Most common 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid problems
Share of the 25 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid complaints by model year
Best Prius Plug-In Hybrid years: 2015. Years to avoid: 2012. Compare all years →
2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid recalls (2)
Hybrid propulsion system
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.
Air bags › Side/window
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid:
Brake Actuator Valve Wear
On September 19, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a defect petition from Mr. Roger Hogan requesting that the Agency investigate and recall certain Toyota Prius, Prius PHV, Camry Hybrid and Avalon Hybrid vehicles for a brake actuator valve wear condition covered under Toyota Customer Support Programs ZJB and ZKK (subject CSP?s).
What 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid owners say
Brakes
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the stabili-trak, ABS, and a several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated there were also audible alarms being sounded. The contact depressed the brake pedal and the brake pedal failed to respond. The contact stated that she was able to coast the vehicle off the highway and shifted into park(P) and turned off the vehicle. The contact turned off and turned on the vehicle and attempted to depress the brake pedal; however, the brake pedal was abnormally firm. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the brake booster pump assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving down a winding road, the brake warning light and brake message suddenly activated and while depressing the brake pedal, the pedal extended to the floorboard and the vehicle would not immediately stop. The vehicle was later taken to the local service center who diagnosed that the brake booster, brake master cylinder, and brake booster pump assembly were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the vehicle did not qualify for the manufacturers extended coverage regarding the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.
Electrical system
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/
The actuators for the locks on 3 of the doors have failed over time. I have replaced the front-driver side actuator once previously and it started to fail first. When I lock the car, I only have one door that unlocks which is the rear-passenger door. If it fails, I will be locked out of the car. It seems wrong that I cannot unlock my car well. It seems wrong this has failed multiple times on a 6yr old car. It is defective and potentially unsafe.
2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid | CVT | FWD | 51 / 49 / 50 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid a good car?
Based on 25 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 Prius Plug-In Hybrid rates use caution: 2.1× as many complaints as a typical year of the Prius Plug-In Hybrid at the same age. It is one of the Prius Plug-In Hybrid years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid?
The brakes — 12 complaints, 48% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the electrical system (3) and engine & cooling (2).
How many recalls does the 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid, the most recent from November 15, 2017 (hybrid propulsion system). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2015. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2012. See the full Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid years comparison.
At what mileage do 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 90,000 miles; 13% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.