Toyota Prius c — All Years

Reviewed by the 247VehicleCheck Data Team — automotive data reviewers

We have Toyota Prius c specifications on file for 8 model years, 2012–2019, covering hatchback trims. EPA data lists a single engine, the 1.5L 4-cyl. Combined fuel economy runs from 55 to 60 mpg (UK) depending on year, engine and transmission. 6 of the 8 rated model years hold an overall 5-star NHTSA rating. Select a year below for full engine, fuel economy, dimensions and safety data.

YearEngine(s)FuelMPG (UK)CO₂ g/kmNHTSARecallsComplaints
20191.5L 4-cylRegular Gasoline551205★330
20181.5L 4-cylRegular Gasoline551205★343
20171.5L 4-cylRegular Gasoline551205★393
20161.5L 4-cylRegular Gasoline601115★5181
20151.5L 4-cylRegular Gasoline601114★2183
20141.5L 4-cylRegular Gasoline601114★3239
20131.5L 4-cylRegular Gasoline601115★3467
20121.5L 4-cylRegular Gasoline601105★6687

Best and Worst Toyota Prius c Years: What the NHTSA Data Shows

Across the 8 Toyota Prius c model years from 2012 to 2019 that have NHTSA data, the typical year has about 182 owner complaints on file. These are the extremes:

Fewest owner complaints

  • 2019 — 30 complaints, 3 recall campaigns, 5★ NHTSA
  • 2018 — 43 complaints, 3 recall campaigns, 5★ NHTSA
  • 2017 — 93 complaints, 3 recall campaigns, 5★ NHTSA

Most owner complaints

  • 2012 — 687 complaints, 6 recall campaigns, 5★ NHTSA
  • 2013 — 467 complaints, 3 recall campaigns, 5★ NHTSA
  • 2014 — 239 complaints, 3 recall campaigns, 4★ NHTSA

Complaint counts are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and rise with how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road, so treat them as a pointer for what to inspect, not a reliability score. Model years after 2022 are left out because they have had little time to accumulate reports. Always check a specific car by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Engine History

Engines are those EPA lists for each model year; the MPG (UK) column shows the range across configurations where more than one exists.

Compare the Toyota Prius c With Rivals

Frequently Asked Questions

What years is the Toyota Prius c covered on this site?

We have data for 8 model years of the Toyota Prius c, from 2012 to 2019.

What engines does the Toyota Prius c come with?

EPA data lists: 1.5L 4-cyl (2012–2019).

Which Toyota Prius c year has the best fuel economy?

The 2016 model returns the highest combined MPG (UK) on record here, at 60 mpg on its most efficient configuration.

Does the Toyota Prius c have a 5-star NHTSA safety rating?

Yes — the 2012, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 model years hold an overall 5-star NHTSA rating on record here.

Which Toyota Prius c model years have the most recalls and complaints?

The 2012 model year has the most NHTSA recall campaigns on record (6), and the 2012 has the most owner complaints (687). Counts are from NHTSA as of 6 October 2026 and change over time; complaints are unverified owner reports.

What body style is the Toyota Prius c?

The Toyota Prius c is classed as a hatchback on this site.

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