2017 Toyota Prius: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 101 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is visibility/wiper (22% of complaints); the 2018 and 2019 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Sep 2018
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 101 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 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 resolved.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jul 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 that the coolant was leaking into the exhaust pipe. The dealer recommended that the exhaust system front pipe be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted, opened a case, and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 81,700.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 2025
Show 7 more owner reports
“Coolant leaking into exhaust And engine also vehicle suddenly stops for no reason now engine is completely broken due to the coolant going into the motor oil”Owner report · Engine · Jan 2024
“On 10/16/23 I was turning slowly into a parking spot and my car suddenly accelerated without my pressing the accelerator. I slammed on the break and the car stopped. It was frightening because I could have hit someone or something but luckily the car stopped before that happened. I believe that this was a malfunction of the accelerator. This has not been checked or reported to anyone yet but I will be calling Toyota to have it checked. There have been no warning messages.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Oct 2023
“Windshield cracked from bottom to top and across while sitting and there was no evidence of a rock or chip that would cause that. Air temp was about 95 degrees. No rain, no impact, car was sitting parked and not running.”Owner report · Visibility/Wiper · Jun 2021
“My windshield cracked for no reason, while it was parked. This is the second crack I gotten on my windshield from owning it for 2 years. This is highly unusual, I don't drive my car very far, and it happened while it was parked.”Owner report · Visibility/Wiper · Mar 2021
“The covering on the steering wheel at the hand locations has excessive wear and the plastic is rough on skin. The manufacture will not warranty the steering wheel cover because of being out of warranty I do not feel that a steering wheel cover should wear off in less than two years regardless of mileage which is currently at 139000 miles.”Owner report · Steering · Feb 2020
“My 2 year check up w/14,932 miles I was advised my front rotors need to be replaced due to poor pad contact and rear rotors are grooved heavily and need to be replaced as well. I was shocked. I did not have replaced . Mechanic said will not pass inspection. Is there a recall? What is going on w/toyota prius brakes. Am afraid to drive car and can't afford to replace rotors every 15,000 miles.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Nov 2019
“Tl* the contact owns a 2017 toyota prius. While traveling approximately 20 mph and attempting to turn, the steering ability became very difficult without warning. The vehicle was taken to dmark toyota (15933 n idahocenter blvd, nampa, id 83687) where it was determined that a sensor on the intermediate steering shaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 30,000.”Owner report · Steering · Nov 2019
When filing, owners marked a crash in 12 of these complaints and injuries in 7 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How other years compare
Check your exact Prius by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2017 Toyota Prius reliable?
NHTSA has 101 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2017 Toyota Prius. The most complained-about area is visibility/wiper (22% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2017 Toyota Prius problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 13,925 miles or less.
Does the 2017 Toyota Prius have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning electrical system:wiring. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.