2012 Toyota Prius C

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2012 Toyota Prius C
RENDERED 2026-08-02T10:51:07.031Z

Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

2012: 63 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2012	63
2013	56
2014	32
2015	17
2016	12
2017	2
2018	6
2019	0

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

SERVICE BRAKES 41%

41% of complaints: service brakes — 26 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

While my daughter was driving brake pedal faded and rear brakes locked up causing her to lose initial control of car . Steering felt tight .

NHTSA ODI report, 20240630

Code C1391 shows in which the accumulator and the brake booster assembly need to be changed. This is a known defect and was covered through an âextended warrantyâ due to a lawsuit.

NHTSA ODI report, 20240311

The brakes fail and the ABS module stops working correctly and when I go at a speed of 60 MPH the brakes lock until the speed drops and they work again.

NHTSA ODI report, 20231011

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 21%

21% of complaints: electrical system — 13 distinct reports on file.

AIR BAGS 11%

11% of complaints: air bags — 7 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED GENTLY AS THE CAR WAS APPROACHING A STOPPED CAR. THE PRIUS C THEN ACCELERATED, AT WHICH TIME THE BRAKES WERE FIRMLY APPLIED, THE ABS SYSTEM ENGAGED, BUT NOT IN ENOUGH TIME FOR THE VEHICLE TO STOP.

NHTSA ODI report, 20130528

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA PRIUS C. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE EXITING A RESIDENTIAL DRIVEWAY, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE VEHICLE AND ALL OF THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED.

NHTSA ODI report, 20130408

ENGINE 8%

8% of complaints: engine — 5 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

PROBLEM WITH THE FUEL BLADDER CAUSING THE GAUGE TO READ INCORRECTLY. THE GAUGE GETS STUCK AT A QUARTER TANK AND BEFORE YOU KNOW IT, YOU'RE OUT OF GAS.

NHTSA ODI report, 20180411

SEAT BELTS 6%

6% of complaints: seat belts — 4 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

I 20130318 — DP (closed 20140725)

Drivability, Service brake failure

I 20230127 — DP (closed 20230807)

Pedestrian alert sounds

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2012 Toyota Prius C — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for service brakes issues (26 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for electrical system issues (13 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for air bags issues (7 reports on file for this year).

FAQ

Is the 2012 Toyota Prius C reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Toyota Prius C?

The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 41% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2012 Toyota Prius C have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.