Print this page

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
42,597 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2012 Toyota Prius miscellaneous problems

miscellaneous problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2012 Toyota Prius:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2012 Toyota Prius Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #27

Mar 192024

Prius

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

2012 Prius has a fault from the the manufactor where the electronic brake abs actuator and pump, which are two seperate parts working together, are faulty. Various lights on dashboard illuminate brake, tire pressure, abs, and traction control. When this occurs the car becomes very unsafe to drive as the brakes become almost non existant because the braking system on the car is electronic and controlled by both the pump and actuator. This makes the car dangerous to drive, even in short trip conditions as the brakes could fail to engage at any time. The dealer confirmed that it is a known issue on this model Prius and did not cover the cost to fix it even though the car is not safe to drive. This is dangerous and should have a recall so the car can be safe to drive on roads and potenially save lives if the brake system fails to engage,

- Wayne , PA, USA

problem #26

Oct 252023

Prius

  • miles
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. Usually at slower speeds so, though it makes me very uncomfortable, it doesn't happen with any regularity. I've taken it multiple times to my mechanic who always says "Prius' just do that", which is not reassuring. I know there was a recall and I was told my car did not fall under that umbrella. On Wednesday of this week, 10/25/23, I finally had an accident because of this. The brake lockup had been happening more frequently in the past week and in this instance I saw the car in front of me suddenly slow down - I had about 2/3 of a cars distance between me and the car ahead. I hit the brakes and nothing happened. I was pushing down on them long enough to think, "Ok, this is it. They aren't responding at all and I'm going to hit this car in front of me." I did and it crushed the passenger side of the car. Luckily I wasn't hurt. There were no warnings from the car at all that this was going to happen, as there never are. I took it in for possible repair today (the mechanic is not sure but thinks it may be a total loss). This car did everything they describe in the recall cases and I want to know if there's anyway to be repaid from the company for this as there was nothing I could do to stop this accident" Why wasn't my car included in the recall"

- Boston, MA, USA

problem #25

Jun 102023

Prius

  • miles
The glass sunroof spontaneously exploded or imploded. There was a loud popping sound and I looked up at the sunroof, and it was shattered. glass started falling on me as I was driving on the highway. There have been many reported cases of this happening found online. https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/toyota-owners-should-be-aware-of-reported-exploding-sunroof-risk/ It has not been inspected yet. no warning messages.

- Crystal Lake, IL, USA

problem #24

Sep 122022

Prius

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I was driving on highway & the vehicle stopped accelerating as I was pressing the gas. I put my hazards on & got to the side of the road. Then the eps light came on & the dash stopped showing the mph. The ac stopped blowing cold air & the windows were working slow. I turned car off then back on a couple of times then more lights came on. No lights were on prior to this & I haven-??t had any problems w the vehicle before this. I just got this car & I feel like it has something to do with a recall but no one wants to take responsibility for the issue.

- Baltimore, MD, USA

problem #23

Sep 062022

Prius

  • miles
No problem

- Silver Spring , MD, USA

Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...

problem #22

Feb 222022

Prius 4-cyl

  • miles
I brought the car to the Toyota dealer already 3 times for the same problem, now happened again, they told me the first time, nothing wrong with the car, and I paid them, the second time nothing wrong they said, the third time they said it-??s the 12 v battery has to be replace it, I did replace it, but still the same problem I have, the HYBRID SYSTEM problems, the Toyota company should fix it, because it-??s something very unsafe it-??s happening with my car, please help me to resolve this problem-??.. the car drive but stop anytime, I almost have a very bad accident with my daughter ON board

- Amityville , NY, USA

problem #21

Jan 312022

Prius

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Hi, I have a 2012 Toyota Prius with around 120k miles that is completely inoperable. A local Toyota dealership is charging $3400 to replace both computers, but the more I research the more apparent it becomes that this is directly linked with past issues that were never fully resolved during previous recall attempts. The following article describes the exact situation my car is in (https://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-fi-prius-overheat-inverter-defect-20190414-story.html). When you combine that with the previous recalls back in 2014 & 2018, this quickly becomes a pattern. That pattern suggests that past software issues (1 & 2 below) were never fully resolved, and/or already caused premature damage to internal/computer components that then fail regardless. I spoke with the California Bureau of Automotive Repair who referred me to nhtsa. The agent I spoke with noted that because the Inverter wasn't actually replaced back in 2014 (Toyota only performed a software update), this part definitely could have been already damaged due to the software issues, which could then cause problems with the computers later on (which is what occurred). --- 1) NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 14V053000 - In the affected vehicles, the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) inside the inverter module (a component of the hybrid system) contains transistors that may become damaged from high operating temperatures. 2) NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 18V684000 - Excessive voltage in the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) within the inverter may cause the hybrid system to shut down, causing the vehicle to stall while being driven. --- General: - Computers both failed, not currently available for inspection as they are being replaced - If this computer failure happens again later (while on the road - as it has for other consumer), it's very dangerous as the car essentially shuts down on the spot - Dealer is dismissing this due to the car's age - No previous warning lights or messages

- San Diego, CA, USA

problem #20

Oct 042021

Prius

  • miles
I was Driving with my daughter as always, then the car put on the screen hybrid system problems and the car stop running-??..I almost had an accident, I took the car to Toyota dealer and the charged me to fix it, but the didn-??t fix the problem, this is something that Toyota company should fix it before something bad happen while driving ???"

- Amityville , NY, USA

problem #19

Aug 142021

Prius

  • miles
I was in freeway going home last night after visiting my mom by point loma area San Diego. I was on 8fwy going east, then I merge to 805fwy South which I always and usually take same route. As I went on ramp of 805 South going on a steep high altitude, my 2012 PriusV stall and I can't accelerate when I was stepping into my gas pedal which I have already pushed it all the way in. So I quickly put emergency lights on and slowly guided my car to the right shoulder. I called AAA which I've been a member for so many years. And believe me it is really a life saver. This safety could have been worst from my experience of been driving for more than 30 years. I got it towed all the way home which was about 7 miles. The traffic was heavy on a Saturday night and I waited for almost 2 hours for my towing. When I got up this late Sunday almost noontime, I went out to check on my car and it is still saying "Check Hybrid System" with all the lights on my module was on. I started it and noticed there was an acceleration so I drove it back to my driveway since the tow truck just drop it off on the curveside close by my residence. It drove ok, and then I started my research online and I recently bought a code reader but not sure if it will work on my hybrid 2012 Prius V. Nothing came out on the reader. I called my buddy which was a certified ASE mechanic but has less experience on hybrid. But he has a more expensive code reader and analyser equipment and tools. I also check the Toyota headquarters and you website about my car on safety recalls. I just had taken this vehicle to the dealer for some sort of worldwide safety recalls on all this typical model. I've also read an additional recall and they just have launched it 01/2019. I've plug in my vin# on all of this sites for a check but nothing is coming out. But their complaint is similar to what's going on to my car. It's "Check Hybrid System" and I believe it's the Inverter issues. Please update me and also the Toyota HQ.

- National City, CA, USA

problem #18

Jan 292021

Prius

  • miles
Three doors stopped opening and closing with the remote key and inside lock/unlock buttons in a span of three weeks. Not able to open and close the door with the remote key or lock/unlock button is a safety risk. Toyota confirmed that all three door lock actuators failed. Each one costs $800 to replace with a total cost of $2400. It is inspected by Toyota dealership, Toyota 101, 386 convention way, Redwood City, 94063. The car had only 36,448 miles. The problem appeared all of a sudden. First one lock failed. Soon all three locks failed.

- Redwood City, CA, USA

problem #17

Jul 012019

Prius

  • 60,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The lining on the deflector rubber gasket/seal of the sunroof has been deteriorating. I have heard from many other Prius III owners that this is a common defect for the 2010-2013 year models. I believe it if is this common, Toyota should be responsible for replacing it.

- Brookline, MA, USA

problem #16

Jan 182020

Prius

  • 57,000 miles
I switched into neutral and pushed the park button to park. I leaned forward to grab my wallet and felt the car accelerating over the parking curb. I immediately slammed the brakes and the car accelerated into a building. I am fortunate to be alive because if the airbag would have activated, I would have broke my neck.

- Durham, NC, USA

problem #15

Oct 202012

Prius

  • miles
Vehicle is manufactured without any regard for preventing mice from entering the passenger interior--- air intake vent under windshield and 2 rear decompression vents located in the rear cargo compartment above the wheel wells are open to the exterior allowing unimpeded access to the interior of the car. Had mice in this car 2 weeks after purchase in 2012 and have been dealing with this problem for 7 years. Just recently, had Toyota install 1/4" hardware cloth over these 3 areas and this should help significantly to prevent entry. All preventative measures to prevent mice entry have been diligently taken by me, without success. Mice can make a person very sick. Their excrement carries hantavirus..... and the mice carry ticks, which can lead to lyme disease. Simply manufacturing the car with these vents properly screened would greatly reduce the chance of occupants contracting a serious disease.the mice also do a lot of damage to the car itself, in my car the driver seat belt was chewed, and I have had to replace the cabin air filter several times because of nesting in this compartment(after having been unknowingly breathing the mice excrement as the air passes through this filter on its' way to the interior. Toyota needs to be pressured by your Agency to correct this very serious health hazard that their car is presenting. Their is no legitimate reason for this situation to exist. The cost to Toyota would be negligible.the benefit to all Prius owners would be very significant, likely preventing many cases of disease. Please take this situation very seriously, as is the case. I also will be calling you to discuss this over the phone. Thank you for your help to correct this problem!

- Delhi, NY, USA

problem #14

Jun 102019

Prius

  • 56,000 miles
I have a recall on my Prius for software and it says on your site that if I have a problem with my invertor they should fix it or repair it for free my car had this problem 1 week ago and my invertor failed and I went to Toyota today they gave me an appointment today and they said they contacted Toyota Japan and the recall got rejected for the invertor part they said I should fix my invertor first then they will do the recall of the software! and it costs 3000 jds here in jordan its too expensive what should I do?

- Clinton, UT, USA

problem #13

Jun 062019

Prius

  • 113,880 miles
NHTSA recall #18V-684 I was driving on the street when cheq hibrid sistem sign came on, after I got this masage, I did drove for a while til stop on a safe place, when turning it back on with the break pedal pushed, the sistem did not get a ready light, which means able to move, so I called aaa (a towing service). We went to a West covina Toyota dealer. The service man manny told me it maybe is about the recall on this vehicle. When vehicle was ready manny told me on the phone that it was a loose wire and when I got at the dealer he show me a switch (not a wire) that it is imposible to unlock it by it self, it has to be move by a finger in order to unlock it or lock it back on, so my point is that I feel that they are telling me that just to charge me and I believe that they are making this up. I did talk to the manager gary kuftedjian, he got mad at me because I did not want to sit down and told me that I was no respecting him just becuase I did not have a sit, I told him that the issue with the vehicle was the need of the update ( the recall ) not the switch the they said so I told him that I did not have to pay for it and he told me that if I do not pay that I have to leave my vehicle an other day for them to cheq it againg and I said why if the vehicle is ready? and he said to cheq it up again, so I prefer to pay $139 dollars and complain about it after... so I did a complain to the Toyota head quarters reference # [xxx] I did speak with Mrs. Beth. If you need more pictures please send me an email so I can send more evidence about this case...thank you please call me if any as well.. [xxx] my email is [xxx] thank you [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- West Covina, CA, USA

problem #12

Jan 032019

Prius

  • 151,413 miles
Problem with braking system involving, the other day the car was on and suddenly three (3) warning lights came on: Brake light, ABS light and traction control light. There is also now a pumping sound coming from under the interior of the dash (on it at least sounds that is where it's coming from. The car has 151,428 miles on it. I've included pictures of the current eror code, mileage and dash lights that are on.

- Saint Petersburg, FL, USA

problem #11

Mar 142016

Prius

  • 125,000 miles
My Prius was just fine then one day it stalled while I was driving in the middle of the free way. I took my vehicle in to elmore Toyota in westminster, ca, they found it had a failed inverter and it was still covered under warranty. It took 2 weeks for them to fix it, but when they returned my car, the slip indicator was now on and would not turn off. They claim it was like that prior to the failed inverter, this was false, my car was running perfect. They then wanted to charge me nearly $1K to fix a problem I did not have prior to failed inverter. I feel the situation was connected but they refuse to cover it.

- Anaheim, CA, USA

problem #10

Oct 102018

Prius

  • miles
I just want to know where to go to get checked for recalls I received

- Scottsdale, AZ, USA

problem #9

Jun 122018

Prius

  • 98,000 miles
I was driving on the freeway, about 65 mph, going to work on 06/12/18 at approximately 9:45 am Arizona time. All of a sudden I heard a loud bang (explosion) and looked around my car. I noticed in my rear view mirror black glass flying off the roof of my car. There were other cars around me but no trucks or semi's. I cautiously changed lanes until I could pull off the freeway. When I got out of my car I looked at the roof and found that the sunroof of my car was shattered and had dropped into the area below the roof. I could still hear glass cracking and see it falling into the well under the roof area. I had had the inside shield closed so there was no glass on me. I slowly drove to my local Toyota dealership to ask for help. They said that they had never seen this before and that I probably had something hit my roof. I told them that I didn't see anything flying at me and that there were no trucks/semi's around me. Then they told me they couldn't do anything but would help me call my insurance company to file a claim. I did (it took state farm over and hour to figure out where to connect me for a glass claim). I had to take it to a body shop and get an estimate, then get it approved, and get a rental car. Even at the body shop I could still hear the glass cracking. Everyone kept telling me that something must have me but I didn't feel anything when it happened, just the loud bang like an explosion.

- Phoenix, AZ, USA

problem #8

May 052018

Prius

  • 119,820 miles
Received a warning check hybrid system - it was code poa93. Ended getting the inverter pump and radiator replaced do to this code. Appears to be a known issue with Toyota with there Prius's. the car died rolling into a Toyota dealer.

- Phoenix, AZ, USA

Read the next 7 complaints »

Not what you are looking for?