2012 Toyota Prius C: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 63 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes (37% of complaints); the 2014 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly
0
recalls
63
owner complaints
1
fire reports
57,000
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
No recall campaignsWeak spot: service brakes (37%)1 fire report
Common problems
Computed from 63 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Service Brakes (brakes)37% · 21 complaints
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)14% · 8 complaints
Air Bags (airbags and crash sensors)9% · 5 complaints
Exterior Lighting (headlights, taillights)5% · 3 complaints
Seats5% · 3 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control (unintended acceleration, cruise control)5% · 3 complaints
“The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Prius C. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH, the message "Check Hybrid Status - Stop vehicle in Safe Place Immediately" was displayed. There were several warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with an internal power module transmitter and MG control computer inside the inverter assembly failures. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called an independent mechanic, and DTC: P0A94 (DC/DC converter or inverter performance problem invertor assembly) was associated with the failure. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 98,015.”Owner report · Electrical System · Feb 2026
“While driving 65 mph on the expressway on January 12th, 2026 under cruise control, I tapped my brakes to slow down. My brake warning light came on, along with the ABS warning light, and the anti-swerve warning light. Cruise control no longer worked, and my brakes were noticeably hard to apply. I immediately had the vehicle computer checked and the issue is a leaking brake booster component, a faulty part known by Toyota to fail prematurely with this and other Prius models. No recall was issued however. The car is now unsafe to drive until a ~$4000 repair is done, according to my service representative.”Owner report · Forward Collision Avoidance · Jan 2026
“Brakes went soft with little braking power. Traced the fault code to a faulty braking actuator; toyota says this is past the coverage date for the recall.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Dec 2025
Show 7 more owner reports
“Brake Actuator and ABS Accumalator failed. It is a common failure reported by multiple owners on these cars. I was on the high way going 70 when it failed and lost any brake boost I had putting me in a very dangerous situation where I narrowly avoided an accident. Upon scanning the car's codes I got code C1391 which I looked up and saw a bunch of other people who were also struggling with this issue.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jul 2025
“My ABS actuator failed. Turns off the boosted braking and cruise control. This is a known issue in Toyotas and it always happens outside the warranty window. This is putting my safety at risk as the brakes don't work as they're supposed to”Owner report · Service Brakes · Dec 2024
“While my daughter was driving brake pedal faded and rear brakes locked up causing her to lose initial control of car . Steering felt tight . Many warning lights , check hybrid system , brake lights , steering warning lights , along with abs lights came on . Took car to Toyota dealer to diagnose it needs brake booster and master cylinder module . Service consultant said known issue with TSB but it had expired . Many , many complaints of this same incident of Toyota and Prius forums .”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jun 2024
“Code C1391 shows in which the accumulator and the brake booster assembly need to be changed. This is a known defect and was covered through an 'extended warranty' due to a lawsuit. Since it results in less than optimal braking, and can result in crashes since function disappears suddenly, it should have warranted a recall. This issue is also known to happen in multiple Toyota hybrid vehicles.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jan 2024
“The brakes fail and the ABS module stops working correctly and when I go at a speed of 60 MPH the brakes lock until the speed drops and they work again. The problem is with the ABS module and I went to the dealer and the repair value is $3450 dollars.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Sep 2023
“Without prior warning brake pedal goes to floor before minimally engaging braking system at a very reduced rate causing me to swerve and narrowly avoid collisions on interstate. There is no pressure feeling in the brake pedal although brake fluid level is normal and inspection of brake pads indicated significant pad available. No DTC light is coming on and OBD scan tool indicates no brake error. Brakes are unable to stop car to avoid collision, so car is dangerous and undrivable.”Owner report · Service Brakes · May 2023
“I was driving on freeway when my vehicle shut off and wouldnt start again. It almost caused an accident thankfully not. I paid to have car taken tothe repair shop Viva Toyota in Las Cruces NM and they inspected it and gave me a quote on repair as well what was causing the problem. There was a saftey recall for the PCU and i believe the inverter is causing the failure. please help me to get this figured out.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Aug 2022
When filing, owners marked a crash in 8 of these complaints and injuries in 8 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2012 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
Engines1.5L
Cylinders4
FuelGasoline
Drive type4x2
Body stylesHatchback/Liftback/Notchback
How other years compare
Check your exact Prius C by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Toyota Prius C reliable?
NHTSA has 63 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 2012 Toyota Prius C. The most complained-about area is service brakes (37% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2012 Toyota Prius C problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 57,000 miles or less.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.