Toyota Prius v Electrical Problems

Owners have filed 61 complaints about electrical system problems with the Toyota Prius v — 13% of all Prius v complaints. The worst model years are 2012 (24), 2013 (16) and 2014 (15). Problems typically start around 88,000 miles. No electrical recall has been issued for the Prius v.

61complaints
2012worst year
88ktypical miles
0related recalls
2crashes
3fires

Electrical complaints by model year

20122013201420152016201724161524
Electrical complaints per model year, Toyota Prius v.
YearComplaintsShare of year's complaintsTypical mileage
2016425%28,000 miles
201528%0 miles
20141518%170,000 miles
20131613%68,000 miles
20122411%84,000 miles

Which parts fail

  • Instrument cluster/panel
    2
  • Propulsion system › Inverter
    1
  • Horn
    1

Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).

Mileage when the problem started

  • Under 25k
    821%
  • 25k–50k
    513%
  • 50k–75k
    821%
  • 75k–100k
    411%
  • 100k–150k
    821%
  • 150k+
    513%

What owners report

Car was driving fine one day and then while driving down the interstate I had the Pre collision system malfunction error, Brake light came on, Cruise will not operate, ABS light is on. After much research it seems Prius V has a common issue with brake booster faulting.

2016 Prius v · Apr 2025

I have owned several Toyota vehicles over the years - a tercel, a rav4, a tacoma and a Prius v. Recently I was hit with a $1680 + repair to my 2016 Prius v due to 'rodent damage' to my wiring. This included damage to 3 out 4 brake lines, an o2 sensor line, a fuel line sensor and possibly a fuel pump wiring harness. The check engine light came on while driving at 60mph. I was driving on 1 working brake line!! My car was in the Toyota shop for 3 days. I've read that Toyota denies responsibility for using wiring that attracts rodent chewing. I have been forced to take this loss of use and damage to my auto insurance policy and am extremely concerned that I will face this type of damage in the future with more catastrophic results like an accident. This possibility makes the ownership of a my Prius financially and practically untenable!!! …

2016 Prius v · 28,000 miles · Aug 2019

The contact owns a 2014 Toyota Prius V. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the brake light, tire pressure, traction control, battery, and other warning lights were illuminated. While attempting to depress the brake pedal, there was more resistance than normal, making it difficult to slow the vehicle. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the nearest mechanic; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was then taken to the residence. The vehicle was taken to another certified mechanic, who diagnosed and determined that the brake master cylinder and actuator assemblies had failed. The brake master cylinder and brake actuator assemblies were in the process of being repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 220,000.

2014 Prius v · 220,000 miles · Oct 2025

The car began to jerk, made knocking noises, miss fires on cylinder 1, 2 and 4, coolant leakages, oil leakages, compression issues and the check engine light keeps turning on and off. My safety has been put into play because, the car would jerk many of times as it would want to stop as I was driving. I would then have to pull over and call for assistance. Per the Toyota service advisor he recommended that I needed a new rebuilt engine kit. The extended warranty company stated that I was negligent with my car and denied my claim and refused to pay for the 10 grand motor and I had to tow my car to another shop. However, the car at this time is still experiencing the same malfunctions. The warning lamps are still showing at this present time and prior to the failure of problem. …

2014 Prius v · Aug 2023

Brake actuator failure requires actuator and master cylinder replacement. All dash lights came on while driving. The vehicle was diagnosed at Brian Easler Toyota in Hendersonville North Carolina. The brakes are still operational temporarily but spongy and expected to fail so the car is not drivable. I expect to have the actuator and master cylinder replaced in then next few weeks at a cost of $5600. I see there were previous recalls on the braking system that have now expired.

2013 Prius v · Nov 2025

2013 toyota prius V. 64,000 miles and ABS Light is on also VSC warning light and brake light. There has been many issues with this type of vehicle as i researched on internet. I didnt know there has been a recall on this vehicle. And i did not make it time. 10 yrs or 150,000 k whichever comes first. many other vehicles this year have this problem its common.. i cannot brake in time because now its using my back brakes. Dealership said brake booster pump and brake master cylinder.

2013 Prius v · Oct 2025

.The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the ABS, brake lights, and traction control warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer but was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle had exceeded the 150,000 warranty. The failure mileage was 152,900.

2012 Prius v · 153,000 miles · Feb 2022

Bought the car from a dealership in january 2022 with 158,000 miles and heard buzzing noise that I was told was normal with hybrid cars.no codes showing on car and passed dealer inspection.Driving down a highway and heading to a stop brakes are hard to mash and caused skidding. No brake lights or abs lights are on. Couple days later brake lights and traction lights come on and then went back off. Take to Tires Plus and I am told I have to schedule appointment with toyota dealer as they do not have the software to diagnose. Take to toyota dealership to see codes 1391c for brake system. After searching issue there was a recall/customer warranty extension for replacement of this part for 150,000 miles /march 19,2022 whichever comes first. …

2012 Prius v · Mar 2022

Frequently asked questions

Which Toyota Prius v years have electrical problems?

By NHTSA complaints, the 2012 (24), 2013 (16) and 2014 (15) model years. Electrical complaints make up 11% of all complaints for the 2012.

Is there a recall for Toyota Prius v electrical problems?

No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for any Toyota Prius v model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.

At what mileage do Toyota Prius v electrical problems start?

Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 88,000 miles; 34% happened before 50,000 miles.

What part fails most often?

Owners most often name the instrument cluster/panel (2 mentions), followed by the propulsion system › inverter (1).

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.