VehicleVerdict

2012 Toyota Prius V problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2012 Toyota Prius V carries two red flags at once: 289 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA — 10.5× the Prius V norm — and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Brake Actuator Valve Wear). It is one of the Prius V years to avoid. Reports tied to this model year include 9 deaths and 18 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

The trouble concentrates in one system: brakes issues account for 45% of all reports (131 of 289), far ahead of engine at 37.

289

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

1

Investigations · 1 open

32

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

18

Injuries

9

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2012 compare to other Prius V years?

Prius V NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted289 complaints2011: 1 complaints2012: 289 complaints2013: 164 complaints2014: 118 complaints2015: 31 complaints2016: 24 complaints2017: 14 complaints2018: 3 complaints
Prius V NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Prius V years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 Toyota Prius V problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes13145%
Engine3713%
Electrical System3111%
Other155%
Speed Control155%
Steering114%
Driver Assistance93%
Fuel System83%
Airbags83%
Transmission72%
Lighting41%
Body & Structure41%
Visibility & Wipers31%
Tires & Wheels21%
Seats21%
Suspension10%
Seat Belts10%

Does the 2012 Toyota Prius V have recalls?

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

18V684000Fuel SystemOctober 4, 2018 · 807,329 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

If the hybrid system shuts down unexpectedly, it can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the motor/generator control electronic control unit (ECU) and the hybrid control ECU as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 22, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is J0V. Note: The software updates in this recall are needed even if the vehicle had the software previously updated under recalls 14V-053 or 15V-449.

15V449000Fuel SystemJuly 15, 2015 · 108,624 units

Defect

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Prius V vehicles manufactured August 22, 2011, to June 30, 2014. A component within the hybrid inverter assembly may overheat, causing the hybrid system to reduce output power allowing the vehicle to only drive a short distance. In some circumstances, the hybrid system may shut down causing the vehicle to stop while being driven.

Consequence

The vehicle may enter a fail-safe/limp-home mode that limits the drivability of the vehicle. The hybrid system could also shut down completely resulting in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the motor/generator control electronic control unti (ECU) and the hybrid control ECU, free of charge. The recall began on July 30, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.

13E070000LightingDecember 12, 2013 · 409 units

Defect

Genera Corporation (Genera) is recalling certain aftermarket replacement tail lights, model 11-6468-00 (driver-side), and model 11-6467-00 (passenger-side), sold for use on 2012-2013 Toyota Prius V vehicles. The brake light and tail light circuits are switched causing the brake lights to be illuminated continuously until the brake pedal is pressed, when the brake lights will go out.

Consequence

The reversed tail lamp function reduces the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Genera will notify owners and provide replacement aftermarket tail lamps, free of charge. The recall began on January 23, 2014. Owners may contact Genera at 1-888-963-9888. This recall is being conducted by Genera Corporation, not by Toyota Motor Corporation.

13V014000SeatsJanuary 16, 2013 · 3,235 units

Defect

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.

Consequence

If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.

Remedy

Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.

Open NHTSA investigations

DP23005

Brake Actuator Valve Wear

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received a petition dated September 19, 2023 from the owner of a 2012 Toyota Prius V requesting that ODI reevaluate its decision to deny DP19-004. In the letter, the petitioner reported experiencing an unexpected and complete loss of brake power while driving, accompanied by multiple dashboard warning lights. This petition is based on the petitioner's direct experience and assessment that ODI closed DP19-004 because its prompting petition was withdrawn by that petitioner. ODI will review the work conducted during DP19-004 and a review of any additional related complaints and crashes via a new defect petition The petition and related materials can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under the following ODI number:11553736.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“SLOWED FOR RED LIGHT THAT WAS VISIBLE FOR A GREAT DISTANCE SO COASTING AND APPLIED BRAKES AND THEY WEREN'T THERE....I HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME, HE HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF HIM....MOSTLY DINGS IN FENDERS....MY HOOD WAS UP ON ONE SIDE, AND FRONT PANEL MOVED....NOBODY WAS HURT POLICE CAME AND SAT IN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · March 30, 2013 · crash

“Driving down the highway, the engine suddenly threw a rod, causing a terrible jolt, after which the engine burst into flames. There had been no warning lights.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 7, 2026 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA PRIUS V. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE DASHBOARD AND THE VEHICLE'S MILEAGE FLUCTUATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT HER INSULIN PUMP MALFUNCTIONED WHILE IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE SMOKING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 25, 2013 · fire

“On February 27 2024 I had spend 2300 dollars on car repairs see enclosed then on April 11 2024 while backing out of my driveway, I experienced a sudden acceleration of my vehicle which led to body damage to my car yet Toyota after inspection says that now the car system works perfectly. Prior to…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · April 11, 2024 · crash

“OWNER/DRIVER FOUND BLACKED OUT BEHIND WHEEL IN 55 MPH HIGHWAY IN OPPOSING TRAFFIC DITCH. DRIVER AMBULANCED TO HOSPITAL ER. DMV REQUIRES MEDICAL EVALUATION FOR CONTINUED DRIVING PRIVILEGES. DRIVER SUSPECTED CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING. SUBSEQUENTLY, DRIVER PLACES RESIDENTIAL CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · November 22, 2019 · crash

2012 Toyota Prius V — common questions

Is the 2012 Toyota Prius V reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 289 complaints put the 2012 model at #1 of 8 Prius V years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Prius V years to avoid.

What are the most common 2012 Prius V problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (131 complaints), engine (37 complaints), electrical system (31 complaints).

Does the 2012 Toyota Prius V have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2012 Toyota Prius V. 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 V under NHTSA investigation?

Yes — an investigation remains open (Brake Actuator Valve Wear). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.

Which Toyota Prius V years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Prius V years to avoid are 2012, 2013, 2014. The cleanest record among Prius V years belongs to 2011.

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.