NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
422 reports99,500 miles · Feb 24, 2021
Engine
THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN BURNING OIL FOR THE PAST 10,000 MILES. VEHICLE HAS HAD ALL SERVICES AND SYNTHETIC OIL CHANGES DONE FROM DAY 1 AT THE DEALERSHIP. OIL CHANGES EVERY 5,000 MILES SINCE DAY 1. AT 90,000 MILES THE CAR STARTED BURNING OIL EXCESSIVELY. COMPLAINTS AND DIAGNOSTICS WERE ATTEMPTED AT TOYOTA FRANCHISE DEALERSHIPS BUT T…
Read full complaint
THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN BURNING OIL FOR THE PAST 10,000 MILES. VEHICLE HAS HAD ALL SERVICES AND SYNTHETIC OIL CHANGES DONE FROM DAY 1 AT THE DEALERSHIP. OIL CHANGES EVERY 5,000 MILES SINCE DAY 1. AT 90,000 MILES THE CAR STARTED BURNING OIL EXCESSIVELY. COMPLAINTS AND DIAGNOSTICS WERE ATTEMPTED AT TOYOTA FRANCHISE DEALERSHIPS BUT THEY FAILED TO FIND THE ISSUE. FINALLY AT 100,000 MILES THE ENGINE FAILED DUE TO HEAD GASKET FAILURE. THIS VEHICLE IS CLASSIFIED AS A PARTIAL ZERO EMISSION VEHICLE AND IT IS REGISTERED IN A STATE THAT FOLLOWS CALIFORNIA AIR RESOURCE BOARD REGULATIONS AND IS BEING SERVICED IN A STATE THAT FOLLOWS AS WELL. UNDER THE PZEV REGULATIONS, TOYOTA WARRANTIES EMISSION RELATED COMPONENTS FOR 15 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES. UNDER TOYOTAS WARRANTY GUIDE IT STATES SEALS AND GASKETS ARE COVERED. THE MANUAL DOES NOT CLARIFY ANY FURTHER LEAVING THE COVERAGE LEVEL VAGUE AND QUESTIONABLE. UPON TRYING TO GET TOYOTA TO REPLACE THE ENGINE, THEY GAVE US A WEEK OF NO RESPONSES AND FINALLY DECLINING THE CLAIM EVEN WHEN THE MANUAL STATES IT SHOULD BE COVERED. THE OIL BURNING ISSUE WITH THIS MOTOR IS A BIG PROBLEM THAT TOYOTA HAS BEEN TRYING TO COVER UP. TOYOTA IS QUOTING $13,000 FOR ENGINE REPLACEMENT. THEY HAVE A SERVICE BULLETING REGARDING THE OIL BURNING BECAUSE IT'S A KNOWN ISSUE, BUT THEY ONLY HONOR CLAIMS UNDER THE 5 YEAR 60,000 MILES POWER TRAIN WARRANTY.
NHTSA ODI #11397691
190,000 miles · Feb 11, 2021
Service Brakes
BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER AND BRAKE BOOSTER FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
NHTSA ODI #11395695
136,000 miles · Dec 14, 2020
Engine
WHEN IDLING THERE IS A LOUD RATTLE AND MULTIPLE RANDOM MISFIRES IN THE ENGINE. APPEARS TO BE A HEAD GASKET LEAK PROBLEM FROM READING FORUMS. I HAVE BEEN TO MULTIPLE REPAIR SHOPS THEY CANNOT DETERMINE THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA ODI #11383446
170,000 miles · Nov 13, 2020
EngineService Brakes
ABS , TRACTION CONTROL,BRAKE LIGHTS ON. NO POWER ASSIST BRAKE, NO ABS, NO TRACTION CONTROL
NHTSA ODI #11374498
154,000 miles · Jul 29, 2020
Service Brakes
MY 2012 PRIUS WAS DIAGNOSED AT OUR TOYOTA DEALERSHIP. THEY SAID IT NEEDS A BRAKE BOOSTER/SOLENOID. WHEN I LOOKED INTO IT, IT SEEMS THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO HUNDREDS OF CONSUMERS WITH PRIUS CARS FROM THE SAME ERA. IT IS A DEVASTATING $3,000 REPAIR. TOTAL INJUSTICE IF IT IS A MANUFACTURER ISSUE AS IT SEEMS.
NHTSA ODI #11341979
Mileage unknown · Jun 20, 2020
Steering
THE STEERING WHEEL MAKE A CLUNKING NOISE AND FEEL LIKE IT'LL FALL OFF WHEN DRIVEN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #11329804
70,000 miles · Mar 30, 2020
Engine
PROBLEM WITH HEAD GASKET, LOW MILES, COLD ENGINE STARTING, STATIONER, AND SOME TIMES IN MOTION
NHTSA ODI #11319687
150,999 miles · Mar 28, 2020
Engine
2012 TOYOTA PRIUS II, DEALER MAINTAINED, NOW NEEDS NEW ENGINE DUE TO BLOWN HEAD GASKET. MILEAGE 151000. THE CAR HAS RUN PERFECTLY UNTIL A RECENT ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. WHEN IT WAS BROUGHT INTO THE DEALERSHIP, THE DIAGNOSIS WAS MISFIRING OF 2 CYLINDERS AND COOLANT LEAKING INTO CYLINDERS 3 AND 4. THERE WAS NO PREVIOUS ENGINE PR…
Read full complaint
2012 TOYOTA PRIUS II, DEALER MAINTAINED, NOW NEEDS NEW ENGINE DUE TO BLOWN HEAD GASKET. MILEAGE 151000. THE CAR HAS RUN PERFECTLY UNTIL A RECENT ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. WHEN IT WAS BROUGHT INTO THE DEALERSHIP, THE DIAGNOSIS WAS MISFIRING OF 2 CYLINDERS AND COOLANT LEAKING INTO CYLINDERS 3 AND 4. THERE WAS NO PREVIOUS ENGINE PROBLEMS. AN OFFICIAL COMPLAINT WAS FILED WITH TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE. THEY RESPONDED THAT THERE WAS NO FAULT ON THEIR END AND I SHOULD HAVE THE ENGINE REPLACED AT AN AUTHORIZED TOYOTA DEALER. A SEARCH FOR THIS TROUBLE RESULTED IN SEVERAL OTHER COMPLAINTS OF THE FAILURE OF HEAD GASKETS IN THIS YEAR AND MODEL PRIUS.
NHTSA ODI #11319578
61,900 miles · Mar 18, 2020
Service Brakes
ABS WARNING LIGHT INDICATING TROUBLE WITH THE BRAKING SYSTEM, I TOOK THE CAR TO AN INDEPENDENT AUTO REPAIR STORE AND THE MECHANIC CHECKED THE CODES ON HIS COMPUTER AND RECEIVED 2 CODES THAT INDICATING THAT THE ABS PUMP NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE TOTAL COST WOULD BE BETWEEN $3000 TO $5000. THE ABS LIGHT GOES ON WHEN I START THE C…
Read full complaint
ABS WARNING LIGHT INDICATING TROUBLE WITH THE BRAKING SYSTEM, I TOOK THE CAR TO AN INDEPENDENT AUTO REPAIR STORE AND THE MECHANIC CHECKED THE CODES ON HIS COMPUTER AND RECEIVED 2 CODES THAT INDICATING THAT THE ABS PUMP NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE TOTAL COST WOULD BE BETWEEN $3000 TO $5000. THE ABS LIGHT GOES ON WHEN I START THE CAR
NHTSA ODI #11318546
Mileage unknown · Mar 2, 2020
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Service Brakes
I HAVE NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL MAIL REGARDING THE CAR. I USED AN INSURANCE TRACKING PLUGIN, AND ALL THE PROBLEMS STARTED.PCS ERROR MESSAGE ON MY DASHBOARD, DUE TO A LEAK IN BRAKE BOOSTER THEY SAID. MY DEALERSHIP WILL NOT TELL ME IT'S A RECALL, MADE IT SEEM LIKE THEY HELPED ME INSTEAD OF CHARGING AS HIGH AS $4000. I WAS NOT GIVEN…
Read full complaint
I HAVE NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL MAIL REGARDING THE CAR. I USED AN INSURANCE TRACKING PLUGIN, AND ALL THE PROBLEMS STARTED.PCS ERROR MESSAGE ON MY DASHBOARD, DUE TO A LEAK IN BRAKE BOOSTER THEY SAID. MY DEALERSHIP WILL NOT TELL ME IT'S A RECALL, MADE IT SEEM LIKE THEY HELPED ME INSTEAD OF CHARGING AS HIGH AS $4000. I WAS NOT GIVEN A LOANER CAR FOR THE 4DAYS THEY HAD MY CAR, AND DID NOT GET ANY REFUNDS FOR THE RENTAL CAR I GOT
NHTSA ODI #11315510
Official recalls
6Oct 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.
Jun 30, 2016
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If either portion of the curtain shield air bag inflator ejects into the passenger cabin, there is an increased risk of injury to vehicle occupants.
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. Owners may contact Toyota Customer Service Department at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is Toyota G0U, and Lexus GLJ.
Jun 2, 2016
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.
Feb 12, 2014
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2010 through 2014 Prius vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) inside the inverter module (a component of the hybrid system) contains transistors that may become damaged from high operating temperatures. If this occurs, various warning lamps will be illuminated on the instrument panel and the vehicle will have reduced power allowing it to only drive a short distance.
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 both the motor/generator control electronic control unit (ECU) and the hybrid control ECU, free of charge. If an owner experiences a failure of the inverter before the vehicle receives updated software, the dealer will repair or replace the inverter assembly with a new one at no charge. The recall began on March 21, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Hybrid Propulsion System: Inverter
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2010 through 2014 Prius vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) inside the inverter module (a component of the hybrid system) contains transistors that may become damaged from high operating temperatures. If this occurs, various warning lamps will be illuminated on the instrument panel and the vehicle will have reduced power allowing it to only drive a short distance.
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 both the motor/generator control electronic control unit (ECU) and the hybrid control ECU, free of charge. If an owner experiences a failure of the inverter before the vehicle receives updated software, the dealer will repair or replace the inverter assembly with a new one at no charge. The recall began on March 21, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Electrical System:software
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2010 through 2014 Prius vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) inside the inverter module (a component of the hybrid system) contains transistors that may become damaged from high operating temperatures. If this occurs, various warning lamps will be illuminated on the instrument panel and the vehicle will have reduced power allowing it to only drive a short distance.
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 both the motor/generator control electronic control unit (ECU) and the hybrid control ECU, free of charge. If an owner experiences a failure of the inverter before the vehicle receives updated software, the dealer will repair or replace the inverter assembly with a new one at no charge. The recall began on March 21, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Apr 9, 2013
Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2010-2013 Toyota Tundra, 2010-2012 Rav4, 2012 Toyota Sequoia, 2010-2011 Toyota Corolla, 2010-2011 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser, 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser, 2010-2013 Toyota Venza, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, 2010-2013 Toyota Tacoma, 2011-2012 Toyota Sienna, 2012 Toyota Prius, 2013 Scion FR-S, 2011 Scion XD, 2011 Scion XB, and 2012 Scion TC vehicles. These vehicles were sold with labels that were outside the allowable one percent of accuracy of actual weight added. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) Number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inaccurate label could lead to owners overloading their vehicles and tires. An overloaded vehicle can result in a tire failure which may result in a vehicle crash, personal injury, or property damage.
Remedy: Southeast Toyota will notify owners and provide a corrected label with instructions concerning its installation. A small group of the affected vehicles will need additonal remedies which are still being developed. The recall began on May 28, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
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
3DP23005 · 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.
DP22005 · Pedestrian Alert Sounds
Opened Jan 27, 2023 · Closed Aug 7, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:propulsion System
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.
DP19004 · Brake Actuator Valve Wear
Opened Sep 30, 2019 · Closed Jan 21, 2021
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist
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). In support of his request, the petitioner identified 117 NHTSA complaints allegedly related to the subject CSP condition, including 60 reporting crashes. On September 30, 2019, ODI opened Defect Petition DP19-004 to evaluate the petitioner?s request for an investigation. In August 2020, the petitioner notified the Agency that he was withdrawing his petition. Because the petitioner has withdrawn the petition, we are denying the petition as moot and no further analysis of this petition is necessary.NHTSA is authorized to issue an order requiring notification and remedy of a defect if the Agency?s investigation shows a defect in the design, construction, or performance of a motor vehicle that presents an unreasonable risk to safety. 49 U.S.C. ?? 30102(a)(9), 30118. Because the petitioner has with withdrawn the petition, the petition is denied as moot. This action does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency notes that it is not required to receive a defect petition prior to opening a defect investigation and will take further action if warranted by future circumstances.
Illustration