repaired · 2019 Q2
Hybrid propulsion system
Risk. The failed fuse may cause the hybrid system to shut down resulting in the loss of power.
2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in HybridProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 25 owner complaints about the 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid, most often about the service brakes. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 16V-487 the manufacturer reports only 69% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 21, 2024. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid has problems
25 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
10Service brakes1 crash/fire/injury
3Electrical system
2Engine
2Service brakes, hydraulic
2Vehicle speed control1 crash/fire/injury
2Power train
1Electronic stability control (ESC)
1Exterior lighting
1Wheels
33 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Service brakes | 10 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 3 | 0 |
| Engine | 2 | 0 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 2 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 2 | 1 |
| Power train | 2 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) | 1 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 1 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 0 |
| 3 other systems | 3 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2018 Q1
Air bags: side/window
Risk. If either portion of the curtain shield air bag inflator ejects into the passenger cabin, there is an increased risk of injury to vehicle occupants.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Toyota.
Best & worst years
2012 vs. every other Prius Plug-in Hybrid year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Prius Plug-in Hybrid median. How we score
'10'11'12'13'14'15'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid, and the recalls they led to.
- Brake Actuator Valve WearNo recall
In owners' words
What Prius Plug-in Hybrid owners report
Recent service brakes complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
1. The ABS system failed upon inspection at a dealership. Specifically the ABS accumulator and booster. 2. The ABS system put us at risk by failing prematurely, and traction control and ABS functions seemingly stopped working while driving on the road. 3. Yes, dealership confirmed the issue with a…
I was driving less than 55mph on freeway on February 5, 2024 when my vehicle went into an out of control spin, Brakes did not seem to work and unable to control vehicle until hit center divider on freeway, Spun 180 degrees and kept going back with no braking until hit center divider.
2012 level 5 plug-in I was driving on the freeway with radar cruise control and the vehicle dash lit up with check pcs system ever warning light came on the brake petal was not there as normal it would go about half way down to engage very scary I took it to the dealership service said I need new…
Own a 2012 Prius Plug-in Hybrid?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.