CarRecallWatchThe 2012 Toyota Prius has 6 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 424 complaints with NHTSA, including 46 crashes, 2 fires, 33 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Service Brakes (184 reports).
2012 Toyota Prius recalls
Prius Hybrid System Can Shut Off While Driving, Raising Crash Risk
Excessive voltage in the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) inside the inverter can cause the hybrid propulsion system to shut down unexpectedly, which may stall the vehicle while it is being driven.
Side curtain airbag inflator may eject into cabin
A weld in the curtain shield airbag inflator can crack, which may cause one or both parts of the inflator to eject into the passenger cabin.
Aftermarket Seat Heaters May Short Circuit and Cause Fire
Certain vehicles were equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters that have a copper strand heating element.
Most common 2012 Toyota Prius problems
Problem areas named in the 424 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Service Brakes | 184 |
| Electrical System | 52 |
| Exterior Lighting | 36 |
| Engine | 31 |
| Unknown Or Other | 31 |
| Air Bags | 28 |
| Visibility/Wiper | 28 |
| Structure | 23 |
| Power Train | 21 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 13 |
What owners report
When I started my car this morning, the red BRAKE light, ABS warning light and anti-slip light were all illuminated. The car does still stop but the brakes are very spongy and there's a clicking noise under the hood. I only moved the car out of the driveway to allow other cars to leave. The brake fluid is not low. This is the problem listed under Toyota's Customer Support Program Notice ZJB but it is past the coverage expiration date. There should not be an expiration date on a known manufacturer issue. If this had happened while I was on the highway driving to work, I could have had a serious accident.
1. My Brake booster failed/malfunctioned. I had to get it repaired/replaced by Toyota so it might be with the dealership or thrown out by now. 2. I had to take it in because I had an incident where I was unable to apply the break on the car. I was lucky enough to be in a not busy street and was able to pull over safely. 3. Toyota diagnosed the issue and proceeded with the repair. They even have an extended warrantee but due to covid I was unable to get the repair in time for it to be covered by one year and had to pay. 4.Toyota did inspect and diagnose the problem. I have already paid for the repair with the dealership. 5.I had some breaking issues but I had brought it to an independent mech
The contact owned a 2012 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while making a left turn at 10 MPH, another vehicle crashed into the vehicle and t-boned the front passenger's side door of the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. There was no warning light illuminated. After the impact, the front windshield slowly cracked. A Police report was filed. The contact and her husband were transported by ambulance to the hospital. The contact suffered a fractured sternum, five fractured ribs, a crushed left wrist, and two fractured bones in the left ankle. The contact's husband had a fractured neck and five fractured ribs. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and was declared a total loss by the insur
Brake lights icons stay on mechanic at Toyota dealership state need new brak master cylinder and booster
Brake warning lights on, buzzing sound every 10 seconds. Likely a known actuator and master cylinder issue
2012 Toyota Prius questions
Does the 2012 Toyota Prius have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls for the 2012 Toyota Prius: Prius Hybrid System Can Shut Off While Driving, Raising Crash Risk; Side curtain airbag inflator may eject into cabin; Aftermarket Seat Heaters May Short Circuit and Cause Fire; Electrical System:Software; Hybrid Propulsion System: Inverter; Equipment:Other:Labels. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Toyota Prius?
Based on 424 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Service Brakes (184), Electrical System (52), Exterior Lighting (36).
How do I check if a recall on my 2012 Toyota Prius has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.