2017 Toyota Prius Problems
What owners have reported about the 2017 Toyota Prius, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
Is the 2017 Toyota Prius a good year?
It's one of the better years for the Prius. Owners have filed 91 complaints with NHTSA, the 10th most of 13 Prius model years. The most reported problems involve the wipers and visibility, brakes and acceleration and speed control.
91 complaints 3 recalls, 1 fire risk 10th worst of 13 Prius years
Top 2017 Toyota Prius problems
Wiper and visibility problems
17 complaints (19%) name the wipers and visibility.
Brake problems
14 complaints (15%) name the brakes.
Acceleration problems
13 complaints (14%) name the acceleration and speed control.
Engine problems
13 complaints (14%) name the engine, most often the exhaust system.
Which parts fail most
Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (66 of 91). The amber line is the middle value, about 14,000 miles.
When problems were reported
Complaints by the year the problem happened.
2017 Toyota Prius recalls
Wiring
Fire riskA 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. 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.
Recall 18V579000 · Sep 2018Temporary / emergency spare tire
The spare tire air pressure was not adjusted to the proper pressure as stated on the Tire Pressure Label. 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.
Recall 17V295000 · May 2017Parking brake cable may disengage
Crash riskThe parking brake cable can come loose from its mechanism. If the car is left in a gear other than Park with the engine on and the driver gets out, it can roll away unexpectedly and raise the risk of a crash.
Fix: The dealer will install a clip at the end of the parking brake cable to keep it from disengaging, and this repair is free.
Recall 16V741000 · Oct 2016Get an email when your 2017 Toyota Prius gets a new recall
We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2017 Toyota Prius, you'll hear about it the same week.
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Prius years to avoid
Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.
Common questions
Is the 2017 Toyota Prius a reliable year?
It's one of the better years for the Prius. Owners have filed 91 complaints with NHTSA, the 10th most of 13 Prius model years. The most reported problems involve the wipers and visibility, brakes and acceleration and speed control.
What are the most common 2017 Toyota Prius problems?
Owners most often report problems with the wipers and visibility, brakes, acceleration and speed control and engine. 17 complaints (19%) name the wipers and visibility.
At what mileage do 2017 Toyota Prius wipers and visibility problems start?
Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 5,000–22,000 miles, with a middle value near 10,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2017 Toyota Prius have?
3. Wiring (18V579000); Temporary / emergency spare tire (17V295000); Parking brake cable may disengage (16V741000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Should I buy a used 2017 Toyota Prius?
Ask for service records covering the wipers and visibility, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2024, 2019 and 2018 models, which have the fewest complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.