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    GREEN CHOICE

    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
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    Overall Reliability Verdict

    NA
    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Electric Motor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    EV Battery
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Cooling
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Electrical
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Drive System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Exhaust
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Suspension/Steering
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Brakes
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Build Quality
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Electrical Accessories
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Body Hardware
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Paint/Trim
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Noises/Leaks
    NA
    NA
    NA
    In-car Electronics
    NA
    NA
    NA
    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.
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