The 2017 Toyota Prius is associated with 93 official NHTSA owner defect complaints and 3 safety recall campaigns in the federal safety database. The most frequently reported component area is Visibility & Wipers, accounting for 17 reports (18% of total complaints). EPA testing covers 5 certified vehicle configurations spanning 1.8L 4-Cyl hybrid, 1.8L 4-Cyl plug-in hybrid, and 1.5L 4-Cyl hybrid configurations. Gasoline and hybrid variants deliver 41 to 56 MPG combined. Plug-in hybrid variants are rated up to 133 MPGe (54 MPG on gasoline) with up to 25 miles of electric driving range.
Key Data Findings
- • NHTSA Owner Complaints: 93 reports
- • Safety Recall Campaigns: 3 campaigns
- • Top Reported Defect Area: Visibility & Wipers (17 / 18%)
- • Safety Incident Signals: 14 crash / 2 fire / 8 injury reports
- • NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: 5 / 5 Stars
- • EPA Efficiency: 41–56 MPG (5 variants • PHEV up to 133 MPGe)
Data Note: Compiled directly from official NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, and EPA FuelEconomy.gov databases.
| Variant | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Highway | Combined | EV Range | Est. Annual Fuel Cost |
| Prius Eco Hybrid | 1.8L 4-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 58 MPG | 53 MPG | 56 MPG | — | $1,100 / yr |
| Prius Prime Plug-in Hybrid | 1.8L 4-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 145 MPGe (55 MPG) | 121 MPGe (53 MPG) | 133 MPGe (54 MPG) | 25 mi EV (640 mi total) | $1,150 / yr |
| Prius Hybrid | 1.8L 4-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 54 MPG | 50 MPG | 52 MPG | — | $1,200 / yr |
| Prius c Hybrid | 1.5L 4-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 48 MPG | 43 MPG | 46 MPG | — | $1,350 / yr |
| Prius v Hybrid | 1.8L 4-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 43 MPG | 39 MPG | 41 MPG | — | $1,500 / yr |
Data Boundary Note: EPA specifications are shown by certified vehicle configuration. NHTSA complaints and recall totals are recorded at the model-year level across all configurations.
Electric Range & Charging: The 2017 Toyota Prius provides an official EPA-rated driving range of up to 25 miles on a single battery charge.
| Tested Drivetrain / Cab Variant | Overall Rating | Frontal Crash | Side Crash | Rollover Rating | Rollover Risk |
| 5 HB FWD | | | | | 10.7% |
| Prime 5 HB FWD | Not Rated | Not Rated | Not Rated | Not Rated | — |
Active Driver Assistance Systems (NHTSA Recorded): Forward Collision Warning (FCW) is documented as Optional and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is documented as Optional in official NHTSA records for tested 2017 Toyota Prius models.
View complete 2017 Toyota Prius crash test & safety breakdown →
Top Reported Problem Categories
Ranked by total consumer complaint submissions recorded by NHTSA
Data Attribution & Context: Complaints are self-reported by vehicle owners to NHTSA and represent unverified consumer submissions. Complaint volume does not equal a statistically controlled failure rate and is not adjusted for total vehicles sold or cumulative mileage driven.
View all 2017 Toyota Prius problems & component breakdown (40 categories) →
Affected Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Defect 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.
Free Manufacturer Remedy: 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.
Affected Component: TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE
Defect 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.
Free Manufacturer Remedy: 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.
Affected Component: PARKING BRAKE
Defect 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.
Free Manufacturer Remedy: 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.
View all 2017 Toyota Prius recalls & campaign history (3 campaigns) →