2012 Toyota Prius c problems
The Toyota Prius c (c stands for "city"), also known as the Toyota Aqua (Japanese: トヨタ・アクア, Hepburn: Toyota Akua); "aqua" is Latin for water) in Japan, is a full hybrid gasoline-electric subcompact/supermini hatchback manufactured and marketed by Toyota. The Prius c is the third member of the Prius family, and combines the features of a Yaris-sized car with a hybrid powertrain. The Prius c is priced lower than the conventional Prius and has a higher fuel economy in city driving under United States Environmental Protection Agency test cycles. The Prius c was ranked by the EPA as the 2012 most fuel efficient compact car when plug-in electric vehicles are excluded.
The production version of the Aqua was unveiled in the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show. The production Prius c was introduced in the U.S. at the January 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The Aqua was launched in Japan in December 2011 at a price of ¥1.69 million (US$21,700). Sales in several Asian markets began in January 2012. The Prius c was released in the U.S. and Canada in March 2012. Sales in Australia and New Zealand began in April 2012.
The Aqua is considered the most successful nameplate launch in Japan in the last 20 years. As of January 2017, the Aqua/Prius c is the second most sold hybrid of Toyota after the regular Prius, with 1,380,100 units sold worldwide. Japan as the market leader with 1,154,500 units sold through January 2017. The Aqua was the top selling new car in Japan for three years in a row, from 2013 to 2015.
The Prius C was discontinued in North America at the end of the 2019 model year. It was also discontinued in Australia in early 2020.
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Common 2012 Toyota Prius c problems
The 2012 Toyota Prius C, a compact hybrid model, has been known for several common problems that have been reported by its owners. These issues range from recalls related to the hybrid system to concerns about the brakes and headlights, among others.
- Side Barrier Impact Issues: The NHTSA has issued a safety concern for the 2012 Toyota Prius C, stating that in the event of an impact, the rear passenger(s) may experience thoracic injury due to the door panel striking the torso.
- Grabby Brakes: The brakes on the 2012 Prius C are designed for power regeneration, making them grabbier than those for non-hybrid applications. However, in wet weather, there's a possibility for skidding, which can lead to potential accidents.
- Burnt-out Headlights: The original headlight housings on the 2012 Prius C were designed in such a way that allowed the plastic reflector to melt, causing the low-beam bulbs to burn out. Some owners have had to replace these bulbs more than a few times a year.
- Air Conditioner Compressor Failure: It's common for a 2012 Toyota Prius C owner to notice a loud noise and hot air coming out of the vents due to the compressor, which is responsible for pumping cool air through the system, prematurely failing.
- Intelligent Power Module (IPM) Malfunction: When the operating temperature gets high enough, the IPM, a module that manages mileage and power, can fail. This results in the engine stalling without warning or operating at a reduced power level.
While the 2012 Toyota Prius C offers excellent fuel efficiency, potential buyers should be aware of these common problems and consider the potential costs and risks associated with them. It's possible to find an example with these issues sorted out, but it may be best to opt for a later model year of the one-generation compact hybrid.
How many miles does a 2012 Prius C last?
With regular maintenance, a Toyota Prius owner can expect to get between 200,000 and 250,000 miles out of their Prius, with some owners topping the 300,000-mile mark and going strong. As the first mass-produced hybrid vehicle, the Prius has an established history of reliable service for more than two decades.
Is 2012 a good Prius year?
Beyond this increase of electronic toys, the 2012 Toyota Prius maintains the practical advantages that have made it so successful. With an EPA combined rating of 50 mpg, the Prius is topped only by the new Prius C subcompact, or more expensive plug-in models like the 2012 Chevrolet Volt and upcoming plug-in Prius.
How many years does a Prius C battery last?
8 to 10 years
How long do Toyota Prius batteries last? The general estimation is that it will run effectively for 8 to 10 years or anywhere between 100,000 and 150,000 miles, but there are factors that will help determine which end of the spectrum your battery life falls on.
What is the most common problem of Toyota Prius?
A list of some of the most common issues Prius owners have to deal with.
- Bluetooth Echos During Calls. ...
- Musty and Moldy A/C. ...
- Unintended Acceleration. ...
- Rodents Chew Soy-Coated Wires. ...
- Prius Headlight Problems. ...
- Prius Brake Defects. ...
- Toyota Excessive Oil Consumption.
Is 2012 a good Prius year?
Beyond this increase of electronic toys, the 2012 Toyota Prius maintains the practical advantages that have made it so successful. With an EPA combined rating of 50 mpg, the Prius is topped only by the new Prius C subcompact, or more expensive plug-in models like the 2012 Chevrolet Volt and upcoming plug-in Prius.
What is the most common problem of Toyota Prius?
A list of some of the most common issues Prius owners have to deal with.
- Bluetooth Echos During Calls. ...
- Musty and Moldy A/C. ...
- Unintended Acceleration. ...
- Rodents Chew Soy-Coated Wires. ...
- Prius Headlight Problems. ...
- Prius Brake Defects. ...
- Toyota Excessive Oil Consumption.
How long do 2012 Prius batteries last?
8 to 10 years
How long do Toyota Prius batteries last? The general estimation is that it will run effectively for 8 to 10 years or anywhere between 100,000 and 150,000 miles, but there are factors that will help determine which end of the spectrum your battery life falls on.
How many miles does a 2012 Prius C last?
With regular maintenance, a Toyota Prius owner can expect to get between 200,000 and 250,000 miles out of their Prius, with some owners topping the 300,000-mile mark and going strong. As the first mass-produced hybrid vehicle, the Prius has an established history of reliable service for more than two decades.
2012 Toyota Prius c complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2012 Toyota Prius c.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
Negative 2012 Toyota Prius c car reviews
Positive 2012 Toyota Prius c car reviews
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Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to let you know that there seems to be a bit of an issue with the lighting in the back and passenger side of your vehicle, especially in snowy conditions with poor visibility. Just thought I'd give you a heads up!
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Congratulations on your new Prius C! It sounds like you got a great deal at the 'Hail Sale.' Even though it has a few dings, it's great that you can't see them through the gas meter. It's amazing how much money you can save on gas by switching from a truck to a Prius C. The windows look fantastic after being professionally tinted, and the 1 1/4
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I bought this car in its first year, 2012, with two main hopes: great mileage and reliability. I wasn't disappointed. Seven years later, it still runs almost like new and gets an impressive 50 mpg! Despite living in New England, where rust is a major issue, there are no signs of consequential rust, especially beneath the car. The original exhaust is still in great condition and I've never had a check engine light come on. I've only needed to change fluids and plugs at recommended levels, and have had one brake job and struts in 7 years! That's it. The only way I could match this kind of maintenance is if I had an electric car. This car was the best 20K we ever spent and it will easily go another 100-200,000 miles. Better yet, the aftermarket for the NMIH battery replacement, if ever needed, is dirt cheap. This car holds its value!
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Every day is a pleasure with this car.We live in West Va with hills everywhere.After 7000 miles and with normal driving are average computer miles is 50.6 mpg.Best mpg on fill ups is 54mpg the worst was 45.4 in the winter we had a lot of ice and snow then.The only flat road in my area is from the post office to my house 1.4 miles and I avgerage about 65 mpg, 50 to and 80 back. Because on the return its on ev most of the way.Next week we are moving to Ga all flat ground so I will give you a report in a few months.This is our 4th Toyota since 1988 and it is the greatest by a wide margin.
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We purchased our C 2 on Halloween 2012 after conducting extensive research, test driving, and bargaining with dealers. Our main goal was to save on gas expenses, as one of us was driving 12 hours every weekend and with two kids in college, our budget was tight. We tried other gas-saving budget cars, but none of them felt just right until we found this one. We opted for the C 2 because the extra cost for the C 3 didn't seem worth it for us. After 9 months and about 24,000 miles, we are extremely pleased with this car and are surprised by how much fun it is to drive. In the beginning, we would have competitions to see who would get the best ECO score and MPG. If you go totally EV for long stretches, 99 MPG is possible. Now we just drive and get 44-51 MPG, saving over $200 per month. An update on our ownership: after a year of satisfied ownership, we purchased a second car (not to mention the great tax rebate we got on the first). We got the next model up for the same price we had purchased the first one at, but it still wasn't worth the upgrade. The only con we have found is that the 2013 GPS touch screen is in a bad position and the sun shines on it, making it hard to see. We are not sure if they have improved that now, but we are just glad we didn't pay extra for the upgraded model. Another update: now six years old, our college grad daughter still has the car and has safely navigated the route in all weather from OH to NY, OH-VA, IN-GA, IN-VA, and VA-SC. She is now in grad school and has moved herself from OH-IN and then IN-VA. The car was jammed, but her full-sized IKEA bed frame fit in. Hardly any maintenance was needed. We have no idea how many miles are on the clock right now, but it has to be over 150,000 because the 2013 model is close to that. We just love these cars and could afford something more fancy now, but we cannot justify trading them in. Another update in 2021: both cars are still going strong, and we just can't beat them. My only wish is that Toyota made a truck with this 'make your own energy system,' then I would be ready to trade the 2013 that I drive. For now, I use my husband's F150 when I need to tow the horse trailer.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2012 Toyota Prius c problems:
Prius/Prius C Problem Spots? : r/Cartalk
Nov 7, 2018 ... Common issues are: inability to park. going 10 under in the left lane. hitting alot of kerbs. general worse driving. If any of these ...
2012 Toyota Prius C Problems Include Major Hybrid Inverter ...
May 4, 2022 ... What are the Common Problems With a Prius C? AC compressor failure, engine stall, and "grabby" brakes are common in 2012-2014 Prius cs. The ...
Toyota Prius C Complaints, Problems and TSBs | Toyota Parts ...
2012-2014 Prius C - Common Problems ... Early Air Conditioner Compressor Failure: It's common for a Prius C owner to notice a loud noise and hot air coming out of ...
2012 Prius C owners: any problems? : r/prius
May 5, 2016 ... My wife is a bit skeptical because she depends highly on Consumer Reports, which gives only an average rating for the 2012's power equipment. I ...
Common issues with the c (2015 version)??? | PriusChat
... Prius is the general assumption as to why. ... 2012 Prius c. Model: Three. To increase the commonality on some previously mentioned items, these ...
Other years of Toyota Prius c
Are you having problems with your 2012 Toyota Prius c?
Deonte Johns 2024-11-21
My fiance bought a Prius C a few months ago and claims to love it. Despite this, she always finds a reason to take my 2012 Golf TDI instead. Unfortunately, I often get stuck with her car, which I find loud, annoying, and unrefined. As a car guy, I prefer something with a bit more power and style. However, I understand that everyone has different preferences when it comes to cars.
Claud Hodkiewicz 2024-06-03
Our PC2 is our second Prius. I bought a 2002 Prius new and I must say, I like the 2002 more, even though the PC2's improved technology is nice. Our 2002 Prius feels more solid with more power. Its MPG improved to the mid-40s when Toyota replaced the hybrid battery at no cost. I bought the PC2 because I wanted a small hybrid to drive around Honolulu, not a full-size Prius.
Ralph Schaden 2024-04-17
The Prius C may not be the best car I've ever driven, especially when compared to the Yaris. However, it is important to consider the long-term costs of owning a car. While the Yaris may be faster and cheaper upfront, the Prius C's fuel efficiency and lower emissions make it a more environmentally friendly choice. Additionally, the cost of a battery change every 8 years should be factored into the overall cost of ownership. Ultimately, the decision to buy a car should be based on individual needs and priorities.
Jeromy Marquardt 2024-04-15
This car has great gas mileage, but there are some areas that could be improved. The door shut sounds a bit tinny and the ride is a bit stiff. Additionally, the seats are overly firm and the interior materials are cheap. It would have been nice to have cruise control for better highway gas mileage. I bought this car for my courier business, but I must admit that I prefer driving my 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT. Although it doesn't have quite as good gas mileage, it's a lot more fun to drive and ride in!