2012 Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid problems
The Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid (often abbreviated as the Prius PHV and known as the Prius Prime in North America, South Korea, and New Zealand) is a plug-in hybrid liftback manufactured by Toyota. The first-generation model was produced from 2012 to 2016. The second-generation model has been produced since 2016. Production of the third-generation model began in 2023.
The Prius Plug-in Hybrid was the second most sold plug-in electric car in 2012, and became third-best all-time in December 2014. As sales declined after the end of its production, the Prius PHV fell to fifth place in the global ranking by November 2015, after being surpassed by both the Tesla Model S and the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. As of December 2017, sales were led by North America with 66,800 units, followed by Japan with 48,800, and the European market with 13,100 units. The U.S. was the leading country market with 65,703 units sold by 2017. As of December 2019, cumulative global sales of both Prius plug-in generations totaled 209,000 units.
Concept and demonstration models
The Prius Plug-In Hybrid Concept was exhibited at the September 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, the October 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, and the December 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show. The vehicle was based on the third-generation Toyota Prius (model XW30) but outfitted with 5.2 kWh lithium-ion batteries. The selected battery capacity is the minimum required for a vehicle to be eligible for the U.S. federal tax credit of US$2,500, which under the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 is applicable to the first 200,000 plug-ins sold by an automaker.
After displaying the concept version in these three shows, a global demonstration program involving 600 pre-production test cars began in late 2009 and took place in Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Japan, New Zealand and the United States. The demonstration vehicles were made available for lease to fleet and government customers, of which, 230 were delivered in Japan beginning in late December 2009, 125 in the U.S. by early 2010, and 200 in Europe in spring 2010. All program vehicles were equipped with data tracking devices to allow Toyota to monitor the car's usage for further development of the plug-in hybrid system.
The pre-production Prius Plug-in used three different batteries: two added batteries to provide all-electric drive and the standard hybrid battery which engages when the first two are depleted, allowing the car to operate like a regular hybrid Prius. According to Toyota, when the vehicle started, it operates in all-electric mode, drawing electrical power directly from the first battery pack. When the first battery was depleted, it disconnected from the circuit and the second pack engaged. When the second pack was depleted, it disconnected from the circuit and the vehicle defaulted to conventional hybrid mode, using the main battery as the sole electrical power source. Pack one and pack two would not reengage with the circuit until the vehicle was plugged in and charged.
According to Toyota, the demonstrator was rated at 1.76 L/100 km (134 mpg‑US; 161 mpg‑imp) on the Japanese JC08 cycle with a combined efficiency based on 43.6% of driving in EV mode, and CO2 emissions of 41 g/km. Fuel efficiency operating as a gasoline-electric hybrid, like the regular Prius, is 3.3 L/100 km (72 mpg‑US; 86 mpg‑imp) with CO2 emissions of 76 g/km.
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Common 2012 Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid 2012, common problems with this car include:
- Center Multi-Function Display Failure: The center multi-function display in the Prius Plug-In Hybrid 2012 may stop working due to poorly soldered internal connections. This issue can be repaired by specialists in this type of repair.
- Inaccurate Fuel Gauge: Owners have reported issues with the fuel gauge reading inaccurately, which can lead to running out of fuel. Recalibration by a dealer is necessary to address this problem.
- EGR Valve Clogging: The EGR valve in the Prius Plug-In Hybrid 2012 can get clogged with carbon, leading to a check engine light with a specific code. Cleaning the valve may resolve the issue, but replacement might be necessary if cleaning is ineffective.
- Water Pump Failure: Symptoms of water pump issues in this model may differ from conventional water pumps, with potential check engine lights indicating a problem. Prompt replacement is crucial to prevent engine damage.
- Plate Light Bulb Socket Melting: The plate light bulbs in the Prius Plug-In Hybrid 2012 can cause the socket to melt due to heat, resulting in bulb burnouts. Replacing these bulbs with LED alternatives can prevent socket melting issues.
These problems highlight some of the key issues reported by owners of the Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid 2012. Addressing these concerns promptly through repairs or replacements can help maintain the performance and reliability of this vehicle.
How long does a 2012 Prius plug-in battery last?
Your 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In battery will typically last between 3 to 5 years, but that can differ massively depending on battery size, weather conditions type of battery, and driving habits. Even still, just because your battery isn't totally dead, doesn't mean it's operating perfectly.
How many miles can a 2012 Prius plug-in go on electric?
15 miles
The 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid will allow true EV operation and performance for up to 15 miles at speeds up to 62 mph, along with quick home charging using a standard AC outlet and 15-amp dedicated circuit.
How much does it cost to replace a Prius plug-in battery?
The average cost for a Toyota Prius Plug-In Battery Replacement is between $265 and $272. Labor costs are estimated between $26 and $33 while parts are typically priced around $239.
How long does Prius PHEV battery last?
8-10 years
The average battery life of a Toyota Prius is 8-10 years or around 150,000 miles. Regarding battery life, the Prius is one of the most reliable cars on the road. The hybrid battery is designed to maintain its charge over the car's life and should last as long as the car itself.
What is wrong with 2012 Prius plug-in hybrid?
Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.
How long does a 2012 Prius plug-in battery last?
Your 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In battery will typically last between 3 to 5 years, but that can differ massively depending on battery size, weather conditions type of battery, and driving habits. Even still, just because your battery isn't totally dead, doesn't mean it's operating perfectly.
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 many miles can a 2012 Prius plug-in go on electric?
15 miles
The 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid will allow true EV operation and performance for up to 15 miles at speeds up to 62 mph, along with quick home charging using a standard AC outlet and 15-amp dedicated circuit.
2012 Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2012 Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
2012 Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2012 Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid.
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2012-2015 Prius Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. The hybrid battery contains an Electric Vehicle (EV) fuse that may fracture after repeated high-load driving conditions such as climbing long hills.
- Consequence: The failed fuse may cause the hybrid system to shut down resulting in the loss of power. Loss of power while driving at higher speeds can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EV fuse, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 8, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is H0R.
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
- Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Toyota Prius, 2010 and 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid, and 2011-2012 Lexus CT200h vehicles. A weld in the curtain shield air bag inflator may crack causing one or both portions of the inflator to eject into the passenger cabin.
- Consequence: If either portion of the curtain shield air bag inflator ejects into the passenger cabin, there is an increased risk of injury to vehicle occupants.
- Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will install retention brackets to the curtain shield air bags, free of charge. The recall began on October 17, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota Customer Service Department at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is Toyota G0U, and Lexus GLJ.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2012 Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid problems:
tell me everything bad about owning a Prius 2012. : r/prius
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What's Wrong with the Toyota Prius Plug-in?
The Most Common Prius Plug-in Problem · Rodents Chew Soy-Coated Wires. Somewhere in the mid-2000's there was an industry-wide push by automakers to replace ...
Other years of Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid
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