MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2019 Toyota Prius C

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2019 Toyota Prius C

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

1Recalls
28Complaints
1Investigations
ABOUT THE TOYOTA PRIUS C

The Toyota Prius C is a subcompact hybrid sedan that occupied the entry-level slot in Toyota's Prius family, targeting budget-conscious commuters and urban drivers who want maximum fuel efficiency in a small, maneuverable package. Sold in the United States through the 2019 and 2020 model years before Toyota discontinued it, the Prius C carved out a niche as one of the most affordable hybrid options on the market.

VERDICT

The 2019 Toyota Prius C earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 81 out of 100, an strong result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. It has 1 recall on record, reflected in the score.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers generally praise the Prius C for its exceptional fuel economy and easy urban maneuverability, treating it as a practical, low-cost hybrid choice for city driving. Most critics acknowledge the trade-offs in interior space and driving refinement relative to larger competitors, and tend to view it as a sensible if unexciting commuter rather than a well-rounded all-purpose vehicle.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 11.8%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13041

Index breakdown

Crash protection56/70
Avoidance tech10/10
Defect record15/20
Forward collision warning: StandardLane departure warning: StandardStability control: Standard

NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images

Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

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 // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

28 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

7reported crash
0reported fire
2reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsService Brakes 11Unknown Or Other 7Engine 5Forward Collision Avoidance 4Vehicle Speed Control 4Air Bags 4

Other Prius C years

Rivals in Sedan (2019)

Last verified 2026-07-02. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 13041), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Toyota Prius C 2019. Class rank 75 of 119 in Sedan 2019. Methodology · Disclosure