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2012 Toyota Prius Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 20262 Critical Recalls
Ryan Davis
2012 Toyota Prius Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary

The 2012 Toyota Prius has 522 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve service brakes and electrical system.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

7.0/ 10

Based on 522 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

SERVICE BRAKES

168 32.2%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

48 9.2%

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

36 6.9%

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

31 5.9%

ENGINE

30 5.7%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is SERVICE BRAKES, accounting for 32.2% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 41 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

The 2012 Toyota Prius has 522 owner complaints in this dataset. SERVICE BRAKES is the most common complaint category, representing about 32% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2012 Toyota Prius are SERVICE BRAKES (168), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (48), EXTERIOR LIGHTING (36).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 324 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?

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 intervals2011 Prius complaints2013 Prius complaints2014 Prius complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 30 of 30 systems

SERVICE BRAKES

37 Reports15% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

AS I WAS APPROACHING A TURN I BEGAN TO BRAKE AND THE BRAKES FAILED. I TRIED PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL HARDER AND MAKING SURE THAT I HAD PROPER FOOT PLACEMENT AND IT FELT LIKE THE CAR ACCELERATED AT THAT POINT. SINCE THE CAR WAS NOT SLOWING DOWN I WAS UNABLE TO MAKE THE TURN AND ENDED UP CROSSING THE ROAD DIAGONALLY AND GOING UP ONTO THE CURB. ONCE THE CAR WAS OVER THE CURB AND IN THE GRASS THE BRAKES FINALLY ENGAGED AND THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP. *JS

5/15/2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE BRAKES LOCKED UP. THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL AND SHUT THE VEHICLE ON AND OFF BY PUSHING THE START BUTTON. THE FAILURE OCCURS INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED THE BRAKE PEDAL DROPS TO THE FLOOR BOARD ABOUT A HALF INCH WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND A COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000.

8/30/2012

35 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

26 Reports10% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH A HANDS-FREE PHONE SYSTEM. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED CONCERNS THAT HE HAD TO ACTIVATE TOO MANY BUTTONS IN ORDER TO OPERATE THE PHONE SYSTEM. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT FELT THAT THE SYSTEM COULD CREATE A SAFETY HAZARD WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS INTENDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5.

3/20/2012

NEW PRIUS DOES NOT WORK BLUETOOTH WISE WITH EXISTING PHONE. PRIUS I JUST TRADED IN DID. NO RESOLUTION FROM DEALER (TOYOTA WORLD O NEWARK DELAWARE) AND NO RESOLUTION FROM TOYOTA CORPORATE. I WAS TOLD THEY COULD DO NOTHING AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PURCHASE NEW PHONES. WE ARE DRIVING VEHICLE WITHOUT BLUETOOTH WITHOUT CELL PHONES IN OUR EARS THEREBY CREATING SAFETY HAZARD. *TR

7/12/2012

24 more complaints are available in this category.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

25 Reports10% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

MY 2012 PRIUS V HAS A SERIOUS REFLECTION IN THE POINT OF VEIW OF THE SIDE VIEW MIRRORS, WHEN THE FRONT WINDOWS ARE ROLLED UP, AND THE SUN IS HIGH NOON(+-5 HOURS) POSITION. THIS IS CAUSED BY THE WHITE DASH TRIM THAT THE SUN HITS. *TR ## VIN PASSED ## TOYOTA PRIUS V 2012 ##. *TR

7/12/2012

THERE ARE VERY DANGEROUS BLIND SPOTS ON BOTH REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES OF THE TOYOTA PRIUS V . VEHICLES LOCATED NEAR THE MID TO REAR OF THE CAR CAN NOT BE SEEN IN MIRRORS OR BY GLANCING OVER THE SHOULDER WHEN CHANGING LANES. I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS NEAR COLLISIONS DUE TO THIS DESIGN DEFECT. I HAVE BROUGHT THIS TO THE ATTENTION OF THE TOYOTA CORPORATION AND THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND HAVE HAD NO CO-OPERATION IN DEALING WITH THIS SAFETY HAZARD. I AM A VERY EXPERIENCED DRIVER AN NEVER HAD AN ACCIDENT THAT WAS MY FAULT IN MY 50 YEARS OF DRIVING. ANY ASSISTANCE YOU CAN PROVIDE FOR THIS VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION WILL BE GREATLY WELCOMED. THIS CONDITION IS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN! [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

7/22/2012

23 more complaints are available in this category.

AIR BAGS

24 Reports10% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A MULTI VEHICLE ACCIDENT, WHERE THE CAR WAS HIT TWICE ON THE DRIVERS SIDE, THE 2ND IMPACT HITTING THE DRIVERS DOOR CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE DOOR AND FENDER ALONG SIDE OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE AIR BAGS ILLUMINATED DUE TO THE CRASH, BUT THERE WAS NO DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAGS. ALL PARTY'S WERE CONCERNED WHY THE MALFUNCTION LIGHT CAME ON DURING THE CRASH, AND SHOULD THE BAGS HAVE DEPLOYED. THE BODY SHOP SAID THEY THINK IT WAS CAUSE THE DOOR WAS MISALIGNED AFTER THE IMPACT. CONCERNED THAT THE SYSTEM MAY DEACTIVATE ITSELF DURING A CRASH AND NOT DEPLOY THE AIRBAGS. *TR

4/25/2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AS HIS VEHICLE WAS PARKED A VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF HIS VEHICLE AT 10 MPH WHICH CAUSED EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE FRAME AND BUMPER. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY BUT THE AIR BAGS WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 81.

9/4/2012

22 more complaints are available in this category.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

22 Reports9% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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

12/31/2012

WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT I HAVE AN ISSUE WHERE THE LIGHT SOURCE FROM HEADLIGHTS HAVE A RAINBOW AFFECT. ALSO TAIL LIGHTS ARE SEEN THREE TIMES FOR EVERY ONE LIGHT. IE. CENTER BRAKE LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED ON VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME, THERE IS A REPLICATED LIGHT ABOVE AND BELOW THE ACTUAL LIGHT. THIS IS ALSO AN ISSUE WITH TRAFFIC LIGHTS AS THERE ARE 3 DISTINCT LIGHTS FOR EVERY ONE LIGHT. THIS MAY ALSO BE REFERRED TO GHOSTING. *TR

3/4/2013

20 more complaints are available in this category.

STRUCTURE:BODY

17 Reports7% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AS HIS VEHICLE WAS PARKED A VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF HIS VEHICLE AT 10 MPH WHICH CAUSED EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE FRAME AND BUMPER. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY BUT THE AIR BAGS WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 81.

9/4/2012

ON SEPTEMBER 8, 2012 MY WIFE WAS ON HER WAY TO OUR RENTAL AND WAS HIT AS SHE READIED TO TURN TO THE HOUSE. OUR 2012 TOYOTA PRIUS 3 WAS THROWN INTO THE AIR AND BOUNCED BACK TO A DIAGONAL POSITION ACROSS THE ROAD. UPON IMPACT, THE STEERING WHEEL AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY UNTIL AFTER IMPACT--HER SEATBELT DID NOT RESTRAIN HER FROM HITTING HER CHEST ON THE STEERING WHEEL NOR DID THE KNEE AIR BAG DEPLOY UNTIL AFTER SHE HIT HER KNEES ON THE LOWER DASH. FORTUNATELY FOR HER AND ME, SHE SUFFERED DEEP BRUISING BUT NO BROKEN BONES ETC. AS OF TODAY, 9/26/2012, HER CHEST STILL HURTS BUT THE PAIN IS DIMINISHING. I CONTACTED TOYOTA AND FILED A COMPLAINT ON 9/8/2012 AND WAS TOLD THEY WOULD INVESTIGATE--CASE #[XXX], MY CONCERN SINCE WE HAVE HEARD NOTHING IS THAT YOU TOO WILL HEAR NOTHING AND IF THIS ISSUE EXISTS IN OTHER PRIUS CARS ON THE ROAD, SOMEONE WILL SUFFER MORE THAN MY WIFE. IF THIS IS AN ISOLATED CASE--GOOD FOR TOYOTA BUT HOW DOES THIS HELP US? I CALLED TOYOTA TODAY FOR AN UPDATE BUT HAVE NOT YET HEARD BACK. IF MORE INFORMATION IS NEEDED PLZ CONTACT ME. WE WOULD LIKE TO KNOW THE OUT COME OF THIS COMPLAINT. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

9/26/2012

15 more complaints are available in this category.

POWER TRAIN

12 Reports5% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

CAR BECOMES IMMOBILE - WILL NOT SHIFT INTO REVERSE OR DRIVE. COMPUTER KEEPS SENDING THE MESSAGE TO PUT IT IN PARK AND DEPRESS BRAKE, BUT ONCE THAT IS DONE, ANY ATTEMPT TO SHIFT INTO REVERSE OR DRIVE TRIGGERS THE MESSAGE, ENDLESSLY. THE PROBLEM IS APPARENTLY INTERMITTENT. OCCURRED FOR TWO HOURS YESTERDAY, AFTER OCCURRING TO A LESSER EXTENT IN PRECEDING DAYS (IN THE DAYS PRECEDING THE TOTAL BREAKDOWN, I WAS ABLE TO SHIFT AFTER A SLIGHT DELAY AND A FEW ATTEMPTS). THE DEALERSHIP TO WHICH I HAD IT TOWED SAID IT WAS FINE TODAY. EVERYTHING CHECKS OUT. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE THE CAR CAN BE IN AN UNSAFE POSITION WHEN IT BECOMES IMMOBILE. I WAS PARTLY OUT OF A PARKING SPACE, SOMEWHAT BLOCKING TRAFFIC. THE PROBLEM INVOLVES THE COMPUTER AND THE TRANSMISSION - AT LEAST

8/2/2012

I PULLED UP TO A CAR WASH AND ONCE I WAS ON THE TRACK I TRIED TO PUT THE VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL AND IT WOULD NOT WORK. THE AUTOMATIC CAR WASH TRACK STARTED TO TRY TO PULL THE VEHICLE FORWARD. AS IM FRANTICALLY TRYING TO MAKE IT GO INTO NEUTRAL, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO HOP OFF THE TRACK AND WAS GETTING VIOLENTLY THRASHED AROUND AS IT WAS GETTING PULLED FORWARD CAUSING THE PERSON RUNNING THE WASH TO HAVE TO MANUALLY HIT A PANIC BUTTON TO STOP IT. FORTUNATELY THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO EITHER THE VEHICLE OR THE CAR WASH BUT IT IS VERY DISTURBING THAT IT WOULD NOT WORK. IT TOOK SEVERAL EMPLOYEES TO BE ABLE TO FIGURE OUT HOW IT WORKED. IT SHOULD BE SIMPLE... IT'S NOT!!! WAY TO COMPLICATED AND I'M STILL NOT 100% SURE AFTER TRYING TO PUT IT IN NEUTRAL HOW IT WORKS. IT JUST SOMETIMES WILL GO INTO NEUTRAL AFTER TRYING IT OVER AND OVER....VERY UNSAFE. *TR

4/9/2014

10 more complaints are available in this category.

ENGINE

11 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

HYBRID ENGINE SUDDENLY SHUT DOWN WITHOUT WARNING WHILE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING 65 MPH ON A BUSY FREEWAY, CAUSING VEHICLE TO COME AN UNSAFE STOP. DEPRESSING ACCELERATOR HAD NO EFFECT. ONBOARD COMPUTER GAVE ERROR MESSAGE "CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM. STOP THE VEHICLE IN A SAFE PLACE." RESTARTING VEHICLE PRODUCED THE SAME ERROR MESSAGE AND STILL UNABLE TO SHIFT VEHICLE INTO DRIVE OR REVERSE. FUEL TANK FULL AT TIME OF INCIDENT. VEHICLE PURCHASED NEW 5 MONTHS PRIOR FROM TOYOTA DEALERSHIP. NO AFTERMARKET PARTS OR MODIFICATIONS PRESENT. *TR

8/25/2012

DRIVING 70 MPH CAR BEGAN TO GO INTO HIGH RPM, THEN ACCELERATED TO 74 FROM 70 MPH. I TRIED TO DECREASE SPEED THEN VEHICLE SHUT OFF GOT A LONG BEEP AND MESSAGE ON DISPLAY "CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM, PULL OVER IMMEDIATELY" ALL LIGHTS ON DASH WERE INDICATING FAILURES. COASTED TO SAFETY WITH 5 PASSENGERS IN VEHICLE ACROSS TRAFFIC AT 9:30 PM TO SHOULDER. TRIED TO RESTART SEVERAL TIMES THEN VEHICLE WENT INTO HIGH RPM THEN ENGINE KNOCKED LOUDLY AND WAS COMPLETELY DISABLED. LOST BRAKES, PEDAL WAS HARD, LOST POWER STEERING, DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. I STILL HAD 2 BARS INDICATING PLENTY OF FUEL IN CAR. PRIOR FILLUP WAS 7.6 GALLONS AT PUMP, USUALLY GET OVER 500 MILES PER TANK, TRIP METER ONLY SHOWED UNDER 400 MILES SINCE FILL UP SO HAD PLENTY OF FUEL AND THERE WAS NO LOW FUEL INDICATOR. REPORTED ALL PROBLEMS TO DEALER. THEY ONLY NOTED THE CAR SHUT DOWN BUT TOLD ME THEY CONFIRMED EVERYTHING I SAID AND THAT TOYOTA ENGINEERS ARE TRYING TO RESOLVE THIS SINCE THEY ARE AWARE OF THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM. SO FAR DEALER AND TOYOTA HAVE NOT ADDRESSED THE HIGH RPM, THE ACCELERATION, LOSS OF ELECTRONICS AND HYBRID SYSTEM FAILURE AND TOLD ME THEY HAVENEVER HEARD OF ANY TOYOTA EVER HAVING A REPORT OF A HIGH RPM OR ACCELERATION WITHOUT INTENT TO ACCELERATE FORM THE DRIVER. VEHICLE IS UNSAFE, HAS 4944 MILES AND THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED ABOUT A MONTH AFTER PURCHASE. TOYOTA STILL DOES NOT KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEMS ARE AND IN POSSESSION OF THE VEHICLE. *TR *JS

9/7/2012

9 more complaints are available in this category.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

10 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

MY PASSENGER SIDE SUN VISOR JUST COMPLETELY FELL OUT WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. IT HAS RARELY BEEN USED (MY CAR IS A 2012 WITH HIGH MILES AND MOST OF THE TIME I TRAVEL ALONE). THIS COULD HAVE EASILY CAUSED A DISTRACTION OR CRASH. I NOTICED THAT THERE ARE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ABOUT OTHER TOYOTA MODELS / YEARS.

11/25/2015

DOOR LOCKING MECHANISM, SECURITY ISSUE, VEHICLE WILL NOT LOCK DUE TO FAULTY LOCK ACTUATOR--- MAY EFFECT OTHER ACTUATORS. VEHICLE STATIONARY AND ON START UP FOR MOTION.

8/15/2016

8 more complaints are available in this category.

SEAT BELTS

9 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE LATCH SYSTEM DESIGN ON THE SEATS ON THE NEW PRIUS V IS FLAWED. INSTEAD OF HAVING FOUR LATCH POINTS, ONE SET OF TWO FOR THE LEFT SEAT AND ONE SET OF TWO FOR THE RIGHT SEAT, THEY HAVE ONLY THREE LATCH POINTS, ONE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE LEFT SEAT, ONE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE RIGHT SEAT AND ONE IN THE MIDDLE OF CAR. OUR CHILD SAFETY SEAT HAS THREE BUCKLES DESIGNED TO WORK WITH THE LATCH SYSTEM, ONE ON THE LEFT, ONE ON THE RIGHT AND A TOP TETHER. THE LEFT AND RIGHT BUCKLES CANNOT ATTACH TO THE SAME LATCH POINT BECAUSE THEN THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT WILL PIVOT. THIS MEANS ONE MUST INSTALL THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT AT AN OFFSET TO THE CAR'S SEAT, USING THE MIDDLE AND RIGHT LATCH POINTS FOR A CHILD SAFETY SEAT INSTALLED ON THE RIGHT SIDE. BUT THEN THE TOP TETHER, WHICH MUST GO OVER THE TOP OF THE SEAT DOWN TO A LATCH POINT, IS NO LONGER AS SECURE AS IT SHOULD BE, SINCE THE LATCH POINT IS THEN OFF-CENTER WITH REGARD TO THE TOP TETHER. IF THE CHILD IS OLD ENOUGH THAT THEY NEED TO USE THE CAR'S SEAT BELTS WITH THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT (E.G., A BOOSTER SEAT) INSTEAD OF THE RESTRAINTS BUILT-INTO THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT, ONE CAN'T BUCKLE IN THE SEAT BELT BECAUSE THE BUCKLE INTENDED FOR THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE CAR IS BURIED UNDERNEATH THE OFFSET CHILD SAFETY SEAT. THE MIDDLE BUCKLE IS DESIGNED TO NOT WORK WITH THE SIDE SEAT BELTS. IF ONE USES THE LEFT SIDE BUCKLE WITH THE RIGHT SIDE SEAT BELT, IT'S NOT AS SECURE, AND THEN THE LEFT SIDE PASSENGER (OR A SECOND CHILD SAFETY SEAT) HAS NO SEAT BELT. SO A PROPER USE OF THE SEAT BELTS REQUIRES THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT TO BE CENTERED ON THE SEAT, BUT THEN EITHER THE LATCHES ARE CONNECTED AT AN OFFSET OR THEY ARE CONNECTED TO THE SAME LATCH AND PIVOT. EITHER WAY THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT IS NOT REALLY SECURE. *TR

2/1/2012

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.

12/20/2012

7 more complaints are available in this category.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

9 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AS SHE WAS ENTERING A PARKING SPACE AT 3 MPH, THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. THE POLICE WERE NOTIFIED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY WAS CONTACTED WHO ADVISED THAT THEY WOULD INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE WHO SENT A REPRESENTATIVE TO FURTHER ASSES THE FAILURE. AFTER INSPECTION, THE REPRESENTATIVE NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS WERE DEPRESSED SIMULTANEOUSLY AND ADVISED THAT THERE WERE NO FAILURES WITHIN THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,400.... UPDATED 08/15/12 *BF

5/24/2012

DRIVING 70 MPH CAR BEGAN TO GO INTO HIGH RPM, THEN ACCELERATED TO 74 FROM 70 MPH. I TRIED TO DECREASE SPEED THEN VEHICLE SHUT OFF GOT A LONG BEEP AND MESSAGE ON DISPLAY "CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM, PULL OVER IMMEDIATELY" ALL LIGHTS ON DASH WERE INDICATING FAILURES. COASTED TO SAFETY WITH 5 PASSENGERS IN VEHICLE ACROSS TRAFFIC AT 9:30 PM TO SHOULDER. TRIED TO RESTART SEVERAL TIMES THEN VEHICLE WENT INTO HIGH RPM THEN ENGINE KNOCKED LOUDLY AND WAS COMPLETELY DISABLED. LOST BRAKES, PEDAL WAS HARD, LOST POWER STEERING, DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. I STILL HAD 2 BARS INDICATING PLENTY OF FUEL IN CAR. PRIOR FILLUP WAS 7.6 GALLONS AT PUMP, USUALLY GET OVER 500 MILES PER TANK, TRIP METER ONLY SHOWED UNDER 400 MILES SINCE FILL UP SO HAD PLENTY OF FUEL AND THERE WAS NO LOW FUEL INDICATOR. REPORTED ALL PROBLEMS TO DEALER. THEY ONLY NOTED THE CAR SHUT DOWN BUT TOLD ME THEY CONFIRMED EVERYTHING I SAID AND THAT TOYOTA ENGINEERS ARE TRYING TO RESOLVE THIS SINCE THEY ARE AWARE OF THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM. SO FAR DEALER AND TOYOTA HAVE NOT ADDRESSED THE HIGH RPM, THE ACCELERATION, LOSS OF ELECTRONICS AND HYBRID SYSTEM FAILURE AND TOLD ME THEY HAVENEVER HEARD OF ANY TOYOTA EVER HAVING A REPORT OF A HIGH RPM OR ACCELERATION WITHOUT INTENT TO ACCELERATE FORM THE DRIVER. VEHICLE IS UNSAFE, HAS 4944 MILES AND THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED ABOUT A MONTH AFTER PURCHASE. TOYOTA STILL DOES NOT KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEMS ARE AND IN POSSESSION OF THE VEHICLE. *TR *JS

9/7/2012

7 more complaints are available in this category.

STEERING

7 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

VEHICLE IS PARKED OUTSIDE, AND DURING MORNING COLD START, THE VEHICLE PRODUCES A MOANING/WOOING SOUND FOR APPROX. 50-75 YARDS WITH VEHICLE MOVING UNDER 25 MPH. THE SOUND IS BEING GENERATED FROM THE FRONT WHEEL WELLS. SOUND GENERATED IS RELATED TO VEHICLE SPEED. THE FASTER THE VEHICLE MOVES, THE MORE FREQUENT THE SOUND BEING PRODUCED DURING THE FIRST 50-75 YARDS. STRANGE SOUND IS GONE AFTER THAT, AND DOES NOT RETURN UNTIL THE NEXT COOL/COLD START. OWNER TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION, AND DEALER TOOK OFF THE FRONT WHEEL TO INSPECT BRAKES, WHEELS, AND TIRES, AND WAS NOT ABLE TO LOCATE OR REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM. ABNORMAL SOUND IS ONLY PRODUCED DURING MORNING COLD STARTS AND WHEN VEHICLE IS LEFT TO COOL(I.E. PARKING LOT AT WORK). *TR

10/18/2012

I HAD TO RETURN A 2012 PRIUS I RENTED FROM AVIS CORP. THE CARBON FIBER STEERING WHEELS ON THE 2012 PRIUS VEHICLES ARE DECOMPOSING IN THE FLORIDA HEAT AND SUN. THE STEERING WHEEL IS PUTTING CARBON (GLASS) FIBERS INTO PEOPLE'S HANDS. THEY MAKE OUR HANDS RED AND ITCH FROM THE CARBON GLASS FIBERS POKING OUR HANDS. YOU CAN SEE THE FIBERS SHINING IN THE SUNLIGHT AT THE RIGHT ANGLE. YOU GUYS NEED TO LOOK INTO THIS. PROBABLY NEED TO COVER WHEELS WITH LEATHER OR SOMETHING. ALSO, IT APPEARS TOYOTA DOES NOT ANSWER THEIR SUPPORT PHONES AND FIXED THEIR SUPPORT (COMPLAINT) WEB SITE NOT TO WORK. YOU CANNOT TYPE INTO THE MESSAGE FILED TO DESCRIBE YOUR ISSUE. *TR

6/24/2013

5 more complaints are available in this category.

SEATS

5 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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

12/31/2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA PRIUS V. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT COULD NOT BE ADJUSTED AWAY FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,300 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 2300.

3/27/2012

3 more complaints are available in this category.

SUSPENSION

5 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

REPEATING SEVERAL-SECOND GROANING OR GRINDING NOISE HEARD FROM REAR WHEEL AREA UPON STARTUP MOTION. THE NOISE IS SEVERE AND SOUNDS LIKE LOW-PITCH METAL GRINDING. IT'S POTENTIALLY BRAKE RELATED BUT COULD BE SUSPENSION BUSHINGS OR OTHER COMPONENTS RUBBING AGAINST ONE ANOTHER. IT DOES NOT SOUND LIKE TYPICAL BRAKE GLAZING. THE NOISE OCCURS IN ALL WEATHER CONDITIONS AND TYPICALLY AFTER VEHICLE HAS BEEN SITTING FOR SEVERAL HOURS OR OVERNIGHT. NOISE CONTINUES FOR SEVERAL MINUTES AT STOP AND START. NOISE IS LOUD ENOUGH TO STARTLE AN EXPERIENCED DRIVER. THE ABSOLUTE SEVERITY AND INDICATION OF THE SOUND IS ENOUGH TO QUESTION SAFE ONGOING FUNCTIONALITY OF BRAKING AND/OR SUSPENSION SYSTEMS. MULTIPLE REPORTS ARE DOCUMENTED ONLINE AT PRIUSCHAT.COM. TOYOTA DOES NOT APPEAR TO HAVE A FIX OR RESOLUTION AT TIME OF WRITING, 10/2012. THIS IS FOR 2012 PRIUS V MODEL FIVE. *TR

10/18/2012

WHEN STARTING TO DRIVE THE CAR AFTER IS HAS BEEN SITTING FOR ABOUT 3 HOURS AND ESPECIALLY FIRST THING IN THE MORNING, THE VEHICLE MAKES A GROANING NOISE WHICH SEEMS TO BE COMING FROM THE LEFT REAR TIRE AREA. IT LASTS FOR ABOUT THE FIRST 50 FEET AND THEN IT STOPS MAKING THE NOISE. THIS HAS HAPPENED WITH TEMPERATURES VARYING BETWEEN 40 TO 75 DEGREES. WHEN IT IS REALLY HOT IN THE MORNING, THE NOISE IS NOT PRESENT. THE DEALER HAS LOOKED AT THE VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES AND THEY SAY THAT THIS IS A NATIONAL PROBLEM WITH NO SOLUTION. I HAVE OWNED THIS CAR FOR 4 DAYS SHORT OF A YEAR WITH 12,250 MILES ON IT AND IT DOES IT ALL THE TIME. THIS IS VERY FRUSTRATING BECAUSE THE CAR IS FINE OTHERWISE. *TR

1/9/2013

3 more complaints are available in this category.

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER

4 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHEN DRIVING DASHBOARD "HYBRID SYSTEM NOT WORKING. PULL OVER..." THIS WAS 7/3/2012. IT HAD RUN OUT OF GAS EVEN THOUGH THERE WERE 2 BARS OUT OF 10 STILL PRESENT ON GAS GAUGE. ON 7/30/12 LATER THIS HAPPENED AGAIN WITH 4 BARS SHOWING. GOT THE FUEL SENSOR AND GAUGE REPLACED ON 7/30/12. 8/14/12 WITH 3 BARS SHOWING, CRUISING RANGE OF 60 MILES AND HAVING GONE 480 MILES THE SAME WARNING "HYBRID SYSTEM NOT WORKING..." I WAS ABLE TO GET TO A GAS STATION BEFORE RUNNING OUT OF GAS. THE PRIUS MANUAL STATES THE TANK HOLDS 9.5 GALLONS. FILLING UP THE TANK TOOK 9.91 GALLONS. THERE IS CLEARLY SOMETHING WRONG. THE FUEL SENSOR AND GAUGE HAVE ALREADY BEEN REPLACED, THOUGH. THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM FOR A NEW CAR. THIS IS A NEW MODEL. *TR

8/15/2012

HYBRID ENGINE SUDDENLY SHUT DOWN WITHOUT WARNING WHILE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING 65 MPH ON A BUSY FREEWAY, CAUSING VEHICLE TO COME AN UNSAFE STOP. DEPRESSING ACCELERATOR HAD NO EFFECT. ONBOARD COMPUTER GAVE ERROR MESSAGE "CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM. STOP THE VEHICLE IN A SAFE PLACE." RESTARTING VEHICLE PRODUCED THE SAME ERROR MESSAGE AND STILL UNABLE TO SHIFT VEHICLE INTO DRIVE OR REVERSE. FUEL TANK FULL AT TIME OF INCIDENT. VEHICLE PURCHASED NEW 5 MONTHS PRIOR FROM TOYOTA DEALERSHIP. NO AFTERMARKET PARTS OR MODIFICATIONS PRESENT. *TR

8/25/2012

2 more complaints are available in this category.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

4 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

FUEL INDICATOR ON THE DASH SHOWED 3 BARS FOR REMAINING FUEL. VEHICLE RAN OUT OF FUEL DESPITE SHOWING 3 BARS. OFTENTIMES AFTER TANK IS FILLED IT ONLY ILLUMINATES TO 1 OR 2 UNDER THE TOP BAR INSTEAD OF SHOWING A FULL TANK. THERE IS OBVIOUSLY A PROBLEM THAT THE CAR IS NOT ACCURATELY REPORTING THE FUEL LEVEL. *TR

10/7/2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHENEVER HE MADE A U-TURN, THE VEHICLE MADE A LOUD NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL SENDING UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 16,400. *TR

4/4/2013

2 more complaints are available in this category.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

3 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

SUNDAY DEC. 11TH: PULLING OUT OF CHICAGO GARAGE, CAR MAKES ODD ROTATIONAL NOISE. THE SOUND SEEMS TO GO AWAY AFTER ABOUT A BLOCK OR SO OF DRIVING. THE DEALERSHIP IS CLOSED AND I AM BOOKED UP WITH CLIENTS, SO I CONTINUE TO TEST AND SEE IF TEMPERATURE OR ENVIRONMENT EFFECT THE NOISE. THE NOISE APPEARS TO ONLY HAPPEN ON A 'COLD START' BUT ALL OTHER FACTORS DO NOT SEEM TO SHOW AN IMPRESSIVE CHANGE. DEC. 15TH: I CALL TOYOTA CORPORATE AND FILE A COMPLAINT, THEN PER THEIR DIRECTION, CALL THE DEALER AND MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE NOISE PROBLEM FIXED. JAN. 13TH: AFTER SEVERAL CALLS TO CORPORATE, AND HAVING TAKEN THE CAR IN THREE TIMES TO THE DEALERSHIP (MIDTOWN TOYOTA- CHICAGO), I HAVE BEEN INFORMED BY ONE OF THE SERVICE EMPLOYEES THAT TOYOTA IS HAVING A PROBLEM WITH MANY OF THESE MODELS. THEY THINK IT IS A BACK BRAKE ISSUE, PERHAPS DEFECTIVE PART(S). AS BOTH TOYOTA & THE DEALERSHIP ARE NOT OFFICIALLY TELLING ME THIS. THIS IS WHAT I KNOW, THEY HAVE BEEN LYING TO ME AS A CONSUMER AND ME AND OTHER CUSTOMERS ARE DRIVING A CAR WITH A POTENTIAL SAFETY PROBLEM. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS CAR.

1/18/2012

1. WHEN VEHICLE TRANSITIONED FROM BATTERY TO MOTOR, SIGNIFICANT IMPACT RESULTED 2. BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO FLOOR, DASH WARNING LIGHT CAME ON [VEHICLE TOWED] 3. ATTEMPTING TO LEAVE DEALERS LOT, BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO FLOOR. TECHNICIAN WITNESSED. *TR UPDATED 01/15/13

12/8/2012

1 more complaint is available in this category.

STRUCTURE

3 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

MY 2012 PRIUS V HAS A SERIOUS REFLECTION IN THE POINT OF VEIW OF THE SIDE VIEW MIRRORS, WHEN THE FRONT WINDOWS ARE ROLLED UP, AND THE SUN IS HIGH NOON(+-5 HOURS) POSITION. THIS IS CAUSED BY THE WHITE DASH TRIM THAT THE SUN HITS. *TR ## VIN PASSED ## TOYOTA PRIUS V 2012 ##. *TR

7/12/2012

INTERIOR WATER LEAKAGE THAT DRIPS DOWN FROM THE CENTER CONSOLE DOWN TO THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER FLOORS. FIRST OCCURRENCE OCCURRED AROUND 14K MILES. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT IT WAS LEAKING BEFORE BUT I DID NOT NOTICE IT BECAUSE I HAVE WEATHER PROOFING FLOOR MATS, THE WETNESS OCCURS UNDER THE MAT. THE DEALER SAYS CLOGGED AC TUBING BY DEBRIS. THEY CLEANED IT OUT BUT CHARGE ME $100. SECOND OCCURRENCE IN DEC 6 2013 AT 16K MILES. IT RAIN THE NIGHT BEFORE. I SUSPECT IT IS A DESIGN FLOW IF THERE ARE TREND FOR SIMILAR COMPLAINTS OR MY CAR HAS A DEFECTIVE PART(S). THE CONSISTENT DAMPNESS UNDER THE FLOOR MATS COULD LEAD TO LONG TERM ISSUE WITH THE CAR. *TR

12/7/2013

1 more complaint is available in this category.

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

3 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

UPON STARTING THE ENGINE AND ENGAGING THE AIR CONDITIONING OF MY 2012 TOYOTA PRIUS WITH 10,000 MILES, A STRONG FOUL SMELLING AIR COMES FROM THE A/C VENTS. AT THE 10,000 MILE SERVICING, THE TOYOTA SERVICE MANAGER STATED THIS SMELL IS TYPICAL TO SOME TOYOTAS. A TOYOTA TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE WAS PERFORMED. THE REPORT STATED "NO REPAIRS NEEDED AT THIS TIME VEHICLE IS OPERATING AS PER DESIGNED. I KNOW OF NO VEHICLE DESIGN THAT WOULD STREAM FOUL AIR FROM THE A/C VENTS OF A NEW CAR. MY SAFETY CONCERN IS WITH THE CONTAMINANTS CREATING THE FOUL SMELL AND HOW LONG CAN A HUMAN CONTINUE TO BREATHE THESE CONTAMINANTS BEFORE BECOMING ILL WITH RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS. *TR

9/13/2013

WHEN GOING FROM PARK TO DRIVE FORWARD, THE CAR SLIPS INTO REVERSE!!! I'VE TAKEN IT TO TOYOTA MULTIPLE TIMES AND THEY SAY THEY FIND NOTHING WRONG! I HAVE TO BE VERY CAREFUL TO BE SURE THE CAR IS ACTUALLY IN DRIVE BEFORE MOVING IT OR I COULD BACK INTO SOMETHING OR SOMEONE BY MISTAKE. *TR

10/24/2014

1 more complaint is available in this category.

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

3 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I WENT TO START MY PRIUS V. AFTER IT WAS STARTED, A NUMBER OF THE WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON INCLUDING THE ABS AND STABILITY CONTROL. I WAS STUNNED SINCE I HAD MY 30000 MILE CHECK UP IN MAY WITH NO PROBLEMS. WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR, THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT RODENTS HAD EATEN THROUGH A NUMBER OF THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS BECAUSE OF THE SOY BASED WIRING. (I UNDERSTAND NOW THAT IT'S "BIOGRADABLE SOY BASED WIRING INSULATION.) I GENERALLY PARK MY CAR AT ONLY TWO LOCATIONS - MY HOME AND MY WORK. I HAD NEVER SEEN ANY RODENTS OF ANY TYPE! I CAN'T IMAGINE WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IF ONE OF THE WIRES TO THE ENGINE, OR AIRBAGS, OR ANY SYSTEM FOR THAT MATTER SEPARATED WHILE I WAS DRIVING. APPARENTLY, TOYOTA IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM BUT IS TRYING TO DOWNPLAY IT! I WAS TOLD IT'S NOT A WARRANTY ITEM. MY CAR REQUIRES TWO NEW WIRING HARNESSES, THE ALARM WIRING, AND THE AIRBAG HARNESS PLUS OTHER REPAIRS. *TR

10/28/2014

ON JULY 28, 2017, I WAS DRIVING ALONG WITH MY THREE CHILDREN. I PULLED INTO A DRIVEWAY TO PARK MY VEHICLE BEHIND A PARKED VEHICLE. THERE WAS APPROXIMATELY A 2 FOOT SPAN BETWEEN THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE AND THE FRONT OF MY 2012 TOYOTA PRIUS. TO THE RIGHT OF THE PARKED VEHICLE WAS A PARKED TRUCK. BEING THAT I WAS PULLING INTO A SPACE TO PARK MY VEHICLE, I WAS TRAVELING EXTREMELY SLOWLY. I BEGAN TO PRESS ON MY BRAKE TO PARK THE VEHICLE AND INSTANTLY KNEW THERE WAS A PROBLEM. UPON DEPRESSING THE BRAKE, SEVERAL LIGHTS BEGAN TO FLASH WITHIN THE DASH TO INCLUDE BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE ABS, WARNING LIGHT, AND THE LIGHT WITH VEHICLE SWERVE LINES. OTHER LIGHTS WERE ALSO FLASHING, BUT I DO NOT RECALL EACH ONE. THE BRAKE PAD INSTANTLY WENT STRAIGHT TO THE FLOOR WITH NO PRESSURE. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP AND CONTINUED TO TRAVEL FORWARD WITH ACCELERATION. TO AVOID HITTING THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME I BEGAN TO TURN MY WHEEL TO THE RIGHT. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE AND CAME INTO CONTACT WITH THE TRUCK THAT WAS TO MY FRONT-RIGHT. MY PRIUS FAILED TO SLOW OR STOP. IT CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE AND BEGAN PUSHING THE TRUCK UP THE DRIVEWAY AND INTO THE METAL GARAGE DOOR WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED THE ENTIRE TIME. EVENTUALLY, THE CAR CAME TO A STOP AND THE LIGHTS CONTINUED TO FLASH PRIOR, DURING, AND AFTER THE INCIDENT. AFTER THE CAR WAS TOWED TREAD WHEEL MARKS WERE FOUND ON THE DRIVEWAY WHERE THE WHEELS SPUN AND LEFT AN IMPRINT IN THE ASPHALT. I AND MY CHILDREN WERE UNINJURED HOWEVER, THE INCIDENT WAS INCREDIBLY TRAUMATIC. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS BY MY INSURANCE COMPANY AND AS OF YET TO BE PROCESSED FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING BY TOYOTA. THE TOYOTA CARE SERVICE WAS INFORMED OF THE ACCIDENT. TOYOTA BELIEVES IT TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH THE INTELLIGENCE COMPONENT OF THE VEHICLE, HOWEVER DETERMINATION IS CURRENTLY UNKNOWN UNTIL DIAGNOSTIC IS PERFORMED.

8/12/2017

1 more complaint is available in this category.

WHEELS

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

VEHICLE IS PARKED OUTSIDE, AND DURING MORNING COLD START, THE VEHICLE PRODUCES A MOANING/WOOING SOUND FOR APPROX. 50-75 YARDS WITH VEHICLE MOVING UNDER 25 MPH. THE SOUND IS BEING GENERATED FROM THE FRONT WHEEL WELLS. SOUND GENERATED IS RELATED TO VEHICLE SPEED. THE FASTER THE VEHICLE MOVES, THE MORE FREQUENT THE SOUND BEING PRODUCED DURING THE FIRST 50-75 YARDS. STRANGE SOUND IS GONE AFTER THAT, AND DOES NOT RETURN UNTIL THE NEXT COOL/COLD START. OWNER TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION, AND DEALER TOOK OFF THE FRONT WHEEL TO INSPECT BRAKES, WHEELS, AND TIRES, AND WAS NOT ABLE TO LOCATE OR REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM. ABNORMAL SOUND IS ONLY PRODUCED DURING MORNING COLD STARTS AND WHEN VEHICLE IS LEFT TO COOL(I.E. PARKING LOT AT WORK). *TR

10/18/2012

TURNING RIGHT FROM A STOP SIGN STOP, THE CAR TOOK OFF IN AN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION AND COULD NOT BE STOPPED UNTIL IT HIT A CURB. THE FORCE BROKE THE BALL JOINT OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL CAUSING THE WHEEL TO TURN APPROX 45 DEGREES. THE CAR THEN SKIDDED ABOUT 20 YARDS AND CAME TO A STOP WITH THE MOTOR RACING. IT WAS A SINGLE CAR CRASH WITH NO BODILY INJURY. *TR

10/7/2014

EQUIPMENT

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

NAVAGATION SCREEN, WHEN SUN HITS THE SCREEN FROM RIGHT DIRECTION THE SCREEN CAN ACT LIKE A VERY BRIGHT MIRROR AND BLIND DRIVER WITHOUT WARNING. *TR

9/27/2012

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE NOTICED THAT WHEN THE LIGHTS WERE VIEWED THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL PRISM EFFECT. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THERE WAS AN IMAGE LOCATED ABOVE AND BELOW THE ACTUAL LIGHT SOURCE THAT OCCURRED WITH ALL LIGHT SOURCES SUCH AS HEADLIGHTS, TAIL LIGHTS, STREET LIGHTS, TRAFFIC LIGHTS, ETC. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE A TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT NO REPAIRS WERE NEEDED AND THAT THE ISSUE WAS NOT A DEFECT BUT RATHER A CHARACTERISTIC OF THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 7,200. UPDATED 12/10/12 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE'S WINDSHIELD WAS REPLACED ONCE. THE REPLACEMENT WINDSHIELD HAD THE SAME DEFECT THE CASE WAS TAKEN TO ARBITRATION WHEN TOYOTA REFUSED TO FIND A REMEDY FOR THE SAFETY DEFECT. ARBITRATION WAS LOST DUE TO "LACK OF EVIDENCE". UPDATED 12/18/2012*JS

11/21/2012

SEAT BELTS:FRONT

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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

12/19/2012

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

HEAD RESTRAINT (HEAD REST) ON DRIVER SEAT DOES NOT STAY IN PLACE. AFTER I ADJUST IT, IT RISES VERY SLOWLY. IF I DO NOT CONTINUALLY READJUST IT (3 OR 4 TIMES A DAY), IT RISES ABOVE MY HEAD. I CONSIDER THIS A SAFETY CONCERN. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR (NEW) AND I HAVE ASKED TOYOTA SEVERAL TIMES TO REPAIR THIS DEFECT, AND THEY SAY THAT IT IS 'NORMAL'. I HAVE OWNED MANY CARS DURING MY LIFETIME, AND THIS HAS NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE IN ANY OF THEM. IT DOES NOT HAPPEN TO THE PASSENGER HEAD RESTRAINT. I DO NOT THINK IT IS 'NORMAL', AND IF IT IS 'NORMAL' FOR TOYOTA, THEN ALL TOYOTA CARS HAVE A SAFETY PROBLEM. I HAVE CONTACTED TOYOTA AND THEY JUST REFER THE PROBLEM BACK TO MY LOCAL DEALER, WHO CONTINUES TO GIVE ME THE SAME ANSWER. *TR

2/6/2013

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

UPON STARTING THE ENGINE AND ENGAGING THE AIR CONDITIONING OF MY 2012 TOYOTA PRIUS WITH 10,000 MILES, A STRONG FOUL SMELLING AIR COMES FROM THE A/C VENTS. AT THE 10,000 MILE SERVICING, THE TOYOTA SERVICE MANAGER STATED THIS SMELL IS TYPICAL TO SOME TOYOTAS. A TOYOTA TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE WAS PERFORMED. THE REPORT STATED "NO REPAIRS NEEDED AT THIS TIME VEHICLE IS OPERATING AS PER DESIGNED. I KNOW OF NO VEHICLE DESIGN THAT WOULD STREAM FOUL AIR FROM THE A/C VENTS OF A NEW CAR. MY SAFETY CONCERN IS WITH THE CONTAMINANTS CREATING THE FOUL SMELL AND HOW LONG CAN A HUMAN CONTINUE TO BREATHE THESE CONTAMINANTS BEFORE BECOMING ILL WITH RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS. *TR

9/13/2013

VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

2012 TOYOTA PRIUS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE WINDOW EXPLODED. *SMD WHILE DRIVING 35-40 MPH ON A PAVED ROAD, THE CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD POP. HE THOUGHT IT WAS A TIRE BLOW OUT, BUT HE SOON REALIZED, THE REAR WINDOW HAD CRACKED, FOR NO APPARENT REASON. *JB

2/10/2014

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A RESIDENTIAL GARAGE, IT STARTED TO ROLL AWAY IN REVERSE INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ROLLED ALL THE WAY INTO THE STREET KNOCKING HER DOWN TO THE GROUND AND INTO A MAIL BOX. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A LACERATION TO HER LEFT LEG WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 23,900. *TR

6/13/2014

HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED. VARIOUS WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AND A BEEPING NOISE WAS PRESENT. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE COASTED TO A STOP AND WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE FOREARM THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V053000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 45,000.......UPDATED 04/01/16 *BF *JS CONSUMER STATED THERE HAVE BEEN PREVIOUS STALLS WHICH THERE HAVE BEEN RECALLS. UPDATED 6/7/18*JB

2/26/2016

HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM: INVERTER

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING THE CAR PREPARING TO TURN TO ENTER THE FREEWAY WHEN THE PRIUS LOST ALL DRIVING POWER SPONTANEOUSLY AT THE SAME TIME PROMPTED WITH A WARNING ON THE SCREEN 'CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM AND PARK IN A SAFE PLACE'. THE CAR LOST ALL DRIVING POWER INCLUDING POWER STEERING BUT MY HUSBAND WAS ABLE TO GLIDE THE VEHICLE ACROSS SEVERAL LANES TO A PARKED POSITION BEFORE THE FREEWAY ENTRANCE. THE CAR NEVER RESUMED ITS ABILITY TO DRIVE DESPITE TURNING IT OFF AND AN ATTEMPT TO RESTART. THE PRIUS WAS TOWED TO THE HOUSE AND TOWED AGAIN TO THE DEALERSHIP THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR AN ASSESSMENT AND REPAIR. AS A TOYOTA CUSTOMER, WE WERE INFORMED THE VEHICLE HAD EXPERIENCED INVERTER/COMPONENT FAILURE. MY VEHICLE HAD A RECALL YEARS EARLIER TO REFLASH SOFTWARE IN THE PRIUS INVERTER, BUT THIS DID NOT RESOLVE/PREVENT THE SPONTANEOUS INVERTER FAILURE WE EXPERIENCED ON WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28, 2018. IT HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION THAT TOYOTA CORPORATION IS AWARE OF SEVERAL CUSTOMERS REPORTING SIMILAR OR NEAR IDENTICAL CIRCUMSTANCES, BUT ARE NOT ISSUING A RECALL TO PREVENT THIS FROM HAPPENING TO A TOYOTA DRIVER ON THE ROAD. TOYOTA IS AGREEING TO REPLACE PARTS AT NO COST TO ME, WITH NO GUARANTEE THIS WILL CORRECT ANY INVERTER FAILURE. I HAVE REQUESTED THE SYSTEM BE REPLACED BASED ON TOYOTA'S CORRECTIVE ACTION ON THE NEWEST PRIUS MODELS, BUT THEY HAVE DENIED MY REQUEST. IF TOYOTA IS ACKNOWLEDGING COST FOR THIS VEHICLE FAILURE, WHY IS IT NOT A RECALL? IF TOYOTA HAS MADE ATTEMPTS TO CORRECT THIS VEHICLE FAILURE IN NEWER PRIUS MODELS BY INSTALLING IMPROVED INVERTER SYSTEMS, WHY AM I BEING DENIED THE SAFETY OF ALSO HAVING AN IMPROVED AND NEW INVERTER SYSTEM INSTALLED IN MY PRIUS AFTER WHAT WE HAVE EXPERIENCED AND REPORTED TO BOTH THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND TOYOTA CORPORATION? PLEASE INVESTIGATE BEFORE INJURY OR FATALITY COMES FROM THIS CORPORATE NEGLECT OF AN IDENTIFIED PROBLEM.

4/2/2018

About This Data

Data and Methodology

Sources
Show 10 sources
  • getcarai.com
  • edmunds.com
  • edmunds.com
  • priuschat.com
  • cars.com
  • cars.com
  • carscoops.com
  • toyota.ca
  • cars.com
  • carsguide.com.au
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?

The most reported complaint category for the 2012 Toyota Prius is SERVICE BRAKES, with 168 owner reports. That is about 32% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING.

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

Potentially. 324 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?

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 severe?

324 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: 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
522
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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