What 612 owners told NHTSA about the 2012 Toyota Prius V

THIS CAR HAS A STEERING WHEEL PROBLEM

NHTSA ODI 11462967

Brakes started making leaking sound when stopped at lights. Went to get diagnosed and was told I needed to have brake booster (toyota PN 47050-47180) and related pump assembly (Toyota PN 47070-47060) replaced. The specific cause note given by the technician: "FOUND BRAKE PUMP AND BOOSTER ASSEMBLY TO BE LEAKING INTERNALLY CAUSING PUMP TO ACUATE MORE THAN NORMAL WHICH WILL CAUSE THESE NOISES" Found out researching online that this is a common issue with the brake booster/master cylinder assembly affecting multiple models and model years of Toyota vehicles and a pending class-action lawsuit in Texas for it. Was told there was no recall but there was an extended service option. I was not made aware of this extended service option which they indicate in the program notes would be mailed to vehicle owners, and was told when the issue was diagnosed that my vehicle does not qualify for it.

NHTSA ODI 11460943

Head gasket blow up at 175000 miles

NHTSA ODI 11459075

Bought the car from a dealership in january 2022 with 158,000 miles and heard buzzing noise that I was told was normal with hybrid cars.no codes showing on car and passed dealer inspection.Driving down a highway and heading to a stop brakes are hard to mash and caused skidding. No brake lights or abs lights are on. Couple days later brake lights and traction lights come on and then went back off. Take to Tires Plus and I am told I have to schedule appointment with toyota dealer as they do not have the software to diagnose. Take to toyota dealership to see codes 1391c for brake system. After searching issue there was a recall/customer warranty extension for replacement of this part for 150,000 miles /march 19,2022 whichever comes first. This did not show up on a report for dealer to inspect before selling vehicle and causes a huge safety concern to people that did not own this car before 150,000 miles. If a less experienced driver would not have known to reduce brake pressure applied it could have slid and caused collision or if brakes would have been needed during an emergency situation. Car is now sitting at toyota dealership and advised not to drive as brake pressure was lowered while being diagnosed. After talking with toyota they cannot provide assistance due to car being slightly over the 150,000 mile mark. Also if the brake pedal is mashed for an extended period of time the dash lights for brake system and traction control go off and will not come back on until it is driven for awhile

NHTSA ODI 11459170

The brakes are not working (ABS) I have to pamp brake

NHTSA ODI 11458094

The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the ABS, hybrid system, and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the warranty was void due to a salvage title. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.

NHTSA ODI 11457777

on the pasenger side front low beam light if the headlight does not sit correctly it melts the headlight housing and or the headlight is dimmer my damage wiring harness in past dealership blames owner feel like this is a part defect the heat from a bulb should not melt or damage housing assemblies damage was found during a new headlight install

NHTSA ODI 11456459

The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Prius. The contact noticed that there was a significant amount of water on the floorboards from the windshield whenever it rained heavily. Additionally, the contact stated while at a traffic sign on a hill, the vehicle would roll backwards while in drive when she took her foot off the accelerator. The contact did not notice any warning lights. The contact also noticed that while parking the vehicle, whenever the PARK button on the dashboard was not depressed while the vehicle was running, the vehicle would roll forward. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was not diagnosed and was not yet repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ODI 11455849

The Brake Booster pump assembly in the car has failed. Toyota issued a Customer Support Program to provide coverage for brake booster and brake booster pump assemblies, However, there are parameters limiting the age of the vehicle and mileage on the vehicle that exclude our car from the campaign. Therefore, the consumer is subject to pay for the entire cost of the repair, which can exceed $4,000. The malfunction occurs over time, and the part fails at a steady pace. Unfortunately, I was unaware of the issue until my ABS light came on, and the breaks became subject to malfunctioning. I took my car to the Toyota Dealership on January 29, 2022, and the dealership made no mention of the Safety Campaign which directly impacts my vehicle. In my opinion, Toyota has demonstrated negligence in regards to this issue. A full recall should be issued for this part. A Safety Campaign simply fails to completely resolve the issue at hand.

NHTSA ODI 11455216

.The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the ABS, brake lights, and traction control warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer but was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle had exceeded the 150,000 warranty. The failure mileage was 152,900.

NHTSA ODI 11454088

I brought the car to the Toyota dealer already 3 times for the same problem,now happened again,they told me the first time,nothing wrong with the car,and I paid them,the second time nothing wrong they said,the third time they said it’s the 12 v battery has to be replace it,I did replace it,but still the same problem I have,the HYBRID SYSTEM problems ,the Toyota company should fix it ,because it’s something very unsafe it’s happening with my car,please help me to resolve this problem….. the car drive but stop anytime,I almost have a very bad accident with my daughter ON board

NHTSA ODI 11453735

My 2012 Toyota Prius Hybrid: the brakes failed on 12/30/21 with virtually no warning which was very scary and could have caused fatalities and a crash. Luckily I was able to pull of the road and put on the e brake to stop the car but if the failure had happened about 10 mins earlier, I might have died because I was going 50 mpg coming down a large hill. I did some research and see that Toyota has KNOWN the brake booster assembly is bad on this model Prius yet they did not issue a full recall and are putting peoples' lives at risk! I am outraged, I was told by my local Toyota dealer that I could qualify for this "customer support program" but only after I had the break line (which also blew out) fixed so I spent $1,100 to fix the brake line then the booster/pump was still malfunctioning but then Toyota changed their tone and told me my vehicle has too many miles to qualify for the booster/pump replacement and then quoted me $4,500 to replace it !! This is an OUTRAGE, Toyota knows this is an issue but is skirting the issue and putting people in danger. It doesn't get much worse then brakes failing on a vehicle. I hope the government forces Toyota to do the right thing and slap them with a huge fine to teach them a lesson. This is not okay!

NHTSA ODI 11450088

******* DELETE VOQ ******* THIS COMPLAINT IS BEING MARKED FOR DELETION BECAUSE THE CONSUMER PLACED THE REQUEST*DJR ******* DELETE VOQ *******

NHTSA ODI 11449870

Hi, I have a 2012 Toyota Prius with around 120k miles that is completely inoperable. A local Toyota dealership is charging $3400 to replace both computers, but the more I research the more apparent it becomes that this is directly linked with past issues that were never fully resolved during previous recall attempts. The following article describes the exact situation my car is in (https://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-fi-prius-overheat-inverter-defect-20190414-story.html). When you combine that with the previous recalls back in 2014 & 2018, this quickly becomes a pattern. That pattern suggests that past software issues (1 & 2 below) were never fully resolved, and/or already caused premature damage to internal/computer components that then fail regardless. I spoke with the California Bureau of Automotive Repair who referred me to nhtsa. The agent I spoke with noted that because the Inverter wasn't actually replaced back in 2014 (Toyota only performed a software update), this part definitely could have been already damaged due to the software issues, which could then cause problems with the computers later on (which is what occurred). --- 1) NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 14V053000 - In the affected vehicles, the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) inside the inverter module (a component of the hybrid system) contains transistors that may become damaged from high operating temperatures. 2) NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 18V684000 - Excessive voltage in the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) within the inverter may cause the hybrid system to shut down, causing the vehicle to stall while being driven. --- General: - Computers both failed, not currently available for inspection as they are being replaced - If this computer failure happens again later (while on the road - as it has for other consumer), it's very dangerous as the car essentially shuts down on the spot - Dealer is dismissing this due to the car's age - No previous warning lights or messages

NHTSA ODI 11450008

The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the ABS, traction control, and several other unknown warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel as the brake pedal became spongy. The contact initially drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic who informed her of a service bulletin related to the failure; he then instructed her to take the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the vehicle could not be covered under a warranty related to the failure. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and confirmed that her vehicle was no longer covered under warranty; a case was filed with the manufacturer. The contact agreed to have the vehicle repaired by the dealer and the vehicle remained in their possession. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 192,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ODI 11449745

Loud noises coming from braking system. Diagnosed by Toyota service technician as a failure of the brake booster and booster pump assemblies. This specific issue is acknowledged by Toyota per a Customer Support Program ZJB. My vehicle, a 2012 Prius with 130,000 miles, qualifies for coverage under the CSP, however Toyota is denying coverage as the vehicle has not displayed a warning light or code associated with the problem, despite a Toyota service tech confirming the issue. Toyota wants me to drive a vehicle with brakes that may completely fail at any given moment. The Toyota Brand Engagement team has been no help in trying to get the repairs covered under the CSP. Class action lawsuits appear to be filed in several states as Toyota has refused to issue a full recall.

NHTSA ODI 11448199

The brake master cylinder/accumulator has failed causing multiple codes as well as dash lights for the brake and abs systems. I took the vehicle to the local Toyota dealership after reading about this problem in all other models of the Prius. I have just purchased the vehicle. They covered this issue with a free warranty replacement up until August of 2021. They had extended the warranty with restrictions until this next year. Reading about other models of the same car, the warranty still covers regardless of mileage. It's the identical part as other models that are still being covered. This is a $3000 dollar repair made in some vehicles for the identical part, but not in others. This is terrible customer service for an unsafe issue by Toyota. This issue does effect the braking in the vehicle and it is unsafe to drive. The regenerative braking also no longer is functioning changing the entire handling and characteristics of the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11446279

On 12/25/2021, I was driving in the country side under darkness and under heavy rain and I had a hard time seeing the road. There were no road lights so I could not make out where the divider, curve of the road or side of the road was. It was quite a safety hazards because cars were coming from the front, or a few inches off the road would be dirt field. I discovered that the headlamps of my 2012 Prius are full of water bubbles and the water bubbles are blocking and distorting the headlights. I have pictures and videos of the headlights. It is six days already and the water bubbles are still there, and it is not safe to drive out to the field at night or where there is no road lights, with such minimal and distorted lights. I found on the web that a few people experienced water bubbles in their headlamps over the years, but don't know if they reported to NHTSA. My car has no accident and no modification on the front of the car. Toyota representative and dealers said my car is out of warranty. There were no indications or symptoms of water bubbles in advance, until rain leaks into the headlamps. I did not notice if this happened in previous raining seasons, as I didn't drive out much at night.

NHTSA ODI 11445661

Vehicle has issue with brake booster and accumulator, making it dangerous to drive on the road as brakes would intermittently go out not allowing me to stop. Toyota Corporate had agreed to fix the vehicle originally based on good faith and acknowledgement of the defect under their "Customer Support Program" yet coerced me to go to the local dealership to get the repair, and now disclaims responsibility to cover the repair/parts costs. Toyota Corporate did call the dealer to authorize the repair on 12/14, but since then, have not paid for any of the repairs so my vehicle is being held hostage at the dealership.

NHTSA ODI 11444217

I have a ABS alarm on my car. Toyota ABS C1391 (1/1) Current Abnormal Leak of ACC Press I tried to Talk to the Toyota I left a message with the service writer At Avondale Toyota In Arizona and left a message about my car problem They never returned a call to me! I have bought 4 new cars from Avondale Toyota. You would think they should return my call to talk about my cars brake problems I haven't received any return calls

NHTSA ODI 11443452

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 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