Toyota Prius C intermittent no-start issue with display not showing P, possibly influenced by AC and seatbelt on Toyota Prius C

Submitted by Vehicle Owner · Jun 23, 2025
Published by RepairPal

Problem overview

Some Toyota Prius C owners report experiencing intermittent no-start issues, particularly when the display fails to show the "P" position. These problems may stem from various factors, including a dead or failing battery, loose connections, or specific component malfunctions that affect the multi-function display. In situations where the car won't start and the display is unresponsive, some owners find that emergency restart procedures can sometimes help. Additionally, concerns regarding the auxiliary battery can lead to the digital dashboard not activating, which may require checking and adjusting power connectors. If the display flickers but the vehicle remains non-starting, it may indicate that the hybrid engine is stuck in EV mode due to insufficient power from the 12v battery. Some Prius models have a known issue with the multi-function display that could potentially be repaired by an electrical engineer. While jumping the starter battery might not always resolve the no-start situation, it can lead to costly diagnostics if the underlying issues are not addressed promptly. Owners are advised to consider battery health, electrical connections, and other influencing factors, such as the AC system and seatbelt status, when troubleshooting these problems.

1 person reported this problem
0 comments
Schedule Repair

Toyota Prius C vehicles with this problem

0 model year affected

Search for another problem

RepairPal Car Genius

Ask our experts about your Toyota.

RepairPal Car Genius™ is a free resource for vehicle owners seeking advice on maintenance, auto repair, shop inquiries, estimates, and finding a trustworthy repair shop in your area.

 Auto Repair Expert Auto Repair Expert

Call us at 877-913-1554

Available 9am – 6pm ET Monday through Friday

Call Our Experts