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Engine coolingPart report

2012 Toyota Prius Engine cooling Problems

Complaints
1about this part
Share
0%of 424 total for the year
Median mileage
9,851miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 1 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2012 Toyota Prius, 0% of the 424 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 9,851 miles.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

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

“Upon starting the engine and engaging the air conditioning of my 2012 Toyota Prius with 10,000 miles, a strong foul smelling air comes from the A/C vents. At the 10,000 mile servicing, the Toyota service manager stated this smell is typical to some toyotas. A Toyota technical assistance was performed. The report stated no repairs needed at this time vehicle is operating as per designed. I know of no vehicle design that would stream foul air from the A/C vents of a new car. …”

NHTSA complaint #10543441, filed 2013-09, 9,851 miles

Related service bulletins

Engine cooling: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202214%
201913%
201838%
201711%
201611%
201210%
201151%
2010331%
200971%
2008161%
2007171%
2006201%
2005646%
20048915%
20031111%
2002117%
20011811%

Other parts of the 2012 Toyota Prius

Brakes
200 complaints
Electrical system
52 complaints
Exterior lighting
36 complaints
Other or unknown
33 complaints
Engine
31 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
30 complaints
Air bags
28 complaints
Body and structure
23 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
21 complaints
Steering
13 complaints
Vehicle speed control
13 complaints
Fuel system
11 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2012 Toyota Prius

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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