2012 Toyota Prius
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 4 |
| 2001 | 165 |
| 2002 | 167 |
| 2003 | 99 |
| 2004 | 610 |
| 2005 | 1051 |
| 2006 | 1439 |
| 2007 | 2003 |
| 2008 | 1497 |
| 2009 | 502 |
| 2010 | 2819 |
| 2011 | 515 |
| 2012 | 419 |
| 2013 | 398 |
| 2014 | 202 |
| 2015 | 159 |
| 2016 | 154 |
| 2017 | 91 |
| 2018 | 35 |
| 2019 | 28 |
| 2020 | 14 |
| 2021 | 6 |
| 2022 | 23 |
| 2023 | 18 |
| 2024 | 22 |
| 2025 | 15 |
| 2026 | 5 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
43% of complaints: service brakes — 180 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
While pulling out of a parallel parking spot going slightly uphill, I braked as I looked around the back of a double parked truck. I saw a car coming, braked hard, and suddenly my car surged forward across the street and hit a parked car.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250817
I have had a 2012 Prius since 2016. The entire time I've had it, it occasionally "hydroplanes" but without any water. It happens in wet or dry (but mostly dry) conditions.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231027
I WAS TRAVELING NORTH ON THE HIGHWAY. I WAS GOING BETWEEN 50 AND 55 MPH WHEN THE TRAFFIC LIGHT TURNED TO YELLOW AND THEN TO RED. WHEN I APPLIED THE BREAKS NOTHING HAPPENED. MY VEHICLE ACTUALLY APPEARED TO SPEED UP.
NHTSA ODI report, 20181101
12% of complaints: electrical system — 49 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
ON MY WAY HOME I SUDDENLY SAW A SIGN ON THE SCREEN "CHECK THE HYBRID SYSTEM. STOP IN A SAFE PLACE". I PULLED OVER, SMELLED SMOKE AND SAW SMOKE IN THE REAR. I OPENED THE TRUNK ANS FRIGHTENED BY FLAME.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180303
9% of complaints: exterior lighting — 36 distinct reports on file.
CRASH7% of complaints: engine — 31 distinct reports on file.
FIRE7% of complaints: visibility/wiper — 28 distinct reports on file.
INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
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, an
Remedy: 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 contac
Campaign 13V014000 — check if this car was fixed
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 Toy
Remedy: 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 be
Campaign 13V123000 — check if this car was fixed
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2010 through 2014 Prius vehicles.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 14V053000 — check if this car was fixed
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,...
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 16V396000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 16V487000 — check if this car was fixed
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Toyota Prius and 2012-2014 Toyota Prius V vehicles.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 18V684000 — check if this car was fixed
Brake Actuator Valve Wear
Pedestrian alert sounds
Brake Actuator Valve Wear
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2012 Toyota Prius — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (180 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (49 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (36 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 13V014000 (air bags, seats) has been completed.
- Verify recall 13V123000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V053000 (electrical system, hybrid propulsion system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V396000 (seats) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V487000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V684000 (hybrid propulsion system) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2012 Toyota Prius reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Toyota Prius is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Toyota Prius?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 43% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Toyota Prius have?
6 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.