2017 Toyota Prius Safety Report

The 2017 Toyota Prius presents an overall strong safety profile, achieving a 5-star NHTSA Overall Safety Rating, with 5 stars in Side crash tests and 4 stars in both Frontal and Rollover tests. This indicates robust performance in controlled crash scenarios. However, the vehicle has accumulated 100 NHTSA complaints, with 7 resulting in injuries, though no crashes, fires, or deaths were reported in these complaints. A significant portion of these complaints, 20%, are related to VISIBILITY/WIPER issues, including windshield cracking and sunroof explosions, which is a notable concern for driver visibility and occupant safety. Other recurring issues include SERVICE BRAKES (8 complaints) and FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (5 complaints), with some reports detailing sudden unintended acceleration and stalling. Recall history for the 2017 Prius includes three significant campaigns. One recall addresses a potential electrical short in the engine wire harness connected to the hybrid Power Control Unit, which could increase the risk of fire. Another recall pertains to the parking brake, where the cable could disengage, potentially allowing the vehicle to roll away if not in 'Park'. The third recall involves temporary/emergency spare tires that may not be properly inflated, increasing crash risk. These recalls highlight specific manufacturing defects that Toyota has identified and is addressing to mitigate safety hazards. Despite the high safety ratings, the complaint data reveals several concerning patterns. Beyond visibility issues, there are multiple reports of sudden unintended acceleration (SUA) and loss of motive power, which are critical safety concerns, even if not directly linked to the 8 service brake complaints. Issues like coolant leaking into the exhaust and engine, and significant hesitation/stalling during acceleration, point to potential powertrain reliability concerns. While the NHTSA ratings are excellent, the volume and nature of certain complaints, particularly those involving unexpected vehicle behavior, suggest that owners should be vigilant and ensure all recall remedies have been performed.

Our recommendation: While the 2017 Toyota Prius boasts high safety ratings, potential buyers should verify all recalls are completed and be aware of reported issues like sudden acceleration, windshield cracking, and fuel system problems. A pre-purchase inspection focusing on these areas is highly recommended.