Research · Compact Cars

2014 Toyota Prius CRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 206 owner complaints for the 2014 Toyota Prius C. Most complaints involve service brakes (75) and electrical system (36). The EPA rates it 50 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.

Combined MPG
50mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
4of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
206
Top: service brakes
Fuel cost / yr
$1,250est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2014 Toyota Prius C as of Nov 9, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 9, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

206 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jan 2014 – Oct 2026
  1. Service brakes75
  2. Electrical system36
  3. Engine21
  4. Vehicle speed control18
  5. Air bags17
  6. Steering11
  7. Structure10
  8. Exterior lighting9
  9. Electronic stability control (esc)9

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Prius C model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
2013401
2014206
2015132
2016162
201791
20186
Crashes reported
29
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
19
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 9, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Service brakes

75 reports14 crashes
“The brakes failed while driving at a high speed (55 MPH) on the highway along with failing when braking at a low speed (15 MPH) near a major intersection. This occured with no warning other than the Brake, ABS, and Traction Control appearing as the failure was occuring. The warning light when away after the first occurance and the brakes began working again within a few moments. It then reoccured and the lights did not turn off and the car began beeping. My safety, along with my passengers safety and the safety of those who were in the area was put at risk. The highway failure occured in a high traffic area which was also a construction zone so workers were at risk. It has been confirmed by an independent service center that the Power Brake Booster and Brake Master Cylinder Assembly failed. There were no sypmtoms or warning prior to this dangerous failure. After researching this issue, I have found that this is a common issue but no recall has been issued, only a Customer Support Program Bulletin, of which I never received. This is extremely troubling due to the nature of brake failure at both high and low speeds can put not only the driver at risk but those…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 14, 2026Service brakesODI 11771074

Electrical system

36 reports2 crashes1 fire
“We were driving on a city street about 25-30mph and the car jerked suddenly and the lights on the dashboard illuminated and the "Check Hybrid System" message came up as well. The car was able to coast to a nearby parking lot. We attempted to drive the car home and the car stalled in the middle of the street. We were able to push the car off the road and then get it towed. The presented a potentially very dangerous situation as the car had a complete failure while driving in the middle of the road. The Toyota service department ran a diagnosis which returned DTC P0A94. All of this indicates that the car should be covered under the CUSTOMER CONFIDENCE PROGRAM 23TE03 however that program seems to only cover the 2010-2015 Prius and 2011-2017 Prius V models and not the Prius C. There are several reports of this same issue happening on the Prius C as well though so it doesn't make sense that it is not covered.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 17, 2025Electrical system, Unknown or otherODI 11667479

Engine

21 reports1 crash
“2014 Toyota Prius: While driving at high speed the engine stalled unexpectedly, steering and braking were not effected. Was able to safely coast to a stop in the breakdown lane and after a few minutes, restart the engine and proceed driving. Another event occurred on the entrance ramp onto an interstate highway. I was able to pull over safely and the car restarted after a short delay. This seems to be a very dangerous condition. Toyota dealer service said they could not determine the cause and they know of no recall. I found online a reference to NHTSA Recall # 20V369000 that referred to "unexpected hybrid power system shut down." That is what happened to me.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 18, 2024Unknown or other, EngineODI 11589472
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

1 version rated by the EPA
EPA class
Compact Cars
Engines
1.5L 4-cyl hybrid
Transmissions
Automatic (variable gear ratios)
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 9, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Prius c
Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 1.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
534650$1,250178
  • Prius c
    Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 1.5 L
    53 city · 46 hwy · $1,250/yr
    50
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 9, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
Overall rating
4/ 5
4 of 5
Toyota Prius C 5 HB FWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
4 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
11.8%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 9, 2026Vehicle 8140
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2014 Prius C questions

How many recalls does the 2014 Toyota Prius C have?

0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 9, 2026.

What are the most common 2014 Toyota Prius C problems?

Owners filed 206 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are service brakes (75), electrical system (36), engine (21). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2014 Toyota Prius C get?

The EPA rates the 2014 Toyota Prius C at 50 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).

How safe is the 2014 Toyota Prius C?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2014 Toyota Prius C 4 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 9, 2026