Worst 2012 Toyota Prius V Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Brakes
Engine Problems
Electrical Faults
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2012 Toyota Prius V.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 120 | 10 | — | 75,396 mi | |
| Engine Problems | 35 | 1 | — | 108,839 mi | |
| Electrical Faults | 22 | — | 1 | 88,374 mi | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 15 | 5 | — | 50,413 mi | |
| Steering Defects | 11 | 2 | — | 94,632 mi | |
| Airbags | 8 | 4 | — | 19,950 mi | |
| Electronic Stability Control | 7 | — | — | 94,315 mi | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 7 | 1 | — | 39,875 mi | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | 5 | 1 | — | 173,943 mi | |
| Fuel System | 5 | — | — | 135,000 mi | |
| Hydraulic Brakes | 5 | — | — | 157,250 mi | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Body Structure | 3 | 2 | — | — | |
| Wipers & Visibility | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Hybrid Propulsion System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 2 | 2 | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention: Warnings | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Instrument Cluster | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical System:Propulsion System:Inverter | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Engine & Cooling | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Exterior Lighting:Headlights | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Hybrid Propulsion System: Inverter | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seats:Front Assembly:Head Restraint | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Service Brakes, Air:Antilock:Abs Warning Light | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Service Brakes, Electric:Solenoid/Actuator | 1 | — | — | — |
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2012 Toyota Prius V. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2012 Toyota Prius V
3 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~919,188 vehicles.
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.
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.
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.
Other Toyota Prius V Years
2012 Toyota Prius V — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2012 Toyota Prius V reliable?
What are common problems with the 2012 Toyota Prius V?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2012 Toyota Prius V?
How safe is the 2012 Toyota Prius V?
Does the 2012 Toyota Prius V have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2012 Toyota Prius V?
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full Toyota Prius V reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2012 Toyota Prius V
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
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