NHTSA (USA)Critical
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
This page covers 5 recalls, 415 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2012 Toyota Prius.
48 mpg combined
4.9 L/100km
Midsize Cars
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.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Brake system complaints dominate what 2012 Prius owners report, accounting for by far the largest share of issues filed for this model year. The central pattern is brake actuator and brake booster failure, often described as sudden and significant loss of braking force, sometimes at highway speeds. Owners frequently report that multiple warning lights illuminate at once, ABS, brake, traction control, and master warning, often accompanied by a buzzing or humming noise from the brake system, particularly at low speeds or when stopped. Exterior lighting complaints make up the next-largest named group, though at a much smaller volume. Electrical system issues appear in a similar range, with owners describing warning lights and various system faults. The brake actuator failure pattern stands out for how abruptly it presents, several owners note little or no advance warning before braking effort increased dramatically or felt ineffective.
415
Total Complaints
45
Crash-Related
2
Fire-Related
25
With Injuries
By System
The 2012 Toyota Prius has 5 recalls, the most serious being a curtain shield airbag inflator with a cracked weld that can eject metal fragments into the cabin during a crash.
Two separate recalls address the inverter's Intelligent Power Module, which can be damaged by high operating temperatures or voltage spikes. Either condition can cause the hybrid system to shut down without warning while driving, stalling the vehicle and raising the risk of a crash. In less severe cases, the system may enter a reduced-power mode that significantly limits how the vehicle can be driven. These prior repair attempts did not fully resolve the underlying inverter issue, and both remain open. On the powertrain side, this recall only affects plug-in hybrid models: the high-voltage battery fuse can be exposed to excessive heat stress during prolonged uphill driving under electric power and may fracture, cutting power from the battery. There is also a fire risk on vehicles fitted with aftermarket seat heaters installed through Southeast Toyota dealerships: the copper heating element woven into the seat cushion can short circuit if the element is damaged, potentially igniting the seat material.
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
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
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 →
Dealers will update the motor/generator control and hybrid control software at no cost to restore proper system function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The EV hybrid battery fuse can crack from excessive heat during high-load driving, like steep climbs. This triggers warning lights and messages, may reduce power, or in some cases shut down the hybrid system entirely, causing loss of power.
What the fix does
Replace the EV fuse with an improved design that better withstands thermal stress.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A weld in the curtain shield air bag inflator may crack, causing one or both parts of the inflator to break away and eject into the passenger cabin.
What the fix does
Dealers will install retention brackets on the curtain shield air bags to prevent inflator parts from ejecting into the cabin.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The electrical wiring in aftermarket seat heaters with copper strand heating elements can be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed, potentially causing electrical issues.
What the fix does
Dealers will disconnect the seat heaters at no charge and refund the purchase price of the accessory.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Transistors in the inverter module's power component may overheat and fail, causing warning lights to appear and reducing engine power so the vehicle can only travel a short distance.
What the fix does
Dealers will update software in two engine control units to prevent overheating. If the inverter fails beforehand, dealers will repair or replace it at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
