2012 Toyota Prius problems
The Toyota Prius (/ˈpriːəs/ PREE-əss) (Japanese: トヨタ・プリウス, Hepburn: Toyota Puriusu) is a compact/small family liftback (supermini/subcompact sedan until 2003) produced by Toyota. The Prius has a hybrid drivetrain, combined with an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. Initially offered as a four-door sedan, it has been produced only as a five-door liftback since 2003.
The Prius was developed by Toyota to be the "car for the 21st century"; it was the first mass-produced hybrid vehicle, first going on sale in Japan in 1997 at all four Toyota Japan dealership chains, and subsequently introduced worldwide in 2000.
In 2011, Toyota expanded the Prius family to include the Prius v, an MPV, and the Prius c, a subcompact hatchback. The production version of the Prius plug-in hybrid was released in 2012. The second generation of the plug-in variant, the Prius Prime, was released in the U.S. in November 2016. The Prius family totaled global cumulative sales of 6.1 million units in January 2017, representing 61% of the 10 million hybrids sold worldwide by Toyota since 1997. Toyota sells the Prius in over 90 markets, with Japan and the United States being its largest markets.
Social links
Common 2012 Toyota Prius problems
The 2012 Toyota Prius has been known to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues:
- Unusual Noises from Engine: Some owners of the 2012 Toyota Prius have reported unusual noises coming from the engine. This issue has been reported by 3 owners, with some describing the noise as a "whining" or "grinding" sound. This can be a sign of a serious problem with the engine, and it is recommended to have the car checked by a mechanic as soon as possible.
- Engine Turned Itself Off While Driving: A few owners of the 2012 Toyota Prius have reported that the engine has turned itself off while driving. This issue has been reported by 1 owner, who stated that the car turned off while driving at highway speeds. This can be a serious safety issue and should be addressed immediately.
- Full Charge on Plug-In Consistently Decreasing: Some owners of the 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In have reported that the full charge on the car is consistently decreasing. This issue has been reported by 1 owner, who stated that the car's full charge has decreased by 25% over the course of 2 years. This can lead to decreased fuel efficiency and increased charging times.
- EGR Valve Gunking Up: The EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) valve in the 2012 Toyota Prius can gunk up over time, leading to a check engine light and decreased fuel efficiency. This issue can be addressed by cleaning the EGR valve or replacing it if necessary.
- Brake Booster Going Out: The brake booster in the 2012 Toyota Prius can go out, leading to an electric whirring sound when the car is parked. This issue can be addressed by replacing the brake booster.
- AC Not Always the Best on Hot Days: Some owners of the 2012 Toyota Prius have reported that the air conditioning is not always effective on hot days. This issue can be addressed by having the AC system checked and serviced if necessary.
- Traction Battery Replacement: At some point, the traction battery in the 2012 Toyota Prius may need to be replaced. This can be a costly repair, but it is a common issue with hybrid vehicles.
It is important to note that not all 2012 Toyota Prius vehicles will experience these issues, and many owners have reported having positive experiences with the car. However, it is important to be aware of these common problems and to address them in a timely manner if they do occur.
Is 2012 a bad year for Prius?
FAQs: Used Toyota Prius Years to Avoid
A: Potential buyers should avoid the Toyota Prius models from 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2016. These models have been reported to have more issues, particularly with malfunctioning headlights and 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.
What is the common problem with Toyota Prius?
The most commonly reported issues for different Toyota Prius model years include cracked windshields, excessive engine oil consumption, and engine issues. Depending on the model year, the Toyota Prius can also develop problems with its headlights, interior accessories, fuel gauge, transistors, and parking brake.
How many miles can you get out of a 2012 Toyota Prius?
between 200,000 and 250,000 miles
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 bad year for Prius?
FAQs: Used Toyota Prius Years to Avoid
A: Potential buyers should avoid the Toyota Prius models from 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2016. These models have been reported to have more issues, particularly with malfunctioning headlights and excessive oil consumption.
Are 2012 Prius reliable?
2012 Toyota Prius: Quick Overview
Reliability ratings are great, according to J.D. Power, with fewer complaints than the older 2011 model. Only one engine is available and is a hybrid 4-cylinder gasoline engine with electric motors.
How long will a 2012 Prius 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 common problem with Toyota Prius?
The most commonly reported issues for different Toyota Prius model years include cracked windshields, excessive engine oil consumption, and engine issues. Depending on the model year, the Toyota Prius can also develop problems with its headlights, interior accessories, fuel gauge, transistors, and parking brake.
2012 Toyota Prius car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Toyota Prius problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Service brakes problems
- Electrical system problems
- Engine problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Exterior lighting problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2012 Toyota Prius vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2012 Toyota Prius
The NHTSA has received 612 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2012 Toyota Prius. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2012 Toyota Prius vehicles.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-23
- VIN: JTDZN3EU4C3
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: I write to add my voice to the litany of complaints in support of NHTSA investigation DP23005. While on an road trip recently the ABS, Traction Control, and Brake warning lights all came on. The brake felt squishy and didn't seem to be functioning as confidently as before. I altered my driving (giving plenty of distance, lowering my speed) so that in the event the brakes quit working I would have an exit strategy. I took it to my Independent Service Center as soon as possible who found the code C1391 and diagnosed the need to replace the master cylinder / booster assembly for several thousand dollars. Of course I must do this in order to remain safe but this is clearly a safety issue that could have been catastrophic. Meanwhile I am out of a car for several weeks until the part arrives and out of at least $2000 as quoted by my mechanic ($1640 for the part). The car only has 146,500 miles on it so otherwise would have plenty of life left in it. I'm filing this complaint to add my voice to the open petition and toward the NHTSA's investigation in strong support of holding Toyota responsible for PREVENTING injury and death through a proper recall, as well as against burdening the car owner with the costs of making up for Toyota's negligence on this issue. At the least they need to cover the cost of these necessary safety repairs when they are warned by the lights and reinstate their warranty extension for this issue
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-21
- VIN: JTDZN3EUXC3
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: I write to add my voice to the litany of complaints in support of NHTSA investigation DP23005. While on an interstate road trip recently the ABS, Traction Control, and Brake warning lights all came on. The brake felt squishy and didn't seem to be functioning as confidently as before. I altered my driving (giving plenty of distance, lowering my speed) so that in the event the brakes quit working I would have an exit strategy. I took it to my Independent Service Center as soon as possible who found the code C1391 and diagnosed the need to replace the master cylinder / booster assembly for several thousand dollars. Of course I must do this in order to remain safe but this is clearly a safety issue that could have been catastrophic. Meanwhile I am out of a car for several weeks until the part arrives and out of at least $2000 as quoted by my mechanic ($1640 for the part). The car only has 146,500 miles on it so otherwise would have plenty of life left in it. I'm filing this complaint to add my voice to the open petition and toward the NHTSA's investigation in strong support of holding Toyota responsible for PREVENTING injury and death through a proper recall, as well as against burdening the car owner with the costs of making up for Toyota's negligence on this issue. At the least they need to cover the cost of these necessary safety repairs when they are warned by the lights and reinstate their warranty extension for this issue ("POL18-03") which expired for my vehicle in August of 2021.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-30
- VIN: JTDZN3EU9C3
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: have suddenly brake failture, w code c1391, it problem persist car do not stop by pressing brake , it is too dangerous to drive this car!!!! what you can help me w this recall or rebate option for brake repair?
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-01
- VIN: JTDZN3EUXC3
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: The Toyota Prius of this generation has a known defect in the brake booster pump assembly. About 2 weeks ago the dash lights came on for ABS, Traction control, general warning light. The brakes work but feel soft, and a motor sound pulses behind the steering column every 8-10 seconds. My mechanic pointed out it is a known problem where the ABS booster pump has a faulty valve that doesn’t allow proper pressure to build to engage ABS system. I cannot afford the Repair: $3890 for master cylinder and brake booster. My concern is that most people can’t afford this repair and without a functioning ABS system, people are put at risk from this generation of Prius. Toyota did offer a customer service program acknowledging the issue, but that program only helped if these issues occurred before 2022. With the known issue, why wasn’t a recall required? Toyota should be required to address this safety issue. How many of these Prius are on the road where customers are expected to perform a $4,000. Repair to keep up the safety standards. The car is available for inspection upon request. Thank you.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-01
- VIN: JTDZN3EU0C3
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: About three weeks ago, my daughter told me that several lights were on on her display. I checked and among them were the traction control and 2 other related to the brake system. I looked up possible causes on the Internet and it seemed the brake booster/master cylinder could be a culprit, but then I checked the fluid reservoir and the fluid was low, so I topped it off, drove the car, pumped the brakes a few times and all the lights went off. About a week later the lights were back on. I checked all the lines and saw not visible signs of leaks and decided to take it to a mechanic. I took it to a local mechanic and I was told that the brake master cylinder with brake booster failed and had to be replaced. Afterward the brakes were repaired I went to 2 local Toyota dealerships to check the price of the parts. The first dealership provided the prices without any discussion. At the second dealership, the employee who waited on me, after I provided her the VIN and told her that I need the price of the brake booster/master cylinder,m told me that there was a service notice on the booster/master cylinder because of a high rate of failure and that I would have to check with the service department before she could sell me the part. This is concerning, if Toyota knew/knows that the part has a high rate of failure, why wasn't a recall notice issued?
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-21
- VIN: JTDZN3EUXC3
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: I was driving and all of a sudden the emergency brake light, the ABS brake light and a couple more turned on and I had no more brakes. I had just driven 25 miles with it and stopped at many red lights along the way with no issue and NO WARNING lights. I could have gotten into a major accident if it had happened anywhere else in my route. Fortunately, I was about a mile from my house and the hybrid motor helped slow the car down. I was unable to stop at any stop sign in my development and here again was very fortunate that there were no cars along the way. Once I got home, I got it towed to Toyota and was told it is an internal failure of the actuator. I contacted Toyota America and was just told that there was a campaign to repair this but that I had passed the date. My car has only been serviced at the same Toyota in my city since I got it. I religiously brought it every 5000 miles. I am shocked that they never mentioned this campaign to me and that they didn't initiate a repair during the campaign. This is a major issue that needs to be addressed and Toyota needs to be held accountable.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-15
- VIN: JTDZN3EUXC3
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: Brake master cylinder and brake booster accumulator assemblies brake parts from this vehicle failed on another vehicle.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-04
- VIN: JTDKN3DU7C1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: My actuator is failing. This is a known issue for Priuses and a danger to those on the road. Toyota issued a voluntary service program on these parts to avoid a recall and now many are on the road with actautors that should have been replaced.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-30
- VIN: JTDZN3EU5C3
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: After starting the car on 7/30/24, the Brake System Warning Light, ABS,Slip Indicator, and Master Warning Light all came on indicating an issue with the brake system. We were able to get it to the local dealership and when they ran diagnostics on it, it returned a code C1391, which confirmed the issue. This was addressed in 2020 by Toyota, but only for cars 10 years or 150,000 miles old. Our car is a 2022 with 105,000 miles on it, but we are outside of the year limit (car was 8 years old when the Customer Service Program was released).
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-01
- VIN: JTDKN3DU4C1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: ABS brake system doesn't work with three warning lights on and warning beeping sound. I'v learned that Brake actuator failed. Current mileage is only 67300.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-17
- VIN: JTDKN3DU5C0
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: ABS Break Lights turned ON and it need replacement. Toyota have faulty ABS this is my 3rd Prius that have the same Issue.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-01
- VIN: JTDKN3DU6C0
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: I started noticing a strange noise when I applied the brakes. It was an electronic type of almost grinding sound. When I looked into it, it was determined that the brake actuator was failing despite no warning lights coming on. This started around the beginning of March. Finally in the beginning of July the noise stopped and a lot of dashboard lights came on including ABS, BRAKE, and others. This is when the brake actuator actually failed, and the battery no longer was charged when the brakes were applied. This is extremely concerning that a major brake component can fail like this and affect the safety of the vehicle. I am attaching a photo of the dash that shows the lights that came on when this failure occurred.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-08
- VIN: JTDZN3EU4C3
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: The brake booster noise, brake problem, brake booster pump internal mail function
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-15
- VIN: JTDKN3DU9C5
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I contacted Toyota about the peeling paint on my car. The Toyota representative told me to file a complaint with your agency. The paint is peeling on the roof of my car. There are many similar cars with the same problem. Toyota is unresponsive.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-07
- VIN: JTDKN3DU2C1
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: On 07-June-2024 @14:47 my 2012 Toyota Prius suffered a catastrophic failure. I was attempting to back my 2012 Toyota Prius vehicle a few meters back into my driveway while turning slightly. This was a very slow speed backup. Suddenly, the rear passenger side wheel collapsed inward, and rendered the vehicle unmovable. A video of the incident is attached for viewing The vehicle has low mileage approximately 58,000 miles. The vehicle is in excellent condition and the service records provide evidence of proper maintenance, often at Toyota dealership. This vehicle was originally from Cape Cod Massachusetts and perhaps suffered adverse effects from ocean salt air? Although the rest of the vehicle does not show any significant rusting. . I am impressed by the engineering of the Prius hybrid technology, but this point of failure seems to be an engineering weakness.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-22
- VIN: JTDZN3EU6C3
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: 2012 Toyota Prius brake actuator failure . While driving my Toyota Prius the braking system failed, this was on a large road and so posed a major danger to not only me, but the passengers in the vehicle and the vehicles around us. Thankfully nobody was hurt. After having the vehicle inspected by a Toyota dealership the problem was found to be the “Actuator/accumulator” and after speaking with the dealership it has come to be my understanding that this is a common and unavoidable problem with Toyota Prius models. There were no lights or warnings on in the vehicle until after the brakes gave out. I cannot understand why this has not been recalled when it is a manufacturing issue on Toyotas end that poses a significant danger on the roads, and am wondering what the reimbursement policy for this is as it came out to be quite expensive.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-01
- VIN: JTDKN3DU9C1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: In 2019, I took my Prius in for service. I reported that when I suddenly brake, the pedal feels spongy as if the brakes will not stop vehicle and lights on dash lit up. Toyota did diagnostic, no action taken by service department at Toyota dealership. I have service history documentation. On June 29, 2024 we had routine maintenance and the service department of the Toyota dealership recommended brake fluid serviced. On July 1, 2024, I was driving my child home from his summer camp and when I tried to stop the brake did not work. I started pumping the brakes several times until the car slowed and came to a stop. The lights on the dash lit up again. The brake failure put my son and I in danger. We had the car towed to the service department of the Toyota dealership. The service department sent the following information after their diagnostic. "The warning lights re-appeared after we drove it a few times. Now regarding the brake fluid service we performed, it is not related to those warning lights. Your accumulator is internally failing. The accumulator is a computer that distributes and controls the amount of pressure going into the brake system, and the computer was not untouched. Unfortunately it was bad timing and the computer started to internally fail. These vehicle's are known to have bad brake actuators, and Toyota created a type of recall for it to get replaced under no charge. Unfortunately they only cover up to 10 years and your warranty expired last year." My husband and I did not receive information regarding this recall. We did an online search to find out more about this recall and found several pages and posts of people describing the same situation.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-21
- VIN: JTDKDTB39C1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: While my daughter was driving brake pedal faded and rear brakes locked up causing her to lose initial control of car . Steering felt tight . Many warning lights , check hybrid system , brake lights , steering warning lights , along with abs lights came on . Took car to Toyota dealer to diagnose it needs brake booster and master cylinder module . Service consultant said known issue with TSB but it had expired . Many , many complaints of this same incident of Toyota and Prius forums .
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-31
- VIN: JTDZN3EU6C3
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: The Brake Master Cylinder and Brake Booster pump failed to maintain pressure. I don't have the replaced parts, my mechanic recycled them before I realised I was going to submit this. When the part completely failed, I had the ABS, traction control lights on. I couldn't trust that the car wouldn't have a problem stopped, and the brake pedal also became squishy in responsiveness. My own safety, my kids safety, and the safety of others was at risk and I immediately stopped driving it to get the repair done. The problem was confirmed by a Toyota dealership and this was a recall but since my car is older the recall had expired. I was unaware of this recall until the issue began. It was also confirmed by my personal mechanic to be the failure. The Dashboard lit up the ABS, TCS, Brake, (!) light, VSC, and the sound of the pump changed. Before all the lights came up I had noticed a air leaking sound coming from near the brake pedal at times.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-02
- VIN: JTDKN3DU5C5
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: Completely lost vacuum brake assist without any prior warning, while driving on the interstate. Got warning lights on the dash for brake and ABS, when it happened. Fortunately there was little traffic, but if there had been even moderate traffic, it could have caused a crash. Checked the codes and found a C1391 leak in the accumulator. Dealer has quoted me $3200 to repair.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-01
- VIN: JTDZN3EU0C3
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: while driving i lost the power braking on my vehicle and the abs, traction and another exclamtion point symbol came on. my brakes had to be pushed really hard all the way down to the floor board increasing my braking distance.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-17
- VIN: JTDKN3DU6C5
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: Hi NHTSA, I have a 2012 Toyota Prius and all the Brake-related lights came on the dash. ABS and TC stopped working and the Brake Pedal lost sensitivity. I was about to crash the car and immediately took my car to the Toyota Dealership. They said that there was a Recall unfortunately the program has expired on my vehicle. I asked a couple of Toyota Prius owner friends and half of them had the same issue and they have been fixed under a program. But they said my 95k miles Prius is barely out of the program. My concern is that they charged the diagnosis cost released my vehicle and said that it was not safe to drive! I don't have the budget to cover the Manufacturer's low-quality BRAKE Booster production and I have to drive my car every day! I don't want to risk anyone but I have no choice. I hope you can help!
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-08
- VIN: JTDKN3DU2C1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle did not stop as intended. In addition, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact used the parking brake to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed brake master cylinder, accumulator, and brake booster. The contact was informed that the brake master cylinder, accumulator, and brake booster needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was informed of an unknown recall for the failure; however, the contact was informed that the recall had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-25
- VIN: JTDZN3EU1C3
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: Complete Brake failure, confirmed brake accumulator / actuator failure resulting in near miss crash, tow home not drivable, onle e brake works, appears pump burned up not running any longer.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-22
- VIN: JTDKN3DU1C1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: Traction control, brake, and abs warning lights all came on at once while driving on freeway. Braking became harder. Car has fewer than 60,000 miles. I took it to the mechanic. He says I need a new booster pump.
2012 Toyota Prius recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 6 recalls for different components of the 2012 Toyota Prius.
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Toyota Prius and 2012-2014 Toyota Prius V vehicles. Excessive voltage in the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) within the inverter may cause the hybrid system to shut down, causing the vehicle to stall while being driven.
- Consequence: If the hybrid system shuts down unexpectedly, it can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the motor/generator control electronic control unit (ECU) and the hybrid control ECU as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 22, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is J0V. Note: The software updates in this recall are needed even if the vehicle had the software previously updated under recalls 14V-053 or 15V-449.
- 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.
- Manufacturer: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC
- Components: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
- Summary: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.
- Consequence: If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM: INVERTER
- Summary: Toyota is recalling certain model year 2010 through 2014 Prius vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) inside the inverter module (a component of the hybrid system) contains transistors that may become damaged from high operating temperatures. If this occurs, various warning lamps will be illuminated on the instrument panel and the vehicle will have reduced power allowing it to only drive a short distance.
- Consequence: The vehicle may enter a fail-safe/limp-home mode that limits the drivability of the vehicle. The hybrid system could also shut down completely resulting in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Toyota will notify owners and dealers will update the software for both the motor/generator control electronic control unit (ECU) and the hybrid control ECU, free of charge. If an owner experiences a failure of the inverter before the vehicle receives updated software, the dealer will repair or replace the inverter assembly with a new one at no charge. The recall began on March 21, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
- Manufacturer: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC
- Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
- Summary: Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2010-2013 Toyota Tundra, 2010-2012 Rav4, 2012 Toyota Sequoia, 2010-2011 Toyota Corolla, 2010-2011 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser, 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser, 2010-2013 Toyota Venza, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, 2010-2013 Toyota Tacoma, 2011-2012 Toyota Sienna, 2012 Toyota Prius, 2013 Scion FR-S, 2011 Scion XD, 2011 Scion XB, and 2012 Scion TC vehicles. These vehicles were sold with labels that were outside the allowable one percent of accuracy of actual weight added. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) Number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
- Consequence: An inaccurate label could lead to owners overloading their vehicles and tires. An overloaded vehicle can result in a tire failure which may result in a vehicle crash, personal injury, or property damage.
- Remedy: Southeast Toyota will notify owners and provide a corrected label with instructions concerning its installation. A small group of the affected vehicles will need additonal remedies which are still being developed. The recall began on May 28, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
- Manufacturer: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
- Summary: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.
- Consequence: If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.
- Remedy: Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
Negative 2012 Toyota Prius car reviews
Positive 2012 Toyota Prius car reviews
-
I bought my 2012 brand new in 2011 to replace my Infiniti G35. I was tired of spending $350 on premium gas each month due to all the driving I do. My brother suggested I try a Prius and I'm so glad I did! It's amazing to know that gas will never be an excuse not to go anywhere I want. The car has held up really well through all the miles and even 4 minor accidents. At 115,000 miles, I checked the brake pads and they were only halfway worn down - that's incredible! My G35 needed new brakes every 60k miles. All I need to do is change the oil and filter every 10k miles, gas it up, and go. Tires cost me about $260 every 3 years. I even take my Prius up to the mountains for snowboarding with studded tires and it can go pretty much anywhere that Subaru's and SUV's can go. I haven't had any issues with the battery pack, but I've already set aside $1500 from the gas savings over the last 6 years to replace it with a remanufactured one when it does fail. Everything still works on the car like it's brand new, the only things I've replaced are the headlight bulbs. I will always have a Prius - they're pretty much bulletproof!
-
Great car for the money! I recently traded in my 2013 Scion FRS for a Prius II and I couldn't be happier. The car looks great and has a decent interior with a lot of space. The best part is the great MPG and so far, I haven't had to spend any money on maintenance. While the acceleration isn't quite that of a sports car, it's still decent. I only spend between $22-40 on gas every month, which saves me a ton of money! Overall, I have no regrets and highly recommend the Prius II.
-
I recently purchased a car at 0% special and have already saved tons of money. Previously, I used to spend $400 on gas every month for my 4runner, but now I pay no more than $50 a month. The car is not only fuel-efficient but also fun to drive. The MPG keeps getting better and better, and the battery charges when I apply the brakes. The interior looks very nice and has high-tech functions, including a built-in phone that uses Bluetooth. I no longer need to carry keys as the car is keyless. I purchased the car from Grossinger in downtown Chicago, and the process was quick and simple. I priced the car from the dealer over text, and when I got there, I went straight to finance and was done. The 0% financing option was a great deal.
-
These cars are great for city driving and have excellent fuel efficiency. I personally only need to fill up once every three weeks, and my own mileage tests have confirmed the car's advertised figures. While the trunk is a bit small for my golf clubs, both my husband (who is 6'3'') and I (who is 5'3'') find the car to be very comfortable and perform well. Overall, we are both very satisfied with this car.
-
The Prius was an excellent car for us. We received it from our son, who needed the high mileage (50 mpg on the highway) for his long commute to work. When he changed jobs, we decided to use it as a running-around vehicle. It proved to be very reliable and comfortable, with mileage sometimes reaching 52 mpg. We used it extensively for numerous trips to doctors and treatments when my husband was diagnosed with a brain tumor. It was the perfect car for our needs. Although I have since moved up to a bigger SUV to accommodate my grandkids and their friends, I still miss the gas mileage that the Prius provided.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2012 Toyota Prius problems:
tell me everything bad about owning a Prius 2012. : r/prius
Sep 29, 2023 ... Prius are remarkable for their mpg, about twice that of a comparable non-hybrid, fabulous utility, safety, fabled reliability and comfortable ...
2012 Toyota Prius Problems and Complaints - 6 Issues
Problem with your 2012 Toyota Prius? Our list of 6 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2012 Toyota Prius.
Considering buying a 2012 Prius V with a few problems... Please ...
As you may or may not know, the head gasket blows when too much oil gunk plugs up the EGR system. This causes the ignition temperatures inside ...
3 Reasons To Steer Clear Of A 2010-2013 Toyota Prius | Torque News
Apr 2, 2021 ... 2012 Toyota Prius White A new OE inverter ... With all these problems with the 2010-2013 Prius ... A common problem with the Gen 3 Toyota Prius 1.8 ...
2012 Toyota Prius Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2012 Toyota Prius? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.
Other years of Toyota Prius
Are you having problems with your 2012 Toyota Prius?
Tyrique Paucek 2024-10-28
, I completely understand your frustration. It sounds like you have been through a lot trying to get these issues resolved. Have you tried reaching out to Toyota National again to see if there is anything else they can do to help? As for the issues with the car itself, have you considered taking it to a different dealership or mechanic for a second opinion? It might be worth exploring other options to see if there is a solution that can make your driving experience more comfortable. Thank you for sharing your experience with me.
Santino Dickinson 2024-09-18
The car's interior engineering could benefit from further development. Some areas, such as storage compartments, could be improved to match those of comparable cars. For example, the large storage area under the 'bridge' is awkwardly placed and leaves objects exposed. Additionally, access to seat heater switches and the 12-volt auxiliary input under the bridge is inconvenient and could pose a potential safety issue if accessed while driving. However, the console storage is large and deep, providing ample space for objects. It is worth noting that the USB port is located near the bottom of the console storage, which may cause the USB drive to break due to contact with the storage contents. Lastly, the seats could benefit from lumbar support. Overall, the car's interior could be improved, but it still has some great features worth considering.
Triston Hickle 2024-09-14
Before making your decision, it's important to run the numbers. While the Prius boasts an impressive 50 mpg, it does come with a higher price tag compared to gas-only vehicles like the Corolla. If you drive 15,000 miles per year, the annual fuel cost difference between a car that gets 30mpg and one that gets 50mpg is only $600/year at $3/gallon, or $800/year at $4/gallon. It's possible that you may never make up the cost difference. The power is acceptable, but not great, unless you punch the 'Power Mode' button. It's important to note that this can be a road hazard. I always punch the button when driving from a stoplight or getting on the highway, and turn it off when I am up to speed.
Lula Bins 2024-01-07
Toyota has created an efficient vehicle with the Prius. I am able to achieve 45-55 mpg effortlessly, making it a great choice for those who prioritize fuel efficiency. While it may not be the most exciting car to drive, I still enjoy using the 'PWR' mode to add a bit of fun to my driving experience. It is important to note that the Prius may not be as fast as other cars on the market, but it still offers great real-world MPGs. Additionally, there is some road and wind noise at highway speeds, but this can be easily remedied by turning up the radio. Overall, the Prius is a great option for those who prioritize fuel efficiency and eco-friendliness.