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    GREEN CHOICE

    Toyota Prius

    EPA MPG: 48 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There are 7 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    We expect the 2025 Prius will be more reliable than the average new car. This prediction is based on data from 2023 and 2024 models.

    The 2012 Toyota Prius has been recalled 7 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 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)

    "On the way to a doctor I got an alert that my breaking system was failing. I went straight to Toyota and $3,500 later it was fixed."

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

    "I had my transmission serviced at a dealership and 2 days later, my ABS dash light and all warning lights related to braking came on when I started my car. It wouldnt drive right and the brakes werent really working. I took it back to the dealership in case it was something they did and was told not to drive it bc the master cylinder had failed and the ABS Brake had malfunctioned. Over $2500 to fix but thats the only thing Ive ever had go wrong."

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

    "In heavy rain, rear brake was soaked and caliper froze in braking position, caused wear to pads, rotors."

    Anonymous, (2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in 1.8-L 4 Cyl plug-in hybrid)
    Master cylinder

    "I wasnt able to fix it neither dealers technicians."

    Anonymous A., PR (2012 Toyota Prius Four 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "Started with four lights coming on and making a noise. Had it checked out wanted $4000 to fix it. Had received a paper that would fix it. It was past the Cut off date of 150,000 miles. Apparently Toyota knew they had an issue but would not cover it."

    Anonymous A., IA (2012 Toyota Prius 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "The head gasket blew and the engine had to be replaced and fuel injection etc. cleaned and replaced for $12K then the Brake system went and that cost me $3500"

    Anonymous A., FL (2012 Toyota Prius 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Other brakes problem

    "The prius V has a known problem with the brake booster/accumulator - it was starting to go when I bought the car in 2021. There was a recall that would pay if it failed completely within a certain period, but mine failed somewhat past that period. I spent $3000 at the dealer to replace the parts."

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

    "The other problem was not brakes. I had to call AAA to start my car, but the battery wasnt the problem. It turned out I needed to replace the intake manifold gasket and the Hitachi Automotive fuel injection throttle body. I was able to take it in for repair safely."

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

    "The calipers froze on all 4 brakes - likely due to low brake use with regen braking. Brake deterioration was not noticed in typical driving, but emergency brake capacity was probably 50% design (one side of rotor). All 4 brakes needed complete rebuilding."

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

    Exhaust

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

    What Owners Say

    Catalytic converter

    "Throws error codes and causes check engine light to stay on. Doesn't appear to affect drivability. Cost to replace is too much for age and mileage of car. Teenager's first car."

    Anonymous, VA (2012 Toyota Prius 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Other/unsure

    "Loss of power. Toyota dealer said cylinder was not working properly. Repair was $9000!"

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

    "failed front wheel bearing"

    Anonymous, IN (2012 Toyota Prius Four 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "Manifold replacement"

    Anonymous, IL (2012 Toyota Prius 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "Brake booster failure. Toyota replaced for free"

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

    "Tire pressure monitor needs to be replaced since August"

    Anonymous, (2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in 1.8-L 4 Cyl plug-in hybrid)

    "Head gasket replacement 12 months ago. Also needed a new battery at that time, but not the expensive one. All other repairs quality as maintenance."

    Anonymous A., CT (2012 Toyota Prius 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "Coolant fluid level went too low."

    Anonymous, OR (2012 Toyota Prius 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    Paint And Trim

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

    What Owners Say

    Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

    "Roof clear coat peeing"

    Anonymous, OR (2012 Toyota Prius 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "The clear coat on the roof started peeling and flaking off"

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

    "Peeling paint on body below side windows, on roof and hood"

    Anonymous, TX (2012 Toyota Prius Three 1.8-L 4 Cyl plug-in hybrid)

    "Paint is fading and flaking due to sun exposure. I am unable to park the car indoors"

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

    "Rust along floor apparent two or more years ago"

    Anonymous, NH (2012 Toyota Prius 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

    "One day the whole audio system just stopped working. The center processor, the speakers, the backup camera, everything. It cost $1000 to replace it with something not nearly as good. JBL speakers made the replacement more complicated - the repairperson said it took two people seven hours to get it all working with the new "radio""

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

    "The display screen is no longer sensitive a finger touch. It becomes completely unresponsive. Also, the volume control often doesn't work."

    Anonymous, CA (2012 Toyota Prius 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Hardware replacement

    "At $3500 to $3700, the head unit was too expensive to replace, so I settled for a $1500 aftermarket Sony that restores most functions, but looks cheap and is slow to respond."

    Anonymous A., (2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in Advanced 1.8-L 4 Cyl plug-in hybrid)
    Other in-car electronics problem

    "Infotainment screen would not respond to touches. I replaced entire unit with a used one."

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

    "The outage started intermittently but finally failed completely. I replaced it with an aftermarket unit, but lost some information that was on the original radio."

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

    Climate System

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

    What Owners Say

    A/C compressor

    "Didnt notice till about June. Totally did not cool"

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

    "It started beginning with very hot reather in about end June/begining July AC doesn't cool when temperture is very high so when temp. is very hot I cant use the Prius"

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

    "A leak caused the air conditioner to work at 20%. Had it repaired within a week."

    Anonymous, NJ (2012 Toyota Prius Three 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Refrigerant leaks

    "A/c was blowing hot air. When I had it serviced, they said there were a couple leaks."

    Anonymous, MO (2012 Toyota Prius 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

    12V battery

    "There is supposed to be a warning that the battery needs to be replaced but we did not get a warning. This seems to be a common enough problem that when my car would not start, it was one of the first hits."

    Anonymous A., VA (2012 Toyota Prius Four 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "I turned the car off in the parking lot of a store, and when I turned it back on to leave, the display screen loaded from the bottom only halfway up, flickered for a few seconds, then went black. The entire car was dead and had to be towed (dollyed) to the dealer. The tow truck driver had to half drag/half scoop with lowered truck bed to get my car onto the truck platform, because the car could not be put into neutral and rolled. Apparently the electrical system had to be active to switch from Park to Neutral. The severe angle of the car, which was nose-down during this procedure, caused some minor front-end damage (paint scraped off the lower edge of the bumper and a broken liner inside the wheel well, passenger side. I picked it up at the dealer the following day. The dealer told me it was the "small battery" that failed. Note: I had the car in to the dealer two days earlier to flush the coolant systems as a general maintenance procedure. One system is at the radiator and the other one is at the hybrid battery."

    Anonymous, TN (2012 Toyota Prius 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "the battery just lost voltage and car was wacky I tested it right away because car is 11 years old and has original battery it was low and I purchased new one at dealer hope for 11 more years."

    Anonymous A., IN (2012 Toyota Prius 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.

    What Owners Say

    Driveline vibration

    "It was difficult to diagnose by mechanics."

    Anonymous A., PR (2012 Toyota Prius Four 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Driveshaft or axle

    "Rear Axle rusted replaced"

    Anonymous, RI (2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in 1.8-L 4 Cyl plug-in hybrid)

    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.

    What Owners Say

    Windows

    "driver controls only work for driver's window. cannot open/close any other window."

    Anonymous A., ME (2012 Toyota Prius Two 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    Engine Cooling

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

    What Owners Say

    Water pump

    "my car gave a code and told me it was water pump easy to change no problem"

    Anonymous A., IN (2012 Toyota Prius 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    EV Battery

    What Owners Say

    Electric/hybrid battery pack malfunction (didn't need replacement)

    "Car suddenly lost speed and a warning message appeared indicating a malfunction and to stop driving the car."

    Anonymous A., IL (2012 Toyota Prius 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

    "The head gaskets blew and I had to replace the engine and get the fuel injection system cleaned, etc."

    Anonymous A., FL (2012 Toyota Prius 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

    Other minor engine problem

    "Check engine light kept coming on"

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

    Steering And Suspension

    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.

    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.

    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.

    Noises And Leaks

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

    2012 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
    * Redesign year
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    24
    Overall Reliability Verdict
    NA
    NA
    NA

    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Electric Motor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    EV Battery
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Cooling
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Electrical
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Drive System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Exhaust
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Steering and Suspension
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Brakes
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Build Quality
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Electrical Accessories
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Body Hardware
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Paint/Trim
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Noises/Leaks
    NA
    NA
    NA
    In-car Electronics
    NA
    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.
    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
    Nov 15, 2017
    The failed fuse may cause the hybrid system to shut down resulting in the loss of power. Loss of power while driving at higher speeds can increase the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2012-2015 Prius Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. The hybrid battery contains an Electric Vehicle (EV) fuse that may fracture after repeated high-load driving conditions such as climbing long hills.
    What should you do:
    Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EV fuse, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 8, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is H0R.
    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: 17V718000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 39915
    AIR BAGS
    Jun 30, 2016
    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.
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    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: 16V487000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 482002
    SEATS
    Jun 02, 2016
    If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    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: 16V396000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 7749
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
    Feb 12, 2014
    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 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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    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: 14V053000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 698457
    EQUIPMENT
    Apr 09, 2013
    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.
    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."
    What should you do:
    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.
    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: 13V123000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 7525
    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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