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Electrical systemPart report

2012 Toyota Prius Electrical system Problems

Complaints
52about this part
Share
12%of 424 total for the year
Median mileage
36,600miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 52 complaints about the electrical system of the 2012 Toyota Prius, 12% of the 424 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 36,600 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“New Prius does not work bluetooth wise with existing phone. Prius I just traded in did. No resolution from dealer (Toyota world o newark delaware) and no resolution from Toyota corporate. I was told they could do nothing and that I would have to purchase new phones. We are driving vehicle without bluetooth without cell phones in our ears thereby creating safety hazard.”

NHTSA complaint #10465451, filed 2012-07, 6 miles

“Over the last nine months I have had to replace the bulbs in my 2012 Toyota Prius 6 times. When I brought it to the dealer they stated that it was because I was not using Toyota certified bulb and I paid over $150 to have them inspect the headlights and replace the bulbs. After I had the certified bulbs installed, a bulb went out again. When I returned to the dealer, I was told that I needed new wiring for a cost in excess of $250.00. …”

NHTSA complaint #10733546, filed 2015-07, 57,421 miles

“On my way home I suddenly saw a sign on the screen check the hybrid system. Stop in a safe place . I pulled over, smelled smoke and saw smoke in the rear. I opened the trunk ans frightened by flame. I pulled things out and covered the flame with two big towels and succeeded in putting it out, although I got burned on my fingers. I called geico. They sent a towing car and it took my car to my apartment. When geico took my car to a collision center, they said it is total loss after inspecting it. I claimed it to Toyota. …”

NHTSA complaint #11076081, filed 2018-03, 2 miles

“When our neighbor with a 2013 Prius key fab enters our 2011 Prius it disables the ignition. It will sometimes allow the car to start by touching our key fab to the ignition button however if engine stops, like at a stop light, it will disable the ignition again not allowing you to start the car unless you put your key fab up to the start button again. The dealer knew about the situation and agreed it is a safety hazard but said Toyota will not fix the problem.”

NHTSA complaint #10593237, filed 2014-05, 12,000 miles

“My Prius was just fine then one day it stalled while I was driving in the middle of the free way. I took my vehicle in to elmore Toyota in westminster, ca, they found it had a failed inverter and it was still covered under warranty. It took 2 weeks for them to fix it, but when they returned my car, the slip indicator was now on and would not turn off. They claim it was like that prior to the failed inverter, this was false, my car was running perfect. They then wanted to charge me nearly $1k to fix a problem I did not have prior to failed inverter. …”

NHTSA complaint #11155888, filed 2018-12, 125,000 miles

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2026233%
2025638%
2024415%
2023524%
2022625%
2021117%
2020214%
2019413%
201825%
20171112%
20162013%
20152716%
20143316%
20135213%
20125212%
20116813%
20101927%
20096012%
200823516%
200724812%
200615211%
200517817%
200417729%
20031313%
20021811%
20012716%

Other parts of the 2012 Toyota Prius

Brakes
200 complaintsExterior lighting
36 complaintsOther or unknown
33 complaintsEngine
31 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
30 complaintsAir bags
28 complaintsBody and structure
23 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
21 complaintsSteering
13 complaintsVehicle speed control
13 complaintsFuel system
11 complaintsSeat belts
11 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2012 Toyota Prius

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology