The 2012 Toyota Prius has a high safety risk profile with 4 recall campaigns and 675 NHTSA complaints. Before buying, verify that all recalls have been completed. It's free at any dealer.

Recalls

675

Complaints

Crashes

Fires

Recall Findings

18V6840002018-04-10

HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM

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.

If the hybrid system shuts down unexpectedly, it can increase the risk of a crash.

View at NHTSA

16V4870002016-30-06

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

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.

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.

View at NHTSA

14V0530002014-12-02

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.

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.

View at NHTSA

View all 4 recalls

16V3960002016-02-06

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER

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.

If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.

View at NHTSA

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Top Complaint Areas

Across 1 model years, 675 owners have filed complaints about the 2012 Toyota Prius. SERVICE BRAKES issues top the list, so ask the seller about this area specifically during your inspection.

01Service Brakes249

02Engine40

03Exterior Lighting33

04Electrical System30

05Unknown Or Other27

675 total across 1 model years (2012–2012)Full data at NHTSA.gov

Toyota Prius Fuel Economy

41–50mpg combined

43-53city

39-49hwy

$900-$1,050/yr

Across 4 configurations, the 2012 Toyota Prius returns 41–50 MPG combined. Choose the thriftier option if you're commuting; the sportier setup if you're not counting gallons.

By Trim

Prius c - Automatic (variable gear ratios)

50mpg

1.5L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

53 city46 hwy~$900/yr-1/10 Poor

Prius Plug-in Hybrid - Automatic (variable gear ratios)

50mpg

1.8L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

51 city49 hwy~$900/yr-1/10 Poor

Prius - Automatic (variable gear ratios)

48mpg

1.8L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

49 city46 hwy~$900/yr-1/10 Poor

Prius v - Automatic (variable gear ratios)

41mpg

1.8L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

43 city39 hwy~$1,050/yr-1/10 Poor

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Where to Find 2012 Toyota Prius

35States

33%in top 3

18% of the market sits in California, though listings span 35 states. Expand your search and you'll find more options at better prices.

CACalifornia

75018%

TXTexas

3258%

FLFlorida

3057%

DCWashington DC

1955%

PAPennsylvania

1734%

GAGeorgia

1704%

MDMaryland

1624%

ILIllinois

1373%

MOMissouri

1333%

NCNorth Carolina

1263%

AZArizona

1243%

OROregon

1193%

DEDelaware

1153%

WAWashington

1052%

NYNew York

1042%

HI100

COColorado

892%

MNMinnesota

802%

NHNew Hampshire

782%

NJ71

MA68

OH64

MI60

OK49

TN48

UT44

IN43

RI39

AL38

WI38

NV27

KY26

CT26

VT24

NE22

Geographic distribution reflects all active listings for this model, not just 2012.

2012 Toyota Prius Buyer FAQ

What to know before you buy

Is the 2012 Toyota Prius a good car to buy?

Here's the short version on the 2012 Toyota Prius. There are 4 recalls to verify before purchase. Dig into the safety overview and pricing trends for recall-by-recall detail.

Are there recalls on the 2012 Toyota Prius?

NHTSA shows 4 recall campaigns for the 2012 Toyota Prius. Before buying, verify all recalls are complete. The dealer must fix them at no charge. See the safety section for the full list.

What's the gas mileage of the 2012 Toyota Prius?

You'll get between 41 and 50 MPG combined from the 2012 Toyota Prius, depending on engine and drivetrain. That's a meaningful difference over time. The fuel economy table shows exactly which configs get what.

What are common problems with the 2012 Toyota Prius?

SERVICE BRAKES problems top the list with 675 total complaints filed. Not every car is affected, but it's worth asking about and inspecting. Full details in the known issues section.