Is the 2016 Toyota PRIUS C reliable?

The 2016 Toyota PRIUS C has 16 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.3x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: above-average. Most common issue: OTHER problems.

What are common problems with the 2016 Toyota PRIUS C?

Top problems: OTHER (4 complaints, avg repair $500); BRAKES (3 complaints, avg repair $500); TIRES (3 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2016 Toyota PRIUS C?

No recalls have been issued for the 2016 Toyota PRIUS C.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2016 Toyota PRIUS C?

The 2016 Toyota PRIUS C gets 50 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $960. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2016 Toyota PRIUS C?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2016 Toyota PRIUS C is approximately $1,449/year (sedan-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2016 Toyota PRIUS C

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2016 Toyota PRIUS C has 16 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.3x the segment average of 53. The most common issue is other problems (25% of all complaints), specifically: the car has been towed twice. every time i attempt to turn on the car, there is no power. the dealer says it is the battery and he has changed the battery twice. i am afraid to use the car and get stranded in the highway..

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

4/5

Safety Stars

0.3x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

OTHER

4 complaints

25%

• THE CAR HAS BEEN TOWED TWICE. EVERY TIME I ATTEMPT TO TURN ON THE CAR, THERE IS NO POWER. THE DEALER SAYS IT IS THE BATTERY AND HE HAS CHANGED THE BATTERY TWICE. I AM AFRAID TO USE THE CAR AND GET STRANDED IN THE HIGHWAY.
• WITH THE AUXILIARY BATTERY WELL CHARGED THE GAS ENGINE WILL TURN OFF WHEN VEHICLE COMES TO A STOP. IN ORDER TO TURN THE IGNITION KEY TO THE OFF POSITION AND REMOVE THE KEY IT IS NECESSARY TO MOVE THE SHIFT LEVER TO THE PARK POSITION. AT THE SAME TIME IT IS ADVISABLE TO SET THE PARKING BRAKE. IF D
• SINCE PURCHASE OF THE CAR, THE VEHICLE HAS SHIFTED FROM DRIVE TO NEUTRAL UPON BRAKING HARD. THIS HAS OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. THE CAR WILL NOT RETURN TO DRIVE WITHOUT TURNING OFF THE ENGINE AND RESTARTING. IT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. TOYOTA OF CARLSBAD COULDN'T REPRODUCE THE EVENT AF

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“THE CAR HAS BEEN TOWED TWICE. EVERY TIME I ATTEMPT TO TURN ON THE CAR, THERE IS NO POWER. THE DEALER SAYS IT IS THE BATTERY AND HE HAS CHANGED THE BATTERY TWICE. I AM AFRAID TO USE THE CAR AND GET STRANDED IN THE HIGHWAY.”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2016 Toyota PRIUS C

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$960

Per month

$80

Per mile

8.0¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$906/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,044/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2016 Toyota PRIUS C

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,449

Full coverage / month

$121

Liability only / year

$598

vs US avg

-13%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.98x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1449

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Toyota PRIUS C Service Intervals

Oil change

10K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

5K mi

Brake fluid

30 months

Transmission fluid

60K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

120K mi

Cabin air filter

30K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

60K mi

0W-20 synthetic oil recommended. ToyotaCare covers first 2 years / 25K miles of scheduled maintenance for new vehicles. Hybrid battery: 10 yr / 150K miles warranty.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Toyota New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

10 yr / 150K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

2 yr / 25K mi

Hybrid battery is 10yr/150K miles for 2020+ hybrids. ToyotaCare (2yr/25K miles complimentary maintenance) is included.

These are the terms for a new Toyota. If you're buying a used 2016 PRIUS C, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Toyota dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

TIRES(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 16 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
OTHER: THE CAR HAS BEEN TOWED TWICE. EVERY TIME I ATTEMPT TO TURN ON THE CAR, THERE IS NO POWER. THE DEALER SAYS IT IS THE BATTERY AND HE HAS CHANGED THE BATTERY TWICE. I AM AFRAID TO USE THE CAR AND GET STRANDED IN THE HIGHWAY.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BRAKES: 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
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TIRES: 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
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 TOYOTA PRIUS C. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, A RUBBER ODOR EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT NO FAILURE WAS DETERMINED. SEVERAL DAYS LATER, THE "HYBRID COOLANT SYSTEM NEEDS SERVICE" WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)