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    GREEN CHOICE

    Toyota Prius V

    EPA MPG: 42 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    The 2012 Prius V has about average reliability compared to other cars from the same model year.

    The 2012 Toyota Prius V has been recalled 4 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

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

    Brakes

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

    What Owners Say

    Antilock braking system (ABS)

    "Hydraulic accumulator failure"

    Anonymous, TX (2012 Toyota Prius V Five 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Calipers

    "several of the calipers seized and had to be replaced"

    Anonymous, IN (2012 Toyota Prius V Two 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Master cylinder

    "Major known problem with this model but was no longer covered by warranty."

    Anonymous, NC (2012 Toyota Prius V Five 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    ""While returning home one day the brake system completely failed. Fortunately I was nearly home and had the strength to press the pedal hard enough to stop the car. At a trusted repair shop I was told that there are no aftermarket parts for the master cylinder. It was a Toyota ONLY part costing $1,200 just for the master cylinder. Labor and wheel cylinders drove the total cost to over $3,300!""

    Anonymous A., CA (2012 Toyota Prius V Five 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Parking brake

    "We were stopped on an incline and tried to set the parking brake and it would not hold the vehicle. We brought it to our mechanic and they had to replace the braking mechanism and the cable that ran to it."

    Anonymous A., NY (2012 Toyota Prius V Three 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Regenerative braking (charges battery when vehicle slows down)

    "It cost over $8,000 to replace the brake system in this vehicle that we paid $7,000 for just 8 months before. People definitely need to be aware of significant costs of owning a hybrid."

    Anonymous, (2012 Toyota Prius V Unsure 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Regular brake failure

    "We had the vehicle parked in our driveway and when we moved it we found a large puddle of brake fluid on the driveway. We managed to get it to a garage and they had to replace a brake line to the left rear wheel."

    Anonymous A., NY (2012 Toyota Prius V Three 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Rotors

    "vibration when braking and mechanics told us rotors need replacing"

    Anonymous, CA (2012 Toyota Prius V Five 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Squeaking

    "Squeaks when backing out first thing in the morning."

    Anonymous, MI (2012 Toyota Prius V Five 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    Engine Major

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

    What Owners Say

    Engine rebuild or replacement

    ""At 180,00 miles coolant suddenly leaked into the engine and scored three of the four cylinders beyond repair. We had to replace the engine at nearly $10,000.""

    Anonymous A., CA (2012 Toyota Prius V Five 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "engine was burning oil. After 6 months of monitoring and taking back to repair shop it was determined engine needed to be rebuilt."

    Anonymous, CA (2012 Toyota Prius V Five 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "Replaced"

    Anonymous, PA (2012 Toyota Prius V Five 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "Began leaking/burning oil a few years ago. Ran out of oil on a trip and engine seized up. Replaced with a used engine from Japan."

    Anonymous, MT (2012 Toyota Prius V Unsure 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Other major engine problem

    ""During inspection, found timing cover leaking oil on back of engine and also oil seepage from valve cover. Recommend performing re-seal for both the timing cover and valve cover to ensure engine does not run on a lack of engine and lead to further internal damage. Repair Estimate: $6483.05""

    Anonymous, CA (2012 Toyota Prius V Five 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "The piston rings are now damaged due to the water pump not functioning correctly during a long trip. No other issues."

    Anonymous, NV (2012 Toyota Prius V Five 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Timing belt or chain

    "Replaced"

    Anonymous, PA (2012 Toyota Prius V Five 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    Exhaust

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

    What Owners Say

    Other/unsure

    "flooded in severe rainstorm, was cleaned and sanitized by dealer, now starting to smell bad again"

    Anonymous, NJ (2012 Toyota Prius V Unsure 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "mouse damage to the heating - cooling system"

    Anonymous, ND (2012 Toyota Prius V Five 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "IPM in hybrid inverter assembly malfunctioned. Sudden loss of acceleration. Repair covered under Toyota warranty enhancement program because car less than 15 years old"

    Anonymous, CA (2012 Toyota Prius V Three 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "The engine burns oil (and has done so for a few years). The problem would be very expensive to fix so we have not done so. We only use this car when my husband and I both have some place to be at the same time."

    Anonymous A., CA (2012 Toyota Prius V Five 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    In-car Electronics

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

    What Owners Say

    Display screen goes blank

    "power supply for infotainment overheats so backup camera intermittent and no bluetooth"

    Anonymous, HI (2012 Toyota Prius V Unsure 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "We will be driving along, and suddenly realized that the screen is blank. We just moments before it had the normal downtime display."

    Anonymous A., PA (2012 Toyota Prius V Three 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    In-dash navigation system (GPS)

    ""It is outdated, but recently we cannot get the app to appear. The app button is not working.""

    Anonymous, PA (2012 Toyota Prius V Two 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Phone pairing (e.g., Bluetooth)

    "In the past year, we would be speaking on the phone which was paired with the car suddenly the connection would die. The phone call would not drop however it could no longer be continued through the car. Additionally, we cant always pair with the car."

    Anonymous A., PA (2012 Toyota Prius V Three 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    Noises/Leaks

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

    What Owners Say

    Other noises & leaks problem

    ""Minor leak in timing chain that the dealer wants to charge an exorbitant amount to repair, but a local mechanic suggests is less expensive to fix. Have also been told that battery review may be needed""

    Anonymous, NJ (2012 Toyota Prius V Five 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "You did not have Other problem on last question but I think Toyota stopped production of Prius V due to the fact of the other types of Prius became too confusing to dealerships, customers and mechanics. But mostly due to an engineering flaw with frame. Every time I had my cars alignment done the mechanic could get the alignment perfect and they would tell me that this was due to an engineer flaw. Toyota decided to go with the RAV 4 A great selling SUV with AWD standard where as Prius V only had traction control not even close to the best AWD. And yes and the model of RAV have hybrid engine but are No wheres near the great aurodynamics of the Prius V hybrid. If you want great mileage with an you need to go with the much smaller Prius Prime but these small cars have a much bigger screen as in over 10 inches compared to to the smaller 5 inch screen of the Prius V. Also, needed to mention but dont think it is fair to blame Toyota for. This driver side rubber gasket on the driver side, starts from front windshield and end at the rear before rear spoiler and rear window. Good year accidentally broke my windshield so paid for car glass specialist to remote the badly cracked windshield them made my car illegal to drive and replace with brand new Toyota Windshield. They paid for it no cost for me As I was driver to NJ I notice the right driver side rubber roof gasket had aboutv1/2 inch come loose. Thinking it nothing and will be able have repaired once Im back home. I did NOT realize that the whole thing ripped of my car. Now, on top of that. Weeks after have this new reshield installed I did know and feel that the glass installer forgot place another rubber gasket on the very top of my wind sheiks and car roof and because of this it was a matter of time for this gasket to come loose because a remember a saw a very minute front section is this rubber gasket as in about an tiny 1/8 inch was loose again follow my windshield repair the the glass tech missed because I was his last appointment of the day and I kept forget to go back to Goodyear to see if glass tech can fix. My opinion"

    Anonymous, NY (2012 Toyota Prius V Three 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Seals and/or weather-stripping

    "I have lift time warranty on brake pads/shoes at Goodyear because Drivers Village and Romano Toyota over charge for their brake service on labor and costs. So, I go to Goodyears since I have the lifetime warranty on brake pads. Again, dont forget this is a 13 year old Prius V hybrid engine. On a sad note other Prius V drivers and I are disappointed that Toyota stop production of the Prius V in or around 2018. Also, when I bought my brand new 2012 on 2/28/2012 with only 5 miles on it. It came equipped with with these beautiful and genius aerodynamic wiper blades that were the exact same color of your exterior car and were the best wipers I ever had. Unfortunately, when they needed to be replaced Toyota never had these aerodynamics wiper blades as service parts with 3 different dealerships in different countries stating that This aerodynamics cover for wiper blades could not replace just the blade and this special aerodynamic wipers had to discarded and you No Longer and ultimate 100% aerodynamic car any more. The best mileage I had on this car was 48.5 mpg. This vehicle was rated at 44/42 mpg so without these special aurodynamics I lost mileage down to 39 mpg."

    Anonymous, NY (2012 Toyota Prius V Three 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    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.

    What Owners Say

    Keyless entry

    "Lost it's programming at least twice"

    Anonymous A., TX (2012 Toyota Prius V Unsure 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Other electrical system problem

    "Wiring eaten by rodent"

    Anonymous A., VA (2012 Toyota Prius V Three 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    USB port

    "This is a firmware issue and they either cannot it will not fix it"

    Anonymous A., TX (2012 Toyota Prius V Unsure 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    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.

    What Owners Say

    Shocks or struts

    ""worn strut, normal replacement""

    Anonymous, CA (2012 Toyota Prius V Five 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Steering linkage (includes rack and pinion)

    ""From Toyota: FRONT LOW CONTROL ARM BUSHING HAD MULTI CRACKED,BAD""

    Anonymous, CA (2012 Toyota Prius V Five 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    EV Battery

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

    What Owners Say

    Electric/hybrid battery pack replacement

    "It just quit at 153000 miles. Replaced it myself. Cost $2700.00 for the battery. Easy install."

    Anonymous, AR (2012 Toyota Prius V Three 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    Engine Cooling

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

    What Owners Say

    Water pump

    "On a road trip between Las Vegas and San Diego, the vehicle displayed an engine coolant warning but continued to operate. The Toyota Prius V along with most modern cars does not have a coolant temperature gauge. Damage to the piston rings resulted now causing the vehicle to slowly consume oil beyond normal operating tolerances. Had a temperature gauge been present, I would have been able to make a decision to stop the vehicle or simply reduce speed and engine load in order to reduce the temperature of the engine. Replacing the coolant pump was the easiest DIY job I have ever performed on a vehicle. I would have been able to spare the damage sustained in the engine had there been a coolant temperature gauge."

    Anonymous, NV (2012 Toyota Prius V Five 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    Paint/Trim

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

    What Owners Say

    Loose exterior trim or moldings

    "rubber molding/gaskets on roof are tattered and coming off. they flap as we drive"

    Anonymous, CA (2012 Toyota Prius V Five 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    Engine Minor

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

    What Owners Say

    Oil leaks

    "fluid leak near the timing belt"

    Anonymous, MO (2012 Toyota Prius V Two 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    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.

    Transmission Major

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

    Transmission Minor

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

    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.

    Climate System

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

    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.

    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.

    2012 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
    * Redesign year
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    Overall Reliability Verdict

    NA
    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    NA
    Electric Motor
    NA
    EV Battery
    NA
    Engine Major
    NA
    Engine Minor
    NA
    Engine Cooling
    NA
    Engine Electrical
    NA
    Transmission Major
    NA
    Transmission Minor
    NA
    Drive System
    NA
    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
    Exhaust
    NA
    Suspension/Steering
    NA
    Brakes
    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    Build Quality
    NA
    Electrical Accessories
    NA
    Body Hardware
    NA
    Paint/Trim
    NA
    Noises/Leaks
    NA
    In-car Electronics
    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 about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 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.
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
    Oct 04, 2018
    If the hybrid system shuts down unexpectedly, it can increase the risk of a crash.
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 18V684000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 807329
    HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
    Jul 15, 2015
    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.
    Summary:
    Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Prius V vehicles manufactured August 22, 2011, to June 30, 2014. A component within the hybrid inverter assembly may overheat, causing the hybrid system to reduce output power allowing the vehicle to only drive a short distance. In some circumstances, the hybrid system may shut down causing the vehicle to stop while being driven.
    What should you do:
    Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the motor/generator control electronic control unti (ECU) and the hybrid control ECU, free of charge. The recall began on July 30, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 15V449000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 108624
    EXTERIOR LIGHTING
    Dec 12, 2013
    The reversed tail lamp function reduces the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    Genera Corporation (Genera) is recalling certain aftermarket replacement tail lights, model 11-6468-00 (driver-side), and model 11-6467-00 (passenger-side), sold for use on 2012-2013 Toyota Prius V vehicles. The brake light and tail light circuits are switched causing the brake lights to be illuminated continuously until the brake pedal is pressed, when the brake lights will go out.
    What should you do:
    Genera will notify owners and provide replacement aftermarket tail lamps, free of charge. The recall began on January 23, 2014. Owners may contact Genera at 1-888-963-9888. This recall is being conducted by Genera Corporation, not by Toyota Motor Corporation.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 13E070000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 409
    AIR BAGS, SEATS
    Jan 16, 2013
    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.
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 13V014000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 3235
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