2012 Toyota Prius Plug-IN Hybrid: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 25 owner complaints on record; most reports concern service brakes; the 2013 and 2014 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Nov 2017
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 25 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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 full diagnostic, and the part has a customer support program bulletin/TSB out for this specific issue. 4. inspected by manufacturer dealership service center. 5. Lights such as the parking brake, ABS, and (!) lit up while driving and the failure occurred at the same time.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Aug 2024
“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.”Owner report · Steering · Feb 2024
“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 brake booster installed not covered under warranty 130k miles”Owner report · Service Brakes · Sep 2023
Show 7 more owner reports
“The brake booster pump started pressuurizing frequently last year around 140,000 miles. Error lights and less responsive breaks this year so I called Toyota service they said bring it in. They said repair is over $3000. The mileage was just over 150000 and just over 10 year extended warranty I didn't know about for this problem coded c1391”Owner report · Service Brakes · Oct 2022
“My 2012 plug-in prius came up with a c1391 code. The ABS, brake and brake skid lights came on. I have no re-gen braking and when I actually brake it seems very sluggish.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jan 2021
“Auto stopped. Engine running. Brake pedal pressed. Transmission in drive. When opening driver door and releasing brake pedal, car moves forward. VIN included in attached file.”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2019
“I'm driving around 60mph and suddenly the electronic stability control light went on and the all wheels suddenly braked. It's just so dangerous, good thing no body behind me at that moment. This happened several times. The car could brake suddenly by itself without warning even when it's high speed or low speed. There's a clicking noise under the dashboard. This is because of the malfunction of electronic stability control in the prius. It could cause the car brake by itself without warning and could cause big accident, especially in the freeway.”Owner report · Electronic Stability Control (Esc) · Jan 2019
“Tl* the contact owns a 2012 toyota prius plug-in hybrid. While driving approximately 55 mph, the eco mode showed less fuel per mile. There was no warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to nalley toyota of roswell (404-994-5422, located at 11130 alpharetta hwy, roswell, ga 30076) to be diagnosed, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The contact stated that the failure began after it was repaired per NHTSA campaign number: 17v718000 (hybrid propulsion system). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and provided case number: 1812050132. The contact was referred to NHTSA. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.”Owner report · Hybrid Propulsion System · Sep 2018
“Nothing happened yet, but I am concerned about numerous reports of the inverter failing and causing sudden loss of power. I understand this is still happening despite affected cars having received a software update to "prevent" the issue. During an emergency, regenerative systems prevent these cars from swiftly coasting out of the travel lane as other cars would do. Instead, the car will act like the brakes have been slammed on, causing a serious hazard. I read about this here https://toyotatalk.com/toyota-prius-hybrid-inverter/”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2018
“When the driver door is open, full power is on, brake peddle released the car will still move forward. The vehicle was stationary. Then started in motion I started to get out of car but stopped it”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jan 2018
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2012-2015 Prius Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. The hybrid battery contains an Electric Vehicle (EV) fuse that may fracture after repeated high-load driving conditions such as climbing long hills.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EV fuse, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 8, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is H0R.
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.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will install retention brackets to the curtain shield air bags, free of charge. The recall began on October 17, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota Customer Service Department at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is Toyota G0U, and Lexus GLJ.
How other years compare
Counts are not adjusted for time on the road here - see all Prius Plug-IN Hybrid years ranked fairly for the age-adjusted comparison.
Check your exact Prius Plug-IN Hybrid 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 Plug-IN Hybrid reliable?
NHTSA has 25 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-IN Hybrid. The most complained-about area is service brakes.
Does the 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-IN Hybrid have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning hybrid propulsion system. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.