Problems · NHTSA complaints

2012 Toyota Prius V problems

Owners filed 615 complaints about the 2012 Toyota Prius V with NHTSA between Dec 2011 and Sep 2026. The most-cited component is service brakes (288).

Complaints
615
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
62
Reported by owners
Fires
4
Reported by owners
Injuries
41
People reported injured
Deaths
3
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Service brakes288
  2. Electrical system73
  3. Engine66
  4. Exterior lighting39
  5. Air bags35
  6. Visibility/wiper31
  7. Power train28
  8. Structure27
  9. Vehicle speed control27
  10. Steering24
  11. Service brakes, hydraulic18
  12. Electronic stability control (esc)14
  13. Fuel/propulsion system13
  14. Seat belts12

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 9, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20111
201238
201359
201441
201524
201627
201732
201846
201964
202032
202131
202262
202352
202451
202547
20268

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Service brakes

288 reports22 crashes
“2012 Toyota Prius v with 89,662 miles. Multiple brake warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle stored diagnostic trouble code C1391, “Abnormal Leak in Accumulator.” The brake booster/accumulator pump is also cycling about every 13 seconds, even when the brake pedal is not being applied. The vehicle and components are available for inspection. My safety concern is that this involves a critical braking-system component. When the warning lights are on, regenerative braking is disabled, and braking behavior changes. I am concerned that continued deterioration could reduce braking performance or result in loss of brake assist. The issue has not yet been formally diagnosed by a Toyota dealer. I scanned the vehicle with a diagnostic scan tool, which currently shows C1391. I also contacted my independent repair shop, which recommended that Toyota diagnose the vehicle because this code is associated with the brake booster/booster pump failure previously addressed by Toyota Customer Support Program 20TE07. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by Toyota, police, insurance, or another manufacturer representative. A Toyota corporate case has been opened and escalated.…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 9, 2026Service brakesODI 11763226

Electrical system

73 reports1 crash3 fires
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 6, 2025Electrical systemODI 11697829

Engine

66 reports1 crash2 fires
“The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Prius V. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the temperature gauge and check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle then stalled. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 15, 2024EngineODI 11583145

Exterior lighting

39 reports1 crash1 related recall
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 15, 2024Exterior lighting, Service brakesODI 11572184

Air bags

35 reports26 crashes1 related recall
“On 10-17-24 these warning lights came on: 1. Pre-collision System 2. Hybrid System 3. Airbag 4. Safety Connect red light And Intermittently: 1. Slip Indicator 2. Brake System Cruise control would not set, and displayed "E3". ------- Component failed: Dealer determined that the driver's side door harness had been chewed by a rat that had entered the under dash area "somehow". They said it couldn't be repaired but must be replaced. My insurance deductible was $500 and they paid the balance of the $1,387.06 bill. (I have retained the harness, which could have been repaired by splicing the two wires connecting to the driver's side airbag collision sensor. The labor to splice the wires would have been less than an hour.) ------ Safety: The chewed wire apparently disabled the Airbag, Pre Collision, Emergency Automatic Braking, Seatbelt Pre-Tensioning, ABS, and Stability Systems. ----- The dealer confirmed the problem. ----- My insurance adjuster did inspect the harness. ----- I placed electronic rat traps in the vehicle, which killed three rats. ========= NEXT ========= ALL THE SAME WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON A FEW MONTHS LATER! I didn't throw more money at the Dealer,…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 11, 2025Air bags, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11660257

Visibility/wiper

31 reports
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 10, 2023Unknown or other, Visibility/wiperODI 11526364
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.