High Risk / Avoid NHTSA Record ID #2017-toyota-prius

2017 Toyota Prius Problems & Recalls

Comprehensive defect analysis based on official US Federal safety databases.

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Defect Risk Score
62 / 100
Year to Avoid
Owner Complaints
91
Filed with NHTSA
Safety Recalls
3
Free Dealer Fixes
Incidents Reported
14
12 Crashes • 2 Fires
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2017 Toyota Prius Top Failure Categories

Distribution of driver complaints across vehicle components according to federal taxonomy.

Visibility & Wipers 18.7%
17 reported failures
Electrical System 12.1%
11 reported failures
Vehicle Speed Control 9.9%
9 reported failures
Braking System 9.9%
9 reported failures
Engine & Cooling 8.8%
8 reported failures
Unknown Or Other 7.7%
7 reported failures
🚨 Official Federal Campaigns

Official Safety Recalls for 2017 Toyota Prius (3)

Dealer Repairs are 100% Free
NHTSA Campaign #18V579000 Component: Electrical System

Defect Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Toyota Prius vehicles. A portion of the engine wire harness connected to the hybrid Power Control Unit (PCU), could contact the cover at this connection and wear, causing an electrical short circuit.

Safety Hazard: An electrical short can increase the risk of a fire.

Free Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine wire harness assembly and replace it if damage is found. A protective sleeve or protective tape will be included to prevent any future damage. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is J0T.

NHTSA Campaign #17V295000 Component: Wheels & Tires

Defect Summary: Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (Gulf States) is recalling certain 2017 4Runner , 86, Avalon, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla, Corolla iM, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius C, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Sienna and Yaris vehicles. The spare tire air pressure was not adjusted to the proper pressure as stated on the Tire Pressure Label.

Safety Hazard: A spare tire that is not inflated to the proper value may not perform as intended, increasing the risk of a crash.

Free Remedy: Gulf States will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the spare tires, adjusting their pressure as necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 15, 2017. Owners may contact Gulf States customer service at 1-800-444-1074. Toyota's number for this recall is 17R2.

NHTSA Campaign #16V741000 Component: Parking Brake

Defect Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Prius vehicles manufactured August 6, 2015, to October 3, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with a foot-operated parking brake system that has a parking brake cable that may disengage.

Safety Hazard: If the parking brake cable disengages from the mechanism and the transmission is left in a gear other than 'Park' while the ignition is on and the driver leaves the vehicle, the vehicle may roll unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.

Free Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will install a clip at the parking brake cable end to prevent the cable from disengaging, free of charge. The recall began November 10, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is G01.

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🗣️ Real Driver Reports

Verified NHTSA Owner Complaints

Excerpts of actual incident reports submitted to the federal Office of Defects Investigation (ODI).

ODI #11738755 • Engine & Cooling 05/19/2026

"The catalytic converter heat exchanger failed internally, causing coolant to leak into the exhaust system. Symptoms included white smoke from exhaust and coolant loss with no visible ground leak. This is a documented factory defect per Toyota Technical Service Bulletin T-SB-0135-19 affecting 2016-2019 Prius models. Toyota has denied warranty covera..."

ODI #11706080 • Electrical System 12/19/2025

"Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2017 Toyota Prius. It was discovered when the contact listed the vehicle for sale that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was as a private sale. At the time of the purchase, the mileage was 126,611. The potential purchaser provided a CARFAX report that recorded the mileage on 11/6/2024 at 225,810."

ODI #11674665 • Fuel/Propulsion System 07/18/2025

"During hot temperatures and after coming to a full stop, the car stalls/hesitates significantly (5-6seconds) when pushing the gas pedal. The car eventually proceeds but the issue reoccurs. It can only be intermittently reproduced and no codes are shown on the car dashboard. Mechanics are unable to identify the source of the issue so it cannot be re..."

ODI #11645348 • Engine & Cooling 02/27/2025

"The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25-30 MPH, the vents were blowing out cold air. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was adding coolant to the coolant reservoir every three to four days. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined t..."