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2012 Toyota Prius V Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 20261 Critical Recalls
Ryan Davis
2012 Toyota Prius V Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary

The 2012 Toyota Prius V has 284 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve service brakes and engine.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

7.8/ 10

Based on 284 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

SERVICE BRAKES

120 42.3%

ENGINE

35 12.3%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

22 7.7%

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

15 5.3%

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

15 5.3%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is SERVICE BRAKES, accounting for 42.3% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 33 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2012 Toyota Prius V

The 2012 Toyota Prius V has 284 owner complaints in this dataset. SERVICE BRAKES is the most common complaint category, representing about 42% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2012 Toyota Prius V are SERVICE BRAKES (120), ENGINE (35), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (22).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 212 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2012 Toyota Prius V?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2013 Prius V complaints2014 Prius V complaints2015 Prius V complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 33 of 33 systems

SERVICE BRAKES

95 Reports38% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

PURCHASED PRIUS V IN MARCH 2012, JUNE 2012 TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE AND TO HAVE DEALER LOOK INTO NOISE COMING FROM REAR BRAKES. DEALER STATED THEY COULD NOT HEAR THE NOISE AND SAW NOTHING UPON INSPECTION. NOISE BECAME MORE FREQUENT AND LOUDER, TOOK VEHICLE BACK TO DEALER AND THEY COULD HEAR THE NOISE. UPON INSPECTING THE REAR BRAKES THEY FOUND REAR ROTORS HAD ABNORMAL MARKINGS IN THEM FROM IMPROPER MACHINING. BRAKE PAD FRICTION MATERIAL GLAZED. ROTORS AND PADS REPLACED. AFTER A WEEK THE NOISE RETURNED. TOOK VEHICLE BACK TO DEALER AND WAS TOLD THIS WAS A PROBLEM WHICH TOYOTA HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING FOR MONTHS BUT HAS FOUND NO SOLUTION TOO. WAS TOLD I WOULD BE INFORMED WHEN A SOLUTION WAS FOUND AND I COULD BRING THE VEHICLE BACK THEN. I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN WHICH NEEDS TO BE LOOKED INTO. *TR

2/8/2013

LOUD SCRAPING NOISE COMING FROM REAR OF CAR---HAD THE CAR IN TO TOYOTA 5 TIMES. THE NOISE CONTINUES TO GET LOUDER AS TIME PASSES.-- ITS NOW LOUD ENOUGH TO DROWN OUT THE RADIO.--TOYOTA SERVICE SAYS IT IS JUST RUST ON THE ROTORS.--THIS IS THE 4TH NEW TOYOTA I HAVE OWNED,-- BUT THIS THE ONLY ONE I HAVE HA D THIS PROBLEM WITH.-- WHICH LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THAT THERE IS A FIX FOR THIS PROBLEM.--II WAS TOLD BY THE SERVICE MANAGER THAT TOYOTA KNOWS OF THIS PROBLEM AND ARE WORKING A RECALL TO FIX IT.---SO WHERE IS THE RECALL?????? *TR

3/4/2013

93 more complaints are available in this category.

ENGINE

34 Reports14% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

MY 2012 PRIUS V HAS SEVERAL UNRESOLVED PROBLEMS. ON THOSE OCCASIONS WHEN THE GAS ENGINE CRANKS THE CAR, THERE IS A LOUD ENGINE RATTLER. THE ENGINE SOUNDS AS IF THERE ISN'T ANY OIL. TURNING OFF THE ENGINE AND RE-CRANK DOES NOT ALWAYS FIX THE PROBLEM. THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT SOMETIMES RATTLE. TWO DIFFERENT TOYOTA SERVICE DEPARTMENTS ARE UNABLE TO DETERMINE AND FIX THE PROBLEM. ONE OF THE SHOPS REPLACED ONE OF FIFTY BUTTON LIKE LEATHER SEAT FASTENERS. THIS SEEMED TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. TWO WEEKS LATER THE PROBLEM STARTED AGAIN. NOW, I SUSPECT THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR SPEAKER IS THE PROBLEM. OCCASIONALLY, THE REAR DRIVER WINDOW SQUEAKS. THESE PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN REPORTED TO SERVICE SHOPS BUT THEY WANT TO KEEP THE CAR OVER NIGHT. I DID NOT BUY A NEW CAR FOR OVER NIGHT SLEEPOVERS AT THE DEALER. FINALLY, TWO WEEKS AGO A ROCK HIT MY WINDSHIELD. FIVE DAYS LATER THE WINDSHIELD CRACK GREW FROM A TINY DING TO 15 INCHES. I HAVE OWNED THIRTEEN NEW CARS IN THIS LIFE TIME. I HAVE SUFFERED WINDSHIELD CRACKS BUT NONE OF THEM SUGGESTED THAT THE GLASS WAS TOO THIN. THIS IS MY FIRST TOYOTA. *TR

4/15/2013

MY CAR HAS AN ISSUE I FIRST NOTICED SOON AFTER I BOUGHT IT, AND THAT NOW HAPPENS AT LEAST TWICE A WEEK. THE DATE I'VE ENTERED IS THE APPROXIMATE FIRST DATE I NOTICED THE PROBLEM OCCUR. I DESCRIBE BELOW A MORE RECENT INSTANCE OF THE SAME BEHAVIOR, THE TIME WHEN IT FELT THE LEAST SAFE. /// THE RECURRING BEHAVIOR IS THAT WHILE DECELERATING WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, IF THE CAR GOES OVER AN OBSTRUCTION LIKE A ROCK, A ROUGH PATCH OF ROAD, OR A POTHOLE, IT SOMETIMES LURCHES FORWARD BEFORE RESUMING DECELERATION. THE SENSATION IS OF ACCELERATING, BUT EVEN IF IT'S ONLY THAT THE CAR MOMENTARILY STOPS DECELERATING IT'S DISCONCERTING AND IN A FEW INSTANCES HAS GOTTEN ME CLOSE TO AN ACCIDENT. /// THE TIME IT CAME CLOSEST TO CAUSING AN ACCIDENT WAS ON 3/21/13, WHEN I FEARED THE CAR WAS GOING TO ROLL INTO A CROSSWALK AS PEOPLE CROSSED. WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, COMING TO A STOP AT A STOP SIGN, WE WENT OVER UNEVEN PAVEMENT AND THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD WHILE ONLY A FEW FEET FROM THE CROSSWALK. SEVERAL PEOPLE WAITED CLOSE TO THE EDGE OF THE SIDEWALK AT A BUS STOP. ONE OF THEM SEEMED READY TO STEP OUTTO CROSS THE STREET, AND I BRACED FOR THE WORST. /// ULTIMATELY I STOPPED A FEW FEET BEFORE THE CROSSWALK, BUT THE SITUATION FELT COMPLETELY UNSAFE SINCE IT INVOLVED LOSING STOPPING POWER WHILE COMING TO A STOP SIGN WITH PEDESTRIANS PRESENT. *TR

4/24/2013

32 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

22 Reports9% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA PRIUS V. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE DASHBOARD AND THE VEHICLE'S MILEAGE FLUCTUATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT HER INSULIN PUMP MALFUNCTIONED WHILE IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE SMOKING FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BUT THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SMART KEY'S FREQUENCY INTERFERED WITH THE INSULIN PUMP. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 156.

3/15/2013

DRIVING IN THE EVENING, USING HEADLIGHTS. TURN VEHICLE OFF AND EXIT. WITHIN AN HOUR, GET BACK INTO VEHICLE, START, TURN ON HEADLIGHTS AND THEY (LOW BEAMS) FAIL TO ILLUMINATE. HIGH BEAMS WORK, AS DO PARKING LIGHTS, BUT THE LOW BEAMS STOPPED WORKING, AND THEY STILL FAIL TO WORK. DRIVING WITHOUT HEADLIGHTS OR PERPETUAL USE OF HIGH BEAMS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND DISTRACTION FOR OTHER MOTORISTS CAUSING AN UNSAFE CONDITION. HAVE MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP FOR MAINTENANCE, IN EARLY FEB. 2014. THE VEHICLE IS STILL UNDER FACTORY WARRANTY, LESS THAN 36 MONTHS OLD WITH FEWER THAN 36,000 MILES. *TR

1/7/2014

20 more complaints are available in this category.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

15 Reports6% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I FELT A LOOSE NOISE BEHIND THE WHEEL OF THE CAR. TOOK THE CAR TO SERVICE WHERE I HAD BOUGHT IT AND THEY CERTIFIED THAT THE STEERING SHAFT NEEDS A REPLACEMENT @ 47,000 MILES. PRIUS MODELS FROM PREVIOUS YEARS HAVE A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE. THE ISSUE IS NOT SOLVED, YET THEY CONTINUE TO HAVE THE DEFECT AND NO OTHER RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. THE REPAIR ESTIMATE IS AROUND 500.00 I HAVE HAD ABOUT TEN CARS IN MY LIFE AND IN NONE HAVE I EVER HAD THE WORRY OR NOT EVEN THE SOUND OF A LOOSE STEERING SHAFT. WE ARE TALKING ABOUT THE STEERING WHEEL... AND I HAVE A FAMILY OF 5.

11/12/2014

THE NAVIGATION, BLUETOOTH & RADIO SYSTEM WAS TURNED OFF ON IT OWN AND BECAME CORRUPTED WHEN THE CAR DEALERSHIP TRIED TO UPDATE THE SYSTEMS SOFTWARE. THE HARDWARE WAS THEN RENDERED INOPERABLE AND THE SYSTEMS COMPUTER WAS THEN REPLACED, THE WARRANTY DID NOT COVER THE DEFECTS IN THE SYSTEM. THE ESTIMATED REPAIR EXCEEDED $1000US. DUE TO THE DEALERSHIPS ACTIONS IN TRYING TO RUN A SOFTWARE UPDATE, THE REPAIR COSTS WERE PAID BY THE DEALERSHIP. THE FAILURE OF THE COMPUTER SYSTEM SEEMED TO BE KNOWN BY THE CAR DEALER. TOYOTA WAS NEVER DIRECTLY CONTACTED BY CAR OWNER AS ONLY THE CAR DEALER HANDLED THE REPAIR ISSUES.

8/19/2015

13 more complaints are available in this category.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

14 Reports6% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA PRIUS V. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH AND DECELERATING, THE VEHICLE ERRONEOUSLY ACCELERATED AFTER HITTING A BUMP IN THE ROAD. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES ASSOCIATED WITH THE CRASH. THE POLICE WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 9,700. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. *TR

3/8/2013

MY CAR HAS AN ISSUE I FIRST NOTICED SOON AFTER I BOUGHT IT, AND THAT NOW HAPPENS AT LEAST TWICE A WEEK. THE DATE I'VE ENTERED IS THE APPROXIMATE FIRST DATE I NOTICED THE PROBLEM OCCUR. I DESCRIBE BELOW A MORE RECENT INSTANCE OF THE SAME BEHAVIOR, THE TIME WHEN IT FELT THE LEAST SAFE. /// THE RECURRING BEHAVIOR IS THAT WHILE DECELERATING WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, IF THE CAR GOES OVER AN OBSTRUCTION LIKE A ROCK, A ROUGH PATCH OF ROAD, OR A POTHOLE, IT SOMETIMES LURCHES FORWARD BEFORE RESUMING DECELERATION. THE SENSATION IS OF ACCELERATING, BUT EVEN IF IT'S ONLY THAT THE CAR MOMENTARILY STOPS DECELERATING IT'S DISCONCERTING AND IN A FEW INSTANCES HAS GOTTEN ME CLOSE TO AN ACCIDENT. /// THE TIME IT CAME CLOSEST TO CAUSING AN ACCIDENT WAS ON 3/21/13, WHEN I FEARED THE CAR WAS GOING TO ROLL INTO A CROSSWALK AS PEOPLE CROSSED. WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, COMING TO A STOP AT A STOP SIGN, WE WENT OVER UNEVEN PAVEMENT AND THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD WHILE ONLY A FEW FEET FROM THE CROSSWALK. SEVERAL PEOPLE WAITED CLOSE TO THE EDGE OF THE SIDEWALK AT A BUS STOP. ONE OF THEM SEEMED READY TO STEP OUTTO CROSS THE STREET, AND I BRACED FOR THE WORST. /// ULTIMATELY I STOPPED A FEW FEET BEFORE THE CROSSWALK, BUT THE SITUATION FELT COMPLETELY UNSAFE SINCE IT INVOLVED LOSING STOPPING POWER WHILE COMING TO A STOP SIGN WITH PEDESTRIANS PRESENT. *TR

4/24/2013

12 more complaints are available in this category.

STEERING

11 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE STEERING COLUMN WAS A BIT LOOSE WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR USED FROM A RENTAL OFFICE AT I 95 TOYOTA BRUNSWICK GEORGIA IT HAS GOTTEN WORSE AT 130000MILES ABOUT 90% HIGHWAY THEY TELL ME IT WILL COST $1100 DOLLARS TO REPLACE THE WHOLE COLUMN. *TR

10/7/2014

I FELT A LOOSE NOISE BEHIND THE WHEEL OF THE CAR. TOOK THE CAR TO SERVICE WHERE I HAD BOUGHT IT AND THEY CERTIFIED THAT THE STEERING SHAFT NEEDS A REPLACEMENT @ 47,000 MILES. PRIUS MODELS FROM PREVIOUS YEARS HAVE A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE. THE ISSUE IS NOT SOLVED, YET THEY CONTINUE TO HAVE THE DEFECT AND NO OTHER RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. THE REPAIR ESTIMATE IS AROUND 500.00 I HAVE HAD ABOUT TEN CARS IN MY LIFE AND IN NONE HAVE I EVER HAD THE WORRY OR NOT EVEN THE SOUND OF A LOOSE STEERING SHAFT. WE ARE TALKING ABOUT THE STEERING WHEEL... AND I HAVE A FAMILY OF 5.

11/12/2014

9 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

7 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

FROM A STANDSTILL, UNDER LIGHT WINTER CONDITIONS, THERE HAVE MANY TIMES WHEN THE VEHICLE WILL NOT/CAN NOT MOVE. WHEN THE ACCELERATOR IS DEPRESSED POWER IS SENT FOR A FRACTION SECOND (VERY QUICK PULSE) AND THEN ALL POWER IS CUT OFF AND NOTHING FURTHER HAPPENS UNTIL YOU LIFT OFF ACCELERATOR AND TRY AGAIN. IT DOES THE SAME THING IN REVERSE. THE ONLY WAY OUT OF THIS CYCLE IS TO PHYSICALLY PUSH THE CAR TO GET IT MOVING(SLOW WALKING PACE) AND THEN THE TRACTION CONTROL BEHAVES VERY MUCH LIKE OUR 2012 CAMRY SE V6. A COUPLE TIMES WE HAD OUR CAMRY RIGHT NEXT TO THE PRIUS(SIDE BY SIDE) AND THE CAMRY WAS ABLE TO GET ITSELF MOVING(WITH TC ON) AND PRIUS WOULD NOT BUDGE. BOTH HAVE THE FACTORY TIRES, THE PRIUS TIRES ARE IN BETTER SHAPE THAN THE CAMRY. I KNOW THE TWO VEHICLES ARE VASTLY DIFFERENT AND THAT THIS COMPARISON MAY BE OF LITTLE HELP; I SIMPLY WANT TO EXPRESS THAT THE CONDITIONS THE PRIUS WILL NOT FUNCTION UNDER SHOULD NOT BE THOUGHT OF AS EXTREME, BUT RATHER ORDINARY WINTER CONDITIONS. IT SEEMS THAT THE PRIUS TRACTION CONTROL PARAMETERS DO NOT EVEN GIVE THE CAR THE CHANCE TO GET MOVING BEFORE SHUTTING THE SYSTEM DOWN. *TR

7/16/2013

ON JAN. 3, 2018 WHILE MOVING AT A MINIMUM SPEED (LESS THAN 15 MPH) I APPLIED THE BRAKES AND SEVERAL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED (BRAKES, ABS, TRACTION CONTROL) ALONG WITH A WARNING SOUND. THIS WAS ON A CITY STREET, DRIVING IN A STRAIGHT LINE. I WAS ABLE TO BRAKE TO A STOP. I THEN ATTEMPTED TO CONTINUE TO DRIVE AT A VERY LOW SPEED BUT SOON LOST ALL ABILITY TO BRAKE THE VEHICLE AND I COASTED TO A STOP. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER. I WAS TOLD THE BRAKE ACTUATOR HAD FAILED AND WAS CHARGED $3288 PLUS TAX FOR THE REPAIR. I RECEIVED THE CAR ON JAN. 9, 2018 FROM THE DEALER. ON JAN. 12, 2018 THE CAR FAILED ONCE AGAIN IN THE EXACT SAME MANNER. THE DEALER KEPT THE CAR UNTIL FEB. 1, 2018 AT WHICH TIME THEY RETURNED THE CAR TO ME AT NO CHARGE, STATING THEY HAD CHANGED THE SAME EXACT PART AS BEFORE. THE CAR HAS 84,000 MILES AND I PURCHASED IT NEW. I UNDERSTAND TOYOTA HAS ISSUED RECALLS FOR THIS ISSUE ON OTHER MODELS BUT NOT ON MY VEHICLE. I HAVE RETAINED MY REPAIR INVOICES BUT AM UNABLE TO UPLOAD THEM AT THIS TIME.

2/6/2018

5 more complaints are available in this category.

POWER TRAIN

7 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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

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

12/21/2013

5 more complaints are available in this category.

AIR BAGS

7 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

DRIVER IN A 2005 FORD FOCUS 4 DOOR TURNED LEFT IN FRONT OF ME. MY PRIUS V HIT THE FORD FOCUS ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE CORNER. MY PRIUS WAS DAMAGED IN THE CENTER OF THE FRONT. THE SPEED OF MY VEHICLE IS LESS THAT 40 MPH, THE SPEED LIMIT. I BELIEVE I WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 30 MPH BEFORE I HIT THE BRAKES HAD ABOUT 25 FEET TO STOP. WHEN WE HIT THE FORD IT WAS LIKE HITTING A BRICK WALL, MY PRIUS POPPED UP OFF THE GROUND ABOUT A FOOT. NEITHER OF THE FRONT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. MY WIFE, THE PASSENGER IN MY PRIUS FRACTURED HER STERNUM DUE TO THE PRESSURE OF THE SEAT BELT. UPDATED 06/06/2014 *JS

4/8/2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 TOYOTA PRIUS V. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, A VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, BUT THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAGS FAILED TO FULLY INFLATE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE CHEST THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DEEMED THE VEHICLE DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 23,000.

7/14/2015

5 more complaints are available in this category.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

5 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TOOK IN CAR FOR OIL CHANGE /TIRE ROTATION , A SOFTWARE UPDATE WAS PERFORMED WITHOUT MY AUTHORIZATION FROM TOYOTA ON TO MY PRIUS V , CAR WENT FROM GETTING 40 MPG HIGHWAY TO 32-33 MPG HIGHWAY . CITY MPG DROPPED FROM 41 MPG TO 36-37MPG . DEALER CLAIMS CAR HAS WRONG TIRES WHICH I AGREE, EXCEPT THOSE TIRES WERE THE SAME TIRES ON THE CAR BEFORE AND AFTER THE SOFTWARE UPDATE. CALCULATED THE GAS MILEAGE MYSELF BEFORE THE RECALL AND WAS PRETTY CLOSE TO WHAT THE CAR'S COMPUTER SAID TI WAS , CALCULATED THE GAS MILEAGE AFTER THE SOFTWARE UPDATE WAS DONE AND IT CAME VERY CLOSE TO WHAT THE COMPUTER SAID.

1/27/2017

ON JUNE 5TH, 2019, I TOOK MY CAR IN TO ROUND ROCK TOYOTA AND THEY PERFORMED THE 2018 TOYOTA PRIUS V RECALL FIX. SINCE THEN, MY MPG HAS GONE FROM AN AVERAGE OF 41 MILES PER GALLON, WHICH HAS STAYED CONSISTENT SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR BRAND NEW IN JUNE 2012, DOWN TO 32 MPG. I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO ROUND ROCK TOYOTA FOR A DIAGNOSIS ON SEPT 30, 2019 AND THEY SAID THAT THEY CANNOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG, THERE ARE NO ERROR CODES, AND THAT MY NOW GREATLY REDUCED 32 MPG FELL WITHIN TOYOTA STANDARDS. I AM WRITING TO FILE A COMPLAINT THAT THEIR 2018 RECALL FOR THE TOYOTA PRIUS V HAS A PROBLEM AND NEEDS TO BE REVISITED OR THE VEHICLES SHOULD BE TAKEN OFF THE ROAD. I AM CO-FILING A COMPLAINT WITH THE EPA AS WELL.

10/2/2019

3 more complaints are available in this category.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

3 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

2012 PRIUS HAS SERIOUS DEFECT IN THE WINDSHIELD LAMINATION. BRIGHT LIGHT SOURCES ARE TRIPLED AT NIGHT. A GHOST IMAGE APPEARS ABOVE AND BELOW THE ORIGINAL LIGHT SOURCE. LIGHT SOURCES MAY BE, HEADLIGHTS, TAILLIGHTS, SIGNAL LIGHTS, AND EVEN REFLECTED LIGHTS OFF CERTAIN ROAD SIGNS. AS YOU APPROACH THE LIGHT SOURCE, THE TWO GHOST IMAGES WILL MERGE INTO THE PRIMARY LIGHT SOURCE. THE SAFETY HAZARD IS EXTREME EYE FATIGUE AT NIGHT, AND SEVERE VISUAL DISTORTION THAT IS DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE BRIGHTNESS OF THE LIGHT SOURCE. *TR

2/14/2013

WHEN OPERATING THE PRIUS V ON A SUNNY DAY, THE REFLECTION OF THE SIDE DASH PANEL BLOCKS THE VIEW OF THE SIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR. THE REFLECTION OCCURS IN BOTH THE RIGHT AND LEFT SIDE GLASS. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND HAS BEEN REPORTED TO THE TOYOTA DEALER. THEIR RESPONSE WAS THEY WERE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND IT WAS NORMAL! THIS SAFETY ISSUE HAS ALSO BEEN REPORTED TO TOYOTA. THEY ASSIGNED A CASE NUMBER AND RESPONDED THE PROBLEM WAS KNOWN AND THEIR WAS NO KNOWN REPAIR. THEY ALSO STATED THE ISSUE HAS BEEN CLASSIFIED AS A DESIGN ISSUE. THIS IS MY FIRST, AND LAST, TOYOTA. THIS ISSUE COULD BE NORMAL FOR A TOYOTA, BUT IT IS UNACCEPTABLE FOR ME AS IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND MUST BE FIXED. I INQUIRED IF I COULD PURCHASE BLACK PANELS TO MINIMIZE THE REFLECTION AND WAS TOLD THE PANELS WERE ONLY AVAILABLE IN LIGHT GREY AND LIGHT BISQUE (BOTH VERY REFLECTIVE). UPDATED 8/12/13 *CN *TR

7/8/2013

1 more complaint is available in this category.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

3 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

DRIVING IN THE EVENING, USING HEADLIGHTS. TURN VEHICLE OFF AND EXIT. WITHIN AN HOUR, GET BACK INTO VEHICLE, START, TURN ON HEADLIGHTS AND THEY (LOW BEAMS) FAIL TO ILLUMINATE. HIGH BEAMS WORK, AS DO PARKING LIGHTS, BUT THE LOW BEAMS STOPPED WORKING, AND THEY STILL FAIL TO WORK. DRIVING WITHOUT HEADLIGHTS OR PERPETUAL USE OF HIGH BEAMS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND DISTRACTION FOR OTHER MOTORISTS CAUSING AN UNSAFE CONDITION. HAVE MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP FOR MAINTENANCE, IN EARLY FEB. 2014. THE VEHICLE IS STILL UNDER FACTORY WARRANTY, LESS THAN 36 MONTHS OLD WITH FEWER THAN 36,000 MILES. *TR

1/7/2014

HEADLIGHTS LOW BEAM FAIL EVERY MONTH OR SO AND I HAVE REPLACED 16 BULBS IN LAST YEAR. THIS CREATES A DANGEROUS SITUATION FOR US. ALSO THE COST IS GREAT. I HAVE NEVER HAD TO REPLACE HEADLIGHTS BEFORE IN OTHER VEHICLES. WHEN IS A RECALL GOING TO BE DEMANDED ? WHEN SOMEBODY IS KILLED BECAUSE OF THIS

1/26/2016

1 more complaint is available in this category.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

3 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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.

12/19/2022

The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Prius V. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH and at various other speeds, the contact heard an abnormal whirring sound like an electric motor engaging coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated with the brake pedal going to the floorboard while being depressed. The contact stated that the failure also occurred while starting the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the brake booster and the brake booster vacuum pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact called the manufacturer and was informed that the failure was related to Customer Support Program: 20TE07 - Brake Booster and Brake Booster Pump Assemblies (Service Brakes); however, the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.

5/18/2023

1 more complaint is available in this category.

STRUCTURE:BODY

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I WAS COMPLETING PARKING THE CAR IN A HEAD-IN PARKING SPACE IN A PARKING LOT. WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, THE CAR EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED SUDDEN ACCELERATION. THE CAR JUMPED A CONCRETE SIDEWALK, CROSSED THE 6-8 FOOT WIDE SIDEWALK, AND CRASHED INTO A METAL SECURITY FENCE. *JS

4/14/2014

THE REAR HATCHBACK LATCH IS WEAK AND THE LATCH ASSEMBLY NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THIS PREVENTS THE REAR HATCHBACK DOOR FROM BEING OPENED OR MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO OPEN. IT WILL COST JUST SHY OF $700 TO FIX. OF THE FOUR PRIUSES MY FAMILY HAS OWNED (PRIUS 2005 AND 2 PRIUS 2007 AND PRIUS V 2012) HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH THE REAR HATCHBACK LATCH. TOYOTA PLEASE FIX THIS PROBLEM.

2/20/2016

WHEELS

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I WAS COMPLETING PARKING THE CAR IN A HEAD-IN PARKING SPACE IN A PARKING LOT. WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, THE CAR EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED SUDDEN ACCELERATION. THE CAR JUMPED A CONCRETE SIDEWALK, CROSSED THE 6-8 FOOT WIDE SIDEWALK, AND CRASHED INTO A METAL SECURITY FENCE. *JS

4/14/2014

My 2012 Toyota Prius V went out and had no control crashing into the curb on the passenger side. Scraping the side of my car. My ABS break system went out on my car going 40 miles per hour at 5:30 on a major street in Los Angeles called Wilshire Blvd. I almost died if I had not crashed into the curb I would have been hurt and hurt others Toyota issues a wait and see “courtesy program of a certain window to fix the break booster system and I ran out 1 month ago. My car is at Toyota Culver City and they are refusing to fix the break system due to the time limit. I was not notified of break system faulty system. My number is [XXX] if you would like to know INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

9/22/2022

HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA PRIUS V. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HYBRID WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE SHOOK, VIBRATED, AND STALLED. THE FAILURE CODE WAS CLEARED BY AUTONATION TOYOTA SOUTH AUSTIN (4800 S IH 35 FRONTAGE RD, AUSTIN, TX 78745, (512) 518-6900) BEFORE THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V684000 (HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM). THE DEALER REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. SHORTLY AFTER, THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING AND THE HYBRID WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE SAME DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE HEAD GASKET MAY NEED TO BE REPLACED. A SECOND DEALER, CHARLES MAUND TOYOTA (8400 RESEARCH BLVD, AUSTIN, TX 78758, (512) 270-5055), DIAGNOSED THAT THE INVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.

2/22/2019

The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Prius V. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the power steering and power brakes failed to operate as needed. The contact stated that the check hybrid system and check battery warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled off the roadway safely but was unable to restart the vehicle. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the inverter needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V684000 (Hybrid Propulsion System). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 247,000.

9/8/2022

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

ALL THE BRAKE LIGHTS POPPED ON AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT . THERE WAS A RADAL IN THE ENGINE I GOT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CHECK IT WAS MULTIPLE MIS FIRE SO I CHANGED SPARK PLUGS AND COIL PACKS .YESTERDAY THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE MOVING AND WOULDN'T GO NO WHERE ELSE . THERE IS A RECALL ON THE CAR THAT MY FIANCE JUST GOT IN THE MAIL AND TOYOTA IN GOLDSBORO NC DOESN'T WANT TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT .

2/23/2021

8/2/22 My ABS light came on. Took the car to a dealer. They kept it for six weeks and returned it on 10/3/22. No charge and no explanation. 11/7/22 engine light came on. Took in to dealer, they returned it 11/17/22 indicated incorrect air/ fuel mixture. 10/9/23 Traveling 47 mph, came around a mountain and encountered stopped cars. Slammed on the brakes, car did not slow down, steering wheel locked to the right, car yawed to the right, and turned over, hit a curb and the car righted itself. 3 occupants, 2 injuries , 1 death. Researching the 2012 Toyota Prius, found many instances of a faulty ABS system, mimicking exactly my experience. I was never informed by Toyota or the local Toyota dealer.

2/1/2024

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

A GROANING NOISE AT ALL TEMPERATURES SO FAR. IT BEGINS AND THEN GOES AWAY AFTER I DRIVE FOR A BLOCK. IT IS VERY LOUD AND IT CAN BE HEARD BY OTHERS AROUND ME. IT IS EMBARRASSING AND DOESN'T SOUND LIKE IT IS HEALTHY FOR THE LONGEVITY OF THE VEHICLE. *TR

2/16/2013

SUSPENSION

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

A GROANING NOISE AT ALL TEMPERATURES SO FAR. IT BEGINS AND THEN GOES AWAY AFTER I DRIVE FOR A BLOCK. IT IS VERY LOUD AND IT CAN BE HEARD BY OTHERS AROUND ME. IT IS EMBARRASSING AND DOESN'T SOUND LIKE IT IS HEALTHY FOR THE LONGEVITY OF THE VEHICLE. *TR

2/16/2013

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

MY 2012 PRIUS V HAD ABOUT 3000 MILES ON THE SPEEDOMETER WHEN I BEGAN TO NOTICE THAT FROM A START, WHEN I WOULD PUT THE LEVER INTO DRIVE IT WOULD GO INTO REVERSE. IT IS VERY INTERMITTENT. I CANNOT MAKE IT DELIBERATELY HAPPEN. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP OVER THIS ISSUE TWICE. THEY COULD NOT GET THE CAR TO MAKE THE SHIFTING ERROR. BECAUSE THEY CANNOT REPLICATE THE ERROR, THEY WILL NOT GIVE CREDIBILITY TO THE PROBLEM. THIS PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED PROBABLY 20 TIMES SINCE IT BEGAN HAPPENING. I AM NOW KEEPING A LOG ON EACH OCCURRENCE. IT HAS BEEN INSINUATED THAT I DO NOT KNOW HOW TO SHIFT THIS VEHICLE. AFTER WATCHING THE HOW TO SHIFT VIDEO, I DON'T THINK THE DEALERSHIP UNDERSTANDS THE SHIFTING MECHANISM. HOWEVER, THIS DID MAKE ME MORE CONSCIOUS OF MY ACTIONS DURING SHIFTING. I ACTUALLY DID CATCH THE SHIFTING PROBLEM AS IT OCCURRED. MY HAND WAS ON THE LEVER IN THE DRIVE POSITION WITH THE HAND PRESSURE BEING DOWN. THE CAR WAS IN REVERSE WITH THE BEEPING AND CAMERA ON WITH THE LEVER IN FULL DRIVE POSITION. I AM VERY CONCERNED THAT THE CAR WILL GO INTO REVERSE AND I WOULD NOT BE AWARE OF IT BECAUSE I HAD PUT IT INTO DRIVE. THIS IS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. *TR

4/24/2013

STRUCTURE

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

I AM FILING A CLAIM TO NOTIFY OTHER CONSUMERS ABOUT AN ONGOING ISSUE I'VE EXPERIENCED WITH MY 2012 TOYOTA PRIUS V. WE PURCHASED THE CAR IN JANUARY 2012 AND SINCE THEN WE'VE HAD 3 INCIDENTS (THAT WE KNOW OF) IN WHICH RODENTS HAVE INFESTED OUR VEHICLE. . THE FIRST INCIDENT OCCURRED (AUGUST 2012), WE BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALERS ATTENTION AND WERE TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO BUT WE COULD CONTACT TOYOTA HEADQUARTERS. THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT THE RODENT HAD CLIMBED IN TO THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE THROUGH AN AIR VENT, AND CHEWED THE WIRES OF THE REAR HARNESS SYSTEM (THE WIRING SYSTEM THAT AFFECTS THE HYBRID TECHNOLOGY). THE ESTIMATED REPAIR WAS $2 - 3K. AFTER CONTACTING TOYOTA HEADQUARTERS, I WAS TOLD TOYOTA DOES NOT CONSIDER THIS TO BE A DEFECT IN THE DESIGN OF THE CAR OR A SAFETY ISSUE. I WAS TOLD IT WAS AN ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUE AND I NEEDED TO DO SOMETHING TO CORRECT MY SURROUNDINGS. THEY ADVISED THAT I OPEN A CLAIM WITH MY INSURANCE PROVIDER TO COVER THE COSTS FOR THE REAR HARNESS WIRING DAMAGE. AFTER RESEARCHING THIS, IT APPEARS THERE ARE 6 OPENINGS/GAPS WITHIN THE VEHICLE THAT RATS CAN GET INTO TO ACCESS THE INTERIOR CABIN. NEITHER TOYOTA OR THE DEALERSHIP OFFERED TO BLOCK/COVER THESE VENTS TO PREVENT ANY FUTURE ATTEMPTS BY A RODENT GETTING IN. THEY DIDN'T OFFER ANY SUGGESTIONS OR ADVICE AS TO WHAT I SHOULD DO TO PREVENT THIS. THIS MORNING (APRIL 27, 2013) WE WOKE UP AND REALIZED THE RODENTS HAD ENTERED THE VEHICLE AGAIN, THIS TIME CHEWING UP MY CHILD'S CAR SEAT AND THE LEATHER OF THE REAR SEATS. THERE ARE NUMEROUS PEOPLE THAT HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS ISSUE DATING BACK TO 2007 AND YET TOYOTA HAS DONE NOTHING TO REPAIR THIS DESIGN/SAFETY FLAW. FOLLOWING IS A LINK TO A PRIUS FORUM WHERE PRIUS OWNERS COMPLAIN OF THIS ISSUE: HTTP://PRIUSCHAT.COM/THREADS/TOYOTA-CLAIMS-NOT-AWARE-OF-MOUSE-PROBLEM.113690/ . *TR

4/30/2013

HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM: INVERTER

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA PRIUS V. WHILE DRIVING AT A SLOW RATE OF SPEED, THE VEHICLE SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND CAME TO A SLOW STOP. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE OUT OF NEUTRAL AFTER THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE INVERTER FAILED ON THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THIS WAS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH TOYOTA'S HYBRID VEHICLES, BUT COULD ONLY REPLACE IT WITH THE SAME MODEL INVERTER THAT WOULD FAIL AGAIN. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT CONFIRM WHAT THE DEALER STATED ABOUT THIS BEING A KNOWN ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33,634. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. MA 07/30/15 UPDATED 10/19/2017*CN

6/11/2015

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA PRIUS V. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE POSITION OF THE DRIVER SIDE HEAD REST FAILED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SUPPORT. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT SUSTAINED PAIN TO THE HEAD, NECK, LOWER BACK, AND LEFT LEG THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 31,000.

4/12/2016

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

FRONT HEAD LIGHTS WENT OUT WITHIN A FEW WEEKS OF EACH OTHER. REPLACED BOTH BULBS. THEN THEY WENT OUT AGAIN WITH NO WARNING IN ABOUT A MONTH. HAD TO USE BRIGHTS TO DRIVE HOME IN THE DARK. DANGEROUS! REPLACED THEM AGAIN AND NOW ONE OF THE HEAD LIGHTS IS OUT AGAIN AFTER ONLY 2 WEEKS EVEN THOUGH IT IS A DIFFERENT BRAND. HEADLIGHTS HAVE GONE OUT WHILE DRIVING AND WHEN IT IS PARKED.

1/5/2019

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:INVERTER

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA PRIUS V. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP, THE CONTACT TURNED LEFT WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL DEPRESSED HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO EXCEED 9 MPH. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME AND HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO LIBERTY TOYOTA (4397 ROUTE 130 SOUTH BURLINGTON, NEW JERSEY 08016, (609)-386-6300) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE MECHANIC LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE INVERTER. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000.

10/28/2020

BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

ALL THE BRAKE LIGHTS POPPED ON AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT . THERE WAS A RADAL IN THE ENGINE I GOT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CHECK IT WAS MULTIPLE MIS FIRE SO I CHANGED SPARK PLUGS AND COIL PACKS .YESTERDAY THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE MOVING AND WOULDN'T GO NO WHERE ELSE . THERE IS A RECALL ON THE CAR THAT MY FIANCE JUST GOT IN THE MAIL AND TOYOTA IN GOLDSBORO NC DOESN'T WANT TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT .

2/23/2021

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:ABS WARNING LIGHT

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Prius V. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled inadvertently. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the brake pedal was depressed but failed to respond. The contact veered to the side of the road and intentionally struck the curb to stop the vehicle. The vehicle failed to restart. The contact stated that the vehicle later restarted and was driven to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed that the ABS actuator had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist because an unknown Toyota Courtesy Program issued for the failure had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

1/10/2023

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Prius V. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH and at various other speeds, the contact heard an abnormal whirring sound like an electric motor engaging coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated with the brake pedal going to the floorboard while being depressed. The contact stated that the failure also occurred while starting the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the brake booster and the brake booster vacuum pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact called the manufacturer and was informed that the failure was related to Customer Support Program: 20TE07 - Brake Booster and Brake Booster Pump Assemblies (Service Brakes); however, the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.

5/18/2023

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

ABS Unit failure (may also be called ABS CONTROL MODULE ACTUATOR AND PUMP ASSEMBLY). Three mechanics, including a Toyota dealership, is unable to reset the system to correct. The PCS system cannot be disabled which, in turn, means cruise control is no longer operable.

6/15/2023

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

ABS Unit failure (may also be called ABS CONTROL MODULE ACTUATOR AND PUMP ASSEMBLY). Three mechanics, including a Toyota dealership, is unable to reset the system to correct. The PCS system cannot be disabled which, in turn, means cruise control is no longer operable.

6/15/2023

SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC:SOLENOID/ACTUATOR

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact's wife owns a 2012 Toyota Prius V. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. Additionally, the brakes intermittently failed to stop the vehicle immediately. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the mechanic retrieved DTC code: C1391. The contact was informed that the ABS actuator and pump assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

6/27/2023

SEAT BELTS

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

Broken bones in face. Nose split in two parts Eye socket broken along with cornea messed up. Broken ribs. Bleeding spleen. Broken neck.

1/24/2024

SEATS

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

Broken bones in face. Nose split in two parts Eye socket broken along with cornea messed up. Broken ribs. Bleeding spleen. Broken neck.

1/24/2024

About This Data

Data and Methodology

Sources
Show 10 sources
  • edmunds.com
  • fuelly.com
  • kbb.com
  • edmunds.com
  • kbb.com
  • youtube.com
  • copilotsearch.com
  • reddit.com
  • priuschat.com
  • priuschat.com
MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2012 Toyota Prius V?

The most reported complaint category for the 2012 Toyota Prius V is SERVICE BRAKES, with 120 owner reports. That is about 42% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include SERVICE BRAKES, ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Are complaints about the 2012 Toyota Prius V a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 212 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2012 Toyota Prius V?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2012 Toyota Prius V severe?

212 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Toyota Prius V: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
284
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

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