VehicleVerdict

2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 31 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 5.2 times the median Prius Plug-In Hybrid year — the 2012 model ranks #1 of 11 Prius Plug-In Hybrid years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Brakes leads the complaint categories with 12 reports (39% of the total).

31

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

6

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2012 compare to other Prius Plug-In Hybrid years?

Prius Plug-In Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted31 complaints2010: 8 complaints2011: 1 complaints2012: 31 complaints2013: 18 complaints2014: 21 complaints2015: 6 complaints2016: 0 complaints2017: 13 complaints2018: 1 complaints2025: 3 complaints2026: 5 complaints
Prius Plug-In Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Prius Plug-In Hybrid years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes1239%
Electrical System413%
Other413%
Speed Control26%
Engine26%
Transmission26%
Suspension13%
Tires & Wheels13%
Steering13%
Lighting13%
Fuel System13%

Does the 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

17V718000Fuel SystemNovember 15, 2017 · 39,915 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

The failed fuse may cause the hybrid system to shut down resulting in the loss of power. Loss of power while driving at higher speeds can increase the risk of a crash.

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.

16V487000AirbagsJune 30, 2016 · 482,002 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

If either portion of the curtain shield air bag inflator ejects into the passenger cabin, there is an increased risk of injury to vehicle occupants.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · February 5, 2024 · crash

“CAR WAS PARKED AND THE CHARGE CORD CONNECTED. IT HAD ABOUT 2.9 MILES LEFT ON BATTERY POWER, BY THAT CALCULATION IT SHOULD BEEN CHARGED BY 1100P. AT 1230P CAR WAS FULLY ENGULFED IN FIRE. FIRE DEPT IS INVESTIGATING FOR ARSON, BUT MY NEIGHBORS CAMERA CAUGHT IT ALL (I HAVEN'T SEEN IT) IT SEEMS THE CAR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · December 21, 2016 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA PRIUS PLUG-IN HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER AND THE VEHICLE STALLED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO REPLICATE AND DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 1, 2015

“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.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 9, 2019

“I HAVE HYBRID SYSTEM WARNING MESSAGE & PCS SYSTEM WARNING MESSAGE ON MY CAR I HAVE TAKEN IT TO DIFFERENT DEALERSHIP IN DALLAS TX AREA ANY NONE OF THEM HAS FIX IT TRY TO DO RESEARCH ON MY OWN TO FIGURE OUT AND FOUND THAT TOYOTA HAS THIS IN RECALL MY DEALERSHIP IS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING WITH THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 22, 2016

2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid — common questions

Is the 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 31 complaints put the 2012 model at #1 of 11 Prius Plug-In Hybrid years. It is one of the Prius Plug-In Hybrid years to avoid.

What are the most common 2012 Prius Plug-In Hybrid problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (12 complaints), other (4 complaints), electrical system (4 complaints).

Does the 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Prius Plug-In Hybrid years to avoid are 2012. The cleanest record among Prius Plug-In Hybrid years belongs to 2016.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.