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
What owners actually said
216 reports
Mileage unknown · Jan 22, 2024
Air BagsService BrakesVehicle Speed Control
Upon driving out of my school parking lot at approximately 15 to 20 miles per hour I noticed a cushiony filled with a brakes and all of a sudden I heard a shhh all of my lights popped up on my dashboard. When I took my vehicle in to be able to find out what was going on with it I was told that I need a master cylinder and a bra…
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Upon driving out of my school parking lot at approximately 15 to 20 miles per hour I noticed a cushiony filled with a brakes and all of a sudden I heard a shhh all of my lights popped up on my dashboard. When I took my vehicle in to be able to find out what was going on with it I was told that I need a master cylinder and a brake booster. This was after having my vehicle for only 3 years where I purchased it from Rice Toyota Greensboro North Carolina.
NHTSA ODI #11566877
Mileage unknown · Dec 5, 2023
Service Brakes
Coming to a yellow light, I braked and the vehicle made a strange sound with loss of braking, so I sped up instead, having to go through a red light. Shortly after, that afternoon, when I again started the vehicle, the safety lights lit up in the dashboard and my vehicle kept making a strange cycling noise. As it turns out, it …
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Coming to a yellow light, I braked and the vehicle made a strange sound with loss of braking, so I sped up instead, having to go through a red light. Shortly after, that afternoon, when I again started the vehicle, the safety lights lit up in the dashboard and my vehicle kept making a strange cycling noise. As it turns out, it was the whole brake actuator assembly. Under great financial hardship, I had the vehicle repaired ($4300+). I applied to Toyota Corporate for help but they denied it, saying I was outside the extended warranty. I’ve since learned this brake problem was a known issue, and Toyota settled a class action settlement. My vehicle has only 90,000 miles on it, and it is has been used primarily as an in-town vehicle, our only car. I’m asking for a recall and reimbursement on repair for affected vehicles. Toyota has been allowed to get away with responsibility for a known issue by putting it into a extended warranty program, now expired. Meanwhile, this dangerous, known defect continues to happen to unsuspecting drivers. I was lucky with my incident, as no cars came out when the light changed, but it could have been a different outcome.
NHTSA ODI #11558597
Mileage unknown · Nov 29, 2023
Engine
Had blown gasket repair last year (which was fixed by my local Toyota Dealership and all cost paid for by myself). Dealership acknowledged that there were known issues with failures due to clogged EGR's and out-dated manifolds. Was never recalled and did not know about the issue until after the incident. Wanted to report issues …
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Had blown gasket repair last year (which was fixed by my local Toyota Dealership and all cost paid for by myself). Dealership acknowledged that there were known issues with failures due to clogged EGR's and out-dated manifolds. Was never recalled and did not know about the issue until after the incident. Wanted to report issues since it appears countless other have been in the same situation with gen 3 Prius. Toyota needs to be offering EGR cleanings and updated manifolds at no cost and reimbursing customer's for previous repairs.
NHTSA ODI #11557495
Mileage unknown · Nov 6, 2023
Service Brakes
brake warning lights (ABS, traction, and (!)) went on while driving on the highway with my 8-year old. Needed brake booster replaced. Replaced at dealership for over $4500. Was a year and a half outside of a customer support program that covered cost for our vehicle through Jan 2022. Called Toyota to see if they could do any…
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brake warning lights (ABS, traction, and (!)) went on while driving on the highway with my 8-year old. Needed brake booster replaced. Replaced at dealership for over $4500. Was a year and a half outside of a customer support program that covered cost for our vehicle through Jan 2022. Called Toyota to see if they could do anything and to report safety issue. They did not give me any funds towards repair. I feel that this is a significant and scary safety issue, and an unfair financial burden for Toyota customers to bear.
NHTSA ODI #11553746
Mileage unknown · Nov 6, 2023
Service Brakes
See attached document for complaint
NHTSA ODI #11553736
153,000 miles · Sep 19, 2023
Service Brakes
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Prius V. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he depressed the brake pedal to stop the vehicle; however, he had to apply extra pressure to the brake pedal and the brake pedal extended to the floorboard to bring the vehicle to a stop. No warning light was illuminated. The v…
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The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Prius V. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he depressed the brake pedal to stop the vehicle; however, he had to apply extra pressure to the brake pedal and the brake pedal extended to the floorboard to bring the vehicle to a stop. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the mechanic retrieved DTC Code: 1391. The contact was informed that the brake booster assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 153,000.
NHTSA ODI #11545356
Mileage unknown · Sep 5, 2023
Service Brakes
My Prius V experienced brake failure today, with three warning lights appearing at once and the brake pedal not engaging the brakes unless it was pressed almost to the floor. This made it feel extremely scary and unsafe to drive. I was very upset to see that this is a recurring problem with Prius cars in this age range. Although…
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My Prius V experienced brake failure today, with three warning lights appearing at once and the brake pedal not engaging the brakes unless it was pressed almost to the floor. This made it feel extremely scary and unsafe to drive. I was very upset to see that this is a recurring problem with Prius cars in this age range. Although I only have less than 120,000 miles on it, Toyota is not offering an extended warranty for the failing parts (brake master cylinder and actuator and booster) past 10 years or 150,000 miles. This is total BS if they already know that there is a problem with these parts.
NHTSA ODI #11542781
Mileage unknown · Sep 1, 2023
Service Brakes
Diagnostic code C1391 abs system. Brake accumulator pressure leak. This a known issue and common problem. $3000 dealer only repair. There was a customer service program and extended warranty. This is a major safety issue and Toyota has stopped offering any repair support and expects customers to cover the full repair price …
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Diagnostic code C1391 abs system. Brake accumulator pressure leak. This a known issue and common problem. $3000 dealer only repair. There was a customer service program and extended warranty. This is a major safety issue and Toyota has stopped offering any repair support and expects customers to cover the full repair price themselves.
NHTSA ODI #11542053
Mileage unknown · Aug 6, 2023
Service Brakes
In July of 2021 the Toyota dealership replaced the inverter on my 2012 Prius V. At the time, it also was exhibiting signs of the brake booster and pump failure as outlined in CSP 20TE07 (see https://www.toyoheadquarters.com/threads/2012-2014-toyota-prius-v-2015-toyota-prius-v-coverage-for-brake-booster-and-brake-booster-pump-ass…
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In July of 2021 the Toyota dealership replaced the inverter on my 2012 Prius V. At the time, it also was exhibiting signs of the brake booster and pump failure as outlined in CSP 20TE07 (see https://www.toyoheadquarters.com/threads/2012-2014-toyota-prius-v-2015-toyota-prius-v-coverage-for-brake-booster-and-brake-booster-pump-assemblies-csp-20te07.2116/). It was inside the extended warranty period, but they would not fix it at the time, because it was not throwing diagnostic codes. Subsequently, the braking system malfunctioned, nearly causing a high-speed accident on the freeway. With diagnostic lights now showing, and code C1391 stored in the OBD system, I took the car back to the dealer, but now they said it was past the 10 year limit and still would do nothing about it. This is not acceptable! They knew the brake system was failing and a safety hazard, but would not address it, just because it hadn't actually failed yet. Toyota needs to further extend the warranty and take care of this brake failure past 10 years and 150,000 miles. Just because I took good care of my car and the brakes didn't fail as early as other owners, I should not have been subjected to the risk of brake failure or the high cost of repairing the brake system when Toyota took care of this problem for so many other hybrid owners. Please help.
NHTSA ODI #11536723
160,000 miles · Jun 27, 2023
Service Brakes, Electric
The contact's wife owns a 2012 Toyota Prius V. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. Additionally, the brakes intermittently failed to stop the vehicle immediately. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was take…
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The contact's wife owns a 2012 Toyota Prius V. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. Additionally, the brakes intermittently failed to stop the vehicle immediately. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the mechanic retrieved DTC code: C1391. The contact was informed that the ABS actuator and pump assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
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.
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.
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.
2012 Toyota Prius V Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year