What 684 owners told NHTSA about the 2012 Toyota Prius C

Toyota did not inform us about a half recall on our family's Prius car. My wife driving yesterday with kids Christmas shopping and the brake pedal stopped working. She was able to thankfully to have space to let car slow down and pull off to side of road. People with a Toyota Prius need to know the brake pedal could stop working at any moment. The Toyota dealership says the repair is $2900 and they will not cover it. They advised I call Toyota so I did and spoke to 3 people advised and they said they would not. The half recall states online, which I dug and found after the dealership advisor told me about it, states that cars up until 8/31/2021 with unlimited milage are covered. After, then its 10 years from purchase and drops from unlimited milage to 150K. We are a few months from Sept and they would not make an exception and do the right thing. The cars is past the 150K milage BARELY, but still under 10 years. If the breaks had gone out in August 31st and a major accident happened would Toyota been liable? HAs this happened and people don't know? It's not right, not ethical, we were not informed of this at any point or even the last time I took the car into the dealership. The idea that others could have this happen to them or even get hurt out there is insane to imagine as a possibility actually a reality as it happened to us. Toyota headquarters brand representative (Monica supervisor) on phone told me that if my wife had the break pedal and system go out in August and died Toyota would have covered it. I almost dropped the phone. Others need to know about this. Do you know anyone with a Toyota Prius? or a Toyota? Please tell them the brake pedal could stop working at any moment and cause an accident. Please help us and together help others know about this. Toyota should have done the right thing, but they didn't. Toyota needs to alert others of this before someone gets hurt. The National Safety board needs to force to a full recall to REPLACE THEM

NHTSA ODI 11443299

I was Driving with my daughter as always,then the car put on the screen hybrid system problems and the car stop running…..I almost had an accident,I took the car to Toyota dealer and the charged me to fix it ,but the didn’t fix the problem,this is something that Toyota company should fix it before something bad happen while driving

NHTSA ODI 11441292

ABS/Brake Actuators on these cars are faulty! Not able to apply adequate pressure on the brakes to stop the car confidently. Brake actuator hissing notating that pressure is being lost. Brakes feel like they are skipping, and also making a loud "quack/screeching" noise. Brakes were inspected on my vehicle, and the pads had over 60% life left, and no damage to the rotots, so its the brake actuator at fault. A very common issue on 3rd generation prius models, and a $3000+ repair through toyota. Customer support program ZJB issued. Its not a recall, but instead an "extended warranty". Toyota will not fix the problem without dash warning lights on, so my car is just waiting to break down or cause an accident. I worry about my life and the brakes failing at some point. Ive taken it to two different mechanics and they both noted its a well known problem that toyota is trying not to pay out for.

NHTSA ODI 11440733

After feeling looseness from the front end all the way up to the steering wheel when going over any bumps I brought the car to the local dealer. After inspection I was told four things that are very disturbing: The steering shaft needs replacement; The cost will be more than $1100; There is no warranty or recall or cost coverage; The car is not reliable and should not be driven any more than essential until fixed (and they don’t know when the parts will be available). Although the car is out of warranty based on age, this car has only 66,525 miles after almost 9 years, and my wife and I have been the only drivers and not on any dirt roads. I have been told by an independent repair shop this is a known problem with Prius and should be a recall item since it is dangerous to keep driving. This is especially troubling since the dealer could not fix it when I was there because they have to order parts and they don't know when the parts will be in.

NHTSA ODI 11439743

I was driving going 45mph when my car shut off and wouldn't start back up. It almost caused an accident from it stopping in the middle of the highway. The master warning light, brake system warning light, warning buzzer ABS warning light and the slip indicator light came on as also the message center reading to have the hybrid system checked immediately. I did have ot towed on for a diagnosis and it came back saying i needed a new inverter power module this will cost $2000 . i cant afford that. I read all over the internet how there is. Safety recalls. When i called toyota they said there are no recalls so now im stuck paying this. Not happy at all!!! If there are anymore 2012 prius with this problem please write a complaint so we can get this on recall and have the company cover the cost of repair.

NHTSA ODI 11437830

I write to report that I asked for help at TOYOTA on the repair of the brake booster pump program. On August 19th, 2021 I took my Toyota Prius 2012 to my nearest dealer, in this case, Toyota of Homestead in Florida, US (I have a screen capture of the appointment); because the brake pump was pumping continuedly every 15 seconds regardless of the vehicle was in motion or stop parked; also the breaking felt like spongy and hesitant. I explained that to the Toyota dealer employee and he told me that the pump running every 15 seconds is not normal and agree that something was not right with my car's brake, but if there is not a MIL light ON, they can not replace my brake booster under the Toyota Program, and I have to pay $170.-first to "scan" the vehicle and make a diagnostic, well I told him that was too much money just to scan the vehicle since there was no light on in the dash the Toyota employee told me I will need to pay for the full brake pump replacement. That was unfair because the Toyota employee agree that definitely the brake was bad, but can not do anything. Took my car home and a few days later September 2nd, the brake lights came on. Well, my wife uses this car daily to transport our kids to school and to do the shopping necessary for food and supplies, and definitely, the cars do NOT break AS IT SHOULD. Toyota employee told me the repair will cost between $3000.- to $4000.-, I took the car to the Dealer when was covered under the Customer Support Program, but the light on the dash should NOT be the main factor to determine that the brake booster needs to be replaced. To be fair TOYOTA should recall all those vehicles. The Toyota dealer employee witness that there was a problem with the pump, and anybody with common sense that know this cars should immediately notice that the sound of the pump going on every 15 seconds is NOT NORMAL. This is my second Prius (My first one was a Toyota Prius C 2014) and I detect almost immediately with something is WRONG.

NHTSA ODI 11436977

ABS Actuator and Booster Assembly failing. No recall was issued but a safety bulletin to the dealer with a cutoff date and nothing issued to consumer to know it needs to be replaced. Now I am outside their service bulleting window with a 3,000 repair that should be covered indefinitely by toyota

NHTSA ODI 11436300

My wife hit a deer at highway speed. The airbags deployed. The drivers side lower airbag deployed in the footwell. The driver was unable to get to the break paddle to stop due to the airbag at het feet. She had to use the emergency brake to stop the vehicle. That worked, but she had limited vision of the road ahead and it took some time for her to think of using the emergency brake.

NHTSA ODI 11434167

I was driving with my 10 year old son on local city streets. I was approaching a busy intersection while going approximately 35 miles when my car just turned off with an error message about the hybrid system failing. I stopped the car and put it in park while trying to turn the car back on, but I kept getting the same hybrid system error message. While the stoplight was red, I got my son out of the car and over to the sidewalk because this was a dangerous situation where anyone not paying attention could've slammed into my stalled car (see picture of black Toyota Prius). I called AAA to get it towed. About 20 minutes later, a cop car pulled up to block my stalled car and then got it pushed to the side of the road (picture attached) because of how dangerous it was sitting there blocking traffic at a major intersection. My car was taken to Cabe Toyota dealership where they diagnosed it with a failed IPM card, which would cost around $4,000 to replace. I did a simple Google search and found that 80,000 Prius from 2012 - 2014 have been recalled for this EXACT reason. There have also been class action lawsuits surrounding this IPM failure due to its extreme safety risks to anyone inside a car that will just die in the middle of driving it, especially when their fail-safe system does not get triggered with this particular IPM failure. As of right now, the car is available for inspection because it's still at Cabe Toyota. The invoice shows that the IPM card needs to be replaced. There were NOT any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to the car shutting off while driving it. It had been running just fine.

NHTSA ODI 11432520

The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while attempting to use the horn, the horn failed to operate as needed. The contact also stated that the front passenger’s air bag warning light illuminated and then turned off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the clock spring failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was also taken to an independent mechanic who confirmed the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in the manufacturer communications regarding the clock spring assembly repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.

NHTSA ODI 11432347

I was in freeway going home last night after visiting my mom by point loma area San Diego. I was on 8fwy going east, then I merge to 805fwy South which I always and usually take same route. As I went on ramp of 805 South going on a steep high altitude, my 2012 PriusV stall and I can't accelerate when I was stepping into my gas pedal which I have already pushed it all the way in. So I quickly put emergency lights on and slowly guided my car to the right shoulder. I called AAA which I've been a member for so many years. And believe me it is really a life saver. This safety could have been worst from my experience of been driving for more than 30 years. I got it towed all the way home which was about 7 miles. The traffic was heavy on a Saturday night and I waited for almost 2 hours for my towing. When I got up this late Sunday almost noontime, I went out to check on my car and it is still saying "Check Hybrid System" with all the lights on my module was on. I started it and noticed there was an acceleration so I drove it back to my driveway since the tow truck just drop it off on the curveside close by my residence. It drove ok, and then I started my research online and I recently bought a code reader but not sure if it will work on my hybrid 2012 Prius V. Nothing came out on the reader. I called my buddy which was a certified ASE mechanic but has less experience on hybrid. But he has a more expensive code reader and analyser equipment and tools. I also check the Toyota headquarters and you website about my car on safety recalls. I just had taken this vehicle to the dealer for some sort of worldwide safety recalls on all this typical model. I've also read an additional recall and they just have launched it 01/2019. I've plug in my vin# on all of this sites for a check but nothing is coming out. But their complaint is similar to what's going on to my car. It's "Check Hybrid System" and I believe it's the Inverter issues. Please update me and also the Toyota HQ.

NHTSA ODI 11429201

The brake, abs, and stability control light come on and the brakes require more pressure to work . getting a code C1391 Abnormal Leak in the Accumulator. but I was never informed of this recall and there are no open recalls associated with my car

NHTSA ODI 11428818

Found car tampered with cut in carpet under driver seat to check battery maintenance per Toyota owner manual where hybrid battery was not receiving charge , was running hot Unknown person impersonated me registered my VIN to enroll with Toyota upgraded software app Entune version not with purchase is a 2021 software version with parental like controls, I took to Toyota dealerships below for assistance , new battery and hybrid faulting losing charge, car does not provide hybrid fault notice , loses charge , uses little gas , I researched on side of road to rest throttle and work around as I was driving it could have lost all power and stalled per recall notice needed hybrid software update Ran dr Prius app and finding recalls serviced at Toyota chambers burg pa are coding J0V issue w/inverter not completed and additional engine & battery codes almost causing my car to not enter fail safe mode hybrid battery almost fully discharged as approaching Bay Bridge Service notes from Fitzgerald day there were no issues specific repair request was for diagnostic report of car hybrid battery and sensor check, they claim no issue Only repair was replaced fob key although car at location 10 days, missing fuses found upgrade causes car to get 2-4mpg and burn battery hot/discharge without any dash or other warnings from car Safety recall notice no. 18v-684 are indicative of car symptoms Since incident Easton Md Toyota Service, Arlington Va Koons, Hagerstown MD Toyota and chambers burg refused to provide diagnostics Chambers burg held car did not perform service claiming no issues but noted cut carpet under driver seat above hybrid air vent battery cool/ intake Problem still an issue no Toyota will run diagnostics -

NHTSA ODI 11427529

Brake Booster assembly has failed on my car preventing the regenerative braking to function normally and it could potentially lead to the brakes failing all together. Upon further research it seems to be a common issues with these vehicles and Toyota has a "Customer Support Program" under the code "ZJB" that will replace the faulty brake booster assembly. My car is still technically covered under the service bulletin that Toyota sent out but when I called several dealers and Toyota corporate, they notified me that my car was ineligible due to mileage. I was quoted over $3,000 at various dealers to replace the part to what amounts to a basically very expensive brake job. I am concerned for my safety in terms of the brakes failing while driving. This is my only vehicle and I have started to resort to driving on the city streets as opposed to the freeway.

NHTSA ODI 11425979

Car suddenly had no pick up. There seems to be problems with the engine accelerating/switching gears. This was extremely dangerous while I was driving. Also If just had the car inspected a few months prior.

NHTSA ODI 11425486

The brake, abs, and stability control light come on and the brakes require more pressure to function. The problem is intermittent, but has been happening more often and for longer. The rotors, pads, and brake fluid were looked at within the last month and have no issues. I am getting a code C1391 Abnormal Leak in the Accumulator. The symptoms, as well as my car year and make match this recall, but I was never informed of this recall and there are no open recalls associated with my VIN. https://toyotatalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/ZJB-Phase-2-.pdf?fbclid=IwAR1I91f2ohQk73kYnbBYOlOi-yYlpgVNQ0leI3N8uWbg7V4IMKgULdG7F10

NHTSA ODI 11424821

There has been a safety recall on my vehicle for the years 2004-2009 models of the Toyota Prius, but my model year is 2012 and I have the exact same issue. 1) My check engine light comes on and off and it appears to be the hybrid electric water pump issue related to the coolant. The cap pops off and spills out. 2) When the light comes on, I am assuming the car is starting to overheat and is putting myself and my 3 year old daughter at risk as this is the primary car we use to transport her. We have just stop taking her out at all due to this issue. When the car overheats, I pull over and it can be risky as sometimes, I am on the highway or local streets. I do not want this issue to cause problems for other other drivers as well while I am trying to pull over where ever I am. 3) The problem as I stated above has been acknowledge by you and Toyota but just for 2004-2009 models. 4) The problem has not been inspected by Toyota, the police, or third party. I have been the only person checking the car and I am using a diagnostic check engine light tool to read the code and looking under the hood to find the coolant pump leaking and popped out just as indicated in the recall for other models. 5) Yes, the check engine light and high temperature light goes on and off. The issue first appeared around November of 2020.

NHTSA ODI 11421353

I went into Toyota of Fort Walton Beach, FL to remedy a recall (NHTSA Recall Number 18V684). She said that this recall is not on their list and thus would do nothing. I want this recall repaired as presently there is a safety risk. There are phrases in this recall of "1 unrepaired recall" and "Recall incomplete".

NHTSA ODI 11421094

Three doors stopped opening and closing with the remote key and inside lock/unlock buttons in a span of three weeks. Not able to open and close the door with the remote key or lock/unlock button is a safety risk. Toyota confirmed that all three door lock actuators failed. Each one costs $800 to replace with a total cost of $2400. It is inspected by Toyota dealership, Toyota 101, 386 convention way, Redwood City, 94063. The car had only 36,448 miles. The problem appeared all of a sudden. First one lock failed. Soon all three locks failed.

NHTSA ODI 11420370

The brakes felt very spongy and the car was having a difficult time coming to a complete stop. The ABS, brake, and stability control lights turned on at the same time. Also, a whirring noise close to the passenger side started happening every 2-3 seconds. After some research I later learned that the noise is most probably coming from a brake pump assembly that has failed and is not able to keep pressure. The car is currently parked since I don’t feel safe to drive it. I contacted a local dealer to see if this part can be changed for free since this is not normal wear and is unsafe. I also learned in online Prius owner forums that there is a large group of Toyota Prius owners with the exact same issue.

NHTSA ODI 11419243

LIGHTS CAME ON AND CODE ARE C1252 AND C1253, BEEPING SOUNDED AND BRAKES WHEN TO FLOOR AND WOULDN'T STOP.

NHTSA ODI 11417885

BRAKE BOOSTER SLOWLY FAILING.... WHEN PRESSING BRAKES IT DOESN'T SMOOTHLY HOLD PRESSURE

NHTSA ODI 11408169

MY TOYOTA PRIUS V ONLY HAS 121,153 MILES ON IT AND DURING A SHORT DRIVE TO WORK WHERE WE NEVER REACHED SPEEDS OVER 50MPHS OUR PRIUS V OVERHEATED CAUSING A BLOWN HEAD GASKET AND ALL SORTS OF COMBUSTION ISSUES. THE REPAIRS WERE $3000. THIS IS A 2ND FAMILY CAR WHICH HAS ALWAYS BEEN MAINTAINED BY EXPERT, LICENSE AUTO MECHANICS. THIS SHOULD NEVER HAPPEN ON A CAR WITH SUCH LOW MILAGE! I HAVE LEARNED THAT THIS IS A COMMON ISSUES WITH THIS TOYOTA PRIUS MODEL AND TOYOTA SHOULD FILE A RECALL AND FIX THE OVERHEATING ISSUES.

NHTSA ODI 11407218

MY TOYOTA PRIUS 2012 WITH 95K MIL. ABS, TRACTION AND BRAKE LIGHTS CAME ON WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, THE BREAKING WASN'T LIKE USED TO BE, IT WAS MUSHY AFTER THE WARNING LIGHTS, TOOK IT TO TOYOTA DEALERSHIP THEY ESTIMATED $3500 FOR THE BRAKE REPLACEMENT THE FAULT CODES C1241, C1247, C1391 FOUND BREAK BOOSTER AND PUMP ASSY, NEEDED. THIS SHOULD BE RECALLED BY TOYOTA, ITS SAFETY ISSUE, I HAVE OWNED THE CAR SINCE IT HAD 41K MILES AND REGULARLY MAINTAINED THE CAR THROUGHOUT MY OWNERSHIP PERIOD.

NHTSA ODI 11405593

ENGINE -ENGINE HAVE BROKEN HEAD GASKET. COOLANT RESERVOIR STARTED TO DRAIN. COOLANT SLOWLY LEAKS IN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE DUE TO BROKEN HEAD GASKET. CAUSING SHAKING ENGINE BECAUSE COOLANT CANNOT COMBUST INSIDE THE ENGINE. -ALSO EGR COOLER WAS FULLY CLOGGED BY CARBON THAT CAUSED FAILURE OF CARBON AIR CIRCULATION. BRAKE SLOWLY FAILING BRAKE ACTUATOR IN THE PROCESS. WHEN PRESSING BRAKES, WHINING SOUND IS PRESENT AND BRAKES SLOWLY FAILS TO HOLD PRESSURE IN THE SYSTEM WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED. -BRAKE SYSTEM WAS FULLY INSPECTED AND NO LEAKS WERE FOUND AND BRAKE FLUID HOLDS IN FULL LEVEL.

NHTSA ODI 11402958