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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.

About this comparison →

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

What owners actually said

216 reports
50,000 miles · Aug 18, 2017
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA PRIUS V. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS ACTIVATED AND THERE WAS A STRONG ODOR IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (TOYOTA OF RENTON, LOCATED AT 150 SW 7TH ST, RENTON, WA 98057; (425) 228-4700) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ODOR WAS DUE TO MOLD. THE DEALE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA PRIUS V. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS ACTIVATED AND THERE WAS A STRONG ODOR IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (TOYOTA OF RENTON, LOCATED AT 150 SW 7TH ST, RENTON, WA 98057; (425) 228-4700) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ODOR WAS DUE TO MOLD. THE DEALER CLEANED THE VENTS AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL OTHER TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SAME DEALER, BUT THEY USED THE SOLUTION TO CLEAN THE VENT THE SECOND TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE STILL OCCURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.

NHTSA ODI #11016170

20 miles · May 2, 2017
Service Brakes

WHEN DRIVING ON UNEVEN GROUND, LIKE POT HOLES, THE BRAKES FAIL. LITERALLY IF YOU HAVE YOUR FOOT ON BRAKE WHEN DRIVING OVER A POT HOLE, YOU CAN FEEL THE BRAKES RELEASE AND THE CAR WON'T STOP. I'VE HAD SIMILAR ISSUES ON BUMPY GROUND. THE CAR HAS ALWAYS HAD THE PROBLEM SINCE I PURCHASED IT, PROBABLY ON A WEEKLY BASIS, AND I'VE WOND…

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WHEN DRIVING ON UNEVEN GROUND, LIKE POT HOLES, THE BRAKES FAIL. LITERALLY IF YOU HAVE YOUR FOOT ON BRAKE WHEN DRIVING OVER A POT HOLE, YOU CAN FEEL THE BRAKES RELEASE AND THE CAR WON'T STOP. I'VE HAD SIMILAR ISSUES ON BUMPY GROUND. THE CAR HAS ALWAYS HAD THE PROBLEM SINCE I PURCHASED IT, PROBABLY ON A WEEKLY BASIS, AND I'VE WONDERED ABOUT THE SAFETY AND WHETHER IT'S JUST RELATED TO ABS. I'VE ALSO INQUIRED AT THE DEALERSHIP. LUCKILY, I'VE NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. BUT, THIS WEEKEND MY FRIEND WITH A PRIUS HAD AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF THE PROBLEM, SO I DECIDED TO REPORT MY COMPLAINT.

NHTSA ODI #10983184

98,000 miles · Apr 27, 2017
Engine

MY PRUIS IS BURNING OIL AT A FASTER RATE THAN IT SHOULD BE.

NHTSA ODI #10981018

145,000 miles · Feb 24, 2017
Electrical System

MY 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS'S DASHBOARD INDICATORS (ODOMETER, WARNING SIGNS AND EVERYTHING) SHOWED SYMPTOMS OF DISAPPEARING MOMENTARILY DURING SECOND HALF OF THE YEAR 2016. UPON RESTARTING, IT USED TO COME BACK. HOWEVER, ON FEBRUARY 18, 2017, THE DASHBOARD LIGHT WON'T COME BACK EVEN AFTER MULTIPLE TIME RESTARTING. DROVE TO WORK IN TH…

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MY 2008 TOYOTA PRIUS'S DASHBOARD INDICATORS (ODOMETER, WARNING SIGNS AND EVERYTHING) SHOWED SYMPTOMS OF DISAPPEARING MOMENTARILY DURING SECOND HALF OF THE YEAR 2016. UPON RESTARTING, IT USED TO COME BACK. HOWEVER, ON FEBRUARY 18, 2017, THE DASHBOARD LIGHT WON'T COME BACK EVEN AFTER MULTIPLE TIME RESTARTING. DROVE TO WORK IN THAT CONDITION HOPING THE DASHBOARD INDICATORS WILL COME BACK BUT THEY DIDN'T. MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH DEALERSHIP TO CHECK IT OUT ON MONDAY. BEFORE THE APPOINTMENT, THE INDICATORS CAME BACK SO I CANCELLED THE APPOINTMENTS. WHEN DISCUSSING THE PROBLEM WITH A FRIEND, I WAS TOLD THAT TOYOTA IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND HAVE EXTENDED THE WARRANTY FOR SUCH REPAIRS. UPON HEARING THIS, I CALLED TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE TO INQUIRE AND WAS TOLD THAT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY IS EXPIRED AND CAN'T FIX THE PROBLEM UNDER WARRANTY. DRIVING WITHOUT THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT TOYOTA SHALL ADDRESS FOR ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES.

NHTSA ODI #10956861

55,155 miles · Feb 12, 2017
Service Brakes

MY 2012 TOYOTA PRIUS V (MILEAGE: 55155) HAS HAD A FAILURE OF THE REAR BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS DUE TO EXCESSIVE RUSTING. PLEASE NOTE THE FRONT BRAKES ARE IN GREAT SHAPE AND SHOW VERY LITTLE WEAR. THE SERVICE MANAGER WAS QUICK TO POINT OUT THAT HE WAS ONLY A FRANCHISE STORE AND WAS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DESIGN OF THE REAR BRAKE…

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MY 2012 TOYOTA PRIUS V (MILEAGE: 55155) HAS HAD A FAILURE OF THE REAR BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS DUE TO EXCESSIVE RUSTING. PLEASE NOTE THE FRONT BRAKES ARE IN GREAT SHAPE AND SHOW VERY LITTLE WEAR. THE SERVICE MANAGER WAS QUICK TO POINT OUT THAT HE WAS ONLY A FRANCHISE STORE AND WAS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DESIGN OF THE REAR BRAKES. HE STATED THAT THIS HAPPENS OCCASIONALLY ON THE HYBRID CARS THEY SERVICE AND IF THE MANUFACTURER HAD COATED THE BRAKE (I BELIEVE HE WAS REFERRING TO THE SLIDE AREA OF THE CALIPER WHERE THE BRAKE PADS RIDES) THAT THE BRAKE PAD WOULD NOT HAVE HUNG UP AND WORN OUT ALONG WITH DESTROYING THE ROTORS. I AM A FORMER LICENSED AIRCRAFT MECHANIC AND A LICENSED ENGINEER WITH THE STATE OF ILLINOIS. CLEARLY THERE IS NO REASON FOR THE REAR BRAKES TO FAIL BEFORE THE FRONT BRAKES AND CERTAINLY NOT THE ROTORS. THIS CAR HAS BEEN SERVICED BY THE DEALER EVERY 5000 MILES, WHICH DEMONSTRATES THE FAILURE WAS NOT DUE TO NEGLECT. THIS FAILURE MECHANISM NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BEFORE IT CAUSES AN ACCIDENT.

NHTSA ODI #10954077

Mileage unknown · Jan 27, 2017
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

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 …

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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.

NHTSA ODI #10947964

50,000 miles · Jul 17, 2016
Steering

I WAS DRIVING, TRYING TO PARK MY CAR, WHEN THE STEERING (POWER FAILED) IT TOOK ALL MIGHT STRENGTHEN TO TURN THE WHEEL. THE CAR WAS SERVICED BY TOYOTA REGULARLY - THERE WERE NO PREVIOUS SIGNS OR INDICATORS THAT ANY PROBLEM EXISTED. STEERING SYSTEM FAILED; HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP. AT 50,000 THE TOYOTA DEALERSH…

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I WAS DRIVING, TRYING TO PARK MY CAR, WHEN THE STEERING (POWER FAILED) IT TOOK ALL MIGHT STRENGTHEN TO TURN THE WHEEL. THE CAR WAS SERVICED BY TOYOTA REGULARLY - THERE WERE NO PREVIOUS SIGNS OR INDICATORS THAT ANY PROBLEM EXISTED. STEERING SYSTEM FAILED; HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP. AT 50,000 THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP SAID THE STEERING COLUMN FAILED, NOT GETTING ANY ELECTRICITY TO THE STEERING COLUMN. NEEDED A NEW STEERING COLUMN.

NHTSA ODI #10885332

31,000 miles · Apr 12, 2016
SeatsInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA PRIUS V. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE POSITION OF THE DRIVER SIDE HEAD REST FAILED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SUPPORT. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT SUSTAINED PAIN TO THE HEAD, NECK, LOWER BACK, AND LEFT LEG THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE M…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA PRIUS V. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE POSITION OF THE DRIVER SIDE HEAD REST FAILED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SUPPORT. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT SUSTAINED PAIN TO THE HEAD, NECK, LOWER BACK, AND LEFT LEG THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 31,000.

NHTSA ODI #10855000

59,815 miles · Mar 4, 2016
Steering

NOISE ("CLUNKING") WHEN TURNING LEFT & RIGHT AS IF THERE IS "PLAY" OR SOMETHING IS LOOSE SOMEWHERE IN THE STEERING SYSTEM. WORRIED ABOUT SAFETY AND UNDERSTAND THERE WERE PREVIOUS RECALLS OF THE SHAFT ON PREVIOUS YEAR MODELS. DO NOT WANT TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE STEERING SHAFT AS DEALER SUGGESTS IF NOT NECESSARY.

NHTSA ODI #10839830

54,000 miles · Feb 20, 2016
Structure

THE REAR HATCHBACK LATCH IS WEAK AND THE LATCH ASSEMBLY NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THIS PREVENTS THE REAR HATCHBACK DOOR FROM BEING OPENED OR MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO OPEN. IT WILL COST JUST SHY OF $700 TO FIX. OF THE FOUR PRIUSES MY FAMILY HAS OWNED (PRIUS 2005 AND 2 PRIUS 2007 AND PRIUS V 2012) HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH THE REAR HATCHBAC…

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THE REAR HATCHBACK LATCH IS WEAK AND THE LATCH ASSEMBLY NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THIS PREVENTS THE REAR HATCHBACK DOOR FROM BEING OPENED OR MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO OPEN. IT WILL COST JUST SHY OF $700 TO FIX. OF THE FOUR PRIUSES MY FAMILY HAS OWNED (PRIUS 2005 AND 2 PRIUS 2007 AND PRIUS V 2012) HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH THE REAR HATCHBACK LATCH. TOYOTA PLEASE FIX THIS PROBLEM.

NHTSA ODI #10837295

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.