Toyota Prius Complaints (2012)

449 consumer complaints on file.

#11657442April 29, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
My brakes began making a funny noise when I used them. I only have 80000 on the car and do regular maintenance. I took it in because it seemed the brake pedal was getting spongy as well. They ran in through diagnostic tests and determined the braking module or brake booster/master assembly was bad. This seems to be an issues with Toyota and should be addressed immediately. It is an expensive fix for a low mileage car
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11655377April 18, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
47050-47180 47070-47060 Both failed at same time along with many others getting quotes of 3500-4000 to replace no brake control or anti lock brakes
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11653450April 8, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
Toyota installed known faulty brake booster and master cylinder systems in Prius C models manufactured 2012-2014. Knowing these systems would fail, but not wanting to pay for their mistake, they created a basically secret "extended warranty program" for owners to get their brake booster replaced ONLY IF for a specific 2 year time frame their brakes failed with a certain DTC code. Knowing that many prius owners would not actually receive the notification nor had driven their vehicle enough miles for the braking system to fail, they got away without having to correct their issue. The brakes literally just fail and stop working in the middle of the highway, causing extreme safety concerns and accidents with no responsibility from Toyota.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11652358April 2, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
Brake system went out suddenly making the car brakes not work
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11651487March 29, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The accelerator wasn’t pushing down after I turned a corner then the lights in attached photo appeared. The power inverter needs to be replaced and since my car had the J0V software update in 2/2019, and the recall update came out in 3/2019, it was not linked to my vin as it should’ve been. The update to J0V (attached) should have been posted w my vin, correct? They are fixing it under customer support but refuse to tow it or give me rental bc they are saying it isn’t a recall issue, when the document below says it applies to all cars that needed J0V. I want to be sure all cars that had recall service before the March2019 update get this update linked to their vin.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11651221March 27, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
Subject: Safety Complaint – 2012 Toyota Prius Brake Booster Failure (C1391 Code) I am writing to formally report a serious safety defect in my 2012 Toyota Prius involving the brake system. Recently, my vehicle’s dashboard displayed the ABS, traction control, and brake warning lights, indicating a critical braking issue. Upon diagnostic testing at a Toyota dealership, the vehicle was found to have DTC Code C1391 – Brake Booster Leak/Accumulator Failure. I later discovered that Toyota acknowledged this defect and issued a Customer Support Program (CSP) to cover repairs. However, I was never notified, despite always servicing my vehicle at Toyota dealerships. When I contacted Toyota, they confirmed that my vehicle has been flagged in their system, yet I was never received anything in the mail about the potential brake failure. Toyota initially set the CSP expiration in 2023, later extending it to May 2025, but they have refused to repair my vehicle under this program. The estimated repair cost is $4,680.09 along with a diagnostic fee of 206.09, which is a significant financial burden for an issue stemming from a known manufacturing defect. Most importantly, this is a major safety hazard: My brakes now produce a loud hissing sound when pressed, indicating imminent failure. If the brake booster fails completely, it could result in a loss of braking power, endangering myself, passengers, and others on the road. Numerous Prius owners have reported similar failures, yet Toyota has not issued a formal recall. I urge NHTSA to investigate this defect further and push Toyota to issue a full recall instead of a limited support program that many owners were unaware of. Given the life-threatening nature of brake failure, Toyota should not be allowed to limit coverage or deny repairs for a problem they have long recognized. I respectfully request that NHTSA take action to ensure Toyota addresses this safety defect responsibly.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11650537March 25, 2025
Insert, Padding
The styrofoam padding of the headrest came unglued from the plastic base of the headrest. This was discovered when removing fabric to wash the fabric. Car was not driving at the time.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11649360March 19, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
My break actuator goes off every 12 seconds continuously. There is no warning sign in the dash board. Brought the vehicle to the Toyota dealership and had it checked out. The dealership says there is no problems according to their analysis. But the actuator continuously goes off every 12 seconds and the dealership said this was "normal" and charged me the service fee. I am seriously concerned because I drive this car with my child and I am reading that this is a bad sign and that the breaks might fail at any time. Since the dashboard doesn't give me a warning sign and the dealership says there's no problems based on their diagnostics, even if everyone can hear the actuator go off ever 12 seconds I guess I can safely drive this vehicle...it seems like driving a ticking disaster waiting to happen.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11648555March 16, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
ABS pump and master cylinder malfunction. Pump is running very often. Hard braking makes it sound abnormally.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11648561March 16, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
Brakes failed
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11646751March 6, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the brakes while the brake pedal was depressed. The brakes, the traction control, and the ABS warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with brake booster and master cylinder assembly failure. The vehicle was not repaired for the most recent failure. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,019.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11643376February 18, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
I accidentally slid out into traffic as my brakes failed as I pulled up to stop at the edge of the parking lot. I was nearly hit driver's side on a pickup. Fortunately, it was able to swerve around me and there was no immediate following vehicle. I was able to pull out and back into a nearby parking lot to address the problem with my brakes. Upon speaking to my mechanic and local Toyota Dealership I was informed that the brake booster/accumulator had failed and that this was a known issue on my vehicle. Toyota extended a special warranty on these parts several times but did not notify owners of the safety risk. That warranty coverage has expired for my vehicle. I believe it is an inherent safety risk and they obscured it by covering the parts under this extended warranty. I believe they should be recalled and at the least owners should be warned of the risks. All communications were done over the phone or in person, I have no electronic records. I submitted an identical request on my 2011 Prius by accident, as I used it's VIN when I meant to use the VIN on my 2012 Prius. Regardless, I am now concerned for my safety in both vehicles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11642867February 15, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
Failure in ABS system
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11642647February 13, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
Vehicle has good break pads and rotors. Also the vehicle turn on the ABS the Break and the slippery lights on. When the car was scanned is show code C1391" which indicates a problem with the brake accumulator within the system, often requiring replacement of the brake booster and accumulator assembly. I can't drive the car and other people with same car on 2011 year has the same issue
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11641970February 11, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
As i was driving, my breaks suddenly became spongey and unresponsive. I could hear a "hiss" sound come from below me. ABS and other warning lights came on on my dash. As i was near my auto mechanic i tried to make it there safely, and as i drove the brakes seemed to become softer and softer. By the time i had reached my mechanic i was so uncomfortable with its ineffectivness i felt it necessary to use the emergency brake to come to a complete stop. My mechanic confirmed that the issues included the failing of the Brake Booster, Brake Master Cylinder, Accumulator Pump, ABS, ABS Computer. According to him this was caused by a set of issues involving internal leaks in the brake booster assembly. These issues were replicatable, and my mechanic says they pose a saftey risk. Even after he gave it a "temporary patch job." Due to this the only times it has been driven were to get it home, to move it along our street so as to not get ticketed for having a stationary vehicle too many days in a row, and one time it was taken up the nearest rise in preparation for a Tsunami warning. When looking for replacment parts, my mechanic allerted me to a Technical Service Bulletin that should have been sent out to owners warning them of this issue and offering replacment parts. I never received this notice as I am the second owner of this vehicle, the notices were sent before i owned it, the previous owner claims not to have been aware of this issue herself, and because it was a voluntary service call, when researching the vehicle myself for any reported issues such as recalls, none had come up, meaning i had no way of knowing. To add to this, i contacted Toyota to see if they would honor the past offer to service this issue, but Toyota refuses to replace the parts now as it is too far past the voluntary service dates they set.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11638653January 26, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
My Brakes almost caused me to crash on Jan 18th. I'm driving down the highway and traffic comes to a complete stop. I started braking but my abs, stability control and brake light come on. When this occurred I had to push the brakes to the floor just to stop. My brakes were very unsafe and unpredictable. I had to drive way below the speed limit to make it home, keeping at least 8 car lengths between me. I inspected the vehicle when I made it home. Their is noise coming from the driver side firewall. Something is consistently turning on and off and a slight click after each cycle, every 5 seconds approximately. I was told that it was my abs pump or brake actuator. This is unacceptable and dangerous to all consumers. The fact there was no warning that occurred in a safer environment. I'm so thankful my kid wasn't driving it. Why isn't this a recall? I don't understand how something this dangerous is not a factor to the consumers. I have researched and found many cases that consumers have had a similar issue. This issue is not like brake pads. Their is a clear warning when its time to change brake pads. I honestly would like to see toyota to fix this issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11637477January 21, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
I am writing to bring attention to a critical safety issue affecting the 2012 Toyota Prius and other Toyota models equipped with the brake booster and actuator system. These components are failing at alarming rates, leaving vehicles with no functional brakes, ABS, or traction control. Additionally, this failure compromises the hybrid system due to the regenerative braking no longer working, potentially causing further damage to hybrid components and resulting in repairs costing several thousand dollars. Toyota issued Customer Support Program ZJB, which covered these issues for a limited period. This program was in effect from August 31, 2021, with no mileage or year restrictions, but offered secondary coverage for up to 10 years or 150,000 miles from the vehicle’s first use. Unfortunately, my vehicle, with approximately 130,000 miles and 12 years of age, was denied coverage when brought to a dealer after the program had ended. Despite the brake booster and actuator failing, the dealership did not advise me not to drive the vehicle, further emphasizing the gravity of this oversight. This is a significant safety hazard, as vehicles with these failures lack the ability to stop effectively, risking lives on the road. Furthermore, this problem is not isolated to my Prius; it affects thousands of Toyota vehicles equipped with these components. The estimated repair cost exceeds $3,000, an undue burden on owners for an issue that stems from defective manufacturing. I firmly believe Toyota’s decision to address this problem through a limited Customer Support Program, rather than a full recall, is inadequate and irresponsible. This issue meets the criteria for a safety recall and should be treated as such by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). I respectfully urge the NHTSA to investigate this matter further asap/mandate a recall for all affected vehicles. This is a big safety issue. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11637037January 20, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
The brake actuator has failed in this 2012 Prius with 135,000 miles. No issues were noticed while braking, however, when starting the car, the ABS, Brake and Traction Control warning lights lit up. The Toyota Dealership said this is a failed Brake Actuator and quoted $3,800. We have learned there is a secondary warranty on this part due to constant failures that Toyota issued, however, this warranty only applies to Prius up to 150,000 miles or 10 years from initial use, whichever comes first. This is unfair to most Prius users as this is a common problem happening, but typically happening after the 10 year mark.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11636764January 18, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
The ABS, Brake, and Traction Control lights all illuminated while driving. I took it into a local shop, the computer scanned "brake accumulator leak". The accumulator is buzzing every 10 seconds and the brake fluid needs topping up. Now there is a brake fluid puddle under the car. The fix is to repair the brake master cylinder and replace the brake booster pump. The car is a 2012 with 110,000 miles. This is a known Toyota Prius vehicle issue but they decline to service it and can the brakes can fail.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11635226January 10, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
Without warning, the ABS, Traction Stability, Brake and other lights lit up and I lost braking on the highway. Luckily, I was in very light and narrowly avoided a crash. I was able to get home with far less braking power and no regenerative braking. Since then, I have researched the problem and found that this is an extremely common issue. I can remedy it for ten or twenty minutes by putting the car in DIAG mode and pumping the brakes, but it will do it again, and again. I need a new accumulator and ABS module, and the dealer wants thousands for it. I cannot afford it and it is a known flaw and a safety issue. I take my daughter to school in this car, thankfully it's nearby, but it's terrifying. Our other Prius has no issues, and I understand that Toyota has repaired other cars under a warranty program of which I was never notified.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

← Back to Toyota Prius