2017 Toyota Prius V Safety Report

2017 Toyota Prius V: Hybrid system recall, reports of unintended acceleration, and power loss issues amidst unavailable crash ratings.

101Complaints
1Recalls
55/100Reliability Score
15Crash Reports
2Fire Reports
7Injuries
Most reported components: Visibility/Wiper (17)Service Brakes (8)Unknown Or Other (6)Fuel/Propulsion System (5)Structure (5)Vehicle Speed Control (5)Steering (5)Engine (4)Exterior Lighting (4)Power Train (3)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2017 Toyota Prius V

The 2017 Toyota Prius V presents a mixed safety picture, with a notable recall concerning its hybrid propulsion system and a concerning pattern of complaints related to sudden unintended acceleration and braking issues. While NHTSA crash test ratings are not available for overall, frontal, or side impact, it received a 4-star rollover rating. The single recall (18V-684) addresses a critical issue where excessive voltage in the Intelligent Power Module could lead to an unexpected hybrid power system shut down, increasing crash risk. This recall affects 2014-2017 Prius V vehicles. Analysis of the 101 total NHTSA complaints reveals several recurring themes. 'VISIBILITY/WIPER' is the top complaint component with 17 reports, including issues like windshield cracking and headlight failures. 'SERVICE BRAKES' accounts for 8 complaints, with several reports detailing instances of unintended acceleration despite braking, or the vehicle failing to stop as intended. 'FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM' and 'VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL' each have 5 complaints, often describing scenarios where the vehicle stalls, hesitates, or loses power, sometimes at highway speeds. There are 15 reported crashes and 7 injuries associated with these complaints, highlighting the potential severity of these issues. Specific complaints detail incidents such as the car suddenly accelerating while braking at low speeds, complete loss of motive power while driving, and significant hesitation or stalling after coming to a stop. Engine and coolant issues are also present, with reports of coolant leaking into the exhaust and engine, leading to complete engine failure. The combination of critical propulsion system recall and ongoing complaints about power loss, unintended acceleration, and braking effectiveness suggests that while the vehicle has a good rollover rating, potential powertrain and braking system vulnerabilities warrant careful consideration.

Reliability Score

The 2017 Toyota Prius V receives a reliability score of 55 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 V

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2017 Toyota Prius V:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Hybrid Propulsion System Shut Down
Excessive voltage in the Intelligent Power Module can cause an unexpected hybrid power system shut down, increasing crash risk. This is addressed by recall 18V-684.		 High Occasional N/A miles
Unintended Acceleration/Braking Issues
Multiple complaints describe the vehicle suddenly accelerating despite braking, or failing to stop as intended, leading to crashes and injuries.		 High Occasional N/A miles
Loss Of Motive Power/Stalling
Reports indicate the vehicle losing power, stalling, or hesitating significantly, sometimes at highway speeds, posing a crash risk.		 High Occasional N/A miles
Windshield Cracking/Visibility Issues
Numerous complaints about windshields cracking spontaneously without impact, and issues with headlights burning out frequently.		 Medium Common N/A miles
Engine/Coolant Leaks
Complaints detail coolant leaking into the exhaust and engine, leading to significant engine damage and failure.		 High Occasional N/A 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 V:

Visibility/Wiper 16% of complaints

Frequent reports of windshields cracking spontaneously and issues with exterior lighting, particularly headlights burning out.

Service Brakes 7% of complaints

Complaints include unintended acceleration while braking and vehicles failing to stop as intended, leading to crashes.

Fuel/Propulsion System 5% of complaints

Issues with the vehicle stalling, hesitating, or losing power, sometimes at speed, and problems with fuel filling.

Vehicle Speed Control 5% of complaints

Reports of unintended acceleration and the vehicle failing to accelerate as intended, leading to loss of power.

Engine 4% of complaints

Complaints about coolant leaks leading to engine damage and complete engine failure.

Structure 5% of complaints

Reports of sunroofs exploding and rear quarter panels peeling off.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Toyota Prius V

Is the 2017 Toyota Prius V safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2017 Toyota Prius V has a critical recall (18V-684) for its hybrid propulsion system that can cause unexpected shutdowns, increasing crash risk. While it has a 4-star rollover rating, overall crash test ratings are unavailable. There are 101 total complaints, including 15 crashes and 7 injuries, with recurring issues like unintended acceleration, power loss, and spontaneous windshield cracking, suggesting potential safety concerns.

What are common problems with the 2017 Toyota Prius V?

The most reported issues for the 2017 Toyota Prius V include visibility problems (17 complaints, often spontaneous windshield cracks and headlight failures), service brake issues (8 complaints, including unintended acceleration and failure to stop), and fuel/propulsion system and vehicle speed control problems (5 complaints each, related to stalling, hesitation, and power loss). Engine issues, such as coolant leaks leading to engine failure, are also reported.

Has the 2017 Toyota Prius V been recalled?

Yes, the 2017 Toyota Prius V has one recall (NHTSA ID: 18V-684) related to its HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM: INVERTER. This recall addresses excessive voltage in the Intelligent Power Module, which can cause an unexpected hybrid power system shut down and increase the risk of a crash.

Are there issues with unintended acceleration in the 2017 Toyota Prius V?

Yes, there are multiple complaints under 'SERVICE BRAKES' and 'VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL' detailing instances of unintended acceleration. Drivers report the car suddenly lunging forward or accelerating without accelerator input, even when the brake pedal is depressed, leading to crashes.

What are the crash test ratings for the 2017 Toyota Prius V?

The 2017 Toyota Prius V received a 4-star rollover rating from NHTSA. However, overall, frontal, and side crash test ratings are not available for this specific model year.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the critical recall for the hybrid system and recurring complaints of unintended acceleration and power loss, potential buyers should ensure all recalls are addressed and consider a thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on the powertrain and braking systems.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2017 Toyota Prius V

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2017 Toyota Prius V. The data includes 101 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 1 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 15 reported crashes, 2 fire incidents, 7 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

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.