Most common 2016 Toyota Prius c problems
Share of the 12 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Toyota Prius c complaints by model year
Best Prius c years: 2018, 2016, 2015. Years to avoid: 2012, 2013. Compare all years →
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2016 Toyota Prius c:
Pedestrian alert sounds
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles.
What 2016 Toyota Prius c owners say
Brakes
My name is [redacted] currently active duty military stationed in San Diego. Can you please check if my car VIN number [redacted] 2016 Toyota Prius C 103k miles still covered for brake booster malfunction code 1391. I have told they are extended warranty up to 10 yrs less 150k. Toyota dealer here seems not seeing any warranty coverage issues. Please help me look into this issues thank you. My contact number is [redacted] .
Brakes, I have anti lock brakes, but if I have to press the brake the least bit hard it locks up. I have talked to the dealer about this problem and he says its normal. They also grab when I put them on. This is my third Prius and I have never had this problem. I think this needs to be looked into.it makes the car skid . Thank you
Wheels & tires
P 175/65r15 I was driving on a slight curve on the I-10 in El Paso, TX when the rear bumper exploded. The car started swaying and swerving then I pulled over. I then realized that the tread on the tire was gone floating across the highway. The trie was bare with no tread with the bumper around the tire was gone. The explosion also caused the tail light to break.
Prinx HiCITY HH2 175/65R15 84H Bought this tire in November 2022. About 15000 miles into it, on Aug 6, 2024, the passenger front tire just busted. After swapping with the spare tire, and upon inspection, there was no nail nor it hit the curb, but the side wall is busted. This is a manufacturing quality issue.
2016 Toyota Prius c engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5L 4-cyl hybrid | CVT | FWD | 53 / 46 / 50 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2016 Toyota Prius c a good car?
Based on 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2016 Prius c rates better than average: 59% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Prius c at the same age. It is one of the best Prius c years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2016 Toyota Prius c?
The brakes — 3 complaints, 25% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the wheels & tires (3) and electrical system (2).
How many recalls does the 2016 Toyota Prius c have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2016 Toyota Prius c. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Toyota Prius c?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2018, 2016 and 2015. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2012 and 2013. See the full Toyota Prius c years comparison.
At what mileage do 2016 Toyota Prius c problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 7,000 miles; 100% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.