2012 Toyota Prius V recalls and problems
The 2012 Toyota Prius V has 3 safety recalls and 219 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Toyota dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2012 Toyota Prius V vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2012 Toyota Prius V recalls
Recall 18V-684: Hybrid Propulsion System
Problem: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Toyota Prius and 2012-2014 Toyota Prius V vehicles. 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.
Risk: If the hybrid system shuts down unexpectedly, it can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the motor/generator control electronic control unit (ECU) and the hybrid control ECU as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 22, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is J0V. Note: The software updates in this recall are needed even if the vehicle had the software previously updated under recalls 14V-053 or 15V-449.
Recall 15V-449: Hybrid Propulsion System
Problem: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Prius V vehicles manufactured August 22, 2011, to June 30, 2014. A component within the hybrid inverter assembly may overheat, causing the hybrid system to reduce output power allowing the vehicle to only drive a short distance. In some circumstances, the hybrid system may shut down causing the vehicle to stop while being driven.
Risk: The vehicle may enter a fail-safe/limp-home mode that limits the drivability of the vehicle. The hybrid system could also shut down completely resulting in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the motor/generator control electronic control unti (ECU) and the hybrid control ECU, free of charge. The recall began on July 30, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.
Recall 13V-014: Seats, Air Bags
Problem: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.
Risk: If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.
Fix: Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
2012 Toyota Prius V problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Service Brakes | 124 | |
| Engine | 36 | |
| Electrical System | 24 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 15 | |
| Unknown or Other | 15 | |
| Steering | 11 | |
| Air Bags | 8 | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 8 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 8 | |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | 7 | |
| Power Train | 7 | |
| Structure | 5 |
Most reported parts
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 5
- Structure › Body — 4
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 2
- Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel — 1
- Hybrid Propulsion System › Inverter — 1
- Seats › Front Assembly › Head Restraint — 1
- Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 1
- Electrical System › Propulsion System › Inverter — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 69,347 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2012 Toyota Prius V complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Toyota Prius V years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2012 Toyota Prius V have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2012 Toyota Prius V: 18V-684 (hybrid propulsion system), 15V-449 (hybrid propulsion system), 13V-014 (seats, air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 Toyota Prius V?
Owners report service brakes problems most often (124 reports), followed by engine (36). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 69,347 miles.
Are Toyota recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Toyota dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.