2017 Toyota Prius C Safety Report
2017 Toyota Prius C: Good crash ratings, but concerning reports of sudden acceleration and power loss in consumer complaints.
AI Safety Analysis for the 2017 Toyota Prius C
Reliability Score
The 2017 Toyota Prius C receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
Known Issues for the 2017 Toyota Prius C
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2017 Toyota Prius C:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sudden Unintended Acceleration (Sua) Multiple complaints describe the vehicle suddenly accelerating without driver input, even with the foot on the brake, leading to crashes or near-misses. |
High | Occasional | variable miles |
| Loss Of Motive Power/Stalling Drivers report the vehicle losing power or stalling unexpectedly while driving, including at highway speeds, or hesitating significantly after a stop. |
High | Occasional | variable miles |
| Brake System Malfunction Complaints include instances where the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to stop, or issues with premature wear of rotors. |
High | Occasional | variable miles |
| Fuel System Issues (Overflow/Spillage) Several owners reported fuel spewing out of the tank during refueling due to a stuck gasline exhaust valve. |
Medium | Occasional | variable miles |
| Windshield Cracking/Exploding Multiple complaints of windshields cracking or sunroofs exploding without impact or apparent cause, often while parked. |
Medium | Occasional | variable miles |
| Engine Coolant Leaks/Overheating Reports of coolant leaking into the exhaust and engine, leading to engine damage and failure. |
High | Rare | variable miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2017 Toyota Prius C:
The most reported category with 20 complaints, including issues like windshield cracking and sunroof exploding.
8 complaints related to braking issues, including failure to stop and premature rotor wear.
5 complaints, including fuel spillage during refueling and issues with acceleration.
5 complaints, including difficult steering and sensor issues.
4 complaints, including stalling, coolant leaks, and engine failure.
4 complaints, including sudden unintended acceleration.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Toyota Prius C
Is the 2017 Toyota Prius C safe?
The 2017 Toyota Prius C received strong 4-star safety ratings from NHTSA across all categories (Overall, Frontal, Side, Rollover), indicating good crashworthiness. However, consumer complaints highlight concerning operational issues such as sudden unintended acceleration, loss of motive power, and brake malfunctions, which have led to 14 reported crashes and 9 injuries. While structurally sound, potential powertrain and braking issues raise safety concerns.
What are common problems with the 2017 Toyota Prius C?
Based on 101 NHTSA complaints, the most reported issues for the 2017 Toyota Prius C are related to VISIBILITY/WIPER (20 complaints, including windshield cracking), SERVICE BRAKES (8 complaints), and FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (5 complaints, including fuel spillage and acceleration issues). Other notable problems include ENGINE (4 complaints like stalling and coolant leaks) and VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (4 complaints, primarily sudden unintended acceleration).
Has the 2017 Toyota Prius C had any recalls?
Yes, the 2017 Toyota Prius C has had one recall. This recall, issued by Gulf States Toyota, Inc., pertains to the TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE, where a spare tire not inflated to the proper value could increase the risk of a crash.
Are there any issues with sudden acceleration in the 2017 Toyota Prius C?
Yes, there are multiple consumer complaints filed with NHTSA regarding sudden unintended acceleration (SUA) in the 2017 Toyota Prius C. These reports describe the vehicle accelerating unexpectedly, even when the driver's foot is on the brake, and are categorized under VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL and FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM complaints.
What are the crash test ratings for the 2017 Toyota Prius C?
The 2017 Toyota Prius C received excellent crash test ratings from NHTSA, earning a 4-star Overall Safety Rating. It also achieved 4-star ratings in Frontal Crash, Side Crash, and Rollover categories, indicating strong performance in these safety assessments.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: While the 2017 Toyota Prius C has good crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of recurring complaints regarding sudden acceleration, loss of power, and brake issues; a thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on these areas is highly recommended.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2017 Toyota Prius C
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2017 Toyota Prius C. The data includes 101 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 1 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 14 reported crashes, 2 fire incidents, 9 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2017 Toyota Prius C an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 4 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.