Vehicles / Toyota / Prius / 2012

2012 Toyota PriusUNDER FEDERAL INVESTIGATION

424 federal complaints (546 component records) · 6 recall campaigns on file · 3 federal investigations · 355 service bulletins · 7 Canadian recalls
See all 28 model years of the Toyota Prius →
Engine
1.8L 4-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
49 city / 46 hwy
Federal complaints
424
Recall campaigns
6
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Brakes
200
Electrical system
52
Lighting
36
Other
32
Engine & cooling
32
Glass & wipers
30
Air bags
28
Body & structure
23
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 55 complaints01 years old: 32 complaints2 years old: 25 complaints3 years old: 15 complaints4 years old: 21 complaints5 years old: 24 complaints56 years old: 32 complaints7 years old: 30 complaints8 years old: 11 complaints9 years old: 26 complaints10 years old: 42 complaints1011 years old: 31 complaints12 years old: 27 complaints13 years old: 39 complaints14 years old: 14 complaints15 years old: 0 complaints1516 years old: 0 complaints17 years old: 0 complaints18 years old: 0 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 0 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 424 of 424 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 58 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 27 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 22 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 20 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 24 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 20 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 15 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 10 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 9 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 5 complaints200,000+ miles: 7 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 217 of 424 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Brakes

200 complaint records15 crash reports
"ABS Break Lights turned ON and it need replacement. Toyota have faulty ABS this is my 3rd Prius that have the same Issue...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse brakes parts in the directory →

Electrical system

52 complaint records2 fire reports1 crash report
"CAR HORN STOP WORKING , IF THE STEERING WILL ITS TURN HALF WAY EITHER WAY IT WORKS , THE CAR ITS NOT THAT OLD FOR ELECTRICAL TO DO THAT..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →

Lighting

36 complaint records1 crash report
"LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS KEEP GOING OUT. PASSENGER SIDE HAS BEEN REPLACED MANY TIMES. MOISTURE IS VISIBLE IN LIGHT ASSEMBLY. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse lighting parts in the directory →

Federal defect investigations

Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
DP23005
opened Nov 2023
OPENService Brakes, HydraulicBrake Actuator Valve Wear
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received a petition dated September 19, 2023 from the owner of a 2012 Toyota Prius V requesting that ODI reevaluate its decision to deny DP19-004.
DP22005
opened Jan 2023
closed Aug 2023Electrical SystemPedestrian alert sounds - led to recall 22V063000
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States.
DP19004
opened Sep 2019
closed Jan 2021Service Brakes, HydraulicBrake Actuator Valve Wear
On September 19, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a defect petition from Mr. Roger Hogan requesting that the Agency investigate and recall certain Toyota Prius, Prius PHV, Camry Hybrid and Avalon Hybrid vehicles for a brake actuator...

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
18V684000Hybrid Propulsion SystemToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Toyota Prius and 2012-2014 Toyota Prius V vehicles.Normally free
16V487000Air BagsToyota 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.Normally free
16V396000SeatsSoutheast 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...Normally free
14V053000Hybrid Propulsion SystemToyota is recalling certain model year 2010 through 2014 Prius vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) inside the inverter module (a component of the hybrid system) contains transistors...Normally free
13V123000EquipmentSoutheast 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 Toyota Highlander and...Normally free
13V014000SeatsSoutheast 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, and RAV4; model year...Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2021723
2021-11-24
Electrical55,683Issue: This recall is for certain block heater kits installed on certain vehicles or sold as accessories at Toyota or Lexus dealerships.
2019420
2019-08-21
Other5,327Issue: This recall is for aftermarket replacement rear window glass produced by Vitro Automotriz. Certain rear window glass may not have been properly tempered.
2018546
2018-10-05
Powertrain23,125On certain vehicles, the Intelligent Power Module (IPM), which is part of the hybrid drive system, could become damaged under certain driving conditions.
2017558
2017-11-15
Powertrain363On certain plug-in hybrid vehicles, the electric vehicle (EV) hybrid battery's fuse could be subjected to excessive thermal stress and potentially fracture if the vehicle is operated by the electric motor under high-load driving...
2016335
2016-06-29
Airbag12,926On certain vehicles, a defect in the curtain shield airbags could cause the inflator to fail, releasing pressurized gas into the airbag, partially inflating it.
Show 2 more Canadian recalls
RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2015312
2015-07-15
Powertrain9,515On certain vehicles, the Intelligent Power Module (IPM), which is part of the hybrid system inverter assembly, could become damaged under certain driving conditions.
2014042
2014-02-12
Powertrain13,791On certain vehicles, the Intelligent Power Module (IPM), which is part of the hybrid system inverter assembly, could become damaged under certain driving conditions.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
T-SB-0119-15 Rev2
Feb 2026
EngineOBSOLETE NOTICE February 13, 2026: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0009-26.
T-SB-0009-26
Feb 2026
EngineThis bulletin includes basic procedures for performing a rescue charge on Ni-MH high voltage (HV) batteries. This bulletin should be used in conjunction with the applicable model and model year Repair Manual while performing a rescue charge.
T-SB-0055-24 Rev2
Jan 2026
Unknown Or OtherSome 2005 – 2026 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition.
T-SB-0035-24 Rev2
Dec 2024
StructureAcid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere.
T-SB-0038-24 Rev2
Dec 2024
StructureTo prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover.
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
T-SB-0039-24 Rev2
Dec 2024
StructureThe condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds.
T-SB-0061-23 Rev2
Dec 2024
StructureToyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination.
T-SB-0062-23 Rev2
Dec 2024
StructureVehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc.
T-SB-0055-24 Rev1
Jul 2024
StructureSome 2005 – 2024 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition.
T-SB-0035-24 Rev1
Jul 2024
StructureAcid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere.
T-SB-0038-24 Rev1
Jul 2024
StructureTo prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover.
T-SB-0039-24 Rev1
Jul 2024
StructureThe condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds.
T-SB-0055-24
Jun 2024
StructureSome 2005 – 2024 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition.
T-SB-0061-23 Rev1
May 2024
StructureToyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination.
T-SB-0062-23 Rev1
May 2024
StructureVehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc.
T-SB-0035-24
Apr 2024
StructureAcid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere.
T-SB-0038-24
Apr 2024
StructureTo prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover.
T-SB-0039-24
Apr 2024
StructureThe condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds.
T-PANT-2024-004-
Mar 2024
Engine And Engine CoolingThis is to advise of various price adjustments that will affect Toyota Genuine Motor Oil and Long Life Coolant, effective March 1, 2024. These products are ordered through the Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) website.
T-SB-0043-14
Jan 2024
EquipmentOBSOLETE NOTICE January 22, 2024: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0057-18.
TSB003220
Aug 2023
Vehicle Speed ControlTSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1979 ?
23TE02
Jun 2023
Electrical SystemDP: The Customer Confidence Program is a component of a class action settlement that includes several elements of coverage. The Customer Confidence Program provides coverage as it applies to the intelligent power module (IPM).
23TE03
Jun 2023
Power TrainDP: The Customer Confidence Program is a component of a class action settlement that includes several elements of coverage. The Customer Confidence Program provides coverage as it applies to the Intelligent Power Module (IPM).
T-SB-0057-18
May 2023
EquipmentTSB: The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased.
TSB001123
Feb 2023
Electrical SystemTSB: Some 2010 ? 2015 model year Prius and 2012 ? 2017 model year Prius V vehicles may exhibit a MIL ON condition with Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) P0A7A and/or P0A78, indicating a malfunction has occurred in the inverter assembly with converter.
TSB000321
Feb 2023
Electrical SystemTSB: Some 2010 ? 2015 model year Prius and 2012 ? 2017 model year Prius V vehicles may exhibit a MIL ON condition with Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) P0A94, P324E, P0A1A, and/or P3004, indicating a malfunction has occurred in the inverter assembly with converter.
23TE02-1
Feb 2023
Electrical SystemDP: The Customer Confidence Program is a component of a class action settlement that includes several elements of coverage. The Customer Confidence Program provides coverage as it applies to the intelligent power module (IPM).
23TE03
Feb 2023
Electrical SystemDP: The Customer Confidence Program is a component of a class action settlement that includes several elements of coverage. The Customer Confidence Program provides coverage as it applies to the Intelligent Power Module (IPM).
ZKG_Dealer_Lette
Dec 2022
StructureDL: Toyota has received reports of paint peeling on certain vehicles with the original factory-applied Blizzard Pearl or Super White paint colors.
Z2G_Dealer_Lette
Dec 2022
StructureDL: Toyota has received reports of paint peeling on certain vehicles with the original factory-applied Blizzard Pearl or Super White paint colors.
Z3G_Dealer_Lette
Dec 2022
StructureDL: Toyota has received reports of paint peeling on certain vehicles with the original factory-applied Blizzard Pearl or Super White paint colors.
T-SB-0094-21 Rev
Nov 2022
Air BagsTSB: Some 2005 ? 2022 model year Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty smell is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition.
ZKG_Dealer_Lette
Nov 2022
StructureDL: Toyota has received reports of paint peeling on certain vehicles with the original factory-applied Blizzard Pearl or Super White paint colors.
Z2G_Dealer_Lette
Nov 2022
StructureDL: Toyota has received reports of paint peeling on certain vehicles with the original factory-applied Blizzard Pearl or Super White paint colors.
Z3G_Dealer_Lette
Nov 2022
StructureDL: Toyota has received reports of paint peeling on certain vehicles with the original factory-applied Blizzard Pearl or Super White paint colors.
Z3G_Paint_Repair
Nov 2022
StructureCSP: Customer Support Program ZKG ? Paint Repair Process
Z3G_Technical_In
Nov 2022
StructureTI: TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS Customer Support Program ZKG Multiple Models and Model Years Vehicles Painted with Blizzard Pearl (070) or Super White (040) Paint Color Coverage for Peeling of Factory-Applied Paint
Class Action_DD_
Aug 2022
EquipmentDD: Toyota is involved in a class action settlement involving certain 2010-2015 Toyota Prius and certain 2012-2017 Prius V vehicle?s inverters.
TSB001221Rev2
Jun 2022
StructureTSB: Some 2010 ? 2022 model year Toyota vehicles may exhibit paint stains after the removal of Rapgard?. The paint stains may appear to be under the clear coat but are usually under wrinkles in the Rapgard?.
T-SB-0119-15 Rev
May 2022
EquipmentTSB: This bulletin includes basic procedures for performing a rescue charge on Ni-MH high voltage (HV) batteries. This bulletin should be used in conjunction with the applicable model and model year Repair Manual while performing a rescue charge.
TSB009421Rev1
May 2022
EquipmentTSB: Some 2005 ? 2022 model year Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty smell is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition.
TTT063620
Mar 2022
Back Over PreventionTT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions
T-SB-0012-21 Rev
Feb 2022
SeatsTSB: Some 2010 ? 2022 model year Toyota vehicles may exhibit paint stains after the removal of Rapgard?. The paint stains may appear to be under the clear coat but are usually under wrinkles in the Rapgard?.
Toyota PRO19-02
Jan 2022
WheelsPOL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Toyota. This information must be kept near the point of vehicle sale and be available to any customer that requests it.
T-SB-0094-21
Nov 2021
StructureTSB: Some 2005 ? 2022 model year Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty smell is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition.
T-SB-0088-21
Oct 2021
Forward Collision AvoidanceTSB: For proper calibration of the millimeter wave radar sensor, the vehicle and radar target must be on a level surface with a consistent plane.
T-TT-0578-19 Rev
Oct 2021
EquipmentTT: Some customers may encounter Bluetooth® connectivity concerns such as: ?Difficulty to pair the phone. ?Intermittent Bluetooth® failure to connect to the vehicle when first turning on the vehicle.
T-SB-0080-19 Rev
Jul 2021
EquipmentTSB: Some 2006 ? 2022 model year Toyota vehicles in particular geographic areas may exhibit a condition where the HVAC evaporator drain hose has become obstructed with an insect nest.
T-SB-0044-16 Obs
Mar 2021
EquipmentOBSOLETE NOTICE March 08, 2021: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0012-21.
Toyota Safety Re
Mar 2021
Air BagsToyota Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements
T-TT-0636-20 Rev
Mar 2021
Service BrakesTT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
T-SB-0040-08 Obs
Mar 2021
EquipmentOBSOLETE NOTICE March 08, 2021: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0044-16.
T-SB-0012-21
Mar 2021
SeatsTSB: Some 2010 ? 2021 model year Toyota vehicles may exhibit paint stains after the removal of Rapgard?. The paint stains may appear to be under the clear coat but are usually under wrinkles in the Rapgard?.
T-SB-0032-20 Rev
Feb 2021
EquipmentTSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1979 ?
T-SB-0036-16 Obs
Jan 2021
EquipmentOBSOLETE NOTICE January 12, 2021: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0003-21.
T-SB-0003-21
Jan 2021
Electrical SystemTSB: Some 2010 ? 2015 model year Prius and 2012 ? 2017 model year Prius V vehicles may exhibit a MIL ON condition with Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) P0A94, P324E, P0A1A, and/or P3004, indicating a malfunction has occurred in the inverter assembly with converter.
T-SB-0108-15 Obs
Dec 2020
EquipmentOBSOLETE NOTICE December 16, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0125-20.
T-SB-0125-20
Dec 2020
EquipmentTSB: Toyota models equipped with the Premium HDD Navigation (AVN/AW-EMV) system will periodically require an update to the Gracenote® database. Gracenote® includes detailed information for songs (genre, artist, song title, album name, etc.).
T-TT-0636-20
Dec 2020
Service BrakesTT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
T-TT-0628-20
Oct 2020
Engine And Engine CoolingTT: HVAC drain tube is found to be blocked/clogged.

Showing 60 of 355 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
  2. Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
  3. Do a full walk-around with every light on.Condensation inside a lens, a dim side, or a flickering tail light match this vehicle's lighting cluster.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 6 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Toyota Prius →