2015 Toyota Prius C Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary
The 2015 Toyota Prius C has 24 reported complaints.
- Top issues involve unknown or other and electrical system.
Reliability Score
Reliability Score
Based on 24 complaints
Most Frequent Issues
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
7 29.2%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
4 16.7%
SERVICE BRAKES
3 12.5%
ENGINE
2 8.3%
WHEELS
2 8.3%
Quick Insights
The top category is UNKNOWN OR OTHER, accounting for 29.2% of all complaints.
Owners have reported issues across 10 distinct vehicle systems.
Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.
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What owners keep reporting on the 2015 Toyota Prius C
The 2015 Toyota Prius C has 24 owner complaints in this dataset. UNKNOWN OR OTHER is the most common complaint category, representing about 29% of the reports shown here.
Most common complaint categories
The top complaint groups for the 2015 Toyota Prius C are UNKNOWN OR OTHER (7), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4), SERVICE BRAKES (3).
Are these complaints a serious red flag?
Potentially. 11 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.
What should buyers inspect on a used 2015 Toyota Prius C?
Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.
Detailed Complaint Log
Showing 10 of 10 systems
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
7 Reports29% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
RODENTS ARE DESTROYING THE WRITING ON MY ENGINE. THIS HAS HAPPENED THREE TIMES. THE CAR IS PARKED UNDER A CARPORT. I HAVE USED VARIOUS SPRAYS BUT NOTHING WORKS.
2/5/2017
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
2/19/2017
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
4 Reports17% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
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
2/19/2017
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.
3/27/2017
SERVICE BRAKES
3 Reports13% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
A FEW MONTHS AFTER PURCHASE, WHILE DRIVING THE CAR, ALL OF THE DASH INDICATOR LIGHTS CAME ON AND THE DISPLAY FLASHED "BRAKE OVERRIDE MALFUNCTION, SEE DEALER." THE BRAKE AND THE GAS WERE NOT BEING USED AT THE SAME TIME. SHORTLY THEREAFTER, WHILE STOPPED AT A LIGHT WITH A FOOT FIRMLY ON THE BRAKE, THE BRAKES DISENGAGED AND THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD ABOUT A FOOT BEFORE THE BRAKES ENGAGED AGAIN. THE DASH LIGHTS STAYED ILLUMINATED THE REMAINDER OF THE TRIP. AFTER TAKING IT TO THE DEALER, THEY RESET THE COMPUTER AND RETURNED THE CAR. WHILE DRIVING IT HOME FROM THE DEALER, THE SAME PROBLEM REOCCURRED. THE DEALER THEN REPLACED THE MASTER CYLINDER AND CLAIMED THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED. A FEW MONTHS LATER, THE SAME PROBLEM REOCCURRED. ONCE STARTED, THE PROBLEM OCCURS EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN. AFTER DRIVING FOR A FEW MOMENTS, THE DASH LIGHTS ILLUMINATE, THE ERROR MESSAGE POPS UP, AND THE CAR UNEXPECTEDLY LURCHES WHENEVER STOPPED. THIS HAPPENS WHETHER DRIVING IN THE CITY OR ON THE HIGHWAY (THOUGH OBVIOUSLY THE LURCHING ONLY HAPPENS WHEN THE BRAKES ARE ENGAGED).
6/27/2016
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.
10/23/2018
ENGINE
2 Reports8% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
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
2/19/2017
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 STICKER TO NAME PROPER FUELS , DEALER CLAIMS THEY TOPPED OFF ALL FLUIDS TO TOYOTA QUAILITY YET NO PARTS NUMBERS MATCHING MOTOR MODIFICATIONS, NO WIPER BLADES CHANGED EVERY 6 MONTHS=EPA= MATERIALS CAN CHANGE DUE TO WEATHER CLIMAIT CHANGES OF 6 MONTHS, MY HISTORY ON TOYOTA OWNERS SITE NOT SHOWING ALL MODIFICATIONS TO HYBRID MOTOR VIN, ODOMETER STATEMENT OF SEAT BELT CHANGING AT SPEEDS OF 12 MILES WHEN SALESMEN HAVE DRIVERS TEXT DRIVE IT, DEALER DID INSPECTION AND ALL FOUR TIRES FAILED YET DEALER CLEARED THE VEHICLE TO LEAVE STORAGE SITE EXPOSSING IT TO ME AS THE DRIVER. TIRE WARRANTY STATES CITY IS RESPONSIBLE TO CLEARING ROADS TO PREVENT UN EVEN TREAD OF TIRES ROLLING OVER CONCRETE PATH WAYS, TOYOTA ALLOWED TIRES TO RE ENTER CITY ROADS WITHOUT FILING WARRANTY UP TO 2 YEARS, MUST HAVE PURCHASE PAPERS TO FILE, TOYOTA BATTER COVERED FOR 8 YEARS, MY RES=2276 ORCHARD ST, LINCOLN, NE
5/6/2017
WHEELS
2 Reports8% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
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 STICKER TO NAME PROPER FUELS , DEALER CLAIMS THEY TOPPED OFF ALL FLUIDS TO TOYOTA QUAILITY YET NO PARTS NUMBERS MATCHING MOTOR MODIFICATIONS, NO WIPER BLADES CHANGED EVERY 6 MONTHS=EPA= MATERIALS CAN CHANGE DUE TO WEATHER CLIMAIT CHANGES OF 6 MONTHS, MY HISTORY ON TOYOTA OWNERS SITE NOT SHOWING ALL MODIFICATIONS TO HYBRID MOTOR VIN, ODOMETER STATEMENT OF SEAT BELT CHANGING AT SPEEDS OF 12 MILES WHEN SALESMEN HAVE DRIVERS TEXT DRIVE IT, DEALER DID INSPECTION AND ALL FOUR TIRES FAILED YET DEALER CLEARED THE VEHICLE TO LEAVE STORAGE SITE EXPOSSING IT TO ME AS THE DRIVER. TIRE WARRANTY STATES CITY IS RESPONSIBLE TO CLEARING ROADS TO PREVENT UN EVEN TREAD OF TIRES ROLLING OVER CONCRETE PATH WAYS, TOYOTA ALLOWED TIRES TO RE ENTER CITY ROADS WITHOUT FILING WARRANTY UP TO 2 YEARS, MUST HAVE PURCHASE PAPERS TO FILE, TOYOTA BATTER COVERED FOR 8 YEARS, MY RES=2276 ORCHARD ST, LINCOLN, NE
5/6/2017
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.
9/17/2019
AIR BAGS
2 Reports8% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
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.
1/30/2021
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.
10/22/2022
STRUCTURE
1 Report4% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
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.
3/27/2017
STRUCTURE:BODY
1 Report4% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
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 STICKER TO NAME PROPER FUELS , DEALER CLAIMS THEY TOPPED OFF ALL FLUIDS TO TOYOTA QUAILITY YET NO PARTS NUMBERS MATCHING MOTOR MODIFICATIONS, NO WIPER BLADES CHANGED EVERY 6 MONTHS=EPA= MATERIALS CAN CHANGE DUE TO WEATHER CLIMAIT CHANGES OF 6 MONTHS, MY HISTORY ON TOYOTA OWNERS SITE NOT SHOWING ALL MODIFICATIONS TO HYBRID MOTOR VIN, ODOMETER STATEMENT OF SEAT BELT CHANGING AT SPEEDS OF 12 MILES WHEN SALESMEN HAVE DRIVERS TEXT DRIVE IT, DEALER DID INSPECTION AND ALL FOUR TIRES FAILED YET DEALER CLEARED THE VEHICLE TO LEAVE STORAGE SITE EXPOSSING IT TO ME AS THE DRIVER. TIRE WARRANTY STATES CITY IS RESPONSIBLE TO CLEARING ROADS TO PREVENT UN EVEN TREAD OF TIRES ROLLING OVER CONCRETE PATH WAYS, TOYOTA ALLOWED TIRES TO RE ENTER CITY ROADS WITHOUT FILING WARRANTY UP TO 2 YEARS, MUST HAVE PURCHASE PAPERS TO FILE, TOYOTA BATTER COVERED FOR 8 YEARS, MY RES=2276 ORCHARD ST, LINCOLN, NE
5/6/2017
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 Report4% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
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.
7/18/2019
SEATS
1 Report4% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
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.
10/22/2022
Data and Methodology
Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.
What are the most common owner complaints for the 2015 Toyota Prius C?
Are complaints about the 2015 Toyota Prius C a serious warning sign?
How should buyers use complaint data for the 2015 Toyota Prius C?
Are complaints about the 2015 Toyota Prius C severe?
Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.
Toyota Prius C: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?
Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.
- Complaint entries
- 24
- Top-topic view
- 5 grouped topics shown
- Primary source
- NHTSA ODI owner complaint records
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