2012 Toyota Prius Plug-IN Hybrid
Only 25 complaints on file — too few 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.
Only 25 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 25
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2012
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2012: 25 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 6 |
| 2011 | 1 |
| 2012 | 25 |
| 2013 | 12 |
| 2014 | 13 |
| 2015 | 5 |
| 2016 | 0 |
| 2017 | 10 |
| 2018 | 1 |
| 2025 | 2 |
| 2026 | 4 |
Known problem areas
Only 25 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Service brakes
12 of 25 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
I was driving less than 55mph on freeway on February 5, 2024 when my vehicle went into an out of control spin, Brakes did not seem to work and unable to control vehicle until hit center divider on freeway, Spun 180 degrees and kept going back with...
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-02-16
Also filed under Vehicle speed control and steering
When the driver door is open, full power is on, brake peddle released the car will still move forward. The vehicle was stationary. Then started in motion I started to get out of car but stopped…
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-01-30
Also filed under Vehicle speed control
When operating the vehicle on a snow covered road, I attempted to stop when the vehicle was traveling about 35 MPH. When I pressed my brake pedal down as I was approaching the intersection, the anti-lock brakes did not function.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-12-15
Electrical system
3 of 25 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-IN Hybrid. The contact stated that there was a sudden loss of power and the vehicle stalled several times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-02-28
Vehicle speed control
2 of 25 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.
Power train
2 of 25 total reports mention: power train.
Engine
2 of 25 total reports mention: engine.
Show complaint excerpts
I have hybrid system warning message & pcs system warning message on my car I have taken it to different dealership in dallas tx area any none of them has fix it try to do research on my own to figure out and found that Toyota has this in...
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-01-24
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2016-10-17Air bags16V487000 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.
Remedy: 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.
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2018-01-11Hybrid propulsion system17V718000 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2012-2015 Prius Plug-in Hybrid vehicles.
Remedy: 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.
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I
2019-09-30Defect petitionClosed 2021-01-21 Brake Actuator Valve Wear
Buy-smart checklist
2012 Toyota Prius Plug-IN Hybrid — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Service brakes: 12 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 16V487000 · Air bags
- Recall 17V718000 · Hybrid propulsion system
FAQ
- Is the 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-IN Hybrid 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 Plug-IN Hybrid?
- The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 48% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-IN Hybrid have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.