One of the worst Prius years
Owners filed about 3.4 times as many complaints as a typical Prius year. The main thing to watch is the brakes and stability control, which half of owners reported by about 96,000 miles. Years with fewer complaints: 2019, 2020 and 2021.
Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Prius years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
Owners have filed 425 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Toyota Prius. The most reported problem area is the brakes and stability control (202, 48% of complaints), followed by the lights, wipers and visibility and the electrical system. That is the most complaints of any Prius year from 2012 to 2024. It has 6 recalls.
5 of these complaints came from Utah owners.
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Start my car searchMost reported problems
Problem areas ranked by how many complaints mention them. One complaint can name more than one area. Open an area to see what to check on a 2012 Toyota Prius before you buy.
Brakes and stability control
202 complaintsBrakes that feel soft or grab, grinding, ABS and stability control faults.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 96,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- The pedal should feel firm and the car should stop straight without pulling, grinding or a pulsing pedal.
- The ABS and stability control lights should go out after startup and stay out.
- Look through the wheels at the rotors. A deep lip on the edge means brakes are due soon, which is a fair thing to negotiate on.
Tools that help
What owners said
I own a 2012 Toyota Prius with approximately 132,000 miles. I first experienced problems with the braking system approximately one year ago, in 2025. The ABS, brake, and other warning lights began illuminating intermittently, and I experienced occasional hesitation in braking response. I was concerned enough about the vehicle's safety…Owner complaint, filed 2026
When I started my car this morning, the red BRAKE light, ABS warning light and anti-slip light were all illuminated. The car does still stop but the brakes are very spongy and there's a clicking noise under the hood. I only moved the car out of the driveway to allow other cars to leave. The brake fluid is not low. This is the problem…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Lights, wipers and visibility
65 complaintsHeadlights that dim or fail, wiper and washer failures, and windshield cracks.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 20,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Check every light: headlights on low and high, fog lights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights.
- Run the wipers on every speed with washer fluid, and run the defroster front and back.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that the passenger's side low-beam headlight failed to provide adequate illumination while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed the contact that no issues were found; however, the dealer replaced the headlight bulb. The contact stated that the headlight bulb…Owner complaint, filed 2023, at 100,000 miles
Headlamp Lens Issue Vehicle Manufacturers Must Correct ISSUE 1. The increase in pedestrian-vehicular accidents and fatalities is, at times, related to the driver not seeing the person in time to stop. Not seeing a person in time may be related to poor street lighting or a decrease in front visibility caused by fogged headlamp lenses.…Owner complaint, filed 2023
Electrical system
52 complaintsDead batteries, warning lights, failed screens and cameras, and electrical shorts.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 37,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Test every switch: windows, locks, mirrors, seat heaters, the screen, the backup camera, Bluetooth and every USB port.
- Watch the dash at startup. Every warning light should come on briefly and then go out.
- Have the battery and charging system tested. A weak alternator or battery drain shows up here.
Tools that help
What owners said
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 187,000, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 227,000 miles
Odometer Fraud. The contact’s son recently purchased a 2012 Toyota Prius. The vehicle was a private sale. After the purchase, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy based on the Carfax report. At the time of purchase, the vehicle displayed 137,000 miles. However, the Carfax report listed the mileage as 281,586 miles, and…Owner complaint, filed 2025, at 281,586 miles
Engine and cooling
32 complaintsStalling, misfires, oil consumption, leaks, overheating and engine failure.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 76,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Ask the seller not to warm the car up, and start it cold. Listen for ticking, knocking or a rough idle in the first minute.
- Pull the oil dipstick and the oil cap. Low oil, a gasoline smell or a milky film on the cap are reasons to walk away or get an inspection.
- Plug in an OBD2 scanner. Stored or pending codes matter, and so do readiness monitors that show "not ready", which usually means the codes were cleared right before the sale.
- Ask for oil change records. A gap in the records on a model known for engine complaints is a negotiating point at minimum.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, there was a rattling sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle started shaking abnormally with a rattling sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a…Owner complaint, filed 2024, at 106,000 miles
I was driving on the internet doing 60mph and there was a very loud bang and then a shaking of the parts under the hood. I was right next to an exit and coasted off the exit to a hotel parking lot. I had car towed to my mechanic. He said that the piston went thru the engine and the engine is done and needs replaced. I am having a hard…Owner complaint, filed 2024
Air bags
28 complaintsAir bag warning lights, air bags that did not deploy, and inflator recalls.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 28,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- The air bag (SRS) light should come on at startup and go out within a few seconds. If it stays on, the system may not work in a crash.
- Air bag recalls are some of the most serious. Check this exact VIN for open recalls and get proof any recall work was done.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owned a 2012 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while making a left turn at 10 MPH, another vehicle crashed into the vehicle and t-boned the front passenger's side door of the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. There was no warning light illuminated. After the impact, the front windshield slowly cracked. A Police report…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 140,000 miles
The front and driver side air bags did not deploy (although the passenger side air bag did deploy). Initial impact came from behind, toward the passenger side, causing the vehicle to turn fully sideways, where the vehicle was then t-boned on the driver's side. The lack of driver side air bag deployment resulted in a lot of glass making…Owner complaint, filed 2022
Body, doors and structure
23 complaintsRust, doors and liftgates that will not latch, leaks, and frame or structure concerns.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 16,000 miles. Parts named most: Body (20).
What to check before you buy
- Look underneath with a flashlight. Utah road salt is hard on frames, brake lines and the bottoms of doors.
- Open and close every door, the hood and the liftgate, and lock and unlock each one.
- Use a paint thickness gauge and compare panels. A panel that reads very differently from the rest has likely been repaired.
Tools that help
What owners said
Weather stripping around the solar sunroof cracked and has come off in sections. This is a very common problem with this specific model, but remains low due to the low numbers the solar sunroof packages was produced. Afraid the sunroof will leak if used, so it stays inoperable in order to not damage broken seals.Owner complaint, filed 2023
Three different door lock actuators (front left, front right, rear left) have failed and been replaced. Symptom is that door does not lock or unlock from key fob or lock control on driver's armrest, also fails to lock automatically when shifting into gear if that option is set. Door must be locked and unlocked manually using the rocker…Owner complaint, filed 2018, at 50,000 miles
Transmission and drivetrain
21 complaintsHarsh or delayed shifts, slipping, shuddering, CVT whine, and drivetrain clunks.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 25,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Drive it from cold if you can. Shifts should be smooth in every gear, including reverse.
- Feel for slipping (revs rise without the car speeding up), shudder at low speed and a delay when you put it in gear.
- Listen for whining, which is a common CVT complaint, and clunks when you go from drive to reverse.
- If it has 4WD or AWD, engage it on the test drive and ask when the transmission and differential fluids were last changed.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Prius. The contact noticed that there was a significant amount of water on the floorboards from the windshield whenever it rained heavily. Additionally, the contact stated while at a traffic sign on a hill, the vehicle would roll backwards while in drive when she took her foot off the accelerator. The…Owner complaint, filed 2022, at 80,000 miles
I went into Toyota of Fort Walton Beach, FL to remedy a recall (NHTSA Recall Number 18V684). She said that this recall is not on their list and thus would do nothing. I want this recall repaired as presently there is a safety risk. There are phrases in this recall of "1 unrepaired recall" and "Recall incomplete".Owner complaint, filed 2021
Seats and seat belts
16 complaintsBelts that will not latch or retract, seat adjusters and passenger occupancy sensors.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 28,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Pull out and latch every seat belt, and let each one retract on its own.
- Try every seat adjuster, and watch for a passenger air bag "off" light when an adult is in the seat.
Tools that help
What owners said
While driving to a get together the back seat middle passenger restraint became separated from the locking clip that holds seat belt over passengers lap. Making it dangerous to drive with my children in the back seat. It will not clip together anymore. I just bought this vehicle 3 months ago and it had no problems at that time.Owner complaint, filed 2016
My wife was involved in a two car crash when a car coming in the opposite direction made an illegal left turn directly in front of her. It happened so quick that she never had time to hit her brakes. She was traveling between 30 and 35 MPH in a 35 MPH zone on a two lane road. I would think that at that speed if all her safety equipment…Owner complaint, filed 2015, at 46,500 miles
Steering
13 complaintsLoss of power steering assist, wandering, play in the wheel and noises when turning.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 40,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Turn the wheel lock to lock while parked and listen for groaning, clicking or binding.
- On a straight road the car should track straight with the wheel centered and no loose feeling.
- A power steering warning on the dash, even briefly, deserves a mechanic’s look before you buy.
Tools that help
What owners said
After feeling looseness from the front end all the way up to the steering wheel when going over any bumps I brought the car to the local dealer. After inspection I was told four things that are very disturbing: The steering shaft needs replacement; The cost will be more than $1100; There is no warranty or recall or cost coverage; The car…Owner complaint, filed 2021
There was a rattling or knocking noise coming from under the dash area of the passenger side whenever driving over bumps at slower speeds on city streets, often felt tramsmitted to the steering wheel. Upon taking it to the toyota dealer, they found that there was free play in the intermediate steering shaft, which they said, could…Owner complaint, filed 2016, at 40,000 miles
Cruise control and acceleration
13 complaintsHesitation, loss of power, sudden acceleration and cruise control problems.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 21,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- On the test drive, press the gas gently and firmly. The response should be smooth with no lag or surge.
- Set the cruise control, then use resume and cancel to make sure each one works.
Tools that help
What owners said
The brake, abs, and stability control light come on and the brakes require more pressure to work . getting a code C1391 Abnormal Leak in the Accumulator. but I was never informed of this recall and there are no open recalls associated with my carOwner complaint, filed 2021
In early october I received a recall notice from toyota for a "failsafe driving mode" hybrid system fault that could cause the vehicle to "stall" increasing the possibility of vehicle crash during critical driving conditions. It stated I would be notified when the fix was available. 2 1/2 months later, I've yet to hear from toyota and my…Owner complaint, filed 2018, at 33,000 miles
Fuel system
11 complaintsHesitation, stalling, fuel smell, fuel pump and injector failures.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 15,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Smell around the engine bay and under the rear of the car for raw fuel.
- On the test drive, accelerate firmly from a stop and up a grade. Stumbling, surging or a flashing check engine light are red flags.
- Fuel pump recalls are common. Check this exact VIN for open recalls before you buy.
Tools that help
What owners said
I was driving my 2012 Prius on the highway at around 55 MPH. The Hybrid System Warning came on and the car lost all power and immediately began to coast. I was fortunate not to have been in or caused an accident but cars behind me had to swerve to avoid hitting me. I was able to coast to a middle median lane. After waiting 15-20 minutes…Owner complaint, filed 2022
I was driving the 2012 prius on a downhill parkway at about 40 MPH when the warning light check hybrid system came on. Within 10 second, the vehicle totally lost power. It automatically shifted into neutral. There was no back up fail-safe/limp home mode. Fortunately the car was gliding downhill by gravity and eventually was steered into…Owner complaint, filed 2016, at 31,703 miles
Suspension
8 complaintsClunks over bumps, broken springs, worn struts and uneven tire wear.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 2,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Drive over a few bumps and potholes slowly with the radio off and listen for clunks or rattles.
- Check the tires for uneven wear on the inside or outside edges, a sign of alignment or suspension trouble.
- Look behind the wheels for oily, wet shocks or struts.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while reversing, the driver's side rear wheel flipped over. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a corroded I-Beam assembly on the rear wheel. The contact was informed that the driver's side rear hub and the BRG assembly, rear suspension, and bolts…Owner complaint, filed 2025, at 196,347 miles
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…Owner complaint, filed 2024
Hybrid and EV system
6 complaintsLoss of power, warning messages and battery problems on hybrid or electric versions.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 79,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Ask for a hybrid battery health report from a dealer or hybrid shop.
- Watch for warning messages at startup and on the test drive, and confirm the car switches between gas and electric smoothly.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the check engine and the hybrid warning lights were illuminated, and the vehicle decelerated. The contact received…Owner complaint, filed 2025, at 137,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 toyota prius. While driving 20 MPH, the vehicle began to stall and a warning indicator signaled the contact to pull the vehicle over. The contact was able to coast the vehicle into a parking space. The vehicle was towed to marietta toyota (750 cobb pkwy s, marietta, ga 30060, (470) 938-8436) where it was diagnosed…Owner complaint, filed 2019, at 69,500 miles
Wheels and tires
6 complaintsTire failures, wheels and lug nuts, and tire pressure sensor faults.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Read the four-digit DOT date on each tire. Tires older than about six years should be replaced, whatever the tread looks like.
- Check tread depth on all four. On AWD vehicles all four tires should match.
- The tire pressure light should go out after startup.
Tools that help
What owners said
On three of the four tires at different times the tires were separating. They had bulges in the tire. Caused extreme vibration and noise. The last tire was today with 22k miles. The other two were a year ago with 15k miles. I’ve had to replace all 4 tiresOwner complaint, filed 2025
Unknown. There were a multitude of codes that appeared on the diagnostics causing problems with engine. The temperature, brake, tire sensor lights are all on. The cruise control is not working. White smoke emitting from tail pipe and engine. Main engine coolant leaking. Car overheating rapidly.Owner complaint, filed 2026
Driver assist systems
4 complaintsPhantom braking, false collision warnings, and lane keeping or backup sensors that act up.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Where it is safe, try the adaptive cruise and lane keeping on the test drive and watch for sudden braking or warnings with nothing there.
- Check the windshield in front of the camera and the bumper sensors for cracks, chips or poor repairs.
- Ask whether the windshield has been replaced. The camera has to be recalibrated afterward, and many shops skip it.
Tools that help
What owners said
Brake getting stuck on the floor would have to press on brake really hard just to get a response, this will happen out of the blue! Driving in highway or just driving off the driveway. I almost hit a car in front of me due to lack of brake, i had to swerve to the side! First appear 1 day after buying the car..This issue needs to be…Owner complaint, filed 2025
My breakes failed when driving. I almost got in accident. Code C1391. Brake Actuaror Failure. car has 200,000 miles. Toyota is denying to repair the car. It is well known problem with that but still not fixing.Owner complaint, filed 2022
Toyota Prius complaints by year
Compare the 2012 with other years before you choose one. Tap a year to see its problems.
Compare with similar 2012 compact cars
Each car is rated against its own other years, since popular models always get more complaints than rare ones.
| Car | Vs. its other years | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 Toyota Prius | Among the worst years | 6 |
| 2012 Toyota Corolla | Among the worst years | 5 |
| 2012 Honda Civic | About average | 3 |
| 2012 Mazda Mazda3 | Among the worst years | 1 |
2012 Toyota Prius recalls
Hybrid or EV system
- Risk
- If the hybrid system shuts down unexpectedly, it can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- 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.
Full recall 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.
Air bags
- Risk
- 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.
- Fix
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will install retention brackets to the curtain shield air bags, free of charge.
Full recall 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.
Seats Seat heater / cooler
- Risk
- If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory.
Full recall 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.
Hybrid or EV system Inverter
- Risk
- The vehicle may enter a fail-safe/limp-home mode that limits the drivability of the vehicle.
- Fix
- 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.
Full recall 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.
Equipment Labels
- Risk
- An inaccurate label could lead to owners overloading their vehicles and tires.
- Fix
- Southeast Toyota will notify owners and provide a corrected label with instructions concerning its installation.
Full recall 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."
Air bags Sensor / control module
- Risk
- 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.
- Fix
- Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary.
Full recall 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.
2012 Toyota Prius questions
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Toyota Prius?
The most reported problem areas on the 2012 Toyota Prius are the brakes and stability control (202 complaints), the lights, wipers and visibility (65 complaints) and the electrical system (52 complaints).
Is the 2012 Toyota Prius a good year to buy?
One of the worst Prius years. Owners filed about 3.4 times as many complaints as a typical Prius year. The main thing to watch is the brakes and stability control, which half of owners reported by about 96,000 miles. Years with fewer complaints: 2019, 2020 and 2021. Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Prius years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
How many recalls does the 2012 Toyota Prius have?
NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2012 Toyota Prius. The most recent, from Oct 2018, covers the hybrid or ev system. Recalls cover the whole model year, so check the VIN of the car you are looking at to see which are still open.
At what mileage do 2012 Toyota Prius problems start?
Half of the owners who reported a problem with the brakes and stability control gave a mileage of about 96,000 miles or less. Half of the owners who reported a problem with the lights, wipers and visibility gave a mileage of about 20,000 miles or less. Plenty of cars have these problems later or never, so ask for service records.
Which Toyota Prius years should I avoid?
The Prius years with the most complaints compared with the rest are 2012 and 2013. Years with clearly fewer complaints are 2019, 2020 and 2021. Years from 2022 on are too new to rate fairly yet.
Check the exact car
These problems are for the model year as a whole. Here is how to find out about the one you are looking at.
Looking at a 2012 Toyota Prius?
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