MYRModel Year Report

2012 Toyota Prius C

○ Not enough data
2012 Toyota Prius C
RENDERED 2026-09-17T05:39:50.272Z

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

Complaints per year, Toyota Prius C Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2012 highlighted. 2012: 63 complaints 2012 2013: 56 complaints 2013 2014: 32 complaints 2014 2015: 17 complaints 2015 2016: 12 complaints 2016 2017: 2 complaints 2017 2018: 6 complaints 2018 2019: 0 complaints 2019
2012: 63 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
201263
201356
201432
201517
201612
20172
20186
20190

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

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 ‘extended warranty’ 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 22%

22% of complaints: electrical system — 14 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing inverter.

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

Also filed under STRUCTURE

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 (14 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (7 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.