12 recalls: 1, this model typically has none on file injuries reported in NHTSA complaints: 2 Score: 80 of 100, where higher is better.
2018	1Hybrid	46	$1,350	2	6	1	132	UNKNOWN OR OTHER 33%, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 11%, ENGINE 11%
complaints: 6, below this model's typical 12 recalls: 2, this model typically has none on file injuries reported in NHTSA complaints: 3 Score: 55 of 100, where higher is better.
2019	1Hybrid	46	$1,350	1	0	1	86	no data
complaints: 0, below this model's typical 12 recalls: 1, this model typically has none on file Score: 85 of 100, where higher is better.
2020	1Hybrid	46	$1,350	0	0	0	80	no data
complaints: 0, below this model's typical 12 recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file Score: 95 of 100, where higher is better.

How the numbers moved

Combined MPG, median2012: 50 to 2020: 46

Owner complaints2012: 63 to 2020: 0

How we score each year

We compare each year of the Toyota Prius c to the model's own typical numbers, not to other cars. A year reads solid when its recalls, owner complaints, and federal investigations sit at or below what is typical for this model, mixed when some of those numbers run above typical, and avoid when they run far above it. Deaths, reported fires, and an NHTSA advisory to park outside count against a year no matter what this model's baseline looks like.

A year is scored only when NHTSA has both complaint and recall counts for it. Complaint data often lags for the newest years, so a recent year can read not enough data even while its recall count already shows in the table. When the history is too thin, we say not enough data instead of guessing. Service bulletins are routine maintenance guidance from the manufacturer and do not lower a year's score.

Scores run 0 to 100, higher is better. Recall, complaint, and investigation figures come from NHTSA records. Fuel economy, fuel cost, and horsepower figures come from the EPA, shown as the median across the year's trims.

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.