NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 Toyota Prius C Safety Ratings
The 2019 Toyota Prius C scores 81 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 28 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2019 Toyota Prius C demonstrates a reasonably solid safety profile, supported by consistent 4-star ratings across all tested NHTSA categories. While a single recall and 28 unverified owner complaints exist for this model year, these do not significantly detract from its overall performance. The Prius C achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 81/100, positioning it firmly within the Strong band.
The 2019 Toyota Prius C received a 4-out-of-5-star overall crash rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 81 out of 100, based on NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 119 Sedans from 2019 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2019 Toyota Prius C ranks 75 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
| NHTSA Safety Index | 81 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 4 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 11.8% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 28 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 75 of 119 Sedans tested for 2019 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 Toyota Prius C?
The 2019 Toyota Prius C closes out the nameplate's US run with a Safety Index of 81 out of 100 in the Strong band. No prior-year Index is on file, so a year-over-year comparison cannot be drawn, but the score itself breaks down clearly: crash protection contributes 56 of a possible 70 points, avoidance technology earns a perfect 10 out of 10 reflecting standard fitment of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, and the defect record component adds 15 of 20, reflecting the single recall campaign. That one recall, tied to a DC-DC converter fault in the hybrid propulsion system, is the defining safety event of this model year. The 4-star NHTSA ratings across all four tested dimensions are consistent and carry no outlier weakness. The 28 unverified complaints include an elevated concentration around Service Brakes and Forward Collision Avoidance, two systems that warrant scrutiny on any used example. The avoidance tech score of 10 out of 10 is a genuine strength for a vehicle of this segment and vintage.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2019 Toyota Prius C perform in crash tests?
The 2019 Toyota Prius C demonstrates consistent performance in federal safety evaluations, earning 4 out of 5 stars in every category assessed by NHTSA. This includes overall, frontal crash, and side crash protection. Its rollover risk is measured at 12 percent, with the dynamic tip test resulting in No Tip. No specific test category presents a notable deficiency in its published ratings.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13041
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2019 Toyota Prius C have any recalls?
One recall covers the 2019 Toyota Prius C. The campaign targets the hybrid propulsion system, specifically a DC-DC converter that may fail. The recall spans certain 2018 and 2019 Prius C vehicles. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the available data, but shoppers should verify remedy completion by VIN before purchase.
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM19V491000
Risk: A loss of drive increases the risk of crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the DC-DC converter with a new one, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began August 23, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is K0K.
Reported 2019-06-26
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2019 Toyota Prius C?
NHTSA has received 28 unverified owner complaints for the 2019 Prius C. The most frequently alleged problem components are Service Brakes with 11 reports, Unknown Or Other with 7, Engine with 5, and Forward Collision Avoidance and Vehicle Speed Control each with 4. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects.
28 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 Toyota Prius C?
A significant safety consideration for the 2019 Prius C centers on its hybrid propulsion system. Owners or prospective buyers should verify through NHTSA's recall database that the DC-DC converter recall, impacting the hybrid system, has been fully remedied. This is a critical step before any ownership transfer.
- The single recall for this model year targets the hybrid propulsion system DC-DC converter on certain 2018 and 2019 Prius C vehicles, making VIN-specific remedy verification essential for used-market buyers.
- NHTSA awarded 4 out of 5 stars in every tested category for this model year, including a 12 percent rollover risk and a No Tip result on the dynamic test.
- Avoidance technology earned a perfect 10 out of 10 in the Safety Index breakdown, reflecting standard fitment of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control on this model year.
- Service Brakes are the most frequently alleged problem component in the 28 unverified NHTSA complaints filed against this model year, accounting for 11 of those reports.
RANKINGSWhere the 2019 Toyota Prius C places
The 2019 Toyota Prius C qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2019 Toyota Prius C safety questions
Was the 2019 Toyota Prius C crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2019 Toyota Prius C, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 81 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2019 Toyota Prius C crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2019 Toyota Prius C earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 4 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 11.8%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2019 Toyota Prius C have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2019 Toyota Prius C. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 Toyota Prius C?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 28 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 Toyota Prius C. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Prius C years
Rivals in Sedan (2019)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Acura RLX Sport | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi Rs5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi S4 | 98/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2019 Tesla Model S 60d | 98/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 13041), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Toyota Prius C 2019.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 75 of 119 in the Sedan class for 2019.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.