This page covers 4 recalls, 211 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2012 Toyota Prius V.
41 mpg combined
5.7 L/100km
Midsize Station Wagons
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted.
Brake system complaints dominate reports for the 2012 Prius V, making up nearly half of all complaints filed for this model year. Owners most commonly describe the brake booster and brake actuator pump failing, with the typical symptom being a sudden increase in brake pedal effort, the pedal becomes noticeably harder to press and the vehicle takes longer to stop than expected. Many owners report ABS warning lights appearing on the dash alongside the reduced braking feel. Some describe the brake actuator pump cycling audibly even with the vehicle off. Engine complaints are the second-most-reported system, though at a much lower volume, and the reported issues there are scattered without a single dominant symptom pattern. The brake booster failure complaints appear across a range of mileages, with several owners noting the problem emerged around or just past the 100,000-mile mark.
211
Total Complaints
19
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
9
With Injuries
By System
The 2012 Toyota Prius V has 4 recalls, the most serious involving the hybrid inverter, where overheating or excessive voltage can cause the hybrid system to cut power or stall unexpectedly while driving.
The inverter issue covers a few related failure modes: the system may reduce output and limit the car to a short crawl, or it may shut down entirely, leaving the driver without power in traffic. Prior repair attempts did not fully resolve the issue, which is why multiple campaigns address the same inverter assembly. On the exterior lighting side, one recall covers certain aftermarket replacement tail lights sold for this model, where the brake light and tail light circuits are wired in reverse. This causes the brake lights to glow constantly and then go dark when the brake pedal is pressed, making it difficult for drivers behind to recognize when the car is slowing.
At a glance
What can fail
A voltage problem in the inverter's Intelligent Power Module may cause the hybrid system to shut down unexpectedly, stalling the vehicle while driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the motor/generator control and hybrid control software at no cost to restore proper system function.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A component in the hybrid inverter assembly may overheat, reducing hybrid system power output. This limits driving distance and may cause the hybrid system to shut down while driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the motor/generator control ECU and hybrid control ECU software at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The Intelligent Power Module in the hybrid system inverter can become damaged during certain driving conditions, causing warning lights and reducing or losing engine power.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the motor/generator and hybrid control computer software and make repairs as needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The brake light and tail light circuits are reversed, causing brake lights to stay on continuously until you press the brake pedal, when they turn off.
What the fix does
Genera will provide replacement tail lamps at no cost. Contact Genera at 1-888-963-9888 to arrange the replacement.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
