NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls and 688 owner complaints for the 2012 Toyota Prius. Most complaints involve service brakes (322) and electrical system (89). The EPA rates it 48–50 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Toyota Prius and 2012-2014 Toyota Prius V vehicles. Excessive voltage in the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) within the inverter may cause the hybrid system to shut down, causing the vehicle to stall while being driven.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Toyota Prius, 2010 and 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid, and 2011-2012 Lexus CT200h vehicles. A weld in the curtain shield air bag inflator may crack causing one or both portions of the inflator to eject into the passenger cabin.
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Prius model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 170 |
| 2002 | 193 |
| 2003 | 111 |
| 2004 | 610 |
| 2005 | 1,051 |
| 2006 | 1,440 |
| 2007 | 2,004 |
| 2008 | 1,497 |
| 2009 | 502 |
| 2010 | 2,823 |
| 2011 | 523 |
| 2012 | 688 |
| 2013 | 414 |
| 2014 | 241 |
| 2015 | 166 |
| 2016 | 181 |
| 2017 | 91 |
| 2018 | 38 |
| 2019 | 30 |
| 2020 | 14 |
| 2021 | 6 |
| 2022 | 24 |
| 2023 | 21 |
| 2024 | 27 |
| 2025 | 16 |
“I own a 2012 Toyota Prius with approximately 132,000 miles. I first experienced problems with the braking system approximately one year ago, in 2025. The ABS, brake, and other warning lights began illuminating intermittently, and I experienced occasional hesitation in braking response. I was concerned enough about the vehicle's safety that I stopped driving it for an extended period. After recently returning the vehicle to service, the warning lights continued to appear intermittently, even when the brakes seemed to function normally. An independent mechanic inspected the vehicle but could not retrieve a diagnostic code at that time. On November 1, 2026, an ABS diagnostic scan at O'Reilly Auto Parts confirmed trouble code C1391, "Abnormal Leak of Accumulator Pressure." The diagnostic report recommended replacement of the brake booster and master cylinder. Toyota previously acknowledged this brake booster problem through Customer Support Program ZJB, which covered certain 2010–2015 Prius vehicles with this defect. Despite my vehicle having fewer than 150,000 miles, Toyota informed me that the coverage period had expired and that no exceptions would be granted. I…”
“Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 187,000, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 227,000.”
“Unknown. There were a multitude of codes that appeared on the diagnostics causing problems with engine. The temperature, brake, tire sensor lights are all on. The cruise control is not working. White smoke emitting from tail pipe and engine. Main engine coolant leaking. Car overheating rapidly.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prius c Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 1.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 53 | 46 | 50 | $1,300 | 178 |
| Prius Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 49 | 46 | 48 | $1,350 | 185 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
6 safety recalls as of Nov 3, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 688 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are service brakes (322), electrical system (89), engine (71). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2012 Toyota Prius at 48–50 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2012 Toyota Prius 5 out of 5 stars overall.