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GREEN CHOICE

Toyota Prius C

EPA MPG: 50 mpg
Average Retail Price
$6,950

Reliability

Overall Reliability
/ 100

Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how used vehicles are holding up in 17 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical system.

Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
/ 5
Common Trouble Spot
/ 5

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2012 Toyota Prius C owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

EV Battery

Electric/hybrid battery pack failure, replacement or malfunction, or cooling.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Electric/hybrid battery pack replacement

"Caution warning light came on advising of a serious problem and to not drive the vehicle (though the vehicle was operable). Had it towed to the dealership for diagnosis/repair)"

Anonymous A., AZ (2012 Toyota Prius C Four 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"Battery has died and had to be been replaced three years in a row, every winter."

Anonymous A., IL (2012 Toyota Prius C Four 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"Got Check engine light and had checked at autozone and then the dealer. Called Greentec and they brought new one and installed within 2 weeks. It failed in 16 months and due to 18 month guarantee they replaced at now charge."

Anonymous, MI (2012 Toyota Prius C Three 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Other/unsure

"Replaced auxiliary battery."

Anonymous, MD (2012 Toyota Prius C 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"Tire pressure sensor"

Anonymous A., NY (2012 Toyota Prius C Two 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Heater system

"Replace Heater Control"

Anonymous, ON (2012 Toyota Prius C Four 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

/ 5

Engine Electrical

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

/ 5

Electrical Accessories

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

/ 5

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

/ 5

Brakes

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

/ 5

Suspension/Steering

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

/ 5

Transmission Minor

Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

/ 5

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

/ 5

Noises/Leaks

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

/ 5

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

/ 5

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

/ 5

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

/ 5

Body Hardware

Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

/ 5

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

/ 5

Fuel System/Emissions

Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

/ 5

2012 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

Reliability History
* Redesign year
08
09
10
11
12*
13
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15
16
17
Overall Reliability Verdict

NA
NA
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Powertrain
NA
NA
Electric Motor
NA
NA
EV Battery
NA
NA
Engine Major
NA
NA
Engine Minor
NA
NA
Engine Cooling
NA
NA
Engine Electrical
NA
NA
Transmission Major
NA
NA
Transmission Minor
NA
NA
Drive System
NA
NA
Fuel System/Emissions
NA
NA
Exhaust
NA
NA
Suspension/Steering
NA
NA
Brakes
NA
NA
Climate System
NA
NA
Build Quality
NA
NA
Electrical Accessories
NA
NA
Body Hardware
NA
NA
Paint/Trim
NA
NA
Noises/Leaks
NA
NA
In-car Electronics
NA
NA
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for over 300,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2024 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical accessories. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
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