IllustrationMY PRUIS IS BURNING OIL AT A FASTER RATE THAN IT SHOULD BE.
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.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Prius V years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
360–25K
1325–50K
2150–75K
1275–100K
30100–150K
22150K+
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 reportsTOOK IN CAR FOR OIL CHANGE /TIRE ROTATION , A SOFTWARE UPDATE WAS PERFORMED WITHOUT MY AUTHORIZATION FROM TOYOTA ON TO MY PRIUS V , CAR WENT FROM GETTING 40 MPG HIGHWAY TO 32-33 MPG HIGHWAY . CITY MPG DROPPED FROM 41 MPG TO 36-37MPG . DEALER CLAIMS CAR HAS WRONG TIRES WHICH I AGREE, EXCEPT THOSE TIRES WERE THE SAME TIRES ON THE …
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TOOK IN CAR FOR OIL CHANGE /TIRE ROTATION , A SOFTWARE UPDATE WAS PERFORMED WITHOUT MY AUTHORIZATION FROM TOYOTA ON TO MY PRIUS V , CAR WENT FROM GETTING 40 MPG HIGHWAY TO 32-33 MPG HIGHWAY . CITY MPG DROPPED FROM 41 MPG TO 36-37MPG . DEALER CLAIMS CAR HAS WRONG TIRES WHICH I AGREE, EXCEPT THOSE TIRES WERE THE SAME TIRES ON THE CAR BEFORE AND AFTER THE SOFTWARE UPDATE. CALCULATED THE GAS MILEAGE MYSELF BEFORE THE RECALL AND WAS PRETTY CLOSE TO WHAT THE CAR'S COMPUTER SAID TI WAS , CALCULATED THE GAS MILEAGE AFTER THE SOFTWARE UPDATE WAS DONE AND IT CAME VERY CLOSE TO WHAT THE COMPUTER SAID.
AT LEAST 2 OR 3 TIMES A WEEK, WHEN SHIFTING THE CAR INTO DRIVE WHEN THE CAR IS STOPPED, THE CAR GOES INTO REVERSE INSTEAD. THE FIRST FEW TIMES I THOUGHT I HAD MADE A RUSHED ERROR, SO I STARTED WATCHING QUITE CAREFULLY. YOU CAN EVEN BE BACKING UP AND THEN BRAKE AND SHIFT THE CAR SPECIFICALLY INTO DRIVE AND IT STAYS IN REVERSE. …
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AT LEAST 2 OR 3 TIMES A WEEK, WHEN SHIFTING THE CAR INTO DRIVE WHEN THE CAR IS STOPPED, THE CAR GOES INTO REVERSE INSTEAD. THE FIRST FEW TIMES I THOUGHT I HAD MADE A RUSHED ERROR, SO I STARTED WATCHING QUITE CAREFULLY. YOU CAN EVEN BE BACKING UP AND THEN BRAKE AND SHIFT THE CAR SPECIFICALLY INTO DRIVE AND IT STAYS IN REVERSE. IT MIGHT TAKE 3 OR 4 ATTEMPTS TO GET IT INTO DRIVE. I HAVE REALIZED THIS MUST BE WHY THEY INSTALLED THE BEEPING IN THE SYSTEM TO ALERT YOU THAT THE CAR IS IN REVERSE, IT MUST BE A MORE PERVASIVE PROBLEM THAN SIMPLY IN MY CAR. I ALWAYS VISUALLY CONFIRM MY MOTIONS NOW, AND 2 OR 3 TIMES A WEEK I WILL ENTER THE CAR AND PUT IT IN DRIVE AND IT GOES INTO REVERSE INSTEAD. THIS IS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE CONTACT MENTION THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE GIVEN A JUMP START IN ORDER TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DUPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIR…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE CONTACT MENTION THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE GIVEN A JUMP START IN ORDER TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DUPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 17,500. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *TR
MY CAR HAS AN ISSUE I FIRST NOTICED SOON AFTER I BOUGHT IT, AND THAT NOW HAPPENS AT LEAST TWICE A WEEK. THE DATE I'VE ENTERED IS THE APPROXIMATE FIRST DATE I NOTICED THE PROBLEM OCCUR. I DESCRIBE BELOW A MORE RECENT INSTANCE OF THE SAME BEHAVIOR, THE TIME WHEN IT FELT THE LEAST SAFE. /// THE RECURRING BEHAVIOR IS THAT WHILE DECE…
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MY CAR HAS AN ISSUE I FIRST NOTICED SOON AFTER I BOUGHT IT, AND THAT NOW HAPPENS AT LEAST TWICE A WEEK. THE DATE I'VE ENTERED IS THE APPROXIMATE FIRST DATE I NOTICED THE PROBLEM OCCUR. I DESCRIBE BELOW A MORE RECENT INSTANCE OF THE SAME BEHAVIOR, THE TIME WHEN IT FELT THE LEAST SAFE. /// THE RECURRING BEHAVIOR IS THAT WHILE DECELERATING WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, IF THE CAR GOES OVER AN OBSTRUCTION LIKE A ROCK, A ROUGH PATCH OF ROAD, OR A POTHOLE, IT SOMETIMES LURCHES FORWARD BEFORE RESUMING DECELERATION. THE SENSATION IS OF ACCELERATING, BUT EVEN IF IT'S ONLY THAT THE CAR MOMENTARILY STOPS DECELERATING IT'S DISCONCERTING AND IN A FEW INSTANCES HAS GOTTEN ME CLOSE TO AN ACCIDENT. /// THE TIME IT CAME CLOSEST TO CAUSING AN ACCIDENT WAS ON 3/21/13, WHEN I FEARED THE CAR WAS GOING TO ROLL INTO A CROSSWALK AS PEOPLE CROSSED. WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, COMING TO A STOP AT A STOP SIGN, WE WENT OVER UNEVEN PAVEMENT AND THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD WHILE ONLY A FEW FEET FROM THE CROSSWALK. SEVERAL PEOPLE WAITED CLOSE TO THE EDGE OF THE SIDEWALK AT A BUS STOP. ONE OF THEM SEEMED READY TO STEP OUTTO CROSS THE STREET, AND I BRACED FOR THE WORST. /// ULTIMATELY I STOPPED A FEW FEET BEFORE THE CROSSWALK, BUT THE SITUATION FELT COMPLETELY UNSAFE SINCE IT INVOLVED LOSING STOPPING POWER WHILE COMING TO A STOP SIGN WITH PEDESTRIANS PRESENT. *TR
MY 2012 PRIUS V HAS SEVERAL UNRESOLVED PROBLEMS. ON THOSE OCCASIONS WHEN THE GAS ENGINE CRANKS THE CAR, THERE IS A LOUD ENGINE RATTLER. THE ENGINE SOUNDS AS IF THERE ISN'T ANY OIL. TURNING OFF THE ENGINE AND RE-CRANK DOES NOT ALWAYS FIX THE PROBLEM. THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT SOMETIMES RATTLE. TWO DIFFERENT TOYOTA SERVICE DEP…
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MY 2012 PRIUS V HAS SEVERAL UNRESOLVED PROBLEMS. ON THOSE OCCASIONS WHEN THE GAS ENGINE CRANKS THE CAR, THERE IS A LOUD ENGINE RATTLER. THE ENGINE SOUNDS AS IF THERE ISN'T ANY OIL. TURNING OFF THE ENGINE AND RE-CRANK DOES NOT ALWAYS FIX THE PROBLEM. THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT SOMETIMES RATTLE. TWO DIFFERENT TOYOTA SERVICE DEPARTMENTS ARE UNABLE TO DETERMINE AND FIX THE PROBLEM. ONE OF THE SHOPS REPLACED ONE OF FIFTY BUTTON LIKE LEATHER SEAT FASTENERS. THIS SEEMED TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. TWO WEEKS LATER THE PROBLEM STARTED AGAIN. NOW, I SUSPECT THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR SPEAKER IS THE PROBLEM. OCCASIONALLY, THE REAR DRIVER WINDOW SQUEAKS. THESE PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN REPORTED TO SERVICE SHOPS BUT THEY WANT TO KEEP THE CAR OVER NIGHT. I DID NOT BUY A NEW CAR FOR OVER NIGHT SLEEPOVERS AT THE DEALER. FINALLY, TWO WEEKS AGO A ROCK HIT MY WINDSHIELD. FIVE DAYS LATER THE WINDSHIELD CRACK GREW FROM A TINY DING TO 15 INCHES. I HAVE OWNED THIRTEEN NEW CARS IN THIS LIFE TIME. I HAVE SUFFERED WINDSHIELD CRACKS BUT NONE OF THEM SUGGESTED THAT THE GLASS WAS TOO THIN. THIS IS MY FIRST TOYOTA. *TR
Official recalls
318V684000 · 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
1DP23005 · 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.