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Toyota Prius

EPA MPG: 52 mpg

RECALL ALERT:
There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability

Overall Reliability

The 2017 Prius is more reliable than other cars from the same model year.

The 2017 Toyota Prius has been recalled 3 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
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 2017 Toyota Prius owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Exhaust

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

What Owners Say

Catalytic converter

"Prius has secondary coolant loop that heats up catalytic converter. This loop leaked coolant. Required an assembly that took 4 months to get."

Anonymous A., NY (2017 Toyota Prius Four 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"A dashboard light indicated to bring the car to the dealer immediately. The dealer told me that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The dealer said that Toyota covers all costs for the replacement of the catalytic converter because my car is less than 10 years old and under 250,000 miles."

Anonymous, CA (2017 Toyota Prius Unsure 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
Exhaust leaks

""White billowy steam was coming out of the tailpipe. Took it to the dealer who said antifreeze was leaking out of the exhaust system due to a hole in a pipe under the car. They ordered the part on 12/18/24 and wasn't able to get it fixed until 4/10/25. Originally told it would cost $1,800 but ended up costing $2,297. I called weekly and they continued to tell me the part hadn't come in. I'm not sure if my part actually came in or not. I talked to the parts manager at one point and he couldn't figure out where it was. But he had the part we needed that was for another car but the people had not responded to their calls that the part was in so he gave it to me. I was told this is a part that goes bad on many Prius' and that they had designed a new part and that dealers were actually not selling current Prius' until they were able to put the new part on. I was unable to use my car for four months in fear that the car would overheat and I would end up ruining the engine. I like the car otherwise. I feel that this should have been a manufacturers recall if Toyota knows it is an ongoing problem. I don't feel I should have had to pay $2,200 dollars to fix a problem they knew existed. I feel like the wait was so long because they were using the new parts on new cars rather than sending them to fix cars already sold. I've been a Toyota owner for years and I will continue to be unless this kind of problems again.""

Anonymous A., MO (2017 Toyota Prius Unsure 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
Exhaust manifold

""Coolant was leaking onto manifold; loss of coolant impacted heating/cooling ability. Turned out to be a manufactures' defect and was totally covered by Toyota Service Bulletin, even the rental for a month. Over $4400.00""

Anonymous, ME (2017 Toyota Prius Three 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
Other/unsure

"Toyota stopped their Toyot app in November 2024 which ended the navigation feature along with several other features which were not as useful."

Anonymous, IL (2017 Toyota Prius Four Touring 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"Car sits so low it is always scraping the front bumper on driveways and parking stops."

Anonymous A., TN (2017 Toyota Prius Unsure 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

""Suspension system needed replacing, cracked. Feel car is too close to the ground""

Anonymous, ON (2017 Toyota Prius ECO 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"The car was so low to the ground, that it effected the under coating, hitting branches in driveway"

Anonymous, OR (2017 Toyota Prius Four 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"Clear coat"

Anonymous A., CA (2017 Toyota Prius Four 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"Chipmunks nesting in cabin air filter"

Anonymous, OH (2017 Toyota Prius Unsure 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

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

"Multiple alerts flashed on screen. Including brake power low and 12 volt battery."

Anonymous, NY (2017 Toyota Prius Unsure 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"The 12v battery failed and would not hold a charge. It was the original battery from when the car was first sold in 2016."

Anonymous, OR (2017 Toyota Prius Four 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"Battery died. Could not hold a charge."

Anonymous, VT (2017 Toyota Prius Two 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
Automatic high-beam headlights

"The problem started 1 1/2 years ago. The auto would be on for high beam, would turn the high beam off correctly, but would not turn high beams back again when needed. When this occured, would have trouble turning off the auto on high beams so could turn beams on manually. We are no longer using auto hi beams. Told dealer 1 1/2 year ago, at time they found no problem."

Anonymous, IA (2017 Toyota Prius One 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
Warning lights

"Tire inflation warning went on but was a faulty sensor"

Anonymous, MI (2017 Toyota Prius Two 1.8-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

Other climate system problem

""only blows hot air, controls wonky on startup (evidently it's checking for the problem) Apparently is the No. 2 servo damper assembly but dealer wants to remove dash and replace heater box - $5000. Prius chat tells how to replace for $300 which I may try (it's a tight spot). Evidently not uncommon problem with Prius, Camry etc. (not hard to find problem on Prius chat, Reddit, etc.) Codes 41 & 48 display on controls with secret handshake""

Anonymous A., CO (2017 Toyota Prius Two 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"Only hot air came out of air vents regardless of setting. Prior to this climate control system was working fine."

Anonymous, VT (2017 Toyota Prius Two 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
Refrigerant leaks

"Losing coolant"

Anonymous A., OH (2017 Toyota Prius Four 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"Coolant was leaking and very costly to repair"

Anonymous, WA (2017 Toyota Prius Three 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Paint/Trim

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

What Owners Say

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

"Clearcoat on some body panels is failing (peeling)"

Anonymous, MD (2017 Toyota Prius Two 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"Paint on side panels chipping off completely. On going."

Anonymous, SC (2017 Toyota Prius Four 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"In 2019 the clear coat on the back deck, top and hood started to curl up. Toyota dealer said not a warranty issue due to new paint requirements from the federal government. Offered to repaint the entire car, at my expense. Subsequently, in 2024 I went to a commercial business, Sky Gloss, and paid $1,000 to replace the clearcoat on the back deck, roof and hood. 2025, the clearcoat is delaminating on the hood,and the company will not stand by their "lifetime" guaranty.The main business is based in Canada and their excuse is that the local repair facility workers were not trained properly and did not do a good job. So the entire staff in 2024 was fired, and new management brought in. I have copies of all documents, including the "Lifetime" warranty. Very upset both with Toyota and the after market clearcoat repair company!"

Anonymous A., AZ (2017 Toyota Prius Four 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"Paint has peeled in numerous plastic trim areas. The skin is extremely thin and dents and scratches very easily. The fuel door stopped opening and had to be repaired."

Anonymous A., CA (2017 Toyota Prius Unsure 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Brakes

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

What Owners Say

Other brakes problem

""The brake symbol warning light was illuminated and would not go off even after attempting to reset the system. Toyota explained that the brake booster system had failed and the brakes, while working under normal conditions, might fail during an emergency stop. The replacement was not covered by warranty. The cost was $2532 for the brake booster assembly replacement including labor, etc.""

Anonymous, CO (2017 Toyota Prius Three 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"Because I use regenerative braking as much as possible, my brakes end up rusting and needing replacement more frequently than every other car I've had."

Anonymous, ON (2017 Toyota Prius Unsure 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
Premature brake wear

"Started at about 112000. Fully uncharacteristic for a Prius."

Anonymous, MI (2017 Toyota Prius Four Touring 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
Rotors

""Break works, but annoying noise (not squazing). Don't know the exactly reason, but replace all 4 break pads and rotors fixed it. Costed more than $1100.""

Anonymous, NY (2017 Toyota Prius Three 1.8-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

Other body problem

""The underbody liner or trim became loose a little over a year ago, and started dragging on the ground. The broken part was trimmed off by a mechanic. Unfortunately, I think this has allowed corrosive materials to gather and affect the components on the underside of the car. The design of the Prius to be so low to the ground has made me question whether this car is the best type to buy where we live (in Colorado) due to snow, ice, and uneven ground.""

Anonymous, CO (2017 Toyota Prius Two 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"Side panels paint chipping off."

Anonymous, SC (2017 Toyota Prius Four 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
Seat controls - power

""Power driver seat stopped functioning. Cost $2,000 to repair.""

Anonymous, MO (2017 Toyota Prius Four 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

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.

What Owners Say

Alignment

"Alignment gets out of wack when I corner too tightly touching curbs. Periodically things get out of alignment."

Anonymous, MD (2017 Toyota Prius Four 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
Ball joints

"Had to replace left front ball joint because it was failing at 100,000 miles."

Anonymous, OH (2017 Toyota Prius Two 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
Wheel bearings

""Heard a noise. Got worse, over about two months. Repair shop fixed problem.""

Anonymous, MD (2017 Toyota Prius Four 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

In-car Electronics

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

What Owners Say

Display screen goes blank

""Fault has not yet been repaired, cause of display / dash blackout not yet identified despite dashboard being stripped down""

Anonymous, (2017 Toyota Prius Four Touring 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
Other in-car electronics problem

"Interior lights would not turn on when the door was opened."

Anonymous, NC (2017 Toyota Prius Two 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"Interior dome light flickered and had to be replaced."

Anonymous, WA (2017 Toyota Prius Three 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Noises/Leaks

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

What Owners Say

Air or water leaks

"The right rear window leaks especially when washed in the auto washer."

Anonymous A., CA (2017 Toyota Prius Four Touring 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
Other noises & leaks problem

"The loud noise we hear is freeway noise. It only occurs when driving on older freeway surfaces."

Anonymous, CA (2017 Toyota Prius Unsure 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
Squeaks or rattles

"This car had a rattle when it was brand new. We forced the dealer to remove the dash & figure out what was wrong. They replaced a clip. Now after all these years the rattle is back. Its behind the dash panel with the screen"

Anonymous A., NC (2017 Toyota Prius Unsure 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

EV Battery

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

What Owners Say

Electric/hybrid battery pack malfunction (didn't need replacement)

""Just shut down on highway,all wheels locked up, Both main hybrid and 12V batteries dead, Had to rebuild it using components ordered specially for Hybid Synergy Drive and hybrid battery. also a new 12V glass battery""

Anonymous, (2017 Toyota Prius Four Touring 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

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 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.

Engine Minor

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

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.

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.

Engine Major

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

2017 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

Reliability History
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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.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Sep 05, 2018
An electrical short can increase the risk of a fire.
Summary:
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Toyota Prius vehicles. A portion of the engine wire harness connected to the hybrid Power Control Unit (PCU), could contact the cover at this connection and wear, causing an electrical short circuit.
What should you do:
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine wire harness assembly and replace it if damage is found. A protective sleeve or protective tape will be included to prevent any future damage. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is J0T.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 18V579000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 192347
TIRES
May 02, 2017
A spare tire that is not inflated to the proper value may not perform as intended, increasing the risk of a crash.
Summary:
Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (Gulf States) is recalling certain 2017 4Runner , 86, Avalon, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla, Corolla iM, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius C, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Sienna and Yaris vehicles. The spare tire air pressure was not adjusted to the proper pressure as stated on the Tire Pressure Label.
What should you do:
Gulf States will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the spare tires, adjusting their pressure as necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 15, 2017. Owners may contact Gulf States customer service at 1-800-444-1074. Toyota's number for this recall is 17R2.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 17V295000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 409
PARKING BRAKE
Oct 14, 2016
If the parking brake cable disengages from the mechanism and the transmission is left in a gear other than 'Park' while the ignition is on and the driver leaves the vehicle, the vehicle may roll unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Summary:
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Prius vehicles manufactured August 6, 2015, to October 3, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with a foot-operated parking brake system that has a parking brake cable that may disengage.
What should you do:
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will install a clip at the parking brake cable end to prevent the cable from disengaging, free of charge. The recall began November 10, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is G01.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 16V741000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 91585
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