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2012 Toyota Prius V

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Prius V years

Owner complaints for the 2012 Toyota Prius V are substantially higher than the model-year median of 20.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

134 reports with mileage · 82 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Service Brakes. Review the 124 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 36 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 24 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

19 crash reports2 fire reports9 injury reports

Engine complaints

36 reports
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113,000 miles · Oct 17, 2020
EngineService Brakes

THE ABS BRAKE PUMP EXPERIENCED AN "INTERNAL FAILURE" AT MILEAGE OF 113K. THERE IS A CUSTOMER SERVICE NOTICE THAT COVERS 2012 TOYOTA PRIUS AND PRIUS PLUG IN FOR THE SAME ISSUE REGARDLESS OF MILEAGE UNTIL 2019, AND THEN UP TO 150K MILES AFTER THAT. HOWEVER, MY 2012 PRIUS V WAS NOT COVERED. THIS ABS BRAKE PUMP JUST SUDDENLY FAILED…

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THE ABS BRAKE PUMP EXPERIENCED AN "INTERNAL FAILURE" AT MILEAGE OF 113K. THERE IS A CUSTOMER SERVICE NOTICE THAT COVERS 2012 TOYOTA PRIUS AND PRIUS PLUG IN FOR THE SAME ISSUE REGARDLESS OF MILEAGE UNTIL 2019, AND THEN UP TO 150K MILES AFTER THAT. HOWEVER, MY 2012 PRIUS V WAS NOT COVERED. THIS ABS BRAKE PUMP JUST SUDDENLY FAILED, THERE WEREN'T ANY LEADING INDICATORS. TOYOTA KNOWS IT SUPPLIED DEFECTIVE PARTS FOR THE ABS BRAKE PUMP. THERE IS ALREADY A LAWSUIT OF OTHER 2012 PRIUS V OWNERS COMPLAINING OF THE SAME. HOWEVER, TOYOTA HAS NOT CORRECTED THEIR SERVICE NOTICE. THEY WON'T RELEASE THE DETAILS OF HOW THEY CAN JUSTIFY COVERAGE TO ALL OTHER 2012 PRIUS, AND PRIUS PLUG-IN, BUT NOT PRIUS V. THE REPAIR IS SIGNIFICANT ~ $3,500. ALSO, LAST YEAR MY ENGINE BLOCK WAS CRACKED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THANKFULLY, THIS HAPPENED ~ 80K MILES, SO IT WAS STILL UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY. BUT THIS FAILURE WAS SURPRISING FOR A TOYOTA. I HAD WONDERED WHY I HAD TO CHANGE THE OIL MORE QUICKLY THAN THE RECOMMENDED 10K, I WOULD CHANGE IT EVERY 5-7K, OR AT LEAST HAVE IT CHECKED. IT SEEMS THEY HAVE THE SAME ISSUES WITH THEIR 2020 RAV 4S. I'M SURPRISED THEY HAVEN'T FIXED AN ISSUE FROM A 2012 VEHICLE YET BY 2020.

NHTSA ODI #11364848

205,000 miles · Sep 2, 2020
EngineFuel/propulsion System

IT IS HAVING HEAVY MISS FIRE WHICH MAKE THE ENGING SHAKING TOO MUCH MANY TIMES

NHTSA ODI #11352892

150,000 miles · Aug 25, 2020
Engine

AT ABOUT 100,000 MILES THE ENGINE BEGAN USING (BURNING) OIL AT THE RATE OF ABOUT 1 QUART EVERY 1000 MILES. NOW AT 150,000 MILES THE OIL USAGE IS 1 QUART PER 500 MILES. THE OIL HAS BEEN CHANGED USING THE RECOMMENDED LUBRICANT MORE OFTEN THAN REQUIRED SINCE THE CAR WAS NEW. TOYOTA IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND HAS REDESIGNED THE PI…

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AT ABOUT 100,000 MILES THE ENGINE BEGAN USING (BURNING) OIL AT THE RATE OF ABOUT 1 QUART EVERY 1000 MILES. NOW AT 150,000 MILES THE OIL USAGE IS 1 QUART PER 500 MILES. THE OIL HAS BEEN CHANGED USING THE RECOMMENDED LUBRICANT MORE OFTEN THAN REQUIRED SINCE THE CAR WAS NEW. TOYOTA IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND HAS REDESIGNED THE PISTONS AND RINGS BUT BUT OFFERS NO FINANCIAL HELP FOR CARS OFF WARRANTY. THE DEALER ESTIMATED REPAIR COST IS OVER $5000.

NHTSA ODI #11351142

94,245 miles · Jul 21, 2020
Engine

APPROXIMATELY 2 MONTHS AGO I STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WHEN STARTING THE CAR IN THE MORNINGS OR AFTER THE VEHICLE SAT FOR A WHILE. WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE IT WOULD SHAKE AND RUN ROUGH BUT WOULD RUN GOOD AFTER IT WARMED UP. I TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER AND A MANIFOLD AND A SENSOR WAS ORDERED BY THE DEALER. THE NEXT DAY I W…

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APPROXIMATELY 2 MONTHS AGO I STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WHEN STARTING THE CAR IN THE MORNINGS OR AFTER THE VEHICLE SAT FOR A WHILE. WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE IT WOULD SHAKE AND RUN ROUGH BUT WOULD RUN GOOD AFTER IT WARMED UP. I TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER AND A MANIFOLD AND A SENSOR WAS ORDERED BY THE DEALER. THE NEXT DAY I WENT BACK TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE PARTS INSTALLED. I SAT IN THE WAITING AREA FOR OVER 2 HOURS ONLY TO BE TOLD IT WAS NOT THE MANIFOLD AND SENSOR. AFTER A SCOPE WAS USED TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. THIS TIME I WAS TOLD I EITHER HAD A LEAKING GASKET OR A CRACKED ENGINE HEAD. THIS PRIUS V ONLY HAS 94245 MILES ON THE ENGINE. IT HAS ALWAYS HAD REGULAR MAINTENANCE AT THE TOYOTA DEALER. THE DEALERSHIP QUOTED ME TO REPLACE THE ENGINE AT $6000.00. I HAVE NEVER HAD A VEHICLE WITH LESS THAN 100,000 MILES USAGE TO NEED A NEW REBUILT ENGINE ESPECIALLY A TOYOTA PRODUCT. I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED IN TOYOTA. THIS WAS A KNOWN CONCERN ON TOYOTA'S PART AND IT WAS NOT PROPERLY ADDRESSED IN A RECALL, NOW I AM LEFT HOLDING A VERY EXPENSIVE BAG. HOW MANY OTHER UNSUSPECTING,CUSTOMERS WILL YOU LOSE BESIDES ME

NHTSA ODI #11340784

150,000 miles · Apr 9, 2020
EngineService Brakes

1)INTERMITTENT REGEN BRAKING FAILURE CAUSING BRAKES TO BECOME MORE DIFFICULT TO PRESS THUS HARDER TO STOP THE CAR IN A TIMELY MANNER. USUALLY WHEN THERE IS STOP AND GO DRIVING WILL THE REGENERATIVE BRAKING FAIL. 2) CLOGGED EGR VALVE CAUSING A LOUD ENGINE KNOCK RESULTING IN A BLOWN HEAD GASKET.

NHTSA ODI #11320724

145,000 miles · Mar 6, 2020
Engine

FAULTY HEAD GASKET, ENGINE SHAKING ON STARTUP, COOLANT DRAINING PREMATURELY, WHITE EXHAUST, LOW COMPRESSION AND POWER.

NHTSA ODI #11316656

137,000 miles · Dec 30, 2019
Engine

IT STARTED WITH SHAKING ON STARTUP, IDLE AND LOW SPEEDS. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. DIAGNOSED WITH MULTIPLE CYLINDER MISFIRE. IGNITION COILS REPLACED, BUT DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. SUBSEQUENT ANALYSIS INDICATED COOLANT IN THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER DUE TO A FAILED HEAD GASKET.

NHTSA ODI #11292147

Mileage unknown · Dec 4, 2019
Engine

VEHICLE HAS BEEN CONSUMING OIL TO THE POINT WHERE THE VEHICLE NEEDS MONTHLY OIL CHANGES. WAS TOLD MANY TOYOTA PRIUS MODELS HAVE HAD AN OIL CONSUMPTION ISSUE AND THAT I SHOULD FILE A COMPLAINT.

NHTSA ODI #11286990

120,000 miles · Nov 23, 2019
Engine

THE ENGINE WENT STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY. LUCKY ENOUGH, I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE CAR SAFELY WITHOUT ANY COLLUSION. BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC AND DIAGNOSED WITH EXCESSIVE CONSUMPTION OF ENGINE OIL. THE ENGINE HAD CATASTROPHIC DAMAGE AND NEEDED A REPLACEMENT. I SPOKE TO PIERCEY TOYOTA SERVICE DIRECTOR KEN JOHNSON…

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THE ENGINE WENT STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY. LUCKY ENOUGH, I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE CAR SAFELY WITHOUT ANY COLLUSION. BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC AND DIAGNOSED WITH EXCESSIVE CONSUMPTION OF ENGINE OIL. THE ENGINE HAD CATASTROPHIC DAMAGE AND NEEDED A REPLACEMENT. I SPOKE TO PIERCEY TOYOTA SERVICE DIRECTOR KEN JOHNSON AND HE STATED THERE IS NO ACTIVE RECALL FOR THE VEHICLE AND DO NOT BELIEVE IT IS THE VEHICLE ISSUE. I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT IS THE CASE, FURTHER INVESTIGATION IS NEEDED TO PREVENT OTHER SAME MODEL DRIVERS FROM A DEADLY ENGINE STALLING CRASH.

NHTSA ODI #11281955

Mileage unknown · Oct 7, 2019
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or Other

ON 09/19/2019 KEY WEST TOYOTA COMPLETED THE TIRES CHANGE OF MY VEHICLE AS I REQUESTED. IN ADDITION, KEY WEST TOYOTA PERFORMED "107649 J0V RECALL J0V01B 0.70 UPDATE TO THE POWER MANAGEMENT ECU WITH NEW SOFTWARE" AS SHOWING ON THE INVOICE. THE FOLLOWING DAY, ON FRIDAY 09/20/2019, WHILE I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND STAL…

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ON 09/19/2019 KEY WEST TOYOTA COMPLETED THE TIRES CHANGE OF MY VEHICLE AS I REQUESTED. IN ADDITION, KEY WEST TOYOTA PERFORMED "107649 J0V RECALL J0V01B 0.70 UPDATE TO THE POWER MANAGEMENT ECU WITH NEW SOFTWARE" AS SHOWING ON THE INVOICE. THE FOLLOWING DAY, ON FRIDAY 09/20/2019, WHILE I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE TRAFFIC, PUTTING MY LIFE AND SAFETY AT RISK AND MY HEATH AND GENERAL WELL-BEING. I SENT BACK THE VEHICLE TO KEY WEST TOYOTA, AND SINCE THEN THE ISSUE IS UNRESOLVED, AND I AM NOT EVEN ABLE TO REACH ANYONE ON THE PHONE OR THROUGH THE EMAIL I SENT FROM KEY WEST TOYOTA WEBSITE "CONTACT US".

NHTSA ODI #11266817

Official recalls

3

18V684000 · Hybrid Propulsion System

Oct 4, 2018

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 & remedy

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.

15V449000 · Hybrid Propulsion System: Inverter

Jul 15, 2015

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 & remedy

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.

13V014000 · Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE ; Seats

Jan 16, 2013

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 & remedy

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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Seats

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.

Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE

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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

DP23005 · Brake Actuator Valve Wear

Opened Nov 22, 2023 · No close date supplied

Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist

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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components

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.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist

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.