Is the 2012 Toyota Prius reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Toyota Prius is rated "worse than typical".

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

The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 47% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2012 Toyota Prius have?

6 recalls on file for this model year.

2012 Toyota Prius

◆ Worse than typical

2012 Toyota Prius
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than 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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 424
Recalls: 6
Investigations: 3
Top problem: Service brakes

Complaints per year

2012: 424 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2000	4
2001	165
2002	167
2003	99
2004	610
2005	1,051
2006	1,439
2007	2,003
2008	1,497
2009	502
2010	2,824
2011	521
2012	424
2013	411
2014	208
2015	166
2016	155
2017	91
2018	37
2019	30
2020	14
2021	6
2022	24
2023	20
2024	27
2025	16
2026	6

Known problem areas

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

Service brakes

47% · 200 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASHINJURY

Show 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, 2025-08-17

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, 2023-10-27

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, 2018-11-01

Electrical system

12% · 52 reports

Most commonly citing speedometer/odometer and horn.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Show 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, 2018-03-03

Exterior lighting

8% · 36 reports

CRASH

Engine

7% · 31 reports

FIRE

Visibility/wiper

7% · 28 reports

INJURY

Safety timeline

6 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

▮
2012Complaint volume 424 complaints filed for this model year.
R

2013-03-21Air bags, seats13V014000 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…

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…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2013-05-28Equipment13V123000 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…

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…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2014-03-21Electrical system, hybrid propulsion system14V053000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2016-07-14Seats16V396000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2019-01-22Hybrid propulsion system18V684000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2019-09-30Defect petitionClosed 2021-01-21 Brake Actuator Valve Wear
I
2023-01-27Defect petitionClosed 2023-08-07 Pedestrian alert sounds
I
2023-11-22Defect petitionOpen Brake Actuator Valve Wear

Buy-smart checklist

2012 Toyota Prius — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Service brakes: 200 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 52 reports on file for this year.
Exterior lighting: 36 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 13V014000 · Air bags, seats
Recall 13V123000 · Equipment
Recall 14V053000 · Electrical system, hybrid propulsion system
Recall 16V396000 · Seats
Recall 16V487000 · Air bags
Recall 18V684000 · Hybrid propulsion system

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 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 "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Toyota Prius?: The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 47% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Toyota Prius have?: 6 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.