2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid recalls and problems

The 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid has 2 safety recalls and 25 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Toyota dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
25
Crashes / fires
1 / 1
Injuries / deaths
2 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid recalls

Recall 17V-718: Hybrid Propulsion System

Reported Nov 15, 2017 · 39,915 vehicles affected · Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Problem: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2012-2015 Prius Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. The hybrid battery contains an Electric Vehicle (EV) fuse that may fracture after repeated high-load driving conditions such as climbing long hills.

Risk: The failed fuse may cause the hybrid system to shut down resulting in the loss of power. Loss of power while driving at higher speeds can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EV fuse, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 8, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is H0R.

Recall 16V-487: Air Bags

Reported Jun 30, 2016 · 482,002 vehicles affected · Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Service Brakes10
Unknown or Other4
Electrical System3
Engine2
Vehicle Speed Control2
Power Train2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic2
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)1
Hybrid Propulsion System1
Exterior Lighting1
Steering1
Suspension1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 90,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Service Brakes · reported Aug 21, 2024
1. The ABS system failed upon inspection at a dealership. Specifically the ABS accumulator and booster. 2. The ABS system put us at risk by failing prematurely, and traction control and ABS functions seemingly stopped working while driving on the road. 3. Yes, dealership confirmed the issue with a full diagnostic, and the part has a customer support program bulletin/TSB out for this specific issue. 4. inspected by manufacturer dealership service center. 5. Lights such as the parking brake, ABS, and (!) lit up while driving and the failure occurred at the same time.
Suspension · reported May 25, 2024
Today 05/25/2024 noticed a slight camber on the right rear wheel. Jacked up the car and removed the right rear to take a closer look and realized the rear axle/subframe was splitting in half along the weld point. If I hadn't caught this today and my daughter was driving it I'm confident she or others would have been killed or severely injured since most of her driving is highway related. The part that is blowing my mind is the vehicle was at the dealership twice in the last month and no one noticed when on a lift. The car is now permanently on jack stands till it can be repaired. I'm not sure…
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · at 130,000 miles · reported Apr 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving down a winding road, the brake warning light and brake message suddenly activated and while depressing the brake pedal, the pedal extended to the floorboard and the vehicle would not immediately stop. The vehicle was later taken to the local service center who diagnosed that the brake booster, brake master cylinder, and brake booster pump assembly were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was…
Service Brakes · reported Feb 16, 2024
I was driving less than 55mph on freeway on February 5, 2024 when my vehicle went into an out of control spin, Brakes did not seem to work and unable to control vehicle until hit center divider on freeway, Spun 180 degrees and kept going back with no braking until hit center divider.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · at 130,000 miles · reported Oct 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the stabili-trak, ABS, and a several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated there were also audible alarms being sounded. The contact depressed the brake pedal and the brake pedal failed to respond. The contact stated that she was able to coast the vehicle off the highway and shifted into park(P) and turned off the vehicle. The contact turned off and turned on the vehicle and attempted to depress the brake pedal; however, the brake pedal was abnormally firm. The…

Other Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid years

Compare all Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid years · All Toyota models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid: 17V-718 (hybrid propulsion system), 16V-487 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid?

Owners report service brakes problems most often (10 reports), followed by unknown or other (4). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 90,000 miles.

Are Toyota recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Toyota dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.