TOYOTA PRIUS C · model year

2015 TOYOTA PRIUS C

24 NHTSA complaints, 3 crash reports, and 1 active recall for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

4 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2015TOYOTAPRIUS C carries 24 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 3 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 4/5 rating, with 4/5 front crash, 4/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2015 PRIUS C is unknown or other with 7 filings, followed by electrical system (4) and service brakes (3). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 1 active recall campaign, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 51 investigation files overlapping the 2015 PRIUS C, and 1 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

24
Complaints
3
Crashes
0
Fires
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
2015 TOYOTA PRIUS C — NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2015 TOYOTA PRIUS C. Overall composite: 4.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 4.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 4.0 ★
  • Side Crash 4.0 ★
  • Rollover 4.0 ★
NHTSA overall 4.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

24 filings

Crashes Reported

3 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 4/5 — Strong NCAP rating · Front: 4/5 · Side: 4/5 · Rollover: 4/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
UNKNOWN OR OTHER7
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM4
SERVICE BRAKES3
ENGINE2
WHEELS2
AIR BAGS2
STRUCTURE1
STRUCTURE:BODY1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING1
SEATS1

Recalls (1)

15V51400013/08/2015

TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2015 Toyota Prius C vehicles manufactured April 20, 2015, to June 30, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) may be improperly calibrated and, as a result, the TPMS may fail to warn the driv

Recent Complaints

20250711ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I purchased my 2015 Prius C in July of 2016. Since then I have consistently had issues with the lock actuator going out on various doors. As follows: 3/12/18 - Driverside 6/13/18 - Passenger Front 8/3/20 - Driverside 8/5/22 - Rear Driverside 12/16/22 - Passenger Front 3/14/23 - Driverside and now in July of 2025 the Driverside actuator is failing, AGAIN. The previous times were covered by my warranty, but that ended in 2023. My car is also kept in a garage. The dealership attempted to blame this issue on the elements, but come on...if that was the case, this would be happening to all sorts of various cars, and it's not. This is an issue for a variety of reasons, one being I am unable to access getting into my vehicle with the door lock that is not working. I currently have to go to my passenger side and crawl over to unlock my driverside door. If I needed to get into my car quickly, I would be out of luck. This is RIDICULOUS as this is the SEVENTH time a lock has gone out - making it

20240409SERVICE BRAKES

Unknown brake issues

20221022CrashAIR BAGS

Prius was rear-ended at highway speeds, forcing it into the vehicle ahead of it. Airbags did not deploy, & driver's seat failed to stay locked, moving forward then rearward during crash.

20221022CrashSEATS

Prius was rear-ended at highway speeds, forcing it into the vehicle ahead of it. Airbags did not deploy, & driver's seat failed to stay locked, moving forward then rearward during crash.

20210130CrashAIR BAGS

OUR VEHICLE WAS STRUCK IN THE SIDE THIS WEEK, AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. WE WERE ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET TRAVELING AROUND 30MPH.

Mileage: 84,000

20190917WHEELS

MY VEHICLES DID NOT INDICATE THAT THE TIRE PRESSURE WAS LOW AND IT SHOULD TELL ME SINCE IT IS CERTIFIED USED. THERE WAS NO LIGHT INDICATOR OR ANYTHING AND 2 OF MY TIRES WERE LOW. AS A NEW CAR OWNER I HAD NO IDEA AND IF IT HADN'T BEEN FOR MY PARTNER I WOULD HAVE NOT KNOWN. THIS POSES AS A SAFETY HAZARD AND IF THE DEALERSHIP KNOWINGLY DID NOT CHECK FOR THIS PROBLEM THEN THAT IS NEGLIGENT KNOWING THIS WAS A PROBLEM FOR THIS YEAR MAKE AND MODEL. IT WAS STATIONARY HOWEVER I COMMUTE EVEY DAY.

20190718ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

MY VEHICLE SHUT DOWN ON ME WHILE DRIVING. ALL LIGHTS CAME UP ON THE DASHBOARD. TOYOTA DEALERSHIP SAYS THE WIRE HARNESS NEEDS TO BE REPLACED FOR 4600 DOLLARS. COUPLE DAYS PRIOR TO VEHICLE SHUTTING DOWN, HEADLIGHTS BEGAN SHORTING.

Mileage: 69,000

20190718EXTERIOR LIGHTING

MY VEHICLE SHUT DOWN ON ME WHILE DRIVING. ALL LIGHTS CAME UP ON THE DASHBOARD. TOYOTA DEALERSHIP SAYS THE WIRE HARNESS NEEDS TO BE REPLACED FOR 4600 DOLLARS. COUPLE DAYS PRIOR TO VEHICLE SHUTTING DOWN, HEADLIGHTS BEGAN SHORTING.

Mileage: 69,000

20181023SERVICE BRAKES

THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE ABOUT A MONTH AFTER I BOUGHT THE CAR BUT THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN MAKING AN ODD NOISE. IT DOES NOT MATTER HOW FAST OR SLOW I AM GOING BUT IT MAKES THAT NOISE AND IT MAKES THE BRAKES SLIP AND NOT COME TO A FULL STOP FAST ENOUGH. I HAVE GONE TO TOYOTA 4-5 TIMES JUST FOR THIS REASON AND ALL THEY CAN SAY IS THAT EVERYTHING IS FINE. IT CAN'T BE FINE IF THE CAR IS SLIPPING AND NOT STOPPING WHEN IT SHOULD! MIND YOU, I LIVE IN CALIFORNIA AND THERE IS ALMOST NEVER RAIN SO IT IS NOT DUE TO WET ROADS.

Mileage: 1,000

20181023UNKNOWN OR OTHER

THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE ABOUT A MONTH AFTER I BOUGHT THE CAR BUT THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN MAKING AN ODD NOISE. IT DOES NOT MATTER HOW FAST OR SLOW I AM GOING BUT IT MAKES THAT NOISE AND IT MAKES THE BRAKES SLIP AND NOT COME TO A FULL STOP FAST ENOUGH. I HAVE GONE TO TOYOTA 4-5 TIMES JUST FOR THIS REASON AND ALL THEY CAN SAY IS THAT EVERYTHING IS FINE. IT CAN'T BE FINE IF THE CAR IS SLIPPING AND NOT STOPPING WHEN IT SHOULD! MIND YOU, I LIVE IN CALIFORNIA AND THERE IS ALMOST NEVER RAIN SO IT IS NOT DUE TO WET ROADS.

Mileage: 1,000

20180910UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I LEFT IT PARKED IN METER 201301 ZONE 115, AT 2:07 PM REPORTED IT STOLEN TO 911, OFFICER POLICE MR. SCOTT CAME OUT,

Mileage: 98,000

20180908UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I PARKED MY CAR AT METER 201301. WHEN I CAME OUT IT WAS GONE, NON EMERGENCY NUMBER WONT REPORT CARS, I CALLED 911, OMAHA CITY POLICE OFFICER CAME OUT, INVESTIGATED AT MY REQUEST, NO CLUE WHAT WAS SO HAZARDOUS , 2:09 911 CALL 9-7-2018

Mileage: 96,000

20180908UNKNOWN OR OTHER

VEHICLE WAS STOLEN, TOYOTA REPORTED I WAS THE OWNER, NE NEVER CLEARED THE TITLE. VIN HAS OVER 96,000 MILES, GIECO CANCLED INSURANCE CUZ I CANT CONTROL ITS HABITS ANYMORE. CITY OF OMAHCA CITY IMPOUND SOLD IT ,

Mileage: 96,000

20180129UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I INSTALLED HUSKY WEATHERBEATER FLOOR LINERS, MODEL NUMBER 99501. THE DRIVER'S SIDE INTERFERES WITH THE TRAVEL OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL PREVENTING FULL TRAVEL. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN PREVENTING FULL ACCELERATION OF THE VEHICLE, ESPECIALLY IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION.

Mileage: 18,000

20170506STRUCTURE:BODY

FAGAN ROUSSEAU REPORTING 5-06-2017. MANUF IN 3-16-2015. TMS SIGNED MSO TO PERFORMANCE ENTERPRISES ON 4-27-2015, THEN SHIPPED TO NE BY SEMI, 5-15-2015 BAXTER OF LINCOLN TOYOTA UNWRAPPED AND WASHED VEHICLE ADDING ONE MILE OF DIDTANCE TRAVELED TO ODOMETER, N RECORDS OF DOT TIRE NUMBER BEING AIR PRESSURE CHECKED ONCE A MONTH, NO BATTERY CHECK OF SITTING AROUND FROM NONE USE, NO TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIPS NO EPA WIPER BLADES BEING CHANGED EVERY 6 MONTHS FROM DEALERSHIP, NO TIRE ROTATIONS EVERY 6 MONTHS FROM DEALERSHIP, NO PART NUMBERS FOR MODIFICATIONS DONE TO MOTOR AKA OIL CHANGES, NO OLD FILLER CAP FOR OILS LISTED AS REMOVED AND UPDATED FOR EVERY 6 MONTHS. SEAL PREVENST AIR TO BE SUCKED IN AS MOTOR PRESSURIZES. NO FLOOR MAT INSPECTIONS DONE EVERY 6 MONTHS, DIRTY MATS MAY NOT KEEP SHOES CLEAN TO GAS BRAKE PEDALS, NO PAINT INSPECTION TO UPHOLD WARRANTY, 5 YEARS UNLIMITED MILES, WATER FROM FLOOR MATS IF SNOW FROM SHOES CAN DAMAGE INTERIOR PAINT COVERED BY MATS, NO FUEL ST

20170506ENGINE

FAGAN ROUSSEAU REPORTING 5-06-2017. MANUF IN 3-16-2015. TMS SIGNED MSO TO PERFORMANCE ENTERPRISES ON 4-27-2015, THEN SHIPPED TO NE BY SEMI, 5-15-2015 BAXTER OF LINCOLN TOYOTA UNWRAPPED AND WASHED VEHICLE ADDING ONE MILE OF DIDTANCE TRAVELED TO ODOMETER, N RECORDS OF DOT TIRE NUMBER BEING AIR PRESSURE CHECKED ONCE A MONTH, NO BATTERY CHECK OF SITTING AROUND FROM NONE USE, NO TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIPS NO EPA WIPER BLADES BEING CHANGED EVERY 6 MONTHS FROM DEALERSHIP, NO TIRE ROTATIONS EVERY 6 MONTHS FROM DEALERSHIP, NO PART NUMBERS FOR MODIFICATIONS DONE TO MOTOR AKA OIL CHANGES, NO OLD FILLER CAP FOR OILS LISTED AS REMOVED AND UPDATED FOR EVERY 6 MONTHS. SEAL PREVENST AIR TO BE SUCKED IN AS MOTOR PRESSURIZES. NO FLOOR MAT INSPECTIONS DONE EVERY 6 MONTHS, DIRTY MATS MAY NOT KEEP SHOES CLEAN TO GAS BRAKE PEDALS, NO PAINT INSPECTION TO UPHOLD WARRANTY, 5 YEARS UNLIMITED MILES, WATER FROM FLOOR MATS IF SNOW FROM SHOES CAN DAMAGE INTERIOR PAINT COVERED BY MATS, NO FUEL ST

20170506WHEELS

FAGAN ROUSSEAU REPORTING 5-06-2017. MANUF IN 3-16-2015. TMS SIGNED MSO TO PERFORMANCE ENTERPRISES ON 4-27-2015, THEN SHIPPED TO NE BY SEMI, 5-15-2015 BAXTER OF LINCOLN TOYOTA UNWRAPPED AND WASHED VEHICLE ADDING ONE MILE OF DIDTANCE TRAVELED TO ODOMETER, N RECORDS OF DOT TIRE NUMBER BEING AIR PRESSURE CHECKED ONCE A MONTH, NO BATTERY CHECK OF SITTING AROUND FROM NONE USE, NO TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIPS NO EPA WIPER BLADES BEING CHANGED EVERY 6 MONTHS FROM DEALERSHIP, NO TIRE ROTATIONS EVERY 6 MONTHS FROM DEALERSHIP, NO PART NUMBERS FOR MODIFICATIONS DONE TO MOTOR AKA OIL CHANGES, NO OLD FILLER CAP FOR OILS LISTED AS REMOVED AND UPDATED FOR EVERY 6 MONTHS. SEAL PREVENST AIR TO BE SUCKED IN AS MOTOR PRESSURIZES. NO FLOOR MAT INSPECTIONS DONE EVERY 6 MONTHS, DIRTY MATS MAY NOT KEEP SHOES CLEAN TO GAS BRAKE PEDALS, NO PAINT INSPECTION TO UPHOLD WARRANTY, 5 YEARS UNLIMITED MILES, WATER FROM FLOOR MATS IF SNOW FROM SHOES CAN DAMAGE INTERIOR PAINT COVERED BY MATS, NO FUEL ST

20170327ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 TOYOTA PRIUS C. AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, A MESSAGE INDICATING TO CHECK THE BRAKES AND ENGINE DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE DEALER DISCOVERED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE ELECTRICAL WIRES AND WIRING HARNESS CAUSED BY RODENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,300.

Mileage: 5,300

20170327STRUCTURE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 TOYOTA PRIUS C. AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, A MESSAGE INDICATING TO CHECK THE BRAKES AND ENGINE DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE DEALER DISCOVERED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE ELECTRICAL WIRES AND WIRING HARNESS CAUSED BY RODENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,300.

Mileage: 5,300

20170219ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

STAND STILL. ON 9.12.2015. DEALERSHIP NEVER NOTIFIED THAT I BECAME THE DRIVER. THEY ARE REFUSING TO FOLLOW THE MANUFACTURER WARRANTY THAT TOYOTA SALES. SOLD IN PRICE OF GIANT STICKER. WE ARE GOING ROUNDS. AS DRIVER .THE DASH BOARD HAS MAINTENANCE REQIR. THEY DIDN'T DO AN INSPECTION REPORT IN COMPUTER. THEY JUST ASSUME IT'S OIL CHANGE AT MY COST. YET INSPECTION WAS NEVER DONE. IT COULD BE ANYTHING TO THEM. I TOLD THEM THE INDICATOR LIGHTS ARE NOT SHOWING CAUSE . MANUAL STATES WHAT LIGHTS MEAN WHAT. I'M PAYING 400 PER MONTH FOR FACTOR WARRANTY AND TOYOTA TO KEEP ITS WORD. THEY DON'T WANT ME HAVING THEIR CARRIER NOR SHIPPER ID. SO I CAN GET IT UPDATED THAT VEHICLE MOVES ACROSS STATE LINE. YOU KNOW ME AS TIRES. EUYU 3MNR0116 AS 3. AND ONE TIRE AS EL YU. DLN0915. VEHICLE GARGLING ARE. CO. BAXTER OF LINCOLN. 6320 TELLURIDE. LINCOLN. NE 68521

Mileage: 32

Compare 2015TOYOTAPRIUS C to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 1 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2015 TOYOTA PRIUS C have?
The 2015 TOYOTA PRIUS C has 24 NHTSA complaints, 3 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2015 TOYOTA PRIUS C?
The 2015 TOYOTA PRIUS C received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 4/5, front crash rating of 4/5, side crash rating of 4/5, and rollover rating of 4/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2015 TOYOTA PRIUS C?
Yes, the 2015 TOYOTA PRIUS C has 1 recall(s). The most common affected component is TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2015 TOYOTA PRIUS C?
The most-complained component for the 2015 TOYOTA PRIUS C is UNKNOWN OR OTHER with 7 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and SERVICE BRAKES.
Is the 2015 TOYOTA PRIUS C safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2015 TOYOTA PRIUS C has an NHTSA safety rating of 4/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.