2012 Toyota Prius

These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.

• 12/31/2014· SEATS

  I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE WITH MY FACTORY INSTALLED SEAT WARMER ON THE DRIVER'S SEAT ON. I GOT OUT AT A GAS STATION TO GO TO THE BATHROOM. WHEN I SAT DOWN ON THE TOILET I FELT AN EXCRUCIATING PAIN ON MY LEFT UPPER BACK SIDE OF THE THIGH. THE CAR SEAT GAVE ME SECOND DEGREE BURNS ON THE BACK OF MY UPPER LEFT THIGH. I WENT TO THE ER THE NEXT MORNING WHEN MORE BLISTERS APPEARED SO THAT THE OPEN AND CLOSED BLISTERS COULD BE CLEANED AND DRESSED. I WAS GIVEN A TETANUS SHOT AS WELL. I CONTACTED TOYOTA THE DAY AFTER THE INCIDENT AFTER BEING SEEN BY THE ER. I SPOKE WITH A CLAIMS ADVISER ON DEC. 1, 2014 WHO ASKED ME TO EMAIL PICTURES OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT AND PICTURES OF MY BURNS. I WAS THEN CONTACTED DEC. 9, 2014 BY TOYOTA TO BE TOLD A TOYOTA INSPECTOR WOULD INSPECT THE VEHICLE ON DEC. 18, 2014. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND I HAVE NOT BEEN GIVEN ANY INFORMATION TO DATE (12/31/14) NOR HAS MY VEHICLE BEEN FIXED. I AM AWAITING TOYOTA TO CONTACT ME ON THE OUTCOME OF THE INSPECTION. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME I COLD NOT HAVE THE SEAT WARMER FIXED UNTIL TOYOTA WENT THROUGH THEIR PROCESS OF DOCUMENTING THE INCIDENT DUE TO ME BEING INJURED. *JS

• 12/31/2012· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, ALL LIGHTS, ESPECIALLY RED IN COLOR, WHICH ARE VIEWED FROM FRONT WINDSHIELD, APPEAR AS THREE DISTINCT IMAGES. THE SOURCE LIGHT, THEN A DISTINCT SHADOWED LIGHT ABOVE AND BELOW THE SOURCE. THIS SAFETY ISSUE IS EXTREMELY COMPOUNDED WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT IN HIGH TRAFFIC SITUATIONS WHERE THERE ARE HUNDRENDS OF TAILIGHTS IN FRONT OF ME. ALL THOSE LIGHTS ARE ESSENTIALLY TRIPPLED CAUSING CONFUSION AND DISTRACTION. TOYOTA REFUSES TO AKNOWLEGE THE ISSUE. THROUGH RESEARCH, I HAVE FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH MANY FRUSTRATED OWNERS JUST LIVING WITH IT BECAUSE TOYOTA WONT FIX IT. IT IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE. PLEASE HELP MAKE TOYOTA RECTIFY THIS HUGE SAFETY ISSUE BEFORE IT CAUSES PREVENTABLE ACCIDENTS!! *TR

• 12/31/2011· SEATS

  THE DRIVERS SEAT DOES NOT RAISE FAR ENOUGH TO ALLOW SHORTER DRIVERS TO SEE OVER THE DASH BOARD , BASE OF WINDSHIELD AND REAR OF HOOD. THIS PREVENTS SHORTER DRIVERS FROM BEING ABLE TO SEE THE THE GROUND ANYWHERE NEAR THE CAR. GIVING THE DRIVERS A 2 DIMENSIONAL VIEW OF THE TRAFFIC AND OBJECTS BETWEEN 3 AND 5 FEET HIGH. ANYTHING BELOW 3 FOOT TALL IS NOT VISIBLE FOR 30 TO 50 FEET IN FRONT OF THE CAR. THE RAISED BELT LINE IS ALSO CAUSING THIS PROBLEM OF 2 DIMENSIONAL VIEWS VERSES 3 DIMENSIONAL VIEWS. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE.. IT COULD BE FIXED WITH INCREASED TRAVEL HEIGHT FOR THE DRIVERS SEAT. AS I HAVE HAD TO OFFER SEVERAL FRIEND CHAIR CUSHIONS TO PROP THEM UP SO THEY COULD SEE.. WHEN I LOOKED IN THE CAR. I DON'T THINK DO TO THE WINDSHIELD ANGLE.. THAT I BEING ALMOST 6 FOOT TALL COULD SEE THE GROUND ANYWHERE NEAR THE FRONT OF THE CAR EITHER. I DON'T FIT IN THESE CARS. *KB

• 12/30/2022· SERVICE BRAKES

  The Brake Booster or Actuator is failing, without any indication or warning lights on the dash alarming us to the problem. The car has been making weird sounds, but after being inspected, this, according to the Authorized Toyota Dealer, on December 22, 2022, is a life-threatening and very dangerous malfunction to myself and others around me when driving. This is the first hybrid car we have owned, and we thought the noises we had been hearing for a couple years was normal, because there were no warning lights coming on to tell us otherwise. The dealer did not want us to drive the car any further due to the danger of the problem. We asked the dealer to repair the problem without charge, but that request was denied by the Toyota Brand Engagement Center (Case 221222000587). The dealer is currently repairing the malfunction at a cost of approximately $2650 plus tax). We are highly disappointed with Toyota not repairing this known problem under a dealer recall.

• 12/30/2021· EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  On 12/25/2021, I was driving in the country side under darkness and under heavy rain and I had a hard time seeing the road. There were no road lights so I could not make out where the divider, curve of the road or side of the road was. It was quite a safety hazards because cars were coming from the front, or a few inches off the road would be dirt field. I discovered that the headlamps of my 2012 Prius are full of water bubbles and the water bubbles are blocking and distorting the headlights. I have pictures and videos of the headlights. It is six days already and the water bubbles are still there, and it is not safe to drive out to the field at night or where there is no road lights, with such minimal and distorted lights. I found on the web that a few people experienced water bubbles in their headlamps over the years, but don't know if they reported to NHTSA. My car has no accident and no modification on the front of the car. Toyota representative and dealers said my car is out of warranty. There were no indications or symptoms of water bubbles in advance, until rain leaks into the headlamps. I did not notice if this happened in previous raining seasons, as I didn't drive out much at night.

• 12/30/2019· ENGINE

  IT STARTED WITH SHAKING ON STARTUP, IDLE AND LOW SPEEDS. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. DIAGNOSED WITH MULTIPLE CYLINDER MISFIRE. IGNITION COILS REPLACED, BUT DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. SUBSEQUENT ANALYSIS INDICATED COOLANT IN THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER DUE TO A FAILED HEAD GASKET.

• 12/29/2015· EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  I HAVE TO REPLACE BOTH LOW BEAM HEAD LAMPS APPROXIMATELY EVERY THREE WEEKS. I HAVE BOUGHT AND REPLACED 5 SETS SINCE OWNING THE CAR IN JUNE 2015. I CURRENTLY HAVE 40,000 MILES ON THE CAR.

• 12/28/2018· ENGINE

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE VIBRATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TOYOTA VALLEJO (201 AUTO MALL PKWY, VALLEJO, CA 94591, (707) 552-4545) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HEAD GASKET WAS BLOWN OUT AND THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 165,000.

• 12/27/2022· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

  The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the brake master cylinder and brake booster needed to be replaced; however, the dealer informed the contact that the repair was not covered under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving and the vehicle hesitated while the brake pedal was depressed. The contact slammed on the brake pedal and the vehicle came to a complete stop. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 185,519.

• 12/27/2017· SERVICE BRAKES

  LOST FRONT BRAKES COMPLETELY DRIVING DOWN ROAD. I WAS ABLE TO SLOW CAR WITH MANUAL BRAKE ON SHIFTER IN CONJUNCTION WITH REAR BRAKES. A SERIOUS ISSUE.

• 12/27/2012· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  CIGARETTE/POWER OUTLET FUSE ALWAYS BLOWS VERY FREQUENTLY - EVEN WITH A GPS USE OF CELLPHONE CHARGER ONLY. HAVE BEEN TO TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND HAVE NOT ADDRESSED THE ISSUE AFTER SEVERAL COMPLAINTS. REPLACING FUSES DOES NOT ADDRESS THE ISSUE. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE FOR PEOPLE DEPENDENT ON GPS AND COMMUNICATION SPECIALLY FOR LONG TRAVELS. *TR ## VIN FAILED ##

• 12/26/2025· SERVICE BRAKES

  My 2012 Toyota Prius plug in hybrid had just passed state inspections and was even looked at by a dealership a year ago with no reported issues. I brought up a whirring issue at the dealership when breaking but the dealership said that’s normal for a hybrid. In a matter of minutes while driving, the traction light, brake light, and ABS light came on as well as a groaning, whirring sound when breaking. Over time, the breaks failed and I could not stop the car, almost causing a wreck because I could not stop without putting all my body weight on the break pedal. When taking it to the Toyota dealership for a whole diagnostic, they said it was a break actuator and break booster failure that is known to happen with Prius’s. They quoted me $3000 for a repair and then marked my breaks as yellow not red on their sheet implying I could still drive it despite the dangerous situation of driving without functioning breaks. When looking into it, this seems to be a known and common problem with Prius’s due to a faulty manufactured part. Codes were c1391, wc1256, and c1252. I believe this part should be recalled and Toyota should fix these faulty parts, especially considering they inspected my car and did not mention it as an issue despite it being a known issue. I got a second opinion from Mavis Tires and they concurred with the diagnosis but could not fix it.

• 12/26/2019· POWER TRAIN

  VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION TRAVELING ABOUT 50 MPH WHEN AN EFFORT WAS MADE TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE ON A 2 LANE ROAD, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER WHILE WE WERE PASSING, WE BARELY GOT BACK INTO OUR LANE AND JUST BARELY AVOIDED A HEAD ON COLLISION. THEN THE VEHICLE SLOWED TO ABOUT 15 MPH AND LIMPED TO A STOP A MILE LATER. WE COULD HAVE DIED.

• 12/25/2025· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  While driving, the vehicle experienced a sudden brake system malfunction without prior warning or gradual degradation. The vehicle was being operated under normal driving, road, and weather conditions. No recent brake service, repairs, or aftermarket modifications had been performed prior to the failure. Multiple warning lights illuminated on the dashboard, including the ABS warning light, brake warning light, and traction control warning light. Shortly after the warning lights appeared, the vehicle began emitting continuous warning beeps. Audible buzzing or pumping noises were also present from the brake system during the malfunction. During this event, brake performance was reduced and braking felt inconsistent. The brake pedal became hard at times and spongy at other times, requiring increased effort to slow the vehicle and resulting in unpredictable braking response. This created a safety concern while the vehicle was in motion. The driver was forced to alter driving behavior and exercise extreme caution due to reduced braking confidence and unpredictable pedal feel. The malfunction has occurred intermittently during normal driving. The condition temporarily resolves on its own and later reoccurs without corrective action. The suspected failed component is the brake actuator / ABS actuator assembly. A diagnostic scan retrieved fault codes C1252 (Brake Booster Pump Motor ON Time Abnormally Long), C1253 (Pump Motor Relay Malfunction), and C1256 (Accumulator Low Pressure), which are consistent with brake actuator malfunction. The failure occurred at approximately 154,000 miles. This vehicle model and generation have a documented history of premature brake actuator failures with similar safety-related symptoms reported by other owners. The condition places the driver and others at risk due to unpredictable braking behavior, reduced braking effectiveness, and repeated warning alarms while driving. Warning lamps and audible alerts continue intermittently.

• 12/23/2019· STEERING

  INNER LEFT TIE ROD LOOSE, REVEALED WHEN ANNUAL INSPECTION CONDUCTED. TOYOTA HAS NO PART NUMBER FOR THE INNER TIE ROD (EST PRICE $30.00) SO MUST PURCHASE ENTIRE STEERING ASSEMBLY (PART COST = $1,000; LABOR ABOUT THE SAME).

• 12/23/2013· VISIBILITY/WIPER

  I BOUGHT A 2012 TOYOTA PRIUS PLUG-IN. THE WINDSHIELD CREATES A GHOSTING EFFECT ON LIGHTS, ESPECIALLY AT NIGHT. LIGHTS FROM OTHER CARS AND STREETLIGHTS ARE GLARING THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD WITH A GHOSTED IMAGE ABOVE AND BELOW SO I SEE THREE LIGHTS. THE EFFECT IS SO PRONOUNCED THAT IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO READ LIT HIGHWAY SAFETY SIGNS AT NIGHT BECAUSE THE GHOSTING OBSCURES THE LETTERS COMPLETELY. THE LIGHTS LOOK FINE THROUGH THE SIDE GLASS, SO IT IS CLEARLY AN ISSUE JUST WITH THE WINDSHIELD. I CONTACTED THE DEALER AND THEY DISMISSED MY COMPLAINT. HOWEVER I SEE THAT MANY PEOPLE HAVE MENTIONED THE EXACT SAME THING ONLINE AND OUR LOCAL NEWS CHANNEL IN THE SAN FRANCISCO AREA KABC CHANNEL 7 HAS BEGIN A "7 ON YOUR SIDE" INVESTIGATION. PLEASE URGE TOYOTA TO RECALL THESE DANGEROUS WINDSHIELDS. *TR

• 12/22/2019· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  MY 2012 PRIUS C WITH 90,000 MILES BEGAN TO LOSE POWER/SPEED DRIVING WHEN CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM WARNING SUDDENLY CAME ON TONIGHT. IT WAS UNRESPONSIVE TO THE GAS PEDDLE, EVEN AT FULL THROTTLE. DID NOT ALLOW ENOUGH TIME TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF A BUSY ROAD BEFORE IT LOST ALL ABILITY TO DRIVE, LEAVING ME STALLED NEAR INTERSECTION. A STRANGER HELPED PUSH MY CAR OFF THE MAIN ROAD UNTIL AAA SENT A TOW TRUCK. HAD THIS OCCURRED ONE MILE LATER, I WOULD'VE STALLED ON THE 25 SOUTHBOUND FREEWAY GOING FROM LONE TREE TO DENVER AT A VERY BUSY TIME IN THE EVENING WITHOUT WARNING (SCARY THOUGHT). UPON ARRIVING HOME WITH THE TOWED VEHICLE, I ATTEMPTED TO START THE ENGINE AGAIN, BUT IT WOULD NOT START. TURNED OFF THE IGNITION, REMOVED KEYS, BUT A LOW SOUND I'VE NEVER CONTINUED FOR SEVERAL MINUTES. AFTER THAT, THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY DEAD. DASHBOARD WON'T LIGHT UP, NO WORKING HORN, POWER LOCKS, WINDOWS, ALARM. I NOW HAVE NO FUNCTIONING VEHICLE AND HAVE NO IDEA WHAT CAUSED MY CAR TO LOSE POWER WHILE DRIVING.

• 12/22/2019· ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES

  THE PROBLEM STARTED WITH A CHIRPING NOISE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED. TODAY THE CAR APPEARS TO LOSE REGENERATIVE BRAKING CHARGING. THE VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL AND ABS LIGHT AND BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON. THE BRAKE APPEARED TO BE MUSHIED.

• 12/21/2024· SERVICE BRAKES

  2012 Toyota Prius 5 with 105k miles. ABS, Brake, and Traction Control lights all illuminated while driving to work. Drove to the dealership and had their service department run a diagnosis for 200$. Their scanner reported CODE C1391, and that a new BRAKE PUMP and MASTER CYLINDER ASSEMBLY would need to be replaced for a total cost of $4,000. Toyota has a Customer Support Program Bulletin indicating that certain 2010-2015 Toyota Prius will experience internal malfunctions and require repair for BRAKE BOOSTER AND BRAKE BOOSTER PUMP ASSEMBLIES. Since this is a safety issue, Toyota should extend the program indefinite and repair their faulty systems.

• 12/21/2019· SERVICE BRAKES

  I REPLACED MY BRAKE BOOSTER THREE TIMES IN TWO MONTHS.STILL I HAVE BIG ISSUES WITH TOYATA COMPANY.

• 12/21/2018· STEERING

  STEERING COLUMN BROKE. DRIVING OUT OF A PARKING LOT. HEARD AND FELT A LOUD CLUNK. THUMPING FEELING WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL. WAS TOLD BY DEALER THAT THE STEERING COLUMN FAILED. ONLY 130,000 MILES. SHOULD NEVER HAPPEN ON ANY CAR.

• 12/21/2013· POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKESCrash

  THE CAR WAS PARKED ON A STEEP INCLINE WHILE I CLOSED A GATE BEHIND ME TO A GATED DRIVEWAY. WHEN I GOT BACK IN THE CAR AND PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE, I TOOK MY FOOT OFF OF THE BRAKE AND BEFORE I COULD GET IT TO THE GAS PEDAL THE CAR IMMEDIATELY ROLLED BACK AND INTO THE GATE. THE CAR RELEASED AS IF IT WAS A STANDARD SHIFT CAR THAT NEEDED A CLUTCH AND SLAMMED INTO THE GATE. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO OTHER SAFE SPOTS THAT ARE ON HILLS AND FOUND THAT THIS CAR CAN NOT HOLD A STOPPED POSITION ON AN INCLINE. *TR

• 12/21/2013· POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

  AT LEAST 2 OR 3 TIMES A WEEK, WHEN SHIFTING THE CAR INTO DRIVE WHEN THE CAR IS STOPPED, THE CAR GOES INTO REVERSE INSTEAD. THE FIRST FEW TIMES I THOUGHT I HAD MADE A RUSHED ERROR, SO I STARTED WATCHING QUITE CAREFULLY. YOU CAN EVEN BE BACKING UP AND THEN BRAKE AND SHIFT THE CAR SPECIFICALLY INTO DRIVE AND IT STAYS IN REVERSE. IT MIGHT TAKE 3 OR 4 ATTEMPTS TO GET IT INTO DRIVE. I HAVE REALIZED THIS MUST BE WHY THEY INSTALLED THE BEEPING IN THE SYSTEM TO ALERT YOU THAT THE CAR IS IN REVERSE, IT MUST BE A MORE PERVASIVE PROBLEM THAN SIMPLY IN MY CAR. I ALWAYS VISUALLY CONFIRM MY MOTIONS NOW, AND 2 OR 3 TIMES A WEEK I WILL ENTER THE CAR AND PUT IT IN DRIVE AND IT GOES INTO REVERSE INSTEAD. THIS IS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. *TR

• 12/20/2024· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES

  Wednesday morning I went to start my car to go to work. I noticed the brake would not go down. It was difficult to press. I was unable to go to work safely. I brought my car to a mechanic where I was informed it was a faulty brake booster. When I researched online, I saw many many other Toyota owners went through the exact same issue. There is no recall but it’s a huge issue and a a safety problem.

• 12/20/2022· SERVICE BRAKES

  The brakes on my 2012 Toyota Prius failed suddenly with little warning after starting the car, and when I began driving off in a busy Walmart parking. I was startled when I felt that the brakes did not seem to work, nearly causing me to collide with the car in front of me. I had to quickly depress the brake pedal to bring the car to a stop. The normal braking power was greatly reduced when I depressed the brake pedal, and I had to use more force to bring the vehicle to a stop. Only when I looked down did I see that some of the dashboard lights relating to the brake system stayed lit and not turn off like they normally do. These lights appear to be brake warning, ABS warning, and anti-skidding lights. The brake problem has been inspected and confirmed by both an independent service center as well as the Toyota dealer. The failed brake component was diagnosed as an abnormal leak in the accumulator, and the brake booster with master cylinder assembly requiring replacement, with the code #c1391. After having done some research, it appears that this exact brake problem seems to be afflicting many such generation Toyota Prius vehicles, and the manufacturer Toyota was aware of this problem existing in such vehicles.

• 12/20/2018· EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  THE LOW BEAM HEAD LIGHTS BOTH FAIL WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT NIGHT. THE ROAD WENT TO TOTAL DARKNESS. I FEEL LUCKY THE HIGH BEAMS WERE STILL WORKING. I HAVE TAKEN THE PRIUS C TO THE SHOP AND HAVE BEEN TOLD THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY ON DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS HAVE MELTED. THE WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED.

• 12/20/2018· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

  IN EARLY OCTOBER I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FROM TOYOTA FOR A "FAILSAFE DRIVING MODE" HYBRID SYSTEM FAULT THAT COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO "STALL" INCREASING THE POSSIBILITY OF VEHICLE CRASH DURING CRITICAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. IT STATED I WOULD BE NOTIFIED WHEN THE FIX WAS AVAILABLE. 2 1/2 MONTHS LATER, I'VE YET TO HEAR FROM TOYOTA AND MY DEALERSHIP STATES THEY HAVE NOT RECEIVED REMEDY PARTS OR PROCEDURES FROM TOYOTA. ALL THEY COULD DO WAS GIVE ME A PHONE NUMBER AT TOYOTA CORPORATE. I CALLED THE NUMBER AND THE PERSON HAD NO FURTHER INFORMATION ON WHEN A FIX FOR THE PROBLEM WOULD BE AVAILABLE. SHE STATED THE ORIGINAL NOTICE STATED A TIME FRAME OF 2-3 MONTHS; IN FACT, IT DOES NOT CONTAIN ANY TIME PERIOD INDICATION. IT IS INAPPROPRIATE FOR FIX FOR SOMETHING OF THIS POTENTIAL MAGNITUDE TO TAKE SO LONG. I'M CONCERNED THAT TOYOTA, AS THEY HAVE DONE WITH OTHER RECALL ISSUES, IS MERELY DELAYING TO AVOID COSTS OF IMPLEMENTING THE FIX AND ENDANGERING ALL OWNERS FURTHER THAN THEY ALREADY HAVE. THE LADY STATED I COULD CONTACT THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT PROVIDING A RENTAL VEHICLE DURING THE PERIOD, SOMETHING THE DEALERSHIP HAS DENIED THEY WILL DO. I BOUGHT MY VEHICLE TRUSTING TOYOTA WOULD STAND BEHIND THE VEHICLE AND THEY ARE FAILING TO DO SO.

• 12/20/2012· AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTSCrash

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELTS DID RESTRAIN HER. THE CONTACT WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL VIA AMBULANCE FOR TREATMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED FOR THE CAUSE OF THE AIR BAG FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 1,200.

• 12/19/2022· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

  The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Prius V. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed with excessive force; however, the brakes failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that five unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact then stated that the failure was reoccurring while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where an outside technician diagnosed the failure as five unknown fault codes related to the brakes. The contact stated that the brake booster and actuator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 211,000.

• 12/19/2019· POWER TRAIN

  TRANSAXLE IS FAILING AFTER 100K MILES OF NORMAL DRIVING AND MAINTENANCE. SPOKE WITH BOTH A TOYOTA DEALER AND TRANSMISSION SHOP WHO SAID THE CVT FAILURE ON THIS MODEL YEAR AND THE FOLLOWING SEVERAL IS AN EXTREMELY COMMON OCCURRENCE. THIS IS A $5000+ REPAIR FAIRLY EARLY IN THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE. THE TRANSMISSION SHOP SAID THIS WAS DUE TO POOR INITIAL DESIGN.

• 12/19/2012· AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTSCrash

  2012 TOYOTA PRIUS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO MALFUNCTION OF VEHICLE SEAT BELT AND AIRBAGS. *SMD THE CONSUMER'S WIFE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT ON SEPTEMBER 8, 2012. THE VEHICLE RECEIVED SEVERE FRONT-END DAMAGE TO THE EXTENT OF ALMOST $12,000. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STUCK BY AN ON-COMING VEHICLE, HER SEAT BELT DID NOT PREVENT HER FROM HITTING HER CHEST ON THE STEERING WHEEL NOR DID THE AIR BAG DEPLOY IN TIME. SHE RECEIVED SEVERE BRUISING, SEVERE PAIN AND DISCOMFORT, AND STRESS. ALSO, THE LOWER DASH KNEE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY IN TIME TO PREVENT SEVERE BRUISING TO HIS WIFE'S KNEES. TOYOTA SENT THE CONSUMER A LETTER STATING THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF ANY MANUFACTURING DEFECT WITH THE AIR BAGS OR SEAT BELT. *JB

• 12/18/2021· SERVICE BRAKES

  Vehicle has issue with brake booster and accumulator, making it dangerous to drive on the road as brakes would intermittently go out not allowing me to stop. Toyota Corporate had agreed to fix the vehicle originally based on good faith and acknowledgement of the defect under their "Customer Support Program" yet coerced me to go to the local dealership to get the repair, and now disclaims responsibility to cover the repair/parts costs. Toyota Corporate did call the dealer to authorize the repair on 12/14, but since then, have not paid for any of the repairs so my vehicle is being held hostage at the dealership.

• 12/14/2022· SERVICE BRAKES

  The car has been diagnosed by a Toyota dealership as having an internal leak in the Brake Booster and Accumulator, both are part of the brake system. Repair estimate of $3800 00 dlls. Currently i have 3 check lights on, Brake, ABS and Traction control. All controlled by the same module

• 12/14/2020· ENGINE

  WHEN IDLING THERE IS A LOUD RATTLE AND MULTIPLE RANDOM MISFIRES IN THE ENGINE. APPEARS TO BE A HEAD GASKET LEAK PROBLEM FROM READING FORUMS. I HAVE BEEN TO MULTIPLE REPAIR SHOPS THEY CANNOT DETERMINE THE PROBLEM.

• 12/14/2018· EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  IN THE PAST YEAR WE HAVE REPLACED MULTIPLE LOW BEAM HALOGEN HEADLIGHTS. ONE WEEK AGO, BOTH BURNED OUT CAUSING A NIGHTTIME SAFETY ISSUE. I RESEARCHED THE LIGHTING ISSUE AND LEARNED THERE IS TSB T-SB-0204-12 FOR HEADLAMP DURABILITY ENHANCEMENT AND A CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM "ZHB" FOR THIS IDENTICAL PROBLEM. IN THE ZHB PROGRAM, TOYOTA WILL MAKE THE NECESSARY REPAIRS FREE FOR ONLY 2010-2011 PRIUS'. SINCE THE ZHB PROGRAM ONLY SUPPORTS 2010-2011 PRIUS' I CALLED TOYOTA TO REQUEST THIS REPAIR UNDER THAT PROGRAM. AFTER SPEAKING TO A LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER (DARCARS IN FREDERICK MD.) AND THE TOYOTA HQ'S SATISFACTION REP, OUR 2012 IS NOT SUPPORTED BY THE ZHB PROGRAM EVEN THOUGH ITS THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. LINK 1: HTTPS://ATTACHMENTS.PRIUSCHAT.COM/ATTACHMENT-FILES/2015/10/96257_T-SB-0204-12.PDF LINK 2: HTTPS://WWW.TOYOHEADQUARTERS.COM/THREADS/2010-2012-TOYOTA-PRIUS-HEADLIGHT-DURABILITY-ENHANCEMENT.1074/ THE PROBLEM IS THE HYBRID BATTERY IS CAUSING THE BULBS TO BURN OUR PREMATURELY. A WIRING HARNESS REPLACEMENT FOR BOTH SIDES IS THE REQUIRED CORRECTIVE ACTION.

• 12/14/2017· SERVICE BRAKES

  WHEN BRAKING DURING NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS, A MIXTURE OF CITY AND HIGHWAY, THE CAR MAKES A SOUND LIKE THE ABS IS KICKING IN. WHEN COMING TO A STOP, THE NOISE PERSISTS UNTIL RELEASING THE BRAKE PEDAL. SHORTLY AFTER THIS STARTED, THE ABS, TRACTION CONTROL, AND BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP WHERE I WAS TOLD IT WAS THE BRAKE ACTUATOR NEEDED REPLACE AT THE COST OF $3600. MY 2012 PRIUS ONLY HAS 76K MILES ON IT.

• 12/14/2015· AIR BAGSCrash

  WIFE IN ACCIDENT WITH SIDE IMPACT AND FRONT IMPACT APPROXIMATELY 35-40 MPH RAN OFF OF A ROAD WITH NO SHOULDER SIDE IMPACT WITH OAK TREE THEN FRONT IMPACT WITH ANOTHER OAK TREE. NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. VEHICLE TOTALED. EMT AND CHP COMMENTED THAT UNUSUAL THAT AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I WAS AMAZED AS WELL!....UPDATED 12/30/15 *BF; UPDATED 05/11/18*JB *TR

• 12/13/2023· SERVICE BRAKES

  Brake failure

• 12/12/2025· SUSPENSION

  The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while reversing, the driver's side rear wheel flipped over. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a corroded I-Beam assembly on the rear wheel. The contact was informed that the driver's side rear hub and the BRG assembly, rear suspension, and bolts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 196,347.

• 12/12/2024· SERVICE BRAKES

  ABS Pump and Actuator failed at 100,000 miles. Traction control, ebrake, ABS light came on while driving. Many other stories of Toyota vehicles with the same failure.

• 12/12/2018· HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V684000 (HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM). THE DEALER (SOUTH BAY TOYOTA, 18416 S WESTERN AVE, GARDENA, CA 90248, 310-323-7800) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ONLY ACCELERATED TO 9 MPH WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

• 12/12/2015· VISIBILITY/WIPER

  WIND SHIELD WIPER SWITCH QUIT WORKING AT 62,500 MILE.THE WIND SHIELD WIPER MOTOR IS NOW MAKING GRINDING NOISES AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED(74,000 MILES). BOTH PARTS BROKE WHEN WE WERE TRAVELING OUT OF STATE,DURING RAIN STORMS.

• 12/11/2024· SERVICE BRAKES

  I was driving down the interstate with my cruise control on when all of a sudden the cruise control disabled and warning lights came up on my dash board. It still drove fine for several weeks. On Friday December 6th, I was going down the road and had to press the brake slightly for a car turning. When I pressed the brake, the car went into a spin. It spun a couple of rotations. Luckily I was on a wide part of the highway and no oncoming cars were approaching. Toyota had a recall for the same code and parts for the 2010 Prius but did not include the 2012 Prius. They just had an alert which I did not receive because the notice went to the former owner. However, I did take my car in for oil change and diagnostic but they did not tell me that there had been a problem with these parts. They want almost $4,000 to repair it. Why would they not include ALL vehicles with this same part. If it fail on one, it will fail on another. I think Toyota should make them all good. Please make them issue a recall for all of these parts. I took my car to a mechanic but because of special tools needed, you have to take your car to the dealership for repairs. When I called the dealership, I was told I needed a break booster pump and a brake master cylinder for a total of $3, which is ridiculous on a $7,000 car.

• 12/11/2022· EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  Purchased 2012 Prius used. Replaced low beams and high beam headlights shortly after. Passenger side low beam is no longer working (bulb was replaced 3 months ago). Upon googling causes saw 2010-2011 Prius had a recall for recurrent headlight issues, the wiring harness was replaced in them. It seem the 2012 is having the same issue in the 8 pages of complaints on exterior lightning that I saw. Toyota should extend the fix to include 2012 Prius.

• 12/11/2021· SERVICE BRAKES

  I have a ABS alarm on my car. Toyota ABS C1391 (1/1) Current Abnormal Leak of ACC Press I tried to Talk to the Toyota I left a message with the service writer At Avondale Toyota In Arizona and left a message about my car problem They never returned a call to me! I have bought 4 new cars from Avondale Toyota. You would think they should return my call to talk about my cars brake problems I haven't received any return calls

• 12/10/2018· POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE

  WHEN I BRAKE THE CAR SHAKES A NOTICEABLE TYPE OF SHAKE AND STARTS TO MAKE A WEIRD STALLING NOISE.

• 12/09/2021· SERVICE BRAKES

  Toyota did not inform us about a half recall on our family's Prius car. My wife driving yesterday with kids Christmas shopping and the brake pedal stopped working. She was able to thankfully to have space to let car slow down and pull off to side of road. People with a Toyota Prius need to know the brake pedal could stop working at any moment. The Toyota dealership says the repair is $2900 and they will not cover it. They advised I call Toyota so I did and spoke to 3 people advised and they said they would not. The half recall states online, which I dug and found after the dealership advisor told me about it, states that cars up until 8/31/2021 with unlimited milage are covered. After, then its 10 years from purchase and drops from unlimited milage to 150K. We are a few months from Sept and they would not make an exception and do the right thing. The cars is past the 150K milage BARELY, but still under 10 years. If the breaks had gone out in August 31st and a major accident happened would Toyota been liable? HAs this happened and people don't know? It's not right, not ethical, we were not informed of this at any point or even the last time I took the car into the dealership. The idea that others could have this happen to them or even get hurt out there is insane to imagine as a possibility actually a reality as it happened to us. Toyota headquarters brand representative (Monica supervisor) on phone told me that if my wife had the break pedal and system go out in August and died Toyota would have covered it. I almost dropped the phone. Others need to know about this. Do you know anyone with a Toyota Prius? or a Toyota? Please tell them the brake pedal could stop working at any moment and cause an accident. Please help us and together help others know about this. Toyota should have done the right thing, but they didn't. Toyota needs to alert others of this before someone gets hurt. The National Safety board needs to force to a full recall to REPLACE THEM

• 12/09/2019· UNKNOWN OR OTHERCrash

  OWNER/DRIVER FOUND BLACKED OUT BEHIND WHEEL IN 55 MPH HIGHWAY IN OPPOSING TRAFFIC DITCH. DRIVER AMBULANCED TO HOSPITAL ER. DMV REQUIRES MEDICAL EVALUATION FOR CONTINUED DRIVING PRIVILEGES. DRIVER SUSPECTED CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING. SUBSEQUENTLY, DRIVER PLACES RESIDENTIAL CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR INSIDE PRIUS WHICH ALARMED WHILE PARKED AND TURNED OFF AT RESIDENCE DRIVEWAY. TOYOTA CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE CENTER ISSUED CASE # [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

• 12/09/2014· POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES

  I OWNED THIS VEHICLE SINCE BRAND NEW. IT HAD HAPPENED MORE THAN A DOZEN TIMES. WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS OR UNEVEN SURFACES, WITH THE SAME PRESSURE APPLIED TO THE BREAK, THE 2012 PRIVUS FAILED TO STOP AND LURCHED SEVERAL FEET BEFORE STOPPING. WE HAD AN INCIDENT THAT WE ALMOST RAN INTO PEDESTRIAN YESTERDAY WHEN THIS ISSUE OCCURS. THIS IS VERY CONCERNED TO MY FAMILY. WE BOUGHT THIS VEHICAL BACK TO THE DEALER SHIP WHERE WE PURCHSED IT.(EXPRESSWAY DORCHESTER TOYOTA IN MASSCHUSETTES) THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT FIX IT BECAUSE THEY COULD NOT REPRODUCED AT THE DEALSHIP. THE SERVICE OF MANAGER CLAIMED THIS IS WORKING AS DESIGNED FROM THE (TRACKING CONTROL). I FEEL THIS IS A FALSE STATEMENT, THIS DOES NOT HAPPENED TO MY OTHER CARS THAT HAS TRACTION CONTROL. TOYOTA SHOULD REALLY STARTING FIXING IT BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED! *TR

• 12/08/2013· VISIBILITY/WIPER

  PRIUS IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE AT NIGHT. THE WINDSHIELD DISTORTS LIGHT SOURCES AND CAUSES A GHOSTING/MULTIPLYING EFFECT. TRAFFIC SIGNALS IMAGES ARE DOUBLED, TRIPLED OR MORE - NOT SAFE AS IT IS DISTRACTING AND CONFUSING. THIS ISSUE IS VERY PROMINENT AT NIGHT. IT IS NOT JUST TRAFFIC SIGNALS BUT OTHER LIGHT SOURCES AS WELL. IN DECEMBER 2012, I CONTACTED TOYOTA AND WAS REFERRED TO DEALER. SERVICE MANAGER CONFIRMED ISSUE AND SAID THAT HE IS WAITING ON TOYOTA ON HOW TO FIX - NO RESOLUTION AFTER ONE YEAR OF WAITING. *TR