2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid problems

“While driving 60 mph in highway, ABS, traction control and brake lights lit up and vehicle lost its effective braking power. There were no prior warnings prior to this failure. It was a sudden incident. Since it wasn't rush hour, I could safely reduce speed and bring the car to stop. Situation could have been much different if it was normal hours. After taking the car to dealership, it indicated DTC code 1391, Brake Assembly Failure. The car was fixed at dealership at cost of $3,000. When researched further, it appeared that there is broader pattern of failures. Numerous reports have been made by owners of 2010–2015 Toyota Prius, Prius PHV, 2012–2015 Prius V, 2012–2014 Camry Hybrid, and 2013–2015 Avalon Hybrid vehicles, all of which share the same brake booster pump assembly design manufactured by Advics Co., Ltd. Dealerships, including Capistrano Toyota and Claremont Toyota in California, have previously petitioned NHTSA regarding this very defect. Their 2019 letter to the agency documented that Toyota: * Knowingly excluded hundreds of thousands of hybrids from prior safety recalls (DOH 13V-235 and KOL 19V-544) despite identical failures. *Issued…”

“The hybrid system fails to enter “Ready” mode with no SMR engagement audible from the junction box. Dashboard displays ABS, brake, engine, and master warning lights. OBD codes include U0142, U0155, and previously U0073 . Rear brake lights function normally when pedal is pressed. Dealer said to pay 250$ for diagnostic and diagnosed incorrect voltage from brake light switch and quoted $348.94 to replace, but refused to proceed with open safety recall J0V / 18V684 (NHTSA 18V684000) citing inability to achieve “Ready” mode. Recall covers inverter failure leading to loss of motive power. Dealer declined to jump 12V battery or use external power to perform required software update and inverter inspection. Vehicle remains inoperable and poses safety risk due to sudden power loss potential. Component (inverter G9200-47141) available for inspection. Problem confirmed by dealer diagnostics. No police or insurance inspection. Warning lamps appeared after 12V battery replacement three months ago.”

“Brake master control system failure with constant issues over 80k miles. Forward running lights control housing has not held a light fixture since day one and dealership wants to charge for light replacement. It’s a faulty part and burnt through the housing. Olathe Toyota refused to repair under warranty saying it was a customer issue but is clearly a safety problem. Irresponsible dealer management.”

“The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, there was a rattling sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle started shaking abnormally with a rattling sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a blown head gasket and that the engine block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.”

“The glass sunroof spontaneously exploded or imploded. There was a loud popping sound and I looked up at the sunroof, and it was shattered. glass started falling on me as I was driving on the highway. There have been many reported cases of this happening found online. https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/toyota-owners-should-be-aware-of-reported-exploding-sunroof-risk/ It has not been inspected yet. no warning messages.”

“The front and driver side air bags did not deploy (although the passenger side air bag did deploy). Initial impact came from behind, toward the passenger side, causing the vehicle to turn fully sideways, where the vehicle was then t-boned on the driver's side. The lack of driver side air bag deployment resulted in a lot of glass making it into the left side of the driver's head.”