2017 Toyota Prius recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2017 Toyota Prius and 91 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are visibility/wiper (17), service brakes (14), vehicle speed control (13). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 46–52 mpg combined, depending on engine.
The 2017 ranks #9 of 14 Prius model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (139). It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 2.6 per model year.
Recalls 3
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2017 Toyota Prius. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Electrical system · wiring
Problem: 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.
Risk: An electrical short can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
Tires · temporary/emergency spare tire
Problem: 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.
Risk: A spare tire that is not inflated to the proper value may not perform as intended, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Parking brake
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
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 coverage despite the vehicle was ori…
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.
Standing at a red light and someone rear ended
Safety ratings
2017 Toyota Prius 5 HB FWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2017 Toyota Prius.
Prius
Auto (variable gear ratios) · 4 cyl · 1.8 L
Regular
Prius c
Auto (variable gear ratios) · 4 cyl · 1.5 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2017 Toyota Prius have?
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2017 Toyota Prius, most recently for electrical system · wiring (09/05/2018). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Toyota Prius?
Based on 91 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are visibility/wiper (17), service brakes (14), vehicle speed control (13).
Is the 2017 Toyota Prius safe?
The 2017 Toyota Prius earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2017 a good year for the Toyota Prius?
The 2017 ranks #9 of 14 Prius model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (139). It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 2.6 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2017 Toyota Prius get?
EPA ratings for the 2017 Toyota Prius range from 46 to 52 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2017 Toyota Prius in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: PRIUS, Prius.