Your membership has expired

The payment for your account couldn't be processed or you've canceled your account with us.

Re-activate

Toyota Prius C

EPA MPG: 50 mpg

Reliability

Overall Reliability

The 2016 Prius C is more reliable than other cars from the same model year.

Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2016 Toyota Prius C owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Electrical Accessories

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

What Owners Say

12V battery

"It died and needed to be replaced. First time ever"

Anonymous, MA (2016 Toyota Prius C Three 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
Other electrical system problem

""Originally, thought the problem was that it needed a new battery. Changed it 2-3x but it only works a few days later before it stops working again.""

Anonymous, OH (2016 Toyota Prius C Unsure 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

What Owners Say

A/C compressor

""A/C doesnt blow cold. Needs a whole new compressor, which is very pricey, in order to get it to blow cold again. We havent yet chosen to fix it.""

Anonymous A., CA (2016 Toyota Prius C Unsure 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
Heater system

"Heat does not come out on floor, air always blows out of all vents. you can't just select front, floor or defrost, when you turn ac or heat on, again it blows out FROM ALL PLACES, except floor."

Anonymous, NY (2016 Toyota Prius C One 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Body Hardware

Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

What Owners Say

Seat belts

"Driver seatbelt does not fully retract, piece of garbage"

Anonymous, NY (2016 Toyota Prius C One 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

Rust

"Premature rust spots have appeared on roof and body."

Anonymous A., ON (2016 Toyota Prius C Unsure 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Fuel System/Emissions

Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

What Owners Say

Emission control devices (includes EGR)

"Check engine light came on. I scheduled service then it went out. When scanned it suggested there was a leak or sensor issue. 500 dollars later the problem was solved. Not happy about it and thought it would be covered via the certified used purchase. We had only owned the car for 5 months. I do like the car however."

Anonymous A., NY (2016 Toyota Prius C Unsure 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Noises/Leaks

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

Powertrain cooling leaks

"May 2024 we noticed low engine coolant level. No obvious leak or source. Coolant pump replaced on advice of mechanic who found a service bulletin indicating this could be problem. Leak slowed but not totally resolved. To date problem persists."

Anonymous, MA (2016 Toyota Prius C Three 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

EV Battery

Electric/hybrid battery pack failure, replacement or malfunction, or cooling.

Engine Electrical

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

Brakes

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

Suspension/Steering

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

Transmission Minor

Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

2016 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

Reliability History
* Redesign year
00
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
10
11
12*
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
Overall Reliability Verdict
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Powertrain
Electric Motor
EV Battery
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Engine Electrical
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System/Emissions
Exhaust
Suspension/Steering
Brakes
Climate System
Build Quality
Electrical Accessories
Body Hardware
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
In-car Electronics
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
Change Vehicle