Toyota Prius Complaints (2012)

449 consumer complaints on file.

#11507351February 15, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the ABS module software needed to be updated. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11506600February 10, 2023
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that the passenger's side low-beam headlight failed to provide adequate illumination while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed the contact that no issues were found; however, the dealer replaced the headlight bulb. The contact stated that the headlight bulb was replaced several times; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11503239January 23, 2023
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The engine caught fire while sitting in my garage. I had driven it for a few hours doing deliveries for a store and parked it in my garage around 2:30pm. About 1.5 hours later, my wife was coming home and opened the garage door and saw smoke above the hood of my car and then a few seconds later it burst into flames. I believe that it was smouldering for a while and the gust of wind when the big garage door opened gave it the extra push to ignite. The car was bought used and had a front end accident prior to my purchasing it so the electrical system could have melted and started the fire but the inspector that Toyota sent did not give me any copy of his report. It is a 2012 model. I bought the car in 2014, and had it for about 5 years until this happened and completed burned up the car and all the contents of my garage. I had a T-Mobile Sync-up module in the OBD port and it recorded a drop in voltage from around 12 to 5 volts at the time of the fire which I believe was transferred to my phone when I was near it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11503257January 23, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES
Suspected Brake Booster failure. We have been experiencing our brake booster running several times a minute and something felt off. In December, we took it to the dealership who said they "were unable to replicate the issue". We found that odd since we experience the issue every few minutes, but we believed them when they said that there was nothing wrong with our brakes. Yesterday, about one month later, we were driving on a busy street when our brakes appeared to fail. We couldn't make the car stop, three dashboard lights came on (the ABS and two others) and eventually we realized the brakes had to be pressed really hard to get the car to stop. We avoided an accident, pulled into a parking lot, turned off the car, checked the brake fluid (the brake fluid was fine), restarted the car and the lights still remained and the brakes continued to not compress easily. We called our Toyota dealer who said that there is no recall on our Brake Booster and that this is not a known issue, and yet there are hundreds of readily available accounts of 2012 prius owners who experience the same fail.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11501936January 16, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES
The brake booster pump started pressuurizing frequently last year around 140,000 miles. Error lights and less responsive breaks this year so I called Toyota service they said bring it in. They said repair is over $3000. The mileage was just over 150000 and just over 10 year extended warranty I didn't know about for this problem coded c1391
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11500818January 9, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the brakes became inoperable. The ABS and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an unknown local dealer where it was diagnosed that the brake booster and brake pump assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 335,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11500901January 9, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES
Toyota Program ZJB, internal malfunctions of the brake booster assemblies. A known failure of the brake booster than Toyota did extend the warranty on for 10 years BUT would not honor the warranty unless specific diagnostic codes appeared on the vehicle. My issue is that all of the symptoms of the failure occurred on my vehicle (pump constantly running, varying hydraulic pressure resulting in pulsing brake stops, soft brake pedal) but the warranty would not be honored because the diagnostic did not manifest itself. Had technicians tell me that it definitely was this booster failure, but Toyota would not pay for it unless the diagnostic came up. I am now left with a vehicle that has a failed brake system and no monetary support from Toyota. Quoted $2500 to $3000 to repair. Not safe to drive in my opinion with a known failure that I am having trouble getting funding to repair. Contacted Toyota customer support and they reiterated that they would not pay for the repair without the diagnostic occurring and now their extended warranty expired August 31, 2021. Inspection available upon request Safety issue as braking is inconsistent and not predictable Problem was identified by Toyota dealer service department No diagnostic alarms - which is the only symptom not present
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11499725January 2, 2023
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Headlamp Lens Issue Vehicle Manufacturers Must Correct ISSUE 1. The increase in pedestrian-vehicular accidents and fatalities is, at times, related to the driver not seeing the person in time to stop. Not seeing a person in time may be related to poor street lighting or a decrease in front visibility caused by fogged headlamp lenses. Current nighttime traffic has a variety of vehicles operating with varying front light visibility. 2. For certain vehicles, the lens alone is replaceable. With other vehicle models, the entire front lamp must be replaced. The exorbitant cost of replacing the front lamp is causing some people to opt to drive with densely fogged front headlight lenses risking pedestrian safety. 3. Some car dealership offer a "defogging" cleaning service for greater visibility but does not guarantee to restore the car's front illumination to minimum required safety standards. Recommendation Require vehicle manufacturers to make front headlights with detachable lenses, or make the lenses fog proof. A replaceable lens is cost effective for all income individuals. Making lens replacement affordable may decrease the number of pedestrian-vehicular accidents and fatalities. Discussion The headlight lens of my car became increasingly fogged, overtime, decreasing night visibility ahead. The Toyota dealership offered a $300 cleaning service for both lenses or replacing the headlamp at about $300 each; $600. I opted for the cleaning. When completed, the headlight lens of my vehicle looking much less fogged. When I asked, the dealership told me that their cleaning service does not guarantee compliance with minimum front safety illumination for night driving. I was told that my car does not come with removable lenses. To ensure minimum safety front night visibility, I purchase new headlamps total costing about $300 each; I spent $900 because the $300 cleaning service was completed and not deductible. I contacted Toyota management and went up the chain of command
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11499480December 30, 2022
SERVICE BRAKES
The Brake Booster or Actuator is failing, without any indication or warning lights on the dash alarming us to the problem. The car has been making weird sounds, but after being inspected, this, according to the Authorized Toyota Dealer, on December 22, 2022, is a life-threatening and very dangerous malfunction to myself and others around me when driving. This is the first hybrid car we have owned, and we thought the noises we had been hearing for a couple years was normal, because there were no warning lights coming on to tell us otherwise. The dealer did not want us to drive the car any further due to the danger of the problem. We asked the dealer to repair the problem without charge, but that request was denied by the Toyota Brand Engagement Center (Case 221222000587). The dealer is currently repairing the malfunction at a cost of approximately $2650 plus tax). We are highly disappointed with Toyota not repairing this known problem under a dealer recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11499030December 27, 2022
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the brake master cylinder and brake booster needed to be replaced; however, the dealer informed the contact that the repair was not covered under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving and the vehicle hesitated while the brake pedal was depressed. The contact slammed on the brake pedal and the vehicle came to a complete stop. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 185,519.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11498182December 20, 2022
SERVICE BRAKES
The brakes on my 2012 Toyota Prius failed suddenly with little warning after starting the car, and when I began driving off in a busy Walmart parking. I was startled when I felt that the brakes did not seem to work, nearly causing me to collide with the car in front of me. I had to quickly depress the brake pedal to bring the car to a stop. The normal braking power was greatly reduced when I depressed the brake pedal, and I had to use more force to bring the vehicle to a stop. Only when I looked down did I see that some of the dashboard lights relating to the brake system stayed lit and not turn off like they normally do. These lights appear to be brake warning, ABS warning, and anti-skidding lights. The brake problem has been inspected and confirmed by both an independent service center as well as the Toyota dealer. The failed brake component was diagnosed as an abnormal leak in the accumulator, and the brake booster with master cylinder assembly requiring replacement, with the code #c1391. After having done some research, it appears that this exact brake problem seems to be afflicting many such generation Toyota Prius vehicles, and the manufacturer Toyota was aware of this problem existing in such vehicles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11497459December 14, 2022
SERVICE BRAKES
The car has been diagnosed by a Toyota dealership as having an internal leak in the Brake Booster and Accumulator, both are part of the brake system. Repair estimate of $3800 00 dlls. Currently i have 3 check lights on, Brake, ABS and Traction control. All controlled by the same module
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11496959December 11, 2022
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Purchased 2012 Prius used. Replaced low beams and high beam headlights shortly after. Passenger side low beam is no longer working (bulb was replaced 3 months ago). Upon googling causes saw 2010-2011 Prius had a recall for recurrent headlight issues, the wiring harness was replaced in them. It seem the 2012 is having the same issue in the 8 pages of complaints on exterior lightning that I saw. Toyota should extend the fix to include 2012 Prius.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11495844December 2, 2022
SERVICE BRAKES
My prius got ABS, Brake, Traction light on when I was on traffic in the highway. Car lost brake power. Regenerative brake does not. It takes longer to stop the car. TOYOTA NEEDS TO FIX THIS. THE ABS MODULE IS GONNA FAIL AT SOME POINT. Dealership asks $5000 to fix. C1391
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11495063November 27, 2022
SERVICE BRAKES
At 106K miles and after 10 years and 8 months in service (new vehicle bought in March 2012) Brake booster internal leak, code c1391. Brake light, ABS light and VSC light stay on. Can not drive it as the brake booster internal leak is making the brakes spongy and slow in response. Talked to Toyota and they said it is out of warranty and the deal is estimating $2000 plus for the repair. Miles on my cars 106K are way less than 150,000 allowed by Program Service bulletin ZJB (attached) but Toyota is denying repair coverage as the vehicle life is eight months more than 10 year limit since first use. Did not drive it much within the last two years because of working from home due to covid 19. Had it been driven more frequently the brake system failure would have happened way earlier as the internal leak (possible fatigue failure causing leak) should be more related to driven miles and brake system cycling of pressurizing and depressurizing than just being parked on the drive way. Would request if NHTSA could extend the duration of ZJB bulletin considering the fact that many drivers did not drive that much in the last two years due to working from home and this internal leakage failure can be related to fatigue loading of the hydraulic components and the number of fatigue cycle are directly proportional to the driven miles and not the life of the vehicle. Thanks
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11493646November 15, 2022
SERVICE BRAKES
The brake system (accumulator/booster) has failed and reduced stopping ability. Error code is C1391
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11492460November 6, 2022
SERVICE BRAKES
The brake pressure pump comes on every 2 seconds. The warning lights on the dash are on for brakes and abs. The car still stops but it reacts slower to pedal pressure. Dealer says it needs master cylinder and actuator pump for 3000$ at least. It is available for inspection, has 155,000 miles now, but pump has been hyperactive for about 12 mo. May be a hazard now, may fail completely ,I don't know. But too expensive to me to fix. Has only been inspected by autonation Toyota, not police etc. Pump was overactive for a year but right after anautomatic car wash the lights came on an the brake pedal got mushy. Then I called dealer. Apparently a common problem that was a recall for 2010 and silent recall after for later model gen 3s.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11491960November 2, 2022
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:ABS WARNING LIGHT
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the ABS, brakes, and traction control warning lights illuminated. The brakes became inoperable, but the driver was able to regain control of the vehicle and pulled over. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed there was a hydro pump motor fault and hydro motor pump relay fault with codes C1252 and C1253 and the hydro boost brake pump kit and brake assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred him to the NHTSA hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 97,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11491970November 2, 2022
SERVICE BRAKES
I have a 2012 Toyota Prius that the Toyota dealership has confirmed that I have a failed ABS actuator and is displaying the correct repair codes for the service bulletin but they refusing to cover any of the costs to replace the ABS actuator and boost pump. Since the failure of the ABS actuator I have had 2 close calls where I needed to stop fast and my tires locked up, I lost control of the car and spun out but luckily I did not hit anything. The brake, ABS, and 2 other warning lights have come on and off intermittently on the dashboard of my 2012 Toyota Prius. I summited a good faith request to the repair my Toyota Prius ABS actuator at Toyota of Anaheim on 10/28/2022 and due to it being 20 days past the 10 year limit and slightly over the 150,000 mile limit at 158,000 they say that I'm 100% responsible for the repair costs of $3,231.78. This proven design flaw is not my fault, it did not occur under normal wear and tear and the brake ABS actuator and boost pump should last much longer than it did. Now I'm faced with paying a huge bill for the repair or pick up my Prius from the dealership and drive it home with a defective ABS actuator. This is another example that Toyota is placing profit ahead of safety.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11491723November 1, 2022
SERVICE BRAKES
During a hard braking, felt brake pedal softer and less responsive braking. Now ABS Icon, Brake Icon, and Traction Icon is on. Confirmed Code P1391 in ABS system.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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